cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of nestmate recognition between monogyne and polygyne populations of Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

The occurrence of polygyne and monogyne Solenopsis invicta (Buren) populations offers a unique opportunity to test hypotheses related to nestmate recognition. Recognition bioassays were based on the aggressive behavior observed during intraspecific introductions of monogyne and polygyne S. invicta workers (intruders) into polygyne and monogyne S. invicta colonies (residents) and interspecific introductions into Solenopsis richteri Forel colonies. No aggression differences were observed between monogyne and polygyne colony workers that were removed from their colonies, then reintroduced into their parent colony (no aggressive behavior) or when S. richteri workers were introduced into monogyne or polygyne colonies (strong aggressive behavior). In all other cases, polygyne workers displayed significantly less aggressive behavior than monogyne workers, as residents and as intruders. Therefore, at the species level, polygyne workers are less able to distinguish nestmates from nonnestmates than monogyne workers. This result fits a theoretical prediction of diminished intraspecific aggression in polygyne populations. These lowered aggression levels are attributed to the polygyne population's exposure to a greater variety of environmental and endogenous stimuli. Although in monogyne S. invicta , the queen is not a major contributor to nestmate recognition cues, the role of queens in polygyne situations remains to be determined.
Study of high coverages of atomic oxygen on the Pt(111) surface

Abstract Atomic oxygen coverages of up to 0.75 ML may be adsorbed cleanly on Pt(111) surfaces under UHV conditions by exposure to NO2 at 400 K. We have studied this adsorbed oxygen layer by using AES, LEED, UPS, HREELS, TPD, and work function (ΔΦ) measurements. The (2 × 2)-O structure formed at θO = 0.25 ML is still apparent at θO = 0.60 ML and a faint (2 × 2) pattern persists even up to θO = 0.75 ML. AES and ΔΦ measurements show no evidence for chemically distinct species in the adlayer as a function of oxygen coverage. HREELS spectra clearly rule out the presence of molecular oxygen and oxide species over the range of oxygen coverage studied. UPS also shows no shift in binding energy of the oxygen-derived peak as the coverage is increased. These spectroscopic probes indicate that all oxygen is present as atomic oxygen with no indication of oxide formation or molecular oxygen at any coverage. Multiple O2 desorption peaks observed in TPD are interpreted as arising largely from kinetic effects rather than a result of multiple, distinctly different chemical species, even though large changes in the Pt-O bond energy are determined from the TPD data. The activation energy for O2 desorption reflects the sum of the heat of dissociative adsorption of O2 and the activation energy for O2 dissociation. The structure in the O2 TPD spectrum is due to large changes in the activation energy for O2 desorption resulting from increases in the barrier to dissociative O2 chemisorption and decreases in the Pt-O bond energy. These barriers arise from strong repulsive interactions between adsorbed oxygen adatoms that cause sharp reductions in the Pt-O bond strength at these coverages. Finally, we note that our spectroscopic probes are quite insensitive to the changes in the Pt-O bond strength over the entire range of oxygen coverage studied.
A study on the analytical modeling for warm hydro-mechanical deep drawing of lightweight materials

The warm hydroforming process has become an emerging technology in recent years to reduce the weight of automotive body structure and minimize the number of process steps. In this study, analytical models were developed to investigate the effects of process conditions such as temperature, hydraulic pressure, blank holder force and forming speed. The analytical model under hydro-mechanical deep drawing (HMD) condition was developed based on experimental results in the literatures. FE models were also developed to validate the analytic models. Then, the analytic model was validated through comparisons with both existing experimental results and FE results. The analytical model provided rapid and reasonably accurate results for the design of warm hydroforming process. Based on this analytic model, several parametric studies were performed regarding to the temperature, hydraulic pressure, blank holder force, and punch speed conditions. It was demonstrated that the process windows for a successful part forming could be rapidly predicted with a reasonable accuracy by the analytic model compared to lengthy and costly thermo-mechanical FEA or experimental trial and error.
Risk of concomitant malignancy in hyperfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas.

Background Adrenal masses are common incidental findings on radiologic imaging. The association between malignancy and hormonal hyperactivity found in incidentally discovered adrenal tumors, however, remains unclear.
Visual Analytics Support for Intelligence Analysis

Intelligence analysts must explore and evaluate volumes of data, from narrative recordings of field agents to open source news articles. Insights from visual analytics projects and a hypothetical scenario show the potential of visual analytics to aid these investigations.
Direct Capacitive Coupling Of Infrared Detectors To CCD Multiplexers

A new IR detector/CCD multiplexer interfacing scheme is presented which utilizes an array of photocapacitive detectors coupled directly to a CCD multiplexer. The Direct Capacitive Coupling (DCC) input is potentially superior to conventional diode coupling schemes, i.e., direct injection or gate modulation, in terms of noise, anti-blooming characteristics and effective utilization of chip area. The DCC input is compatible with various background suppression techniques which have been developed for the diode coupling schemes. A detailed analysis of the performance of a DCC input is presented in this paper.
STIGMATIZED ASSET VALUE: IS IT TEMPORARY OR LONG-TERM?

Stigma is a negative attribute of real estate acquired by environmental contamination and reflected in its value (Elliot-Jones, 1996). Using a model of neighborhood turnover with external economies, we show that both temporary stigma and long-term stigma are possible equilibrium outcomes after the discovery and cleanup of a hazardous waste site. The existence and duration of stigma are examined using hedonic price techniques with data from housing sales prices in Dallas County, Texas. We find that results depend critically on distance from the hazardous waste site. Neighborhood turnover due to changes in the level of poverty also appears likely.
Coming full circle: an evidence-based definition of the timing and type of surgical management of very low-birth-weight (<1000 g) infants with signs of acute intestinal perforation.

Abstract Objective Gut disruption in very low birth weight follows 1 of 3 clinical pathways: isolated perforation with sudden free air, metabolic derangement (MD) complicated by appearance of free air, or progressive metabolic deterioration without evidence of free air. To refine evidence-based indications for peritoneal drainage (PD) vs laparotomy (LAP), we hypothesized that MD acuity is the determinant of outcome and should dictate choice of PD or LAP. Methods Very low-birth-weight infants referred for surgical care because of free intraperitoneal air or MD associated with signs of enteritis were evaluated by univariate or multivariate logistic regression to investigate the effect on mortality of MD and initial surgical care (LAP vs PD). Metabolic derangement was scaled by assigning 1 point each for thrombocytopenia, metabolic acidosis, neutropenia, left shift of segmented neutrophils, hyponatremia, bacteremia, or hypotension. Laparotomy and PD were stratified by MD acuity, and odds of mortality were calculated for each surgical option. Results From October 1991 to December 2003, 65 very low-birth-weight infants with suspected gut disruption were referred for surgical care. Peritoneal drainage and LAP infants had similar birth weight and gastrointestinal age, neither of which predicted mortality. Despite a higher incidence of isolated perforation with sudden free air in PD infants, the incidence of MD and overall mortality were similar for PD and LAP. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated MD to be the best predictor of mortality (odds ratio [OR], 4.76; confidence interval [CI], 1.41-16.13, P = .012), which significantly increased with interval between diagnosis to surgical intervention ( P P = .0126). Conversely, those without MD and sudden free air who underwent LAP had a 3-fold increase in mortality (OR, 2.915; CI, 1.107-7.692; P = .03.) Of 5, 3 failed PD were "rescued" by LAP. Conclusions The dramatic difference in mortality odds based on surgical option in the presence of MD defines the critical importance of a thorough assessment of physiological status to exclude MD. Absence of MD warrants consideration for PD, especially for sudden intraperitoneal free air. Overwhelming MD may limit options to PD; however, salvage of 3 of 5 infants with failed PD demonstrates the value of LAP, whenever possible, for infants with MD.
Automating Lighting Design for Interactive Entertainment

Recent advances in computer graphics, particularly in real-time rendering, have resulted in major improvements in 3D graphics and rendering techniques in interactive entertainment. In this article we focus on the scene-lighting process, which we define as configuring the number of lights in a scene, their properties (e.g., range and attenuation), positions, angles, and colors. Lighting design is well known among designers, directors, and visual artists for its vital role in influencing viewers' perception by evoking moods, directing their gaze to important areas (i.e., providing visual focus), and conveying visual tension. It is, however, difficult to set positions, angles, or colors for lights within interactive scenes to accommodate these goals because an interactive scene's spatial and dramatic configuration, including mood, dramatic intensity, and the relative importance of different characters, change unpredictably in real-time. There are several techniques developed by the game industry that establish spectacular real-time lighting effects within 3D interactive environments. These techniques are often time- and labor-intensive. In addition, they are not easily used to dynamically mold the visual design to convey communicative, dramatic, and aesthetic functions as addressed in creative disciplines such as art, film, and theatre. In this article we present a new real-time lighting design model based on cinematic and theatric lighting design theory. The proposed model is designed to automatically, and in real-time, adjust lighting in an interactive scene to accommodate the dramatic, aesthetic, and communicative functions described by traditional lighting design theories, while taking artistic constraints on style, visual continuity, and aesthetic function into account.
Channel narrowing by vertical accretion along the Green River near Green River, Utah

The Green River is the longest tributary of the Colorado River. Near the town of Green River, Utah, the Green River narrowed in two discrete phases during the twentieth century. The first phase of narrowing decreased average width by about 5% and occurred between about 1930 and 1940, when the magnitude of 2-yr flood, mean annual discharge, and effective discharge decreased by about 30%, 28%, and 37%, respectively. During this first phase of narrowing, saltcedar ( Tamarisk spp.), an invading non-native tree, began to establish itself in the study area, but botanists of that time did not describe the tree as abundant. Channel width was stable in the 1940s and 1950s even though saltcedar were becoming already abundant on the river9s banks. Further narrowing of an additional 14% occurred after 1959. This latest period of narrowing began following three successive years when the magnitude of floods was less than the present 1.5-yr recurrence flood and when saltcedar were already abundant along the river. The deposits that comprise the banks of the narrowing Green River are composed of the suspended load of the river, and these alluvial deposits are characterized by horizontal layers, which indicate that they formed by vertical accretion. A mechanism is proposed to explain the coarsening-upward sequence of beds found in these vertically accreted deposits. These changes in the channel of the Green River are based on analysis of more than 2600 discharge measurements made by the U.S. Geological Survey, resurvey of an abandoned measurement site, matches of historical ground-level photography, and analysis of historical aerial photography within a geographic information system. We have developed analytical techniques that permit analysis of width data from U.S. Geological Survey discharge measurements where gaging cross sections have adjustable beds and banks. These techniques allow the spatially rich but temporally poor data from aerial photographs to be supplemented with gaging station data, which add great detail about the timing and actual processes of channel narrowing that cannot be determined from aerial photographs alone. Such an analytical strategy provides a more complete record of historical channel adjustment than can be obtained by other means.
Some Notes on Time Inconsistency and Rawls' Maximin Criterion

In a recent paper Dasgupta [3] has neatly demonstrated that the Rawlsian maximin criterion may be inadequate for problems of intergenerational justice by showing that, under some specific utility functions exhibiting altruism towards future generations, plans which are optimal from the standpoint of a given generation will not be continued by future generations even when the latter are true believers in the virtues of maximin, i.e. time inconsistency would arise. This is undoubtedly an alarming result which, if proved to be a common feature of maximin, would give us sufficient grounds to dismiss it altogether as a principle of intergenerational justice. In this paper we present some results aimed at furthering our understanding of that issue. In Section 2 we analyse the question of whether time inconsistency is possible if we make generations choose between arbitrary pairs of consumption sequences. The answer to that question is a resounding yes; in the presence of altruism-defined in a rather general way which includes as a special case the utility function employed by Dasgupta-not only is it possible to find pairs of consumption sequences where maximin proves to be time inconsistent, but we are able to show that there are infinitely many of them. On this account the results of Dasgupta get further support. In Section 3 we constrain the set of consumption sequences to be feasible according to a neoclassical technology and study time consistency of optimal plans when a generation's utility can be represented by a discounted sum of (instantaneous) utilities. This is akin to the problem analysed by Dasgupta, except that the utility function is changed as indicated above. Here the picture is drastically different: for every relevant initial capital stock, k, there is a time-consistent optimal plan. Furthermore, if k is smaller than, or equal to, Golden-Rule capital the optimum is unique. The conclusions are briefly stated in Section 4.
Digital pre-compensation of inter-channel crosstalk for superchannel systems

A digital inter-channel-crosstalk pre-compensator for WDM “superchannel” systems is proposed and demonstrated to outperform a conventional ISI pre-compensator with 2dB crosstalk suppression at the optimum optical filter bandwidth and increase tolerance to net filter bandwidth.
Independence at Home: Community-Based Care for Older Adults with Severe Chronic Illness

By most clinical and economic measures, our health care system is not providing effective or affordable care to Medicare beneficiaries with severe chronic illness. Two million elders, constituting most of the 5% who account for nearly half of Medicare costs, have multiple chronic conditions, functional disability, and average per capita costs of over $50,000 per year. Prior reforms aimed at this population did not change the flawed delivery system, which remains centered in the doctor's office, hospitals, and nursing homes. This article describes a model of coordinated home-based medical care, called Independence at Home (IAH), which operates on a limited basis in many US communities and in the Veterans Affairs system. IAH-type teams deliver a full range of medical and social services at home to seriously ill elders and thereby reduce overall health care costs. We review the evidence that this approach can lower total costs by 25 percent or more while improving patient satisfaction and outcomes. We discuss funding for the new model, which also produces net savings for Medicare. A Medicare reform bill, called the Independence at Home Act, was introduced in the US House and Senate in 2008 to promote replication of this mobile elder care model.
Dynamics of Calcium Sparks and SR Calcium Leak During Excitation-Contraction Coupling in Mouse Heart Cells

Stable calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) is critical for maintaining normal cell contraction during cardiac excitation-contraction (EC) coupling in heart cells. The fundamental element of CICR in heart is the calcium (Ca2+) spark which arises from the regenerative release of Ca2+ from a cluster of ryanodine receptors (RyR2) in the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane. We have shown how stochastic gating of RyR2s could produce an SR Ca2+ leak capable of balancing SR Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a) activity under quiescent conditions (Williams et al. BJ 2011). This investigation suggested the surprising finding that a single, or even multiple, RyR2 openings could fail probabilistically to trigger a Ca2+ spark. To further investigate this effect, we expanded upon that formulation to create a detailed, local control model of EC coupling in mouse heart. A number of features were added or modified, including the addition of a novel seven-state Markov chain model of the sarcolemmal L-type Ca2+ channel (LCC). This model features dynamic action-potential (AP) generation, robust Ca2+ spark initiation and termination, realistic [Ca2+]i transients, and true SR Ca2+ pump/leak balance. The model suggests that numerous LCC openings are often required to trigger a single Ca2+ spark. This is consistent with our prior work where multiple RyR2 openings were needed to trigger a spontaneous Ca2+ spark during quiescent conditions. We also investigated how RyR2 mutations associated with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) influence the dynamics of Ca2+ sparks, “invisible” non-spark Ca2+ leak, [Ca2+]i transients, and SR Ca2+ content. We observe that CPVT mutations can lead to unstable Ca2+ spark dynamics, altering SR Ca2+ content and promoting [Ca2+]i signaling instability. Our new model provides significant insights into the dynamics of local control of CICR under physiological and pathological conditions.
Effects of lingual denervation and desalivation on airlicking in the rat.

Abstract Water-deprived rats learned to airlick during 30-min sessions. After their levels of airlicking stabilized, their tongues were denervated by section of the lingual and chorda tympani nerves and one branch of each glossopharyngeal nerve. Airlicking sessions were resumed after recovery from the operation, and all the rats maintained their preoperative levels of airlicking. Then they were desalivated by ligation of the parotid ducts and excision of the submaxillary and sublingual glands. This also failed to suppress airlicking. It is concluded that (1) airlicking can be sustained by the airstream's cooling of extra-lingual oral tissues, and (2) there is enough moisture in the mouth of the desalivated rat to enable the airstream to provide the amount of evaporative cooling necessary to sustain airlicking.
Reconstruction of a flow field by holographic interferometric tomography

A new tomographic algorithm termed Curvilinear Nonlocal Basis Function Method (CNBFM) is formulated and tested for several different computer-generated fields. In addition, the performance of the hybrid method combining the CNBFM and the previously-developed complementary field method is also tested for the same fields. A holographic interferometric tomographic experiment is designed to apply the developed techniques for reconstruction of a 3D temperature field generated by a thermal plume with an aircraft forebody model inside the flow. Reconstruction results are compared with the corresponding thermocouple readings to check the accuracy of the technique. All the fields form the numerical simulation and the experiment are reconstructed under ill- posed conditions, i.e., limited view angle and incomplete projection. It appears that the developed method can substantially enhance the reconstruction accuracy and resolution in real applications of interferometric 3D flow measurements.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Evolution of bower building in Lake Malawi cichlid fish: phylogeny, morphology, and behavior

Despite considerable research, we still know little about the proximate and ultimate causes behind behavioral evolution. This is partly because understanding the forces acting on behavioral phenotypes requires the study of species-rich clades with extensive variation in behavioral traits, of which we have few current examples. In this paper, we introduce the bower-building cichlids of the Lake Malawi adaptive radiation, a lineage with over 100 species, each possessing a distinct male extended phenotype used to signal reproductive fitness. Extended phenotypes are useful units of analysis for the study of behavior since they are static structures that can be precisely measured within populations. To this end we recognize two core types of bowers - mounds (“castles”) and depressions (“pits”). We employ an established framework for the study of adaptive radiations to ask how traits related to other stages of radiations, macrohabitat and feeding morphology, are associated with the evolution of pit and castle phenotypes. We demonstrate that pits and castles are evolutionarily labile traits and have been derived numerous times in multiple Malawi genera. Using public ecological and phenotypic data sets we find significant and correlated differences in macrohabitat (depth), sensory ability (opsin expression), and feeding style (jaw morphology and biomechanics) between pit-digging and castle-building species. Phylogeny-corrected comparisons also show significant differences in several measures of jaw morphology while indicating non-significant differences in depth. Finally, using laboratory observations we assay courtship behaviors in a pit-digging (Copadichromis virginalis) and a castle-building species (Mchenga conophoros). Together, these results show that traits at multiple biological levels act to regulate the evolution of a courtship behavior within natural populations.
Explicit solutions for the buildup of an accelerating reactive shock to a steady-state detonation wave

A general method is presented for constructing explicit solutions for the flow of a reactive, polytropic, fluid behind a strong shock supported by a piston. The initial value problem is formulated by prescribing the shock path, and its solution is obtained in terms of the Lagrange particle-velocity gradient. Integration of the continuity equation gives the density field, integration of the momentum equation gives the pressure field, and the energy equation defines the corresponding energy-release rate field. The method of integration provides exact solutions for testing numerical schemes of integrating the flow equations, and forms the basis for modeling the energy-release rate in condensed explosive directly from the observable properties of shock waves. To construct a particular solution, it is sufficient to prescribe a shock path and particle-velocity gradient. The simple solution given for buildup to detonation is analyzed to demonstrate the dependence of initiation on the rear-boundary condition.
Inhibition of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor BB–Induced Expression of Glyceraldehyde- 3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase by Sodium Butyrate in Rat Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), a key regulatory enzyme of glycolysis, which exists in nuclei and functions as a DNA-binding protein as well as a nuclear protein, appears to be modulated by cellular activities. Exposure of quiescent rat smooth muscle cells (SMCs) to platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), which stimulates SMCs proliferation, caused a time-dependent increase in mRNA for GAPDH and its catalytic activity. Treatment of quiescent SMCs with sodium butyrate (SB), which is shown to inhibit PDGF-BB-induced SMC proliferation, caused a time- and concentration-dependent decrease in PDGF-BB-induced GAPDH mRNA expression and its catalytic activity. Nuclear run-on studies revealed that the PDGF-BB-induced rate of GAPDH gene transcription was reduced by about 50% in the presence of 5 mmol/L SB. The protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, failed to abolish the SB-inhibited PDGF-BB-induced rate of transcription of GAPDH, suggesting that SB is not dependent on ongoing protein synthesis to exert its effects on PDGF-BB-induced GAPDH transcription. Furthermore, measurement of GAPDH mRNA stability at various times after the inhibition of transcription with actinomycin D indicated that 5 mmol/L SB has no significant effect on the half-life of PDGF-BB-induced mRNA. The reduction in PDGF-BB-induced GAPDH expression by SB is probably caused by a cycloheximide-insensitive transcriptional mechanism. Thus, the inhibition of PDGF-BB-induced expression of GAPDH by SB suggests a link between SMC proliferation, energy consumption, and GAPDH gene upregulation.
Buckling and post-buckling behavior of the ACS support columns

Abstract Computer program development and modeling procedures for above-core structures (ACS) have recently focused on modeling the buckling and post-buckling behavior of the ACS support columns. These developments are directed toward two considerations: (1) the prediction of the forces exerted by the column in a hypothetical core-disruptive accident (HCDA) in order that the motion of the ACS can be predicted in a coupled fluid-structure analysis, (2) the calculation of the strains and deformations of the support columns so that situations which lead to complete failure can be identified. One of the aims of this study was to examine the effect of the change in cross section, previously not treated, on the behavior of the support columns. For this purpose, models have been developed in which the portions of the column which undergo significant changes in cross section are modeled by plate elements. Results are presented for two sets of studies. In the first set, results are presented for a series of Stanford Research International scale model tests. Comparison of the tests with the computed results shows reasonable agreement. In the second, the column was displaced with a constant velocity at one end to examine its resistance as a function of displacement. The behavior of support columns consisting of two concentric cylinders has also been studied. The interesting feature of this design is that when one of the cylinders buckles, it moves laterally against the other, which may not have buckled. An effective but simple model was developed for representing the interaction between the columns. Results are presented for an HCDA corresponding to a release of 1000 MJ.
Invited Commentary: Why Body Image is Important to Adolescent Development

Although the majority of adolescents report body dissatisfaction and the consequences of body image concerns are developmentally significant, most research addressing body image has been conducted by clinicians. Developmental scientists are in a unique position to contribute to body image research given their understanding of the intrapersonal (e.g., pubertal development) and interpersonal (e.g., family relationships) factors that affect the development of body image. The adolescent years provide a particularly good example of the developmental nature of body image because a myriad of “normal” developmental factors (e.g., peer relationships) coalesce to shape adolescents’ body image. This commentary will summarize some of the significant body image research—focusing on adolescence—in the hope that it will encourage developmental psychologists to recognize the central role body image plays in development and address this topic in future research.
Functional ablation of pRb activates Cdk2 and causes antiestrogen resistance in human breast cancer cells

Estrogens are required for the proliferation of hormone dependent breast cancer cells, making estrogen receptor (ER) positive tumors amenable to endocrine therapies such as antiestrogens. However, resistance to these agents remains a significant cause of treatment failure. We previously demonstrated that inactivation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) family tumor suppressors causes antiestrogen resistance in MCF-7 cells, a widely studied model of estrogen responsive human breast cancers. In this study, we investigate the mechanism by which pRb inactivation leads to antiestrogen resistance. Cdk4 and cdk2 are two key cell cycle regulators that can phosphorylate and inactivate pRb, therefore we tested whether these kinases are required in cells lacking pRb function. pRb family members were inactivated in MCF-7 cells by expressing polyomavirus large tumor antigen (PyLT), and cdk activity was inhibited using the cdk inhibitors p16INK4A and p21Waf1/Cip1. Cdk4 activity was no longer required in cells lacking functional pRb, while cdk2 activity was required for proliferation in both the presence and absence of pRb function. Using inducible PyLT cell lines, we further demonstrated that pRb inactivation leads to increased cyclin A expression, cdk2 activation and proliferation in antiestrogen arrested cells. These results demonstrate that antiestrogens do not inhibit cdk2 activity or proliferation of MCF-7 cells in the absence of pRb family function, and suggest that antiestrogen resistant breast cancer cells resulting from pRb pathway inactivation would be susceptible to therapies that target cdk2.
Extractive Regions in Developed Countries: A Comparative Analysis of the Oil Capitals, Houston and Aberdeen

In this article extraction economies in less developed countries are compared to extraction economies in developed countries—to the Houston, Texas, and Aberdeen, Scotland, petroleum regions. The fo...
Targeted therapy with MXD3 siRNA, anti-CD22 antibody and nanoparticles for precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Conventional chemotherapy for precursor B-cell (preB) acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) has limitations that could be overcome by targeted therapy. Previously, we discovered a potential therapeutic molecular target, MDX3 (MAX dimerization protein 3), in preB ALL. In this study, we hypothesize that an effective siRNA therapy for preB ALL can be developed using antiCD22 antibody (αCD22 Ab) and nanoparticles. We composed nanocomplexes with super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO NPs), αCD22 Abs and MXD3 siRNA molecules based on physical interactions between the molecules. We demonstrated that the MXD3 siRNA-αCD22 Ab-SPIO NP complexes entered leukaemia cells and knocked down MXD3, leading the cells to undergo apoptosis and resulting in decreased live cell counts in the cell line Reh and in primary preB ALL samples in vitro. Furthermore, the cytotoxic effects of the MXD3 siRNA-αCD22 Ab-SPIO NP complexes were significantly enhanced by addition of the chemotherapy drugs vincristine or doxorubicin. We also ruled out potential cytotoxic effects of the MXD3 siRNA-αCD22 Ab-SPIO NP complexes on normal primary haematopoietic cells. Normal B cells were affected while CD34-positive haematopoietic stem cells and non-B cells were not. These data suggest that MXD3 siRNA-αCD22 Ab-SPIO NP complexes have the potential to be a new targeted therapy for preB ALL.
Menu Labeling Responsive to Consumer Concerns and Shows Promise for Changing Patron Purchases

This study evaluated a calorie labeling intervention in Kaiser Permanente Hospital cafeterias. Three cafeteria conditions were no labeling; calorie and nutrient labeling on posters only; posters plus point-of-purchase menu board calorie labeling. More respondents noticed calorie information at poster plus menu board sites than at poster-only sites (P < 0.05). Over 80% of patrons supported provision of calorie information. There was a significant increase in purchases of lower calorie side dishes (P < 0.0001) and snacks (P = 0.006) at the menu board site, compared with the no-labeling site. These findings support the premise that menu labeling can be useful in worksite wellness initiatives.
Is there a role for robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass in HIV positive patients

Background Performing cardiac surgery on HIV positive patients represents a significant risk of occupational exposure to surgeons and their support staff. In addition, the immunocompromized state of these patients may be a factor which could adversely influence the results. Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (TECAB) in HIV patients has not been reported. Methods A male patient with HIV and Hepatitis C presented with three vessel coronary artery disease requiring surgical revascularization. Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting was performed. Using the da Vinci (R) surgical robot, the left and right internal mammary arteries were harvested and sutured to the second obtuse marginal branch and the left anterior descending artery respectively. Results The patient was discharged home on postoperative day six. At one month following the operation, the patient was asymptomatic and had returned to full activity without the need for sternal precautions. Conclusions We describe the first case of completely endoscopic coronary surgery using the da Vinci (R) system in an HIV patient. Double internal mammary artery grafting to the left coronary artery system was carried out successfully. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glitch in the gradient: additional education does not uniformly equal better health.

Abstract While the relationship between education and general health has been firmly established in the literature, surprisingly little research has analyzed individual components of the global health judgments, such as chronic conditions or pain. We present a systematic account of the health gradient for multiple health outcomes by detailed educational categories among U.S. working-age adults. Using the 1997–2010 National Health Interview Surveys (N = 204,764), we analyze individual health outcomes ranging from cardiovascular disease to vision problems with a series of logistic regression models. The results at the presecondary and baccalaureate levels are consistent with the health gradient. An unexpected finding occurs among adults with some college but no degree, and those with technical/vocational associate degrees: these groups report more pain and a higher prevalence of a broad range of conditions than high school graduates who never attended college. We discuss several explanations for the observed patterns. The findings challenge the broadly accepted educational gradient in health; additionally, the lower postsecondary groups comprise a quarter of American adults. Jointly, there is a clear research and policy impetus to understand the source of this ‘glitch’ in the health gradient.
THEORY OF FOUR-POINT DIRECT-CURRENT POTENTIAL DROP MEASUREMENTS ON A METAL PLATE

ABSTRACT Four-point direct-current potential drop techniques are well-suited for accurate, nondestructive measurement of material conductivity (or resistivity). From measurements of potential drop on a large metal plate, the electrical conductivity of the plate can be inferred if the thickness of the plate and the dimensions of the probe are known. In this work, an expression for the voltage measured by a four-point probe in contact with a large metal plate of arbitrary thickness is derived from an analytic series representation of the electric field in the plate. The position of the voltage pickup points is permitted to be offset with respect to the current injection points, allowing analysis of colinear, rectangular, and square-head probes. Analytical asymptotic expressions are derived in the limiting cases of plates that are thin or thick with respect to the dimensions of the probe. The range of plate thicknesses for which the asymptotic expressions are valid is determined as a function of relevant pro...
The ultrastructure of human amyloid as revealed by the negative staining technique.

Amyloid-laden tissue was obtained from five patients with either primary or secondary amyloidosis. The amyloid was isolated through a process of differential centrifugation and was examined in the electron microscope using negative-staining techniques. Two types of particles, one a 100 A wide rod, the other a small pentagonal structure (unit structure) 90 A in diameter, were present in all preparations. Narrow electron dense bands divided the rods at regular intervals into smaller segments so that they appeared cross-striated with a periodicity of approximately 40 A. Frequently, however, the dense bands varied in width, suggesting that the segments were easily disunited. The unit structures seemed to be single segments lying on their flat side, thus affording an end view of the amyloid rod. They appeared to be composed of five globular sections surrounding a dense core, indicating that the amyloid rods were hollow structures possibly consisting of an array of globular units.
TURBULENT HEATING OF GALAXY-CLUSTER PLASMAS

A number of studies suggest that turbulent heating plays an important role in the thermal balance of galaxy-cluster plasmas. In this paper, we construct a model of intracluster plasmas in which radiative cooling is balanced by heating from viscous dissipation of turbulent motions, turbulent diffusion of high-specific-entropy plasma into low-specific-entropy regions, and thermal conduction. We solve for the rms turbulent velocity u by setting Γ + Q + H = R throughout a cluster, where Γ, Q, and H are the heating rates from dissipation of turbulence, turbulent diffusion, and conduction, respectively, and R is the rate of radiative cooling. We account for the effects of buoyancy in our expression for the eddy diffusivity and neglect nonthermal pressure. We take the conductivity to be a fixed fraction (typically one-fifth) of the Spitzer value for a nonmagnetized plasma and the density and temperature to be given by analytical fits to published data. We set the dominant velocity length scale l equal to αr + l0, where α is a constant, r is distance from cluster center, and l0 = 0.5 kpc. For 0.05 0.5, although there are exceptions to this rule. For some values of α, we find that at some locations the heat flux from turbulent diffusion has positive divergence, so that turbulent diffusion locally cools the plasma. Buoyancy inhibits turbulent diffusion of heat in the radial direction to a degree that increases with increasing α. This leads to an increase in the computed value of u relative to models that neglect buoyancy; the magnitude of the increase is moderate for α = 0.5 and large for α > 1.
Local and Systemic Alterations in Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STAT) Associated with Human Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Background Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins are transcription factors that, when activated by phosphorylation, regulate gene expression and cellular activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the local and systemic expression and activation of STAT proteins associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Methods Expression and activation of STAT proteins were assessed in aortic wall samples obtained from patients undergoing repair of AAA ( n = 9) and from non-aneurysmal (NA) donors ( n = 17). Aortic samples were evaluated for mRNA and protein expression for STAT1, 2, 3, 4, 5a, and 5b using RT-PCR and immunoblot (WB) assays and normalized to s-actin (expressed as arbitrary units). STAT activation was assessed with WB assays using phosphorylated (p)-STAT-specific antibodies. Alterations in STAT activation were calculated by normalizing pSTAT proteins to corresponding total STAT levels. Immunohistochemistry was performed on AAA and NA samples using the total and pSTAT antibodies. Systemic alterations in STAT activation were assessed by evaluating circulating leukocytes for the presence of pSTAT from patients with AAA (AAA, n = 8), repaired aneurysm (RA, n = 8), or age/gender matched controls with no AAA (CT, n = 8). Flow cytometry was performed to assess for circulating levels of STAT1 (pY701), STAT3 (pY705), and STAT5a (pY694) in monocytes, granulocytes, and lymphocytes. Assessments were made at baseline and in response to in vitro stimulation with IFN-γ (50 ng/mL) or IL-6 (100 ng/mL). Results were analyzed using Student’s t -test and are expressed as mean ± SEM. Results In AAA tissue compared with NA, STAT-1 (1.08 ± 0.09 versus 0.62 ± 0.07), –2 (0.98 ± 0.07 versus 0.55 ± 0.08), and −4 (0.89 ± 0.12 versus 0.35 ± 0.11) mRNA levels were elevated ( P versus 0.93 ± 0.08, P versus 0.1 ± 0.02, P versus 0.2 ± 0.06, P versus 0.2 ± 0.03, P P = 0.01). STAT-5a (pY694)-positive CT granulocytes also decreased to 62% ± 18% of baseline compared with AAA or RA granulocytes (122% ± 25%, 126% ± 17%, respectively; P = 0.01). Alterations in STAT1 (pY701) and STAT3 (pY705) were not observed in leukocytes following cytokine stimulation. Conclusions STAT proteins are important regulators of transcriptional activity and have been linked to cardiovascular disease. The present data suggest that altered levels of phosphorylated STATs are associated with AAA. Understanding their role may provide further insight into the mechanisms of AAA formation and allow for the development of medical treatment options.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use is associated with right ventricular structure and function: the MESA-right ventricle study.

Purpose Serotonin and the serotonin transporter have been implicated in the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may have a role in PH treatment, but the effects of SSRI use on right ventricular (RV) structure and function are unknown. We hypothesized that SSRI use would be associated with RV morphology in a large cohort without cardiovascular disease (N = 4114). Methods SSRI use was determined by medication inventory during the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis baseline examination. RV measures were assessed via cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The cross-sectional relationship between SSRI use and each RV measure was assessed using multivariable linear regression; analyses for RV mass and end-diastolic volume (RVEDV) were stratified by sex. Results After adjustment for multiple covariates including depression and left ventricular measures, SSRI use was associated with larger RV stroke volume (RVSV) (2.75 mL, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48–5.02 mL, p = 0.02). Among men only, SSRI use was associated with greater RV mass (1.08 g, 95% CI 0.19–1.97 g, p = 0.02) and larger RVEDV (7.71 mL, 95% 3.02–12.40 mL, p = 0.001). SSRI use may have been associated with larger RVEDV among women and larger RV end-systolic volume in both sexes. Conclusions SSRI use was associated with higher RVSV in cardiovascular disease-free individuals and, among men, greater RV mass and larger RVEDV. The effects of SSRI use in patients with (or at risk for) RV dysfunction and the role of sex in modifying this relationship warrant further study.
Challenges in providing technical information for societal use: Examples from the gas resource assessment community

Abstract Assessments of likely sources of natural gas incorporate scientific, social, and cultural elements, and illustrate the complex interactions of economics, science, engineering, and social factors in the perception of natural resources. Two groups produce assessments of the potential natural gas resources of the United States: the private sector Potential Gas Agency and the public sector US Geological Survey and Minerals Management Service, which produce joint national reports. Both groups use similar technical methods but have adopted different operational structures that reflect different practices and norms in the public and private sectors. Both groups have encountered difficulties in communicating their technical information to the non-technical community, leading to legal and political interventions. These applied science programs meet the criteria for scientific success, but have room for improvement in meeting the needs of society.
Scale-dependent soil and climate variability effects on watershed water balance of the SWAT model

Abstract The water balance of large watersheds in Texas was studied using a process level watershed model called the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT). The major components of the SWAT watershed model are evapo-transpiration (ET), soil water storage (SW), and water yield (WYLD), which is the sum of surface runoff and subsurface flow. Important input variables controlling the water balance in watersheds are the soils and climate. In this paper, changes in mean and variance of water balance components due to variability in soils and climate were assessed for six different watersheds (Hydrologic Cataloging Units, HCUs) in Texas covering wet to semi-arid regions using 1:250,000 scale data. Bulk density, soil available water capacity, and moist soil albedo were selected as soil parameters. Soil heterogeneity in watersheds was defined in terms of textural classes in the soil textural triangle. Spatial variability of precipitation between neighboring weather stations was quantified using power spectra. The impact of geographic scales on changes to the mean of the water balance components was determined by studying the Seco Creek sub-watershed within the Hondo HCU using 1:24,000 scale data. Results from scales of observation show that changes to mean SW was high as a function of increasing scale from 1:250,000 to 1:24,000, while mean ET sensitivity remained about the same. The direct influence of soil properties such as bulk density, available water capacity, on the variance of ET, SW, and WYLD was about equal when using 1:24,000 scale data. For watersheds in wet climate composed of heterogeneous soils (loam fine sands and fine sandy loams), the means of the water components were relatively sensitive to climate and soils variability, and soil heterogeneity. Watersheds composed of shallow soils in semi-arid climate showed sensitivity of mean water balance components due to moist albedo and available water capacity. Changes to mean and variance of water balance components as a function of geographic scale suggest the presence of scale-dependent water balance ‘uncertainty’ laws.
Tidally induced groundwater circulation in an unconfined coastal aquifer modeled with a Hele-Shaw cell

We use a scaled Hele-Shaw cell to mimic tidally induced nearshore groundwater motion in an unconfined aquifer. The low slope angle of sandy beaches contributes to a strongly asymmetric pattern of fluid exchange across the water-sediment interface during tidal cycles. This asymmetry leads to a time-averaged groundwater circulation centered beneath the low-tide level; horizontal and vertical components of motion are of the same order. Horizontal seaward flow extends a significant depth beneath the interface, consonant with a time-averaged water table that is elevated above mean sea level, providing the hydraulic gradient necessary to drive this deeper export of mass equal to the time-averaged inflow by infiltration. This tidally forced flow behavior likely contributes to observed fluctuations in submarine seepage rates. Moreover, the circulation largely involves a subsurface cycling of seawater that infiltrates during the rising tide. Measurements of submarine seepage near the tidal zone therefore likely involve this cycled seawater as well as freshwater flows.