cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
External Cu2+ Inhibits Human Epithelial Na+ Channels by Binding at a Subunit Interface of Extracellular Domains

Epithelial Na+ channels (ENaCs) play an essential role in the regulation of body fluid homeostasis. Certain transition metals activate or inhibit the activity of ENaCs. In this study, we examined the effect of extracellular Cu2+ on human ENaC expressed in Xenopus oocytes and investigated the structural basis for its effects. External Cu2+ inhibited human αβγ ENaC with an estimated IC50 of 0.3 μm. The slow time course and a lack of change in the current-voltage relationship were consistent with an allosteric (non pore-plugging) inhibition of human ENaC by Cu2+. Experiments with mixed human and mouse ENaC subunits suggested that both the α and β subunits were primarily responsible for the inhibitory effect of Cu2+ on human ENaC. Lowering bath solution pH diminished the inhibition by Cu2+. Mutations of two α, two β, and two γ His residues within extracellular domains significantly reduced the inhibition of human ENaC by Cu2+. We identified a pair of residues as potential Cu2+-binding sites at the subunit interface between thumb subdomain of αhENaC and palm subdomain of βhENaC, suggesting a counterclockwise arrangement of α, β, and γ ENaC subunits in a trimeric channel complex when viewed from above. We conclude that extracellular Cu2+ is a potent inhibitor of human ENaC and binds to multiple sites within the extracellular domains including a subunit interface.
SODIUM CHLORIDE AND DEXTROSE APPETITE OF UN-TREATED AND TREATED ADRENALECTOMIZED RATS

IN PREVIOUS EXPERIMENTS it was found that adrenalectomised rats, when given free access to a variety of mineral solutions, selected sodium salts and by virtue of their increased sodium intake kept themselves alive and free from signs of insufficiency (I). Thus, by their appetite the adrenalectomized rats indicated that they needed sodium. This appetite method has already been applied to the study not only of other glandular deficiencies but also of various vitamin deficiencies (2). In the present experiments we have applied a similar technic in the study of the effects produced on the altered salt and carbohydrate metabolism of adrenalectomized rats by treatment with desoxycorticosterone acetate in oil1, adrenal cortex extract2,and charcoal adsorbate of adrenal cortical hormone3. The rats were kept in separate cages, approximately 10×8×13 in., each of which contained a food cup and three graduated inverted bottles—one filled with distilled water, one with a 3% solution of sodium chloride (C.P.), and one w...
Anti-Angiogenic Activity of a Small Molecule STAT3 Inhibitor LLL12

Background Recent data indicate the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway is required for VEGF production and angiogenesis in various types of cancers. STAT3 inhibitors have been shown to reduce tumor microvessel density in tumors but a direct anti-angiogenic activity has not been described. Methodology/Principal Findings We investigated the direct action of a small molecule inhibitor of STAT3 (LLL12) in human umbilical cord vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro, in a Matrigel model for angiogenesis in vivo, and its antitumor activity in a xenograft model of osteosarcoma. LLL12 (100 nM) significantly inhibited VEGF-stimulated STAT3 phosphorylation in HUVECs, reduced their proliferation/migration and inhibited VEGF-induced tube formation. Morphologic analysis of LLL12 treated HUVECs demonstrated marked changes in actin/tubulin distribution and bundling. In scid mice, LLL12 reduced microvessel invasion into VEGF-infused Matrigel plugs by ~90% at a dose of 5 mg/kg daily. Following a period of tumor progression (2 weeks), LLL12 completely suppressed further growth of established OS-1 osteosarcoma xenografts. Pharmacodynamic studies showed robust phosphorylated STAT3 in control tumors, whereas phospho-STAT3 was not detected in LLL12-treated OS-1 tumors. Treated tumors demonstrated decreased proliferation (Ki67 staining), and decreased microvessel density (CD34 staining), but no significant increase in apoptosis (TUNEL staining), relative to controls. Assay of angiogenic factors, using an antibody array, showed VEGF, MMP-9, Angiopoietin1/2, Tissue Factor and FGF-1 expression were dramatically reduced in LLL12-treated tumors compared to control tumors. Conclusions These findings provide the first evidence that LLL12 effectively inhibits tumor angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo.
Recovery of the early period of long instrumental time series of air temperature in Padua, Italy (1716–2007)

Abstract The longest series of instrumental observations have a number of problems in the early period. This paper is focused on the recovery of early indoor and outdoor observations in Padua and their transformation in terms of a modern series. The Padua series was started by Giovanni Poleni with outdoor observations in 1716–1718, but soon, the readings passed indoors (1725–1764) to join the directives of the Royal Society, London. The indoor readings were recovered within the EU project IMPROVE, but it was necessary to transform indoor observations into outdoor ones, and this was possible thanks to the presence of simultaneous indoor and outdoor observations by Morgagni in Padua and Beccari in Bologna. These parallel series were also useful to fill a short gap. Another problem was to reconstruct the calibration of the Amontons thermometer, which changed when Poleni moved to a new house. Also the problem of the use of variable and/or different sampling times was solved making reference to the trend of the daily cycles in the different seasons and under diverse weather conditions. The data analysis has shown a trend that appears similar to the well-known results (IPCC 2007) for the last 160 yr but a less marked recent warming for winter and autumn. The 18th century was characterized by cold winters (culminated 1709 and 1740) and springs, and warm summers and autumns. A well-marked Bruckner cycle (35.8 yr), continually repeated and attenuated, is visible for the period 1716–1930. The wide time scale and the repetition of warmer and colder periods over two-thirds of the series noted in Padua and other Mediterranean stations may induce us to suppose that such cycles could continue in the future, at least on the local scale.
Simulation of the sensitivity of Lake Victoria basin climate to lake surface temperatures

The response of Lake Victoria basin climate to changes in the lake surface temperatures (LST) has been examined using NCAR-Regional climate model (RegCM2). In the control run uniform lake surface temperature of 24 °C was prescribed and the model integrated for four months, starting at the beginning of September, 1988. In the anomaly experiments the LST was perturbed by ±1.5 °C, and kept constant during the entire period of the integrations. Simulation results show significant relationship between basin-wide spatial distribution of rainfall and changes in LST. In general during the short rains at warmer/cooler LSTs, significant increase/decrease in the simulated rainfall occurs over the lake surface and surrounding areas. Rainfall exceeding the amount in the control run by more than 50%, particularly over the western, south/southwestern and central parts of the lake is simulated in the run in which the LST is 1.5 °C warmer than the control. It is also evident from our results that different parts of the lake basin respond differently to LST changes which is in contrast to the common characterization of the lake basin as a single homogeneous climate regime in many previous studies. In general the results show that regions with largest response to LST anomalies during the short rains are collocated with the ITCZ. In October when the ITCZ is directly located over the lake, the largest response (maximum rainfall) is also located over the same region. As the season progresses and the ITCZ shifts out of the lake into northern Tanzania, the regions of rainfall maxima also shift with it. This appears to explain the unexpected reduction in over-lake rainfall in December in spite of the LST being warmer than control by 1.5 °C. We believe this is a direct consequence of the enhanced convection to the south of the lake (over ITCZ) and the tendency of the system to conserve local moisture budget over the lake.
The Civil Rights Origins of Illegal Immigration

The present immigration system is based on a core paradox. The method of allocating visas for the admission of permanent residents is based on principles of equality and fairness because all countries have the same quota. Yet visa demand varies widely. The principle of formal equality has disparate effects, being inclusionary for some and exclusionary for others. Four countries persistently max out on their caps—China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines—leading to long waits, easily ten to twenty years or more, and hence pressures for unlawful entry. The system generates an ever-larger caste-population of unauthorized immigrants.
Centered Log-Ratio (clr) Transformation and Robust Principal Component Analysis of Long-Term NDVI Data Reveal Vegetation Activity Linked to Climate Processes

Predicting the future climate and its impacts on the global environment is model based, presenting a level of uncertainty. Alternative robust approaches of analyzing high volume climate data to reveal underlying regional and local trends are increasingly incorporating satellite data. This study uses a centered log-ratio (clr) transformation approach and robust principal component analysis (PCA), on a long-term Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) dataset to test its applicability in analyzing large multi-temporal data, and potential to recognize important trends and patterns in regional climate. Twenty five years of NDVI data derived by Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS) from 1982 to 2006 were extracted for 88 subwatersheds in central Kenya and statistically analyzed. Untransformed (raw) and clr transformed NDVI data were evaluated using robust PCA. The robust PCA compositional biplots of the clr transformed long-term NDVI data demonstrated the finest spatial-temporal display of observations identifying climate related events that impacted vegetation activity and observed variations in greenness. The responses were interpreted as normal conditions, El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events of El Nino and La Nina, and drought events known to influence the moisture level and precipitation patterns (high, low, normal) and therefore the level of vegetation greenness (NDVI value). More drought events (4) were observed between 1990 and 2006, a finding corroborated by several authors and linked to increasing climate variability. Results are remarkable, emphasizing the need for appropriate data transformation prior to PCA, dealing with huge complex datasets, to enhance pattern recognition and meaningful interpretation of results. Through improved analysis of past data, uncertainty is decreased in modeling future trends.
Extruded Biodegradable Cast Films from Polyhydroxyalkanoate and Thermoplastic Starch Blends: Fabrication and Characterization

PHA-based extruded films were developed by blending PHAs with thermoplastic starch using extensive process engineering based on structure-property correlations. Starch was destructurized and plasticized followed by melt-blending with PHA and PBAT. Dynamic mechanical analysis coupled with Gibbs free energy values indicated that the starch plastic was performing the role of a dual compatibilizer in between the PHA and the PBAT phases in the blend. Aging, an inherent problem with starch-based materials and PHA-based materials, was effectively reduced by limiting the moisture uptake of the starch component, hindering the leaching of glycerol and inhibiting the secondary crystallization of the PHA component in the films.
A wind tunnel investigation of the internal circulation and shape of water drops falling at terminal velocity in air

The internal circulation and the shape of water drops falling at terminal velocity in air of 20°C at sea level pressure, and nearly water saturated, were studied by means of a wind tunnel. Drops with an equivalent radius a0 smaller than 140 um had within the experimental error no detectable deformation from spherical shape. Drops of sizes 140 μm ≤ a0 ≤ 500 μm were slightly deformed into an oblate spheroid. The deviation of these drops from spherical shape was found to be in fair agreement with that theoretically predicted by Imai (1950) and others. The deformation of drops of sizes 0.5 mm < a0 < 4.5 mm was found to be linearly related to the drop size. Such a linear relationship is predicted by the semi-empirical calculations of Savic (1953). By means of a tracer technique it was established that water drops falling at terminal velocity in air have a well developed internal circulation. The flow pattern inside a drop was found to be consistent with the flow pattern of the air around the drop and that predicted theoretically by Hadamard (1911) and by Hamielec and Johnson (1962). The surface velocity at the equator of a drop was found to be about 1/100 of the drop's terminal velocity. The experimentally determined internal velocities were compared with those predicted theoretically by McDonald (1954) from boundary layer theory and by Hadamard (1911) based on Stokes flow.
Visualization a Decade and a Half Later

Bell is a member of various professional organizations including the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (Fellow), American Association for the Advancement of Science (Fellow), ACM (Fellow), IEEE (Fellow and Computer Pioneer), and the National Academy of Engineering. His awards include: the IEEE Von Neumann Medal, the AEA Inventor Award for the greatest economic contribution to the New England region, the IEEE 2001 Vladamir Karapetoff Eminent Member’s Award of Eta Kappa Nu, and The 1991 National Medal of Technology “for his continuing intellectual and industrial achievements in the field of computer design; and for his leading role in establishing... computers that serve as a significant tool for engineering, science, and industry.” of DEC’s VAX and the VAX Computing Environment. Bell has been involved in, or responsible for, the design of many products at Digital, Encore, Ardent, and a score of other companies. He has been involved in the design of about 30 multiprocessors.
BODY WEIGHT OF PODISUS MACULIVENTRIS (SAY) UNDER VARIOUS FEEDING REGIMENS

Body weights were measured for Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) given low prey inputs. Predators were fed green bean slices ad lib and a single mealworm larva (Tenebrio molitor L.) of one of two size classes, for a 24-h period every 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 days. Other treatments included predators fed to excess of daily attacks, predators given only green bean slices, and predators given no food. Results showed that predators fed bean slices maintained body weight after an initial decline, whereas predators given no food lost weight continually until death. Predators maintained weight when fed prey ad lib, and when fed prey of either size daily. Those fed at longer intervals lost weight between feedings, and weight fluctuations increased as the interfeeding interval increased. Slopes of weight change between feedings did not differ significantly for predators fed at 2- through 16-day intervals. During oviposition, predators lost about 15 mg of body weight. Egg clutches comprised about 60% of the weight lost. Egg weights did not differ among treatments. The results suggest that P. maculiventris can survive long periods without prey, and adjusts its weight loss by reducing reproductive effort when prey become scarce. The importance of these adaptations for P. maculiventris to sustain populations in agricultural systems is discussed.
Contamination induced stiction in drive level studies

When a thin liquid film of contamination is present between a head and disk, surface tension and viscous forces can increase the force that resists disk motion. A striction-force model is proposed. The model shows fairly good agreement with the data. Both the model and the data show that stiction forces increase with decreasing surface roughness and increasing contamination thickness. >
Perceptions of Similarity and Responsibility Attributions to an Acquaintance Sexual Assault Victim

Individuals view similar rape victims as less responsible for the rape than victims perceived as dissimilar. However, it is unclear if individuals hold victims they perceive as similar less responsible for the assault, or if individuals view themselves as more similar to victims they do not view as responsible for the assault. The current study, therefore, examined the temporal relationship between these constructs. A total of 167 college women listened to a date narrative that ended in sexual assault, consensual sex, or no sexual activity (these last two served as controls). Results supported that participants viewed themselves as less similar to the woman in the narrative when the date ended in sexual assault. Only similarity ratings made following learning that the woman was sexually assaulted predicted responsibility attributions suggesting that viewing a victim as responsible for the assault results in decreased perceptions of similarity toward her. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Use of vital dyes in conjunction with the semivitro technic for the detection of pollen tube sperm nuclei.

The technique we describe here is a modification of that used by Hough et al. (1985), combined with “semivitro” pollen tube observations. With the semivitro technique, pollen tubes grow from the cut ends of pollinated styles (Brewbaker and Majumder 1961). Pollen of Nicotiana alata was presoaked for 15 min in simplified medium (Brewbaker and Kwack 1963) (10% sucrose, 300 ppm Ca(NO3)2, 100 ppm H3BO3 with the addition of 0.5 mg/ml of Hoechst 33258 stain from Serva Biochemicals, Heidelberg, Control H, purchased June 1983). (For germination of Nicotiana alata pollen in vitro, we use this same solution, except with 12% sucrose). After this prestaining, the pollen suspension was centrifuged for 5 min at 1200 × g, the pellet resuspended in control Brewbaker medium (i.e., no stain), recentrifuged and used to pollinate detached pistils. The pistils were then incubated at 25 C in a water-saturated atmosphere for 20 hr. At this time, the styles were cut just ahead of the front of the growing pollen tubes (Mulcahy and...
Alcohol expectancy multiaxial assessment: a memory network-based approach

Despite several decades of activity, alcohol expectancy research has yet to merge measurement approaches with developing memory theory. This article offers an expectancy assessment approach built on a conceptualization of expectancy as an information processing network. The authors began with multidimensional scaling models of expectancy space, which served as heuristics to suggest confirmatory factor analytic dimensional models for entry into covariance structure predictive models. It is argued that this approach permits a relatively thorough assessment of the broad range of potential expectancy dimensions in a format that is very flexible in terms of instrument length and specificity versus breadth of focus.
Experience with 969 Minimal Access Colectomies: The Role of Hand-Assisted Laparoscopy in Expanding Minimally Invasive Surgery for Complex Colectomies

Background Laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (LAC) is not performed widely despite numerous patient benefits. LAC is difficult to perform and the learning curve is steep. Hand-assisted laparoscopy (HALS) permits placement of a hand into the abdomen to assist the dissection. Our aim was to analyze the impact of HALS on a minimal access colectomy (MAC) practice. Study Design A prospectively maintained database was retrospectively reviewed for all LAC and HALS colectomies. HALS was introduced in November 2003, and analysis was performed for the ensuing 3-year period. Procedure types, conversion rates, operation duration, complications, and length of stay were determined. Results During the study period, 969 MACs were performed (373 HALS, 596 LAC). Although HALS was used for all types of colorectal resection, it was most commonly used for complex colectomies (left-sided and total colectomies). HALS complex colectomies increased 44% from 2004 to 2005, and 24% from 2005 to 2006. Conversely, LAC complex colectomies decreased 29% (2004 to 2005) and then increased 27% (2005 to 2006). There were no demographic differences between patient groups. For complex colectomies, HALS substantially reduced operative time (mean ± SD; LAC, 258±90minutes; HALS, 242±89minutes; p=0.037) and conversion rate (LAC, 15.3% versus HALS, 3.4%, p Conclusions HALS increased the number of MACs performed. More notably, HALS was used preferentially for complex colectomies. HALS effectively bridges the complexity divide between minimal access and open procedures. HALS may serve as a technology to expand MAC.
Conjoint patient-staff interview in hospital case management.

The authors describe an innovative method for psychiatric consultation-liaison with hospital management cases in which, after separate preparatory interviews, the patient and nursing staff are seen together. This conjoint approach enables the consultant to observe directly, confront, and correct misperceptions and maladaptive transactions that interfere with the functioning of the health-care team.
Asymptotic relations between shear stresses and normal stresses in general incompressible fluids

It is shown that in the general theory of incompressible simple fluids with fading memory there are, for several types of nonsteady shearing motions, simple universal asymptotic relations between the shear stress S12 and the first normal stress difference N1 = S22 – S11. The kinematical situations considered include initiation of steady shearing, rest after steady shearing, and sinusoidal oscillation. In, for example, relaxation following cessation of a steady shearing flow with rate of shear κ, there holds, to within an error O(κ4): This and the other derived universal relations between N1 and S12 are either consequences of, or are closely related to a general asymptotic formula [B. D. Coleman and W. Noll, Revs. Mod. Phys., 33, 239 (1961), eq. (6.15)] expressing N1 as an integral of the product of the shear relaxation modulus and the square of the history of the relative shear strain.
The UltraSAN modeling environment

Abstract Model-based evaluation of computer systems and networks is an increasingly important activity. For modeling to be used effectively, software environments are needed that ease model specification, construction, and solution. Easy to use, graphical methods for model specification that support solution of families of models with differing parameter values are also needed. Since no model solution technique is ideal for all situations, multiple analysis and simulation-based solution techniques should be supported. This paper describes UltraSAN , one such software environment. The design of UltraSAN reflects its two main purposes: to facilitate the evaluation of realistic computer systems and networks, and to provide a test-bed for investigating new modeling techniques. In UltraSAN , models are specified using stochastic activity networks, a stochastic variant of Petri nets, using a graphical X-Window based interface that supports large-scale model specification, construction, and solution. Models may be parameterized to reduce the effort required to solve families of models, and a variety of analysis and simulation-based solution techniques are supported. The package has a modular organization that makes it easy to add new construction and solution techniques as they become available. In addition to describing the features, capabilities, and organization of UltraSAN , the paper illustrates the use of the package in the solution for the unreliability of a fault-tolerant multiprocessor using two solution techniques.
Proventriculitis in Broiler Chickens: Immunohistochemical Characterization of the Lymphocytes Infiltrating the Proventricular Glands:

Broiler chickens with transmissible proventriculitis have severe lymphocytic infiltration of the proventricular glands. The distribution of T cells and B cells in these infiltrates was studied histopathologically, and their identity was confirmed immunohistochemically (CD3, CD4, CD8, and B cells). To reproduce this disease, 1-day-old commercial boilers were orally gavaged with homogenized proventriculi from broilers with proventriculitis. Resulting lesions were examined at both acute (7 days postinoculation (dpi)) and chronic (14 and 21 dpi) time points. Lymphocytic infiltrates in the proventricular glands and the mucosal lamina propria were present at all time points and were most prominent and demarcated at 14 dpi. T and B lymphocytes were present during acute and chronic proventriculitis, but their distribution varied within the glands. Lymphocytic infiltrates in the proventricular glands and in the lamina propria were predominantly CD3 T cells, and most of these were also CD8. B cells and CD4 T cells formed aggregates in chronic proventriculitis. Thus, both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses are induced during transmissible proventriculitis, and the cell- mediated immune response is morphologically greater.
Characterization and Implementation of a Vision-Based 6-DOF Localization System

Testing and validation of flight hardware in ground-based facilities ca n result in significant cost savings and risk reduction. We focus particular attention on ground validation for small satellite proximity operations. We designed a relative motion emulation system for aerospace vehicles using Relative Motion Vehicles (RMVs) capable of large planar motion and limited 6 degree-of-freedom motion. Though the state of the RMV is approximated through internal sensors, an external measurement system is required to correct for secular drift. The commercial NorthStar system from Evolution Robotics provides a vision-based 2-D localization solution using active infrared (IR) beacons. This paper addresses characterization and implementation of the NorthStar system as a 6-DOF state measurement system. The noise characteristics of the NorthStar Detector were determined, as were the output characteristics of the IR light emitting diode (LED) beacons. These characteristics were used to produce a high fidelity model of the measurement system in which multiple Detectors are placed around the perimeter of the workspace and multiple beacons are installed on the RMV. Simulation and hardware test results demonstrate the efficacy of this approac h. Nomenclature
Hypnotic Inductions with Deaf and Hearing Subjects – an Initial Comparison

Abstract 17 volunteer deaf Ss were compared with 18 volunteer hearing Ss on the Stanford Hypnotic Clinical Scale (SHCS) of Morgan and J. R. Hilgard (1975), and the Indirect Suggestion Scale (ISS) of Matthews and Mosher (1985) in a 2 × 2 ANOVA design. 5 dependent measures: (a) objective scale score; (b) self-report scale score; (c) S rapport with the hypnotist; (d) S resistance to the hypnotist; and (e) overall subjective rating of trance experience were employed to measure any differences between the 2 groups. For SHCS behavioral items, the two-way ANOVA failed to reveal any significant main effect or interaction differences between either group (deaf/hearing) or method of induction (direct/indirect). There was a significant main effect for deaf/hearing groups in level of resistance to the hypnotist. Deaf Ss reported feeling more resistant to the hypnotist than did hearing Ss. This may be due to the mode of communication or the fact that the hypnotist was hearing. Implications and limitations of the study...
Predictability of Acetabular Component Angular Change with Postural Shift from Standing to Sitting Position.

Background: The angles of the acetabular component of a total hip replacement change with body postural changes, and this change can affect stability and wear. We sought to correlate the intraoperative angles of inclination and anteversion of the cup with the changes in these angles when patients moved from standing to sitting and determine if these changes were predictable. Methods: Eighty-five patients (eighty-five hips) had sagittal (lateral) spinopelvic radiographs made while they were standing and while they were sitting before and after undergoing total hip replacement. The spinosacral tilt and the pelvic tilt were measured on these radiographs. The angles of acetabular inclination and anteversion achieved at surgery changed during sitting. Each patient was classified according to the stiffness of the spine/pelvis as measured by the change in posterior sacral or pelvic tilt between the standing and sitting positions. The magnitude of change of the sagittal cup position (termed ante-inclination) was correlated to the stiffness classification of the pelvis. An experimental phantom model reproduced possible combinations of intraoperative inclination and anteversion and correlated them to sagittal ante-inclination according to pelvic tilt. Results: The pelves with normal stiffness tilted posteriorly 20° to 35° with the postural change from standing to sitting. Ante-inclination of the acetabular cup averaged 29.6° ± 8.4° (95% confidence interval [CI] = 13.1° to 46°) with standing and 54.6° ± 10.2° (95% CI = 44.4° to 64.8°) with sitting. The stiff pelves had a mean of 4° less tilt than those with normal stiffness and 13° less than the hypermobile pelves with the postoperative sitting position. The phantom model showed ante-inclination could be predicted by measuring the preoperative degrees of change in sacral/pelvic tilt from standing to sitting. Conclusions: Ante-inclination during sitting results in a more vertical acetabular cup, which can result in hip instability, especially drop-out dislocation, and edge-loading wear. Patients with supine coronal cup inclination of ≥50° and anteversion of ≥25° and those with a hypermobile pelvis are at risk. It is the pelvic spatial position during postural change that creates the postoperative consequences of the surgical cup placement.
Changes in the Earth's rotational energy induced by earthquakes

SUMMARY The kinetic energy of the Earth's rotation can be separated into two parts: the spin energy and the polar-motion energy. Here we derive rigorous formulae for their changes, where the polar-motion energy change is related to the polar-motion excitation function via a treatment of reference frames. The formulae are then used to compute co-seismic energy changes induced by the static displacement field produced in an idealized earth model by a total of 11015 major earthquakes that occurred during the period 1977 to 1993. An extremely strong statistic is found for the earthquakes' tendency to increase the Earth's spin energy; the rate during 1977 to 1993 was +6.7 GW, about the same as the total seismic-wave energy release. The corresponding polar-motion energy changes are 10−6 times smaller and had no detectable statistical tendency in their signs.
A Pilot Study Utilizing Intraoperative Lymphoscintigraphy for Identification of the Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Vulvar Cancer

Abstract Objective. To identify sentinel lymph nodes using intraoperative lymphoscintigraphy. Methods. Technetium-99-labeled sulfur colloid was injected at the site of primary vulvar carcinoma. An intraoperative gamma counter was used to identify one or more sentinel lymph nodes. Results. Ten patients underwent bilateral inguinal and femoral lymphadenectomy. The clinical stages are as follows: T1 in 6, T2 in 2, and T3 in 2. A total of four groins (3 patients) were positive for metastases. In one patient only the sentinel node was positive for disease. In a second patient, two unilateral nodes were positive for disease and both were identified with the gamma counter as sentinel nodes. In the third patient, a single sentinel node was positive for malignancy in each groin. Multiple nonsentinel lymph nodes were positive in each groin in this patient. In no case was the sentinel node negative when other nonsentinel nodes were positive. Conclusion. Intraoperative lymphoscintigraphy quantitatively identifies one or more sentinel lymph nodes. Since sentinel lymph nodes can be localized transcutaneously, this technique may be useful for selective lymphadenectomy. Larger patient accrual is necessary to verify this technique.
Fetal Blood Calcium Response to Maternal Parathyroid and Vitamin D Administration in Guinea Pigs

Base line values were established for total and filterable maternal and fetal blood calcium in the guinea pig. It was also demonstrated that parathyroid extract and vitamin D raised the maternal total and filterable calcium levels but had no effect on fetal plasma calcium values.
16×2 Thermally Actuating and Sensing Probe Array

This paper developed an active scanning probe array. The probe array consists of 16×2 probes thermally actuating and sensing. The 32 probes are integrated with Ti/Pt temperature sensors and bimorph thermal actuators. Each probe is a Si3N4 cantilever equipped with a sharp nano scale pyramid tip at its free end. When one of the probes is actuated, its neighboring probes can provide temperature sensing feedback. The temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the embedded Ti/Pt sensor of each probe is 2100 ppm ℃^(-1), and the micro thermal actuator shows good reliability after 500 cycles over specification continuous actuating test.
HydroSense: A self-powered wireless device for monitoring water usage in hotel showers

Global water consumption is increasing as the world's population grows. Hotels significantly contribute to increased water consumption in the U.S. and around the world. Most hotels do not monitor individual guest water usage, resulting in millions of gallons of potable water wasted every year by hotel guests. This paper presents HydroSense, a novel low cost, accurate, small size, low power, wireless device for monitoring water use from hotel room showers. HydroSense is targeted for the hotel industry to reduce costs by promoting water conservation among hotel guests. HydroSense fits most new and existing hotel shower fixtures and wirelessly transmits hotel guest water usage data simplifying infrastructure requirements. The proposed technology will promote an increased awareness of water conservation practices among hotel guests thereby helping to reduce potable water consumption for hotels. HydroSense will also reduce energy use by decreasing the energy demand of hotel hot water heaters. In this paper, the design of HydroSense is presented along with a preliminary market analysis, estimates on the water and energy savings resulting from installation, and projections for return-on-investment by a hotel. Additional applications of HydroSense for conserving water and improving water usage outside of the hospitality industry are presented.
Microwave Dielectric Properties Measurements of Sodium and Potassium Water Glasses

Abstract Dielectric properties of alkali silicates ((Na,K)2(SiO2)nO) or ‘water glasses’ are a critical input into the electromagnetic modeling of these materials, which have a broad range of applications. Recent increased interest in understanding geopolymerization of aluminosilicates with water glasses and the potential to improve understanding of the role of moisture in damage due to alkali–silica reaction (ASR) in concrete (where water glass is a suitable analogue for ASR gel) motivates this research. This investigation presents the results of microwave dielectric property measurement of twelve laboratory-produced (synthetic) water glass samples at X-band (8.2–12.4 GHz). Results show an exponential decay of loss factor as a function of increasing silica-to-alkali ratio, suggesting a correlation with increase in bound water in the samples and a decrease in the fluid ionic concentration. The results provide an insight into the temporal changes of the dielectric properties of ASR-affected materials, as well as geopolymers.
Foldback transposable elements in plants

A novel transposon family was discovered in plants. This family, designated SoFT (Solanaceae Foldback Transposon), exhibit striking structural similarity to the 'foldback' class of animal transposons. SoFT elements consist of a middle segment surrounded by long terminal inverted repeats. Two of the identified SoFT elements have 'classical' foldback structure: their inverted repeats are divided into two domains. The outer domain consists of tandemly arranged subrepeats, whereas the inner domain is non-repetitive and AT-rich. The existence of foldback elements in plants as well as in animals suggests that long inverted repeat (foldback) transposons are ubiquitous among eukaryotes.
ff14ipq: A Self-Consistent Force Field for Condensed-Phase Simulations of Proteins

We present the ff14ipq force field, implementing the previously published IPolQ charge set for simulations of complete proteins. Minor modifications to the charge derivation scheme and van der Waals interactions between polar atoms are introduced. Torsion parameters are developed through a generational learning approach, based on gas-phase MP2/cc-pVTZ single-point energies computed of structures optimized by the force field itself rather than the quantum benchmark. In this manner, we sacrifice information about the true quantum minima in order to ensure that the force field maintains optimal agreement with the MP2/cc-pVTZ benchmark for the ensembles it will actually produce in simulations. A means of making the gas-phase torsion parameters compatible with solution-phase IPolQ charges is presented. The ff14ipq model is an alternative to ff99SB and other Amber force fields for protein simulations in programs that accommodate pair-specific Lennard–Jones combining rules. The force field gives strong performan...
Analyzing Coral Reefs and Their Microbial Assemblages

Coral reefs harbor the largest biodiversity of any marine environment on Earth. Regrettably, these reefs now face threats of anthropogenic origin at global and local scales.
Where do behavior therapists take their troubles

The tendency to establish competing factions between insight and action therapy is like proclaiming that penicillin is better (or worse) than vitamins. Behavior therapy and insight-oriented therapy often have different aims, goals and purposes. Increased awareness and personal understanding through self-exploration is a viable goal in and of itself—especially for relatively well-functioning “behavior therapists.” Of course, most cases call for increased self-understanding and specific behavior change.
Treating Emetophobia and Panic Symptoms in an Adolescent Female: A Case Study

Emetophobia is an understudied specific phobia, especially during the developmental stage of adolescence. Adult and child literatures suggest that a combined approach of psychopharmacological and c...
Chronic Pulmonary Disease in the Trauma Patient

The occurrence in the trauma victim of atelectasis, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and ventilator dependence varies based on the type and severity of injury, as well as the degree of un¬derlying pulmonary reserve. This reserve may be severely compromised in patients with a history of smoking, cough, and obstructive lung disease. Timely identification of a chronic pulmonary dysfunction and the early institution of pharmacologic measures and respiratory care may serve to reduce pulmonary complications in this high-risk group.
Take two: Sources and deterrents of score change in employment retesting

Abstract Retesting occurs at all stages of the candidate life cycle—from screening and selection through development and promotion—and therefore has numerous human resource implications. Existing frameworks of retest performance address statistical and conceptual issues related to retest score change; however, little is understood about what causes score gains due to repeat administrations and the effect this has on construct and criterion-related validity. This article reviews the literature on retest effects and introduces a number of factors, including a) construct-relevant change, b) construct-irrelevant change due to individual difference traits, states, and motivation, and c) methods and procedures that may deter construct-irrelevant contamination between tests. In cases where empirical evidence is lacking, propositions are presented to guide future research in evaluating the extent to which construct-irrelevant individual differences and motives contaminate retest performance. We also review ways organizations may limit construct-irrelevant score gains in retesting by attempting to standardize test administration and enhance test security. We end with a discussion of the framework's implications on retest score-based decisions, and methods to mitigate retest score contamination. It is hoped that this paper will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of retest effects in organizational settings and a way forward for both research and practice.
The Leukemic Fusion Gene NUP98-HOXD13 Suppresses Non-Homologous End Joining Factors and Impairs DNA Double Strand Break Repair

Abstract 521 Chromosomal translocations are hallmark features of hematologic malignancies that often require collaborating mutations for malignant transformation. These secondary mutations can occur spontaneously, or rather, be induced by the primary translocation. Mutations can occur as a result of DNA damage and misrepair with DNA double strand breaks being one of the most serious types of cell damage. Double strand breaks are classically repaired by the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) mechanism and impaired NHEJ has been shown to promote mutagenesis. Transgenic mice expressing the myeloid leukemic fusion gene NUP98-HOXD13 ( NHD13 ) develop Myelodysplastic syndrome and progress to acute leukemia after acquiring secondary mutations. Our studies have shown that B lymphocyte development and class switch recombination are impaired in stimulated B lymphocytes from NHD13 mice. Based on this, we used in vitro class switch recombination (CSR) to delineate the DNA break induction and repair mechanisms in NHD13 B lymphocytes. Naive B lymphocytes were harvested from wild type (WT) and NHD13 spleens and cultured in the presence of E.coli Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and IL-4 to induce CSR. The DNA break induction pattern was determined using phosphorylated H2AX labeling combined with confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Our results showed that NHD13 B lymphocytes had a comparable break induction pattern, but significantly reduced DNA repair. Analysis of the cell cycle pattern of stimulated B cells at 24 hour intervals showed cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase at 72 hours following stimulation—a hallmark feature of impaired DNA break repair. We analyzed the expression of classical NHEJ and alternative end joining factors including Ku70, Ku80, DNA Protein Kinase catalytic subunit (DNAPKcs), Xrcc4, DNA ligase 4, Ligase 1, and Ligase 3. Our results showed reduced expression of DNAPKcs, Ligase 4 and Xrcc4 in NHD13 B lymphocytes at 72 hours following stimulation, suggesting that cells failed to initiate NHEJ-mediated DNA repair. Our results suggest that a myeloid leukemic gene can impair the DNA repair mechanism and may indirectly promote mutations necessary for malignant transformation. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Optical switching performance metrics for scalable data centers

Optical switching can address some key challenges associated with scaling the communications infrastructure in data centers. We review the critical metrics that would enable significant performance gains and thereby wide adoption in data centers.
Parental Deployment, Adolescent Academic and Social–Behavioral Maladjustment, and Parental Psychological Well-being in Military Families:

Objective:Increases in the frequency and length of military deployments have raised concerns about the well-being of military families. We examined the relationship between a military parent’s deployment and (1) adolescent academic and social–behavioral maladjustment and (2) parental psychological well-being.Methods:We collected data from April 2013 through January 2014 from 1021 families of enlisted US Army personnel with children aged 12 or 13 during the Military Teenagers’ Environments, Exercise, and Nutrition Study. Through online parent surveys, we collected data on deployment, adolescent academic and social–behavioral maladjustment, and parental psychological well-being. We estimated adjusted logistic and linear regression models for adolescents (all, boys, girls), military parents (all, fathers, mothers), and civilian parents.Results:Compared with no or short deployments, long deployments (>180 days in the past 3 years) were associated with significantly higher odds of decreases in adolescent acade...
20 Years of teaching parallel processing to computer science seniors

In this paper, we present our Concurrent Systems class, where parallel programming and parallel and distributed computing (PDC) concepts have been taught for more than 20 years. Despite several rounds of changes in hardware, the class maintains its goals of allowing students to learn parallel computer organizations, studying parallel algorithms, and writing code to be able to run on parallel and distributed platforms. We discuss the benefits of such a class, reveal the key elements in developing this class and receiving funding to replace outdated hardware. We will also share our activities in attracting more students to be interested in PDC and related topics.
A Simpler Formulation for Effective Mass Calculated from Experimental Free Mode Shapes of a Test Article on a Fixture

Effective mass for a particular mode in a particular direction is classically calculated using a combination of fixed base mode shapes, the mass matrix, and a rigid body mode shape from a finite element model. Recently, an experimental method was developed to calculate effective mass using free experimental mode shapes of a structure on a fixture (the base) along with the measured mass of the fixture and of the test article. The method required three steps. The first step involved constraining all the free modes of the fixture except one rigid body mode in the direction of interest. The second step involved calculating pseudo-modal participation factors for this case. The third step involved constraining the final fixture rigid body degree of freedom and utilizing the constraint matrices with pseudo-modal participation factors to obtain the estimate of the standard modal participation factors which can be converted to effective mass. This work provides a simpler formulation. After the constraint in step one above, the effective masses are calculated directly from the mass normalized mode shapes of the fixture. In most cases this method gives the same answer as the original approach, within experimental error. In some instances, it appears more robust with low signal to noise ratios. It also provides better physical insight as to which modes have significant effective mass in a particular direction. The new approach is illustrated by experimental example.