cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CSMD1 Is a Novel Multiple Domain Complement-Regulatory Protein Highly Expressed in the Central Nervous System and Epithelial Tissues

In this study, we describe the identification and in vitro functional activity of a novel multiple domain complement regulatory protein discovered based on its homology to short consensus repeat (SCR)-containing proteins of the regulators of complement activation (RCA) gene family. The rat cDNA encodes a predicted 388-kDa protein consisting of 14 N-terminal CUB domains that are separated from each other by a SCR followed by 15 tandem SCR domains, a transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic tail. This protein is the homolog of the human protein of unknown function called the CUB and sushi multiple domains 1 (CSMD1) protein. A cloning strategy that incorporates the two C-terminal CUB-SCR domains and 12 of the tandem SCR repeats was used to produce a soluble rat CSMD1 protein. This protein blocked classical complement pathway activation in a comparable fashion with rat Crry but did not block alternative pathway activation. Analysis of CSMD1 mRNA expression by in situ hybridization and immunolabeling of neurons indicates that the primary sites of synthesis are the developing CNS and epithelial tissues. Of particular significance is the enrichment of CSMD1 in the nerve growth cone, the amoeboid-leading edge of the growing neuron. These results suggest that CSMD1 may be an important regulator of complement activation and inflammation in the developing CNS, and that it may also play a role in the context of growth cone function.
The use of patient and physician reminders for preventive services: results from a National Study of Physician Organizations.

Background. Clinical preventive services improve patient health, and reminder systems can increase the use of such services. However, physician organizations often underutilize clinical preventive service reminders. Little is known about the incentives, capabilities, and organizational characteristics associated with the use of reminders by physician organizations. Methods. The predictors of patient and physician reminder system use were examined in a sample of 1,104 US physician organizations. The cross-sectional sample was obtained through a telephone survey with a 70% response rate. Results. Fifty-one percent of physician organizations used mammogram reminders, 41% used influenza immunization reminders, and 26% used eye exam reminders for patients. Eighteen percent of physician organizations used computer-generated reminders to physicians. Required reporting of data (P = 0.0006), public recognition for quality (P = 0.0002), and IT capabilities (P < 0.0001) were strongly associated with patient reminder use. Medical groups were more likely to use patient-level reminders than independent practice associations (IPAs) (P < 0.0001). Physician reminder use was related to required reporting of data (P < 0.0001) and IT capabilities (P < 0.0001). Conclusions. Physician organizations have relatively low use of preventive service reminders to patients and physicians. Offering quality incentives to physician organizations and improving their IT capabilities may increase the use of preventive service reminders and improve the delivery of preventive care.
Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in Women With 1 to 3 Breast Cancer Brain Metastases Treated With Definitive Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Background With the continuing increase in the use of definitive stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for patients with limited brain metastases (BM), clinicians need more specific prognostic tools. We investigated clinical predictors of outcomes in patients with limited breast cancer BM treated with SRS alone. Methods and Materials We identified 136 patients with breast cancer and 1-3 BM who underwent definitive SRS for 186 BM between 2000 and 2012. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess overall survival (OS), regional failure (RF), and local failure (LF). Associations between clinical factors and outcomes were tested using Cox regression. A point scoring system was used to stratify patients based on OS, and the predictive power was tested with concordance probability estimate (CPE). Results The median OS was 17.6 months. The 12-month RF and LF rates were 45% and 10%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, >1 lesion (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.6, P =.02), triple-negative (TN) disease (HR=2.0, P =.006), and active extracranial disease (ED) (HR=2.7, P P P =.0007) was significantly associated with RF. Higher risk for LF was significantly associated with larger BM size (HR=3.1, P =.0001). Conclusion Patients with >1 BM, active ED, and TN had the highest risk of death after SRS. Active ED is an important prognostic factor for OS and intracranial control.
A Fieldwise Retrieval Approach to the Noise Versus Resolution Tradeoff in Wind Scatterometry

This paper approaches the noise versus resolution tradeoff in wind scatterometry from a fieldwise retrieval perspective. Theoretical considerations are discussed, and a practical implementation is developed and applied to the SeaWinds scatterometer. The approach is compared with conventional approaches, as well as numerical weather predictions and buoys. The new method incorporates knowledge of the wind spectrum to reduce the impact of components of the wind signal that are expected to be noisy while enabling reconstruction of fine-scale features that are distinguishable from noise.
Colonization and reproduction of large macroinvertebrates are enhanced by drought-related fish reductions

Aquatic predators and habitat permanence can jointly affect benthic invertebrate biomass and community composition. In 2006 I sampled fish and invertebrates in ten ponds embedded in a seasonal wetland before and after a natural drought. Drought reduced fish biomass and density leaving some ponds in a fishless condition when rains returned in July. In July, large aquatic insects and crayfish colonized and reproduced in the ponds, but did not colonize all of the ponds equally. Using measurements of fish abundance and other environmental parameters of the ponds, I conducted linear regression analyses to explore potential drivers of variable invertebrate biomass in July. Fish biomass had a negative effect on invertebrate biomass and it explained more of the variation in total invertebrate biomass and total non-shrimp biomass than fish abundance (number of fish caught). Dissolved oxygen and pond depth were both correlated with fish biomass, but were poorer predictors of invertebrate biomass. Ponds with few or no fish had 20× greater total biomass and 200× more non-shrimp biomass than ponds with high fish biomass. Shrimp dominated the invertebrate composition, and were only found in the two deepest ponds with the highest fish biomass; predatory insects and crayfish dominated the other eight ponds. When taxa were analyzed separately, fish biomass explained a large portion of the variation for predatory insects (Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Odonata) and crayfish (Procambarus alleni), but dissolved oxygen was the best predictor of larval stratiomyid (order Diptera) biomass. These results are generally consistent with studies demonstrating negative effects of fish on large predatory invertebrates, but also suggest that more severe local droughts can seasonally enhance insect and crayfish populations by generating fishless or nearly fishless conditions.
RGD targeting of human ferritin iron oxide nanoparticles can enhance in vivo carotid MRI of experimental atherosclerosis

2) RGD-conjugated HFn-iron oxide nanoparticles Using the recombinant human heavy-chain ferritin protein cage, HFn was genetically engineered to display 24 copies of an RGD-4C peptide (CDCRGDCFC) on the exterior surface of the protein cage. Magnetite (Fe3O4) was encapsulated in interior cavities of RGD-conjugated HFn (RGD HFn) and non-targeted HFn (RGD HFn) at loading factors of 5000Fe per cage, giving R2 values of 93 mMs (magnetite diameter: 5-7nm, exterior diameter: 12nm). The injected dose was adjusted to 25mgFe/kg. 3) MRI Two weeks post ligation, mice were imaged on a wholebody 3T MRI scanner (Signa HDx, GE Healthcare) with a phased array mouse coil (RAPID MR International), using a gradient echo sequence (TR/TE=100ms/10ms, slice thickness=1.0mm, FOV=3cm, matrix=256x256, FA=60, NEX=10). Mice were then injected with either RGD (n=7) or RGD (n=7) HFn nanoparticles, followed by MRI at 24 and 48 hours post injection. The nanoparticle accumulation was assessed by measuring the extent of T2*-induced reduction in carotid lumen size (% reduction of carotid lumen area).
Learning from tracking waste: How transparent trash networks affect sustainable attitudes and behavior

Building on top of an experiment in tracking the movement of trash, we tested whether viewing this sensor data would change peoples' sustainability attitudes and behaviors. We showed subjects real-time maps of trash tagged with networked GPS sensors, and surveyed them before and after seeing this information. Our results show that subjects did not significantly change their behavior in the long run, but they reported better understanding of where their trash went and how tracking technologies worked. Those who participated in deploying sensors reacted differently on some questions from those who had not volunteered. This study illustrates both limits and new opportunities for the Internet of Things to improve sustainability outreach and action at the grassroots level.
Sarah and Hagar in Ibn 'Asākir's History of Damascus

This article examines how Ibn 'Asākir (1105-76)—in keeping with the well-established fadā' il al-Shām (merits of bilād al-Shām ) tradition—fashions portraits of Sarah and Hagar in his Ta'rīkh madīnat Dimashq (History of Damascus) to extol their special role in the sacred history of God working through his human agents in Syria's past. As is the case in his biographies of other sacred and pious figures in Syria's past, Ibn 'Asākir's biographies of Sarah and Hagar are also intended to provide a moral example as well as pious inspiration for the faithful.
Sterol synthesis by cultured zooxanthellae; implications concerning sterol metabolism in the host-symbiont association in caribbean gorgonians

Abstract 1. 1. The sterol composition of three taxonomically diverse Caribbean gorgonians, Briareum asbestinum (Pallas), Muriceopsis flavida (Deichmann and Bayer), and Gorgonia mariae (Bayer) is reported. As noted earlier, gorgosterol and 23-demethylgorgosterol are major components. 2. 2. The sterol composition of cultured, single colony-derived zooxanthellae isolated from these gorgonians reflects a preponderant synthesis of 4α-methyl sterols, with gorgosterol and 23-demethylgorgosterol being absent. 3. 3. Sterol analyses of three zooxanthellae-free Pacific gorgonians, Pacifigorgia adamsii (Verrill), Lophogorgia alba (Duchaissang and Michelotti) and Lophogorgia cuspidata (Verrill) point towards the existence of dietary-sterols, thus demonstrating a contrast with the composition of zooxanthellae-bearing Caribbean gorgonians. 4. 4. Our results lead to the conclusion that either some unprecedented steps in sterol biosynthesis are occurring or that sterol synthesis by zooxanthellae proceeds in different directions depending whether the algae live symbiotically or alone.
Comparison of Constant Lift-Coefficient Climbs with Flight-Manual Climbs for a Jet Transport

Aircraft climb trajectories utilizing a constant lift coefficient are investigated for the KC-135. Analytical and numerical approaches are presented. The objective is to climb to a prespecified altitude with a given amount of fuel and maximize the range. The optimum constant CL is determined and the corresponding trajectory compared with that resulting from flight-manual climbs. Although the constant CL strategy is easy to implement, its resulting efficiency is not as great as that resulting from the flight-manual climb. Nomenclature X = surface range h = altitude V = velocity 7 = flight-path angle with respect to horizontal m = total mas.s g = acceleration due to gravity D = %pSV2CD = drag force L = %pSV*CL = lift force p = air density S = reference area T(h,v) = thrust e = thrust angle of attack a = angle of attack CL = lift coefficient CD = drag coefficient CDQ = drag coefficient at zero lift n(h,v) = specific fuel consumption V*(ti) = specified cruise velocity m*(ti) = fuel consumption rate during cruise AR = aspect ratio e = efficiency factor k = (irARe)-1 = CX/CL
High Resolution Separation of Urinary Organic Acids by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract Reverse phase, anion exchange, and two-dimensional HPLC techniques were studied in order to increase resolution of organic urinary acids for eventual quantitative measurements. Reverse phase HPLC with a phosphate buffer/acetonitrile gradient yielded a separation of over 85 components in forty minutes and a peak area reproducibility of better than 5%. Connecting two reverse phase columns together resulted in the separation of 110 components. Anion exchange chromatography was determined to be of little use in resolving urinary acids in a resonable time except as the first stage in two-dimensional chromatography where fractions from the anion exchange column were injected into a reverse phase column. Over 139 components were separated by this two-dimensional method.
trans-Bis(hinokitiolato)copper(II) trans-bis(hinokitiolato)palladium(II) cocrystals with (5/1) and (3/2) formulations.

trans-Bis(3-isopropyl-7-oxocyclohepta-1,3,5-trien-1-olato)copper(II) trans-bis(3-isopropyl-7-oxocyclohepta-1,3,5-trien-1-olato)palladium(II) as the (5/1) and (3/2) composites [Cu(C(10)H(11)O(2))(2)]·0.2[Pd(C(10)H(11)O(2))(2)] and [Cu(C(10)H(11)O(2))(2)]·0.67[Pd(C(10)H(11)O(2))(2)], respectively, where 3-isopropyl-7-oxocyclohepta-1,3,5-trien-1-olate is the systematic name for the hinokitiolate anion (hino), are the first mixed-metal cocrystalline products isolated from the M(x)(hino)(y) family of complexes. These cocrystals contain square-planar trans-Cu(hino)(2) and trans-Pd(hino)(2) molecules possessing crystallographic inversion symmetry. The bulk formulation for these cocrystalline compounds is Cu(1-x)Pd(x)(hino)(2), where x is 0.166 (4) for the (5/1) product and 0.399 (4) for the (3/2) product. This bulk formulation is simply a convenient average expression of the whole-molecule substitutional disorder present in these compounds. The M-O bonds are in the range 1.9210 (11)-1.9453 (10) A, the O-M-O bite angles are in the range 82.94 (4)-83.36 (4)°, and all of the hinokitiolate O atoms are involved in C-H···O hydrogen-bonding interactions.
A high speed driftchamber readout system: “Tirus”

Abstract TIRUS (Time Interval Readout Using Scalers) is a fast and accurate, digitalwire chamber readout system which is capable of operating under high background and high real count rate conditions. The system can be configured for a variety of experiments in medium energy physics, including multiple arm spectrometer setups. Drift time is measured directly by a 500 MHz counter for each wire. Timing resolution is 1 ns, readout speed is 30 to 60 ns per event and relative channel efficiency variation is less than 3%. No delay adjustments are necessary. Current results from a 28 wire prototype are presented.
LTR retroelements in the genome of Daphnia pulex

Background Long terminal repeat (LTR) retroelements represent a successful group of transposable elements (TEs) that have played an important role in shaping the structure of many eukaryotic genomes. Here, we present a genome-wide analysis of LTR retroelements in Daphnia pulex, a cyclical parthenogen and the first crustacean for which the whole genomic sequence is available. In addition, we analyze transcriptional data and perform transposon display assays of lab-reared lineages and natural isolates to identify potential influences on TE mobility and differences in LTR retroelements loads among individuals reproducing with and without sex.
New Developments in Post-transplant Maintenance Treatment of Multiple Myeloma

Treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has evolved significantly over the past two decades with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), incorporating novel therapies such as proteasome inhibitors (PIs) and immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) during induction and post-transplant maintenance therapies. We reviewed the evolution of maintenance therapy from traditional chemotherapy, interferon (IFN), and prednisone to the current use of thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib in the post-transplant maintenance setting. Based on existing literature, either thalidomide or lenalidomide can be recommended for maintenance therapy post-transplant resulting in improved progression- free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Thalidomide is less tolerated than lenalidomide and does not improve survival in patient subgroups who had achieved at least a very good partial response (VGPR) or who had chromosome 13 deletion. Thalidomide maintenance may be even detrimental in patients with high-risk cytogenetics. Alternatively, lenalidomide maintenance improves PFS in all subgroups of patients including those achieving at least a VGPR and those with high-risk cytogenetics, and improves OS in one other study. Bortezomib maintenance improves PFS and OS as part of induction and maintenance when compared to thalidomide maintenance and it is uncertain as to whether this improvement was due to bortezomib used during induction. The future research in maintenance therapy may include incorporation of current novel agents and testing new oral agents such as pomalidomide, or ixazomib or antibody therapy with elotuzumab.
Adult discrimination performance for pediatric acuity test optotypes.

Purpose. To compare adult discrimination performance on nine pediatric visual acuity tests to determine the consistency of optotype design.
Third-party policing: A theoretical analysis of an emerging trend

“Third-party policing” describes police efforts to persuade or coerce nonoffending persons to take actions which are outside the scope of their routine activities, and which are designed to indirectly minimize disorder caused by other persons or to reduce the possibility that crime may occur. The practice applies formal, noncriminal controls found in civil law as coercive tools against an intermediate class of nonoffending persons who are thought to have some power over offenders' primary environments. The police use coercion to create place guardianship that previously was absent, so as to decrease opportunities for crime and disorder. We link the theoretical bases of crime prevention to the theory of third-party policing, and examine gaps in traditional policing that have led to a formalization of policing through third parties. We examine third-party policing in two location-specific programs: the drug-abatement Beat Health Program in Oakland and the problem-solving RECAP Unit in Minneapolis. We conclu...
Development of Instrumentation for Continuous On-line Monitoring of Non-Methane Organic Carbon in Air Emissions.

Non-methane organic carbon (NMOC) is a measure of total organic carbon in an air emission, excluding that from methane. Thus, it measures the total amount of carbon, irrespective of the structure and functional groups in the molecule. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 25 is used for quantification of NMOC in emission sources and in ambient air. This method involves laboratory analysis of collected air samples and cannot be used for real-time measurements. It is prone to interferences from CO2, CH4, and CO, as well as moisture. In this paper, a novel method for continuous, on-line monitoring of NMOC in air emissions and ambient air is presented. Detection limits are at ppb levels, and interference of permanent gases have been eliminated.
Evaluation of polymer rheology from drop spreading experiments

In this paper, spreading experiments on “heavy” polymer drops are performed. “Heavy” refers to large polymer drops, i.e., the radius of the drop, R, is much larger than the capillary length, κ-1, so that the spreading is dictated by gravity. The zero-shear viscosity can be found from measurements of the time-dependent drop radius or vice versa. Viscosity values found from spreading experiments compare well with the viscosity values found from dynamic rheological experiments.
Sensitivity of entangled photon holes to loss and amplification

Energy-time entangled photon holes are shown to be relatively insensitive to photon loss due to absorption by atoms whose coherence times are longer than the time delays typically employed in nonlocal interferometry (a fraction of a nanosecond). Roughly speaking, the excited atoms do not retain any significant ''which-path'' information regarding the time at which a photon was absorbed. High-intensity entangled photon holes can also be amplified under similar conditions. Decoherence does occur from losses at beam splitters, and these results show that photon loss cannot always be adequately modeled using a sequence of beam splitters. These properties of entangled photon holes may be useful in quantum communications systems where the range of the system is limited by photon loss.
Analysis of a radar beamformer based on a photonic delay line

A photonic means of generating the element-to-element phase shifts required for the operation of a true time delay radar beamformer was developed previously by Toughlian and Zmuda for systems operating in the VHF frequency range, and extended by Monsay for operation in the radar C band. The photonic beamformer is based on an acousto-optic (AO), heterodyne optical system in which the reference beam acts as a probe of the acoustic wave in the AO cell. The time delay of the acoustic waveform readout by the optical probe from various locations along the length of the AO cell can then be imposed directly on the microwave elements of the radar beamformer, providing the correct phase for each element at whatever frequency drives the AO cell. Fundamental systems-oriented calculations are reported. Results for both optical specifications and radar performance specifications are obtained based on a mathematical model of the photonic delay line previously developed by the author. These results address the use of the photonic delay line in a standard radar beamformer.
Emergency department wait times.

To the Editor. We read with interest the article by James et al1 concerning the association between race/ethnicity and emergency department (ED) wait times. As pediatricians, we obviously are concerned about disparities in care, and as pediatric emergency medicine physicians, the potential existence of this disparity within our own ED is particularly concerning. We found the study and the analysis to be very well done but did have some questions regarding potential analyses that may further elucidate the disparity that is under investigation. Our first question concerns time of day, a potentially important confounder. ED census, and wait time, varies over …
Computation of forced convection in slow flow through ducts and packed beds—III. Heat and mass transfer in a simple cubic array of spheres

Abstract Temperature profiles and Nusselt numbers are calculated for slow three-dimensional flow through a simple cubic array of isothermal spheres. The problem is solved by a collocation method in a coordinate system which permits the surface temperature to be prescribed directly. Numerical tables and asymptotes of the calculated solutions are given. These results should be useful for planning and correlation of packed-bed experiments.
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) and IGF Binding Protein-3 (IGFBP-3) Relationship To Height Velocity In Children With Idiopathic Short Stature 493

Serum IGF-1, IGFBP-3 and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratios were correlated with height velocity of children with idiopathic short stature (ISS). Thirty-one prepubertal male children ages 6.0 +/- 2.5 SD years whose height was below 2 standard deviations were studied. Stadiometer measurements were compared at baseline and at an interval of 1.17 +/- 0.99 yrs SD. Height standard deviation scores (SDS) were -2.2 +/- 0.7 SD, and height velocity was 5.5 +/- 2.0 SD cm/yr. Changes in IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels, and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratios were weakly correlated with height velocity (R =.29 P =.046, R = -.20 p =.140, R=.27 P =.071) and not statistically correlated with changes in height SDS (R=.15 P =.212, R = -.02 P =.448, R = -.05 P =.382). The actual serum levels were consistent with ISS and not growth hormone deficiency. In conclusion, in children with ISS, changes in IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratios measured between long-term periods do not significantly correlate with height velocity. These findings suggest that serial yearly measuremenents of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 may not provide any additional information over observing height velocity in the management of children with ISS.
Cholesterol metabolism by Cheiranthus cheiri leaf and tissue culture homogenates

Abstract Cheiranthus cheiri leaf and tissue culture homogenates readily metabolize [4-14C] cholesterol to 4-cholesten-3-one. The cytoplasmic fraction has the greatest metabolic activity, although other fractions are active as well. Homogenates from Nerium oleander leaves and Dioscorea deltoidea tissue cultures are devoid of metabolic activity under identical conditions. Digitalis leaf homogenates are only about 1 70 th as active as the Cheiranthus systems. The first step in cholesterol side chain cleavage by plants may be the formation of 4-cholesten-3-one.
Ground-state properties of hcp helium-4 on the basis of a cell model

A simple cell model is used to compute the ground-state energy and the volume-pressure relation for hcp He-4, in good agreement with experiments and with more sophisticated quantum mechanical calculations.
Structure–function studies of blood and air capillaries in chicken lung using 3D electron microscopy

Avian pulmonary capillaries differ from those of mammals in three important ways. The blood-gas barrier is much thinner, it is more uniform in thickness, and the capillaries are far more rigid when their transmural pressure is altered. The thinness of the barrier is surprising because it predisposes the capillaries to stress failure. A possible mechanism for these differences is that avian pulmonary capillaries, unlike mammalian, are supported from the outside by air capillaries, but the details of the support are poorly understood. To clarify this we studied the blood and air capillaries in chicken lung using transmission electron microscopy (EM) and two relatively new techniques that allow 3D visualization: electron tomography and serial block-face scanning EM. These studies show that the pulmonary capillaries are flanked by epithelial bridges composed of two extremely thin epithelial cells with large surface areas. The junctions of the bridges with the capillary walls show thickening of the epithelial cells and an accumulation of extracellular matrix. Collapse of the pulmonary capillaries when the pressure outside them is increased is apparently prevented by the guy wire-like action of the epithelial bridges. The enlarged junctions between the bridges and the walls could provide a mechanism that limits the hoop stress in the capillary walls when the pressure inside them is increased. The support of the pulmonary capillaries may also be explained by an interdependence mechanism whereby the capillaries are linked to a rigid assemblage of air capillaries. These EM studies show the supporting structures in greater detail than has previously been possible, particularly in 3D, and they allow a more complete analysis of the mechanical forces affecting avian pulmonary capillaries.
Thermal equilibrium of a cryogenic magnetized pure electron plasma

The thermal equilibrium correlation properties of a magnetically confined pure electron plasma (McPEP) are related to those of a one-component plasma (OCP). The N-particle spatial distribution rho sub s and the Helmholtz free energy F are evaluated for the McPEP to O(lambda sub d-squared/a-squared), where lambda sub d is the thermal de Broglie wavelength and is an interparticle spacing. The electron gyromotion is allowed to be fully quantized while the guiding center motion is quasi-classical. The distribution rho sub s is shown to be identical to that of a classical OCP with a slightly modified potential. To O(lambda sub d-squared/a-squared) this modification does not affect that part of F that is caused by correlations, as long as certain requirements concerning the size of the plasma are met. This theory is motivated by a current series of experiments that involve the cooling of a magnetically confined pure electron plasma to the cryogenic temperature range.
Retirement and Interstate Migration

Studies of the relationship of migration to employment have focused on migration during the early stages of work careers. In this study migration of the recently retired is observed and found related to two factors unique to the last stage of work careers--etirement and concern for climate. Analysis of 1970 Census data shows that previous lifetime migration as well as the usual social class variables continue to exert an influence on migration. Migration of retirees to the sunshine states and to other states is predicted and differences noted between the two streams. An additive model of effects best describes the relationships observed. A broader understanding of the impact of retirement on migration is gained through a couple analysis in which patterns of retirement are observed. (authors)
A variable stiffness type boundary element formulation for axisymmetric elastoplastic media

A new ‘direct’ elastoplastic boundary element formulation for axisymmetric bodies is developed. The procedure exploits certain features of the constitutive relationship to express the unknwon non-linear initial stress rate tensor as a scalar quantity which can then be eliminated from the boundary equation system though a back substitution of the (modified) stress rate equations. This formulation is implemented in a multi-region system that utilizes quadratic isoparametric shape functions to model the geometry and field variables of the boundary and domain of a body. The kernel functions are presented in Appendix I and the singularities associated with these kernels are discussed. New techniques are described to calculate the coefficients associated with the singular nodes.
Selfish or altruistic? An analysis of alarm call function in wild capuchin monkeys, Cebus apella nigritus

Alarm calls facilitate some antipredatory benefits of group living but may endanger the caller by attracting the predator's attention. A number of hypotheses invoking kin selection and individual selection have been proposed to explain how such behaviour could evolve. This study tests eight hypotheses for alarm call evolution by examining the responses of tufted capuchin monkeys to models of felids, perched raptors and vipers. Specifically, this study examines: (1) differences between individuals in their propensity to call in response to different threat types, (2) whether there is an audience effect for alarm calling and (3) the response of conspecifics to alarms. Results indicate that the benefits likely to be afforded to the caller vary with stimulus type. Alarm calling in response to felids is most likely selfish, with calls apparently directed towards both the predator and potential conspecific mobbers. Alarm calling in response to vipers attracts additional mobbers as well, but also appears to be driven by kin selection in the case of males and parental care benefits in the case of females. Alarm responses to perched raptors are rare, but seem to be selfish, with callers benefiting by recruiting additional mobbers.
A comparison of panic disorder and agoraphobia with panic attacks

Abstract The validity of distinguishing between the diagnoses of panic disorder and agoraphobia with panic attacks was examined in a study of 20 patients with each disorder. Comparison of demographic, psychometric, and clinical features of the two groups revealed few differences. Agoraphobics scored higher on ratings of interpersonal sensitivity, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, and alcohol use. Panic disorder patients more frequently reported periods of remissions from anxiety symptomatology. These results support the validity of conceptualizing agoraphobia with panic attacks and panic disorder as subcategories of a core endogenous anxiety disorder.
Dusty ice clouds over Alaska

Particles lofted into the atmosphere by desert dust storms can disperse widely and affect climate directly through aerosol scattering and absorption. They can also affect it indirectly by changing the scattering properties of clouds and, because desert dusts are particularly active ice-forming agents, by affecting the formation and thermodynamic phase of clouds. Here I show that dust storms that occurred in Asia early in 2004 created unusual ice clouds over Alaska at temperatures far warmer than those expected for normal cirrus-cloud formation.
Windscale effluent in the waters and sediments of the Minch

A SYSTEMATIC intrusion of water of high 137Cs content into the north-eastern North Sea has been reported by the German Hydrographic Office1. Jefferies et al.2 later confirmed that a stream of water rich in radioactive caesium from Windscale passes northwards through the Hebridean Channel, around the north of Scotland and into the North Sea. Although the circulation pattern with respect to 137Cs has been significantly refined in recent reports3 and from German data for 1975 (ref. 4) and 1976 (Kautsky, personal communication) little attention has been paid to the status of other radionuclides in this stream. Such a study offers, however, an excellent opportunity of looking at the geochemical discrimination between, for example, 137Cs and the transuranic α-emitting nuclides; it seemed also that an examination of the changes of the ratio of 134Cs to 137Cs during this passage would give a good basis for estimation of the travel time. As a part of the Flex Programme (Fladen Ground Experiment—part of Jonsdap 76 international programme on the interplay of environment and a plankton bloom) in the North Sea in May–June 1976, we collected a series of sediment, water and biota samples for that purpose. We report here our analyses of samples from a large-volume water station and a 21-cm diameter sediment core taken in the Minch, 27 May 1976.
Studies of Variola Virus and Immunity in Smallpox. III. Measurement of Antibodies to High-Molecular-Weight Soluble Antigens of Variola Virus Using the Bis-diazotized Benzidine Passive Hemagglutination Technique

geneous mixture of soluble antigens specific for viruses are synthesized in cellular systems infected with pox viruses. These antigens have been separated on the basis of molecular size [6, 7], and evidence has been presented that the fraction with high molecular weight is comprised of antigens that have the capacity to combine with and elicit the formation of virus-neutralizing antibody [8, 9]. The assumption was made that if these highmolecular-weight soluble antigens of variola virus could be adsorbed onto the surface of erythrocytes treated with bis-diazotized benzidine, the agglutination of such erythrocytes by variola-immune serum might be employed as an in-vitro measurement of protective antibody and thereby serve as an index of immunity to smallpox.
How does elevated CO2 or ozone affect the leaf-area index of soybean when applied independently?

Summary • Changes in leaf-area index (LAI) may alter ecosystem productivity in elevated [CO2] or [O3]. By increasing the apparent quantum yield of photosynthesis (φc,max), elevated [CO2] may increase maximum LAI. However, [O3] when elevated independently accelerates senescence and may reduce LAI. • Large plots (20 m diameter) of soybean (Glycine max) were exposed to ambient (approx. 370 µmol mol−1) or elevated (approx. 550 µmol mol−1) CO2 or 1.2 times ambient [O3] using soybean free-air concentration enrichment (SoyFACE). • In 2001 elevated CO2 had no detectable effect on maximum LAI, but in 2002 maximum LAI increased by 10% relative to ambient air. Elevated [CO2] also increased the φc,max of shade leaves in both years. Elevated [CO2] delayed LAI loss to senescence by approx. 54% and also increased leaf-area duration. Elevated [O3] accelerated senescence, reducing LAI by 40% near the end of the growing season. No effect of elevated [O3] on photosynthesis was detected. • Elevated [CO2] or [O3] affected LAI primarily by altering the rate of senescence; knowledge of this may aid in optimizing future soybean productivity.
Influence of Alpha-Cyclodextrin and Hydroxyalkylated β-Cyclodextrin Derivatives on the In Vitro Corneal Uptake and Permeation of Aqueous Pilocarpine-HCl Solutions

Interactions in aqueous solution between pilocarpine hydrochloride (P-HCl), a rather hydrophilic drug with good water solubility, and various cyclodextrins (CDs) were described recently. To assess the influence of CDs on the diffusion behavior of pilocarpine, in vitro studies were performed using porcine or bovine corneas as diffusion barriers. The affinity of P-HCl for porcine cornea in the presence of α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) and (hydroxyethyl)-β-cyclodextrin (HE-β-CD) was determined by drug uptake experiments. Additionally, in vitro permeation experiments through bovine corneas were conducted with a modified diffusion device optimized for corneal perfusion studies. The results obtained from the corneal uptake studies indicate that the addition of α-CD led to increased tissue drug levels. The increase in permeability of pilocarpine in the presence of α-CD was ∼10-fold (log Papp = −4.87 ± 0.03) in comparison with plain P-HCl solution (log Papp) −5.89 ± 0.06). Permeation studies with corneas pretreated with α-CD solution revealed enhanced corneal permeability of pilocarpine due to α-CD-induced membrane effects. The hydroxyalkylated β-CD derivatives HE-β-CD (log Papp) −6.27 ± 0.09) and (hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD; log Papp = −6.40 ± 0.03), however, seemed to cause slightly decreased permeation rates, supporting the concept of an interaction between pilocarpine and the hydroxyalkylated- β-CD derivatives. Considering physiological compatibility, the addition of CDs seems to be an effective tool to modify and optimize the ocular availability of pilocarpine.
Semi-analytical homogeneous anisotropic capture zone delineation

We present an algorithm for the quick delineation of capture zones using complex discharge potential. The flow is steady and two-dimensional in a homogeneous domain with anisotropic transmissivity. The procedure accommodates an arbitrary number of injection and extraction wells at any locations throughout the flowfield, as well as regional flow, in the form of a uniform flow component. Capture zones are delineated by finding stagnation points and using a particle tracking scheme to plot separation streamlines along trajectories upgradient or downgradient from the stagnation points as appropriate. Stagnation points are found exactly using a partial fractions expansion. Initial particle tracking directions are determined by evaluating the Hessian matrix of the potential at stagnation points. Streamline tracing is performed using a fourth-order Runge-Kutta particle tracking scheme.
The role of lateral migration in the formation of acetylcholine receptor clusters induced by basic polypeptide-coated latex beads.

During the formation of the neuromuscular junction, the nerve induces the clustering of acetylcholine receptors (AChR) in the postsynaptic membrane. This process can be mimicked by treating cultured Xenopus myotomal muscle cells with basic polypeptide-coated latex beads. Using this bead-muscle coculture system, we examined the role of lateral migration of AChRs in the formation of the clusters. First, we studied the contributions of the preexisting and newly inserted AChRs. After the cluster formation was triggered by the addition of the beads, preexisting receptors were immediately recruited to the bead-muscle contacts and they remained to be the dominant contributor during the first 24 hr. New AChRs, which were inserted after the addition of the beads, appeared at the clusters after a 4-hr delay and, thereafter, there was a steady increase in their contribution. After 24–48 hr, newly inserted AChRs could be detected at the bead-induced clusters to the same extent as the preexisting AChRs. During this period, new receptors were continuously inserted into the plasma membrane, but there was no evidence of a local insertion at sites of new cluster formation. Concanavalin A (Con A) at a concentration of 100 μg /ml caused a fivefold decrease in the fraction of mobile AChRs and a large decrease in their diffusion coefficient. Pretreatment of cells with Con A suppressed clustering of preexisting AChRs, but left intact the contribution of the mobile newly inserted AChRs. Succinyl Con A, the divalent derivative of Con A which affected the mobility to a much less extent than Con A, had little effect on the clustering process. These results show that the formation of AChR clusters in Xenopus is mediated by lateral migration of AChRs within the plasma membrane and are consistent with the diffusion-trap hypothesis, which depicts freely diffusing AChR aggregating at the bead-muscle contacts where they bind to other localized molecular specializations induced by the beads.
Perturbation analysis of condensation controlled by heat transfer on large droplets

The governing equations of condensation phenomena controlled by heat transfer on large droplets in a pure vapor are derived. Using the isentropic expansion as the first approximation, the equations are integrated by means of the perturbation method. This method is illustrated by presenting an example. The problem is an important one in the field of steam turbine engineering, although the condensation problem is of more general interest.
Anticipating roadway expansion and tolling impacts: Toolkit for abstracted networks

AbstractTransportation investments are nearing $1,000 per capita annually in the USA, and the Highway Trust Fund has been depleted. Such significant investments and budget-constrained contexts demand careful decision-making and thoughtful cost-benefit analyses. A project evaluation toolkit has been developed for comprehensive assessment of network expansion and pricing projects with only project expenditures, link attributes, and traffic counts as required inputs. The toolkit uses a self-contained travel demand model to predict future and alternative scenario traffic volumes, speeds, crash counts, emissions, and toll revenues while providing project-summary measures, including net present value and benefit-cost ratios. The toolkit seeks to provide early assessment of major project plans along abstracted networks, using hundreds of coded links (rather than thousands), providing results in a matter of minutes (rather than days). This paper describes the model and develops two case-study sites, each with sev...
Contact depth localization - sensitivity to environmental variability

A contact depth recognition technique has been developed which uses the multipath structure of a point target echo and hence the channel structure as a discriminator. The technique uses a template matching approach of predicted multipath structure. Multipath structure is predicted using the Comprehensive Acoustic Sonar Simulator (CASS) model. Inputs to the model, such as sound speed profile, bottom bathymetry and boundary reflection coefficients are modeled using the variability observed in real world environments. This paper addresses the sensitivity of contact depth localization to environmental uncertainty. A method to parameterize environmental uncertainty has been developed and it is used to derive the statistical characterization of the performance of the depth estimation algorithm. Robust depth localization performance is demonstrated for oceanographic variability scales consistent with real world operating environments.
Optimization of multistage processes

The maximum range of a rocket vehicle is discussed applying the variational theory of optimum multistage processes. The vector thrust may be controlled in magnitude (within bounds) and in direction, and the two-stage vehicle considered is assumed flying in a vacuum. The necessary staging conditions for an extremal are derived from a determinant form, which relates the influence functions (Lagrange multipliers), the Hamiltonian, and the staging constraints. An important fundamental continuity condition, which permits analyzing the originally discontinuous problem in terms of a continuous one, is derived. This permits a complete solution regarding type, number, and sequence of subarcs forming the extremal. It is shown that on the optimum trajectory the vector velocity coincides with the vector thrust at the initial point and that it is perpendicular to the vector thrust at the final point. The direction of the vector thrust is constant throughout stages. No variable thrust subarc, or coasting subarc, is admissible between stages. These results are valid for N stages. Results previously obtained for single-stage vehicles are therefore extended to multistage vehicles.
Analytical method for micromechanics of textile composites

Abstract An analytical method called the selective averaging method (SAM) is proposed for prediction of the thermoelastic constants of textile composite materials. The unit cell of the composite is divided into slices (mesoscale), and the slices are subdivided into elements (microscale). The elastic constants of the homogenized medium are found by averaging the elastic constants of the elements selectively for both isostress and isostrain conditions. For thin textile composites where there are fewer unit cells in the thickness direction, SAM is used to compute directly the [A], [B] and [D] matrices of the composite plate. The results obtained by the SAM are compared with available finite-element-based micro-mechanical methods and analytical solutions.
Induction and superinduction of messenger ribonucleic acid specific for aromatase cytochrome P-450 in cultured human skin fibroblasts.

Aromatase cytochrome P-450 (cytochrome P-450AROM) catalyzes the formation of aromatic C18 estrogenic steroids from C19 androgens. Several studies indicate that cytochrome P-450AROM activity is induced by glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone (DEX) and superinduced by DEX plus cycloheximide (CHX). We have used cultured human skin fibroblasts as a model system to investigate the regulation of aromatase gene expression. Whereas Northern blot analysis of total cellular RNA or poly (A)+ RNA from untreated strains of normal human skin fibroblasts failed to demonstrate any hybridization with a specific human placental cytochrome P-450AROM complementary DNA, analysis of RNA from cells treated with DEX demonstrated hybridization of the cytochrome P-450AROM complementary DNA to two transcripts of about 2.5 and 3.0 kilobases. Incubation of cells with DEX plus CHX resulted in a further increase in levels of cytochrome P-450AROM messenger RNA (mRNA) when compared to cells treated with DEX alone, suggesting that inhibi...
Marketing Your Church with Advertising and Promotion Strategies That Work

ABSTRACT Retaining current members, attracting prospective members, and reactivating dormant memberships remain fundamental marketing tasks for building and preserving a healthy and thriving church. Pastors are faced with many advertising and promotional choices. Evidence from previous studies are reported and their marketing implications discussed.