cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ecological modelling, monitoring and implementation in irrigated agriculture

Abstract In rainfed agriculture, most of the efforts in modelling have been concerned with surface runoff; the greatest modelling capability exists for sediments, followed by pesticides, and then nutrients. In irrigated agriculture, tremendous strides have been made in modelling subsurface flows, either saturated or unsaturated flow; the modelling capability follows the order of priority for major pollutants — salts, sediments, nutrients and pesticides. Significant strides could be made by a concerted effort to combine the knowledge gained in irrigated and rainfed agricultural modelling to develop more comprehensive models. Such models combined with recent advances in the hydraulics of surface irrigation and surface irrigation scheduling will allow highly effective water quality control programs to be implemented that are a combination of technological ‘hardware’ solutions and management ‘software’ solutions.
Superconducting and normal-state properties of A Pd 2 As 2 ( A = Ca, Sr, Ba) single crystals

The synthesis and crystallography, magnetic susceptibility chi, magnetization M, specific heat Cp, in-plane electrical resistivity rho and in-plane magnetic penetration depth measurements are reported for single crystals of APd2As2 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) versus temperature T and magnetic field H. The crystals were grown using PdAs self-flux. CaPd2As2 and SrPd2As2 crystallize in a collapsed body-centered tetragonal ThCr2Si2-type structure (I4/mmm), whereas BaPd2As2 crystallizes in the primitive tetragonal CeMg2Si2-type structure (P4/mmm), in agreement with literature data. The rho(T) data exhibit metallic behavior for all three compounds. Bulk superconductivity is reported for CaPd2As2 and SrPd2As2 below Tc = 1.27 and 0.92 K, respectively, whereas only a trace of superconductivity is found in BaPd2As2. No other phase transitions were observed. The chi(T) and M(H) data reveal anisotropic diamagnetism in the normal state, with chi_c > chi_ab for CaPd2As2 and BaPd2As2, and chi_c < chi_ab for SrPd2As2. The normal and superconducting state data indicate that CaPd2As2 and SrPd2As2 are conventional type-II nodeless s-wave electron-phonon superconductors. The electronic superconducting-state heat capacity data for CaPd2As2, which has an extremely sharp heat capacity jump at Tc, are analyzed using our recent elaboration of the alpha-model of the BCS theory of superconductivity, which indicates that the s-wave gap in this compound is anisotropic in momentum space.
Efficient delivery of RNAi prodrugs containing reversible charge-neutralizing phosphotriester backbone modifications

Neutralizing the RNA phosphodiester backbone enables delivery of siRNA across cell membranes.
On the tear resistance of skin

Tear resistance is of vital importance in the various functions of skin, especially protection from predatorial attack. Here, we mechanistically quantify the extreme tear resistance of skin and identify the underlying structural features, which lead to its sophisticated failure mechanisms. We explain why it is virtually impossible to propagate a tear in rabbit skin, chosen as a model material for the dermis of vertebrates. We express the deformation in terms of four mechanisms of collagen fibril activity in skin under tensile loading that virtually eliminate the possibility of tearing in pre-notched samples: fibril straightening, fibril reorientation towards the tensile direction, elastic stretching and interfibrillar sliding, all of which contribute to the redistribution of the stresses at the notch tip.
Bioavailability of intact proanthocyanidins in the rat colon after ingestion of grape seed extract.

Current evidence shows that monomeric flavonoids are known to be only slightly absorbed in the small intestine, but the metabolism of oligomeric and polymeric proanthocyanidins (PAC) in the colon i...
A derivative of the Gerasimov–Drell–Hearn sum rule

Abstract We derive a sum rule which establishes a linear relation between a particle's anomalous magnetic moment and a quantity connected to the photoabsorption cross section. This quantity cannot be measured directly. However, it can be computed within a given theory. As an example, we demonstrate validity of the sum rule in QED at tree level—the renowned Schwinger's correction to the anomalous magnetic moment is readily reproduced. In the case of the strong interactions, we also consider the calculation of the nucleon magnetic moment within chiral theories.
Stomatal and photosynthetic responses during sun/shade transitions in subalpine plants: influence on water use efficiency.

Different response patterns in net photosynthesis (A) leaf conductance (g) and water use efficiency (WUE= a/transpiration) in three subalpine plants occurred during experimental sun/shade transitions that simulated natural cloudcover. In Frasera speciosa Dougl., a large-leaved herb characteristic of open sites, g was relatively insensitive to transitions in irradiance and variations in A. However, large decreases in leaf temperature resulted in reduced transpiration during shade intervals and relatively constant WUE throughout the experimental sun/shade regime. In the understory herb, Arnica cordifolia Hook., patterns of A and g were similar during sun/shade transitions, but WUE was substantially reduced compared to steady-state levels. A third, somewhat intermediate pattern of A, g, and WUE was found in Artemisia tridentata L., an open site shrub. Higher intercellular CO2 values in A. tridentata suggested that internal, cellular limitations to A were high relative to stomatal limitations in this shrub when compared to the herbaceous species.
PHASE SPACE INTEGRAL AND PHYSICAL REGIONS FOR n PARTICLES IN INVARIANT VARIABLES.

Abstract A simple prescription for writing down many formulations of the ( n − 1)-particle phase space integral in invariant variables is presented. Corresponding to each is a set of determinantal conditions which determines the physical regions of n -particle processes. Various forms of the phase space integral with a higher degree of symmetry are also given. Finally, the nonuniqueness of the 4-momenta for fixed values of the independent variables is discussed.
Changes in the ribosome content, principal microsomal protein composition, and secretory character of mammary epithelial rough endoplasmic reticulum during differentiation. Evidence that messenger RNAs specific for milk proteins are incorporated into rough endoplasmic reticulum formed de novo after parturition.

The equilibrium density distribution, protein composition, and secretory character of mouse mammary epithelial rough microsomes have been determined during differentiation. The density range exhibited by the rough microsomes broadens during mammary development; rough microsomes within the 1.25–1.29 g/ml density range appear soon after conception and then within the 1.30–1.34 range after the onset of lactation. The appearance of these denser microsomes represents the progressive increase of the average ribosome content of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) during gestation and lactation. Fractionation of rough microsomal proteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis reveals that two proteins, having molecular weights of 57,000 and 76,000, occur to a significant extent only during lactation and are then most prominent in the very dense rough microsomes of the 1.30–1.34 range. Nascent polypeptide chains discharged (by incubation with puromycin) from 17-days lactation rough microsomes in either the 1.21–1.29 or 1.30–1.34 density range are distributed equally between the intra- and extravesicular compartments. Whereas 36% of the chains are discharged intravesicularly from 1-day lactation rough microsomes in the 1.30–1.34 range, only 25% are so discharged from those in the 1.21–1.29 range. The results indicate (a) that there is no correlation between the relative levels in lactation rough microsomes of the two microsomal proteins which become prominent during lactation and the extent of secretory activity and (b) that for a short period after parturition the rough ER elements bearing high surface densities of ribosomes have a greater proportion of ribosomes synthesizing milk proteins than the rough ER elements with moderate ribosome densities.
Radiative Impacts on the Growth of Drops within Simulated Marine Stratocumulus. Part II: Solar Zenith Angle Variations

Abstract The effects of solar heating at a variety of solar zenith angles (Θo) on the vapor depositional growth of cloud drops, and hence the potential for collection enhancement, is investigated. A large eddy simulation (LES) model is used to predict the evolution of marine stratocumulus clouds subject to changes in Θo. During the course of each simulation, LES output is stored for 600 parcel trajectories and is used to drive an offline microphysical model that includes the influence of radiation on drop growth. Smaller Θo, such as when the sun is overhead, provide strong solar heating, which tends to confine circulations to the cloud layer and leads to long in-cloud residence times for cloud drops. At larger Θo, when solar heating is weak, circulations are stronger and penetrate through the depth of the boundary layer, which causes much shorter in-cloud residence times for cloud drops. Simulations show that this leads to a more rapid collection process in strongly, as compared to weakly solar-heated clo...
Novel Stereoselective Control over Cis vs Trans Opening of Benzo[c]phenanthrene 3,4-Diol 1,2-Epoxides by the Exocyclic N2-Amino Group of Deoxyguanosine in the Presence of Hexafluoropropan-2-ol

We describe a novel and efficient synthesis (62−84% yields) of the eight possible, diastereomerically pure, cis and trans, R and S O6-allyl-protected N2-dGuo phosphoramidite building blocks derived...
The use of homograft compared to topical antimicrobial therapy in the treatment of second-degree burns of more than 40% total body surface area

Abstract The traditional approach for the treatment of partial-thickness burns has been the application of topical antimicrobial therapy to control bacterial colonization, avoid progression to invasive infection, and allow healing of the underlying burn wound. Infection is associated with apparent conversion of a second-degree burn to full-thickness injury that requires autografting, to say nothing of a source of sepsis, which has been associated with multiorgan failure and death. We postulated that early debridement and coverage of large partial-thickness burns (>40% total body surface area) with homograft would preserve underlying tissue, improves healing, and decreases morbidity. We present data obtained in 16 patients treated with the application of homograft compared to 13 patients treated with the traditional approach consisting of twice daily applications of silver sulfadiazine. The treatment of massive second-degree burns with homograft reduced hospital length of stay ( P 40% total body surface area burns, early debridement and wound coverage with homograft is an alternative method to the conservative non-operative approach with topical antimicrobial therapy.
The Evidence Behind Developmental Screening Instruments

This research synthesis is a review of the literature on developmental screening measures used to identify young children with delays. Research on 14 commonly used tools to screen infants, toddlers, and preschoolers was examined. Findings may assist users and consumers in identifying developmental screening measures that have a body of evidence.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase activity of an essential virulence determinant in Yersinia

Yersinia is the genus of bacteria that is the causative agent in plague or the black death, and on several occasions this organism has killed a significant portion of the world's population. An essential virulence determinant of Yersinia was shown to be a protein tyrosine phosphatase. The recombinant 50-kilodalton Yersinia phosphatase had a specificity for removal of phosphate from Tyr-containing as opposed to Ser/Thr-containing phosphopeptides and proteins. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to show that the Yersinia phosphatase possesses an essential Cys residue required for catalysis. Amino acids surrounding an essential Cys residue are highly conserved, as are other amino acids in the Yersinia and mammalian protein tyrosine phosphatases, suggesting that they use a common catalytic mechanism.
Algorithm for the Prediction of Traction Performance of Terrain Vehicles

This paper presents the development of an algorithm to estimate the tractive force of an off-road vehicle with uncertainties in the tire stiffness and in the soil moisture content. The algorithm compares the average ground pressure with the critical ground pressure to decide if the tire can be approximated as a rigid wheel, or if it should be modeled as a flexible wheel, and involves using previously developed vehicle and stochastic soil models, and computing along the way the vehicle sinkage, resistance force, tractive force and drawbar pull. The soil modeling focuses on the efficient treatment of poorly known parameters, such as the soil moisture content, and on the impact of these uncertainties on relationships critical in defining the mobility of an off-road vehicle, such as the pressure-sinkage and the shear stress-shear displacement relations. The uncertainties in the tire stiffness and in the soil properties are propagated through the model, and the uncertainty in the output of the vehicle model is analyzed. Such simulations can provide the basis for the study of ride performance, handling, and mobility of the vehicle in off-road conditions. The vehicle model used has seven degrees of freedom. Each of the four suspension systems comprises of a nonlinear spring and a linear viscous damper. The analysis of the dynamic response of the vehicle is performed for two scenarios: a light cargo, and a heavy cargo.© 2006 ASME
1H and 2H NMR mobility in cellulose

Abstract Mobility of water in cellulose was studied by solid-state 1H and high-resolution 2H NMR as a function of moisture content within the unfreezable moisture range (0–19% dry basis). Measurements of relative mobilities were based on relative intensities, transverse and longitudinal relaxation times and lineshape analysis. At 2–16% moisture content (dry basis), water molecules reoriented anisotropically, suggesting an interaction with cellulose fibers. At moisture content below the monolayer value (2.8%, dry basis), 90% of the protons were immobile and no liquid deuterium signal was detected. A sharp increase in liquid or mobile 1H intensity (accompanied by a decreased LW) and increases in 2H NMR T1 and T2 relaxation times were observed as moisture increased above 9% (dry basis). At this moisture content the molecular mobility approached the fast exchange regime. The data confirmed earlier reports that unfreezable water could be highly mobile and not in a rigid state. No glass transition was observed by DSC. However, NMR showed a significant mobility transition as the material transformed from a slow exchange (retarded mobility) to a fast exchange regime.
Comment on “Indentation Fracture Toughness of Sintered Silicon Carbide in the Palmqvist Crack Regime”

Commentaire et reponse au sujet de l'article paru dans J. Am. Ceram. Soc., Vol. 72, no 6, de Li Z. et al.
Abstract C61: The PI3K pathway inhibition in prostate cancer cells is enhanced by dual targeting with the mTOR inhibitor RAD001 and a mTOR/PI3K inhibitor leading to decreased cell proliferation and increased autophagy

Introduction: Metastatic prostate cancer patients often become resistant to standard treatments such as androgen ablation therapy and docetaxel treatment and novel treatments are needed. Loss of PTEN and subsequent activation of the PI3K pathway is common in patients with advanced prostate cancer. However, use of mTOR inhibitors such as rapamycin analogues as single agents has had limited clinical impact and the identification of a potent therapeutic strategy for PI3K inhibition remains a critical question. Experimental procedures: We have used gene expression data generated from metastatic tumors collected from patients with advanced prostate cancer both before and after treatment with RAD001 along with in vitro experiments in established prostate cancer cell lines to determine the impact of TORC1 inhibition, PI3K kinase inhibition, and dual inhibition on PI3K pathway signaling and cancer cell kinetics. Summary: Treatment with RAD001 decreased tumor levels of pS6 but failed to result in a single clinical response. Gene set enrichment analysis of metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer biopsies prior to and following treatment with RAD001 was associated with increased PI3K activity following treatment. Analysis of the activity of the downstream components of the PI3K/AKT pathway following RAD001 treatment showed reduced pS6 levels, had minimal impact on p4EBP1 levels, and increased phosphorylation of AKT1. Cytotoxic synergy is observed when RAD001 is combined with the PI3K inhibitor, LY294002 and dual PI3K/mTOR kinase inhibitors. These combinations result in more profound reduction of TORC1 activity resulting in decreased cell proliferation and increased autophagy but a continued persistence of pAKT. Reverse phase proteomics supports increased AKT activity in an androgen‐receptor positive prostate cancer cell line treated with the combination as multiple AKT targets experience increased phosphorylation. Conclusion: TORC1 inhibition results in an upregulation of PI3K activity and therapeutic combinations that inhibit both TORC1 and PI3K demonstrate cytotoxic synergy. The signaling manifestations of these combinations are a profound inhibition of TORC1 activity together with persistent phosphorylation and activity of AKT. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):C61.
Wave optics simulation of partially coherent and partially polarized beam propagation in turbulence

In this work, the propagations of unpolarized and polarized beams are modeled using wave optics simulations. The second-order correlation properties and the degree of polarization were examined for various scenarios. Our results are consistent with a theoretical analysis available in the literature. The average intensity profiles in the receiver plane show excellent consistence with the theory. The on-axis scintillation indices are investigated and we find that when source transverse correlation distance is much smaller than the atmospheric correlation distance, then the unpolarized beam reduces the normalized intensity fluctuation up to a factor of two.
Immediate reproducibility of electrically induced sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia before and during antiarrhythmic therapy.

Abstract The immediate reproducibility of sustained ventricular tachycardia induction was evaluated prospectively during 106 studies performed in 53 patients with clinical sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. Programmed electrical stimulation was performed twice, using the same protocol during 53 drug-free studies and 53 subsequent studies on antiarrhythmic therapy. Sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia was reproduced in 104 (98%) of the 106 studies. There was no significant difference in the incidence of reproducible tachycardia in the drug-free state compared with that observed during treatment with different classes of antiarrhythmic drugs. An increase in the number of extrastimuli was required to reinitiate the tachycardia in 9 (11%) of 83 studies in which single or double extrastimuli were initially required to induce the tachycardia. In 39 (37%) of 104 studies with reproducible tachycardia induction, the two tachycardias significantly differed in electrocardiographic (ECG) configuration and cycle length. These observations suggest that the overall reproducibility of ventricular tachycardia induction is sufficiently high to provide a reliable marker for evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. However, specific tachycardia characteristics such as cycle length and ECG configuration are more variable even within the same study and may be less useful in assessing the effects of subsequent interventions.
Childhood brain tumor: neuroimaging correlated with disease outcome

Abstract The authors explored the hypothesis that functional behavior of childhood brain tumors can be estimated by serial analysis of imaging (thallium-201 [ 201 Tl] single-photon emission computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) examinations. Seventy-five patients diagnosed on clinical or histologic grounds were monitored for a period of 1 day to 3.9 years (mean ± S.D. = 1.39 ± 1.10 years). Abnormal 201 Tl uptake appeared to denote a subgroup of lesions with distinctly greater mortality and morbidity. Of 201 Tl-positive patients, 17% died within the course of this study; no deaths occurred among the 201 Tl-negative group. Other parameters of disease outcome also clearly separated the 201 Tl-positive and 201 Tl-negative groups, with the former demonstrating a 50% shorter period of recurrence-free survival from the time of diagnosis (two-tailed t test, P 201 Tl positivity in correlating with greater mortality but failed to predict duration of recurrence-free survival. The authors conclude that 201 Tl activity provides significant predictive information of the expected biologic behavior of childhood brain tumors, both for duration of recurrence-free survival and for estimated life expectancy. This information complements and extends data provided by MRI enhancement patterns.
What would be the properties of an ideal SERM

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are drugs that bind to the estrogen receptor (ER); in some tissues they act like estrogen (agonists), while in other tissues they oppose the action of estrogen (antagonists). The SERM tamoxifen acts as an estrogen antagonist in the breast in that it prevents and treats breast cancer, but it acts as an estrogen agonist in the endometrium, where it can induce cancer. Estrogen, and to a lesser extent SERMs, are effective in preventing and treating osteoporosis. Contrary to the prevalent hypothesis that estrogen provides benefit to women with regard to secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD), randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that estrogen is associated with an increased risk of CHD in this population of women. Conflicting results have been reported on the effect of estrogens on cognitive function. The latest and largest randomized clinical trials have demonstrated a beneficial role in short-term memory in nondemented women, in contrast to the absence of such benefit in improving symptoms in women with Alzheimer's disease. Although estrogens have been used successfully to treat some menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, the SERMs tamoxifen and raloxifene actually induce or increase hot flashes. Data on the beneficial and adverse effects of estrogen and SERMs are reported along with an elaboration of the constellation of properties that would characterize an ideal SERM working through the ER.
A case-control study of psychosocial and aerobic exercise factors in women with symptoms of depression.

The study is an examination of specific aspects of psychosocial constructs and health-promoting behavior that may be related to symptoms of depression. The authors used a case-control design to investigate possible differences between provisional social support, hardiness dimensions, and exercise behavior and related perceptions in a sample of 94 White, middle-aged women with and without symptoms of depression. The results indicated that women with symptoms of depression have significantly fewer (p < .001) specific forms of social support resources (i.e., reassurance of worth, social integration, guidance, and attachment) and significantly lower (p < .0001) perceptions of control and commitment in their lives. The results also indicated no difference in perceptions and behaviors related to physical activity between women with and without symptoms of depression. Those results suggest that provisional social support, as well as specific dimensions of hardiness, should be the focus of interventions for women with symptoms of depression.
Application of crop simulation modeling and GIS to agroclimatic assessment in Burkina Faso

Rainfed crop production is the main source of food and income in Burkina Faso. Environmental conditions are characterized by low and erratic rainfall, compounded by high temperatures and radiation loads. These factors make inadequate water availability the major cause for low crop yields and frequent crop failures. This paper outlines the procedure used to investigate the water-limited growth environment of an improved millet cultivar in Burkina Faso. A daily time-step cropping system simulation model (CropSyst) was used to simulate the soil water budget components and millet production potential, both spatially and temporally, by coupling the model with databases of soil type, long-term weather, and crop management using a geographic information system (GIS). From the cropping model outputs, two agroclimatic indices (Aridity Index and Crop Water Stress Index) that show the water-limited growth environment of the millet crop throughout the country were quantified and mapped with the help of the GIS. This allowed the identification of agroclimatic zones, as determined by the crop water needs. Millet productivity decreased from the south to the north of the country in relation with rainfall isolines and soil types. Locations with less than 500 mm of annual rainfall are marginal for millet, particularly on planosols and arenosols. In regions with rainfall above 700 mm, moisture availability is not a major limiting factor for the 90-day millet production, especially on regosols, cambisols, acrisols and nitosols. Overall, the approach followed in this study appeared promising for quantifying the growth environment of millet as affected by soil type and weather. It could also help to provide guidelines for crop water management and analysis of the suitability of improved crop cultivars.
Effect of coherence relaxation on the propagation of optical solitions: An analytical and numerical case study on asymptotic perturbation theory

Abstract We study the propagation of real Raman solitons in the presence of collisional coherence decay by using Kaup's formulation on asymptotic perturbation theory and the symmetry properties of the related sine-Gordon equation. Neglecting the continuous spectrum the soliton parameters are calculated both to first order and to all orders in the coupling constant. Numerical results confirm the validity of the latter results.
Selectivity improvement in the solvent refined coal process 2. Detailed second-stage reaction studies: Hydrotreating of coal liquids

Abstract A two-stage process has been investigated for the production of a low-sulfur solid SRC-I type boiler fuel with a minimum consumption of costly hydrogen. The process employs a coal mineral with scavenging action in the first stage dissolver, followed by second stage hydrotreating of the dissolver effluent. This paper reports a detailed investigation of second-stage hydrotreating conditions designed to optimize the process with respect to maximum sulfur removal with minimum hydrogen consumption. The process variable space is experimentally mapped and modeled using appropriate reaction kinetic expressions. This model is then used to select optimum conditions for operation of the second-stage hydrotreating process for the production of a low-sulfur solid SRC product with minimum hydrogen consumption.
A review of reduced Navier-Stokes computations for compressible viscous flows

A reduced form of the Navier-Stokes equations, defined by a single composite of the Euler, boundary layer, and triple deck approximations, is considered for the computation of viscous interacting flows. Global pressure or pseudopotential relaxation methods are integrated with coupled sparse matrix direct solvers or coupled strongly implicit ILU algorithms to efficiently capture sharp shocks and regions of recirculation. Solutions are obtained for a variety of 2D and 3D geometries and for Mach numbers (M) spanning the range from incompressible (M = 0) to supersonic (M = 6) flow.
Reversible Manipulation of Telomerase Expression and Telomere Length IMPLICATIONS FOR THE IONIZING RADIATION RESPONSE AND REPLICATIVE SENESCENCE OF HUMAN CELLS

Most human cells do not express telomerase and irreversibly arrest proliferation after a finite number of divisions (replicative senescence). Several lines of evidence suggest that replicative senescence is caused by short dysfunctional telomeres, which arise when DNA is replicated in the absence of adequate telomerase activity. We describe a method to reversibly bypass replicative senescence and generate mass cultures that have different average telomere lengths. A retrovirus carrying hTERT flanked by excision sites for Cre recombinase rendered normal human fibroblasts telomerase-positive and replicatively immortal. Superinfection with retroviruses carrying wild-type or mutant forms of TIN2, a negative regulator of telomere length, created telomerase-positive, immortal populations with varying average telomere lengths. Subsequent infection with a Cre-expressing retrovirus abolished telomerase activity, creating mortal cells with varying telomere lengths. Using these cell populations, we show that, after hTERT excision, cells senesce with shorter telomeres than parental cells. Moreover, long telomeres, but not telomerase, protected cells from the loss of division potential caused by ionizing radiation. Finally, although telomerase-negative cells with short telomeres senesced after fewer doublings than those with long telomeres, telomere length per se did not correlate with senescence. Our results support a role for telomere structure, rather than length, in replicative senescence.
Effect of Pre-Excitation on the Reflectivity of the Phase-Conjugated Signal from CdSxSe1-x Doped Glass

The effect of pre-excitation by laser pulses on the reflectivity of the phase-conjugated signal from CdSxSe1-x doped glass was examined. It was found that the reflectivity decreased in an oscillatory manner with irradiation time. We found, however, that the second-power law of re-flectivity vs. pump intensity is valid even at high pump intensity, if the reflectivity of freshly ex-posed glass is used. Thus we were able to determine the third-order nonlinear susceptibility, X (3), by plotting the reflectivity versus the pump intensity.
On the Transport of Buoyant Coastal Plumes

Abstract The role of discharge conditions and shelf geometry on the transport of coastal plumes is studied with a fully nonlinear, primitive equation hydrodynamic model. The physical setting is an estuarine channel with a small discharge Rossby number. By simulating different discharge magnitudes, buoyant plumes are shown to be succinctly described by a simple coastal front model. Three results emerge from the model analysis. First, the plume transport is given by T = γ0(g′ph2/2f ), where γ0 is a parameter dependent on the ratio of the front and the plume widths, g′p is the plume reduced gravity, h is the plume maximum depth, and f is the Coriolis parameter. Second, this model links the plume transport directly to upstream river conditions with T = γQr, where Qr is the river outflow and γ is a parameter that relates to entrainment, the geometry of the plume front and shelf slope, and the fraction of freshwater carried downshelf. Third, these equations reduce to analytic results previously established for ...
NO2 in the lungs: a weighty matter

As an atmospheric chemist interested in health, I read David Holmes’ report on air quality in the UK with interest. I feel a need to clarify the statement “NO2 is heavier than CO2 and accumulates in the lungs where it turns to nitric acid”. The statement could be interpreted to mean that the difference in molecular weight of NO2 versus CO2 (2 [of 46] Da heavier) would have an eff ect on its retention in the lungs (or distribution in the atmosphere for that matter). However, the forces associated with macroscopic air motions (wind, inhalation, and exhalation) are many times bigger than are density diff erences, and will cancel any local density diff erences in the lungs. Also, although formation of nitric acid does happen when NO2 dissolves in water (nitrous acid is the other product), the health eff ects of NO2 are thought to be much more complicated and relate to protein nitration, perhaps preceded by reactive oxygen species chemistry. These points aside, NO2 exposure, especially near roads, is clearly an important area of concern in understanding of the health eff ects of air pollution.
Effects of Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors on Bone Resorption and Orthodontic Tooth Movement

Matrix metalloproteinases are involved in the regulation of bone remodeling. The hypothesis that matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors may be useful for experimentally limiting orthodontic tooth movement, a process involving perturbations of normal bone remodeling, was tested. General matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors limited the resorption of bone slices by mouse marrow cultures stimulated by calcitriol, parathyroid hormone, and basic-fibroblast growth factor. Pre-coating dentin slices with short arginine-glycine aspartic acid (RGD) peptides, but not arginine-glycine-glutamic acid (RGE) controls, restored bone resorption in the presence of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors. Orthodontic tooth movement was inhibited by local delivery of Ilomastat, a general matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, with the use of ethylene-vinyl-acetate (ELVAX) 40, a non-biodegradable, non-inflammatory sustained-release polymer. This study shows that orthodontic tooth movement can be inhibited with the use of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, and suggests a mechanistic link between matrix metalloproteinase activity and the production of RGD peptides.
Multi-peptide coupled-cell tolerance ameliorates ongoing relapsing EAE associated with multiple pathogenic autoreactivities

The probability that epitope spreading occurs in multiple sclerosis (MS) and the fact that patients have been shown to respond to multiple myelin epitopes concurrently makes the use of peptide-specific tolerance therapies targeting single epitopes problematic. To attempt to overcome this limitation, we have employed cocktails of peptides in the ECDI coupled-APC tolerance system in mice to determine if T cell responses to multiple autoepitopes can be targeted simultaneously. Preventative tolerance induced with splenocytes coupled with a peptide cocktail of four distinct encephalitogenic epitopes (PLP139–151, PLP178–191, MBP84–104, and MOG92–106) inhibited initiation of active EAE induced with each individual peptide and by a mixture of the four peptides by preventing activation of autoreactive Th1 cells and subsequent infiltration of inflammatory cells into the CNS. Most relevant to treatment of clinical MS, therapeutic tolerance initiated by splenocytes coupled with the peptide cocktail administered at the peak of acute disease prevented clinical relapses due to epitope spreading and ameliorated a diverse disease induced with a mixture of the four peptides. Interestingly, therapeutic tolerance appeared to be mediated by a mechanism distinct from preventative tolerance, i.e. by significantly increasing the levels of production of the anti-inflammatory cytokines TGF-β and/or IL-10 in both the periphery and the CNS.
Calcium not strain regulates localization of α-myosin heavy chain mRNA in oriented cardiac myocytes

Our aim was to test a hypothesis that localization of the α-myosin heavy chain (α-MyHC) mRNA in oriented neonatal rat cardiomyocytes is regulated either by calcium, or by mechanical strain, or by both. Myocytes, grown on collagen aligned on stretchable silicone membranes, were elongated and had an increased length to width ratio (L/W) compared with randomly oriented myocytes grown on conventional substrata. Oriented cells were stretched by 10% in the longitudinal direction, in the transverse direction or passively unloaded for 6 h. As expected, shape changes followed these mechanical deformations. In situ hybridization was used to determine the localization of α-MyHC mRNA by quantitative analysis of optical density under various mechanical perturbations in myocytes that were either spontaneously beating or treated with verapamil (10 mM) to block influx of calcium. Unstretched, longitudinally stretched, and cells stretched transversely all had mRNA dispersed to their extremities. Verapamil treatment resulted in a perinuclear pattern of mRNA under all three mechanical perturbations. Additionally, mRNA distribution was examined in myocytes that were passively unloaded in the presence and absence of verapamil. Unloading myocytes with intact calcium cycling does not result in a perinuclear accumulation of mRNA. These data suggest that calcium is essential for α-MyHC mRNA distribution throughout the cell whereas stretch and alignment affect myocyte shape but have little effect on mRNA localization.
Externalizing Behavior Problems During Adolescence: An Ecological Perspective

Given the ramifications of difficulties related to externalizing behavior problems, the present study examined the relationships among adolescents’ externalizing behavior problems, characteristics of adolescents’ families, their perceived neighborhood support, and their acculturation. As part of this study, a culturally diverse sample of adolescents who were in the Sixth through Eighth Grades completed measures assessing these variables. Results suggested that variables such as maternal warmth, overall parental emotional support, and overall neighborhood support are important predictors of externalizing behavior problems. Further regression analyses revealed that, in addition to adolescents’ perceived social acceptance and global self-worth, parental and neighborhood characteristics are significant predictors of adolescents’ externalizing behavior problems. These findings suggested that, when identifying adolescents who are at risk for the development of externalizing behavior problems, an ecological conceptualization encompassing culture, community, and home characteristics can be helpful.
The regional specificity of rapid actions of cocaine

In their recent Perspective article, Roy Wise and Eugene Kiyatkin conclude that, “the primary, unconditioned rewarding effects of cocaine in naive animals involves the blockade of dopamine reuptake rather than stimulation of dopamine release” (Differentiating the rapid actions of cocaine. Nature Rev. Neurosci. 12, 479–484 (2011))1. However, recent voltammetry studies that have measured real-time changes in dopamine concentration at the instant that cocaine enters the brain have reached different conclusions2, 3, 4, 5. These studies show that intravenous cocaine delivery inhibits dopamine uptake in less than 5 seconds following drug delivery4, 5 and increases the frequency of phasic dopamine release events within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell to a greater extent than in the NAc core2, 3, 6, 7. This shell-specific increase in dopamine release begins approximately 10 seconds after cocaine delivery and lasts for approximately 2 minutes2. Unconditioned cocaine-evoked dopamine release is therefore both temporally and regionally specific and is important because it mediates the primary rewarding effects of cocaine3, 8.
A comparison of patient, family, and physician assessments of the value of medical intensive care.

Medical ethics suggest that physicians incorporate patient preferences when making life-sustaining treatment decisions. This study therefore examines how closely physicians' assessments of the usefulness of intensive care agree with their patients' willingness to receive intensive care. Former intensive care patients, at least 55 yr old (or family members of nonsurviving patients), and their physicians were interviewed (n = 76 pairs of interviews) to determine how valuable each believe intensive care would be to the patient (on a scale of 0 to 100%) under actual and ideal life circumstances. Little correlation was found between individual patient or family member and physician responses (Kendall's Tau ranged from -.14 to .22 depending on how long life was prolonged). Physicians' evaluations of intensive care for patients under ideal life circumstances were strongly correlated with physicians' personal preferences for intensive care (Kendall's Tau, .41 to .65, p less than .02). Because physicians and patients may not agree regarding the value of intensive care, physicians must explicitly discuss patients' preferences in order to reconcile wishes and justifiable needs for critical care.
Bayesian framework for assessing the value of scientific space systems: Value of information approach with application to earth science spacecraft

Abstract Space systems play an important role in today's society by generating or transmitting information from source to sink(s). The acquisition of the space system is often justified by the type, quantity and quality of information provided or transmitted. This work posits that the value of a class of space systems derives from and can be assessed through the value of information these systems provide. To this effect, a Bayesian framework is developed to assess system value in which systems are viewed as information sources, and stakeholders as information recipients. Information has value to stakeholders as it helps to update their beliefs, enabling them to make decisions that can yield higher expected pay-offs than in the absence of information. This increase in expected pay-offs is ascribed to the value of the system. Based on this idea, a new metric, Value-of-Design (VOD), is introduced to quantify the value of a class of space systems with unpriced services. The Bayesian framework assesses the Value-of-Design for the space system by considering the impact of the information transmitted on the actions taken by stakeholders, and estimating the resulting pay-offs from these actions. The framework here developed is then applied to the case of an Earth Science satellite that provides hurricane information to oil rig operators in the Gulf of Mexico. Probability models of stakeholders’ beliefs, and economic models of pay-offs are developed and integrated with a spacecraft design tool. Results from the application point to clusters of payload instruments that yielded higher information value, and minimum information thresholds below which it is difficult to justify the acquisition of the system. Additionally, the system is analyzed in Cost-VOD trade space to provide program managers with additional insights into the coupling of a system's predicted value generation and its associated lifecycle cost.
Health-care utilization and respiratory morbidities in preterm infants with pulmonary hypertension

To assess health-care utilization and risk of respiratory morbidities in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH). Retrospective data were obtained from subjects (n=109) attending a BPD clinic. Subjects were stratified by the presence or absence of PH before and after 2 months of age. Analytic methods included t-tests, χ2 tests and regression. Subjects with BPD and PH present after 2 months of age were hospitalized for 2.2 months longer than those without PH (P=0.02). These subjects were 4.5 times more likely to receive home supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation (P=0.03). No difference in the risk of respiratory morbidities after initial hospital discharge was seen with PH. PH in preterm infants is associated with longer initial hospitalizations and a higher likelihood of requiring home respiratory support. This has implications for counseling families and reducing the medical, psychosocial, and economic burden of BPD and PH.
Use of system dynamics as a decision-making tool in building design and operation

This paper presents a decision-making tool based on the system dynamics method for building design and operation, and demonstrates the use of the method for the analysis of a building subjected to a bioterrorist attack. A literature review of prior uses of the system dynamics method, focusing mainly on historic uses within civil and environmental engineering and related disciplines is first presented, to make the case for the applicability of the system dynamics method as a decision-making tool for building system design, retrofit, and operation. A proof-of-concept system dynamics model is presented for modeling of an elementary building system subjected to a bioterrorist attack. The proof-of-concept model includes evaluation of modifications to the building and its defenses. The results of the model simulation are presented and compared with previously published data. Use of the output data to improve decision-making in building design, retrofit, and operation is discussed. A method to link an electronic building information model (BIM) of the building to enable the electronic capture of the relevant building features in the system dynamics model is also discussed and demonstrated. Finally, future development of the model and other potential areas of applicability for the modeling methodology are discussed.
Review and Analysis of the New International Meeting and Business Events Competency Standards

The global meetings and business events profession has grown into one of the largest worldwide industries and yet it had not formally defined the role of its professionals. This evolution and maturation in the areas of meeting and business event management led to the development and release of an internationally recognized and accepted set of competency standards. In 2011, the first ever globally recognized set of competencies—knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs)—required of meeting professionals called the Meeting and Business Event Competency Standards (or MBECS) was published. This set of competencies focused solely on those professionals interested in careers planning and producing meetings and business events. It is uniquely distinct from those required by the lodging, food and beverage, transportation, or other segments of the hospitality and tourism industries. In this article the authors review the development of the standards, outlines the competencies covered in the standards, and describes t...
An Exploratory Study of Spiritual Orientation and Adaptation to Therapeutic Community Treatment

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which spiritual orientation was associated with adaptation to therapeutic community treatment. Spiritual orientation was assessed by the Spirituality Self-Rating Scale, a measure consistent with the conceptualization of spirituality typically reflected in Alcoholics Anonymous members' views. Spiritual orientation was positively correlated with acceptance of therapeutic community principles and clinical progress. Further assessment of spirituality related characteristics and their relation to treatment outcomes is important in informing the design of interventions aimed at improving progress in the therapeutic community, particularly those aspects involving the relative value of integrating the 12-Step group approach in therapeutic community programs.
The stereoselectivity of alcohol dehydrogenases: A sterochemical imperative?

The stereoselectivity of NAD+-dependent alcohol dehydrogenases (transfering either the pro-R or pro-S hydrogen of NADH) correlates with the thermodynamic stability of their substrates, and appears to reflect evolutionary pressure to adjust in the active site the conformation of NADH so as to match the cofactor's reducing power to the oxidizability of the substrate. A requirement that the free energies of protein-bound intermediates be matched suggests a new approach for understanding catalysis and evolution in enzymes.