cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thinking locally, acting supranationally: Niche party behaviour in the European Parliament

Recent research on the European Parliament (EP) has neglected the idiosyncrasies of niche parties. Similarly, analyses of niche parties have not fully engaged the literature on the EP. This article builds on both literatures by analysing niche party behaviour in the EP as a distinct phenomenon. It is argued that niche parties will respond differently to institutional stimuli than parties more generally. To test this argument, Hix, Noury and Roland's work on EP party voting behaviour is replicated concentrating on niche parties only. It is found that participation in national government and institutional changes affect niche party legislators' voting behaviour, whereas they do not for legislators in the EP overall. These results have important implications for understanding both party behaviour in the EP and niche party behaviour more generally.
Interruption of Inositol Sphingolipid Synthesis Triggers Stt4p-dependent Protein Kinase C Signaling

The protein kinase C (PKC)-MAPK signaling cascade is activated and is essential for viability when cells are starved for the phospholipid precursor inositol. In this study, we report that inhibiting inositol-containing sphingolipid metabolism, either by inositol starvation or treatment with agents that block sphingolipid synthesis, triggers PKC signaling independent of sphingoid base accumulation. Under these same growth conditions, a fluorescent biosensor that detects the necessary PKC signaling intermediate, phosphatidylinositol (PI)-4-phosphate (PI4P), is enriched on the plasma membrane. The appearance of the PI4P biosensor on the plasma membrane correlates with PKC activation and requires the PI 4-kinase Stt4p. Like other mutations in the PKC-MAPK pathway, mutants defective in Stt4p and the PI4P 5-kinase Mss4p, which generates phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, exhibit inositol auxotrophy, yet fully derepress INO1, encoding inositol-3-phosphate synthase. These observations suggest that inositol-containing sphingolipid metabolism controls PKC signaling by regulating access of the signaling lipids PI4P and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate to effector proteins on the plasma membrane.
Design of a Robust, High-Rate Wireless Sensor Network for Static and Dynamic Structural Monitoring

Over recent years, there has been much interest in the use of low-cost wireless transceivers for communication of sensor data to alleviate the expense of widely-distributed cable- based sensors in structural monitoring systems. However, while the number of unique wireless sensor platforms has continued to expand rapidly, the lack of success in replicating the number of deployed sensors and sampling rates utilized in previous cable- based systems has led to disillusionment over their use for this application. This paper presents a wireless sensing system designed for concurrent measurement of both static and dynamic structural response through strain transducers, accelerometers, and temperature sensors. The network protocol developed supports real-time, high-rate data acquisition from large wireless sensor arrays with essentially no data loss. The current network software enables high-rate acquisition from up to forty channels across twenty wireless units on a single peer-to-peer network with system expansion enabled through additional networks operating simultaneously on adjacent communication channels. Elements of the system design have been specifically tailored towards addressing condition assessment of highway bridges through strain-based load ratings as well as vibration-based dynamic analysis. However, the flexible system architecture enables the system to serve essentially as an off-the-shelf solution for a wide array of wireless sensing tasks. The wireless sensing units and network performance have been validated through laboratory tests as well as dense large-scale field deployments on an in-service highway bridge.
Biophysically Defined and Cytocompatible Covalently Adaptable Networks as Viscoelastic 3D Cell Culture Systems

Presented here is a cytocompatible covalently adaptable hydrogel uniquely capable of mimicking the complex biophysical properties of native tissue and enabling natural cell functions without matrix degradation. Demonstrated is both the ability to control elastic modulus and stress relaxation time constants by more than an order of magnitude while predicting these values based on fundamental theoretical understanding and the simulation of muscle tissue and the encapsulation of myoblasts.
The 2009 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) Guidelines are not Supported by Science: The Scientific Support for Mammography Screening

Mammography screening is one of the major medical accomplishments of the past 40 years. In light of the downstream consequences of any screening test, it was critical that mammography screening be challenged. There have been many legitimate challenges, as well as many challenges that are not scientifically based but have gained credibility because of repetition. The latter have led to a great deal of confusion among women and their physicians. The aim of this review is to dispel many of the misunderstandings that have developed in the past 4 decades and, hopefully, reduce the confusion that has occurred. Mammography screening does not find all breast cancers and does not find all cancers early enough to result in a cure, but it is a major advance, and women should not be denied access to its benefits.
Systemic insecticides for control of the black-faced leafhopper, Graminella nigrifrons, and effect on corn stunt disease.

Three soil systemic insecticides, Baygon® (o -isopropoxphenyl methylcarbamate), disulfoton, and Furadan® (Niagara 10242) (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate), were tested in 1967 for their efficacy against Graminella nigriforons (Forbes), vector of com stunt virus. Experimental plots (0.25 acre) in 3 replications of a randomized complete block design were treated with insecticide as in-furrow applications only or as in-furrow plus side-dress applications at 1 lb/acre 5 weeks after planting. Significantly fewer leafhoppers were collected in Furadan treatment plots and in the Baygon furrow plus side-dress treatment than in the other treatments, Vector control was reflected in disease incidence data; those treatment plots with smaller leafhopper populations had fewer diseased plants than plots harboring larger vector populations. Side-dress applications of Furadan and Baygon 5 weeks after planting increased the efficiency of these materials to a higher level of leafhopper control. Furadan plots receiving a supplemental side-dress application did not have a lower incidence of disease compared with plots treated with this insecticide in-furrow only. Side-dressing with Bagron and disulfoton reduced disease incidence; however these 2 materials were in general less effective than Furadan.
Dispersal, vicariance, and clocks : Historical biogeography and speciation in a cosmopolitan passerine genus (Anthus : Motacillidae)

Dispersal and vicariant hypotheses have for decades been at odds with each other, notwithstanding the fact that both are well-established natural processes with important histories in biogeographic analyses. Despite their importance, neither dispersal nor vicariant methodologies are problem-free. The now widely used molecular techniques for generating phylogenies have provided a mechanism by which both dispersal- and vicariance-driven speciation can be better tested via the application of molecular clocks; unfortunately, substantial problems can also exist in the employment of those clocks. To begin to assess the relative roles of dispersal and vicariance in the establishment of avifaunas, especially intercontinental avifaunas, I applied a test for clocklike behavior in molecular data, as well as a program that infers ancestral areas and dispersal events, to a phylogeny of a speciose, cosmopolitan avian genus (Anthus; Motacillidae). Daughter-lineages above just 25 of 40 nodes in the Anthus phylogeny are evolving in a clocklike manner and are thus dateable by a molecular clock. Dating the applicable nodes suggests that Anthus arose nearly 7 million yr ago, probably in eastern Asia, and that between 6 and 5 million yr ago, Anthus species were present in Africa, the Palearctic, and North and South America. Speciation rates have been high throughout the Pliocene and quite low during the Pleistocene; further evidence that the Pleistocene may have had little effect in generating modern species. Intercontinental movements since 5 million yr ago have been few and largely restricted to interchange between Eurasia and Africa. Species swarms on North America, Africa, and Eurasia (but not South America or Australia) are the product of multiple invasions, rather than being solely the result of within-continent speciation. Dispersal has clearly played an important role in the distribution of this group.
Response to the comment on: “Soon, W., and Legates, D.R., solar irradiance modulation of equator-to-pole (Arctic) temperature gradients: empirical evidence for climate variation on multi-decadal timescales. Journal of Atmospheric and solar-terrestrial physics, 93, (2013) 45–56” by F. Meunier and A. H. Reis

Abstract We thank Meunier and Reis (hereafter as MR) for their comments on our paper. We, however, do not see the relevance of their alternative interpretation to our original results and believe this reflects their confusion regarding our conclusions rather than a discussion on physical mechanisms.
Absorption of carbonyl sulfide in aqueous diethanolamine

In this study the kinetics of the aqueous-phase reaction between carbonyl sulfide and diethanolamine is investigated. Data were obtained in aqueous polyethylene glycol to test the nitrous oxide analogy method for estimating the physical solubility and diffusivity of carbonyl sulfide in aqueous amine solutions. The experimental data indicate that the nitrous oxide analogy method is applicable for carbonyl sulfide. The kinetics data are interpreted using the zwitterion mechanism. It is found that the limiting step in the reaction is the deprotonation of the zwitterion resulting in overall third-order kinetics.
A parametric study on achieving the same final shape by numerical experimentation using a shape optimization process subject to different initial conditions

A finite element based shape optimization program has been developed for three-dimensional shell structures which allows for multiple edge movement and large shape changes. This program automatically performs shape optimization by linking together adaptive mesh generation, substructuring and optimization algorithms with a commercial finite element analysis program, MSC/NASTRAN. This paper examines the robustness of the shape optimization program by varying the initial shape and design parameters for three examples. This is performed to determine the conditions under which similar optimum shapes will be generated for different initial conditions.
Cycle-dependent matrix remodeling gene expression response in fatigue-loaded rat patellar tendons

Expression profiling of selected matrix remodeling genes was conducted to evaluate differences in molecular response to low-cycle (100) and high-cycle (7,200) sub-failure-fatigue loading of patellar tendons. Using our previously developed in vivo patellar tendon model, tendons were loaded for 100 or 7,200 cycles and expression of selected metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and collagens were quantified by real-time RT-PCR at 1- and 7-day post-loading. Expression profiles were also obtained from lacerated tendons as an acute injury model. The high-cycle group showed upregulation of TIMP-1, -2, Col3a1, and Col5a1, and downregulation TIMP-4 at both time points, upregulation of MMP-2 at 7-day post-loading and downregulation of MMP-13 and -14 at 1-day post-loading, suggesting overall repair/remodeling. In contrast, the low-cycle loaded group showed upregulation of MMP-2, -3, -13, and Col12a1 at both time points, upregulation of TIMP-1, -2, -3, Col3a1, and integrin β1 and downregulation of integrin α11 at 1-day post-loading and upregulation of Col1a1 at 7-day post-loading, consistent with a hypertrophic (adaptive) pattern. Lacerated tendons showed a typical acute wound response with upregulation of all examined remodeling genes. Differences found in tendon response to high- and low-cycle loading are suggestive of the underlying mechanisms associated with a healthy or damaging response.
Cognitive, language and social‐cognitive skills of individuals with fragile X syndrome with and without autism

Background It is not known whether those with co-morbid fragile X syndrome (FXS) and autism represent a distinct subtype of FXS; whether the especially severe cognitive delays seen in studies of young children with co-morbid FXS and autism compared with those with only FXS continue into adolescence and young adulthood; and whether autism in those with FXS is ‘true autism’, i.e. reflects the same underlying problems as idiopathic autism. Method We compared the non-verbal IQ of adolescents and young adults with co-morbid FXS and autism ( n =  ) with those with only FXS ( n =  ). We then created a subsample of those with FXS only, matched on non-verbal IQ, mental age and gender ( n =  ) to the subsample of those with co-morbid FXS and autism. We compared the two groups on measures of expressive language, receptive language (lexical, grammatical morphology and syntactic patterns), and a theory of mind task. Results Those with co-morbid FXS and autism had lower non-verbal IQs than those with only FXS. The participants with co-morbid FXS and autism did not perform as well as the cognitive ability- and gendermatched participants with only FXS on the three measures of receptive language or the theory of mind task; there were no differences on the expressive language measure. Conclusions Our findings support the notion that those with co-morbid FXS and autism represent a distinct subtype of FXS, with more impairment in receptive language and theory of mind even when controlling for their lower non-verbal IQ relative to those with only FXS. The greater cognitive impairments observed in those with co-morbid FXS and autism continues into adolescence and young adulthood; and the autism seen in those with FXS appears to be the same as idiopathic autism.
Participation in Daily Activities of Young Adults with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

Young adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle to assume adult roles. This research assessed the feasibility of using the Adolescent and Young Adult Activity Card Sort (AYA-ACS) with emerging adults with high functioning ASD. Two phases were utilized during this research: (1) comparing the activity participation reported by emerging adults with an ASD and that reported by their caring adult; (2) examining the barriers to participation reported. Preliminary results demonstrate that the AYA-ACS appears to be a reliable and valid method of identifying emerging adults' participation strengths as well as personal and environmental challenges in a variety of age-appropriate activities. The AYA-ACS could assist service providers by providing an understanding of the challenges to participation faced by this population and aid in developing client centered interventions.
CT and MRI Measurements of Tibial Tubercle–Trochlear Groove Distances Are Not Equivalent in Patients With Patellar Instability

Background:Tibial tubercle–trochlear groove distance (TT-TG) is a commonly used measurement for surgical decision making in patients with patellofemoral malalignment and instability. This measurement has historically been performed utilizing axial computed tomography (CT). More recently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proposed as an equivalent method, but this has not yet been fully validated.Purpose:To determine the reliability of TT-TG distance measurements on both MRI and CT and to determine whether the measurements are interchangeable with one another.Study Design:Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.Methods:All patients with patellar instability who underwent both CT and MRI of the knee from 2003 to 2011 were included (n = 59 knees in 54 patients). Two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists measured the TT-TG distances for each patient by CT and MRI in a randomized, blinded fashion. Interobserver reliability was calculated between radiologists for both imaging modalities...
Rates of Breakthrough Reactions in Inpatients at High Risk Receiving Premedication Before Contrast-Enhanced CT.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of allergiclike breakthrough reactions among inpatients at high risk receiving premedication before undergoing CT with IV iodinated low-osmolality contrast material (LOCM). MATERIALS AND METHODS. Inpatients (n = 1051) completing a 13-hour corticosteroid and diphenhydramine premedication regimen before LOCM-enhanced CT from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2013, were included in the study. Breakthrough reaction rates were compared with the ordinary allergiclike reaction rate in the general population (0.6% [545/84,928]) by use of chi-square tests. Multivariate logistic regression was performed. Number needed to treat (NNT) was calculated for patients premedicated for a previous contrast reaction. RESULTS. Sixty percent (626/1051) of premedicated patients had had a previous reaction to iodinated contrast material, and 40% (425/1051) were premedicated for other reasons. The overall breakthrough reaction rates were 1.2% (13/1051) (p < 0.0001 ...
Police Effectiveness in Handling Disturbance Calls: An Evaluation of Crisis Intervention Training

This study examined the social, psychological, and temporal demensions of “disturbance calls” and, in addition, provided a pre-post evaluation of the effects of crisis intervention training upon 64 El Monte, California patrol officers. It was found that trained officers tended to rate their handling of cases more positively than did untrained officers; furthermore, telephone follow-ups revealed that citizens gave more favorable evaluations of the service provided by trained officers compared to untrained officers. Training yeilded a slight, temporary suppression of the rate of return calls to the same address, however, the rate of return calls occurring two weeks after the initial contact was not significantly lower than the rate prior to training.
Toward Correlation in In Vivo and In Vitro Nanotoxicology Studies

Nanomaterials have the promise of revolutionizing current treatment and diagnosis of diseases, which has led to 33 nanotherapeutics drugs currently on the market and many more in various stages of clinical trials. With an increasing number of products available and in development, along with the unique, emergent properties of the nanoparticle therapeutics themselves, regulatory agencies are now faced with decisions regarding the regulation of such novel technologies. Regulatory guidance, particularly in pre-clinical stages, has the potential to facilitate quick and safe development of these novel materials, but new regulation beyond what is currently in place must be justified in a clear and distinctive toxic response. Herein, we examine literature that compares and correlates in vivo and in vitro nanotoxicity studies to gain a deeper understanding of the modes of nanoparticle toxicity. Additionally, this comparison aims to identify clear and unique toxicity responses caused by nanoparticles, which informs our perspective on pre-clinical nanotherapeutic oversight.
From wormhole to time machine: Remarks on Hawking's chronology protection conjecture.

The recent interest in time machines'' has been largely fueled by the [ital apparent] ease with which such systems may be formed in general relativity, given relatively benign initial conditions such as the existence of traversable wormholes or of infinite cosmic strings. This rather disturbing state of affairs has led Hawking to formulate his [ital chronology] [ital protection] [ital conjecture], whereby the formation of time machines'' is forbidden. This paper will use several simple examples to argue that the Universe appears to exhibit a defense in depth'' strategy in this regard. For appropriate parameter regimes, Casimir effects, wormhole disruption effects, and gravitational back reaction effects all contribute to the fight against time travel. Particular attention is paid to the role of the quantum gravity cutoff. For the class of model problems considered it is shown that the gravitational back reaction becomes large before the Planck scale quantum gravity cutoff is reached, thus supporting Hawking's conjecture.
Female perception of cowbird song: a closed developmental program.

To investigate the modifiability of the brown-headed female cowbird's (Molothrus ater ater) response to male song, we reared M.a. ater females with either M.a. ater or M.a. obscurus males, whose songs differ in geographic origin. The females were later tested for their responsiveness to playbacks of M.a. ater and M.a. obscurus song. Rearing with M.a. obscurus males had no effect on the female's preference for her native song variant, suggesting a closed program for receptive development. The data on song perception are contrasted with those previously obtained for male production and indicate different constraints on song perception as opposed to song production.
Commerce and freedom of inquiry.

On New Year's Day 2000, I learned that some of my colleagues were allegedly in league with the Devil. The previous evening, the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) had firebombed the office of the Director of the Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project (ABSP) at Michigan State University (MSU; East Lansing, MI, USA). This project was the primary route for the US Agency for International Development to invest in agricultural biotechnology. As part of its activities, the ABSP was organizing a conference in Africa on intellectual property rights, and had accepted US$8,000 from Monsanto (St Louis, MO, USA) to bring African leaders and scientists to the conference. Because many anti‐biotechnology activists seem to believe that Monsanto is the incarnation of the Devil, they felt that the ABSP needed to be taught a lesson in the form of arson. The ELF later claimed responsibility in a fax, which justified the attack by citing the dissemination of transgenic crops by the ABSP to developing countries, although the activities of the ABSP have not yet led to the commercialization of any such crops. However, the project had a high profile and was frequently mentioned in the news, which might have contributed to the choice of the ABSP as a target of the ELF. Damage to Michigan State University Agriculture Hall caused by an arson attack on 31 December 1999. Image courtesy of Greg Deruiter/Lansing State Journal (Lansing, MI, USA) ![][1] The separation between the office of the Director of the ABSP and my own is thin and comprises only an electrical closet. Luckily it had a reasonable amount of insulation—in any case, it prevented my office from suffering any damage. The arsonist probably walked past my display case in the hall outside. Earlier that week, I had asked my secretary to change the display to highlight some … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Structure effects in the interaction of hydrogen with benzene, cyclopropane and carbon monoxide over silica supported nickel catalysts

Studies on the catalytic interaction of hydrogen with three substrates on a series of silica supported nickel catalysts with average crystallite sizes ranging from 5 to 50 A are reported. On benzene the specific activity is almost constant down to about 12 A crystallite size. For smaller crystallite sizes the activity drops sharply. For hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis of cyclopropane a similar drop in activity is observed for very small crystallites and these also tend to have lower selectivity towards hydrogenolysis. These findings are discussed In terms of the required ensemble size, inspired by work on alloys elsewhere. For methanation of carbon monoxide an almost linear increase of specific activity with crystallite size over the entire range has been found, which implies almost constant activity per unit mass of nickel metal for all catalysts. In the course of many hours methanation heavy carbon deposition and growth of average nickel crystallite size occur, without significant change in activity. Interpretation of these findings in terms of required ensemble size does not appear very satisfactory. Much further work is needed to arrive at a satisfactory explanation
Predicting climate‐induced range shifts: model differences and model reliability

Predicted changes in the global climate are likely to cause large shifts in the geographic ranges of many plant and animal species. To date, predictions of future range shifts have relied on a variety of modeling approaches with different levels of model accuracy. Using a common data set, we investigated the potential implications of alternative modeling approaches for conclusions about future range shifts and extinctions. Our common data set entailed the current ranges of 100 randomly selected mammal species found in the western hemisphere. Using these range maps, we compared six methods for modeling predicted future ranges. Predicted future distributions differed markedly across the alternative modeling approaches, which in turn resulted in estimates of extinction rates that ranged between 0% and 7%, depending on which model was used. Random forest predictors, a model-averaging approach, consistently outperformed the other techniques (correctly predicting >99% of current absences and 86% of current presences). We conclude that the types of models used in a study can have dramatic effects on predicted range shifts and extinction rates; and that model-averaging approaches appear to have the greatest potential for predicting range shifts in the face of climate change.
Multinational Corporations and the New International Division of Labor: A Critical Appraisal

The new international division of labor model assigns a major role to the multinational corporation as the orchestrator of a global reallocation of manufacturing away from core industrial countries...
Directing the teat-seeking behavior of newborn piglets: Use of sloped floors and curved corners in the design of farrowing units

The teat-seeking behavior of newborn piglets was evaluated in farrowing crates modified to incorporate sloped floors and curved corners in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. Rear corners of the creep area were either square or curved. Floors were either level or sloped, in which a steep slope (18°) extended down from the sow's posterior to the back of the crate and gradual slopes (5°) extended upward along each side of the creep area from the back to the midpoint of the crate. These slopes were designed to move pigs away from the sow's posterior and around the perimeter of the creep area to her side. Treatment did not affect performance to 3 days of age. Intralitter birth intervals were greater in sloped (32 min) than flat crates (22 min; P<0.05) and sows changed position more frequently in sloped crates (P<0.05). Latency to first mammary contact (LMC) was greater on sloped floors (50 vs. 32 min on flat floors; P<0.01). Prior to mammary contact, pigs on sloped floors spent more time free standing (P<0.001), in contact with creep partitions (P<0.001) and in the rear crate corners (P<0.01), and less time in contact with the sow (P<0.001) and near the sow's vulval area (P<0.01) than those on flat floors. Slopes increased the distance searched by pigs during LMC (58 vs. 30 m on flat floors; P<0.01) and tended to increase the speed of movement (2.2 vs. 1.8 m min−1 on flat floors; P<0.12). The results indicate that sloped floors did not decrease the teat-seeking time of newborn pigs, but were effective in directing piglet movement and increasing the speed of movement.
Alkylpyrazines: alarm pheromone components of the little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

The previous identification of 2,5-dimethyl-3-(3-methylbutyl)pyrazine as the mandibular alarm pheromone of the little fire ant Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger), has been found to be incorrect. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) of ant extracts suggested the correct structure to be the regioisomer 2,5-dimethyl-3-(2-methylbutyl)pyrazine, which was confirmed by comparison with the synthetic pyrazine. GC/MS analysis also revealed the presence of an additional disubstituted alkylpyrazine which was identified as 3-methyl-2-(2-methylbutyl)pyrazine. Headspace sampling of confined ants with SPME and Porapak Q followed by GC/MS analysis showed 2,5-dimethyl-3-(2-methylbutyl)pyrazine as the major volatile released by W. auropunctata workers while 3-methyl-2-(2-methylbutyl)pyrazine was only detected in trace amounts. In laboratory bioassays, W. auropunctata workers were attracted and arrested by both pyrazines, although the results were not always consistent. Synthetic pyrazines generally attracted as many W. auropunctata workers as were attracted to a single crushed ant. However, higher numbers of W. auropunctata were arrested by crushed ant treatments than by synthetic pyrazines in all bioassays but one.
Hydromechanics of a high taper angle, low‐permeability prism: A case study from Peru

[1] The Peru frontal prism represents a contrasting hydrologic setting to the better characterized systems of Nankai and Barbados. The high taper angle and convergence rate result in rapid burial of low-permeability sediments. Critical taper stability calculations were combined with a flow model to understand how a steep taper angle could be stable under these conditions. Constant rate flow tests of the slope and prism sediments gave permeability values ranging from a low of ∼10−18 m2 to a high of ∼10−16 m2. Estimated compaction fluid sources exceed 5 × 10−13 s−1 near the toe and remain above 10−14 s−1 for 20 km arcward in the underthrust sediments. These data were used to constrain a two-dimensional, steady state model of pore pressure along a cross section at 9°S. The model domain is composed of a 15-km-wide frontal prism with a crystalline buttress at the back and 500 m of permeable basement at the base. The combined mechanical stability and flow model analysis yielded a feasible basement permeability of ∼10−16 m2 and a decollement permeability range of 10−15–10−17 m2. The model results demonstrate that basement flow and use of different pressure ratio values for the wedge and the base in stability calculations are important for systems with steep taper angles.
Optimization of Perturbation Parameters for Simulated Free Shear Layer Flow

This paper provides details on the optimization of phase and amplitude of perturbations for simulated free shear layer flows. The goal of the optimization is to maximize or minimize the rate of growth of the shear layer, based upon first-principles physics-based simulations that represent solutions to the fully nonlinear Navier-Stokes equations. These simulations have been obtained using a unique method [1, 2] that considerably reduces the computational burden normally associated with obtaining such solutions. In fact, the development of active flow control methodologies is often based upon reduced order models of the Navier-Stokes equations to avoid this computational overhead. Various regression methods were used to approximate the shear layer thickness as a function of the phase and amplitude of perturbations used to excite the flow dynamics as a proxy for using a simulation based upon first principles, in order to reduce computational burden even further. It was found that nonlinear regression methods...
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Tegument Protein BGLF2 Promotes EBV Reactivation through Activation of the p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase

ABSTRACT Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous gammaherpesvirus associated with both B cell and epithelial cell malignancies. EBV infection of B cells triggers activation of several signaling pathways that are critical for cell survival, virus latency, and growth transformation. To identify EBV proteins important for regulating cell signaling, we used a proteomic approach to screen viral proteins for AP-1 and NF-κB promoter activity in AP-1– and NF-κB–luciferase reporter assays. We found that EBV BGLF2 activated AP-1 but not NF-κB reporter activity. Expression of EBV BGLF2 in cells activated p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), both of which are important for mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Deletion of the carboxyl-terminal 66 amino acids of BGLF2 reduced the ability of BGLF2 to activate JNK and p38. Expression of BGLF2 enhanced BZLF1 expression in latently EBV-infected lymphoblastoid cell lines, and knockdown of BGLF2 reduced EBV reactivation induced by IgG cross-linking. Expression of BGLF2 induced BZLF1 expression and virus production in EBV-infected gastric carcinoma cells. BGLF2 enhanced BZLF1 expression and EBV production by activating p38; chemical inhibition of p38 and MAPK/ERK kinases 1 and 2 (MEK1/2) reduced expression of BZLF1 and virus production induced by BGLF2. In summary, the EBV tegument protein BGLF2, which is delivered to the cell at the onset of virus infection, activates the AP-1 pathway and enhances EBV reactivation and virus production. IMPORTANCE Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with both B cell and epithelial cell malignancies, and the virus activates multiple signaling pathways important for its persistence in latently infected cells. We identified a viral tegument protein, BGLF2, which activates members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Expression of BGLF2 increased expression of EBV BZLF1, which activates a switch from latent to lytic virus infection, and increased production of EBV. Inhibition of BGFL2 expression or inhibition of p38/MAPK, which is activated by BGLF2, reduced virus reactivation from latency. These results indicate that a viral tegument protein which is delivered to cells upon infection activates signaling pathways to enhance virus production and facilitate virus reactivation from latency.
A simple market-like allocation mechanism for public goods

Abstract We argue that since allocation mechanisms will not always be in equilibrium, their out-of-equilibrium properties must be taken into account along with their properties in equilibrium. For economies with public goods, we define a simple market-like mechanism in which the strong Nash equilibria yield the Lindahl allocations and prices. The mechanism satisfies critical out-of-equilibrium desiderata that previously-introduced mechanisms fail to satisfy, and always (weakly) yields Pareto improvements, whether in equilibrium or not. The mechanism requires participants to communicate prices and quantities, and turns these into outcomes according to a natural and intuitive outcome function. Our approach first exploits the equivalence, when there are only two participants, between the private-good and public-good allocation problems to obtain a two-person public-good mechanism, and then we generalize the public-good mechanism to an arbitrary number of participants. The results and the intuition behind them are illustrated in the familiar Edgeworth Box and Kolm Triangle diagrams.
Salivary Duct Carcinoma: An Analysis of Four Cases with Review of Literature

Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a histologically distinctive neoplasm of the parotid gland. The criteria for the diagnosis of SDC are circumscribed epithelial nests having a papillary, cribriform, and/or solid architecture coupled with central necrosis. The infiltrating cancer can be papillary, resembling the intraductal component or have a nonspecific, undifferentiated pattern. The authors are presenting four cases and compare them with 11 other acceptable cases from the literature. The neoplasm occurs beyond the age of 50 (median 63 years) and has a dismal prognosis with nearly two-thirds of the patients developing distant metastases. All surviving patients have been treated with combined parotidectomy and radiotherapy.
221 INCORPORATING ETHNIC DIFFERENCES IN CARDIOMETABOLIC RISK FACTORS INTO A NEW DEFINITION FOR THE METABOLIC SYNDROME IN THE MULTI-ETHNIC STUDY OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS (MESA).

As the United States faces an epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the nation9s leading cause of death. The common thread linking obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and CVD is the metabolic syndrome (MS). However, thresholds of MS variables associated with CVD risk need to be reexamined in light of ethnic variation noted by previous investigators. Thus, we have commenced examination of distribution of metabolic factors as influenced by race. Methods The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) is a prospective observational study of 6,814 participants aged 45 to 84. Four ethnic groups were observed: Caucasian, Chinese, African American, and Hispanic. We examined data derived from the baseline examination and used JMP 5.1 software for data management and statistical analysis. We calculated participants9 HOMA IR (homeostatic model of insulin resistance) and noted interracial triglyceride variation in a subpopulation of high insulin resistance. We thus redefined the MS threshold of hypertriglyceridemia and examined the subpopulation who met the new MS criteria. Results The redefined metabolic triglyceride criterion (TG = 115 mg/dL) resulted in improved sensitivity with reduced interracial variability. Furthermore, this newly defined population continued to have elevated markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, similar to those patients with the classic definition of MS. Conclusion We have suggested altered criterion for one MS variable and continue to model similar threshold alterations in other variables. Using racially sensitive thresholds for metabolic variables, we hope to arrive at a more universally applicable definition of the MS with maximum sensitivity, specificity, and minimal interracial variation.
Application of Contactless Rotary High Frequency Link Transformer in the Satellite Power Supply

A detailed introduction of the application of contactless rotary high frequency link transformer in the satellite power supply is given.To use the contactless rotary high frequency link transformer instead of carbon brushes which is traditionally and widely used,a longer life-span and higher reliability is achieved.The resonant technique is included in order to eliminating the EMI due to power conversion,and the power supply to the rotary circuits is realized by a creative method.The practical tests demonstrates its superiority towards carbon brushes and slip rings.
Development of Cimplicity HMI Report System Based on ADO Technology

By means of ADO database query technology,a method is introduced for developing Cimplicity HMI report system with GridCtrl Controls and Excel foundation class under Visual C++ circumstance.Being simple and practical,the method has been applied successfully to the supervision and control systems of two pump stations in the north of Jiangsu province and the performances is satisfactory.
First U.S. Records of the Palearctic Micropeza lateralis Meigen in North America (Diptera: Micropezidae)

Abstract. New North American distribution records of the Palearctic micropezid fly Micropeza lateralisMeigen are given for the Pacific Northwest. In 2007, specimens of M. lateralis were beaten from Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) at two locales in Washington (new U.S. record). Micropeza chillcotti Merritt and Peterson, 1976 is proposed as a junior synonym of M. lateralis.
Conceptualizing Landscap - A Comparative Study of Landscape Categories with Navajo and English-Speaking Participants.

Understanding human concepts, spatial and other, is not only one of the most prominent topics in the cognitive and spatial sciences; it is also one of the most challenging. While it is possible to focus on specific aspects of our spa- tial environment and abstract away complexities for experimental purposes, it is important to understand how cognition in the wild or at least with complex stim- uli works, too. The research presented in this paper addresses emerging topics in the area of landscape conceptualization and explicitly uses a diversity fostering approach to uncover potentials, challenges, complexities, and patterns in human landscape concepts. Based on a representation of different landscapes (images) responses from two different populations were elicited: Navajo and the (US) crowd. Our data provides support for the idea of conceptual pluralism; we can confirm that participant responses are far from random and that, also diverse, patterns exist that allow for advancing our understanding of human spatial cog- nition with complex stimuli.
Effects of Aurintricarboxylic Acid on Ribosomes and the Biosynthesis of Globin in Rabbit Reticulocytes

The triphenylmethane dye, aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA), inhibits the synthesis of globin in reticulocyte lysates. The principal effect of low concentrations of ATA (0.01-0.1 mM) is on initiation of protein synthesis. This conclusion is based on the following observations: (a) a delay of 1-2 min occurs before inhibition of globin synthesis by ATA is observed; (b) complete breakdown of polyribosomes is induced by ATA; (c) peptide chains, previously identified as completed α and β chains of globin, are completed and released from the ribosome in the presence of the dye; and (d) an increase in the number of ribosomal subunits is observed in the presence of the dye. ATA inhibits binding of polyuridylic and polycytidylic acids to reticulocyte ribosomes. This observation is in accordance with the view that a primary action of the dye is the inhibition of attachment of mRNA to ribosomes. Translocation, peptide bond formation, and rate of release of nascent globin peptides are unaffected by 0.1 mM concentrations of ATA. The activity of guanosine triphosphatase is inhibited, but only when the enzyme is assayed as an isolated preparation. If ATA is incubated with guanosine triphosphatase in the presence of all components required for amino acid polymerization, hydrolysis of GTP is not affected. High concentrations of ATA (1 mM) prevent chain elongation. Under these conditions, breakdown of polyribosomes is incomplete and single ribosomes unfold, forming discrete particles sedimenting at 54-56 S. Such unfolding can be prevented by increasing the concentration of magnesium ions. ATA also induces a decrease in the sedimentation rate of polyribosomes, single ribosomes, and the smaller ribosomal subunit. [ 3 H]ATA binds to polyribosomes and 80 S and 40 S particles, but not to the 60 S subunit. Taken together, our results suggest that the dye binds to the 40 S ribosomal subunit, preventing the subsequent attachment of mRNA. As a consequence of this action, ATA inhibits initiation of globin synthesis in reticulocyte lysates.
The role of functional endoscopic sinus surgery in asthmatic patients.

Objectif: Cette etude fut faite pour determiner l'efficacite de la chirurgie endoscopique fonctionnelle des sinus sur les symptomes des sinus et de l'asthme. Methode: Soixante-quinze patients avec asthme et sinusite rebelle au traitement medical furent evalues. Une therapie medicale maximale fut tentee pour soulager tant les symptomes de l'asthme que ceux des sinus. Les interventions chirurgicales impliquaient des techniques usuelles de chirurgie endoscopique fonctionnelle des sinus. Cinquante-six pour cent des patients avaient deja subi une chirurgie des sinus avant la chirurgie endoscopique. La polypose nasale fut notee chez 73% des patients du groupe. La majorite des patients presentait de la pansinusite. Resultats: Quatre-vingt-six pour cent des patients declarerent que la chirurgie endoscopique fonctionnelle des sinus avait ameliore leur sinusite. Neuf des 11 symptomes enregistres en preoperatoire furent diminues de facon significative (p .05) apres la chirurgie. Quatre-vingt pour cent des patients noterent une amelioration de leur asthme apres la chirurgie endoscopique. Les facteurs associes avec les echecs de traitement et les caracteristiques propres a ce processus morbide furent evalues. Conclusions: La chirurgie endoscopique fonctionnelle des sinus est une option viable pour le traitement de l'asthme quand la therapie medicale echoue.
Studies on the Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of a Calcium Blocker After Global Ischemia

After numerous studies of calcium channel blockers, the efficacy and mechanism of action are still debated [1, 2, 7,10,11,16,17, 21, 22, 24, 28, 29]. Two possible mechanisms have been proposed for their beneficial effect: (a) relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and increase in cerebral blood flow, and (b) prevention of calcium flux into neurons, thereby limiting activation of phospholipases, proteases, and consequent membrane and protein degradation and production of damaging metabolic by-products such as free radicals [3–5,15, 20, 23, 25, 26, 30].
Reflux Incidence among Exclusively Breast Milk Fed Infants: Differences of Feeding at Breast versus Pumped Milk

The practice of feeding infants expressed breast milk is increasing in the United States, but the impacts on infant and maternal health are still understudied. This study examines the monthly incidence of regurgitation (gastro-esophageal reflux) in exclusively breast milk fed infants from ages two to six months. Among infants whose mothers participated in the Infant Feeding Practices II Study (IFPS II; 2005-2007), data on reflux and feeding mode were collected by monthly questionnaires. A longitudinal, repeated measures analysis was used, with feeding mode lagged by one month in order to compare reflux incidence among infants fed directly at the breast to infants receiving pumped breast milk. Mothers in both feeding groups had similar characteristics, although a greater proportion feeding at least some pumped milk were primiparous. The number of exclusively breastfed infants decreased steadily between months 2 and 6, although the proportion fed at the breast remained similar over time. An association between feeding mode and reflux incidence was not found; however, the analyses were limited by a small number of reported reflux cases. More studies are needed to further explain the relationship between different feeding modes and infant reflux.
Organ Donor Registration Reconsidered: How Current Practices Strain Autonomy

In this commentary, we identify several ways in which the process of registering people as organ donors in the United States departs from the conditions ordinarily thought to be requirements for au...
Interconnects for military systems

Research in progress on the applicability of fast packet switching technology to mobile military systems for which size, weight, and power are critical is discussed. Architectural considerations are discussed, and three promising architectures are identified. Each supports output buffering and is suitable for VLSI circuit implementation with minimal internal contention. These architectures are reviewed and compared. >
Micromanipulating Hematological Malignancies and Other Cancers

Abstract SCI-33 MicroRNAs regulate the response of the cell to environmental changes and developmental cues. microRNA expression is dysregulated in cancer – microRNA expression is generally reduced in cancer cells compared to normal tissue and individual microRNAs, termed oncomirs, that act as tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes are frequently aberrantly expressed in cancer and their expression can be linked to prognosis and response to therapy. Because microRNAs regulate cancer cell differentiation, proliferation, survival, and metastasis, manipulating microRNA function, either by mimicking or inhibiting miRNAs implicated in cancer, could provide a powerful therapeutic strategy to interfere with key pathways for cancer progression. This talk will explore some of the opportunities and obstacles to harnessing microRNA biology for cancer therapy. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.