cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anchoring of protein kinase A is required for modulation of AMPA/kainate receptors on hippocampal neurons.

PHOSPHORYLATION of molecules involved in synaptic transmission by multifunctional protein kinases modulates both pre- and post-synaptic events in the central nervous system1,2. The positioning of kinases near their substrates may be an important part of the regulatory mechanism. The A-kinase-anchoring proteins (AKAPs; ref. 3) are known to bind the regulatory subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A with nanomolar affinity4–6. Here we show that anchoring of protein kinase A by AKAPs is required for the modulation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA)/kainate channels4,5. Intracellular per-fusion of cultured hippocampal neurons with peptides derived from the conserved kinase binding region of AKAPs prevented the protein kinase A-mediated regulation of AMPA/kainate currents as well as fast excitatory synaptic currents. This effect could be overcome by adding the purified catalytic subunit of protein kinase. A control peptide lacking kinase-binding activity had no effect. To our knowledge, these results provide the first evidence that anchoring of protein kinase A is crucial in the regulation of synaptic function.
Maximum Entropy Interpretation of Autoregressive Spectral Densities.

Abstract A new proof is given of the maximum entropy characterization of autoregressive spectral densities as models for the spectral density of a stationary time series. The new proof is presented in parallel with a proof of the maximum entropy characterization of exponential models for probability densities. Concepts of entropy, cross-entropy and information divergence are defined for probability densities and for spectral densities.
The Sacraments in Early American Methodism

In an essay written in 1929' Professor Tillich concluded that the sacraments continue to exist in modern Protestantism largely through historical impetus. The conservatism of custom and a vague awareness that their observance is somehow due to our Lord are apparently sufficient to prevent their total extinction. The last generation has of course witnessed a liturgical revival in our churches; but this new interest is by no means universal and appears on the whole to be superficial. It is less devoted to an understanding of Christian faith which might require liturgical expression than to the ornamentation of the places and procedures of worship. Its activity is rooted less in theology than in aesthetics and psychology, being perhaps more often an expression of cultural sophistication than of any serious appreciation of the sacramental quality of Christian life.
Radiofrequency ablation for unresectable hepatic tumors

Abstract Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a relatively new treatment for unresectable hepatic tumors. The purpose of this analysis was to examine the frequency of complications and local recurrence associated with RFA. Methods: Patients who underwent RFA of hepatic tumors with curative intent were included in this study. At laparotomy, RFA was performed using intraoperative ultrasound guidance. Computed tomography scans were obtained in the immediate postoperative period and every 3 to 6 months thereafter. Results: Forty patients underwent RFA for 122 hepatic tumors. Thirty-one patients had metastatic lesions from colorectal cancer; 9 had other liver tumors. Complications occurred in 8 patients. With 9.5 months median follow-up, 6 patients had local recurrence of their ablated tumors. Conclusions: Our initial experience shows that RFA can effectively eradicate unresectable hepatic tumors. The rate and severity of complications appear acceptable. However, further study is necessary to assess long-term recurrence rates and effect on overall survival.
First-principles, general-potential local-orbital calculations for bulk crystals.

We describe a first-principles computational technique for calculating electronic structure, using the method of linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO). Gaussian-type orbitals are used, so that all matrix element integrals are calculated analytically. The technique makes no shape approximations to either the charge density or the effective one-electron potential, aside from the usual local-density approximation to the exchange-correlation potential. We have applied the method to three qualitatively different systems: diamond, vanadium, and a diamond-nickel (001) ideal interface supercell. To assess the accuracy of this technique, we have performed parallel calculations using the linear augmented-plane-wave (LAPW) method. In this way, all possible discrepancies due to choice of lattice constant and exchange-correlation potential are removed. Detailed comparisons between the LCAO and LAPW results for all three systems are made. Overall agreement between the two methods is excellent.
Crystallization of human α-lactalbumin

Abstract Crystals of human milk α-lactalbumin have been grown from ammonium sulfate solutions in the presence of calcium ions at 35 °C. They belong to space group P 2 1 2 1 2, with unit cell dimensions: a = 33.6 A , b = 69.9 A , c = 47.3 A and have a single molecule in the asymmetric unit. The crystals diffract X-rays strongly to Bragg spacings of 2 A and appear suitable for X-ray structural analysis.
Update on the burden of Campylobacter in developing countries.

Purpose of reviewRecent work has added to the understanding of the burden of Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli, and non-jejuni/coli Campylobacter strains in children living in the developing world.Recent findingsNew diagnostic modalities and carefully designed field studies are demonstrating that the bu
Longitudinal analysis of Plantago: adaptive benefits of iteroparity in a short‐lived, herbaceous perennial

Theory suggests that iteroparity may confer greater fitness than semelparity in situations in which temporal environmental variation is high and unpredictable. Variable age-specific mortality, density dependence, and other factors may also favor iteroparity over semelparity. Here, we empirically test the adaptive benefits of greater numbers of reproductive years in a study of reproductive schedules in an experimental population of a short-lived polycarpic perennial, Plantago lanceolata. A large experimental population was established that included four cohorts with similar genetic structure. Individuals were censused for mortality, size, and reproduction for seven years. Plants experienced variable numbers of reproductive years, but one or two years were most common (∼46.7% of the population reproduced only once). The probability of flowering at least once prior to death was determined strongly by extrinsic, environmental or intrinsic but environmentally influenced variables, including early-life size, cohort, and block, but also varied with a number of interactions involving paternal lineage. Maternal effects explained small but significant components of the variance in the number of reproductive years among individuals in each cohort, while paternal effects were significant in only two cohorts. Number of reproductive years contributed significantly to fitness in this system, more so than all other variables tested, although most of the variation in relative fitness may be attributed ultimately to environmental influences. We suggest that the high proportion of each cohort composed of plants reproducing only once may be due to environmental constraints on either growth or size. Such environmental influences, particularly on early life size, may result in small but important indirect effects on fitness.
Endoscopic treatment of biliary duct strictures in sclerosing cholangitis: follow-up assessment of a new therapeutic approach

Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed on 10 patients with sclerosing cholangitis to improve biliary tract drainage and to remove bile duct sludge and stones. In addition, Gruentzig-type balloons were placed endoscopically to dilate severe biliary duct strictures in eight of these patients, and endoprostheses were inserted to bridge high grade strictures in three patients. In order to assess the effectiveness of endoscopic treatment, we compared the number of hospitalizations for clinical episodes of cholangitis in this patient group for similar periods of time before and after therapy. Episodes of cholangitis requiring hospitalization decreased from 2.5±0.4 per patient in the 12 months prior to endoscopic therapy to 0.2±0.2 episodes per patient in the year following treatment and to 0.33±0.2 episodes per patient in the additional follow-up period during the second year. Liver function tests have improved significantly over the follow-up period of 19.1±2.6 months from the time of endoscopic treatment. The serum bilirubin decreased from 6.9±2.0 mg/dl to 2.7±1.4 mg/dl; serum alkaline phosphatase decreased from 959±214 IU to 385±89 IU; and serum transaminase decreased from 117±17 IU to 77±12 IU. Endoscopic treatment appears to be effective in patients with severe sclerosing cholangitis.
Modification of BaTiO3 thin films: adjustment of the effective surface work function

Sputter-deposited BaTiO3 thin films have been modified with an alkylphosphonic acid and a partially-fluorinated alkylphosphonic acid in order to model the surface composition of similarly modified BaTiO3 nanoparticles. We present here the surface characterization of these modified films by a combination of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). BaTiO3 layers of average thicknesses ca. 2 nm were prepared by radio frequency (rf) magnetron sputter deposition on Ag films, to avoid charging effects during XPS/UPS characterization. Octadecylphosphonic acid (ODPA) and 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl phosphonic acid (perfluorohexyloctyl phosphonic acid, FHOPA), molecules with quite different molecular dipole moments, were chemisorbed from solution to the BaTiO3 surface. Polarization-modulation infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) of the modified BaTiO3 films indicated bidentate bonding of the alkylphosphonic acid to the oxide. Modification of the BaTiO3 surface with the partially-fluorinated alkylphosphonic acid (versus the normal alkylphosphonic acid) significantly changes the BaTiO3 interface dipole as revealed by UPS/XPS measurements, which, in turn, changes the frontier orbital offsets between the oxide and the organic modifier.
Module approach for branch analysis of multiloop linkages/manipulators

In this article, a module approach is developed for the branch identification of a large variety of multiloop linkages and manipulators. In this approach, a complex mechanism is first decomposed into sublinkages, called modules, with known branch and rotatability conditions. Then the effects of the interaction between modules to the branch and rotatability of the complex linkage are considered. The basic modules include all single-loop kinematic chains, Watt six-bar chains, and Stephenson six-bar chains. The variety of modules can grow as the understanding to the branch and rotatability of linkages increases. Therefore, the module approach can be regarded as a general recursive approach that is capable of recognizing the branch and rotatability condition of most of multiloop linkages and manipulators. The criterion of linkage decomposition to form modules is presented. The method treats linkages as kinematic chains and is independent of the input and fixed link conditions or linkage inversions. The method is demonstrated by the branch identification of a Watt six-bar linkage and a 10-bar linkage. The presented method is a significant advancement in the branch and rotatability studies of multiloop linkages and manipulators.
Four-dimensional/RCS reference model architecture for unmanned ground vehicles

Four-dimensional/RCS is the reference model architecture currently being developed for the Demo III Experimental Unmanned Vehicle program. Four-dimensional/RCS integrates the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) RCS (Real-time Control System) with the German (Universitat der Bundeswehr Munchen) VaMoRs 4-D approach to dynamic machine vision. The four-dimensional/RCS architecture consists of a hierarchy of computational nodes each of which contains behavior generation (BG), world modeling (WM), sensory processing (SP), and value judgement (VJ) processes. Each node also contains a knowledge database (KD) and an operator interface. These computational nodes are arranged such that the BG processes represent organizational units within a command and control hierarchy.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Magnetic moment of a two-quasiparticle state in 182W

Abstract The magnetic moment of the I π = 2 − two-quasiparticle state at 1289 keV in 182 W has been measured to be μ = 1.04 ± 0.24 nm.
LASER RANGEFINDER OPTICS

The optics in a laser rangefinder must perform three separate functions: transmitter divergence control, receiver energy collection, and aiming sensor imaging. In addition, boresight may need to be monitored. The design of these optics is driven primarily by the rangefinder packaging constraints, which limit both the external window size and the internal space available. System considerations such as range, target, propagation, package, and safety are used to determine the required optical apertures, fields, divergence, and resolution. Often, the total area of the transmitter, receiver, and sensor apertures cannot be accommodated by the front of the package, in which case functions must be combined. Sensor optics depend somewhat on the specific sensor (eye, TV, FLIR), but usually require the biggest possible aperture with near diffraction-limited performance. Laser beam expanders are usually some form of Galilean telescope, and often present serious Narcissus and damage problems. Receiver optics look simple, but narrow filters and small detectors can make them quite sophisticated. Boresight optics are sometimes required to monitor the alignment of the laser beam to the sensor reticle. Some specific design suggestions are made, with emphasis on those problems which are peculiar to laser range-finders. These designs emphasize high-power pulsed lasers and diffuse targets, since they are the most common and present some of the greatest challenges.
Mobilising 'Minutemen': Predicting Public Support for Anti-Immigration Activism in the United States

Advances in social movement research conceptualise micromobilisation as – at least – a two-step sequential process in which willingness to participate must first be generated and then translated into actual participation. However, such research often ignores a more fundamental first step in this process: the generation of movement support. I address this gap by drawing on a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States – who either sympathised with or opposed anti-immigration activism – to identify individual attributes differentiating anti-immigration movement supporters and non-supporters. Perceptions of economic threat, waning confidence in political leadership, and prejudicial cultural beliefs about Latinos represent attributes differentiating movement supporters from non-supporters. Power devaluation theory is used as an overarching framework to meaningfully interpret these results. More generally, I argue that grievances play an important, yet under theorised role in jumpstarting conservative micromobilisation and that principles from power devaluation theory can also help us understand the differentiation of movement support, irrespective of a social movement's political orientation.
Spectra of np-1s transitions excited during the passage of 48 MeV Mg ions through thin and thick carbon targets

Abstract The spectra of Mg K X-ray produced during the passage of 48 MeV Mg ions through 8 μg/cm2, 800 μg/cm2, and thick carbon targets were measured using a curved crystal spectrometer. Transitions of the type np−1s in Li-, He-, and H-like Mg ions were identified for n=1 to 6. Detailed analyses of the peaks arising from the initial state configurations 1s2p, 2p, and 1s3p were performed to determine the energies and relative intensities of associated satellite components.
Self-focusing and defocusing of TEA CO2 laser radiation in NH3

We report on the observation of self-focusing and defocusing of TEA CO2-laser pulses in NH3. Self-focusing of the 9R(30) CO2 laser line resulted in a significant spatial narrowing of the laser beam after propagating through a 100 cm long cell containing NH3 at a relatively low pressure of ∼1 Torr. Spatial broadening, characteristics of self-defocusing, has been observed for the 9R(16) CO2-laser line.
A STOCHASTIC BARGAINING PROCESS AND CORRESPONDING ONE-SHOT SOLUTION CONCEPT

A stochastic bargaining process is first introduced to solve two-person conflicts. The outcome of the process depends on the initial offers of the two players, as well as on the offer-dependent breakdown probabilities. After the convergence (in most cases the finiteness of the process) is verified, a one-shot solution is introduced. The existence of a unique solution is then proven, and its relation to the non-symmetric Nash solution is discussed.
Safe Driving Using Mobile Phones

As vehicle manufacturers continue to increase their emphasis on safety with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADASs), we propose a device that is not only already in abundance but portable enough as well to be one of the most effective multipurpose devices that are able to analyze and advise on safety conditions. Mobile smartphones today are equipped with numerous sensors that can help to aid in safety enhancements for drivers on the road. In this paper, we use the three-axis accelerometer of an Android-based smartphone to record and analyze various driver behaviors and external road conditions that could potentially be hazardous to the health of the driver, the neighboring public, and the automobile. Effective use of these data can educate a potentially dangerous driver on how to safely and efficiently operate a vehicle. With real-time analysis and auditory alerts of these factors, we can increase a driver's overall awareness to maximize safety.
Plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin predicts acute kidney injury, morbidity and mortality after pediatric cardiac surgery: a prospective uncontrolled cohort study.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The lack of early biomarkers has impaired our ability to intervene in a timely manner. We previously showed in a small cohort of patients that plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), measured using a research enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, is an early predictive biomarker of AKI after CPB. In this study we tested whether a point-of-care NGAL device can predict AKI after CPB in a larger cohort. First, in a cross-sectional pilot study including 40 plasma samples (NGAL range 60 to 730 ng/ml) and 12 calibration standards (NGAL range 0 to 1,925 ng/ml), NGAL measurements by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and by Triage® NGAL Device (Biosite Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) were highly correlated (r = 0.94). Second, in a subsequent prospective uncontrolled cohort study, 120 children undergoing CPB were enrolled. Plasma was collected at baseline and at frequent intervals for 24 hours after CPB, and analyzed for NGAL using the Triage® NGAL device. The primary outcome was AKI, which was defined as a 50% or greater increase in serum creatinine. AKI developed in 45 patients (37%), but the diagnosis using serum creatinine was delayed by 2 to 3 days after CPB. In contrast, mean plasma NGAL levels increased threefold within 2 hours of CPB and remained significantly elevated for the duration of the study. By multivariate analysis, plasma NGAL at 2 hours after CPB was the most powerful independent predictor of AKI (β = 0.004, P < 0.0001). For the 2-hour plasma NGAL measurement, the area under the curve was 0.96, sensitivity was 0.84, and specificity was 0.94 for prediction of AKI using a cut-off value of 150 ng/ml. The 2 hour postoperative plasma NGAL levels strongly correlated with change in creatinine (r = 0.46, P < 0.001), duration of AKI (r = 0.57, P < 0.001), and length of hospital stay (r = 0.44, P < 0.001). The 12-hour plasma NGAL strongly correlated with mortality (r = 0.48, P = 0.004) and all measures of morbidity mentioned above. Accurate measurements of plasma NGAL are obtained using the point-of-care Triage® NGAL device. Plasma NGAL is an early predictive biomarker of AKI, morbidity, and mortality after pediatric CPB.
Cost-effective heterogeneous web clusters

Clustering of servers is commonly employed for the purpose of increasing availability, and performance of web sites. In general, the cluster consists of computers that are homogeneous in terms of applications and hardware in order to facilitate scalability, fail-over redundancy, and ease of load balancing. Typically, major Internet service providers, and large corporations use such systems. On the other hand, educational institutions and small business are faced with the task of providing various web-based services on a small budget, and with limited resources. We describe the design and implementation of an architecture that we developed for teaching web programming courses. The system is based on a heterogeneous cluster of servers, providing an extensible platform at a very reasonable cost. It is also suited for small business applications, whenever customized solutions -- not offered by hosting services providers -- have to be deployed in-house.
Hourly surface wind monitor consistency checking over an extended observation period

A consistency checking methodology is presented to aid in identifying biased values in extended historical records of hourly surface wind measurements obtained from a single station. The method is intended for screening extended observation periods for values which do not fail physical consistency checks (i.e., standard or complex quality assurance methods), yet nonetheless exhibit statistical properties which differ from the bulk of the record. Several specific types of inconsistencies common in surface wind monitoring datasets are considered: annual biases, unexpected values, and discontinuities. The purely empirical method checks for self-consistency in the temporal distribution of the wind measurements by explicitly modeling the diurnal variability. Each year of data is modeled using principal component analysis (PCA) (or empirical orthogonal functions, EOF), then hierarchical clustering with nearest neighbor linkage is used to visualize any annual biases existing in the measurements. The diurnal distributions for wind speed and direction are additionally estimated and visualized to determine any periods of time which are inconsistent with the typical diurnal cycle for a given monitor. The robust consistency checking method is applied to a set of 44 monitors operating in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) of Central California over a 9-year period. Monitors from the SLAMS, CIMIS, and RAWS networks are considered. Similar inconsistencies are detected in all three networks; however, network-specific types of inconsistencies are found as well. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Subsurface Ribbon of Cool Water over the Continental Shelf off Oregon

Abstract Observations of the hydrographic regime over the continental shelf off Oregon from the R/V Yaquina during the summer of 1972 showed the presence of an alongshore, subsurface ribbon of relatively cool water. Its properties and its evolution during the 1972 season are described. Examination of earlier observations showed that evidence of the ribbon was found during the upwelling season in almost every year between 1961 and 1971. It is usually observed when the upwelling index (the monthly mean Ekman transport directed offshore) is high. The ribbon can be accounted for by southward advection of sub-arctic water due to the coastal jet associated with upwelling. A warm temperature anomaly, occurring at somewhat higher salinity, is frequently observed inshore of the ribbon.
Spectroscopic observation of Mars

A review is given of what is known about the surface of Mars from reflectance spectroscopy, including some new results and providing an overview of the principles involved. While some form of bound water and/or OH has been known on Mars for many years, a new result presented is the identification of structural OH in a dilute or poorly crystalline magnesian clay. The detection of water ice in the residual north polar cap is noted. Also considered is the role that reflectance spectroscopy will play in the future, from earth and as an important part of the NASA Mars Geosciences/Climatology Orbiter mission.
A note on the use of triads for paired comparisons

When scaling a large number of stimuli from comparative judgments, considerable savings in time and labor may be realized if stimuli are presented in triad form rather than in pairs. If, forN stimuli, the proper configuration of triads can be assembled so that all possible pairs appear once, the paired judgment matrix may be reproduced with one-third fewer judgments and two-thirds fewer presentations than would be required with complete pairing. A simple procedure is described for enumerating triad configurations for whichN is an odd multiple of three.
Gentisate pathway in Salmonella typhimurium: metabolism of m-hydroxybenzoate and gentisate

Salmonella typhimurium was shown to use the gentisate pathway to metabolize m-hydroxybenzoate and gentisate. m-Hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase and gentisate 1,2-dioxygenase were induced by growth on either gentisate or m-hydroxybenzoate. These enzymes were not detected when the bacteria were grown with glucose or glucose and either m-hydroxybenzoate or gentisate. However, both enzymes were induced when the bacteria were grown on succinate with either substrate. The maleylpyruvate isomerase required reduced glutathione and was irreversibly inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide.
Latent Consideration Sets and Continuous Demand Systems

This paper develops a theoretically consistent continuous demand system model that incorporates latent, probabilistic consideration sets. In contrast to existing discrete choice consideration models, the proposed model is econometrically tractable with consumption data for many goods. The model’s empirical properties are illustrated with an 89-site recreation data set from the 1994 National Survey of Recreation and the Environment (NSRE). Parameter and welfare estimates suggest that the latent consideration set models fit the data better and may imply a bias-variance tradeoff relative to traditional models.
On the extended linear complementarity problem

For the extended linear complementarity problem (Mangasarian and Pang, 1995), we introduce and characterize column-sufficiency, row-sufficiency andP-properties. These properties are then specialized to the vertical, horizontal and mixed linear complementarity problems.
The orientations of reaction center transition moments in the chromatophore membrane of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides, based on new linear dichroism and photoselection measurements

Abstract Chromatophore membranes from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides were oriented by drying suspensions on the surfaces of glass slides. Polarized spectra of light-induced absorption changes were obtained between 500 and 1000 nm. As observed earlier, these spectra showed negative bands, reflecting photooxidation of the bacteriochlorophyll ‘special pair’ in the reaction centers, centered near 870, 810, 630 and 600 nm. These bands have been designated BY 1 , BY 2 , BX 1 and BX 2 , respectively, corresponding to two Q y transitions and two Q x transitions of the dimeric special pair. We found the BY 1 and BX 1 transition moments to be parallel (within 20°) to the plane of the membrane, whereas the BX 2 moment makes an angle of 55–63° with the plane. Using the photoselection technique we found that the angle between the BY 1 and BX 1 transition moments is 30°, while that between BY 1 and BX 2 is 75°. The BX 1 and BX 2 moments were found to be orthogonal, consistent with the prediction of molecular exciton theory for a dimer. By combining these data, we have calculated the orientations of the transition moments of the bacteriochlorophyll dimer in spherical polar coordinates, with the pole of the coordinate system normal to the plane of the membrane. The orientations of the Q y and Q x transition moments of the two bacteriopheophytin molecules in the reaction center were also computed in this coordinate system by transforming the data reported by Clayton, C.N., Rafferty, R.K. and Vermeglio, A. ((1979) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 545, 58–68). We have derived the transformation equations for two polar coordinate systems: in one, the pole is an axis of symmetry as defined by the orientations of purified reaction centers in stretched gelatin films (Rafferty, C.N. and Clayton, R.K. (1979) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 545, 106–121). In the other, the pole is normal to the plane of the chromatophore membrane. These two polar axes are approximately orthogonal.
New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina. III: The 17th Street Drainage Canal

The failure of the levee and floodwall section on the east bank of the 17th Street drainage canal was one of the most catastrophic breaches that occurred during Hurricane Katrina. It produced a breach that rapidly scoured a flow pathway below sea level, so that after the storm surge had largely subsided, floodwaters still continued to stream in through this breach for the next two and a half days. This particular failure contributed massively to the overall flooding of the Metropolitan Orleans East Bank protected basin. Slightly more than half of the loss of life, and a similar fraction of the overall damages, occurred in this heavily populated basin. There are a number of important geotechnical and geoforensic lessons associated with this failure. Accordingly, this paper is dedicated solely to investigating this single failure. Geological and geotechnical details, such as a thin layer of sensitive clay that was laid down by a previous hurricane, proper strength characterization of soils at and beyond the toe of the levee, and recognition of a water-filled gap on the inboard side of the sheet pile cutoff wall are judged to be among the most critical factors in understanding this failure. The lessons learned from this study are of importance for similar flood protection systems throughout other regions of the United States and the world.
Comparative Effectiveness on Survival of Zoledronic Acid versus Pamidronate in Multiple Myeloma

AbstractZoledronic acid and pamidronate are the two bisphosphonates approved in the United States to reduce multiple myeloma skeletal complications. Little prior evidence exists comparing survival outcomes between the two. We evaluated the incidence of skeletal-related events and overall survival in patients with myeloma treated with zoledronic acid versus pamidronate using a cohort of 1018 United States veterans. At a median follow-up of 26.9 months, patients receiving zoledronic acid had a 22% reduction in risk of death compared to pamidronate (hazard ratio 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.67–0.92). The benefit persisted after controlling for potential confounders. Adjusted Cox modeling with inverse probability weighting and propensity score matching supported these findings. Zoledronic acid was also associated with a 25% decrease in skeletal-related events. Zoledronic acid is associated with increased overall survival and decreased skeletal-related events compared to pamidronate in patients with multip...
A self consistent normalized calibration protocol for three dimensional magnetic resonance gel dosimetry

In a clinical setting, mixed and inconsistent results have been reported using Magnetic Resonance Relaxation imaging of irradiated aqueous polymeric gels as a three-dimensional dosimeter, for dose verification of conformal radiation therapy. The problems are attributed to the difficulty of identifying an accurate dose calibration protocol for each delivered gel at the radiation site in a clinical setting. While careful calibration is done at the gel manufacturing site in a controlled laboratory setting, there is no guarantee that the dose sensitivity of the gels remains invariant upon delivery, irradiation, magnetic resonance imaging and storage at the clinical site. In this study, we have compared three different dose calibration protocols on aqueous polymeric gels for a variety of irradiation scenarios done in a clinical setting. After acquiring the three-dimensional proton relaxation maps of the irradiated gels, the dose distributions were generated using the off-site manufacturer provided calibration curve (Cal-1), the on-site external tube gel calibration (Cal-2) and the new on-site internal normalized gel calibration (Cal-3) protocols. These experimental dose distributions were compared with the theoretical dose distributions generated by treatment-planning systems. We observed that the experimental dose distributions generated from the Cal-1 and Cal-2 protocols were off by 10% to 40% and up to 200% above the predicted maximum dose, respectively. On the other hand, the experimental dose distributions generated from the Cal-3 protocol matched reasonably well with the theoretical dose distributions to within 10% difference. Our result suggests that an independent on-site normalized internal calibration must be performed for each batch of gel dosimeters at the time of MR relaxation imaging in order to account for the variations in dose sensitivity caused by various uncontrollable conditions in a clinical setting such as oxygen contamination, temperature changes and shelf life of the delivered gel between manufacturing and MR acquisitions.
Effect of gamma‐ray irradiation on alcohol production from corn

Cracked corn was irradiated with ..gamma.. rays at 0-100 Mrad and the effects of the irradiation on sugar yield, susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis of starch, yeast growth, and alcohol production were studied. Gamma irradiation at 50 Mrad or greater produced a considerable amount of reducing sugar but little glucose. At lower dosages, ..gamma.. irradiation significantly increased the susceptibility of corn starch to enzymatic hydrolysis, but dosages of 50 Mrad or greater decomposed the starch molecules as indicated by the reduction in iodine uptake. About 12.5% reducing sugar was produced by amylase treatment of uncooked, irradiated corn. This amount exceeded the level of sugar produced from cooked (gelatinized) corn by the same enzyme treatment. The yeast numbers in submerged cultivation were lower on a corn substrate that was irradiated at 50 Mrad or greater compared to that on an unirradiated control. About the same level of alcohol was produced on uncooked, irradiated (10/sup 5/ - 10/sup 6/ rad) corn as from cooked (121 degrees C for 30 min) corn. Therefore, the conventional cooking process for gelatinization of starch prior to its saccharification can be eliminated by irradiation. Irradiation also eliminated the necessity of sterilization of the medium and reduced the viscositymore » of high levels of substrate in the fermentation broth. (Refs. 10).« less
Acceleration of Heavy Ions at the Princeton Particle Accelerator

Modifications to the Princeton Particle Accelerator (PPA) such as pulsed heavy ion source, extended range radiofrequency system, vacuum system improvements, allowed the adaptation of the 3 GeV proton synchrotron to the acceleration of heavier ions. Accele ation of nitrogen ions in a charge state of N5+ and N6+ to an energy of 4 and 7 GeV were achieved starting in July 1971. Present average intensities run at about 3 x 105 and 2 x 105 particles/sec. Expectations for acceleration of neon and argon in the near future will be discussed.
GENERATION OF VORTICES IN A PARTIALLY FILLED, RAPIDLY ROTATING CYLINDER

We describe a system in which vortices are shed from a cylindrical free surface approximately centered in a rotating flow. Shedding is controlled by the parameter ɛ=2 g/ω 2 d, where g, ω, d denote gravity, rotation rate and the diameter of the free surface. We find vortex shedding for ɛ>0.162 and no vortex shedding for ɛ< 0.0847. The range depends on the aspect ratio L/d, where L is the column length, in a nonmonotonic fashion. These results are independent of viscosity and surface tension for “small” values of these parameters.
Performance and biomass retention of an upflow anaerobic reactor combining a sludge blanket and a filter

The performance and biomass retention of a 4.2 L new hybrid reactor (upflow blanket filter, UBF) at 27 °C were determined at loading rates of 5 to 51 g Chemical Oxygen Demand (C0D)/L.d with sugar wastes of 2500 mg C0D/L strength. Maximum removal rates of 34 g C0D/L.d and C0D removal efficiency of over 93% were reached. The packing was very efficient in retaining biomass.
Spin−Orbit Coupling and Conical Intersections. IV. A Perturbative Determination of the Electronic Energies, Derivative Couplings, and a Rigorous Diabatic Representation near a Conical Intersection. The General Case†

Conical intersections play an essential role in electronically nonadiabatic processes. For molecules with an odd number of electrons the spin−orbit interaction produces essential changes in the topography and connectivity of points of conical intersection. In the nonrelativistic case, or when the molecule has an even number of electrons, η, the dimension of the branching space, the space in which the conical topography is evinced, is 2. By contrast, for molecules with an odd number of electrons the branching space is 5 dimensional (η = 5) in general, or 3-dimensional (η = 3) when Cs symmetry is present. Recently, we have used degenerate perturbation theory to obtain analytic representations of the energy, and of the derivative couplings, and a “rigorous” diabatic basis in the vicinity of a conical intersection for the η = 3 case. Here, we extend this analysis to the general, no symmetry, η = 5, case. The perturbative results provide valuable insights into the nature of this singular point.
Operation and Noise Transmission of an Axial Turbine Driven by a Pulse Detonation Combustor

Pulse Detonation Combustors (PDC’s), as part of a hybrid PDC-turbine engine, have potential thermodynamic benefits over existing Brayton-cycle gas turbines. The form of combustion is a cyclic, controlled series of detonations. These systems apply a near or quasi-constant volume combustion process that provides both heat addition and pressure. In a hybrid PDC-turbine engine, the goal of incorporating a pulsed detonation chamber upstream of a turbine is to extract more mechanical energy in a turbine that receives the products of a repeating, pressure-rise detonation process versus the constant pressure, steady-flows available in conventional gas turbines. A rig was built to investigate PDC-turbine interactions and was operated to gather data on performance, operability, and noise levels. The rig consists of a single pulsed detonation combustor firing into a partial-admission, two-stage axial turbine. This paper reports findings of critical risk areas including turbine response to PDC operation, mechanical robustness, noise and system control. At a PDC operating frequency of 5 Hz, the acoustic level near the rig was approximately 3 dB higher than from the turbine operating at the same speed with steady flow input. The noise level is 28 dB lower than a PDC with no turbine downstream operating at the same frequency and discharging directly into the room. Insights into the mechanism for noise reduction were gained via imaging experiments and CFD simulation. High speed video imaging in a 2D PDC-turbine cascade configuration showed significant shock reflection from the cascade. An unsteady, reacting flow computational study showed similar shock reflection as well as a shock system that forms downstream of the cascade. Together, these results show that shock waves are both transmitted and reflected by the turbine stages in proportions that are dependent upon turbine stage design.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Academic Women: Working Towards Equality

Documents a sexism so pervasive and so deeply embedded in the daily life of higher education that it is unnameable and invisible, even to some of its worse victims. Women's Review of Books Will be invaluable to anyone doing further research in the area of academic women. Library Journal Simeone has provided a clear and well-argued study of the situation of women in academia...If academia takes creative steps in these directions, more talented women may pursue careers there. College Teaching
Urbanization pressure increases potential for soils-related hazards, Denton County, Texas

The Dallas-Fort Worth region was the fastest growing metropolitan area in the US in the decade 1990–2000. Rapid urbanization accompanied this population growth. A GIS-based analysis of urban growth in Denton County revealed that 53% of new urban development was on soils rated of low suitability for urban uses by the Soil Conservation Service. This compares to only 15% of urban areas on low-suitability soils prior to 1990. These soils are considered poorly suited for urban uses because they are montmorillonitic expansive soils. Expansive soils are known to cause damage to structures, including slab foundations used extensively in new housing in the Dallas–Fort Worth region. Increased urban development on these soils has increased the potential for soils-related hazards.
Our stolen figures: the interface of sexual differentiation, endocrine disruptors, maternal programming, and energy balance.

This article is part of a Special Issue "Energy Balance". The prevalence of adult obesity has risen markedly in the last quarter of the 20th century and has not been reversed in this century. Less well known is the fact that obesity prevalence has risen in domestic, laboratory, and feral animals, suggesting that all of these species have been exposed to obesogenic factors present in the environment. This review emphasizes interactions among three biological processes known to influence energy balance: Sexual differentiation, endocrine disruption, and maternal programming. Sexual dimorphisms include differences between males and females in body weight, adiposity, adipose tissue distribution, ingestive behavior, and the underlying neural circuits. These sexual dimorphisms are controlled by sex chromosomes, hormones that masculinize or feminize adult body weight during perinatal development, and hormones that act during later periods of development, such as puberty. Endocrine disruptors are natural and synthetic molecules that attenuate or block normal hormonal action during these same developmental periods. A growing body of research documents effects of endocrine disruptors on the differentiation of adipocytes and the central nervous system circuits that control food intake, energy expenditure, and adipose tissue storage. In parallel, interest has grown in epigenetic influences, including maternal programming, the process by which the mother's experience has permanent effects on energy-balancing traits in the offspring. This review highlights the points at which maternal programming, sexual differentiation, and endocrine disruption might dovetail to influence global changes in energy balancing traits.
A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE HYPOTHERMIA INDUCED BY INTRAVENTRICULAR INJECTIONS OF THYROTROPIN RELEASING HORMONE, NORADRENALINE OR CALCIUM IONS IN UNANAESTHETIZED CATS

1 The hypothermia produced by intraventricular injections of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) in unanaesthetized cats has been investigated. 2 TRH is more potent than either noradrenaline or calcium ions. It is estimated that the equi-potent molar ratio for TRH: noradrenaline:calcium is 1:900:27,000. 3 TRH injections is also produce profuse salivation, tachypnoea, cutaneous vasodilatation and frequently defaecation and vomiting. It is considered that the increased respiration is a major cause of the hypothermia. 4 Prior administration of phentolamine antagonized noradrenaline-induced hypothermia but did not affect hypothermia produced by TRH or calcium ions. Pretreatment with alpha-methyltyrosine did not affect the hypothermia induced by TRH, calcium ions or noradrenaline. 5 The calcium antagonists verapamil and xylocaine did not antagonize hypothermia induced by an injection of calcium ions. 6 The constituent amino acids of TRH did not produce hypothermia either individually or collectively. Thyroxine sodium produced a rise in temperature that was slow in onset, consistent with its known metabolic effects. TSH produced a small hypothermia unrelated to dose.
Accuracy of right ventricular volumes and function determined by three-dimensional echocardiography in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging: a meta-analysis study.

Background Determining right ventricular (RV) function is challenging because of the complex anatomy of the right ventricle. Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) has achieved better estimation, but underestimations of volumes and ejection fraction (EF) has often been reported, and no previous study has synthesized these data. The investigators performed a meta-analysis on the bias and examined the related factors. Methods Studies comparing RV volumes and/or EF between 3DE and magnetic resonance imaging were eligible. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the systematic bias. The related bias was investigated using univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Results Twenty-three studies including 807 subjects revealed underestimation of RV volumes ( P P = .03). Larger volumes and EF were associated with more underestimation. Older patient age was associated with overestimation of volumes and underestimation of EF. Conclusions This meta-analysis found underestimation of RV volumes and EF by 3DE and factors affecting the bias. These data provide a more detailed basis for improving the accuracy of 3DE for further clinical application.
Viral Disease Networks

Viral infections induce multiple perturbations that spread along the links of the biological networks of the host cells. Understanding the impact of these cascading perturbations requires an exhaustive knowledge of the cellular machinery as well as a systems biology approach that reveals how individual components of the cellular system function together. Here we describe an integrative method that provides a new approach to studying virus-human interactions and its correlations with diseases. Our method involves the combined utilization of protein - protein interactions, protein - DNA interactions, metabolomics and gene - disease associations to build a “viral diseasome”. By solely using high-throughput data, we map well-known viral associated diseases and predict new candidate viral diseases. We use microarray data of virus-infected tissues and patient medical history data to further test the implications of the viral diseasome. We apply this method to Epstein-Barr virus and Human Papillomavirus and shed light into molecular development of viral diseases and disease pathways.
Milking System Dynamics. 1. Measurement of Variation

Abstract Vacuum, air temperature, and airflow in a pipeline milking system are measured at various locations to obtain systemwide data on dynamic variations. High frequency variations caused by vacuum pump operation are attenuated, and slight damping exists. Milk flow causes the greatest vacuum variations within liners during normal milking. Interaction between liners is severe when liner slip or fall-off occurs. Internal air temperature is steady. Mach numbers for internal airflow are small.