cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seismic fragility study of displacement demand on fire sprinkler piping systems

Seismic damage to fire sprinkler piping systems is not only caused by inertial forces or interstory drifts, but also by impact with surrounding objects. The collision of constituents of piping systems with nearby objects increases the chance of damage to the piping itself and to adjacent objects. In this study, the probability of seismic damage to fire sprinkler systems due to impact is quantified by obtaining seismic fragility parameters for large diameter pipes passing through walls and floors, as well as small diameter pipes that typically interact with suspended ceilings. The results of two shaking table experiments conducted at the University of Nevada, Reno and E-Defense test facility, and a high-fidelity numerical model of a hospital piping system are used to evaluate the displacement demands. Piping interaction fragility curves are generated based on clearances between adjacent objects and pipes. The probability of piping interactions and damage to piping systems subjected to different levels of p...
Anti-α4 Integrin Antibody Suppresses the Development of Multiple Myeloma and Associated Osteoclastic Osteolysis

Supporting roles of stromal cells in preferential colonization of myeloma cells in bone marrow and development of associated osteoclastic osteolysis through cell-cell interactions have been indicated. Here we examined the effects of a monoclonal antibody to alpha4 integrin (anti-alpha4 Ab) that disrupts myeloma cell-stromal cell interactions mediated via alpha4beta1 integrin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) on myeloma cell growth in bone marrow and accompanying osteolysis. The anti-alpha4 Ab decreased VCAM-1-stimulated 5TGM1/luc cell growth in culture. The 5TGM1 murine myeloma cells stably transfected with the firefly luciferase (5TGM1/luc) were inoculated from tail vein in bg/xid/nd mice. Preventative administration of the anti-alpha4 Ab suppressed the elevation of serum IgG2b levels, decreased 5TGM1/luc tumor burden with increased apoptosis in bone and spleen, reduced bone destruction with diminished number of osteoclasts, and prolonged survival of 5TGM1/luc-bearing mice. In contrast, therapeutic administration of the antibody failed to show these effects. However, therapeutic administration of the antibody combined with melphalan significantly suppressed serum IgG2b levels and tumor burden in bone. Our results suggest that the interactions with stromal cells via alpha4beta1/VCAM-1 are critical to the development of myeloma and associated osteolysis and that disruption of these interactions using anti-alpha4 Ab is a potential therapeutic approach for myeloma.
Nanocomposite-based lignocellulosic fibers 1. Thermal stability of modified fibers with clay-polyelectrolyte multilayers

The layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly process of creating highly structured thin films derived from layers of polyelectrolytes and nanoparticles was adopted in this study to modify the surface of lignocellulosic fibers. Aqueous dispersions of clay nanoplatelets were created with ultrasonication and characterized with dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy in which confirmed the presence of individual clay nanoplatelets. Film thickness of never-dried clay and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) multilayers was studied with a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). Using identical LbL deposition parameters, a slurry of steam-exploded wood fibers was modified by alternate adsorption of PDDA and clay with multiple rinsing steps after each adsorption cycle. Zeta potential measurements were used to characterize the fiber surface charges after each adsorption step while SEM images revealed that the LbL film masked the cellulose microfibril structure. Using a thermogravimetric analyzer, LbL modified steam-exploded wood fibers were observed to attain increased thermal stability relative to the unmodified material tested in both air and nitrogen atmospheres. Significant char for the LbL clay coated steam-exploded wood suggests the multilayer film serves as a barrier creating an insulating layer to prevent further decomposition of the material. This nanotechnology may have a positive impact on the processing of lignocellulosic fibers in thermoplastic matrices, designing of paper-based overlays for building products, and modification of cellulosic fibers for textiles.
On missiles modelling, simulation and evaluation in presence of noise and multi-source environment

This paper reports results obtained in the course of evaluating a specific missile simulation in the presence of noise and multi-source environment. The objectives of this research are two-fold: First, to update a previously developed all-digital simulation model by making adequate accommodations of a significant noise signal, occurring during field experimentation; second, to make use of field and corresponding simulation data, from the updated model, in validating the model. Box-Jenkins time series techniques have been used to develop an adequate model that fits the seasonal-nonstationary noise signal. Few computer programs have been used for the analysis of field-data, fitting and checking the adequacy of the selected model. The fitted model is of the Autoregressive Integrated Moving-Average (ARIMA) type. Theil's Inequality Coefficient (TIC) has been used to examine the credibility of the forecasted time-series generated by the fitted model.
A Preliminary Investigation of Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorder Symptomatology with Bisexual Individuals

Body dissatisfaction and eating disorder symptomatology were examined in bisexual individuals (n = 139 women, n = 37 men) and compared to lesbian/gay (n = 51 women, n = 96 men) and heterosexual individuals (n = 82 women, n = 34 men) in a U.S. online sample. Age, body mass index (BMI), income, and exercise frequency served as covariates. MANCOVA results showed a significant gender by sexual orientation interaction and significant main effects of gender and sexuality. Univariate tests were used to explore multivariate results. ANCOVA results for body dissatisfaction showed a significant gender by sexual orientation interaction. Post-hoc comparisons revealed higher levels of body dissatisfaction among all groups compared to heterosexual men. ANCOVA results for eating disorder symptomatology showed a significant main effect of sexual orientation. Post-hoc comparisons revealed higher levels of eating disorder symptoms among bisexual compared to heterosexual individuals. For bisexual men, gay community involvement, maladaptive social comparison, drive for muscularity, self-esteem, gender role orientation, and body dissatisfaction were explored as predictors of eating disorder symptomatology while controlling for age, BMI, exercise frequency, and income in a hierarchical regression analysis. The same factors, minus body dissatisfaction, were explored as predictors of body dissatisfaction in bisexual men. For bisexual women, similar factors, with the exception of drive for muscularity, were explored. Drive for muscularity predicted body dissatisfaction and exercise frequency predicted eating disorder symptomatology in bisexual men. BMI and self-esteem predicted body dissatisfaction in bisexual women; gay community involvement and body dissatisfaction predicted eating disorder symptomatology.
Synthesis of steroids containing the α-keto acid side-chain ☆

Abstract A general method for the chemical synthesis of steroidal 20-keto-21-oic acids is described. 21-Dehydrocorticosteroids, in the presence of catalytic amounts of cyanide ion, are oxidized by methylene blue or chromium trioxide at neutral pH to the corresponding keto acids.
Asymptomatic giant left atrium.

Giant left atria (GLA) is a condition where the left atrial diameter exceeds 65 mm.1 It is closely related to rheumatic mitral valve regurgitation or mixed mitral disease with predominant regurgitation and tends not to occur in patients with mitral regurgitation due to other causes.2 The majority of patients are symptomatic with the most common symptoms being that of shortness of breath, dysphagia, palpitations, chest pain, and thromboembolic events.3 Massive asymptomatic enlargement of the left atrium is a rare entity. We present such a case. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Alcohols stimulate γ-aminobutyric acid receptor-mediated chloride uptake in brain vesicles: correlation with intoxication potency

A series of short-chain alcohols, including ethanol, were examined for their abilities to stimulate γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor-mediated chloride uptake into isolated brain vesicles. All of the alcohols tested stimulated 36chloride uptake, at concentrations that occur during acute intoxication, and their potencies in stimulating GABA receptor-mediated chloride uptake were highly correlated with both their intoxication potencies in rats (r = 0.96; P < 0.0001) and their membrane/buffer partition coefficients (r = 0.91; P < 0.0005). Thus, the activity of alcohols at the GABA receptor-coupled chloride ion channel appears to be related to their ability to enter hydrophobic regions of the neuronal membrane. These data suggest that the anxiolytic, sedative/hypnotic and intoxicating properties of ethanol may, in part, in mediated via an action at central GABA receptors.
Computing Contingency Statistics in Parallel: Design Trade-Offs and Limiting Cases

Statistical analysis is typically used to reduce the dimensionality of and infer meaning from data. A key challenge of any statistical analysis package aimed at large-scale, distributed data is to address the orthogonal issues of parallel scalability and numerical stability. Many statistical techniques, e.g., descriptive statistics or principal component analysis, are based on moments and co-moments and, using robust online update formulas, can be computed in an embarrassingly parallel manner, amenable to a map-reduce style implementation. In this paper we focus on contingency tables, through which numerous derived statistics such as joint and marginal probability, point-wise mutual information, information entropy, and c2 independence statistics can be directly obtained. However, contingency tables can become large as data size increases, requiring a correspondingly large amount of communication between processors. This potential increase in communication prevents optimal parallel speedup and is the main difference with moment-based statistics (which we discussed in [1]) where the amount of inter-processor communication is independent of data size. Here we present the design trade-offs which we made to implement the computation of contingency tables in parallel.We also study the parallel speedup and scalability properties of our open source implementation. In particular, we observe optimal speed-up and scalability when the contingency statistics are used in their appropriate context, namely, when the data input is not quasi-diffuse.
MO‐D‐352‐02: Practical Aspects of Nuclear Medicine Accreditation

This lecture will present a review of the specific aspects and requirements of the nuclear medicine accreditation process. Particular emphasis will be placed on the process for SPECTcameras. The specifics of the phantoms, acquisition procedures, and the review of submitted data will be presented. Examples will be given for specific cameras. Upon completion of the course participants will be able to describe: 1. The characteristics of the required ACR phantom for SPECT. 2. The acquisition procedures used for accreditation in nuclear medicine. 3. The image characteristics evaluated by the ACR phantom reviewers.
Regulating gene expression in human leukemia cells using light-activated oligodeoxynucleotides

Light-activated antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (asODNs) were developed to control the degradation of target mRNA in living cells by RNase H. A 20-mer asODN previously shown to target c-myb, a hematopoietic transcription factor, was covalently attached via a photocleavable linker (PL) to partially complementary 20-mer sense strands (sODNs). In the ‘caged’ state, the sODN blocked hybridization of the asODN to c-myb mRNA. Six asODN-PL-sODN conjugates, C1-C6, were synthesized. C5, with twelve complementary bases, gave the largest decrease in melting temperature (Tm) upon UV irradiation ("Tm= 2298C). The most thermally stable conjugate, C6 (Tm=848C), gave the lowest background RNase H activity, with just 8.6% degradation of an RNA 40-mer after 1h incubation. In biochemical assays with C6, RNA digestion increased 10-fold 10min after UV irradiation. Finally, phosphorothioated analogs S-C5 and S-C6 were synthesized to test activity in cultured K562 (human leukemia) cells. No knockdown of c-myb mRNA or protein was observed with intact S-C5 or S-C6, whereas more than half of c-myb mRNA was degraded 24h after photoactivation. Two-fold photomodulation of c-MYB protein levels was also observed with S-C5. However, no photomodulation of c-MYB protein levels was observed with S-C6, perhaps due to the greater stability of this duplex.
A model for comparison of masticatory effectiveness in primates

A model is presented to express how effectively animals increase the exposed surface area of their food by chewing. It includes a coefficient of masticatory effectiveness (E) the value of which increases with effectiveness of exposing new food surface area with each chew. Humans and other species of primates differ significantly in their values of E; among the nonhuman primates studies, Lemur catta has a higher coefficient than Lemur fulvus, and both have higher coefficients than either Varecia variegatus or Galago crassicaudatus argentatus. The differences among the coefficients to these prosimians are correlated with variations in specific features of the molar morphology. Of six lower molar shearing crests considered, the relative length of the post-metacristid correlates most highly with the coefficient of masticatory effectiveness for the prosimian species. Also, among comparable-sized prosimians, E correlates significantly with the absolute postmetacristid length. Both these findings indicate that the relative size of molar shearing crests is related significantly to how effectively an animal chews its food. There are also implications for an adaptation to a high-fiber diet.
Notes on uniform approximation of shift-varying systems

It is shown that the elementsG of a large class of input-output maps can be uniformly approximated arbitrarily well using a certain structure if and only ifG is continuous. For the case considered the system inputs and outputs are defined on a discrete set {0, 1,...,a1}×...{0, 1,...,am}, in which a1,...,am are positive integers. Our approximating structure involves certain functions that can be chosen in different ways. For the special case in which these functions are taken to be certain polynomial functions, the input-output map of our structure is a generalized discrete Volterra series. Our results provide an analytical basis for the use of such series.
The subconstituent algebra of a distance-regular graph; thin modules with endpoint one

Abstract We consider a distance-regular graph Γ with diameter D⩾3, intersection numbers ai,bi,ci and eigenvalues θ0>θ1>⋯>θD. Let X denote the vertex set of Γ and fix x∈X. Let T=T(x) denote the subalgebra of Mat X ( C ) generated by A,E*0,E*1,…,E*D, where A denotes the adjacency matrix of Γ and E*i denotes the projection onto the ith subconstituent of Γ with respect to x. T is called the subconstituent algebra (or Terwilliger algebra) of Γ with respect to x. An irreducible T-module W is said to be thin whenever dim E * i W⩽1 for 0⩽i⩽D. By the endpoint of W we mean min {i | E * i W≠0} . We describe the thin irreducible T-modules with endpoint 1. Let W denote a thin irreducible T-module with endpoint 1. Observe E*1W is a one-dimensional eigenspace for E*1AE*1; let η denote the corresponding eigenvalue. It is known θ 1 ⩽η⩽ θ D where θ 1 =−1−b 1 (1+θ 1 ) −1 and θ D =−1−b 1 (1+θ D ) −1 . For η= θ 1 and η= θ D the structure of W was worked out by Go and the present author [Tight distance-regular graphs and the subconstituent algebra, preprint]. For θ 1 θ D we obtain the following results. We show the dimension of W is D. Let v denote a nonzero vector in E*1W. We show W has a basis Eiv (1⩽i⩽D), where Ei denotes the primitive idempotent of A associated with θi. We show this basis is orthogonal (with respect to the Hermitian dot product) and we compute the square norm of each basis vector. We show W has a basis E*i+1Aiv (0⩽i⩽D−1), where Ai denotes the ith distance matrix for Γ. We find the matrix representing A with respect to this basis. We show this basis is orthogonal and we compute the square norm of each basis vector. We find the transition matrix relating our two bases for W.
COMPARISON OF FLOW‐RELATED HABITAT EVALUATIONS DOWNSTREAM OF LOW‐HEAD WEIRS ON SMALL AND LARGE FLUVIAL ECOSYSTEMS

The focus of within-channel restoration is the placement and construction of instream habitat structures to enhance the capture of organic detritus and aufwuchs, as well as, colonization by macroinvertebrate and fish species. Structural design is based upon the assumption that these habitat requirements can be controlled through the design of structures that produce preferred physical and chemical conditions in relation to flow conditions. Restoration scientists are assuming that hydraulic conditions are one primary template that govern the distribution of lotic organisms. For benthic macroinvertebrates, substrate composition is the most easily manipulated habitat characteristic. The most common structures for fish habitat enhancement have been current deflectors, overpour structures (dams and weirs) and instream cover, especially for juveniles. These instream structures also modify local hydraulic conditions to present preferred habitat to benthic invertebrates. The physical habitat simulation (PHABSIM), a software package used in the instream flow incremental methodology, was used to evaluate stream enhancement activities on a low-order stream, with the placement of a series of three-log weirs on Brushy Branch, a second-order stream in Tennessee, and compared with published results of a hydraulically similar concrete structure on a large-order system used to re-regulate flows downstream of peaking hydropower facility on the Cumberland River, Tennessee. On Brushy Branch, the simulation demonstrated that benthic macroinvertebrate habitat can be dramatically increased at low flows (up to five times higher) after placement of structures that improve hydraulic conditions to sustain maximum diversity of the benthic community. In this case, then, the structures acted to augment habitat under low flow conditions. Reregulation dams, on large rivers, modify the water surface elevation and dampen high velocities, which enhances habitat for juvenile and adult salmonids when subject to the high discharge surges of peaking generation. Thus, these low-head structures augment habitat under high flow conditions. Hydraulic habitat models, then, can be a useful tool to evaluate the benefit of certain restoration activities and, in the case of weir-like structures, indicate that similar structures impart similar benefit, regardless of scale of application.
WE‐C‐BRA‐08: Using 4DCT‐Based Ventilation Imaging to Correlate Lung Dose and Function with Clinical Outcomes

Purpose: An exciting form of ventilation imaging is being developed based on 4‐dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) data. Because 4DCTs are routine for thoracic radiation therapy, calculating ventilation maps from 4DCT data does not add extra dosimetric or monetary cost. Studies have discussed designing treatment plans to avoid highly‐ventilated areas of the lung. However, the hypothesis that using ventilation in treatment planning can reduce thoracic toxicity remains to be tested. The purpose of our work was to determine whether incorporating ventilation‐based functional information could improve prediction for clinical thoracic toxicity. Methods: The study used 96 lungcancer patients, 17 of whom developed radiation pneumonitis (CTCAE 3.0 Grade>=3). Pre‐treatment 4DCT data, spatial registration, and a density‐change based model were used to compute pre‐treatment ventilation maps for each patient. Using dose and ventilation, we calculated dose‐volume and dose‐function histograms, mean lungdoses (MLD), and ventilation‐weighted MLD (fMLD). The ventilation‐weighted dosimetric values were compared between the pneumonitis group and the non‐pneumonitis group using a two‐sample t‐test. The ventilation‐based functional data were incorporated into a predictive dose‐responsemodel and maximum likelihood was used to determine whether incorporating functional data could significantly improve the model fit to clinical toxicity data. Results: Specific patient examples illustrate that using functional dose metrics can lead to better estimates of toxicity. The fMLD was higher for patients that developed pneumonitis (20.8 Gy) than for those that did not (18.9 Gy), however, the results were not significant (p=0.251). Although fMLD improved model fit over using MLD, the difference in fits was not found to be significant (p=0.312). Conclusions: This is the first study that has attempted to link irradiating ventilated portions of the lung to clinical outcomes. Although promising data were presented, the results were not statistically significant. Future work will include more patients and further functional information with perfusion imaging.
The metabolic syndrome as a predictor of incident diabetes and cardiovascular events in the Health 2000 Study

Abstract Aim The study aimed to examine the role of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) as a predictor of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and incident diabetes, and to compare the various definitions of MetS. Methods The population-based Health 2000 Study included 6105 individuals, aged 30–79 years, followed-up for 7 years. CVD during follow-up was defined as coronary death, acute myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization or stroke. MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the 2005 National Cholesterol Education Program–Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the new Harmonization definitions. The Bayesian information criterion (BIC) was used to compare different Cox proportional-hazards regression models. Results The highest prevalence estimates of MetS at baseline were observed with the Harmonization definition: 47.8% in men and 40.7% in women. During the follow-up, 238 cases of incident CVD and 172 cases of incident diabetes were observed. All definitions of MetS were significant predictors for incident CVD and diabetes. BIC suggested that the new Harmonization definition of MetS as one entity was a better predictor of the CVD endpoint than the sum of its components, but not for diabetes. Also, the Harmonization definition of MetS was a better predictor of CVD than the Framingham equation in women, but not in men. Conclusion Irrespective of definition, MetS is a significant predictor of incident CVD events and incident diabetes. Also, the new Harmonization definition may be a better predictor of incident CVD than the sum of its components.
Statistical Tests for Detection of Misspecified Relationships by Use of Genome-Screen Data

Misspecified relationships can have serious consequences for linkage studies, resulting in either reduced power or false-positive evidence for linkage. If some individuals in the pedigree are untyped, then Mendelian errors may not be observed. Previous approaches to detection of misspecified relationships by use of genotype data were developed for sib and half-sib pairs. We extend the likelihood calculations of Goring and Ott and Boehnke and Cox to more-general relative pairs, for which identity-by-descent (IBD) status is no longer a Markov chain, and we propose a likelihood-ratio test. We also extend the identity-by-state (IBS)–based test of Ehm and Wagner to nonsib relative pairs. The likelihood-ratio test has high power, but its drawbacks include the need to construct and apply a separate Markov chain for each possible alternative relationship and the need for simulation to assess significance. The IBS-based test is simpler but has lower power. We propose two new test statistics—conditional expected IBD (EIBD) and adjusted IBS (AIBS)—designed to retain the simplicity of IBS while increasing power by taking into account chance sharing. In simulations, the power of EIBD is generally close to that of the likelihood-ratio test. The power of AIBS is higher than that of IBS, in all cases considered. We suggest a strategy of initial screening by use of EIBD and AIBS, followed by application of the likelihood-ratio test to only a subset of relative pairs, identified by use of EIBD and AIBS. We apply the methods to a Genetic Analysis Workshop 11 data set from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism.
Small molecule inhibitors reveal Niemann–Pick C1 is essential for Ebola virus infection

Ebola virus (EboV) is a highly pathogenic enveloped virus that causes outbreaks of zoonotic infection in Africa. The clinical symptoms are manifestations of the massive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to infection and in many outbreaks, mortality exceeds 75%. The unpredictable onset, ease of transmission, rapid progression of disease, high mortality and lack of effective vaccine or therapy have created a high level of public concern about EboV. Here we report the identification of a novel benzylpiperazine adamantane diamide-derived compound that inhibits EboV infection. Using mutant cell lines and informative derivatives of the lead compound, we show that the target of the inhibitor is the endosomal membrane protein Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1). We find that NPC1 is essential for infection, that it binds to the virus glycoprotein (GP), and that antiviral compounds interfere with GP binding to NPC1. Combined with the results of previous studies of GP structure and function, our findings support a model of EboV infection in which cleavage of the GP1 subunit by endosomal cathepsin proteases removes heavily glycosylated domains to expose the amino-terminal domain, which is a ligand for NPC1 and regulates membrane fusion by the GP2 subunit. Thus, NPC1 is essential for EboV entry and a target for antiviral therapy.
Technology and Terrorism in the Movie Brazil

The movie Brazil calls attention to the relationship between technology and terrorism. Terrorism appears to be a threat to the order that technology creates. But terrorism forces technology to adapt and change so that technology perfects itself as a system. In the movie, terrorism is equated with any form of bureaucratic deviance so that everyone is more or less under suspicion as a terrorist.
Seasonal Variation in Semen Quality of the Dairy Bull

Summary 1. Analyses of variance in various characteristics of semen production between bulls and between months reveal highly significant differences between bulls and between months for all factors studied except pH. 2. The average semen volume was least in July, August and September. 3. The average initial motility was least in July, August and September. 4. The average concentration of spermatozoa and total sperm per ejaculate was maximum during April, May and June. 5. The average period of sperm survival was least in August, and lower in July, September and November than during any other months. 6. The average number of abnormal spermatozoa was 25 per cent greater during July, August and September than during the next highest month of the year. 7. No significant seasonal variations in pH were observed. 8. The quality of the semen produced by the bulls in this study was significantly superior during the spring and significantly inferior during the summer. The semen produced during the fall and winter months did not vary significantly from the mean.
Modeling of a Catalytic Flat Plate Fuel Reformer for Hydrogen-Rich Reformate Fuel

In this study, using a two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model with co-current flow arrangement, steam reforming of methane coupled with methane catalytic combustion in a catalytic plate reactor is investigated. The two-dimensional approach makes the model more realistic by increasing its capability to capture the effect of design parameters such as catalyst thickness, reaction rates, inlet temperature and velocity, and channel height, and eliminates the uncertainties introduced by heat and mass transfer coefficients used in one-dimensional models. In our work, we simulate the entire flat plate reformer electro-kinetics and carry out parametric studies related to design matrices that can provide guidance for the practical implementation of such design. The operating conditions are chosen in such a way which makes possible a good comparison of the catalytic plate reactor and catalytic combustion analysis with the conventional steam reformer. The CFD results obtained in this study is very helpful to understand the optimized design parameters to build a first generation prototype.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Role of Ca2+ signaling in the regulation of endothelial permeability.

The vascular endothelial cell forms a semipermeable barrier between blood and interstitium. Inflammatory mediators such as thrombin and histamine induce vascular leakage defined as increased endothelial permeability to plasma proteins and other solutes. Increased endothelial permeability is the hallmark of inflammatory vascular edema. Inflammatory mediators that bind to heptahelical G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) trigger increased endothelial permeability by increasing the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). The rise in [Ca(2+)](i) activates key signaling pathways, which mediate cytoskeletal reorganization (through myosin light chain (MLC)-dependent contraction) and disassembly of VE-cadherin at the adherens junctions. The Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinase C (PKC) isoform, PKC-alpha, plays a critical role in initiating endothelial cell contraction and disassembly of VE-cadherin junctions. The increase in [Ca(2+)](i) induced by a variety of agonists is achieved by the generation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), activation of IP3 receptors (IP3R), release of stored intracellular Ca(2+), and Ca(2+) entry through plasma membrane channels. Recent findings demonstrate that IP3-sensitive Ca(2+) store depletion activates plasma membrane cation channels (i.e., store-operated cation channels (SOC) or Ca(2+) release activated channels) to cause Ca(2+) influx in endothelial cells. This mode of Ca(2+) influx is also known as capacitative Ca(2+) entry (CCE). Store-operated Ca(2+) influx signals increase in permeability and nitric oxide (NO) production and provokes changes in gene expression in endothelial cells. Recent studies have established that the Drosophila transient receptor potential (TRP) gene family of channels expressed in endothelial cells can function as SOC. Deletion of one of the TRP homologues, TRPC4, in mouse caused impairment in store-operated Ca(2+) current and Ca(2+) store release activated Ca(2+) influx in aortic and lung endothelial cells (LEC). In TRPC4 knockout (TRPC4(-/-)) mice, acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent smooth muscle relaxation was drastically reduced. In addition, TRPC4(-/-) mice LEC exhibited lack of actin stress fiber formation and cell retraction in response to thrombin activation of proteinase-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) in endothelial cells. The increase in lung microvascular permeability in response to thrombin receptor activation was inhibited in TRPC4(-/-) mice. These results indicate that endothelial TRP channels such as TRPC1 and TRPC4 play an important role in signaling the increase in endothelial permeability.
Holographic correction of aberrations using PLZT.

We describe the aberration correction capabilities of a holographic recording device made of antiferroelectric-phase (7.6/70/30) ion-implanted lead lanthanum zirconate titanate. After a review of holographic aberration correction and a description of the device’s holographic storage mode, we describe the experiment used to store a hologram which reduced approximately ten waves of aberration to a fifth of a wave. Star tests and interferograms demonstrate the accuracy of the correction.
A Genomic Map of Viroid RNA Motifs Critical for Replication and Systemic Trafficking

RNA replication and systemic trafficking play significant roles in developmental regulation and host-pathogen interactions. Viroids are the simplest noncoding eukaryotic RNA pathogens and genetic units that are capable of autonomous replication and systemic trafficking and offer excellent models to investigate the role of RNA structures in these processes. Like other RNAs, the predicted secondary structure of a viroid RNA contains many loops and bulges flanked by double-stranded helices, the biological functions of which are mostly unknown. Using Potato spindle tuber viroid infection of Nicotiana benthamiana as the experimental system, we tested the hypothesis that these loops/bulges are functional motifs that regulate replication in single cells or trafficking in a plant. Through a genome-wide mutational analysis, we identified multiple loops/bulges essential or important for each of these biological processes. Our results led to a genomic map of viroid RNA motifs that mediate single-cell replication and systemic trafficking, respectively. This map provides a framework to enable high-throughput studies on the tertiary structures and functional mechanisms of RNA motifs that regulate viroid replication and trafficking. Our model and approach should also be valuable for comprehensive investigations of the replication and trafficking motifs in other RNAs.
Positive mass balance of the Ross Ice Streams, West Antarctica.

We have used ice-flow velocity measurements from synthetic aperture radar to reassess the mass balance of the Ross Ice Streams, West Antarctica. We find strong evidence for ice-sheet growth (+26.8 gigatons per year), in contrast to earlier estimates indicating a mass deficit (−20.9 gigatons per year). Average thickening is equal to ∼25% of the accumulation rate, with most of this growth occurring on Ice Stream C. Whillans Ice Stream, which was thought to have a significantly negative mass balance, is close to balance, reflecting its continuing slowdown. The overall positive mass balance may signal an end to the Holocene retreat of these ice streams.
Diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration in the U.S.

Background Diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are two of the most common eye diseases in the U.S. Effective treatments exist for some stages of these conditions. Purpose This goal of this study was to examine the frequency and predictors of unawareness of diabetic retinopathy and AMD. Methods The 2005–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected digital retinal images of survey participants aged ≥40 years that were graded for diabetic retinopathy and AMD using standard protocols. A sample of individuals with diabetic retinopathy was created, as was a separate sample of individuals with AMD. Individuals were categorized as unaware of their condition if they did not report that they had the condition. Separate logistic regression models of unawareness of diabetic retinopathy and AMD were estimated in 2011. Results This study estimated that 73% of individuals with diabetic retinopathy and 84% of individuals with AMD were unaware of their condition. The odds of unawareness of diabetic retinopathy were higher for individuals with less-severe diabetic retinopathy, shorter diabetes duration, smaller families, or who had not had a recent eye exam. The odds of unawareness of AMD were higher for individuals with “early” AMD or who were younger, less educated, or not primarily English speakers. Conclusions The very high frequency of unawareness of diabetic retinopathy and AMD suggests that unawareness of these conditions should be a major public health concern and that efforts are needed to increase the frequency of eye exams among those at risk for these conditions.
THE EVOLUTIONARY BASIS OF RELIGIOUS ETHICS

Abstract. I propose that religious ethical traditions can be understood as cultural expressions of underlying evolutionary processes. I begin with a discussion of evolutionary theories of morality, specifically kin selection and reciprocal altruism, and then discuss some recent work on the evolution of religion, setting out those features of religion that prepare it to take on a moral function in society. Having established the theoretical framework for the thesis, I turn to a close reading of early Jewish and Christian ethical teachings, as found in the Bible, in order to set out preliminary support for the proposal. My goal is to argue for the plausibility of the thesis and to indicate how, if correct, it provides new insight into Judeo-Christian moral traditions and into the phenomenon of religious violence. Such an approach to religious ethics has important metaethical implications. In the last section I consider issues such as the foundation of ethics and the possibilities and limitations of a secular ethics.
Flash Infrared Kinetics of the Photochemistry of Tp*Rh(CO)2 and Bp*Rh(CO)2 in Liquid Xenon Solution

The photochemistry of Tp*Rh(CO)2 (1; Tp* = hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) in liquid xenon solution at −50 °C has been examined by flash IR kinetic spectroscopy. IR spectra of the solution taken 2 μs after 308 nm photolysis exhibit two transient bands at 1976−1980 and 1994−1998 cm-1, respectively, both of which decay with the same first-order rate constant (k = 2 × 104 s-1). In the presence of excess CO, the rates of decay of both of these bands increase by an order of magnitude and correlate with the rate of recovery of the CO stretch of the parent complex. Photolysis of xenon solutions of Bp*Rh(CO)2 (5; Bp* = dihydridobis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) produces a transient species with a single IR absorption at 1996−2000 cm-1. Upon addition of pyridine to the solution, this transient photoproduct reacts to form the new, stable complex Bp*Rh(CO)(pyridine), with an IR absorption at 1978 cm-1. On the basis of these results, the 1978 and 1996 cm-1 bands observed upon photolysis of 1 are attributed ...
Purification of DNP specific antibodies using sepharose bound DNP-p-aminobenzoylglutamate☆

Abstract An immunoabsorbent column employing a DNP derivative having restricted molecular freedom (dinitrophenylated- para -aminobenzoylglutamate—Sepharose 4B) was prepared in order to isolate and purify DNP specific antibodies in high yield. The antibodies were recovered from the immunoabsorbent column in yields from 80 to 90% using 3 M sodium thiocyanate, and these antibodies retained their immunologic activity. There appeared to be limited selection of antibodies with specific affinities as was noted in a parallel experiment comparing a second antibody purification procedure.
Microwave spectrum, torsional excitation energy, partial structure, and dipole moment of oxiranecarboxaldehyde

Abstract The microwave spectrum of oxiranecarboxaldehyde (glycidaldehyde) has been studied in the 8–40 GHz region. Transitions in the ground and first seven excited states of the torsional motion of the aldehyde group have been assigned for the species with the oxygen atom of the aldehyde group trans to the oxirane ring. The v = 0 to v = 1 torsional excitation energy is estimated to be 140 ± 10 cm −1 . The population of any other torsional conformer is less than 5% of the trans species at 200 K. Structural parameters were derived from rotational constants of the three singly substituted 13 C species, whose spectra were observed in natural abundance. Substitution parameters are r CC (ring) = 1.453 ±0.025 A , r CC (ald.) = 1.469 ± 0.010 A , ∠CCC = 119.8 ± 2.0°. The dipole moments determined by means of the Stark effect are μ a = 1.932 ± 0.005 D, μ b = 1.511 ± 0.017 D, and μ c = 0.277 ± 0.156 D, with μ t = 2.469 ± 0.031 D.
Evaluating Financing Costs for Multinational Subsidiaries

This paper presents a methodology for determining the true costs of alternative sources of financing for the multinational corporation when the risk of exchange rate changes is present and different tax rates and regulations are in effect. The cost formulas presented can then be used to calculate the cheapest financing source given the expected exchange rate changes.
Efficiency of energy use for maintenance and gain by growing crossbred Boer and Spanish Goats consuming diets differing in forage level

Eight Boer (75%) × Spanish (BS) and eight Spanish (S) wether goats (155 ± 8 days of age and 19.2 ± 2.3 kg BW, initial) were used in a replicated crossover design experiment with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to determine the effects of genotype and diet quality on heat production with ad libitum, near maintenance and fasting levels of feed intake. Diets were 65% concentrate (CON 15% CP, DM basis) and coarsely ground alfalfa hay (FOR 23% CP). There were no significant interactions between genotype and diet. ME intake was similar between genotypes and greater (P < 0.05) for CON versus FOR both when intake was ad libitum (7.60 versus 5.43 MJ/day) and near maintenance (4.31 versus 4.09 MJ/day). DE concentration was greater (P < 0.05) for CON than for FOR with ad libitum (74.4 versus 55.5%) and restricted intake (77.0 versus 59.6%). Energy expenditure (EE), determined by respiration calorimetry, at all levels of intake was similar between genotypes. EE was greater (P < 0.05) for CON than for FOR at each of the three levels of intake, ad libitum (573 and 521 kJ/kg BW 0.75 while fasting), near maintenance (426 and 400 kJ/kg BW 0.75 ) and fasting (280 and 255 kJ/kg BW 0.75 ). Efficiencies of ME utilization for maintenance (km) and gain (kg) and the ME requirement for maintenance (MEm) were similar between genotypes. km was similar between diets (0.705 and 0.690 for CON and FOR, respectively), although kg was greater (P < 0.05) for CON than for FOR (0.603 versus 0.387). MEm was numerically greater (P < 0.17) for CON than for FOR (407 versus 379 kJ/kg BW 0.75 ), which may have involved higher ME intake with CON. In conclusion, under the conditions of this experiment energy requirements and efficiency of utilization were not different between growing Boer crossbred and Spanish goats regardless of diet quality. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Prenatal Glucocorticoids and Exogenous Surfactant Therapy Improve Respiratory Function in Lambs with Severe Diaphragmatic Hernia Following Fetal Tracheal Occlusion

Fetal tracheal occlusion (TO) accelerates lung growth and can reverse severe lung hypoplasia associated with diaphragmatic hernia (DH), however, lung compliance (Cl) and respiratory gas exchange remain abnormal. We determined the individual and combined effects of prenatal glucocorticoids (GC) and exogenous surfactant therapy (S) on postnatal pulmonary function in lambs with DH that underwent prolonged TO. DH was created in 22 fetal sheep at 65 d of gestation and TO performed at 110 d. Eleven DH/TO animals received prenatal GC (betamethasone, 0.5 mg/kg) 48 h before delivery; six GC-treated and five non-GC lambs were administered surfactant (Infasurf, 3 mg/kg) at birth. Six sham-operated lambs served as controls. Lambs were delivered at 139 d gestation and ventilated for 2 h. GC or surfactant therapy alone significantly improved respiratory gas exchange, Cl, and ventilatory efficiency index. Total lung capacity was normalized only in DH/TO lambs that received both GC and S.
Intermediate-mass-fragment production in the reaction of 200 MeV 3He with Ag

Abstract Energy spectra of Z = 4–12 fragments emitted in the reactions of 198.6 MeV 3He with natAg were measured over the full angular range. Back-angle data are consistent with evaporation from the compound nucleus; the spectra evolve with Z from maxwellian to gaussian shapes, in agreement with earlier theoretical predictions. A two-component moving source model gives evidence for the existence of a strong non-equilibrium component, with a steep Z−5.3 dependence. The data are compared with the predictions of an accreting source model.
POTENTIAL FOR STRUCTURAL FAILURE IN THE SEISMIC NEAR FIELD

This study analyzes the possibility that large distortions and distortion rates due to wave-propagation phenomena within structures were responsible for unexpected cracking at connections of steel-...
RESPONSES OF NUTRIENTS TO EXPERIMENTAL ACIDIFICATION AND RECOVERY IN LITTLE ROCK LAKE, U.S.A.

Nutrient concentrations and cycling processes were studied in Little Rock Lake, Wisconsin, U.S.A., during experimental acidification from pH 6.1 to target pH values of 5.6, 5.1 and 4.7 and during the first four years of recovery. Surface waterconcentrations of ammonium, nitrate, soluble reactive phosphate,and total phosphate were not affected, but total nitrogen was lower from year 2 at pH 5.6 until the end of recovery year 3 (pH 5.3). The decrease was attributed to lower dissolved organicN. Annual maximum concentrations of N and P forms at 9 m depth in the hypolimnion increased with decreasing pH, but most of theincrease resulted from a drought-induced decline in lake levelduring acidification that brought the 9 m sampling location closer to the sediment. In contrast to findings elsewhere, acidification of Little Rock Lake had no effect on rates of nitrification during winter ice-cover. Dissolved silica concentrations increased slightly at pH 4.7, probably because of a pH-induced decrease in the diatom population, but hydrologicfactors were more important in controlling silica levels than waspH. Most of the predictive hypotheses made about the effects ofacidification on nutrient forms and processes or their recoveryin the lake were qualitatively correct.
Long-term, nightly benzodiazepine treatment of injurious parasomnias and other disorders of disrupted nocturnal sleep in 170 adults

Purpose To assess the efficacy, dose stability, safety, and abuse potential of long-term, nightly benzodiazepine treatment of chronic disorders of disrupted nocturnal sleep. Patients and methods During a 12-year period, one author evaluated and treated 170 adult referrals for ≥6 months with nightly benzodiazepine therapy for longstanding, sleep-disruptive disorders: injurious sleepwalking and sleep terrors (69); rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (52); chronic, severe insomnia (25); and restless legs syndrome/periodic limb movement disorder (24). Results Complete/substantial control of the sleep disorders was achieved by 146 patients (86%); 8% had adverse effects requiring medication changes; 2% had relapses of alcohol or chemical abuse requiring hospitalization; another 2% at times misused their medications. A total of 136 patients received clonazepam nightly for a mean 3.5 (± 2.4) years, with no significant difference in initial versus final mean dose: 0.77 mg (± 0.46) versus 1.10 mg (± 0.96). Similar results were obtained with chronic alprazolam treatment and with other benzodiazepine treatments. Conclusion Long-term, nightly benzodiazepine treatment of injurious parasomnias and other disorders of disrupted nocturnal sleep resulted in sustained efficacy in most cases, with low risk of dosage tolerance, adverse effects, or abuse. Data from this study on the treatment of chronic, severe insomnia (a small subset of all insomnia) are not generalizable to the typical insomnia patient.
Contemporary management of adult intramedullary spinal tumors—pathology and neurological outcomes related to surgical resection

Contemporary management of adult intramedullary spinal tumors—pathology and neurological outcomes related to surgical resection