cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A neurophysiologically-based vision system

Summary form only given. This discussion focuses on the data-driven early-vision architecture the authors use, called the Neural Analog Diffusion-Enhancement Layer (NADEL). The NADEL was designed on the basic biological and psychological data on the human brain. The authors have built a neurologically motivated test system simulating the capabilities of a spreading activation network as a prerequisite to constructing wafer-scale integrated circuits which implement it. Some of the problems with which the network has been successful are outlined. >
Toward A Model of Parental Grief

Literature relating to naturalistic and laboratory studies of primates, human bonding, family systems theory, psychoanalytic notions of multiple inner representations, and pathological parenting in...
Analysis of Thermal Conductivity and Convective Heat Transfer in Nanotube Suspensions

Nanofluids, which are mixtures of nanosize solids and liquids, show considerable promise as an efficient heat transfer medium. Our preliminary experimental studies have shown improved thermal conductivity in nanotube-in-oil suspensions. The experimental data were much higher than predicted values from the Hamilton-Crosser correlation. The experimental results were used to theoretically analyze the convective heat transfer in nanotube-in-oil suspensions. The theoretical results show that the convective heat transfer of nanotube-in-oil suspensions can be increased 30% at very low nanotube concentration (0.6 vol%).Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Thermodynamic properties of ice and of tetrahydrofuran hydrate in confined geometries

Abstract The formation of structure II clathrate hydrate of tetrahydrofuran (THF) in 4.2 nm radius pores in Vycor glass was confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies. Heat capacities of ice and THF hydrate in the 4.2 nm pores were found to be smaller below T ≈ 180 K and larger above this temperature than the corresponding values of the materials in the bulk phase. The melting temperature of pore hydrate was found to be depressed by 8.7 K and the enthalpy of melting by 36.9 per cent relative to the corresponding values for the bulk phase. The changes in the thermal properties due to confinement in pores were of the same magnitude for ice and THF hydrate.
The Limits of Interregionalism: The EU and North America

Abstract The EU has been pursuing interregionalism as a key element in its commercial policy. This strategy has been manifested in agreements with Mercosur, East Asia and the Southern Mediterranean, among others. In the case of North America, however, the EU has developed a series of bilateral relationships with Canada, Mexico and the United States — rather than a region–to–region link. This article focuses on the role of sectoral interests, economic security competition and identity formation to examine why the EU has not developed an interregional relationship with North America. The evidence suggests that, of these factors, economic security competition appears to be the strongest factor preventing the formalisation of an EU–North American link. Moreover, the article demonstrates the importance of internal dynamics within counterpart regions as a key element in the analysis of interregional accords.
Structure of the mouse Saa4 gene and its linkage to the serum amyloid A gene family.

The serum amyloid A (SAA) proteins are a polymorphic family of apolipoproteins associated with high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Three distinct subfamilies have been identified: (i) a cytokine-induced acute phase subfamily that is hepatically produced and can become the major apolipoprotein on HDL (SAA1, SAA2); (ii) a peripherally produced acute phase SAA3 that is only a monor HDL apolipoprotein; and (iii) a constitutive subfamily (SAA4) that is a minor normal HDL apolipoprotein comprising more than 90% of the SAA during homeostasis. Here we define the structure of the Saa4 gene. Similar to other Saa family members, it has four exons and three introns. It is 4588 bp long from the transcription start site to the end of the 3{prime}-untranslated region and is approximately 20% larger than other Saa genes. We have located Saa4 11 kb upstream from Saa3 and 5 kb downstream from Saa1, with the pseudogene approximately 1 kb from the 5{prime} end of Saa4. Saa4 has the same orientation as most other Saa family members, with only Saa2 having an opposing orientation. These data promote our understanding of the evolution of the Saa family. They enhance our ability to develop the mouse as a transgenic and gene deletion model tomore » advance the understanding of the function of these apolipoproteins. 20 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.« less
Optimal transmission range for multi-hop communication in wireless sensor and actor networks

Wireless sensor and actor networks (WSANs) consist of fixed sensor nodes and mobile actor nodes. Data is generated at the sensor nodes, and collected at the more powerful actor nodes. We consider the problem of finding the location for K actor nodes such that every sensor node is within d-hop from an actor node, where K and d are parameters of the problem. Our approach distinguishes itself in obtaining the minimum transmission radius necessary for such coverage to be possible. We provide an exact solution by via an integer-linear-programming formulation (ILP), and evaluate two heuristic approaches.
Developing the Library Collection for Native American Studies

The article examines the development of the adult and children's library collection for Native American studies. The discussion of Native American studies includes a review of the types of literature that should be in the library acquisitions, a list of criteria for evaluating Native American literature, a discussion of examples of literature that meet the criteria, and a review of issues that concern the development of the collection. The library collection discussed meets the needs of students, scholars doing research in Native Arnerican studies, and general readers who are interested in the subject.
Solvolysis of 3, 4-dialkyl sydnones

The kinetics of solvolysis of various dialkyl sydnones: 3- tert -butyl-4-methyl, 3- n -propyl-4-ethyl, 3-ethyl-4-methyl, 3-isopropyl-4-ethyl, 3- n -propyl-4-methyl, and 3- n -propyl-4- n -butyl sydnone, have been studied spectrophotometrically as a function of HCl and NaOH concentrations, pH, and temperature. The reactivity on acid-catalyzed solvolysis decreased in the order cited with only the first compound exhibiting pH-independent solvolysis and high reactivity, about 600 times that of the others. The reactivities of the remainder were only over a threefold range. The order of reactivity tended to reverse on alkaline solvolysis within a similar range, where 3-ethyl-4-methylsydnone was 1.7 times more reactive than the equally reactive 3- n -propyl-4-ethyl, 3- n -propyl-4-methyl, and 3-isopropyl-4-ethyl sydnones. The 3- n -propyl-4- n -butylsydnone was half as reactive as this group, whereas the 3- tert -butyl-4-methylsydnone was one quarter as reactive. The presence of a-hydrogens on the alkyl substituted sydnones tends to stabilize such structures against hydrogen ion and water attack. This can be explained by postulating extended equilibria among tautomeric structures which decrease the effective concentration of the reactive intermediate. The 3-benzylsydnone demonstrates a reactivity to hydroxyl ion attack equivalent to the more reactive furfuryl sydnone where the electron-attracting powers of the rings are not completely inhibited by the intervening methylene groups. The acid-catalyzed solvolysis of 3-benzylsydnone is of the order of magnitude of other 3-alkyl sydnones with α-hydrogens. The observed second-order dependency of reactivity on hydrogen ion concentration may be assigned to the de-localization of the charge of the singly protonated species, due to the probability of many mesomeric forms with the benzyl substituent.
Stratigraphic diatom and chemical evidence for acid strip-mine lake recovery

Stratigraphic analyses of diatoms and chemical compounds in a sediment core were utilized to investigate the recovery of an acid strip-mine lake in southern Ohio. The chemical stratigraphy suggests that chemical recovery of the lake, defined as the rise and maintenance of water pH at values above 4.5, is a discrete process marked in the core by a sharp rise in the sediment concentrations of metals. The diatom data suggest that biological recovery may occur in stages, beginning at the sediment-water interface. As the lake ages, there is a transition from a community dominated by a single acidophilous species characteristic ofbbenthic habitats to a community composed of many planktonic, epiphytic, and benthic species of primarily alkaliphilous preference. Biological development is not directly correlated with the chemical recovery.
Sensitivity of Drosophila Heat Shock Transcription Factor to Low pH

The heat shock transcription factor (HSF) mediates the induction of heat shock gene expression. The activation of HSF involves heat shock-induced trimerization, binding to its cognate DNA sites, and the acquisition of transcriptional competence. In this study, the oligomeric properties of Drosophila HSF were analyzed by equilibrium analytical ultracentrifugation and gel filtration chromatography. Previous findings showed that trimerization of purified Drosophila HSF was directly sensitive to heat and oxidation (1). Here we report that low pH, in the physiological range, also directly induces HSF trimerization and DNA binding in vitro. Furthermore, the induction of HSF trimerization by low pH is synergistic with the actions of heat and oxidation. Since heat or chemical stress leads to a moderate decrease of intracellular pH, we suggest that intracellular acidification may contribute to activating the heat shock response in vivo.
FINITE ELEMENT MODELING OF FLUID/THERMAL/STRUCTURAL INTERACTION FOR A GAS-COOLED FAST REACTOR CORE

Two nonlinear finite element formulations for application to a series of experiments in the Gas-Cooled Fast Reactor (GCFR) development program are described. An efficient beam column element for moderately large deformations is combined with a finite element developed for an engineering description of a convecting fluid. Typical results from both elements are illustrated. A combined application for a problem typical of the GCFR loss-of-coolant experiments is illustrated. These problems are not the usual fluid structural interaction problems in that the inertia coupling is negligible while the thermal coupling is very important.
Plutonium sorption and desorption behavior on bentonite

Abstract Understanding plutonium (Pu) sorption to, and desorption from, mineral phases is key to understanding its subsurface transport. In this work we study Pu(IV) sorption to industrial grade FEBEX bentonite over the concentration range 10 −7 –10 −16 M to determine if sorption at typical environmental concentrations (≤10 −12 M) is the same as sorption at Pu concentrations used in most laboratory experiments (10 −7 –10 −11 M). Pu(IV) sorption was broadly linear over the 10 −7 –10 −16 M concentration range during the 120 d experimental period; however, it took up to 100 d to reach sorption equilibrium. At concentrations ≥10 −8 M, sorption was likely affected by additional Pu(IV) precipitation/polymerization reactions. The extent of sorption was similar to that previously reported for Pu(IV) sorption to SWy-1 Na-montmorillonite over a narrower range of Pu concentrations (10 −11 –10 −7 M). Sorption experiments with FEBEX bentonite and Pu(V) were also performed across a concentration range of 10 −11 –10 −7 M and over a 10 month period which allowed us to estimate the slow apparent rates of Pu(V) reduction on a smectite-rich clay. Finally, a flow cell experiment with Pu(IV) loaded on FEBEX bentonite demonstrated continued desorption of Pu over a 12 day flow period. Comparison with a desorption experiment performed with SWy-1 montmorillonite showed a strong similarity and suggested the importance of montorillonite phases in controlling Pu sorption/desorption reactions on FEBEX bentonite.
In situ switching of sorbent functionality as monitored with hyperpolarized (129)Xe NMR spectroscopy.

In this contribution, we demonstrate that a material (organic zeolite mimetic coordination polymer [CuL2], where L = L- = CF3COCHCOC(OCH3)(CH3)2) can be endowed with its functionality in situ under molecular-level control. This process involves the isomerization of the ligands followed by phase interconversion from a dense to an open, porous form. The porous (β) form of the complex reveals zeolite-like behavior but, unlike zeolites and many other hard porous frameworks, porosity may be created or destroyed at will by the application of suitable external stimuli. Contact with methylene chloride vapor was used to switch on the sorbent functionality, whereas switching off was accomplished with a temperature pulse. The transformations between functionally inactive α and active β forms, as well as the amount of vacant pore space, were monitored in situ by observing the NMR spectrum of hyperpolarized (HP) Xe atom probes. For methylene chloride, the chemical shift of the coabsorbed HP Xe correlated directly with...
A report from the American Society of Hypertension 28th Annual Scientific Meeting and Exposition (May 15-18, 2013 – San Francisco, California, U.S.A.).

A wide selection of antihypertensive drugs are currently available for managing hypertension, with distinct advantages and disadvantages in selected patient populations. However, many patients require combination approaches for effective control of blood pressure, and new drugs are required for reaching target blood pressure values in difficult-to-treat subjects. Indeed, initial use of combination therapies more effectively lowered blood pressure, resulting in a further decreased risk of stroke compared to antihypertensive monotherapy (Yu, J. et al., Abst PO-13). Nevertheless, novel drugs and new fixed-drug combinations are being developed, as reported in the following report from this year's American Society of Hypertension meeting. As exemplified by a comparison of newer versus older antihypertensive drugs in Sub-Saharan African countries that demonstrated the superiority of valsartan/amlodipine versus bisoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide (M'Buyamba-Kabangu, J.R. et al., Abst PO-86), newer drugs are beating the efficacy of older agents, and drugs currently in development may eventually demonstrate greater benefits that drugs considered new today. Research continues, as the morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension is better recognized as a threat in aging populations worldwide.
Sex ratio among opium addicts in Asia: Influences of drug availability and sampling method

The literature on opium addiction in Asia reveals widely different sex ratios. Analysis of these reports indicates that community surveys provide the most reliable and valid ratios. Surveys in psychiatric hospitals appear to overreport women, while case registers and surveys in addiction treatment facilities, vends and dens overreport men. The relative proportion of female addicts is greatest in poppy-producing areas and in communities with high prevalence rates of addiction. Instrumental mechanisms for these observations are explored.
Talker and Lexical Effects on Audiovisual Word Recognition by Adults With Cochlear Implants

The present study examined how postlingually deafened adults with cochlear implants combine visual information from lipreading with auditory cues in an open-set word recognition task. Adults with normal hearing served as a comparison group. Word recognition performance was assessed using lexically controlled word lists presented under auditory-only, visual-only, and combined audiovisual presentation formats. Effects of talker variability were studied by manipulating the number of talkers producing the stimulus tokens. Lexical competition was investigated using sets of lexically easy and lexically hard test words. To assess the degree of audiovisual integration, a measure of visual enhancement, Ra, was used to assess the gain in performance provided in the audiovisual presentation format relative to the maximum possible performance obtainable in the auditory-only format. Results showed that word recognition performance was highest for audiovisual presentation followed by auditory-only and then visual-only ...
Mechanical properties of ultrahigh molecular weight PHEMA hydrogels synthesized using initiated chemical vapor deposition.

In this work, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), a widely used hydrogel, is synthesized using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD), a one-step surface polymerization that does not use any solvents. iCVD synthesis is capable of producing linear stoichiometric polymers that are free from entrained unreacted monomer or solvent and, thus, do not require additional purification steps. The resulting films, therefore, are found to be noncytotoxic and also have low nonspecific protein adsorption. The kinetics of iCVD polymerization are tuned so as to achieve rapid deposition rates (∼1.5 μm/min), which in turn yield ultrahigh molecular weight polymer films that are mechanically robust with good water transport and swellability. The films have an extremely high degree of physical chain entanglement giving rise to high tensile modulus and storage modulus without the need for chemical cross-linking that compromises hydrophilicity.
A three-dimensional dynamic solution-adaptive mesh algorithm

A solution-adaptive grid algorithm has been developed for use in two and three dimensions. The algorithm uses a transformation from the cartesian coordinate system to a general coordinate space, which will be defined as a parallelepiped. A weighting function for adaption of the grid is developed that will allow adaption to the gradients of any combination of dependent variables in the flow. The adaption is carried out in the parametric space and a simple inverse mapping to return the new parametric space to the physical space is derived. The concept used to relocate the grid-points in the parametric space is based on the center of mass of distributed weights. Solution-adaptive results are presented for various laminar flows in two dimensions and for mathematical weighting functions in three dimensions.
Effect of environmental setting on sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations in Albemarle-Pamlico drainage basin, North Carolina and Virginia, USA

/ Environmental settings were defined, through an overlay process, as areas of coincidence between categories of three mapped variables\Mland use, surficial geology, and soil drainage characteristics. Expert judgment was used in selecting factors thought to influence sediment and nutrient concentrations in the Albemarle-Pamlico drainage area. This study's findings support the hypothesis that environmental settings defined using these three variables can explain variations in the concentration of certain sediment and nutrient constituents. This finding underscores the importance of developing watershed management plans that account for differences associated with the mosaic of natural and anthropogenic factors that define a basin's environmental setting. At least in the case of sediment and nutrients in the Albemarle-Pamlico region, a watershed management plan that focuses only on anthropogenic factors, such as point-source discharges, and does not account for natural characteristics of a watershed and the influences of these characteristics on water quality, may lead to water-quality goals that are over- or underprotective of key environmental features and to a misallocation of the resources available for environmental protection.KEY WORDS: Environmental setting; Water quality; Watershed management; Nutrients; Sediment
A simple correction for anomalous coronary arteries in adults.

Although the risk of sudden death in children and young adults with anomalous coronary arteries arising from the wrong sinus of Valsalva is well described, the risk for older adults who present with such anatomy is unclear. Age greater than 30 years has been shown to impart a diminished risk of sudden death, although it can occur in older adults. Although simple coronary artery bypass for these patients has been described, the outcome can be hampered by competitive flow in the absence of concomitant coronary disease, and poor long-term patency can be expected. Other techniques include internal unroofing, either across the commissural post or not, with a possible effect on aortic valve function. We report a simple physiologic approach previously described in children and adolescents and now used in 2 cases of symptomatic adult patients with anomalous coronary arteries arising from the wrong sinus of Valsalva with an intra-arterial course between the pulmonary artery and aorta.
Comparison of three-dimensional versus intensity-modulated radiotherapy techniques to treat breast and axillary level III and supraclavicular nodes in a prone versus supine position.

Abstract Background and purpose To determine the optimal method of targeting breast and regional nodes in selected breast cancer patients after axillary dissection, we compared the results of IMRT versus no IMRT, and CT-informed versus clinically-placed fields, in supine and prone positions. Materials and methods Twelve consecutive breast cancer patients simulated both prone and supine provided the images for this study. Four techniques were used to target breast, level III axilla, and supraclavicular fossa in either position: a traditional three-field three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) plan, a four-field 3DCRT plan using a posterior axillary boost field, and two techniques using a CT-informed target volume consisting of an optimized 3DCRT plan (CT-planned 3D) and an intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plan. The prescribed dose was 50 Gy in 25 fractions. Results CT-planned 3D and IMRT techniques improved nodal PTV coverage. Supine, mean nodal PTV V50 was 50% (3-field), 59% (4-field), 92% (CT-planned 3D), and 94% (IMRT). Prone, V50 was 29% (3-field), 42% (4-field), 97% (CT-planned 3D), and 95% (IMRT). Prone positioning, compared to supine, and IMRT technique, compared to 3D, lowered ipsilateral lung V20. Conclusions Traditional 3DCRT plans provide inadequate nodal coverage. Prone IMRT technique resulted in optimal target coverage and reduced ipsilateral lung V20.
Identification, cloning, and expression of a cytosolic megakaryocyte protein-tyrosine-phosphatase with sequence homology to cytoskeletal protein 4.1.

Abstract We have isolated a cDNA encoding a third type of protein-tyrosine-phosphatase. We screened human megakaryoblastic cell line (MEG-01) an umbilical vein endothelial cell cDNA libraries to obtain a 3.7-kilobase cDNA designated PTPase MEG. Northern blot analysis of MEG-01 RNA detected a 3.7-kilobase transcript, suggesting that a full-length cDNA has been identified. PTPase MEG cDNA contains an open reading frame of 926 amino acids. The cDNA has a G+C-rich 5' untranslated region of 771 nucleotides that has the potential to form stable stem-loop structures and has two upstream ATG codons. The predicted protein (Mr = 105,910) has no apparent membrane-spanning region and contains a single protein-tyrosine-phosphatase domain (amino acids 659-909) that is 35-40% identical to previously described tyrosine-phosphatase domains. The recombinant phosphatase domain possesses protein-tyrosine-phosphatase activity when expressed in Escherichia coli. The amino-terminal region (amino acids 31-367) is 45% identical to the amino terminus of human erythrocyte protein 4.1, a cytoskeletal protein. The identification of a protein-tyrosine-phosphatase that is related to cytoskeletal proteins implies that cell signaling activities reside not only in transmembrane receptors but in cytoskeletal elements as well.
Structure and Properties of Cobalt-Exchanged H-ZSM5 Catalysts for Dehydrogenation and Dehydrocyclization of Alkanes

Co/H-ZSM5 catalysts with Co/Al ratios of 0.09−0.22 were prepared by aqueous exchange. Turnover rates for propane conversion to propene and to C6−C8 aromatics on these catalysts are about 10-fold higher than on H-ZSM5. The selectivities to propene, aromatics, and H2 are also higher on Co/H-ZSM5 than on H-ZSM5. The rate of D2 exchange with OH groups increases with increasing Co/Al ratio, suggesting that Co cations catalyze D2 dissociative chemisorption steps that limit the rate of isotopic exchange. Co cations also catalyze hydrogen recombinative desorption steps, which limit the rate of propane dehydrogenation and aromatization reactions. The density of residual zeolitic hydroxyls was measured by D2−OH isotopic exchange and by changes in the intensity of OH infrared bands as a function of Co content. D2−OH and infrared measurements showed that Co2+ cations replace 1.1−1.3 zeolitic protons, suggesting the predominant presence of Co2+−O−Co2+ dimers, with some Co2+ monomers, each bridging two next-nearest nei...
A binomial contingent claims model for valuing risky ventures

Abstract Recently techniques of continuous time arbitrage and stochastic control theory have been used to value risky ventures characterized by significant operating flexibility. While the advantages of these methods over the used discounted cash flow approaches have been well documented, implementation problems have emerged, primarily due to the immence mathematical and computational complexity inherent in these approaches and due to the fact that the methodology is not easily understood by management. This article uses a simple binomial framework which not only provides an easily understandable introduction to these, say, new methods, but also provides useful valuations in their own right.
Differences in phosphorus and nitrogen delivery to the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi River Basin.

Seasonal hypoxia in the northern Gulf of Mexico has been linked to increased nitrogen fluxes from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya River Basins, though recent evidence shows that phosphorus also influences productivity in the Gulf. We developed a spatially explicit and structurally detailed SPARROW water-quality model that reveals important differences in the sources and transport processes that control nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) delivery to the Gulf. Our model simulations indicate that agricultural sources in the watersheds contribute more than 70% of the delivered N and P. However, corn and soybean cultivation is the largest contributor of N (52%), followed by atmospheric deposition sources (16%); whereas P originates primarily from animal manure on pasture and rangelands (37%), followed by corn and soybeans (25%), other crops (18%), and urban sources (12%). The fraction of in-stream P and N load delivered to the Gulf increases with stream size, but reservoir trapping of P causes large local- and re...
Role of Rip2 in development of tumor-infiltrating MDSCs and bladder cancer metastasis.

Tumor invasion and metastases represent a complex series of molecular events that portends a poor prognosis. The contribution of inflammatory pathways mediating this process is not well understood. Nod-like receptors (NLRs) of innate immunity function as intracellular sensors of pathogen motifs and danger molecules. We propose a role of NLRs in tumor surveillance and in programming tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). In this study, we examined the downstream serine/threonine and tyrosine kinase Rip2 in a murine model of bladder cancer. In Rip2-deficient C57Bl6 mice, larger orthotopic MB49 tumors developed with more numerous and higher incidence of metastases compared to wild-type controls. As such, increased tumor infiltration of CD11b+Gr1hi myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) with concomitant decrease in T cells and NK cells were observed in Rip2-deficient tumor bearing animals using orthotopic and subcutaneous tumor models. Rip2-deficient tumors showed enhanced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, with elevated expression of zeb1, zeb2, twist, and snail in the tumor microenvironment. We found that the absence of Rip2 plays an intrinsic role in fostering the development of granulocytic MDSCs by an autocrine and paracrine effect of granulocytic colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) expression. Our findings suggest that NLR pathways may be a novel modality to program TILs and influence tumor metastases.
Calcitonin acutely increases net 45Ca uptake and alters alkaline phosphatase specific activity in human osteosarcoma cells

Although the primary skeletal action of exogenous calcitonin is to inhibit bone resorption, calcitonin also has effects on bone formation. In-vitro data indicate that the latter may include direct effects on bone cells of osteoblastic lineage. In the current studies, we examined the effects of calcitonin on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and PGE2 synthesis and 45Ca uptake in human osteosarcoma cells, specifically, TE-85 cells and subpopulations of SaOS-2 cells with low-, intermediate-, and high-steady-state levels of skeletal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Since previous in-vivo studies had shown that calcitonin could acutely decrease skeletal ALP activity in rat periosteal osteoblasts, we also measured the effects of calcitonin treatment on ALP specific activity. Neither salmon nor human calcitonin altered the net synthesis of cAMP or PGE2 by SaOS-2 cells, but human calcitonin gene-related peptide increased both (P < .001 and P < .005, respectively). Both salmon and human calcitonin had short-term effects to alter ALP activity in TE-85 and SaOS-2 cells. The effects were different in SaOS-2 subpopulations with different pretreatment ALP levels. Four hours of exposure to salmon calcitonin had dose-dependent, biphasic effects on ALP levels in SaOS-2 cells with intermediate pretreatment ALP levels, increasing ALP at doses between 0.16 and 1.6 nmol/L (P < .005) and decreasing ALP at higher concentrations (P < .05). Both salmon and human calcitonin, but not human calcitonin gene-related peptide, also had short-term effects to increase net 45Ca uptake by SaOS-2 cells; these effects were dose-dependent and long-lasting.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Reduced production of IFN-γ and LT-α is associated with successful prednisone therapy in patients with acquired hemophilia A: A pilot study

Glucocorticoids (GC) are a standard treatment for acquired hemophilia A (AH). Although the optimal treatment regimen and duration of GC's is unknown, measurement of sub-clinical immune responses may help direct therapeutic decision making. To study the helpfulness of this approach, three male patients diagnosed with AH were treated with prednisone. The therapy resulted in inhibitor elimination in two out of the three individuals. During the treatment, peripheral mononuclear cells were isolated at different time points and stimulated in vitro. The expression of IFN-γ and LT-α were monitored at both the protein and the mRNA levels. The amount of IFN-γ and LT-α were markedly reduced by the time of inhibitor disappearance in the patients responding to GC therapy but remained high in the non-responder until cyclophosphamide was added. This study suggests that the secretion level of IFN-γ and/or LT-α could be a predictive marker of prednisone responsiveness.
Infestation of Salmincola californiensis (Copepoda: Lernaeopodidae) in wild coho salmon, steelhead, and coastal cutthroat trout juveniles in a small Columbia river tributary

Abstract Host–parasite relationships between Salmincola californiensis (order Copepoda, family Lernaeopodidae) and three species of wild juvenile Pacific salmonids (coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch, cutthroat trout O. clarki, and steelhead O. mykiss) were studied in Gibbons Creek, southwestern Washington, during 1998 and 1999. Infestation levels were moderate to low: prevalence was 0.2% in coho salmon, 20% in cutthroat trout, and 35% in steelhead; abundance was 0.01 in coho salmon, 0.63 in cutthroat trout, and 0.97 in steelhead; and mean intensity was 3.4 for cutthroat trout and 2.95 for steelhead. The incidence of infestation increased with increasing fish length, and this relationship may explain the differences in prevalence experienced by the three host species.
Levetiracetam in Refractory Pediatric Epilepsy

Levetiracetam, one of the newer-generation antiepilepsy drugs, is not currently approved for use in children. Given its favorable efficacy, pharmacokinetic, and, particularly, safety profile in adults, we felt that it may be a useful antiepilepsy drug for children with refractory epilepsy. We treated 39 patients (mean age 8.6 years) with open-label levetiracetam for up to 9 months. Seizure frequency, drug dosages, adverse events, and neurologic examinations were documented at baseline and routine follow-up visits. Levetiracetam, as add-on therapy, was effective in reducing seizure frequency in a variety of seizure types but was most effective for partial-onset seizures. Fourteen patients were discontinued for lack of efficacy or adverse events. Ten patients reported improvements in cognition or behavior. Levetiracetam was generally effective and well tolerated in this open-label study. Its apparent positive effects on cognition in some patients are encouraging. Large, well-controlled studies are needed to...
Prostate-specific antigen and radiation therapy for clinically localized prostate cancer

Purpose : This study was undertaken to : (a) define the prognostic significance of pretreatment serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in localized prostate cancer treated with radiation ; (b) define the prognostic usefulness of postradiation PSA levels ; (c) evaluate the outcome of radiation using PSA as an endpoint. Methods and Materials : Disease outcome in 707 patients with Stages T1 (205 men), T2 (256 men), T3 (239 men), and T4 (7 men), receiving definitive external radiation as sole therapy, was evaluated using univariate and multivariate techniques. Results : At a mean follow-up of 31 months, 157 patients (22%) developed relapse or a rising PSA. Multivariate analysis revealed pretreatment PSA level to be the most significant prognostic factor, with lesser though significant contributions due to Gleason grade (2-6 vs. 7-10) and transurethral resection in T3/T4 disease. The following four prognostic groupings were defined : group I, PSA 20, any grade. Five-year actuarial relapse rates in these groups were : I, 12% ; II, 34% ; III, 40% ; and IV, 81%. Posttreatment nadir PSA was an independent determinant of outcome and only patients with nadir values < 1 ng/ml fared well (5-year relapse rate 20%). Using rising PSA as an endpoint the 461 patients with T1/T2 disease had an actuarial freedom from disease rate of 70% at 5 years, which appeared to plateau, suggesting that many were cured. No plateau was evident for T3/T4 disease. Conclusion : Pretreatment serum PSA is the single most important predictor of disease outcome after radiation for local prostate cancer. Tumor grade has a lesser though significant prognostic role. Postirradiation nadir PSA value during the first year is a sensitive indicator of response to treatment. Only nadir values < 1 ng/ml are associated with a favorable outlook. A significant fraction of men with T1/T2 disease may be cured with radiation. There was no evidence for a cured fraction among patients with T3/T4 disease.
Division of guard cell protoplasts of Nicotiana glauca (Graham) in liquid cultures

Abstract. Guard cells are uniquely differentiated to transduce signals into the metabolic and ion transport processes that result in turgor-driven stomatal movements. We tested the hypothesis that these highly specialized cells are terminally differentiated. Guard cell protoplasts were isolated from abaxial epidermal tissue of leaves of Nicotiana glauca (Graham) and cultured in a medium designed for culturing mesophyll protoplasts of Nicotiana tabacum. Protoplasts were incubated at densities of 2–5 × 1011 cells m−3 in eight-well microchamber slides under 50μmol m−2 s−1 of photons of continuous fluorescent light at 25°C. When the medium was modified by the addition of 100mol m−3 of sucrose and by buffering with 10mol m−3 of MES buffer at pH 6.1, cell division began within 96h of the time the culture was initiated. After 9d of culture, 80% of surviving cells had synthesized new cell walls, had dedifferentiated, and were dividing to form small colonies. Callus tissue was visible after 4–5 weeks. We conclude that guard cells of Nicotiana glauca are not terminally differentiated, and that guard cell protoplasts of this species have the capacity to grow, synthesize cell walls and divide.
c-Src Modulates Estrogen-Induced Stress and Apoptosis in Estrogen-Deprived Breast Cancer Cells

The emergence of antiestrogen resistance in breast cancer is an important clinical phenomenon affecting long-term survival in this disease. Identifying factors that convey cell survival in this setting may guide improvements in treatment. Estrogen (E2) can induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells that have been selected for survival after E2 deprivation for long periods (MCF-7:5C cells), but the mechanisms underlying E2-induced stress in this setting have not been elucidated. Here, we report that the c-Src kinase functions as a key adapter protein for the estrogen receptor (ER, ESR1) in its activation of stress responses induced by E2 in MCF-7:5C cells. E2 elevated phosphorylation of c-Src which was blocked by 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT), suggesting that E2 activated c-Src through the ER. We found that E2 activated the sensors of the unfolded protein response (UPR), IRE1α (ERN1) and PERK kinase (EIF2AK3), the latter of which phosphorylates eukaryotic translation initiation factor-2α (eIF2α). E2 also dramatically increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and up-regulated expression of heme oxygenase HO-1 (HMOX1), an indicator of oxidative stress, along with the central energy sensor kinase AMPK (PRKAA2). Pharmacological or RNAi-mediated inhibition of c-Src abolished the phosphorylation of eIF2α and AMPK, blocked E2-induced ROS production, and inhibited E2-induced apoptosis. Together, our results establish that c-Src kinase mediates stresses generated by E2 in long-term E2-deprived cells that trigger apoptosis. This work offers a mechanistic rationale for a new approach in the treatment of endocrine-resistant breast cancer.
Coherent wide-band ESPRIT method for directions-of-arrival estimation of multiple wide-band sources

A strategy extending the coherent signal-subspace method (CSM) is proposed for estimating directions of arrival of multiple wideband sources. The proposed method, coherent wideband ESPRIT, extends the ESPRIT algorithm to a framework based on the CSM. A simulation example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. >
Soluble perlecan domain i enhances vascular endothelial growth factor-165 activity and receptor phosphorylation in human bone marrow endothelial cells

Immobilized recombinant perlecan domain I (PlnDI) binds and modulates the activity of heparin-binding growth factors, in vitro. However, activities for PlnDI, in solution, have not been reported. In this study, we assessed the ability of soluble forms to modulate vascular endothelial growth factor-165 (VEGF165) enhanced capillary tube-like formation, and VEGF receptor-2 phosphorylation of human bone marrow endothelial cells, in vitro. In solution, PlnDI binds VEGF165 in a heparan sulfate and pH dependent manner. Capillary tube-like formation is enhanced by exogenous PlnDI; however, PlnDI/VEGF165 mixtures combine to enhance formation beyond that stimulated by either PlnDI or VEGF165 alone. PlnDI also stimulates VEGF receptor-2 phosphorylation, and mixtures of PlnDI/VEGF165 reduce the time required for peak VEGF receptor-2 phosphorylation (Tyr-951), and increase Akt phosphorylation. PlnDI binds both immobilized neuropilin-1 and VEGF receptor-2, but has a greater affinity for neuropilin-1. PlnDI binding to neuropilin-1, but not to VEGF receptor-2 is dependent upon the heparan sulfate chains adorning PlnDI. Interestingly, the presence of VEGF165 but not VEGF121 significantly enhances PlnDI binding to Neuropilin-1 and VEGF receptor-2. Our observations suggest soluble forms of PlnDI are biologically active. Moreover, PlnDI heparan sulfate chains alone or together with VEGF165 can enhance VEGFR-2 signaling and angiogenic events, in vitro. We propose PlnDI liberated during basement membrane or extracellular matrix turnover may have similar activities, in vivo.
Effects of various arterial infusion solutions on red blood cells in the newborn.

AIM—To examine in vitro the effects of brief contact with various infusion solutions on red blood cells from newborn infants, as occurs in the "waste" syringe during routine blood sampling from umbilical artery catheters. The mixture of blood and solution in the "waste" syringe is usually reinfused into the baby. Reinfused red blood cells may be damaged by the infusion solution. It is hypothesised that an isotonic amino acid solution would cause no red blood cell agglutination and no more haemolysis than many commonly used solutions. METHODS—Blood was obtained from the placentas of 15 normal term babies. Haemolysis was estimated by measuring plasma (free) haemoglobin after mock blood sampling. Agglutination was measured semiquantitatively by direct observation. RESULTS—A 0.25% normal saline solution caused 5.4% haemolysis, significantly more than all the other fluids tested. There was less haemolysis with 0.25% normal saline when there was complete mixing of blood and solution within the "waste" syringe. Normal saline and isotonic sodium acetate solutions caused < 0.1% haemolysis, significantly less than all the other fluids tested. The isotonic amino acid solution caused 0.8% haemolysis, which is similar to that caused by the remaining solutions tested. Agglutination was seen with isotonic dextrose and with the two isotonic amino acid solutions containing cysteine. CONCLUSIONS—Isotonic amino acid solution (without added cysteine) caused no agglutination and the same or less haemolysis than many commonly used solutions and may offer advantages in nutrition and fluid balance.
Occupational factors and risk of Parkinson's disease: A population-based case-control study.

Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been associated with various workplace factors, but the evidence is inconsistent. Objective To estimate the risk of PD associated with various jobs and workplace exposures. Methods We conducted a population-based, case–control study of 404 incident PD cases and 526 age and sex-matched controls, collecting self-reported work histories including job titles and exposures to various industrial toxicants. Relative risks of PD from these exposures were estimated with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using logistic regression. Results Risk was not significantly affected by farming work, by metal work, or by exposure to pesticides, metals, or solvents. Conclusions: These findings do not provide support for the hypothesis that workplace factors affect the risk of PD. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:217–223, 2010. 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Stability Charts for Uniform Slopes

While computational tools have made most graphical methods and charts obsolete, stability charts for slopes are still routinely used in practice. The charts presented here are based on the kinematic approach of limit analysis that leads to a strict lower bound on stability number c/γH or an upper bound on the safety factor. An earlier suggestion is employed in this paper to produce charts that eliminate the necessity for iterations. Charts are presented for slopes subjected to pore water pressure and also for those exposed to seismic forces.
Social Science and Systemic Failure

Invisible Hands, Russian Experience, and Social Science: Approaches to Understanding Systemic Failure . By Stefan Hedlund. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2011. 324p. $95.00, cloth, $35.99 paper. In recent decades the study of social phenomena has been characterized by the increasing specialization of academic subdisciplines. At the same time, social science has had great difficulty in accounting for instances of systemic failure that challenge the artificial typologies often promoted by specialized scholarship. Increasing theoretical sophistication thus arguably has come at the expense of grasping the particular and unique nature of historical events. In Invisible Hands, Russian Experience, and Social Science, Stefan Hedlund examines the postcommunist Russian encounter with capitalism and the global financial crisis as examples of unprecedented events that challenged social scientists' assumptions about the causes of human behavior and the functioning of social and political institutions. In this symposium a group of political scientists have been asked to critically assess the book's account and to comment more broadly on what systemic failure can tell us about social science theorizing.—Jeffrey C. Isaac, Editor
Confusion and dependence in uses of history

Many people argue that history makes a special difference to the subjects of biology and psychology, and that history does not make this special difference to other parts of the world. This paper will show that historical properties make no more or less of a difference to biology or psychology than to chemistry, physics, or other sciences. Although historical properties indeed make a certain kind of difference to biology and psychology, this paper will show that historical properties make the same kind of difference to geology, sociology, astronomy, and other sciences. Similarly, many people argue that nonhistorical properties make a special difference to the nonbiological and the nonpsychological world. This paper will show that nonhistorical properties make the same difference to all things in the world when it comes to their causal behavior and that historical properties make the same difference to all things in the world when it comes to their distributions. Although history is special, it is special in the same way to all parts of the world.
Conservation, innovation, and the evolution of horned beetle diversity

Beetle horns represent an evolutionary novelty exhibiting remarkable diversity above and below the species level. Here, we show that four typical appendage patterning genes, extradenticle (exd), homothorax (hth), dachshund (dac), and Distal-less (Dll) are expressed in the context of the development of sexually dimorphic thoracic horns in three Onthophagus species. At least two of these genes, Dll and hth, exhibited expression patterns consistent with a conservation of patterning function during horn development relative to their known roles in the development of insect legs. exd, hth, and dac expression patterns during horn development were largely invariable across species or sexes within species. In contrast, Dll expression was far more discrete and exhibited consistent differences between sexes and species. Most importantly, differences in location and domain size of Dll expression tightly correlated with the degree to which prepupal horn primordia were retained or resorbed before the final adult molt. Our results lend further support to the hypothesis that the origin of beetle horns relied, at least in part, on the redeployment of already existing developmental mechanisms, such as appendage patterning processes and that changes in the exact location and domain size of Dll expression may represent important modifier mechanisms that modulate horn expression in different species or sexes. If correct, this would imply that certain components of genetic basis of horn development may be able to diversify rapidly within lineages and largely independent of phylogenetic distance. We present a first model that integrates presently available data on the genetic regulation of horn development and diversity.
Effects of Human Settlements on Abundance of Podocnemis unifilis and P. expansa Turtles in Northeastern Bolivia

ABSTRACT Podocnemis unifilis and P. expansa abundance was compared at 3 sites in eastern lowland Bolivia in 2000. Two of the sites were adjacent to human communities while the third was not. The comparison was made to examine effects of hunting pressure on turtle abundance. Data suggest that hunting pressure has a negative effect on the abundance of Podocnemis turtles and it is more severe closer to human communities. The greater abundance at a less-hunted site suggests that turtle populations facing reduced hunting pressure may be recovering.