cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of Intracellular Calcium in the Regulation of Renal Hemodynamics

Intracellular calcium contributes to renal hemodynamic regulatory mechanisms in multiple ways. Calcium channel blockers elicit a selective vasodilation of preglomerular arterioles leading to increases in renal blood flow (RBF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and glomerular pressure, with marked attenuation of autoregulatory capability. The effects of these agents seem to be restricted to the component of renal vascular resistance responsible for autoregulation and contrast with other agents which vasodilate the kidney at arterial pressures below, as well as within, the auto-regulatory range. This component of renal vascular resistance that is not influenced by calcium entry blockade can be altered by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition. Studies at the microvascular level have demonstrated that the effects of angiotensin II on afferent arterioles are dependent upon calcium entry whereas the vasoconstrictor actions on efferent arterioles are not influenced by calcium channel blockade. The macula densa cells responsible for mediating tubular glomerular feedback (TGF) appears to utilize a different type of intracellular calcium mechanism for transmission of feedback signals. Increases in the intralumenal solute concentration at the macula densa elicit feedback signals to constrict the afferent arterioles and reduce glomerular pressure. These effects can be artificially induced by the intralumenal addition of calcium ionophores; however, intralumenal addition of calcium channel blockers or variation in intralumenal calcium concentration do not interfere with signal transmission. In contrast, agents that interfere with intracellular calcium mobilization can block TGF responses. Thus, intracellular mobilization of cytosolic calcium within the macula densa cells leads to transmission of TGF signals to the vascular cells. At the afferent arteriolar effector site, transmembrane calcium flux appears to serve as the dominant mechanism for regulating intracellular calcium, since TGF-mediated vasoconstrictor responses are abolished by calcium channel blockade. The efferent arterioles may be less responsive to TGF signals because of their relative insensitivity to agents that alter transmembrane calcium flux.
Yugoslavia 1991–1995

As in the case of Somalia, the UN’s role in disarmament in the former Yugoslavia was not to arise as part of an overall political settlement. Rather, it was to emanate both from interim arrangements and from the need to protect civilian populations under attack from besieging forces. Established in February 1992, the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) was initially mandated to protect and disarm three so-called United Nations Protected Areas (UNPAs) in the country’s second largest constituent republic, Croatia. By June of the same year the UN had extended its mandate to include operations in the neighboring republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (from herein referred to as Bosnia), in order to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid. As the international community continued its search for a solution to the escalating conflict, the UN forces on the ground became ever more involved in disarmament operations designed to protect civilian populations from the fighting. This was manifest in the creation of six United Nations Safe Areas (UNSAs) in the Bosnian republic in May 1993.1
The Effect of US Stock Market Uncertainty on Emerging Market Returns

ABSTRACTWe investigate the effects of US stock market uncertainty (VIX) on the stock returns in Latin America and aggregate emerging markets before, during, and after the financial crisis. We find that increases in VIX lead to significant immediate and delayed declines in emerging market returns in all periods. However, changes in VIX explained a greater percentage of changes in emerging market returns during the financial crisis than in other periods. The higher US stock market uncertainty exerts a much stronger depressing effect on emerging market returns than their own-lagged and regional returns. Our risk transmission model suggests that a heightened US stock market uncertainty lowers emerging market returns by both reducing the mean returns and raising the variance of returns. The VIX fears raise the volatility of emerging market returns through generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH)-type volatility transmission processes.
Re-Orienting the Comparative Study of Civil Service Systems∗:

Civil service systems are a key analytic unit in modern public administration, but theory about them lags behind their practical importance and the attention they have received from scholars. This ...
An empirical validation of the receiver apprehension test as a measure of trait listening anxiety

This study investigated the validity of the Receiver Apprehension Test (RAT), determining the degree to which it (1) correlates with a different measure of trait listening anxiety, (2) predicts specific state anxiety responses to listening tasks, and (3) is stable over time. Results indicate that the Receiver Apprehension Test is a valid measure of tendencies to respond although it does not appear to be a powerful predictor of individual state anxiety responses.
Utilizing Fatigue Failure Theory to Relate Low Back Loading to Predicted Spinal Strength Update on the Low Back Cumulative Trauma Index

The purpose of this study is to develop a model to determine the effects of personal characteristics (age, gender, height and weight) and work activities (lifting, twisting and bending) in the development of low back pain (LBP). Accordingly, the proposed model is developed using fatigue failure theory as a basis to evaluate trauma as was demonstrated by Gallagher & Sesek (2014), with the dose-response relationship between the low back cumulative index (LBCTI) and low back disorders (LBD). 3D Static Strength Prediction Program (3DSSPP) was used to collect data and to generate L4/L5 compression force. Additionally, a questionnaire was developed to gather demographic data from workers and task-related data. In order to utilize these inputs, a user-friendly ergonomic assessment application was formulated to allow a worker to easily input the factors related to their job, and to obtain results determining the risk of developing low back pain.
Mechanism of the Br − /Br 2 Redox Reaction on Platinum and Glassy Carbon Electrodes in Nitrobenzene by Cyclic Voltammetry

Abstract We report the determination of a complete mechanism for the Br − /Br 2 reaction in nitrobenzene using simulations of cyclic voltammograms at platinum and glassy carbon macroelectrodes and platinum ultramicroelectrodes at varying scan rates (0.02–500 V/s) and concentrations of Br − , Br 3 − , and Br 2 (2.5–20 mM). As in other nonaqueous solvents and ionic liquids, we observe two consecutive redox processes at lower and higher potentials that we assign to the Br − /Br 3 − and Br 3 − /Br 2 redox reactions, respectively. A complete reaction mechanism, including the elementary steps of each process, was fit to the voltammetric data using DigiElch ® simulation software. The model proposed here is different from previous models of halide reactions in nonaqueous solvents in three ways. First, it proposes the direct oxidation and reduction of Br 3 − , whereas previous models describe the reduction and oxidation of X 3 − as a CE process, with the dissociation of X 3 − into X − and X 2 occurring first. Second, it is able to accurately match data at a wide range of scan rates and concentrations without the use of unrealistically large homogeneous rate constants. Finally, it can match data at platinum and glassy carbon electrodes by simply changing the apparent heterogeneous kinetics of the electron transfer reactions.
Metal–organic frameworks for thermoelectric energy-conversion applications

Motivated by low cost, low toxicity, mechanical flexibility, and conformability over complex shapes, organic semiconductors are currently being actively investigated as thermoelectric (TE) materials to replace the costly, brittle, and non-eco-friendly inorganic TEs for near-ambient-temperature applications. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) share many of the attractive features of organic polymers, including solution processability and low thermal conductivity. A potential advantage of MOFs and MOFs with guest molecules (Guest@MOFs) is their synthetic and structural versatility, which allows both the electronic and geometric structure to be tuned through the choice of metal, ligand, and guest molecules. This could solve the long-standing challenge of finding stable, high-TE-performance n-type organic semiconductors, as well as promote high charge mobility via the long-range crystalline order inherent in these materials. In this article, we review recent advances in the synthesis of MOF and Guest@MOF TEs and discuss how the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity could be tuned to further optimize TE performance.
A Model of Health for Family Caregivers of Elders

Family members who provide care to their loved ones experience changes in their own health. The caregiver health model (CGHM) is a new model that identifies health holistically and identifies four determinant(s) that contribute to the health status of the family caregiver. The purpose is to introduce the CGHM: Hypothesis 1: the determinants of health in the CGHM contribute to the health of the Caregiver, Hypothesis 2: the determinants of health contribute to changes in the caregivers’ health at 8 and 16 weeks, and Hypothesis 3: a change in health occurs from baseline to 8 and 16 weeks. Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal design used three data collection points and five survey instruments. Community recruitment (N = 90) occurred through word of mouth and newspapers. Inclusion criteria consisted of being a family caregiver, living in a rural residence, and providing care to elders with necessary activities of daily living (ADLs) and/or instrumental ADLs (IADLs). Following a participant generated phone call to provide consent, caregivers received an initial study packet, additional packets were sent upon return of the previous packet. Analysis for the three hypotheses included multiple backwards stepwise linear regression, generalized estimating equations (GEE), and analysis of variance (ANOVA) α = 0.05. Results: A significant decrease in mental (p < 0.01) but not physical health at 8 weeks (p = 0.38) and 16 weeks (p = 0.29) occurred over time. Two determinants displayed significant (p < 0.05 or less) changes in mental and/or physical health at one or more time points. Study limitations include caregiver entry at varying times and self-report of elder nursing needs and medical conditions. Conclusions: Findings support two of the four determinants contributing to caregiver health.
Therapeutic effects of methionine sulfoximine in multiple diseases include and extend beyond inhibition of glutamine synthetase.

Introduction: Methionine sulfoximine (MSO), a well-characterized inhibitor of glutamine synthetase, displays significant therapeutic benefits in animal models for several human diseases. This amino...
Occurrence of the controversial plant fossil Sanmiguelia in the upper Triassic of Texas

Specimens of the palmlike leaves called Sanmiguelia lewisi Brown are described from two localities in the Dockum Group of Late Triassic age near Canyon, Texas. These occurrences significantly extend the geographic range of the fossil because it was previously known only from the Upper Triassic rocks of southwestern Colorado. Sanmiguelia is noteworthy because it is one of the few pre-Cretaceous angiosperms that has not been totally discounted.
Autopilot design for A class of miniature autonomous blimps

The Georgia Tech Miniature Autonomous Blimp (GT-MAB) is developed as an indoor testbed for robotics research. Compared with existing platforms, the GT-MAB features longer flight times and safer human-robot interactions. The influence of aerodynamics on the blimp is significant and must be considered to achieve autonomous flying behaviors. This paper presents the mathematical modeling, system identification, and controller design for the GT-MAB, which leads to a set of motion primitives that can be combined for autonomous waypoint-following. Especially, an altitude controller incorporating a scheduling algorithm is proposed to address uncertainties of propeller efficiency. Experiments have demonstrated that the GT-MAB is able to perform 3D sampling and mapping of a light intensity field in an indoor environment.
Cervicocranial artery dissection and scuba diving: Is there a link or is it serendipity?

Introduction Numerous reports have documented cervicocranial artery dissection (CCAD) associated with scuba diving. The question remains as to whether there are risk factors unique to scuba diving related to the occurrence of CCAD. Objectives This article aims to perform an examination of the reported cases to demonstrate any commonality among the injured divers and association with known risk factors for CCAD. Methods A PubMed search was performed utilizing the key words: carotid artery dissection, dissection, arterial dissection, cranial artery dissection, scuba, diving, scuba diving. Articles including reports, reviews, trials, case series, and letters were considered. Each report was critically dissected for information specific to the dive itself and the diver and analyzed for similarities and consistency with known risks. Results Twelve (12) reports of CCAD associated with scuba diving were identified. Activities involved with scuba diving appear to be consistent with CCAD risk factors. It is unclear if hyperbaric stress and physiological changes during a dive present specific risk. Trauma - e.g., environmental protection and activities associated with diving - was identified as a common risk factor in all cases. Ten (10) cases involved arteries at anatomic sites commonly associated with dissections. Seven divers documented to have dive profiles suspicious of decompression sickness were identified. Conclusions There appears to be a correlation with minor traumas that occur with diving and CCAD. The inconsistency of the dive-related specific information reported makes it impossible for investigation of hyperbaric stress-related risk factors for CCAD to be analyzed.
Harnessing Spirituality Within Traditional Healing Systems: A Personal Journey

This chapter builds from my own cultural background and engages the reader to develop a conscious practice of spirituality. My personal journey as Ugandan and as an African guides my reflections on how I engage spirituality in family therapy conversations. These conversations are anchored in African traditions, and they value prayer, metaphors and rites of passage through which they find their own sense of purpose and meaning. The chapter illustrates challenges many immigrants and refugees face in the United States. Immigrants and refugees often have to find their own sense of meaning and purpose in the context of the loss and, pain and suffering that separation from their countries and cultures of origin create for them. They have to continually negotiate new situations even as they have to accept old ways of being and living. Grieving the losses encountered in life as they embrace an uncertain and unpredictable future can create a disconnect in their lives. Attending to issues of history, context and social location, I discuss ways I use myself as a spiritual being in my work with immigrants and refugees.
Treatment compliance and hostility levels of head-injured psychiatric outpatients

Twenty-eight head-injured psychiatrically ill patients were compared in terms of compliance with psychiatric treatment and hostility levels to a matched control group of 28 non-head-injured psychiatrically ill patients attending a community mental health clinic. Results indicated that the two groups did not differ in treatment compliance. However, the head-injured group had significantly less rapport with their therapists. Hostility measures revealed that male head-injured patients scored significantly higher on the assaultive scale; and the severity of the head injury correlated positively with levels of hostility and with reported problems at school.
GIS-based DRASTIC, Pesticide DRASTIC and the Susceptibility Index (SI): comparative study for evaluation of pollution potential in the Nabeul-Hammamet shallow aquifer, Tunisia

Three vulnerability index models were applied to assess the pollution potential of Nabeul-Hammamet shallow aquifer, Tunisia: DRASTIC, Pesticide DRASTIC and the Susceptibility Index (SI). An output map layer of each one was obtained using a geographic information system (GIS). The SI layer was overlain with DRASTIC and Pesticide DRASTIC and the percentage areas of agreement and divergence in vulnerability categories were extracted. DRASTIC results suggest the aquifer has mostly low vulnerability. Pesticide DRASTIC and SI identify three vulnerability categories (low, moderate, high) in the aquifer. Published data on current chemical groundwater composition indicate that parts of the aquifer are highly contaminated, revealing that DRASTIC underestimates the risk of pollution; Pesticide DRASTIC and SI reflect this risk better. Agreement in vulnerability categories between the two last models is found for 64 % of the aquifer area. To help manage land-use allocation and prevent Nabeul-Hammamet-aquifer contamination, DRASTIC is not recommended. Pesticide DRASTIC and SI are recommended but for slightly different applications. SI helps in the monitoring of current vulnerable areas and, thus, in contamination prevention. Pesticide DRASTIC could better intervene as a criterion in a multi-criteria analysis to select the best sites for specific on-the-ground practice or future land use.
Methylation-associated miR193b silencing activates master drivers of aggressive prostate cancer.

240Background: Epigenetic changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications and miRNA expression have major roles in prostate cancer (PC) initiation and progression. Previous screening for epigenet...
Computation, Properties and Resonance Topology of Benzenoid Monoradicals and Polyradicals and the Eigenvectors Belonging to Their Zero Eigenvalues

Radical benzenoid structures, i.e., those which cannot have all electrons paired, are known to possess much larger structure counts than closed-shell benzenoids of similar size. Building on our previous work, we report methods for calculating eigenvectors, eigenvalues, and structure counts for benzenoid radicals, diradicals, and radicals of higher multiplicity. When a series of such species is constructed by repeated addition of an aufbau unit, structure counts can usually be expressed as a polynomial in one or two variables. Structure counts for radical series generated by repeated circumscribing, however, cannot.
Meat consumption and BRAF mutation status in colorectal cancer.

e15135Background: Consumption of red and processed meat has been associated with increased risk of developing colorectal cancers, but less is known about the association of meat consumption with tu...
Flat optics with dispersion-engineered metasurfaces

Control over the dispersion of the refractive index is essential to the performance of most modern optical systems. These range from laboratory microscopes to optical fibres and even consumer products, such as photography cameras. Conventional methods of engineering optical dispersion are based on altering material composition, but this process is time-consuming and difficult, and the resulting optical performance is often limited to a certain bandwidth. Recent advances in nanofabrication have led to high-quality metasurfaces with the potential to perform at a level comparable to their state-of-the-art refractive counterparts. In this Review, we introduce the underlying physical principles of metasurface optical elements (with a focus on metalenses) and, drawing on various works in the literature, discuss how their constituent nanostructures can be designed with a highly customizable effective index of refraction that incorporates both phase and dispersion engineering. These metasurfaces can serve as an essential component for achromatic optics with unprecedented levels of performance across a broad bandwidth or provide highly customized, engineered chromatic behaviour in instruments such as miniature aberration-corrected spectrometers. We identify some key areas in which these achromatic or dispersion-engineered metasurface optical elements could be useful and highlight some future challenges, as well as promising ways to overcome them. Flat metasurface optics provides an emerging platform for combining semiconductor foundry methods of manufacturing and assembling with nanophotonics to produce high-end and multifunctional optical elements. This Review highlights the design of metasurfaces, recent advances in the field and initial promising applications.
Osmia lignaria (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) produce larger and heavier blueberries than honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract Fruit set, berry size, and berry weight were assessed for pollination by the solitary bee Osmia lignaria (Say) in caged rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium ashei Reade, Ericales : Ericaceae), and compared to that of uncaged rabbiteye blueberries which were pollinated largely by honey bees (Apis mellifera L). O. linaria produced berries that were 1.6mm larger in diameter and 0.45g heavier than uncaged blueberries. Fruit set was 40% higher in uncaged blueberries. This suggests that Osmia bees can produce larger and heavier berry fruit, but O. lignaria may be less efficient at blueberry pollination as compared to A. mellifera under field cage conditions.
42 – Violence against Women

Research indicates that many forms of violence are prevalent in women's lives. Both physical and psychological violence can occur from perpetrators who are strangers, acquaintances, family members, or partners. These experiences exist throughout women's lives. They never outgrow their concerns, fears, and the need to cope with violence. Thus, fear of violence permeates the lives of all women, influencing their decisions, impacting their psychological and physical health, and limiting their options. Violence exists across cultures and women's perspectives of violence have been shaped not only by this widespread awareness of violence but also by historical events that continue to influence women's lives. Health care settings have largely been relegated the role of attending to the acute physical consequences with little involvement in prevention or intervention efforts. However, the health care system offers, potentially, one of the most powerful systems for implementing change. Violence remains one of the most important public health crises in many communities.
The Contribution of the Lower Third of the Face to Perceived Age: Do Masks Make You Appear Younger?

Background: There is evidence that changes to the midface and lower third of the face in isolation contribute significantly to one's perception of the overall facial age. Since the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), mask wearing has become commonplace. To date, there have been no studies that explore how covering the lower third of the face impacts the perception of age. Objectives: The authors hypothesized that covering the lower third of the face with a mask will make a person appear younger. Methods: One hundred consecutive plastic surgery patients were photographed in a standardized fashion, both masked and unmasked. A questionnaire for factors known to contribute to facial aging was administered. These photographs were randomized to 6 judges who estimated the patients' age and also quantified facial rhytids with the validated Lemperle wrinkle assessment score of 6. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED analysis. Results: Masked patients on average appeared 6.17% younger (mean difference = 3.16 years, P 35 (P = 0.5084). Conclusions: The mask group appeared younger and had lower overall and visible wrinkle assessment scores when compared with the unmasked group. This has implications for our understanding of the contributions of the lower third of the face to overall perceived facial age.
Stemming exclusionary school discipline: implementing culturally attuned positive behavior practices

Over the past several decades, public schools across the United States have experienced an increasingly visible diversity rift between student enrollment and teaching faculty. The number of student...
Surgical Management of Recurrent and Persistent Macular Holes: A Practical Approach

Primary surgery for macular hole (MH) closure has a high success rate with current methods of pars plana vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. When primary surgery fails, there are several options available for secondary repair, including extension of the ILM peel, creation of an ILM flap, pedunculated ILM flap, lens capsule flap transplantation, autologous retinal transplantation, use of a human amniotic membrane plug, adjuvant autologous platelet concentrate, induction of macular detachments with subretinal blebs, and creation of retinal incisions. In this review, we discuss the practical approach to each of these surgical techniques for the management of recurrent or persistent MHs.
Chemotherapy for patients with advanced prostate carcinoma : A new option for therapy

BACKGROUND Prostate carcinoma is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men in the United States. In nearly all of these men, cancer progressed despite initial treatment with androgen ablation therapy. Managing hormone-refractory prostate carcinoma remains a difficult challenge for the clinician. In the past, cytotoxic chemotherapy was considered inactive, but recent advances have altered this view significantly. METHODS A MEDLINE review of recent studies of chemotherapy in hormone-refractory prostate carcinoma was performed. RESULTS Benefit of treatment may now be measured by prostate specific antigen as a marker of antitumor activity, quality of life and pain scores, and traditional objective measures of response. The antiandrogen withdrawal syndrome and secondary hormonal therapies are important treatment options that usually precede chemotherapy. New drug combinations are demonstrating promising levels of efficacy and proven palliative ability. Two large randomized trials have shown that mitoxantrone in combination with steroids is more effective in improving pain and quality of life than steroids alone. In several Phase II studies, estramustine combinations with vinblastine, etoposide, paclitaxel, or docetaxel produced significant responses in over 50% of patients. Future research will define optimal chemotherapy combinations and test new agents. In addition, systemic chemotherapy is being investigated in earlier stages of prostate carcinoma at high risk for progression. CONCLUSIONS Cytotoxic chemotherapy has demonstrated clear activity and palliative benefit in patients with hormone-refractory prostate carcinoma. Its role in managing advanced prostate carcinoma patients is growing but remains an area of active investigation. Cancer 2000;88:3015–21. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
An experimental investigation of vortex-induced vibration of a rotating circular cylinder in the crossflow direction

Vortex-induced vibration of a flexibly-mounted circular cylinder free to oscillate in the crossflow direction with imposed rotation around its axis was studied experimentally. The rotation rate, α, defined as the ratio of the surface velocity and free stream velocity, was varied from 0 to 2.6 in small steps. The amplitudes and frequencies of oscillations as well as the flow forces were measured in a Reynolds number range of Re = 350 -1000. The maximum amplitude of oscillations was limited to values less than a diameter of the cylinder at high rotation rates. Also, the lock-in range became narrower at higher rotation rates and finally the oscillations ceased beyond α = 2.4. Vortex shedding pattern was found to be 2S (two single vortices shed per cycle of oscillations) for rotation rates up to α = 1.4 and transitioned toward an asymmetric P shedding (one pair of vortices shed in a cycle of oscillations) for rotation rates within the range of 1.4 ≤ α ≤ 1.8. Vortex shedding was found to persist up to higher rotation rates than those observed for a non-oscillating cylinder. The phase difference between the flow forces and displacement of the cylinder in the crossflow direction was influenced as the rotation rate was increased: At high reduced velocities, the phase difference decreased from 180° for a non-rotating cylinder to values close to 90° for a rotating cylinder at large rotation rates. Different shedding patterns resulted in flow forces with different frequencies. In the crossflow direction, the dominant frequency of flow forces was found to be close to the system’s natural frequency for all the rotation rates tested with either 2S or P vortex shedding pattern. In the inline direction, however, the change from 2S to P shedding at high rotation rates resulted in a shift of the ratio of the dominant frequency of the inline flow forces to the natural frequency of the system from 2:1 to 1:1.
Electron-Transfer Reactions at Metal-Solution Interfaces: An Introduction to Some Contemporary Issues

Some pivotal aspects of the contemporary treatment of electrochemical kinetics for one-electron redox couples are outlined, and some commonalities with homogeneous-phase electron transfers are pointed out. Two illustrative examples of the interplay between theory and experiment are briefly discussed; specifically to the relation between the rates of electrochemical and homogeneous-phase processes, and to the recognition and elucidation of dynamical solvent effects.
A statistical approach for achievable dose querying in IMRT planning

The task of IMRT planning, particularly in head-and-neck cancer, is a difficult one, often requiring days of work from a trained dosimetrist. One of the main challenges is the prescription of achievable target doses that will be used to optimize a treatment plan. This work explores a data-driven approach in which effort spent on past plans is used to assist in the planning of new patients. Using a database of treated patients, we identify the features of patient geometry that are correlated with received dose and use these to prescribe target dose levels for new patients. We incorporate our approach in a quality-control system, identifying patients with organs that received a dose significantly higher than the one recommended by our method. For all these patients, we have found that a replan using our predicted dose results in noticeable sparing of the organ without compromising dose to other treatment volumes.
Striving in the Path of Allah: A Fundamentalist Interpretation of Jihad in Egypt

Outburst of violence in the Middle East are often associated with the Muslim doctrine of jihad, which is usually translated "holy war." Like many religious terms which connote violence, for example, sacrifice, victim, retribution, divine wrath, and the like, jihad must be understood in the broader semiotic context of Islamic discourse and world views from which it derives its primary meanings. The historical contexts in which the call for jihad has been efficacious provide case studies for the analysis of religious discourse on violence.
Role of tumor necrosis factor alpha in activation and replication of the tat-defective human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Abstract Transcription of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) depends on the function of the virus-encoded regulatory protein Tat, which interacts with the specific Tat response (TAR) element present in the leader sequence of all HIV-1 RNAs. In this study, we examined whether tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) can replace the requirement for a functional Tat protein. We found that TNF-alpha can induce expression of a latent, tat-defective virus and support its replication both in T cells and in primary mononuclear cells. Analysis of the transcriptional rate of the tat-defective HIV-1 transcriptional unit indicates that TNF-alpha stimulates the initiation of transcription but, in contrast to Tat protein, does not significantly reduce transcriptional polarity. Interestingly, we found that the processing of viral precursor proteins is altered in the absence of Tat. We propose that TNF-alpha-mediated induction of HIV-1 plays an essential role in the early stages of the virus life cycle and in viral latency.
Strain-Induced Ferroelectric Topological Insulator

Ferroelectricity and band topology are two extensively studied yet distinct properties of insulators. Nonetheless, their coexistence has never been observed in a single material. Using first-principles calculations, we demonstrate that a noncentrosymmetric perovskite structure of CsPbI3 allows for the simultaneous presence of ferroelectric and topological orders with appropriate strain engineering. Metallic topological surface states create an intrinsic short-circuit condition, helping stabilize bulk polarization. Exploring diverse structural phases of CsPbI3 under pressure, we identify that the key structural feature for achieving a ferroelectric topological insulator is to suppress PbI6 cage rotation in the perovskite structure, which could be obtained via strain engineering. Ferroelectric control over the density of topological surface states provides a new paradigm for device engineering, such as perfect-focusing Veselago lens and spin-selective electron collimator. Our results suggest that CsPbI3 is ...
Review article: vaccination and viral hepatitis – current status and future prospects

Summary Background Viral hepatitis is the most common cause of liver disease in the world. In the past 25 years, vaccines have become available for two of the five hepatitis viruses, and, where implemented, vaccination has become a key component of hepatitis prevention. Aims To provide an update on recent advances in the use of current hepatitis vaccines and to examine progress in the development of vaccines for the remaining hepatitis viruses. Methods A Medline search was undertaken to identify the recent relevant literature. Search terms included hepatitis vaccines, hepatitis vaccination and hepatitis A–E vaccines. Results Dramatic vaccine-induced declines in the incidence of both hepatitis A and B have occurred in the USA. Strategies to integrate hepatitis A vaccine into universal childhood immunization are being adopted. Similarly, strategies with the goal of eliminating transmission of hepatitis B have been promulgated. A vaccine for hepatitis E has been reported to be effective and safe, but progress in the development of vaccines for hepatitis C and D has been limited. Conclusion During the next few decades, the goals of eliminating hepatitis A and B virus transmission may be reached in the USA and elsewhere.
Wild and cultivated barleys show similar affinities for mineral nitrogen.

The kinetics of net ammonium influx were very similar among several cultivars of barley (Hordeum vulgare) and several accessions of the wild taxa H.v. spontaneum and H. jubatum. For net nitrate influx, variation was greater among accessions than among species; accessions from warmer climates had faster rates than those from colder climates. These data indicate that domestication of barley has not reduced its affinity for mineral nitrogen.
Estimation of distributed transverse displacement and velocity from distributed strain measurements in a cantilever beam

A new form of recursive algorithm to estimate the transverse and angular displacement and/or velocity at any location along the length of a 1D cantilever beam using the strain/strain-rate data measured from a set of sensors distributed along the length of the beam is presented. This is based on the linear spline functions used to approximate the strain distribution in the beam. The main advantage of this algorithm is that it is independent of the structural parameters, viz., mass, stiffness and damping coefficient. Experimental results for both static and dynamic cases are furnished to validate the proposed estimation algorithm. In the case of static loading, strain gauges are used to measure the strain, while piezo-electric sensors are used in the dynamic case.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Flexural strength experiments on exterior metal building wall assemblies with rigid insulation

Abstract This research program evaluated the flexural capacity of a metal building wall system with rigid board foam insulation sandwiched between C- and Z-section girts and through-fastened steel panels. Vacuum box tests were conducted to simulate wind suction on the wall system, and distinct failure modes were observed. The metal panel pulled over the screw heads for wall systems without insulation, however when rigid board insulation was added, the insulation acted as a washer and girt failure or screw fracture was observed. Screw bending and fracture were common in the specimens with the thickest rigid board insulation and for locally stocky cross-sections because a concentrated moment could be developed in the fastener. In these cases wall system capacity was decreased by the presence of rigid board insulation. For wall system specimens with locally slender girts, rigid board insulation did not influence girt capacity because girt deformation under load was primarily in the cross-section and not at the through-fastened connections.
Late-glacial and Holocene δ15N and δ13C variation from a Kenai Peninsula, Alaska peatland

Abstract We use stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes from a Kenai Peninsula, Alaska fen spanning the late-glacial and Holocene to enhance our understanding of peatland hydrology and nutrient cycling. We find that isotopic values for carbon and nitrogen are lighter in the late-glacial and early Holocene (−28 to −34‰ and 0 to −4‰, respectively) than the remainder of the record. The light δ 13 C value corresponds with submerged and emergent aquatic vegetation during the late-glacial, suggesting high respired carbon input. Similarly, light δ 15 N values imply that nitrogen is derived from sediment and groundwater sources. Early Holocene δ 13 values ranging from −30‰ to −34‰ infer high recycled carbon uptake from methanogenesis, related to the warm climate and the wet swale environment. A shift to heavier δ 15 N and δ 13 C isotopic values ∼ 9600 cal yr BP coincides with a change in the lithology to Sphagnum- dominated peat, indicative of peat accumulation above the water table. A shift to lighter values from 5500 to 4200 cal yr BP coincides with a period of glacial recession related to warmer conditions, whereas a subsequent period of heavier values is correlative with glacial advance culminating at 3000 cal yr BP, suggesting that the hydrology of this peatland is closely linked with the glacial meltwater. δ 15 N remains near 0‰, relatively close to the atmospheric value of δ 15 N, throughout the Holocene, suggesting that the fen has been supported by N-fixation. We propose that groundwater on the Kenai lowlands was fed by subglacial meltwater, and the warm early Holocene summers resulted in high glacial ablation and groundwater recharge, sustaining a high Swanson Fen water table. Cooler temperatures resulted in a decrease of glacial meltwater input at the close of the early Holocene.
Diydrofolate reductase from Diplococcus pneumoniae. Purification, amino acid composition, and N-terminal amino acid analysis

Abstract Dihydrofolate reductase in preparative amounts was highly purified from an amethopterin-resistant strain of D. pneumoniae. This strain was constructed by genetic recombination and had a high level (120-fold compared to the wild-type) of enzyme. Greater than 20% yield and purity close to 100% were obtained by protamine sulfate precipitation, ammonium sulfate fractionation, molecular sieve chromatography on Sephadex G100, and chromatography on hydroxylapatite and DEAE-cellulose. Purity of the final fraction was determined by amethopterin binding-titration, polyacrylamide disc-gel electrophoresis, and precipitin antibody analysis by immunodiffusion. The amino acid composition of the purified protein is given. Only one N-terminal amino acid, threonine, was identified in an amount suggesting that the protein exists as a single polypeptide chain.
Interaction of Mouse Placental Lactogens and Androgens in Regulating Progesterone Release in Cultured Mouse Luteal Cells

Pituitary hormones are essential for the maintenance of the corpus luteum in the pregnant mouse during the first half of gestation. Thereafter, hormones from the placenta take over the luteotropic role of the pituitary hormones. Mouse placental lactogen-I (mPL-I) and mPL-II, two PRL-like hormones produced in the placenta, are probably necessary for the maintenance of the corpus luteum in the latter half of pregnancy. A culture system of luteal cells from pregnant mice was developed to investigate the role of hormones from the placenta that may be important for the function of the corpus luteum. Mice were killed on days 10, 14, and 18 of pregnancy, and the corpora lutea were excised from the ovaries and digested in 0.1% collagenase, 0.002% DNase for 1 h. The resulting luteal cell suspension was plated onto 96-well plates coated with fibronectin (1 × 105 cells/well) and cultured for 1–3 days. Medium was changed daily. The cells were treated with various concentrations and combinations of mPL-I, mPL-II, mous...
Breeding Population of Southeastern American Kestrels in Tubular Cross-armed Transmission Towers in South-central Georgia

Resumen Recientemente se han encontrado individuos del taxon amenazado Falco sparverius paulus anidando en los travesanos huecos de las torres de transmision electrica de 230-kV en el sur-centro de Georgia, entre la subestacion de Offerman en el este y la planta de Mitchell en el oeste. Entre 2003 y 2004, las aves anidaron en 274 (74%) y 296 (80%) de las torres de transmision utilizables, respectivamente (Maney y Parrish 2007, J. Raptor Res. 41:243–246). Tanto en 2005 como en 2006, anidaron en 284 (77%) de las 368 torres utilizables. Esto representa la poblacion de F. sparverius mas grande de todo el estado de Georgia y probablemente de todo el sudeste de los Estados Unidos, con excepcion del centro de Florida. Encontramos que las aves del sudeste utilizan estructuras alternas construidas por humanos, pues 4 de 8 (50%) cajas de anidacion construidas con tubos de PVC y ubicadas a lo largo de la linea de transmision fueron utilizadas entre 2004 y 2007.
Scale and scope economies in the multi-product banking firm

Abstract The multi-product nature of the banking firm is examined utilizing the translog cost function. This analysis indicates that, contrary to conventional wisdom, natural monopoly, scale economies and product-specific decreasing costs are not robust characterizations of the banking industry. There is, however, evidence that the cost function is characterized by economies of scope. The implications of these results are discussed and extensions of this approach suggested.
A parallel query engine for interactive spatiotemporal analysis

Given the increasing popularity and availability of location tracking devices, large quantities of spatiotemporal data are available from many different sources. Quick interactive analysis of such data is important in order to understand the data, identify patterns, and eventually make a marketable product. Since the data do not necessarily follow the relational model and may require flexible processing possibly using advanced machine learning techniques, spatial databases or similar query tools do not make the best means for such analysis. Moreover, the high complexity of geometric operations makes the quick interactive analysis very difficult. In this paper, we present a highly flexible functional query engine that 1) works with multiple schema types, 2) provides fast response times by spatiotemporal indexing and parallelization, 3) helps understand the data using visualizations and 4) is highly extensible to easily add complex functionality. To demonstrate its usefulness, we use our tool to solve a real world problem of crime pattern analysis in Los Angeles County and compare the process with other well known tools.
Stabilization of (dG-dC)n.(dG-dC)n in the Z conformation by a crosslinking reaction

(dG-dC)n.(dG-dC) was converted to the Z conformer by heating in the presence of Mn++n. Reaction of this preparation with the crosslinking reagent, DL-diepoxybutane (DEB), stabilized this conformer so that it retained its structure even when returned to conditions that favored reversion to the B conformation. Treatment of the crosslinked Z conformer with periodate caused scission of the crosslink, allowing reversion to the B conformer. Reaction of (dG-dC)n.(dG-dC)n in the B conformation with DEB did not prevent conversion to the Z conformer in 4M NaC1; dialysis of the high salt solution against low ionic strength buffer allowed return to the B conformer. The Z in equilibrium B transitions were followed by circular dichroism studies and immunochemical procedures. The results suggest the feasibility of stabilizing Z sequences of DNA in chromatin by crosslinking, so that they could then be identified after DNA isolation.
Heterogeneity of human natural killer cell populations.

Abstract Natural killing (NK) in human donors was determined by the ability of peripheral blood subpopulations to lyse the myeloid target, K562, in a 2 to 4 hr 51 Cr release assay. The most active cell was a non-T cell which passed through nylon columns (representing 10 to 25% of column passed cells). A second column passed cell population, with characteristics of T lymphocytes (75 to 90% of column passed cells), was also capable of mediating natural killing. Non-T cells which were retained by the nylon columns (45 to 55% of adherent cells) lacked NK activity. However, nylon adherent T cells (45 to 55% of adherent cells) were consistently active in NK assays, illustrating an important subset of NK effector cell often overlooked. Both column passed and adherent T cells were further separated according to their ability to bind IgG or IgM immune complexes, showing that those mediating NK have receptors for IgG (Tγ+) but not for IgM (Tμ+).
Effect of washing on the plasma membrane and on stress reactions of cultured rose cells

Cultured cells of Rosa damascena have been used as a model for studies of responses of plant cells to various stresses, including UV radiation, protein-synthesis inhibitors, and elicitors from pathogens. Many of the responses involve reactions at the plasma membrane: efflux of K+, changes in the acid balance between cytoplasm and external medium, synthesis of H2O2, and inhibition of ferricyanide reduction. In previous studies, the cells have typically been washed with a solution of low ionic strength. We now show that this washing procedure results in changes in the protein composition of the plasma membrane, in the labeling of the proteins in the plasma membrane, and in the specific activity of ATPase in purified plasma membrane vesicles. Also, compared to the unwashed cells, the washed cells show less net K+ efflux after UV-C and Phytophthora elicitor treatments; more synthesis of H2O2 after UV-C and a pattern of accumulation of H2O2 after elicitor treatment that shows a delayed but higher peak; and more inhibition of ferricyanide reduction after UV-C, but not after elicitor treatment. The results suggest that washing has differential effects on the mechanisms by which cultured plant cells perceive or respond to two stresses, UV-C and elicitor.