cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tunable signal processing through modular control of transcription factor translocation.

Signaling pathways can induce different dynamics of transcription factor (TF) activation. We explored how TFs process signaling inputs to generate diverse dynamic responses. The budding yeast general stress–responsive TF Msn2 acted as a tunable signal processor that could track, filter, or integrate signals in an input-dependent manner. This tunable signal processing appears to originate from dual regulation of both nuclear import and export by phosphorylation, as mutants with one form of regulation sustained only one signal-processing function. Versatile signal processing by Msn2 is crucial for generating distinct dynamic responses to different natural stresses. Our findings reveal how complex signal-processing functions are integrated into a single molecule and provide a guide for the design of TFs with "programmable" signal-processing functions.
Wireless energy transmission for structural health monitoring embedded sensor nodes

In this paper, we present a feasibility study of using wireless energy transmission systems to provide a required power for structural health monitoring (SHM) sensor nodes. The goal of this study is to develop SHM sensing systems which can be permanently embedded in the host structure and do not require an on-board power sources. With this approach, the energy will be periodically delivered as needed to operate the sensor node, as opposed to being harvested as in the conventional approaches. The wirelessly transmitted microwave energy is captured by a microstrip patch antenna, and then transformed into DC power by a rectifying circuit and stored in a storage medium to provide the required energy to the sensor and transmitter. Based on the fact that recent networked sensor systems require power on the order of fractions of a watt, it is quite possible to operate such sensing devices completely from the captured wirelessly delivered energy. The method of designing and optimizing a wireless energy transmission system is discussed. This paper also summarizes considerations needed to design such energy delivery systems, experimental procedures and results, and additional issues that can be used as guidelines for future investigations.
Diagnosis and management of microscopic colitis syndrome

Microscopic colitis syndrome consists of chronic watery diarrhea, a normal or near-normal gross appearance of the colonic mucosa, and a specific histologic picture described as either lymphocytic colitis or collagenous colitis. The cause of microscopic colitis is unknown, but recent work suggests some immunologic similarities to celiac disease, suggesting that luminal antigens may be important in its pathogenesis. Diarrhea in microscopic colitis seems to be directly related to the extent of inflammation, suggesting that inflammatory mediators are responsible for reduced water absorption by the colon. Microscopic colitis is a frequent diagnosis in patients with chronic diarrhea seen at referral centers. It is often associated with other immune-mediated conditions and frequently is complicated by fecal incontinence. The differential diagnosis is broad, comprising all causes of watery diarrhea. Evaluation is straightforward with the key aspect being review of colon biopsy specimens by an experienced pathologist. Treatment is still being defined: symptomatic management with antidiarrheal agents, 5-aminosalicylate drugs, corticosteroids, especially budesonide, bile acid-binding resins, and bismuth subsalicylate all can be effective. The prognosis is good with no evidence of conversion to classic inflammatory bowel disease or of development of neoplasia over time.
The value of imperfect sample separation information in mixtures of normal distributions

Abstract This paper conducts a Monte Carlo study in order to evaluate the value of information in a normal mixture model when an imperfect sample separation indicator is available. For a variety of cases, computations are done on the ratios of asymptotic variances of the parameter estimators when sample separation is known versus when only the indicator is available. This study is patterned closely on a paper by Schmidt (1981), and obtains similar results when parameters appearing in Schmidt's model are allowed to vary. The new results here focus on the importance of the probabilities that the regime indicator is correct, for each of the two possible regimes.
On the Nature of the Ions in Air and in Carbon Dioxide

Mobilities of ions of air and C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ in initial and final stages.---It has previously been shown that in air the positive ions have an initial mobility equal to that of negative ions, 1.87 cm/sec./volt/cm, which decreases in about 1/50 sec. on the average to 1.36 cm/sec./volt/cm. Using improved apparatus with an air speed of 20 m/sec. and fields of over 1000 volts/cm., curves were obtained showing clearly the presence of both initial and final ions. These are the same whether $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ or $\ensuremath{\beta}$ rays are used to produce the ions. Negative ions show only one mobility. C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ ions gave curves which, within experimental error, agree with those for air, indicating one negative and two positive ions, but the time of transition to the final positive stage is somewhat shorter for C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$. These results are best explained by assuming that in these cases ionization involves merely the detachment of an electron from a molecule, leaving a positive mono-molecular ion which soon attaches itself to a neutral molecule forming the final somewhat unstable bimolecular positive ion, while the electron almost immediately joins a neutral molecule forming a stable negative mono-molecular ion. Dissociation seems to play only a small part. It is concluded that single molecules singly charged, positively or negatively, all have about the same mobility which is independent of mass and molecular volume, and that a singly charged cluster of two or more molecules, not forming a single molecule, has a smaller mobility.
Investigation of sustainable and resilient design alternatives for water distribution networks

Nowadays there is a pronounced interest in the need for sustainable and resilient infrastructure systems to address the challenges of future infrastructure development. This paper presents a three-objective optimization model for the investigation of various sustainable and resilient design alternatives for water distribution networks. Although optimal design of water distribution networks is a thoroughly studied area, most researchers focused on efficient algorithms to solve the complex design problem. Cost has predominantly been the objective in previous studies with few models also considering resilience or environmental impacts (CO2 emissions). This research combined all these parameters in a multi-objective model to obtain various sustainable and resilient design alternatives. The model is demonstrated on a three-loop benchmark network that was previously studied. The tradeoff between the objectives is further analyzed to identify the most beneficial solution from the pareto-optimal set of solutions....
Progress report of the Jesuit Seismological Association for the year 1947

The year 1947 marked a gradual return to normal conditions throughout the scientific world; particularly in the United States was this noticeable. The member stations of the Jesuit Seismological Association whose activities had been largely disrupted by the War not only resumed their normal operations but were taking steps to improve.
Dispersive Mixing in the Posterior Tear Film Under a Soft Contact Lens

This paper is a first attempt to model mixing in the tear layer of the eye sandwiched between the cornea and a soft contact lens (i.e., the post-lens tear film or POTF). The proposed driving force for mixing is lateral diffusion enhanced by the periodic lateral (up−down) and squeezing (in−out) motion of the contact lens during blinking. In a mechanism similar to Taylor dispersion, the classical diffusion equation emerges at long times when concentration gradients smooth, but with a mechanical dispersion coefficient, D*, rather than a molecular diffusion coefficient, D. Calculated values of the dispersion coefficient are orders of magnitude larger than molecular diffusivities permitting mixing in the POTF on time scales much shorter than that of pure diffusion, L2/D, where L is the lens radius. The dispersive-mixing model is tested against clinical experiments of fluorescein-labeled dextran decay from the POTF on 23 human subjects, each with soft contact lenses of four different diameters. Comparison betwe...
Exergaming Impact on Physical Activity and Interest in Elementary School Children

In this study, I explored the impact of exergaming on in-class physical activity (PA) and motivation in physical education. Elementary children participated in a 4-week exergaming unit and a 4-week fitness unit. At test showed the children's in-class PA in the exergaming unit was significantly lower than in the fitness unit. Results also indicated that students' situational interest in exergaming was significantly higher than in the fitness unit at the beginning and end of instruction. Children's interest declined significantly in both units and at the same rate. The evidence suggests that exergames may have strong motivational power, but it is premature to claim they will increase physical activity enough for children to receive health benefits in physical education.
Modification of L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase in soybean cell suspension cultures by 2-aminooxyacetate and L-2-aminooxy-3-phenylpropionate.

Suspension-cultured cells of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Kanrich) produce large amounts of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL; EC 4.3.1.5), the first enzyme of phenylpropanoid metabolism, during growth. 2-Aminooxyacetic acid (AOA) and l-2-aminooxy-3-phenylpropionic acid (l-AOPP) inhibit the enzyme competitively in vitro and have been used for in vivo studies. The amount of extractable enzyme in the cells and their utilization of NO 3 − and NH 3 + are reduced upon the addition of AOA. When AOA was added at various times during growth, the appearance of additional enzyme activity was prevented but enzyme already formed was not inhibited. No evidence was obtained for the presence of an inhibitor in the extracts and AOA inhibition in vitro was readily reversible. It is conculded that AOA acts to inhibit the formation of PAL in suspension-cultured soy bean cells. In vitro inhibition of soybean PAL by l-AOPP could not be reversed; in contrast, the inhibition of maize (Zea mays L.) PAL was readily reversible. Added l-AOPP, which was rapidly taken up by the soybean cells, prevented the large increase in enzyme activity. Although PAL activity was blocked in the cultures, no appreciable increase in phenylalanine content could be detected in cell extracts. The response of soybean cell suspensions to l-AOPP addition thus differs from that of other tissues which in presence of l-AOPP show an increase in PAL activity and an accumulation of phenylalanine.
Solar Minimum and the International Years of the Quiet Sun

Criteria that serve as guides to the course of the solar cycle are summarized so that the current level of solar activity can be judged in trying to determine the time and the probability of protracted intervels of true solar quite during the years designated as the Internation Years of the Quiet Sun (IQSY). Data are tabulated. (P.C.H.)
Parasites and plumage in Steller's jays: an experimental field test of the parasite-mediated handicap hypothesis

The handicap hypothesis broadly argues that ornamental traits and displays are costly to produce and are a function of individual quality and condition. Consequently, the extent of ornament expression can act as an honest indicator of quality, condition or susceptibility to parasites, and influence the behavior of mates or competitors. We used reflectance spectrometry to quantify non-iridescent, ultraviolet (UV) and blue structurally-based plumage color and character size in relation to individual condition (feather growth rate) and occurrence of disease caused by a parasite infestation (knemidokoptic mange) in wild male Steller's jays (Cyanocitta stelleri). We then attempted to experimentally reduce parasite load prior to molt and quantified the relative change in plumage and condition. Those birds with faster feather growth rates (i.e., in better condition) had lower hues (i.e., reflected shorter wavelengths, displaying a more intense, brilliant UV-blue color), suggesting the possibility of condition or...
Single Channel Hybrid FES Gait Assist System

Loss of mobility due to lower limb paralysis is common consequence of thoracic level spinal cord injury (SCI). In the US there are approximately 253,000 persons with SCI. The wheelchair is the most common form of mobility for individuals with paraplegia but there remains a need for assistive technology that can enable paraplegics to walk and reach in the periphery of wheelchair. A new concept is presented that combines functional electrical stimulation (FES) with an energy storing orthosis (ESO) that contains a fluid power system to store and transfer energy during the gait cycle. Elastic energy storage elements on the orthosis hip and knee joints hold the leg in a flexed equilibrium position. Stimulation of the quadriceps extends the knee, placing excess energy in both the equilibrium spring and an energy transfer element. The stored energy is transferred to the hip where it is discharged and used to extend the hip against its equilibrium spring which also aids in forward progression. A new step is initiated by releasing the hip and knee joints from the straight leg position to the flexed position. The concept is realized using gas springs and pneumatic cylinders. Gas springs act as flexed energy storage elements. Lower air cylinder and the tubing acts as an accumulator and the upper cylinder acts as hip joint actuator. The system uses 2 way proportional solenoid actuated pneumatic valves for control during extension. The conceptual design of the ESO was completed and implemented in a dynamic simulation model (MSC ADAMS) and in a benchtop prototype for engineering measurements. Of the 14 joules of energy available from quadriceps, 8.9 joules of energy is utilized for doing work against springs and inertial forces; 5.4 joules is stored in pneumatic system; of which 1.4 joules is required for hip extensions and the remaining will be used for forward progression. No studies were conducted with human subjects. A hydraulic fluid power system was investigated for better control and braking possibilities but was not adopted because of difficulities in accumulator design and high fluid friction losses. A Matlab code was used to calculate the torques required at joints to support standing. Commerical braces are being used for improved user comfort. A wrap spring brake is being designed to maintain standing posture without FES or any active energy input. Technical feasibility of the ESO prototype will be evaluated using two subjects with paraplegia.
The impact of customer–contractor interactions on spacecraft innovation: Insights from communication satellite history

Abstract This paper captures a first detailed attempt to quantitatively analyze the innovation history of the space sector. Building on a communication satellite innovation metric and a spacecraft innovation framework developed as part of an ongoing project, this paper presents a preliminary model of global communication satellite innovation. In addition to innovation being a function of the rate of performance normalized by price, innovation was found to be strongly influenced by characteristics of the customer–contractor contractual relationship. Specifically, Department of Defense contracts tend to result in a lower level of innovation on average as compared to other customers. Also, particular customer–contractor pairs perform differently and exhibit a second order relationship in time.
Effects of Heteroatoms on Aromatic π−π Interactions: Benzene−Pyridine and Pyridine Dimer

Heteroatoms are found in many noncovalent complexes which are of biological importance. The effect of heteroatoms on π−π interactions is assessed via highly accurate quantum chemical computations for the two simplest cases of interactions between aromatic molecules containing heteroatoms, namely, benzene−pyridine and pyridine dimer. Benchmark quality estimated coupled-cluster through perturbative triples [CCSD(T)] binding energies are computed near the complete basis set limit. Comparisons to the benzene dimer are made to determine the contributions from heteroatoms. The presence of a heteroatom reduces the spatial extent of the π-electron cloud and polarizability of pyridine as compared to benzene. As a result, the magnitude of the dispersion, exchange, and induction interactions in benzene−pyridine and pyridine dimer is generally reduced as compared to those for the benzene dimer. Benzene−pyridine and pyridine dimer bind more strongly than the benzene dimer in several configurations, and in contrast to ...
A comparison of the autonomic nervous control of the heart during classical aversive vs appetitive conditioning in dog

Dogs were trained in either classical (i.e. Pavlovian) appetitive (n = 7) or aversive (n = 7) conditioning by presenting a tone (the conditional stimulus, CS +) that was followed by either food or shock delivery, respectively. In the first case, dog food was given to the animals during the last 30 s of a 1 min CS+. Aversive conditioning was accomplished by giving a 1 s shock at the end of a 30 s CS+. The control consisted of a different tone (CS-) which was never followed by food or shock. A chronically implanted transducer was used to record left ventricular pressure from which its first time derivative was calculated; d(LVP)/dt was used as an index of myocardial inotropic state. Heart rate (HR) was also determined. These data were averaged over the 30 s prior to the CS+, the 30 s of the conditional stimulus tone itself, and the 30 s following shock or during food delivery. Well-trained animals evidenced changes in cardiac inotropism and chronotropism during the CS+ and also in response to unconditional shock or food; these are referred to as the conditional and unconditional cardiovascular responses, respectively. No statistically significant HR or d(LVP)/dt changes were observed during the CS-. The conditional response to food was small: relative to the pre-CS+ interval, average HR increased 11 bpm (P less than 0.05) and average d(LVP)/dt increased 309 mm Hg/s (P less than 0.01). During food delivery, HR increased by additional 23 bpm (P less than 0.01) and d(LVP)/dt increased by another 232 mm Hg/s (P less than 0.01). Beta-adrenergic blockade virtually eliminated the conditional HR and d(LVP)/dt response to food, indicating that both the chronotropic and inotropic changes during CS+ were due to elevated sympathetic drive. beta-blockade did not eliminate the unconditional HR response (+17 bpm, P less than 0.01), indicating that parasympathetic withdrawal has a mediating role in this persisting tachycardia. The conditional response to shock consisted of a 26 bpm increase in HR (P less than 0.01), while d(LVP)/dt increased 998 mm Hg/s (P less than 0.01). The beta-blockade reduced the HR conditional response to +8 bpm (NS) and essentially eliminated the increase in d(LVP)/dt. These data indicate that increases in cardiac sympathetic tone play a primary role in mediating the conditional cardiovascular response for both paradigms. Parasympathetic withdrawal, on the other hand, figures critically in mediating the unconditional response to food.
Evolution of inhomogeneously broadened spin-noise spectrum with ac drive

In the presence of random hyperfine fields, the noise spectrum, $\ensuremath{\langle}\ensuremath{\delta}{s}_{\ensuremath{\omega}}^{2}\ensuremath{\rangle}$, of a spin ensemble represents a narrow peak centered at $\ensuremath{\omega}=0$ and a broad wing reflecting the distribution of the hyperfine fields. In the presence of an ac drive, the dynamics of a single spin acquires additional harmonics at frequencies determined by both the drive frequency and the local field. These harmonics are reflected as additional peaks in the noise spectrum. We study how the ensemble-averaged $\ensuremath{\langle}\ensuremath{\delta}{s}_{\ensuremath{\omega}}^{2}\ensuremath{\rangle}$ evolves with the drive amplitude, ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{dr}$ (in the frequency units). Our main finding is that additional peaks in the spectrum, caused by the drive, remain sharp even when ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{dr}$ is much smaller than the typical hyperfine field. The reason is that the drive affects only the spins for which the local Larmour frequency is close to the drive frequency. The shape of the low-frequency Rabi-peak in $\ensuremath{\langle}\ensuremath{\delta}{s}_{\ensuremath{\omega}}^{2}\ensuremath{\rangle}$ is universal with both the position and the width, being of the order of ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{dr}$. When the drive amplitude exceeds the width of the hyperfine field distribution, the noise spectrum transforms into a set of sharp peaks centered at harmonics of the drive frequency.
Cortical mechanisms for local and global analysis of visual space in the cat.

The effects of lesions in the striate or extra-striate visual cortex of cats were evaluated using visual discrimination problems which required either local or global pattern processing. The results indicate that damage to areas 17 and 18 preferentially impairs local processes, while in addition they suggest that damage to the extra-striate cortex preferentially affects global processing. These findings may be related to the observations that cats with large lesions in the extra-striate cortex demonstrate deficits in form perception without reductions in visual acuity and those with lesions in areas 17–18 show elevations of acuity thresholds while maintaining excellent pattern and form vision.
Alzheimer’s Disease: New Data Highlight Nonneuronal Cell Types and the Necessity for Presymptomatic Prevention Strategies

Despite compelling genetic evidence indicating that cerebral amyloidosis can be, at least sometimes, the primary cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD), clinical trials for symptomatic AD with amyloid-reducing agents have succeeded at target engagement but failed to cause clinical benefit. In a landmark shift, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration now proposes to approve prophylaxis that alters the trajectory of what is now believed to be typical AD biomarker evolution. The first prevention trials are now beginning in patients with genetic guarantees for or high genetic risks for AD. The expectation is that clues to their outcomes will begin to emerge from these trials in approximately 2018. In the meantime, new strategies point to nonneuronal cells and to system pathology. A review of the current state of the art of AD science follows herein.
Electrolocation and jamming avoidance in the mormyrid fishBrienomyrus

Brienomyrus niger fires its electric organ in short pulses of approximately 0.3 ms duration, at a rather irregular rate, which rapidly increases in novel situations. The animal electrolocates objects in its near field by evaluating electroreceptive feedback from its ownelectricorgandischarges (EODs). Electrolocation performance is measured by the critical distance at which an approaching nonconducting object of standard size and velocity is detected (Figs. 1, 3).
La descentralización de los servicios de salud: de la teoría a la práctica

The current promoters of the decentralization of health services affirm that its implementation will improve the quality, equity and efficiency of health systems and at the same time will increase users' satisfaction. Additionally, those who advocate decentralization believe that it will facilitate community participation in health decisionmaking, and as a result it will strengthen the democratic process. In this study we discuss first the lack of consensus regarding the meaning of decentralization and the difficulties of measuring the degree of decentralization of a health system. We also identify the actors who have formulated the above hypotheses, examine the reasons behind its formulation, and analyze if the outcome of the decentralization of the Latin American health services confirm the hypotheses.
Friend virus-induced erythroblastosis in STAT5a/b mutant mice: Properties of isolated erythroblasts in vitro

Abstract This study examined the roles of the Stat5a and Stat5b gene products in growth and differentiation of mouse erythroid cells. BALB/c mice bearing inactivating mutations in both Stat5a and Stat5b were infected with the anemia-inducing strain of Friend virus. The infected mice developed erythroblastosis in the spleen typical of the early phase of Friend disease. Early erythroblasts purified from the spleens of infected mice (Stat5a/b mutants and BALB/c wild type controls) were cultured in medium containing 2 U/mL of erythropoietin (EPO). During the culture period of 60 h, a significant fraction of the Stat5a/b(−/−) erythroblasts differentiated into reticulocytes. However, the population exhibited several properties that were different from controls. Control cell numbers increased 6-fold during the 60 h culture period and about 90% of the resultant population formed reticulocytes. The Stat5a/b(−/−) cells increased in number only 3.5-fold. About 30% of the cells never initiated hemoglobin synthesis, and about one-half of the remainder did not mature into reticulocytes. After 36 h of culture, the Stat5a/b(−/−) erythroblast population contained a higher fraction than normal of cells which were positive for DNA degradation by a flow cytometric TUNEL assay although morphological apoptosis was not pronounced. This pleotropic phenotype does not resemble the type or timing of apoptosis induced by EPO deprivation. The combined result of the above factors was inefficient erythropoiesis by Stat5a/b(−/−) cells in vitro . Several molecular regulators of apoptosis and of cell cycle were examined. Normal levels of Bcl-x production were observed and no activation of caspase 3 or cleavage of PARP was detected. p27 and p21 were significantly elevated in Stat5a/b(−/−) cells. The fractions of cells in G1 and S phases of the cell cycle were different in Stat5a/b (−/−) and control cells throughout the culture period.
Geriatric traumatic open globe injuries.

Purpose To characterize the pattern of ocular trauma in the geriatric population. Design Retrospective, comparative case series. Participants Eight hundred forty-six consecutive patients comprising 848 open globe injuries, of which 166 injuries occurred in geriatric patients (defined as 65 years old or older at the time of injury), with the remaining patients serving as control subjects. Methods Charts of open globe injuries (848 in total) treated surgically at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary between January 2000 and April 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Main Outcome Measures Ocular Trauma Score, age, gender, mechanism of injury, zone of injury, site of injury, time of day, visual acuity at presentation, and best post-repair visual acuity were analyzed. Results Of 848 open globe injuries, 166 occurred in the geriatric population. The mean patient age in the geriatric group was 79.8 years. Females comprised most (58%) of this subpopulation. The most common mechanisms of injury were fall (65%), blunt trauma (16%), and motor vehicle accident (6%). The geriatric traumas tended to happen in late morning or late at night. There were no cases of endophthalmitis and fewer instances of enucleation in this group. The median raw Ocular Trauma Score was 47 in the geriatric population, compared with 70 in the younger subset ( P P P P P Conclusions The elderly represent a unique, yet neglected ocular trauma population. The pattern of ophthalmic injury and outcome differs greatly between the geriatric and nongeriatric populations. A better understanding of these injuries is necessary to improve prevention and treatment strategies for potentially devastating open globe injuries in this susceptible population. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
A defect in a novel ADAMTS family member is the cause of the belted white-spotting mutation

Several features of the pigment defect in belted (bt) mutant mice suggest that it occurs as a result of a defect in melanocyte development that is unique from those described for other classical white-spotting mutations. We report here that bt mice carry mutations in Adamts20, a novel member of the ADAMTS family of secreted metalloproteases. Adamts20 shows a highly dynamic pattern of expression in the developing embryo that generally precedes the appearance of melanoblasts in the same region, and is not expressed in the migrating cells themselves. Adamts20 shows remarkable homology with GON-1, an ADAMTS family protease required for distal tip cell migration in C. elegans. Our results suggest that the role of ADAMTS proteases in the regulation of cell migration has been conserved in mammalian development.
Down regulation of protein kinase C in neuronal cells: effects on neurotransmitter release.

We investigated the effects of phorbol esters on protein kinase C (PKC) activity and on neurotransmitter release from cultured neuronal cells. Both differentiated and undifferentiated PC12 pheochromocytoma cells contained high levels of protein PKC. Under normal conditions all the enzyme activity was found in the cytoplasm. Addition of the phorbol esters phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (TPA) or phorbol 12,13- dibutyrate (PDBu) caused a rapid translocation of PKC from the cytoplasm to the particulate fraction. Continued culture of cells with these phorbol esters resulted in the decline of total PKC activity. After 10–20 hr of culture, both membrane and cytoplasmic PKC activity had declined to background levels. cAMP-dependent and Ca2+/calmodulin- dependent protein kinase activities were only slightly affected by chronic phorbol ester treatment. Addition of active phorbol esters to PC12 cells produced an enhancement of the depolarization-induced release of 3H-norepinephrine. Following chronic phorbol ester treatment, the ability of these substances to enhance evoked catecholamine release was lost. Furthermore, depolarizing stimuli released considerably less 3H-norepinephrine than in control untreated cells. Phorbol esters also enhanced depolarization-induced 3H- norepinephrine release from primary cultures of rat sympathetic neurons. Chronic treatment of these neurons with phorbol esters also resulted in the loss of their ability to enhance transmitter release and in a large reduction in the extent of depolarization-evoked transmitter release. Chronic phorbol ester treatment also resulted in the disappearance of PKC from sympathetic neurons, but had little effect on cAMP-dependent or Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase activities. These results demonstrate that PKC-deficient neurons can be prepared. The data also demonstrate that depolarization-induced neurotransmitter release is mediated by both protein kinase C-dependent and independent pathways.
Collective Acceleration Investigations with the Ionization Front Accelerator

Part I of a three part program to demonstrate feasibility of the Ionization Front Accelerator (IFA) has been completed, and is successful. Experiments describing intense relativistic electron beam (IREB) propagation in Cs are reported. The threshold pressure for electron beam ionization of Cs is found to agree with earlier theoretical predictions. These results experimentally establish Cs as a feasible working gas for the IFA. Numerical simulation results are also reported which demonstrate controlled potential well motion and collective ion acceleration with the IFA.
Interactions of PAN's C-termini with archaeal 20S proteasome and implications for the eukaryotic proteasome-ATPase interactions.

Protein degradation in the 20S proteasome is regulated in eukaryotes by the 19S ATPase complex and in archaea by the homologous PAN ATPase ring complex. Subunits of these hexameric ATPases contain on their C-termini a conserved hydrophobic-tyrosine-X (HbYX) motif that docks into pockets in the 20S to stimulate the opening of a gated substrate entry channel. Here, we report the crystal structure of the archaeal 20S proteasome in complex with the C-terminus of the archaeal proteasome regulatory ATPase, PAN. This structure defines the detailed interactions between the critical C-terminal HbYX motif and the 20S α-subunits and indicates that the intersubunit pocket in the 20S undergoes an induced-fit conformational change on binding of the HbYX motif. This structure together with related mutagenesis data suggest how in eukaryotes certain proteasomal ATPases bind to specific pockets in an asymmetrical manner to regulate gate opening.
Immune and Functional Role of Nitric Oxide in a Mouse Model of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection of respiratory epithelial cell cultures increases expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The present study was designed to evaluate both the effect of RSV infection on expression of iNOS and the role of NO in the host responses to RSV infection in vivo. METHODS: RSV infection was performed by nasal inoculation of BALB/c mice (6-8 weeks old). Total cell and differential counts were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Lung nitrates were measured in BAL fluid by use of the Greiss reaction, and cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lung hyperresponsiveness to methacholine was measured by use of a Buxco unrestrained whole-body plethysmograph. RESULTS: RSV infection increased levels of lung nitrites, levels of iNOS protein and activity, and levels of iNOS mRNA. RSV infection resulted in recruitment of neutrophils and lymphocytes into the lungs, enhanced levels of interferon (IFN)-gamma, and increased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Treatment with iNOS inhibitors (2-amino-5,6-dihydro-6-methyl-4H-1,3-thiazine and N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) increased RSV titers in the lungs yet reduced lung inflammation and RSV-induced AHR. Inhibition of iNOS activity with either agent did not significantly alter levels of IFN-gamma or interleukin-4 in the lungs. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that RSV-induced production of NO participates in complex host responses and may mediate important aspects of the clinical disease.
Trends in Authorship Patterns in High-Impact Radiology Publications, 1980-2013.

Rationale and Objectives Concerns have been raised about authorship inflation in medical literature. The purpose of this study was to determine how the number of authors per radiology article has changed over time with regard to study type and geographic factors. Materials and Methods We collected data on study type, authorship count, and the country of the corresponding author for a sample of articles published in Radiology, American Journal of Roentgenology, and European Radiology in 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2013. Only original research and review articles were considered. We computed trends in the mean number of authors per article for each journal and compared authorship trends between study types and geographic region. The study did not involve human subjects and was therefore exempt from institutional board review at our institution. Results A total of 682 articles were reviewed, of which 572 were original research articles (83.9%) and 110 review articles (16.1%). The overall number of authors per article doubled from 3.6 in 1980 to 7.3 in 2013 ( P P P Conclusions Authorship count has dramatically increased in radiology journals in the last 3 decades, particularly in original research articles and in Europe.
Research Perspective: Potential Role of Nitazoxanide in Ovarian Cancer Treatment. Old Drug, New Purpose?

Among gynecological malignancies epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the leading cause of death. Despite improvements in conventional chemotherapy combinations, the overall cure rate has remained mostly stable over the years, and only 10%–15% of patients maintain a complete response following first-line therapy. To improve the efficacy of ovarian cancer chemotherapy it is essential to develop drugs with new mechanisms of action. Compared to normal tissues, protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is overexpressed in ovarian tumors. PDI is a cellular enzyme in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of eukaryotes or the periplasmic region of prokaryotes. This protein catalyzes the formation and breakage of disulphide bonds between cysteine residues in proteins, which affects protein folding. Selective inhibition of PDI activity has been exhibited both in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity in human ovarian cancer models. PDI inhibition caused accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins, which led to ER stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR), and in turn resulted in cell death. Nitazoxanide [NTZ: 2-acetyloxy-N-(5-nitro-2-thiazolyl)benzamide] is a thiazolide antiparasitic agent with excellent activity against a wide variety of protozoa and helminths. In this article, we propose that NTZ, acting as PDI inhibitor, may be a new and potent addition to the chemotherapeutic strategy against ovarian cancer.
Handling of in vitro human breast tissue samples: protocol requirements for accurate NMR relaxation measurements.

Abstract Post-excisional degradation of T 2 (spin-spin relaxation) values was studied in biopsy specimens of human breast tissue. Transverse relaxation of breast tissue was characterized by a biexponential decay resolvable into two distinct T 2 parameters. After five hours of storage at three different temperatures, there was diminution of T 2 values irrespective of storage temperature. These findings are discussed as they relate to tumor differentiation and the study of subcellular molecular dynamics.
Spun fibers for low PMD: understanding of fundamental characteristics

PMD reduction by fiber spinning is studied using coupled-mode theory. Fundamental characteristics of the spun fibers are examined. Some practical design issues are addressed.
New Materials For Precision Optics

A novel family of germania-modified cordierite ceramics has been developed for the fabrication of precision optical components. Compositions in this family possess zero average coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) over selected temperature regions. Moreover, the zero CTE can be tailored to a desired temperature range of operation by varying the relative proportions of Ge02 and Si02 in the modified cordierite structure. Thermal diffusivity of these ceramics is more than twice that of the ULE glass, a current state-of-the-art material for precision mirror substrates. In addition, germanium-cordierites possess high specific stiffness and low thermal-moment/rigidity ratio. Control-lable fine-grained structure enables good polishability and offers the potential for an optical quality surface. These thermal and mechanical properties make Ge-cordierites an excellent family of materials for optical and structural applications. The theoretical basis for germania substitution for silica in the pure cordierite structure has been examined. Material characteristics including solid solubility and sinterability have been considered. All the germanium-cordierite compositions presented in this study are morphologically single-phase and microstructurally homogeneous materials. These properties along with tailorable zero CTE characteristics offer the potential of employing cordierites for high precision optics.
Evolutionary Theory and Neuroscience: An Explanatory Theory for Social Work

Evolutionary theory and neuroscience are recommended as a foundational theory for social work. Advantages of evolutionary theory include explanatory power, suggestion of interventions to beginning social work practitioners, and accommodation of more specific theories of human behavior. The explanatory power of neuroscience is also discussed, along with its evidence base and compatibility with the strengths perspective and destigmatization work of the profession. Connections between evolutionary theory, neuroscience, and social work values are also discussed.
The Effects of Shear Velocity Structure on Seafloor Noise

The “microseism peak” and adjacent “noise notch” are prominent features of the earth’s background noise spectrum between 0.08 Hz and about 5 Hz. They are caused by the combination of a peak in the source (ocean wave) spectrum and and by the presence of peaks in the spatial mode Q of the 4 gravest surface (and interface) wave modes. The peaks in the mode Q occur at a phase velocity of 1.5 km s-1and are due to the high Q of the water layer. The depressed mode Q at very low frequencies is caused by the low Q of the asthenosphere. The frequency of the low sides of the peaks in mode Q is strongly influenced by the ocean depth and the frequency of the high frequency side is controlled by the shear velocity structure of the shallow sediments.
It Takes a Tragedy to Arouse Them: Collective Memory and Collective Action during the Civil Rights Movement

This paper examines the impact that collective memories of key events related to the civil rights movement had on black political activism during the 1960s. It proposes a theory that examines the effects of collective memory on collective action by considering how events and collective memories are appropriated by political entrepreneurs for collective action. Examining four events through a rare opinion survey of blacks taken in 1966, the analysis specifies a framework that illustrates how events evolve into collective memories and how collective memories are appropriated for collective action as time passes from the original event. Qualitative materials from historical accounts, including autobiographies, biographies, and oral histories, are used to make inferences about the meaning of events to political actors. The analysis shows that one event among the four, the murder of Emmett Till, had a stronger residual effect on black activism than the other events. The findings suggest that scholarship on the...
A neural netwotk based approach for multi-spectral snowfall detection and estimation

The principal intent of this research is to: (a) investigate the potential of passive microwave data from AMSU in detecting snowfall events and in measuring their intensity, and (b) evaluate the effect of both land cover and atmospheric conditions on the retrieval accuracy. Additional information such as cloud cover and air temperature were added to the process to reduce misidentified snowfall pixels. Two products retrieved from AMSU brightness temperatures were used to estimate surface temperature and to map the snow cover extent. In this project, a neural-network-based model has been developed and has shown a great potential in detecting and estimating the intensity of snowfall events. This algorithm has been applied for different snow storms occurred between 2002 and 2003 in three different locations in the North-East of United States. These locations were selected because of the high amount of snowfall every year. Only pixels with cloud cover and falling within a specific range of temperature are presented to the snowfall detection model. Surface temperature collected from ground station-based observations archived by the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) were used for this test. Different heavy storm events and non-snowfall observations that occurred at the same time as AMSU acquisition were selected. Hourly snow accumulation data collected by the NCDC were used as truth data to train and validate the model. To reduce the risk of erroneous identification of snowfall pixels, only storms lasting more than three hours were selected. Such criteria will undoubtedly increase the level of confidence that snowfall coincides with AMSU acquisition time. The neural network based snowfall product was compared with the snowfall detection algorithm over land developed in 2003 by Kongoli et al [1]. The preliminary results indicate that the neural-network-based model provides a significant improvement in snowfall detection accuracy over existing satellite-based methods.
Advancing Terrestrial Salamander Population Ecology: The Central Role of Imperfect Detection

Abstract Terrestrial salamanders (Plethodontidae) are increasingly cited as important surrogates for monitoring forest ecosystem health and biodiversity. To accurately assess the ecological role of salamanders, total abundance is more relevant than the population subset available for sampling. Therefore, estimating detectability is important for generating unbiased population metrics, as abundance estimates average an order of magnitude greater than surface counts. The past two decades have seen a tremendous increase in analytical methods that account for imperfect detection. Terrestrial salamanders have unique physiological requirements and surface activity patterns that contribute to their inherently low detection levels, and variable terminology makes it difficult to compare detectability parameter values across species, regions, methods, and studies. It is important to use consistent terminology and explicitly state what specific components of detectability are being reported in a study. Availability ...
Effective Management of the Long Q-T Syndrome with Amiodarone

A patient with the familial syndrome of Q-T prolongation, ventricular arrhythmias, and syncope was effectively treated with amiodarone.
Contrast-enhanced moving-table MR angiography: prospective comparison to catheter arteriography for treatment planning in peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

PURPOSE Prospective comparison of contrast–enhanced moving-table magnetic resonance (MR) angiography to catheter arteriography in endovascular and surgical treatment planning in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirteen patients scheduled for catheter arteriography for lower extremity arterial occlusive disease underwent contrast-enhanced moving-table MR angiography immediately prior to arteriography. A treatment plan was determined by the vascular surgeon, based on MR angiography, who was blinded to the catheter arteriogram. The treatment plan determined by the MR angiogram was compared to the final treatment plan, which was based on the catheter arteriogram and intraluminal pressure measurements. RESULTS Treatment plans based on MR angiography and catheter arteriography were identical in 10 of 13 patients (71%). For identifying lesions resulting in intervention, MR angiography had sensitivity of 100% and a positive predictive value of 92%. MR angiography had a treatment specific predictive value of 88% for each lesion identified, and 95% for lesions identified in patients evaluated for claudication. If treatment plans were based on MR angiography only, 46% of patients would have avoided catheter arteriography. CONCLUSION Contrast-enhanced moving-table MR angiography may be an effective alternative to catheter arteriography in endovascular and surgical treatment planning in selected patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease, but larger studies are necessary to confirm this.
The relationships among functional integration, mass customisation, and firm performance

Previous literature has extensively investigated the impact of supply chain integration on mass customisation and plant performance, but little research has been conducted to examine the impact of functional integration within the focal firm on mass customisation and plant performance. This article seeks to demonstrate this impact theoretically and empirically. Organisational information processing theory and the resource-based view of the firm are used to relate functional integration, mass customisation, and plant performance. Structural equation modelling is applied to analyse a conceptual model with survey data collected from 266 manufacturing plants. The results indicate that functional integration has a significant positive impact on mass customisation and operational performance. Mass customisation partially mediates functional integration's impact on operational performance. Results also indicate that mass customisation's impact on customer satisfaction is not direct. Rather, the relationship is f...