cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hispanisms in Neapolitan: Loanwords as Indicators of Past Social Contact:

The work presented here is based on 400 Spanish loanwords attested in Altamura's Dizionario dialettale napoletano, one of the first etymological works in Neapolitan. Thirteen semantic fields have been identified, which have a direct relationship with certain groups of Spaniards and represent the linguistic legacy left in Naples by the Spanish masters. The soldiers and sailors left loanwords related to the semantic fields of the armed forces, aggression, robbery, insults, sexual practices and the camorra. The aristocrats left vocabulary associated with clothing, work-industry and the court. Other fields include loanwords used by all Spaniards: animals, food, administration, and leisure. This study shows that the loanwords themselves enclose information about their users and by extension, information about the type of social and linguistic contact among Spaniards and Neapolitans.
Synapse elimination in neonatal rat muscle is sensitive to pattern of muscle use

The synaptic connections among the cells of the vertebrate nervous system undergo extensive rearrangements early in development. During their initial growth, neurones apparently form synaptic connections with an excessive number of targets, later retracting a portion of these synapses in establishing the adult neural circuits. Because of the profound effects which experience has upon the developing nervous system, a question of considerable interest has been the role which the functional use of these developing synapses might play in determining the final pattern of connectivity. At the neuromuscular junction the early changes in synaptic connections are well documented, and here questions about the importance of function can be relatively easily addressed. Mammalian skeletal muscle fibres experience a perinatal period of synapse elimination so that all but one of several synapses formed on each muscle fibre are lost. This synapse elimination is sensitive to alterations of neuromuscular use or activity. Reduction of muscle use by tenotomy or by paralysis of the muscle with drugs blocking nerve impulse conduction or neuromuscular transmission delays or even prevents synapse loss, while increased use produced by stimulation of the muscle nerve apparently accelerates the rate at which synapses are lost. I report here a further examination of the role of neuromuscular activity in synapse elimination. I show that chronic neuromuscular stimulation accelerates synapse elimination but that this acceleration is dependent on the temporal pattern in which the stimuli are presented: brief stimulus trains containing 100 Hz bursts of stimuli produce this acceleration whereas the same number of stimuli presented continuously at 1 Hz do not. Furthermore, the 100 Hz activity pattern which is effective in altering synapse elimination also alters two other muscle properties: the sensitivity of the muscle fibers to acetylcholine and the 'speed' of muscle contractions. These findings suggest that the ability of muscle fibres to maintain more than one nerve terminal, like other muscle properties, is sensitive to the pattern of muscle use rather than just the total amount of use.
Room temperature chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy of anisole

Abstract The room-temperature rotational spectrum of anisole from 8.7 to 18.3 GHz was collected with a waveguide-based chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectrometer whose operating principles are described. Three spectra were assigned, corresponding to the vibrational ground state and the first and second excited states of the lowest frequency torsional mode. Results for the ground state and first excited state are in agreement with prior millimeter wave studies of this molecule. Microwave–microwave double resonance measurements also confirm these assignments.
The primary mechanism of the IL-10-regulated antiinflammatory response is to selectively inhibit transcription

The antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10 inhibits the production of multiple, diverse inflammatory mediators from activated macrophages and dendritic cells, a process requiring STAT3 activation. However, the mechanisms involved in the broad inhibitory effects of IL-10 are controversial. I eliminated the contribution of the major confounding variable to understanding the antiinflammatory response, the 3′ UTR region of inflammatory mediator genes, through knock-in mutation and analysis of the effects of IL-10 on transcription rate of inflammatory genes. IL-10 activates STAT3 to act indirectly by selectively inhibiting gene transcription independent of general effects on NF-κB or posttranscriptional mRNA processing through a process that reduces the overall transcriptional rate of specific genes.
Monte carlo method for radiative transfer

Abstract A Monte Carlo method for the numerical solution of nonlinear, frequency-dependent, radiative transfer problems is described. The accuracy of the method is investigated with respect to the number of particles required, propagation of statistical error, truncation error and convergence to a known solution. The solution of a simple frequency-dependent radiative heating problem is illustrated. Gray-body calculations using both the Planck mean absorption coefficient and the Rosseland mean free path are compared with the frequency-dependent calculation.
Sugars proportionately affect artemisinin production

Little is known about the effect of sugars in controlling secondary metabolism. In this study, sugars alone or in combination with their analogs were used to investigate their role in the production of the antimalarial drug, artemisinin, in Artemisia annua L. seedlings. Compared to sucrose, a 200% increase in artemisinin by glucose was observed. Different ratios of fructose to glucose yielded artemisinin levels directly proportional to increases in relative glucose concentration. When the glucose analog, 3-O-methylglucose, was added with glucose, artemisinin production was dramatically decreased, but hexokinase activity was significantly increased compared to glucose alone. In contrast, neither mannose nor mannitol had any significant effect on artemisinin yield. In comparison with 30 g/l sucrose, artemisinin levels were significantly reduced by 80% in the presence of 27 g/l sucrose + 3 g/l palatinose, which cannot be transported into cells through the sucrose transporter. Together these results suggest that both monosaccharide and disaccharide sugars are likely acting not only as carbon sources but also as signals to affect the downstream production of artemisinin, and that the mechanism of these effects appears to be complex.
Evaluation of the Prostate Bed for Local Recurrence After Radical Prostatectomy Using Endorectal Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Purpose To summarize the results of a 4-year period in which endorectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was considered for all men referred for salvage radiation therapy (RT) at a single academic center; to describe the incidence and location of locally recurrent disease in a contemporary cohort of men with biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy (RP), and to identify prognostic variables associated with MRI findings in order to define which patients may have the highest yield of the study. Methods and Materials Between 2007 and 2011, 88 men without clinically palpable disease underwent eMRI for detectable prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after RP. The median interval between RP and eMRI was 32 months (interquartile range, 14-57 months), and the median PSA level was 0.30 ng/mL (interquartile range, 0.19-0.72 ng/mL). Magnetic resonance imaging scans consisting of T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted, and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging were evaluated for features consistent with local recurrence. The prostate bed was scored from 0-4, whereby 0 was definitely normal, 1 probably normal, 2 indeterminate, 3 probably abnormal, and 4 definitely abnormal. Local recurrence was defined as having a score of 3-4. Results Local recurrence was identified in 21 men (24%). Abnormalities were best appreciated on T2-weighted axial images (90%) as focal hypointense lesions. Recurrence locations were perianastomotic (67%) or retrovesical (33%). The only risk factor associated with local recurrence was PSA; recurrence was seen in 37% of men with PSA >0.3 ng/mL vs 13% if PSA ≤0.3 ng/mL ( P 3 and was directly associated with PSA ( r =0.5, P =.02). The correlation between MRI-based tumor volume and PSA was even stronger in men with positive margins ( r =0.8, P Conclusions Endorectal MRI can define areas of local recurrence after RP in a minority of men without clinical evidence of disease, with yield related to PSA. Further study is necessary to determine whether eMRI can improve patient selection and success of salvage RT.
Simplicity, complexity, and conceptual frameworks.

© 2012 Guilford Publications, Inc. Sandro Galea, M.D., Dr.P.H., is affiliated with the Department of Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. Address correspondence to Sandro Galea, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, Room 1508, New York, NY 10032-3727. E-mail: sgalea@columbia.edu Commentary on “Lessons from the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill” Galea
A Theranostic Small Interfering RNA Nanoprobe Protects Pancreatic Islet Grafts From Adoptively Transferred Immune Rejection

Islet transplantation has recently emerged as an acceptable clinical modality for restoring normoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The long-term survival and function of islet grafts is compromised by immune rejection–related factors. Downregulation of factors that mediate immune rejection using RNA interference holds promise for improving islet graft resistance to damaging factors after transplantation. Here, we used a dual-purpose therapy/imaging small interfering (si)RNA magnetic nanoparticle (MN) probe that targets β2 microglobulin (B2M), a key component of the major histocompatibility class I complex (MHC I). In addition to serving as a siRNA carrier, this MN-siB2M probe enables monitoring of graft persistence noninvasively using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Human islets labeled with these MNs before transplantation into B2M (null) NOD/scid mice showed significantly improved preservation of graft volume starting at 2 weeks, as determined by longitudinal MRI in an adoptive transfer model (P < 0.05). Furthermore, animals transplanted with MN-siB2M–labeled islets demonstrated a significant delay of up to 23.8 ± 4.8 days in diabetes onset after the adoptive transfer of T cells relative to 6.5 ± 4.5 days in controls. This study demonstrated that our approach could protect pancreatic islet grafts from immune rejection and could potentially be applied to allotransplantation and prevention of the autoimmune recurrence of T1DM in islet transplantation or endogenous islets.
Probabilistic planning with clear preferences on missing information

For many real-world problems, environments at the time of planning are only partially-known. For example, robots often have to navigate partially-known terrains, planes often have to be scheduled under changing weather conditions, and car route-finders often have to figure out paths with only partial knowledge of traffic congestions. While general decision-theoretic planning that takes into account the uncertainty about the environment is hard to scale to large problems, many such problems exhibit a special property: one can clearly identify beforehand the best (called clearly preferred) values for the variables that represent the unknowns in the environment. For example, in the robot navigation problem, it is always preferred to find out that an initially unknown location is traversable rather than not, in the plane scheduling problem, it is always preferred for the weather to remain a good flying weather, and in route-finding problem, it is always preferred for the road of interest to be clear of traffic. It turns out that the existence of the clear preferences can be used to construct an efficient planner, called PPCP (Probabilistic Planning with Clear Preferences), that solves these planning problems by running a series of deterministic low-dimensional A*-like searches. In this paper, we formally define the notion of clear preferences on missing information, present the PPCP algorithm together with its extensive theoretical analysis, describe several useful extensions and optimizations of the algorithm and demonstrate the usefulness of PPCP on several applications in robotics. The theoretical analysis shows that once converged, the plan returned by PPCP is guaranteed to be optimal under certain conditions. The experimental analysis shows that running a series of fast low-dimensional searches turns out to be much faster than solving the full problem at once since memory requirements are much lower and deterministic searches are orders of magnitude faster than probabilistic planning.
Heterochromatin formation involves changes in histone modifications over multiple cell generations

Stable, epigenetic inactivation of gene expression by silencing complexes involves a specialized heterochromatin structure, but the kinetics and pathway by which euchromatin is converted to the stable heterochromatin state are poorly understood. Induction of heterochromatin in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by expression of the silencing protein Sir3 results in rapid loss of histone acetylation, whereas removal of euchromatic histone methylation occurs gradually through several cell generations. Unexpectedly, Sir3 binding and the degree of transcriptional repression gradually increase for 3–5 cell generations, even though the intracellular level of Sir3 remains constant. Strains lacking Sas2 histone acetylase or the histone methylases that modify lysines 4 (Set1) or 79 (Dot1) of H3 display accelerated Sir3 accumulation at HMR or its spreading away from the telomere, suggesting that these histone modifications exert distinct inhibitory effects on heterochromatin formation. These findings suggest an ordered pathway of heterochromatin assembly, consisting of an early phase, driven by active enzymatic removal of histone acetylation and resulting in incomplete transcriptional silencing, followed by a slower maturation phase, in which gradual loss of histone methylation enhances Sir association and silencing. Thus, the transition between euchromatin and heterochromatin is gradual and requires multiple cell division cycles.
RECEPTOR FOR SOLUBLE C3 AND C3b ON HUMAN LYMPHOBLASTOID (RAJI) CELLS PROPERTIES AND BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study describes the presence of a receptor for fluid phase human C3 and C3b on Raji cell membranes. The binding of C3 and C3b was demonstrated indirectly by a fluoresceinated anti-C3 serum and directly by using radioiodinated proteins. No other complement proteins or serum factors were needed to mediate binding of C3 and C3b to the receptor. The possibility of enzymatic cleavage of C3 before or after its attachment on the cell membrane was ruled out by the demonstration of antigenically intact C3 on Raji cells. Inhibition and dissociation of Raji cell-EAC1423 rosettes by C3 and C3b indicated that both of these proteins bind to the same receptor site or closely associated receptor sites on Raji cells. C3b-bearing Raji cells were immune adherence negative, indicating that C3b binding to the receptor is brought about through the immune adherence region of the molecule and not the C3d portion. The C3 receptor on Raji cell membranes is uniformly distributed and can move on the membrane plane. Approximately 4 x 10(5) molecules of C3 or C3b bind per Raji cell. The receptor had a higher affinity for C3 than C3b, as was shown by uptake experiments and inhibition of Raji cell-EAC1423 rosette formation. Apart from the described receptor for C3 and C3b another specific receptor for C3b inactivator-cleaved C3b (C3d) bound to red cells was shown to be present on Raji cells. Raji cells cultured in medium containing fresh normal human serum and cobra venom factor were lysed. Similar results were obtained when C3b-bearing Raji cells were cultured in medium with fresh normal human serum. The lytic effect could be abolished by inactivating serum C3 proactivator (C3PA) and required C6. It was concluded that C3b bound to the Raji cell membrane activates the complement system through the alternate pathway and results in membrane damage and cytolysis. It is postulated that cell destruction by this mechanism may play an important role in vivo in controlling cell growth.
Hardware acceleration of database operations

As the amount of memory in database systems grows, entire database tables, or even databases, are able to fit in the system's memory, making in-memory database operations more prevalent. This shift from disk-based to in-memory database systems has contributed to a move from row-wise to columnar data storage. Furthermore, common database workloads have grown beyond online transaction processing (OLTP) to include online analytical processing and data mining. These workloads analyze huge datasets that are often irregular and not indexed, making traditional database operations like joins much more expensive.In this paper we explore using dedicated hardware to accelerate in-memory database operations. We present hardware to accelerate the selection process of compacting a single column into a linear column of selected data, joining two sorted columns via merging, and sorting a column. Finally, we put these primitives together to accelerate an entire join operation. We implement a prototype of this system using FPGAs and show substantial improvements in both absolute throughput and utilization of memory bandwidth. Using the prototype as a guide, we explore how the hardware resources required by our design change with the desired throughput.
The Renminbi Dilemma: To Float Or Not To Float

The purpose of this research paper is to analyze the Renminbi (the Chinese currency) and suggest whether or not the currency should be allowed to float. The paper makes use of four popular approaches to determine whether or not the currency is currently undervalued and if so, what mechanisms should be used to allow for its proper valuation. According to the purchasing power parity, balance of payments approach, and the asset management approach, the Chinese currency is undervalued and will therefore appreciate in the future. We believe that although floating of the currency is advisable for the long run, it will not be in the best interest of the Chinese economy in the short run given the state of its banking system in particular. Adopting a pure float will probably cause major macro and micro economic imbalances that will be difficult to tackle. Instead, we suggest a pegging of the Renminbi against a basket of currencies to ensure flexibility and stability in the system.
Extreme ecological and phenotypic differences in the tropical tree chicozapote (Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen) are not matched by genetic divergence: a random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis

The chicozapote (Manilkara zapota) is a tropical fruit tree that occurs in two morphologically distinct populations in the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. Forest populations consist of tall, straight trees, while swamp populations have a short, shrub-like growth form. Swamp populations also have smaller leaves, fruit and seeds. We performed a random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis on four different populations of chicozapote to test if there was a genetic component to this variation. The populations differed in respect to habitat type (swamp vs. forest) and geographical location (east vs. west). We surveyed 80 random primers, nine of which revealed interpopulation band differences (28 band differences in total). Unweighted pair group method analysis (UPGMA) and neighbour-joining dendrograms showed no separation of individuals between the different populations. Analysis of the RAPD data showed no significant differences between swamp and forest populations (P > 0.1). The lack of genetic differentiation suggests a failure to find a correlation between the RAPD loci and adaptive traits. The observed morphological differences between the swamp and forest populations of chicozapote may either be that gene flow has prevented a build-up of neutral marker differences or a plastic response to differences in habitat.
State-of-the-art of agroforestry research and education

Organized research in agroforestry is just about 15 years old. The main categories of research during this period have been methodological, system- and component descriptions, experimental and quantitative, economic, and on-farm. The diagnosis and design (D&D) methodology, and procedures for design and analysis of agroforestry field experiments have been the major areas of methodological research. The system- and component descriptions have resulted in several databases, books, and other publications. The main aspects of experimental research have been screening and selection of multipurpose trees, component- and system management trials, component interaction studies, and prototype evaluation of trials. Significant accomplishments have also been made in socioeconomic and on-farm research. Although international attention in agroforestry has been focused primarily on the tropics and developing countries, significant expansion in agroforestry activities has also occurred in the temperate zone. However, the pace of these developments has been slower than that in the developing world. In the area of agroforestry education and training, the major accomplishment has been in short-term and non-degree training. Several such training courses are offered on general, as well as specific, aspects of agroforestry at different institutions around the world. The focus on agroforestry education (i.e., degree programs) has been, and will probably continue to be, at the postgraduate rather than undergraduate level. In the future, agroforestry research will move rapidly from descriptive to quantitative and experimental, with increasing levels of multidisciplinary involvement. Applications of biotechnology, geographic information systems, and computer-based predictive and integrated models are likely to become important aspects. Social and economic research is also likely to see an upsurge. Agroforestry research and education are still in their formative stages, but have gathered considerable momentum. Research development seems poised to accelerate, and when —rather than if — that happens, education will follow suit.
Improved calibration of infrared radiometers for cloud temperature remote sensing

We discuss errors and uncertainties in calibrating infrared radiometers to measure the temperature of clouds in the earth's atmosphere. Many of the points we make apply to any radiometric temperature-sensing application where the target temperature is less than the ambient temperature. Dominant uncertainties and errors are due to ambient radiance reflected from the blackbody-simulator source, thermal fluctuations in the radiometer, and imprecise voltage measurements. Our improved technique removes, reduces, or accounts for these errors and uncertainties. The resulting calibration uncertainty is ± 0.8°C for a radiometer with a 10-v output range. We verified this accuracy by comparing cloud-base temperatures measured by ground-based IR radiometers, in situ (radiosonde) sensors, and other remote sensors on the ground and on satellites. We made these comparisons for spatially uniform blackbody clouds that filled the field of view of our ground-based radiometers.
Primary nerve grafting: A study of revascularization

It was the purpose of this study to evaluate the revascularization of primary nerve repair and grafts using orthogonal polarization spectral (OPS) (Cytometrix, Inc.) imaging, a novel method for real-time evaluation of microcirculatory blood flow. Twenty male Sprague Dawley rats (250 g) were anesthetized with vaporized halothane and surgically prepared for common peroneal nerve resection. Group I animals (n = 10) underwent primary neurorraphy following transection, utilizing a microsurgical technique with 10-0 nylon suture. Group II (n = 10) animals had a 7-mm segment of nerve excised, reversed, and subsequently replaced as a nerve graft under similar techniques. All animals were evaluated using the OPS imaging system on three portions (proximal, transection site/graft, and distal) of the nerve following repair or grafting. Reevaluation of 5 animals randomly selected from each group using the OPS imaging system was again performed on days 14 and 28 following microsurgical repair/grafting. Values were determined by percent change in vascularity of the common peroneal nerve at 0 hr following surgery. Real-time evaluation of blood flow was utilized as an additional objective criterion. Percent vascularity in group I and II animals increased from baseline in all segments at day 14. By day 28, vascularity in nerves of group I rats decreased in all segments to values below baseline, with the exception of the transection site, which remained at a higher value than obtained directly after surgical repair. In group II animals, vascularity remained above baseline in all segments except the distal segment, which returned to vascularity levels similar to those at 0 hr. Further, occlusion of the vessels demonstrated in the graft and distal segments following initial transection appeared to be corrected. This study suggests that revascularization may occur via bidirectional inosculation with favored proximal vascular growth advancement. The use of real-time imaging offers a unique evaluation of tissues through emerging technologies.
Nuclear and Particle Physics: An Introduction, 2nd edition, by B.R. Martin: Scope: textbook. Level: advanced undergraduate, postgraduate and specialist

Nuclear and Particle Physics: An Introduction, 2nd edition, by B.R. Martin, Chichester, John Wiley, 2009, xviii + 453 pp., £90.00 (hardback), £34.95 (softback), ISBN 978 0 470 74274 7 (hardback), I...
Equal team partners? The roles of principal investigators, co-principal investigators and co-investigators on federally supported research grants.

Summary. A survey of 188 NLN-accredited graduate nursing programs was done to determine how the research roles of principal investigator (PI), co-principal investigator (Co-PI) and co-investigator (Co-I) are supported and to examine the similarities and differences in benefits for Pis, Co-PIs and Co-Is. Most schools did not provide salary supplementation in addition to the usual salary for any investigators. For other benefits, the PI was more likely than was the Co-PI or Co-I to receive direct access to indirect cost recovery dollars, the use of extra research assistants, and the reduction of teaching time commensurate with the time supported by their grant. If the team approach is truly valued, should not all investigators be rewarded in a like manner?
Constitutional Law in 1955–1956.

No changes in the personnel of the Supreme Court occurred during the 1955 Term. Noteworthy among publications dealing with the Court and with constitutional law which appeared during the period under review were a first biography of James Wilson, a member of the original Court;' symposia on the late Justice Roberts,2 the late Professor Thomas Reed Powell,3 and Justice Black;4 several interesting reappraisals of John Marshall;5 and additional installments of Professor Mason's important work on Justice Stone.' A full scale critique of Charles Beard's interpretation of the Constitution was published,7 as well as a variety of writings on historical aspects of the Court,8 and on a wide range of problems of judicial practice9 and public law.10
On the Potential Energy of Baroclinic Rossby Waves in the North Pacific

Abstract Estimates of baroclinic Rossby wave potential energy spectra for various parts of the North Pacific were calculated from published material containing information about this energy in many different formats, definitions and units. The standardized results lead to frequency spectra of potential energy, ranging from 0.1 to 0.45 cpy (cycles per year), in 34 5° squares between 20 and 30°N; to energy spectra, ranging from 0.28 to 2.11 cpy, in eight subsections of the great circle route from Honolulu to San Francisco; and to a map of annual Rossby wave energy between 30 and 40°N. The most remarkable finding is a consistent sequence of interannual Rossby wave spectra, with a peak at 0.15 cpy (i.e., at a wave period of 6.7 years) covering the area 20–25°N and 175–130°W. The most complete information is available for a 5° square east of the Hawaiian Islands. There the spectrum shows, besides the 0.15 cpy peak, another broad peak ranging from about 0.4 to 1.4 cycles per year.
Parameterizing Subgrid Orographic Precipitation and Surface Cover in Climate Models

Abstract Previous development of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s regional climate model has focused on representing orographic precipitation using a subgrid parameterization where subgrid variations of surface elevation are aggregated to a limited number of elevation classes. An airflow model and a thermodynamic model are used to parameterize the orographic uplift/descent as air parcels cross over mountain barriers or valleys. This paper describes further testing and evaluation of this subgrid parameterization. Building upon this modeling framework, a subgrid vegetation scheme has been developed based on statistical relationships between surface elevation and vegetation. By analyzing high-resolution elevation and vegetation data, a dominant land cover is defined for each elevation band of each model grid cell to account for the subgrid heterogeneity in vegetation. When larger lakes are present, they are distinguished from land within elevation bands and a lake model is used to simulate the the...
Octavio Paz. Itinerario crítico. Antología de textos políticos. Selec. y pról. de Armando González Torres. México: Senado de la República / Comisión de Cultura LXII Legislatura / Consejo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes / Dirección General de

El 2014 fue el centenario del natalicio de Octavio Paz y un ano muy produc- tivo para la publicacion de textos criticos, reediciones y antologias que explo- ran la obra de Paz. En esta coyuntura, Itinerario critico de Armando Gonza- lez Torres se suma al esfuerzo por rendir tributo al intelectual mexicano mas importante del siglo xx, a traves de una seleccion meticulosa y reflexiva de los textos politicos mas representativos de Octavio Paz.
Distribution of Response to Simulated Earthquakes

The problem of establishing distribution functions of peak relative responses of linear single degree-of-freedom (SDF) systems to earthquake excitation has received attention from several investigators. The objective herein is to present results of an analog study of the peak response of linear and bilinear SDF systems to earthquake motions.
Maternal Modulation of Pituitary-Adrenal Activity During Ontogeny

The fundamental contribution of adrenal corticoid steroid hormones (CORT) in the regulation of a wide range of physiological and behavioral phenomena have now been well documented (Munck et al., 1984). Hormones secreted from the adrenal cortex have been shown to be essential for gene expression, metabolic processes, functions of the immune system and effect of brain function which concern not only the regulation of the adrenal cortex but also contribute to specific aspects of behavior, including learning and memory. In view of the profound role that these hormones play in the regulation of bodily functions, it is not surprising that the regulation of their secretion has been studied extensively. Studies of regulation have been conducted at every level of the regulatory system which includes the adrenal, pituitary, hypothalamus, and many other structures in the central nervous system. Based primarily on the classic contributions of Hans Selye, secretion of these hormones have generally been associated with stressful events. Early stress research emphasized that responses of the organism to a wide variety of stimuli were non-specific. These studies demonstrated increased activity in the adrenal cortex to a variety of “physical” stressors (Selye, 1950). However, in 1975, Mason suggested that much of the early research on stress, especially that involving exposure to a variety of physical stimuli, shared one important characteristic. One of the primary qualities of the stressful experience was exposure of the animal to a novel strange or unfamiliar environment. Therefore, a common element that may have accounted for the adrenal responses was the psychological relevance of the event rather than the particular physical stressors to which they were exposed. Mason was able to demonstrate that exposure of the animals to different physical stimuli, including heat, cold, reduction of caloric intake, was not always accompanied by activation of CORT (corticosterone-cortisol = CORT) particularly, when the stress was imposed in such a way that the animal could not readily detect changes in the environment.
Genetic monogamy in long-eared owls

We used DNA fingerprinting to study genetic parentage in socially monogamous Long-cared Owls (Asio otus). We detected no extra-pair fertilizations (EPFs) in 59 nestlings from 12 nests. One of these nests was solitary, but the other 11 had from one to five pairs of owls nesting simultaneously within 30 to 250 m. Thus, despite the presumably high potential for extra-pair matings, the Long-cared Owls that we studied were genetically monogamous. In addition, based on low band sharing among adults, we found no evidence that nesting aggregations were composed of close relatives. Genetic monogamy appears to be the rule for socially monogamous raptors. We suggest that the high rate of male parental effort in raptors selects against EPFs because females that engage in extra-pair activities risk losing parental investment by males whose confidence in paternity is reduced owing to the behavior of their mates.
O-016 YI Beliefs in Medications and Treatment Complexity as Predictors of Medication Adherence among Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND:Background and Framework: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition which requires adherence to long-term medication therapy to maintain remission. Patients’ beliefs about medications and their perceptions of treatment complexity (discomfort, delivery methods, availability,
A Quantum Mechanical Study of Methacrylate Free-Radical Polymerizations

Theoretical calculations at the semiempirical and ab initio levels of theory have been completed for a series of methacrylate compounds reported in the literature as measured by pulsed-laser initiated polymerization in conjunction with size-exclusion chromatography (PLP-SEC). Modeling includes calculation of the Gibb’s free energies (ΔG‡) and activation energies (Ea). These results were then compared to experimental results. Semiempirical ΔG‡ using AM1-CI calculations successfully predicted relative activation energies (R2 = 0.89). HF and DFT methods more accurately predicted absolute activation energies, but the relative values were less reliable. Accurate quantitative structure property relationship (QSAR) models for propagation rate coefficients, kp, were developed using AM1-CI and DFT. The semiempirical model included two charge descriptors, partial negatively charged surface area (PNSA), and minimum net atomic charge for oxygen (R2 = 0.959). The DFT information, which included two quantum chemical de...
Life-History Studies and Rearing Techniques for the Three-Cornered Alfalfa Hopper

Large numbers of the three-cornered alfalfa hopper, Spissistilus festinus (Say), were successfully reared on soybean and alfalfa plants in a greenhouse. The pre-oviposition period of this insect in the greenhouse averaged 14.1 days. The incubation period ranged from 6 to 27 days and averaged 16.5 days. An average of 37.7 nymphs hatched from eggs laid by each female. Time required for nymphal development in bioclimatic chambers and in a greenhouse averaged 21.89 and 23.57 days, respectively. Measurements of each instar are given.
Fatigue Behaviors of Nb+V and V Microalloyed Forging Steels

Nb+V and V microalloyed forging steels are usually applied to structural parts and security parts of automobiles,and fatigue fracture is their main failure mode,so it is necessary to investigate in depth their fatigue fracture behaviors.By using LEICA Q550IW optical microscope,AG-25TA electronic tensile testing machine and DYNATUP 9250HV floor-type impact testing machine,the microstructures and mechanical properties of a Nb-V microalloyed forging steel and a V microalloyed forging steel are studied,the three-point-bending fatigue behaviors of them are compared and studied by using FTM-100 hydraulic servo fatigue testing machine,and S-N curves are obtained.The fracture characteristics of the fatigue specimen are observed by using FEI QUANTA600 scanning electron microscope.The results show that when the mass fractions of microalloying elements are basically the same,Nb-V microalloyed forging steel has superior strength and toughness,and its three-point-bending fatigue limit is far higher than that of V microalloyed forging steel because Nb-V microalloyed forging steel has finer grain structures.
Common Bile Duct Exploration

Multiple alternatives have largely superseded open common bile duct (CBD) exploration. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy provides access to the common duct for extraction of stones and biliary decompression. Laparoscopic transcystic common duct exploration or laparoscopic choledochotomy are alternatives when common duct stones are found at laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Open CBD exploration is still occasionally needed when these methods are not available or fail. The principles of access to the CBD described here are used during the performance of advanced biliary tract surgery and must be thoroughly understood.
Adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome report increased eating-associated symptoms, changes in dietary composition, and altered eating behaviors: a pilot comparison study to healthy adolescents

BACKGROUND About half of adult irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients report symptoms with eating and disordered eating habits. However, little is known about eating in adolescent IBS patients, a common age at which eating disorders develop. The aim of the study was to investigate if adolescents with IBS are more likely than healthy controls (HCs) to experience eating-associated symptoms (EAS), report disordered eating patterns, and show differences in diet composition. METHODS A total of 99 adolescents between 15 and 21 years-of-age participated (n = 48 IBS; n = 51 HCs). All subjects completed three 24-h dietary recalls and questionnaires on EAS and disordered eating. KEY RESULTS IBS patients were more likely to report EASs than HC (91.7% vs 28%, p < 0.001). Eating-associated symptoms were controlled by avoiding the offending food (97.7%), not eating any food even when hungry (43.2%), or vomiting after eating (13.6%). Compared to HC, IBS patients reported reduced daily intake of overall calories (1828 vs 2139; p < 0.05), fat (65.4 g vs 81.4 g, p < 0.05), and lactose (8.2 g vs 12.8 g, p < 0.01). No differences were found between IBS and HC in screening for disordered eating patterns or BMI, though IBS patients endorsed using potentially unhealthy eating behaviors in an attempt to control symptoms. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Eating-associated symptoms are very common in adolescents with IBS and associated with changes in eating behaviors and dietary composition. They do not appear to change BMI and risk for eating disorders. More research is needed to guide adolescents with IBS in making appropriate dietary changes to control EASs.
Correlations of crystallographic defects and anisotropy with magnetotransport properties in Fe x TaS 2 single crystals ( 0.23 ≤ x ≤ 0.35 )

Very large magnetoresistance discovered in single crystals of the ferromagnetic Fe-intercalated transition-metal dichalcogenide ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{0.28}{\mathrm{TaS}}_{2}$ was attributed to the deviation of the Fe concentration from commensurate values ($x=1/4$ or 1/3), which caused magnetic moment misalignments. Here we report a study of ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{x}{\mathrm{TaS}}_{2}$ crystals with $0.23\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.35$, demonstrating that crystallographic defects lead to spin disorder, which correlates with magnetotransport properties, such as switching magnetic field ${H}_{S}$, magnetoresistance (MR), and even zero-field resistivity ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}$ and temperature coefficient $A$ in $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)={\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}+A{T}^{2}$: The ordering temperature ${T}_{C}$ and Weiss temperature ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{W}$ are maximized at the superstructure composition $x=1/4$, whereas ${H}_{s}$, MR, ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}$, and $A$ are minimum. Conversely, at a composition intermediate between the superstructure compositions $x=1/4$ and 1/3, the corresponding magnetotransport properties reach local maxima.
Nanoparticle Shape and Size Characterization with Solid State Nanopores

Typically Solid state nanopores are used to study bio molecules like DNA and proteins using the principle of Resistive Pulse technique. In this work, we report on using well characterized nano particles of different size, surface charge, and shape to probing the geometry and surface properties of solid-state nanopores. Comparing the stable shape of the nano particles to relatively unstable protein molecules, this study will help us understand and characterize the translocation dynamics of nano particles as well as protein and DNA molecules. We present the translocation behavior of negatively charged polystyrene nano particles that are electrophoretically driven through 40-70nm solid state nanopores. The translocation of these particles produces current blockage events and analyzing these events in terms of blockage amplitude and duration allows us to estimate particle size, shape, electrophoretic mobility and zeta potential of the nanoparticles. All these parameters are studied as a function of electrolyte concentration, pH of the electrolyte and applied voltage. The solid state nanopores are fabricated using a combination of focus ion beam and low energy ion beam in silicon nitride membranes. HRTEM is used to measure the 3D geometry of the nanopores and a Finite element analysis method (COMSOL) is used to simulate the experimental results.
A Comparison of Histamine Receptor Antagonists Versus Proton Pump Inhibitor Gastrointestinal Ulcer Prophylaxis in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Introduction:There are several different agents that can be used for gastrointestinal (GI) ulcer prophylaxis in posttransplant recipients, such as histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) or proton ...
Docetaxel Accumulates in Lymphatic Circulation Following Subcutaneous Delivery Compared to Intravenous Delivery in Rats.

Background: The circulatory pathway for particles deposited outside of blood capillaries has not been well characterized for non-traditionally-delivered chemotherapeutics. Materials and Methods: Blood and lymph pharmacokinetics of docetaxel (5 mg/kg) and carboplatin (14 and 28 mg/kg) following subcutaneous (s.c.) versus intravenous (i.v.) delivery were determined in a rodent model with catheterizations of both the thoracic lymphatic duct and jugular vein for prolonged synchronous blood and lymph sampling. Results: Subcutaneous docetaxel demonstrates preferential lymphatic accumulation based on the area under the time-concentration curve (AUC0-24h) whereas i.v. docetaxel resulted in a greater plasma maximum concentration measured (Cmax). The apparent elimination half-life (t1/2) in lymph for docetaxel is greater following i.v. or s.c. delivery compared to t1/2 in blood. Carboplatin demonstrates a dose-dependent increase in plasma Cmax regardless of delivery route; the total carboplatin exposure over 24 h in lymph and plasma are comparable. Conclusion: Subcutaneous docetaxel achieves lymphatic accumulation greater than that of i.v. delivery.
Bone-fat interaction.

Marrow adipose tissue (MAT) is a recently identified endocrine organ capable of modulating a host of responses. Given its intimate proximity to the bone microenvironment, the impact marrow adipocytes exert on bone has attracted much interest and scientific inquiry. Although many questions and controversies remain about marrow adipocytes, multiple conditions/disease states in which alterations occur have provided clues about their function. The consensus is that MAT is associated inversely with bone density and quality. While further investigation is warranted, MAT has clearly been demonstrated as an active dynamic depot that contributes to bone turnover and overall metabolic homeostasis.
Unusual and Rare Locations for Craniopharyngiomas: Clinical Significance and Review of the Literature.

Objective This study discusses rare and unusual locations of primary craniopharyngiomas. Methods We describe a case of a craniopharyngioma in the cerebellopontine angle. As a result of this unusual location, we performed a literature review of the ectopic occurrence of craniopharyngiomas using Pubmed, Cochrane Database, Trip, and Google Scholar to search for the terms "unusual," "uncommon," and "ectopic" in combination with "craniopharyngioma." The bibliographies of relevant articles were also searched. Results We found 28 reported cases of rare anatomic locations for primary craniopharyngiomas. The average age of the patients was 30.8 years. Several patients had Gardner syndrome. Conclusions Craniopharyngiomas are most often located in the suprasellar region. Presentation in sites outside the parasellar region is rare. Among these ectopic sites, the cerebellopontine angle appears to be the most common location.
Abstract 1585: Application of a graphene oxide based microfluidic device (GO Chip) to prostate cancer circulating tumor cell capture and analysis

One in seven men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his life time, in part because of the prevalence of screening for serum levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA). However, this has led to the overtreatment of the disease, leading to recommendations against frequent PSA testing and establishing the need for a more informative biomarker in prostate cancer. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are rare cells present in the blood stream of cancer patients at the low frequency on the order of one CTC in one billion normal blood cells. The graphene oxide chip (GO Chip) is a microfluidic CTC capture device with increased sensitivity and purity due to its use of the nanomaterial graphene oxide to present a capture antibody against the epithelial cellular adhesion molecule (EpCAM). In this study, whole blood was collected from 50 prostate cancer patients, including those with metastatic, localized, castrate resistant, and castrate sensitive disease, and analyzed using the GO Chip. Captured cells were stained for cytokeratin, CD45, and DAPI, with nucleated cytokeratin positive cells being denoted as CTCs. CTCs were detected in 47 out of 50 patients, and an average of 5.94 CTCs/mL was recovered from each sample. Correlation of CTCs with surrogate endpoints could improve the utility of CTCs as a liquid biopsy, potentially advancing their application in translational research. Citation Format: Molly Kozminsky, Hyeun Joong Yoon, Nallasivam Palanisamy, Kathleen Cooney, Maha Hussain, Ajjai Alva, Todd Morgan, Sunitha Nagrath. Application of a graphene oxide based microfluidic device (GO Chip) to prostate cancer circulating tumor cell capture and analysis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1585. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1585