cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterns of steroid hormone effects on electrical and molecular events in hypothalamic neurons.

Hypothalamic neurons with nuclear receptors for steroid hormones provide opportunities to relate individual biosynthetic and electrical changes to hormone-driven behaviors. Successful work with female rodent reproductive behavior has proven that it is possible to define a neural circuit for a vertebrate behavior. In contrast to what might be expected from an invertebrate system, results from several approaches to neuronal gene expression show the complexity of hypothalamic control, even over this simple mammalian behavior. This it not a 1 hormone-1 gene-1 behavior system. Neither is there just one mode of hormonal induction. Certain steroid hormone effects can multiply each other, showing how a clear endocrine signal could be discerned among other variations in neural activity.
The force equations in relativity

Abstract For discrete, linear elastic systems in free vibration, the force equations are investigated under relativistic transformations. Since their solutions must correlate with those of the modal equations for all reference systems, they are required to be invariant. This is only possible if the system dynamical forces are dilated by the relativistic motion; the result is a mathematical requirement for force-dilation in special relativity theory.
Cavitation Leading to a Two Phase Fluid in a Squeeze Film Damper

Performance prediction of squeeze film bearing dampers depends largely on the extent and type of cavitation taking place within the squeeze film land. The investigation described here was intended to probe the phenomenon of cavitation in squeeze film dampers and provide some insight, answers, and possible explanations for some of the measurements and behavior which are generally not predicted by classical lubrication theory. High speed photography was utilized to verify the occurance of vapor cavitation, as well as that of gaseous cavitation which later developed into a two phase homogeneous mixture of oil and air when the test rig was operated at higher speeds. Video recordings at slower speeds showed a blurred image of the trace the bubbles moved through and thus provided a visual record of the flow reversal and oscillatory motion in the squeeze film damper. Presented at the 43rd Annual Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio May 9–12, 1988
Communication apprehension as a predictor of self‐disclosure

A theoretical rationale is provided which leads to the hypothesis that communication apprehension is negatively related to the amount of self‐disclosure. Data are reported which provide support for the hypothesized relationship. Additional results indicate that high and low communication apprehensives have different perceptions of their self‐disclosive communication behaviors on a variety of dimensions.
Changing Gender Norms for Alcohol Consumption: Social Drinking and Lowered Inhibitions at Bachelorette Parties

In this research, we examined the role of alcohol as both substance and symbol at bachelorette parties. The bachelorette party is characterized by ritualized embarrassment of the bride and by sexualized games, both of which are made easier by heavy alcohol consumption. As there are few occasions when it is considered socially acceptable for women to drink, the bachelorette party provides a unique opportunity to explore women’s social drinking and public drunkenness. Based on interviews with 51 women we found that drinking seemed to add to the fun of bachelorette parties and that group alcohol consumption appeared to increase social solidarity as women at bachelorette parties bonded over their shared experience. Finally, women relied on alcohol to lower inhibitions so that they were able to feel justified in engaging in deviant behavior. Women’s use of alcohol in this ritual challenges existing gender norms and conceptions of masculinity and femininity.
L-arginine dilates rat pial arterioles by nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms and increases blood flow during focal cerebral ischaemia.

L-Arginine (> or = 30 mg kg-1, i.v.), but not D-arginine (300 mg kg-1) administered 5 min after unilateral common carotid/middle cerebral artery occlusion increased regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) within the dorsolateral ischaemic cortex in spontaneously hypertensive rats. L-Arginine (300 mg kg-1) increased rCBF from 22 +/- 2.7 to 33 +/- 4% of baseline as measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry. This increase may explain the ability of L-arginine to reduce infarct size following focal cerebral ischaemia, as reported previously. The mechanism appears to be mediated by nitric oxide since topical L-NAME (1 microM), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, decreased pial arteriole calibre from 115 +/- 2.2 to 106 +/- 0.9% of baseline following L-arginine infusion (300 mg kg-1).
Pedagogical Shifts in Medical Health Education

The medical education system has evolved over time and undergone a radical transformation in the past few decades. With advancements in disease treatments, emergence of new specialties and highly competitive practicing environment, the focus has shifted from gaining knowledge to acquiring degrees. This paper presents 1) where we have been, 2) problems that we have faced, 3) our present status and 4) where we need to be in the future.
Differential Thermal Analysis of Kaolin Group Minerals Under Controlled Partial Pressures of H2O

Differential thermal analyses of samples of Kamec (N. C.) kaolin, Tako (Ala.) kaolin, an English kaolin, dickite (Ouray, Colo.), halloysite (Eureka, Utah), and diaspore (Chester, Mass.) were run under dynamic conditions in atmospheres containing water vapor of known partial pressures ranging from 5.0 to 760 mm. The differential thermal analysis curves of all kaolins showed the first indication of dehydration (that is, the beginning of the endothermic peak) at about 400°C., the halloysite at 320°C., the dickite at 500°C., and the diaspore at 465°C. in dry air. In steam atmosphere, the starting temperatures of the endothermic peaks were 470°, 485°, 585° and 510°C., respectively. The peak temperatures of the endothermic peaks were only slightly affected by the atmospheres, hence the peaks were more intense and covered a narrower temperature spread in the steam atmosphere. All kaolin-group minerals showed the exothermic peak at 1000°C. in dry air and 970° to 980°C. in steam atmosphere. The data on In p H2O vs. 1/T for each mineral were plotted according to the van't Hoff equation. The straight line of dickite above In p H2O = 5.30 was used to calculate the heat of dehydration. The value is 137 cal. Per gm. The van't Hoff lines for the kaolinites and for diaspore, although straight lines, are in error since the recorded temperatures are considerably above the equilibrium temperatures because the rates of reaction are too slow at or near equilibrium. Actually kaolinite will decompose extremely slowly in the dry air at about 250°C., but in the steam atmosphere it will not decompose until about 475°C.
Triggered think-aloud protocol: using eye tracking to improve usability test moderation

Usability practitioners often rely on research participants' verbal reports to better understand the user experience. These reports can be collected either during or after task execution, with each approach entailing unique benefits and limitations. This note presents a framework for using eye tracking data to "trigger" when and how moderators probe participants for verbal comments during task execution to supplement or elaborate participant-initiated comments. A preliminary case study suggests that this approach affords a level of efficiency and effectiveness difficult to achieve with retrospective verbalization or without the use of eye tracking. The hope is that practitioners will be encouraged to use and refine this method for the benefit of the field.
Design of failure-accommodating multi-loop LQG regulators

This paper investigates the stability of multiloop LQ regulators when various combinations of actuator failures occur. It is proved that the closed-loop stability can be maintained under certain conditions by inserting appropriate constant gains in the control loops. The results are also applicable (via duality) to the design of state estimators which maintain stability in face of sensor failures.
Effects of trace elements on urease activity in soils

Abstract Disposal of sewage sludges and effluents on agricultural land is becoming a widespread practice. Most sludge samples disposed on soils contain large quantities of various trace elements. Studies of 20 trace elements commonly found in sludge samples showed that they inhibit the activity of urease in soils and that their order of effectiveness as inhibitors of urease depends on the soil. When the trace elements were compared by using 5 μmiol·g −1 soil, however, some of them showed the same order of effectiveness as urease inhibitors in the six soils studied i.e., for the monovalent and divalent ions, Ag + ≥ Hg 2+ > Cu 2+ > Cd 2+ > Zn 2+ > Sn 2+ > Mn 2+ , and generally, Fe 2+ > Fe 2+ and Cu 2+ > Cu + . Other trace element ions that inhibited urease were Ni 2+ , Co 2+ , Pb 2+ , Ba 2+ , As 3+ B 3+ , Cr 3+ , Al 3+ . V 4+ Se 4+ and Mo 6+ . Of the trace element ions studied, only As 5+ and W 6+ did not inhibit urease activity in soils. Studies on the distribution of urease activity showed that it is concentrated in surface soils and decreases with depth. Urease activity was proportional to organic C distribution in each soil profile and was significantly correlated with organic C in the surface soils studied.
An age-dependent pharmacokinetic study of intravenous and oral mycophenolate mofetil in combination with tacrolimus for GVHD prophylaxis in pediatric allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients.

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) still remains a major limiting factor following allogeneic stem cell transplantation (AlloSCT) in pediatric recipients. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), an uncompetitive selective inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, is a new immunosuppressant agent without major mucosal, hepatic, or renal toxicity compared to other prophylactic aGVHD immunosuppressant drugs. Although there has been an extensive pharmacokinetic (PK) experience with MMF administration following solid organ transplantation in children, there is a paucity of PK data following its use in pediatric AlloSCT recipients. We investigated the safety and PK of MMF as GVHD prophylaxis following intravenous (i.v.) and oral (p.o.) administration (900 mg/m2 every 6 hours) in conjunction with tacrolimus, after myeloablative (MA) and nonmyeloablative (NMA) conditioning and AlloSCT in 3 distinct age groups of pediatric AlloSCT recipients (0-6 years, 6-12 years, and 12-16 years). Mycophenolic acid (MPA) in plasma samples was measured either by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) as we have previously described. Plasma samples were obtained at baseline and at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 hours after i.v. dosing on days +1, +7, +14, and at 2 time points between day +45 and +100 after p.o. administration post AlloSCT. MPA PK analysis included AUC (0-6 hours), Cmax, Tmax, Css, Vss, C trough (C0), CL, and T½. Thirty-eight patients, with a median age of 8 years (0.33-16 years), 20/18 M:F ratio, 21/17 malignant/nonmalignant disease, 17/21 MA: NMA conditioning, 16 of 22 related/unrelated allografts. Median time to myeloid and platelet engraftment was 18 and 31 days, respectively. Mean donor chimerism on day +60 and +100 was 83% and 90%, respectively. Probability of developing aGVHD grade II-IV and extensive chronic GVHD (cGVHD) was 54% and 34%, respectively. There was significant intra- and interpatient MMF PK variability. There was a significant increase in i.v. MPA area under the curve (AUC)0-6hour and Cmax (P
Soil and Water Resources and Degradation Factors Affecting Productivity in Ethiopian Highland Agro-Ecosystems

Due to various internal and external pressures, Ethiopia has not been able to maintain its economic, political, and social development for many years. Natural resources are particularly affected by the slow progress in economic development. To relieve the stagnation, the present government has adopted a policy called Agricultural Development Led Industrialization (ADLI), taking agriculture as the steppingstone to industrialization. The soil and water resources of Ethiopia, although still rich, are degrading quickly. Topography, soil types, and agro-ecological parameters play a significant role in the degradation processes influenced by man. Ethiopia's fast-growing population is also significantly hastening land degradation. The population has tripled in the last 50 years and has abused the land by deforestation for more cropland and grazing area and by overgrazing. Recurrent droughts have further aggravated the situation, leading to repeated cycles of famine in recent years. Three major types of land degradation are affecting productivity: biological, chemical, and physical degradation of soils. As a result, soil organic matter has declined, soil nutrients are depleted, and soil depth has decreased, leading to a decline in crop yields and forage. Soil acidity, salinity, and drainage problems as well as the inherently low availability of soil phosphorus also cause yields to decline. The most serious problem concerning Ethiopia's land resources, however, is soil erosion. Every year the country loses billions of birr in the form of soil, nutrients, water, and agro-biodiversity losses. Efforts are being made to avert the degradation, but with very little progress. Although further efforts have been made with more policy issues related to agriculture, more is yet to be done in the area of policy issues and economic development.
Impressions of Grandmother: An Autoethnographic Portrait

Through the use of a layered account format, the author sketches, through a juxtapositioning of vignettes and impressions, an autoethnographic portrait of her grandmother. Derrida’s concepts such as the “mystic writing pad,” “differance,” and “sous rature” serve as frames through which to gaze at the emergent nature of identity formation across time. Various aspects of the author’s grandmother’s character, positive, negative, and shades of gray, are illustrated through descriptions of drawing. Through reflexivity, she will show how some of the impressions her grandmother left with her manifest in her. Derrida’s concepts, the layered account format, and drawing, serve individually as viewfinders that offer snapshots of her grandmother and her but, taken together, build up traces and impressions that merge and blend into an illustration of identity as a process and thus an autoethnographic portrait.
Bacteria-based communication in nanonetworks

Abstract This paper describes a Bacteria-based Nanonetwork for communication between eukaryotic cell sized nano devices. The communication is achieved by the exchange of DNA molecules which are transported by bacteria guided by chemotaxis. First, the modules of the network are described and all the biological phenomena that support the basic communication steps are explained in detail. Then an analytical model is developed to assess the communication range and the network performance in terms of capacity and end-to-end delay by considering the available information about the biological mechanisms used. As there are no appropriate estimates of the propagation delay introduced by bacterial chemotaxis, our newly developed simulator is introduced which helps us to obtain the statistics on bacteria propagation. Finally, by combining the analytical model with the simulation results, a network performance in terms of end-to-end delay, capacity and end-to-end throughput is obtained which is 4 orders of magnitude higher than the other molecular communication approaches.
From virtualized resources to virtual computing grids: the In-VIGO system

This paper describes the architecture of the first implementation of the In-VIGO grid-computing system. The architecture is designed to support computational tools for engineering and science research In Virtual Information Grid Organizations (as opposed to in vivo or in vitro experimental research). A novel aspect of In-VIGO is the extensive use of virtualization technology, emerging standards for grid-computing and other Internet middleware. In the context of In-VIGO, virtualization denotes the ability of resources to support multiplexing, manifolding and polymorphism (i.e. to simultaneously appear as multiple resources with possibly different functionalities). Virtualization technologies are available or emerging for all the resources needed to construct virtual grids which would ideally inherit the above mentioned properties. In particular, these technologies enable the creation of dynamic pools of virtual resources that can be aggregated on-demand for application-specific user-specific grid-computing. This change in paradigm from building grids out of physical resources to constructing virtual grids has many advantages but also requires new thinking on how to architect, manage and optimize the necessary middleware. This paper reviews the motivation for In-VIGO approach, discusses the technologies used, describes an early architecture for In-VIGO that represents a first step towards the end goal of building virtual information grids, and reports on first experiences with the In-VIGO software under development.
DEFINITION AND APPLICATIONS OF THE ASCENT-PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTION IN ONE-DIMENSIONAL MAPS

This paper introduces the discrete distribution of ascent probabilities , generalizing the concept of rotation number ω, already being defined in one-dimensional unimodal maps. The map domain is partitioned into subintervals , each one containing orbits with their route characterized by a specific number of n successive ascents before a descent occurs. Then, Pn is defined as the probability to have an orbit performing n successive ascents, and equals the portion of the invariant measure within In. The rotation number is found to be equal to ω = P0 = P1, that is the portion of invariant measure within I0 or I1. Some significant applications of this relation concern (i) the rotation number dependence on the nonlinear parameter p, (ii) the analytical derivation of the rotation number, given the invariant density explicit expression, (iii) an easy computation of the rotation number that characterizes a periodic window. Moreover, the dependence of the ascent probabilities on the nonlinear parameter p is examined. Emphasis is placed on the discrete distribution of the ascent probabilities within the chaotic zone. A particular set of nonlinear parameter values is affiliated to the concept of ascent probabilities: For each probability Pn, n = 0, 1, 2, …, there is a lower limit of the nonlinear parameter values, p(n+1), so that, Pn = 0 ∀ p ≤ p(n+1). The set is analytically determined, and its specific arrangement in the chaotic zone is studied. Finally, the "u-S-P equivalence" between the triplet of the set of the fixed point and its preimages, , of the invariant density S, and of the set of the ascents probabilities, , is formulated. In particular, we show that each component of this triplet can be estimated whenever the other two components are given. Applications in the case of Logistic map are thoroughly examined.
The role of anticipatory postural adjustments in compensatory control of posture: 1. Electromyographic analysis.

Abstract Anticipatory (APAs) and compensatory (CPAs) postural adjustments are the two principal mechanisms that the central nervous system uses to maintain equilibrium while standing. We studied the role of APAs in compensatory postural adjustments. Eight subjects were exposed to external predictable and unpredictable perturbations induced at the shoulder level, while standing with eyes open and closed. Electrical activity of leg and trunk muscles was recorded and analyzed during four epochs representing the time duration typical for anticipatory and compensatory postural control. No anticipatory activity of the trunk and leg muscles was seen in the case of unpredictable perturbations; instead, significant compensatory activation of muscles was observed. When the perturbations were predictable, strong anticipatory activation was seen in all the muscles: such APAs were associated with significantly smaller compensatory activity of muscles and COP displacements after the perturbations. The outcome of the study highlights the importance of APAs in control of posture and points out the existence of a relationship between the anticipatory and the compensatory components of postural control. It also suggests a possibility to enhance balance control by improving the APAs responses during external perturbations.
Free Radical Production from Controlled Low-Energy Fires: Toxicity Considerations

Most fire departments respond within the first 5 min of notification of a fire. If fire victims are found at that stage by the firefighters, then incapacitation or death has occurred during the initial low-energy phase where smoke is being produced. Studies have shown that during this initial low-energy phase of the fire, gases commonly thought responsible for incapacitation or death are frequently not present in concentrations adequate to cause this result. In the current study free radicals, measured by electron spin resonance spectroscopy, were trapped in concentrations that we consider incapacitating, thus providing an explanation for “incapacitation without cause.” This finding points the way to the design of more efficient temporary protective equipment for those who are in a high fire hazard environment, such as airline passengers, and suggests the idea of establishing a thermodynamic marker for the relative toxicity of building materials.
Fast protein binding site comparisons using visual words representation

Motivation: Finding geometrically similar protein binding sites is crucial for understanding protein functions and can provide valuable information for protein–protein docking and drug discovery. As the number of known protein–protein interaction structures has dramatically increased, a high-throughput and accurate protein binding site comparison method is essential. Traditional alignment-based methods can provide accurate correspondence between the binding sites but are computationally expensive. Results: In this article, we present a novel method for the comparisons of protein binding sites using a ‘visual words’ representation (PBSword). We first extract geometric features of binding site surfaces and build a vocabulary of visual words by clustering a large set of feature descriptors. We then describe a binding site surface with a high-dimensional vector that encodes the frequency of visual words, enhanced by the spatial relationships among them. Finally, we measure the similarity of binding sites by utilizing metric space operations, which provide speedy comparisons between protein binding sites. Our experimental results show that PBSword achieves a comparable classification accuracy to an alignment-based method and improves accuracy of a feature-based method by 36% on a non-redundant dataset. PBSword also exhibits a significant efficiency improvement over an alignment-based method. Availability: PBSword is available at http://proteindbs.rnet.missouri.edu/pbsword/pbsword.html Contact: shyuc@missouri.edu Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Modulation of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Interleukin-6 Function by Hypoxia-Upregulated Protein 1

ABSTRACT Kaposi9s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV, also called human herpesvirus 8) is linked to the development of Kaposi9s sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), and multicentric Castleman9s disease (MCD). KSHV expresses several proteins that modulate host cell signaling pathways. One of these proteins is viral interleukin-6 (vIL-6), which is a homolog of human IL-6 (hIL-6). vIL-6 is able to prevent apoptosis and promote proinflammatory signaling, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation. Although it can be secreted, vIL-6 is mainly an intracellular protein that is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We performed affinity purification and mass spectrometry to identify novel vIL-6 binding partners and found that a cellular ER chaperone, hypoxia-upregulated protein 1 (HYOU1), interacts with vIL-6. Immunohistochemical staining reveals that both PEL and KS tumor tissues express significant amounts of HYOU1. We also show that HYOU1 increases endogenous vIL-6 protein levels and that HYOU1 facilitates vIL-6-induced JAK/STAT signaling, migration, and survival in endothelial cells. Furthermore, our data suggest that HYOU1 also modulates vIL-69s ability to induce CCL2, a chemokine involved in cell migration. Finally, we investigated the impact of HYOU1 on cellular hIL-6 signaling. Collectively, our data indicate that HYOU1 is important for vIL-6 function and may play a role in the pathogenesis of KSHV-associated cancers. IMPORTANCE KSHV vIL-6 is detectable in all KSHV-associated malignancies and promotes tumorigenesis and inflammation. We identified a cellular protein, called hypoxia-upregulated protein 1 (HYOU1), that interacts with KSHV vIL-6 and is present in KSHV-infected tumors. Our data suggest that HYOU1 facilitates the vIL-6-induced signaling, migration, and survival of endothelial cells.
A new method for robust fast tracking channel equalization

An adaptive method called the block iterative equalizer (BIE) method, for compensating time-varying channel effects, is presented. The BIE method offers convergence and tracking capabilities comparable to the popular RLS (recursive least squares) methods. Furthermore, the BIE algorithm performs with O(N) computational complexity, typically O(10N). The stability of the algorithm is achieved by performing an iterative pseudoinverse of the equalizer data matrix. The performance of the BIE algorithm is more robust than that of the LMS (least mean square), NLMS (normalized LMS), or RLS algorithms when the condition number of the Grammian matrix is high. This property translates into minimal noise enhancement and stable operation. >
High-Resolution Undulator Measurements Using Angle-Integrated Spontaneous Radiation

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is a fourth-generation light source. Its proper operation requires a stringently controlled undulator field. The tolerance for the field parameter K is less than 1.5 × 10-4for all thirty-three undulator segments totaling 112 meters. The fluctuation of the electron energy (∼ 0.05%) presents a serious challenge to measurement techniques based on electron or x-ray beams. We show that the steep spectral feature in the angle-integrated undulator radiation can be used to measure the field of the undulator one segment at a time. With simultaneous measurement of electron beam charge and energy shot-by-shot, the K-parameter can be determined with required accuracy. We also propose a differential measurement technique that makes use of the radiation intensities from two undulator segments. When the x-ray beams emitted from the two undulator segments are separated but allowed to pass through the same monochromator, the two beam intensities will change almost identically with the change of many electron beam parameters. As a result, the intensity difference becomes a very sensitive and reliable measure for the difference in the fields of the two undulators. Numerical simulations show that a resolution in the range of ΔK/ΔK/ΔK/K ∼ 10-5can be achieved.
Self-authorization: a methodology for secured network access in a distributed paradigm

One of the key concerns of system designs in enterprise networks is security. Security from a systems perspective involves limiting and controlling accessibility to the services provided by that system. Existing authorization mechanisms do not provide the tools for the ever-changing paradigm associated with distributed networks such as the Internet, and deployment of mobile and pervasive computing devices that users attach to these networks. A self-authorizing system for authentication in a distributed environment is a concept that addresses some of the inadequacies of a traditional authentication mechanism. This paper examines existing authorization and authentication methods and their respective inadequacies, while developing the concept of self-authorization and the basic principles that underlie transparency and re-authentication.
Long and Short Routes to Success in Electronically Mediated Negotiations: Group Affiliations and Good Vibrations.

To understand why e-mail negotiations break down, we investigated two distinct elements of negotiators' relationships with each other: shared membership in a social group and mutual self-disclosure. In an experiment, some participants negotiated with a member of an outgroup (a student at a competitor university), whereas others negotiated with a member of an ingroup (a student at the same university). In addition, some negotiators exchanged personal information with their counterparts, whereas others did not. When neither common ingroup status nor a personalized relationship existed between negotiators, negotiations were more likely to end in impasse. These results are attributable to the positive influence of mutual self-disclosure and common group membership on negotiation processes and rapport between negotiators.
Timing Performance Evaluation of PMT-Quadrant-Sharing LYSO Detectors for Time-of-Flight PET

Time-of-flight (TOF) data can improve the imaging quality of positron emission tomography (PET) cameras by estimating the location of the positron annihilation. In this study, we measured the TOF resolution of lutetium yttrium orthosilicate (LYSO) blocks based on the photomultiplier-quadrant-sharing (PQS) design, which has no external light guide and therefore has higher light collection efficiency than the conventional block design with a light guide. We investigated three digital timing methods to achieve better timing resolution: constant fraction discrimination, leading edge discrimination, and linear fitting. A time-energy correction, estimated from a least mean square fit, was applied to minimize time walk caused by the variation of signal shapes. The average block-to-block coincidence timing resolution for two 13 ×13 blocks, each made of 4 × 4 × 20 mm3 LYSO crystals, with fast R9779 PMTs from Hamamatsu (51-mm diameter) was estimated to be 422 ps (full width at half maximum). Another 13 × 13 block of smaller 1.4 × 1.4 × 10 mm3 LYSO crystals coupled to regular 19-mm-diameter XP1912 PMTs from Photonis was also tested and an average block-to-block timing resolution of 527 ps was achieved. This study shows that with PQS detector blocks, good time resolution suitable for TOF PET systems can be obtained, as well as high spatial resolution and lower PMT costs.
Cortisol levels in adult offspring of Holocaust survivors: relation to PTSD symptom severity in the parent and child

We have previously demonstrated lower mean 24-h urinary cortisol excretion in adult offspring of Holocaust survivors with parental posttraumatic stress disorder (and lifetime PTSD), compared to offspring without parental PTSD, and to demographically similar comparison subjects. In the current study, we re-analyze data from our previously published report, plus four new subjects, to further examine the relationship between cortisol and severity of PTSD symptoms in offspring and their parents. We also examine the contribution of current depressive disorder to cortisol levels. Two-way analysis of variance revealed lifetime PTSD to be associated with significantly lower cortisol levels, while depressive disorder was associated with higher cortisol levels. The presence of parental PTSD was associated with lower cortisol excretion in the offspring only if both parents were affected. There were significant negative correlations between severity of parental PTSD and offspring urinary cortisol excretion, and between severity of offspring PTSD symptoms and urinary cortisol levels. The findings amplify our earlier descriptions of children of Holocaust survivors with PTSD as a sample 'at risk' for PTSD by demonstrating relationships between lowered cortisol excretion in these offspring and their experience of their parents' PTSD symptoms.
Mesoscale Analysis of a Carolina Coastal Front

During the Intensive Observation Period (IOP) 7 (22 February 1986) of the Genesis of Atlantic Lows Experiment a persistent coastal front was observed along the Carolina coast in the eastern United States. An intensive baroclinic zone, associated with the cold air damming to the east of the Appalachian Mountains, and the warm marine atmospheric boundary layer over the Gulf Stream, resulted in a northeasterly low-level geostrophic wind maximum near the coast. Two convergence zones were observed, one near the shore and the other near the western edge of the Gulf Stream. The convergence zone near the coastline was relatively weaker than that near the Gulf Stream. The differential surface thermal forcing caused enhanced convergence associated with the frontogenesis, and a meso-low was observed over the offshore front. The terms in the frontogenesis equation are estimated, and the diabatic term is found to be larger than the frontogenetic confluence term along the shore.
Taxing the Establishment Clause: Revolutionary Decision of the Arizona Supreme Court

This article explores the nature and implications of a 1999 decision of the Arizona Supreme Court, upholding the constitutionality of a state tax credit statute. The statute offers a $500 tax credit to taxpayers who donate money to non-profit organizations which, in turn, donate the money in grants to students in order to help defray the costs of attending private and parochial schools. The author concludes that the Arizona decision elevates cleverness in devising a statutory scheme above the substance of long-established constitutional doctrine.
Quantifying the large-scale hemodynamics of intracranial aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hemodynamics play an important role in the mechanisms that govern the initiation, growth, and possible rupture of intracranial aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to objectively characterize these dynamics, classify them, and connect them to aneurysm rupture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Image-based computational fluid dynamic simulations were used to re-create the hemodynamics of 210 patient-specific intracranial aneurysm geometries. The hemodynamics were then classified according to their spatial complexity and temporal stability by using quantities derived from vortex core lines and proper orthogonal decomposition. RESULTS: The quantitative classification was compared with a previous qualitative classification performed by visual inspection. Receiver operating characteristic curves provided area-under-the-curve estimates for spatial complexity (0.905) and temporal stability (0.85) to show that the 2 classifications were in agreement. Statistically significant differences were observed in the quantities describing the hemodynamics of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Specifically, ruptured aneurysms had more complex and more unstable flow patterns than unruptured aneurysms. Spatial complexity was more strongly associated with rupture than temporal stability. CONCLUSIONS: Complex-unstable blood flow dynamics characterized by longer core line length and higher entropy could induce biologic processes that predispose an aneurysm for rupture.
Treatment of Neurotrophic Ulcers with Conjunctival Flaps

1. Lee, D. A., Rimele, T. ]., Brubaker, R. F., Nagataki, S., and Vanhoutte, P. M.: Effect of thymoxamine on the human pupil. Exp. Eye Res. 36:655, 1983. 2. Wand, M., and Grant, W. M.: Thymoxamine hydrochloride. An alpha-adrenergic blocker. Surv. Ophthalmol. 25:75, 1980. 3. Brogliatti, B., Rolle, T., Messelrod, M., and Boles Carenini, B.: A new alpha-blocking agent in the treatment of glaucoma. Dapiprazole. Glaucoma 7:232, 1985. 4. Grehn, F., Fleig, T., and Schwarzmuller, E.: Thymoxamine. A miotic for intraocular use. Graefes Arch. Clin. Exp. Ophthalmol. 224:174, 1986.
Alternative Fuel And Energy Production In Aruba: A Case Study

On the island of Aruba, a combination of recently rising oil prices, the socio-cultural influence of the Netherlands, and a desire for a greater degree of long term autonomy are helping to increase interest in natural resource conservation and alternative fuels and energy production methods. The case begins with a citizen facing economic hardships and then paints three alternatives to reduce Aruba’s dependence on oil: 1) possible biodiesel production on the island, 2) the Master Engineer for the country working through negotiations for a wind power “farm” on the island, and 3) the Master Engineer working with the hotel consortium on a plan to air condition Aruba’s hotels using sea water air conditioning (SWAC). In all situations, we are faced with the uncertainty and the challenges involved in cleaner technology implementation.
Methods for Integrating Spatial Analysis in Assessment of Community Sustainability

Faced with a large amount of data, obtaining useful information and providing effective support for urban planning is a new and increasingly difficult challenge. The effectiveness of planning decisions can be greatly enhanced by providing planning professionals, policy makers, and other stakeholders with methods and tools to evaluate the different impacts of proposed planning decisions on urban sustainability at the neighborhood, city and regional scales. These methods and tools should rely on quantifiable metrics and indicators that can be easily measured and tracked over time. Incorporating interactive forms of decision making in planning processes using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is an approach that provides an effective means to address this challenge, and GIS applications are increasingly being used to develop such metrics and systems. Existing capabilities of GIS systems can provide effective strategic decision support to planners and private and public organizations and assist them in enhancing their information infrastructure. This paper provides a review of two recently completed studies utilizing GIS applications and related tools in assessing different aspects of community sustainability in the City of San Antonio and the South Texas region. The two case studies, conducted by the authors, are used to illustrate the capabilities of spatial analysis using GIS applications at the neighborhood and regional scales respectively. The paper presents and analyzes the methodologies used in the two case studies as a means of illustrating different approaches in utilizing GIS capabilities in the assessment of urban and community sustainability. Policy implications forlocal governments and recommendations for future utilization of the models and metrics developed in both studies are also identified and discussed.
The Measurement of Residual Stresses by X-Ray Diffraction Techniques

Abstract : The idea of measuring residual stresses by x-ray diffraction was first proposed by Lester and Aborn (1925). In this report the main aim is to present, in a single chapter, many of the recent instrumental advances and to explain the fundamental limitations associated with this measurement. Many current applications are described in those areas where the measurement has already proven to be useful.
A Technical Note on the Is\Lm and As\Ad Models

This technical note introduces the basic structure of the IS\LM and AS\AD models for a closed economy (i.e., one that does not engage in international trade). It is a useful complement for the more in-depth presentation of these models commonly found in an economics textbook.
Biologically relevant photoacoustic imaging phantoms with tunable optical and acoustic properties

Established medical imaging technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography rely on well-validated tissue-simulating phantoms for standardized testing of device image quality. The availability of high-quality phantoms for optical-acoustic diagnostics such as photoacoustic tomography (PAT) will facilitate standardization and clinical translation of these emerging approaches. Materials used in prior PAT phantoms do not provide a suitable combination of long-term stability and realistic acoustic and optical properties. Therefore, we have investigated the use of custom polyvinyl chloride plastisol (PVCP) formulations for imaging phantoms and identified a dual-plasticizer approach that provides biologically relevant ranges of relevant properties. Speed of sound and acoustic attenuation were determined over a frequency range of 4 to 9 MHz and optical absorption and scattering over a wavelength range of 400 to 1100 nm. We present characterization of several PVCP formulations, including one designed to mimic breast tissue. This material is used to construct a phantom comprised of an array of cylindrical, hemoglobin-filled inclusions for evaluation of penetration depth. Measurements with a custom near-infrared PAT imager provide quantitative and qualitative comparisons of phantom and tissue images. Results indicate that our PVCP material is uniquely suitable for PAT system image quality evaluation and may provide a practical tool for device validation and intercomparison.
Abstract LB-162: DNA-damage foci persistence and accelerated senescence as determinants of radiosensitization by glycolysis inhibitors

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL One of the most striking characteristics of cancer cells is their altered glucose metabolism. Many cancer cells display a dramatic elevation in glucose utilization, independent of the availability of oxygen or the activity of oxidative phosphorylation. Cancers often display the Warburg effect, wherein glycolysis drives fermentation of pyruvate to lactate even under aerobic conditions. Aerobic glycolysis has been widely investigated and it is now considered a metabolic hallmark of transformation and a key driver for cancer cell proliferation, malignancy, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. En route to cancer, pre-malignant cancer cells have to overcome cellular senescence which is recognized as a barrier for tumorigenesis. Recent data link both replicative and accelerated senescence to persistent DNA damage signals that arise from domains of modified chromatin at sites of un-repairable double strand breaks. Our prior work has established the kinetics of resolution of these chromatin domains, dubbed ionizing radiation induced foci (IRIF), and resulting effects on accelerated senescence as determinants of radiation sensitivity and as a target that can sensitize cancer cells to genotoxic therapy. To obtain probes that impinge on the DNA damage response and senescence, we developed a cell based assay for high throughput, high content screening based on the detection of IRIF persistence. Screening over 2500 drugs, including natural products and drug-like compounds identified known DNA damaging agents as well as novel candidates. To gain mechanistic insight, we tested these “hits” in combination with the mitochondrial inhibitor antimycin A and discovered several that blocked ATP synthesis. Combining bona fide glycolytic pathway inhibitors with radiation enhanced IRIF persistence and accelerated senescence in vitro. The glucokinase inhibitor 2-DG increased IRIF persistence and senescence after irradiation of tumor xenografts. These data suggest a critical role for aerobic glycolysis in the proliferation and survival of cancer cells to prevent stress-induced premature senescence, specifically by blocking the formation of DNA damage foci and/or preventing their persistence. Rather than simply satisfying energy needs, aerobic glycolysis likely serves an important survival and immortalization function for cancer cells. As such, targeting the Warburg effect to promote cancer cell senescence appears to be an attractive strategy for therapeutic intervention, particularly in combination with genotoxic therapy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-162. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-162
Broadband Noise Performance of Heterogeneously Integrated InP BiCMOS DHBTs

The noise performance of an InP BiCMOS process is presented. The process builds on IBM 90-nm RF CMOS and features heterogeneously integrated 250-nm InP DHBTs with f t /fmax values of ~300 GHz. Noise models have been extracted and the predicted performance agrees well with measurement. The results indicate that this technology is an excellent option for future millimeter-wave low-noise applications.
Subtype and sequence analysis of HIV-1epidemic in Ningbo

Objective:To identify the characteristics of hiv-1 subtype and their distributions in the urban area of Ningbo.Methods:The DNA fragments of the HIV-1 ENVgenes were amplified with nested-PCR from the whole blood samples of 14 HIV-1 infected persons in Ningbo city.The amplified products of C2-V3 region were analyzed by DNASTAR software.Results:Compared with international reference strains of various HIV subtypes,4 subtypes were identified by analyzing the result of the sequence distance and phylogenetic tree: 7 samples are B′ subtype;1 sample is C subtype;3 samples are CRF01_AE and 3 samples are CRF07_BC.Conclusion:Multiple HIV-1 subtypes exist in Ningbo and the epidemic situation of AIDS is serious,the surveillance in the subtype variation of HIV-1 strains should be strengthened for the better prevention and control of HIV-1 infection in this area.
Narrow Band Cystoscopy

Narrow band imaging (NBI) cystoscopy is a novel optical technology designed to enhance visual detection of bladder tumors over conventional white light imaging (WLI) cystoscopy. NBI highlights the neovascularity of tumors contrasted with normal mucosa. NBI cystoscopy detects more bladder tumors than WLI cystoscopy and may identify high-grade dysplasia, overlooked by WLI cystoscopy. NBI cystoscopy improves evaluation of response to intravesical therapy, and NBI-assisted fulguration, and transurethral resection appears to result in fewer tumor recurrences compared to surgical treatment using WLI cystoscopy. NBI poses no risks to patients and is cost-effective. The economic burden is limited to the cost of the light source and camera. NBI is best used as a supplement procedure to WLI cystoscopy in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of bladder tumors.
“Boundaryless” in the creative economy: assessing freelancing on Upwork

ABSTRACTThis paper engages discourses about the nature of creative work through a case study of creative worker freelancing on Upwork, an online marketplace. The analysis begins by contextualizing the growth of freelancing in a transformation of capitalism to a mode of flexible accumulation. It is framed against neoliberal narratives about the creative economy, including promises of financial success and freedom from rigid Fordism. An exploration of the characteristics of technology-mediated work on Upwork, including contract structure, wages, consistency of work, risk-management strategies, and profiles of clients and freelancers follows. The findings suggest that despite the company’s emphases on efficiency, flexibility, and freedom from the physical office, freelancers face significant trade-offs in undertaking such work, notably its infrequency, barriers to high wages, and intense global competition. The discussion addresses structural drivers of precarity in the marketplace and of its ongoing success.