cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Androgen Receptor Structural and Functional Elements: Role and Regulation in Prostate Cancer

The androgen receptor (AR) is a nuclear receptor transcription factor that mediates the cellular actions of androgens, the male sex steroids. Androgen-dependent tissues, such as the prostate, rely on androgen action for their development as well as their maintenance in adulthood. This requirement is exploited during systemic therapy of prostate cancer, which is initially an androgen-dependent disease. Indeed, androgen ablation, which prevents the production or blocks the action of androgens, inhibits prostate cancer growth. Invariably, the disease recurs with a phenotype resistant to further hormonal manipulations. However, this so-called androgen depletion-independent prostate cancer remains dependent on a functional AR for growth. Many studies have focused on the mechanistic and structural basis of AR activation with the important goal of understanding how the AR is activated at this stage of the disease. In this review, we summarize how these studies have revealed important functional domains in the AR protein and have provided initial clues to their role in prostate cancer development and progression. A comprehensive understanding of the role and functional relationships between these AR domains could lead to the development of novel AR-directed therapies for prostate cancer.
Mechanical ventricular assistance: An economical and effective means of treating end-stage heart disease

Background. Heightened awareness of medical costs has escalated criticism toward expensive medical therapy. Methods. The use of ventricular assistance devices (VADs) at Pennsylvania State University as a bridge to transplantation was reviewed. Records of 43 patients listed as status I from July 1991 to July 1994 were compared. Results. This analysis demonstrated that for all patients treated with the intent to transplant, those who were bridged with a VAD exhibited a trend toward an improved transplantation rate (92% versus 68%) and a significantly greater rate of discharge from the hospital (92% versus 55.4%; p = 0.023) than the medically managed patients. Although overall charges and costs were higher in VAD-supported patients, this was related to significantly longer pretransplantation hospitalization. When normalized to daily costs and charges, this discrepancy in expenses was eliminated. Conclusions. The superior rate of discharge at equitable daily costs and charges for the VAD patients draws continued enthusiasm toward use of these devices as a bridge to transplantation. Furthermore, development of outpatient care for VAD-supported patients and continued advances in the use of these devices may further reduce the cost of managing these critically ill patients.
Spontaneous oocyte maturation in Rana pipiens: Estrogen and follicle wall involvement

Immature (germinal vesicle stage) Rana pipiens oocytes typically remain arrested in prophase I of meiosis even after extended periods of in-vitro culture, if not stimulated with hormones. We have, however, sporadically observed “spontaneous” occurrences of oocyte maturation in vitro without the addition of hormones. This study documents some of our observations on this phenomenon and presents experimental results concerning the effects and possible involvement of estrogen and follicle wall components in regulating spontaneous oocyte maturation. Estrogen was found to inhibit spontaneous oocyte maturation (GVBD) in a dose-dependent fashion. Follicles in which spontaneous maturation was inhibited by estrogen retained their responsiveness (GVBD) to both frog pituitary homogenate (FPH) and progesterone stimulation. Inhibitory effects of estrogen on spontaneous maturation, however, were not reversed following incubation of washed follicles in plain culture medium without added hormones. Possible involvement of progesterone synthesis in spontaneous oocyte maturation was ascertained by simultaneously monitoring endogenous progesterone synthesis and the occurrence of spontaneous GVBD over the course of the maturation process. In spontaneous maturing follicle there was a gradual increase in basal levels of progesterone synthesis that preceded GVBD. Significantly, addition of estrogen abolished both the spontaneous progesterone production and spontaneous oocyte maturation. When FPH was added to follicles exhibiting spontaneous oocyte maturation, progesterone production was augmented and the time course of oocyte maturation was greatly accelerated. Involvement of ovarian components in the maturation process was investigated by selective removal of various follicle layers by microdissection. Removal of follicle epithelium and theca layer (defolliculation) markedly decreased spontaneous and FPH-induced maturation, whereas removal of the entire follicle wall (denudation) completely blocked it. Our results suggest that both spontaneous and FPH-induced maturation involve an estrogen sensitive process in the follicle wall. Thus, somatic follicle cells appear to serve as a common mediator for both types of maturation, which are linked by some intrafollicular mechanism involving steroidogenesis. Hence, estrogen may play an important role as an endogenous intrafollicular regulator of oocyte meiotic maturation.
Modeling loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) interactions with US Mid-Atlantic bottom trawl gear for fish and scallops, 2005–2008

Abstract Interactions between sea turtles and northwestern Atlantic trawl fisheries are of global concern, and the National Marine Fisheries Service is considering expanding bycatch reduction regulations, including deployment of turtle excluder devices (TEDs). To inform bycatch mitigation strategies, the number of loggerhead sea turtle ( Caretta caretta ) interactions was estimated for US Mid-Atlantic bottom trawl fisheries for fish and scallops. A generalized additive model of interactions was developed using 1994–2008 Northeast Fisheries Observer Program data from trawl fisheries that were not required to deploy TEDs. Predicted loggerhead interaction rates were applied to 2005–2008 commercial fishing data to estimate the number of interactions for the trawl fleet. For trawl fisheries in which TEDs were required, an experimentally-determined TED exclusion rate (97%) was applied to estimate the number of loggerheads that were excluded by TEDs. Latitude, depth, and sea surface temperature (SST) were associated with the interaction rate. Average annual interactions for 2005–2008 were estimated at 292 (CV 0.13, 95% CI 221–369) loggerheads, with an additional 61 (CV 0.17, 95% CI 41–83) excluded by TEDs. The interaction rate was highest south of latitude 37°N in waters 15 °C; interaction magnitude in terms of adult equivalents was highest at latitude 37–39°N, depth 15 °C. Predicted average annual loggerhead interactions decreased compared to 1996–2004, likely due to decreased commercial fishing effort in high-interaction areas. Additional sea turtle conservation measures can be informed by the high-interaction-rate and -magnitude areas identified through this analysis.
Flow and turbulence characteristics in a suburban street canyon

Flow and turbulence data collected during a yearlong experiment in a street-canyon configuration located in suburban terrain are analyzed. The instrumentation included 13 sonic anemometers deployed on two masts within the street canyon and on three masts on the building roofs. Flow patterns were classified as being in the wake-interference regime. The in-canyon flow and turbulence structure showed a strong dependence on the above-roof wind direction. While channeling along the street dominates for most wind directions, recirculation patterns develop for narrow sectors with above-roof wind directions perpendicular to the street. For these cross-flow scenarios, different scaling velocities were tested and the influence of upwind fetch and stability was investigated in more detail. Similar to previous studies, our findings confirmed that it is difficult to identify a single velocity scale that unifies both mean flow and turbulence properties inside the canyon. Turbulence properties scaled best with the friction velocity at the upwind roof but scaling with mean wind speeds measured at the upwind roof or at an operational meteorological station 5-km away from the study area, resulted in comparable or even better statistics for the mean flow parameters. Turbulence kinetic energy in the shear-layer region at roof layer varied depending on upwind fetch and stability. As turbulence is transported from the shear layer into the canyon region, the in-canyon turbulence characteristics also varied as a function of these two parameters.
Numerical simulations of unsteady reactive flows in a combustion chamber

Abstract A potentially important source of large-pressure oscillations in combustors is an instability induced by the interactions between large-scale vortex structures, acoustic waves, and chemical energy release. To study these interactions, we have performed time-dependent, compressible numerical simulations of the flow field in an idealized ramjet consisting of an axisymmetric inlet and combustor and a choked nozzle. Both reactive and nonreactive flows have been simulated. The nonreactive flow calculations show complex interactions among the natural instability frequency of the shear layer at the inlet-combustor junction and the acoustics of both the inlet and the combustor. Vortex shedding occurs at the natural instability frequency of the shear layer but vortex mergings are affected by the acoustic frequencies of the system. The entire flow oscillates at a low frequency that corresponds to that of a quater-wave mode in the inlet. For the particular reactive flow case studied, energy release alters the flow field substantially. In the first cycle after ignition, fluid expansion due to energy release quickly destroys the pattern of vortex mergings observed in the cold flow and a new pattern emerges that is dominated by a large vortex. In subsequent cycles, most of the energy release occurs after vortex mergings have produced this large vortex. Energy release in this large vortex is in phase with the pressure oscillation over a substantial region of the combustor between the axial stations 2.5 to about 5 D (where D is the diameter of the inlet). This results in the observed amplification of the low-frequency oscillations.
Photooxidative degradation of cellulose: Reactions of the cellulosic free radicals with oxygen

Photooxidative degradation of cellulose resulted in decreases of degree of polymerization (DP) and α-cellulose content, concurrently producing chromophoric groups; namely, carbonyl, carboxyl, and hydroperoxide groups within the polymer. Electron spin resonance (ESR) studies revealed that cellulosic carbon free radicals readily reacted with oxygen molecules at 143–160 K to produce peroxy radicals, whereas cellulosic oxygen free radicals were inert toward oxygen molecules throughout the photooxygenation reactions. At 77 K it is feasible that only photoexcited oxygen molecules reacted with cellulosic carbon free radicals to produce peroxide radicals. These radicals were themselves stabilized at 273 K by abstraction of hydrogen atoms from cellulose to produce polymer hydroperoxides. Simultaneously, new radical sites, which exhibited three-line ESR spectra, were generated in cellulose.
Contraception Choices of Female University Students

A study of 78 women attending a university, contraceptive health education clinic was undertaken to ascertain contraceptive methods used by young women; the psychosocial factors affecting their decisions; when and why they switch birth control methods; and the relationship between age, race, and marital status and these choices. Data were collected over a six-week period. Results indicated a strong relationship between women's age and choice of contraception: younger women were more likely to choose oral contraceptives; older women were more likely to choose the diaphragm.
The Roles of Security and Trust: Comparing Cloud Computing and Banking☆

Abstract The evolution of information technology (IT) – related to Web, servers and data – and their capabilities have brought cloud computing to the forefront. While cloud computing in recent years has energized the information systems professional community, it has now embarked on information systems research arena as a prevalent topic for integrated information and systems. Organizations of all sizes are keen on understanding this intriguing yet potentially risky IT artifact as they see it to be a game changer in terms of the way their current and future computing needs could potentially be met. However, they also are skeptical and concerned about the security, trust and privacy issues related to its adoption. In this study we identify the roles of security and trust in cloud computing environments from the perspective of organizations who would entrust their private information to the cloud computing providers. We compare cloud computing and banking since to both security and trust is of vital importance for their service users and providers. For any new technology such as cloud computing trust is not easily established, it gradually builds based on providers’ reputation for good performance and security, earning users’ trust over time. The clients must trust the cloud providers just like they would be willing to trust banks to put their money into them. Similarly, the cloud providers must demonstrate that they are reliable and trustworthy. Therefore for widespread adoption of cloud computing, we contend that customers should be able to store their data in the cloud with same confidence as they store their money and other valuables in the banks today. To help study and address the roles of security and trust further, we provide technological, regulatory, and behavioral recommendations for consideration.
Soluble models in many-body scattering and complex angular momenta

The interaction of a particle with a rigid rotator by means of a superposition of separable potentials is examined and some exactly soluble cases are displayed. At any energy the continuation of the elastic amplitudes to complex angular momenta is shown to yield a meromorphic function in any finite region of the complex angular momentum plane. The inelastic amplitudes have simple kinematic cuts which are readily removable, leaving again a meromorphic function of angular momenta.
Organ-wide telomeric status in diseased and disease-free prostatic tissues.

Background Telomere attrition occurs early in the development of prostatic adenocarcinoma. However, little is known about either telomere status in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or the spatial and organ-wide distribution of potential telomere aberrations throughout all areas of prostatic glands affected by cancer or BPH. Methods Slot blot titration assay was used to determine telomere DNA content (TC), a proxy for telomere length, in macrodissected tissue consisting of 54 normal samples from 5 disease-free prostates, 128 BPH samples from 4 non-cancerous prostates, and 45 tumor, 73 BPH, and 4 prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) samples from 5 cancerous prostates. Results Compared to TC in normal prostate samples (n = 54; TC mean = 0.98), tumor samples displayed telomere attrition (n = 45; TC mean = 0.67). TC in PIN samples was similar to tumors. TC in BPH samples from cancerous prostates was similar to TC in tumors and also displayed telomere shortening (n = 73; TC mean = 0.76), whereas BPH samples from non-cancerous prostates displayed longer telomeres (n = 128; TC mean = 1.06). In prostates affected by adenocarcinoma, areas of potential telomere attrition occurred in histologically normal tissues through the entire gland. However, three-dimensional zoning revealed a pattern of increasing TC as a function of distance from the primary (index) tumor. Conclusions Spatial distributions of TC in prostate specimens indicate a complex “field effect” with varying contributions from both cancer and BPH. The observation that telomere length variations occur in fields of histologically normal tissues surrounding the tumor is of clinical importance, as it may have implications for the diagnosis and focal therapy of prostate cancer. Prostate 70: 1471–1479, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The dynamics of jury decision-making: A case study

The legal profession is replete with assertions about the relationships of social, economic, and psychological characteristics to jury verdicts. The purpose of this research was to identify and test some of these concepts. A survey of jurors serving on criminal cases was conducted which incorporated pertinent socio-economic, demographic, psychological and experiential factors. An intercorrelation matrix and a linear step-wise regression model were employed to identify those variables which showed a statistically significant relationship to a trial vote of guilty. None of the notions of attorneys regarding socio-economic characteristics had a significant relationship to jury verdicts; however, items concerning authoritarianism, religious ideology, and prior experience with courts did correlate with jury behavior.
GABA-gated chloride ion influx and receptor binding studies in C57BL6J and DBA2J mice.

Abstract GABA-gated chloride ion influx was measured in brain ‘microsac’ preparations of young (20–22-day-old) and older (40–42-day-old) C57BL6J and DBA2J mice. The young DBA2J mice are susceptible to audiogenic seizures. GABA sensitivity was reduced in young DBA2J mice as compared to age-matched C57BL6J mice or older mice of either strain. Age and strain differences in ligand binding to GABA/benzodiazepine receptor complex and glutamate receptor could not account for this finding. These results provide evidence for a defect in GABA-gated chloride ion influx in audiogenic seizure-susceptible DBA2J mice.
Hidden in a sea of microbes

The photosynthetic activities of bacteria in the oceans are more diverse than previously thought. A full picture of the marine energy budget will require their separate contributions to be teased apart.
Fracture Evaluation of a Thermoplastic Polyimidesulfone as Adhesive

Abstract An experimental study was undertaken to evaluate the fracture strength of a thermoplastic polyimidesulfone as adhesive. This study involved the measurement of critical fracture energy, G IC, as a function of its molecular weight and temperature. The molecular weight was varied by endcapping with phthalic anhydride. The double cantilever beam specimens consisting of two bonded titanium adherends (Ti-6A1-4V) were tested. There was a considerable loss of fracture energy as molecular weight decreased beyond a certain value. Furthermore, the fracture energy decreased with increasing temperature.
A middleware architecture for open and interoperable GISs

The volume and number of data sets about Earth are rapidly growing. However, sharing and integrating them is difficult due to incompatible data formats and platforms. We propose an abstract model for information sharing and integration and use it to develop an architecture for building open, component-based, interoperable systems.
MULTIGRID CALCULATION PROCEDURE FOR INTERNAL FLOWS IN COMPLEX GEOMETRIES

A multigrid calculation procedure for steady, elliptic fluid flows in general curvilinear geometries is presented. The calculation procedure uses the contravariant velocities as the dependent variables in the momentum equations and solves the momentum and continuity equations simultaneously. A full multigrid algorithm with a V cycle is used. Several laminar and turbulent model problems have been calculated, and the performance of the procedure to reach a steady-state solution is investigated. Calculations with fine grids are made to demonstrate the attainment of multigrid efficiency.
Hepatoblastoma in infant sisters.

A family in which 2 infant sisters died with hepatoblastoma, the first reported familial occurrence of this neoplasm, is presented. The children had no heritable or congenital disorders known to increase the risk of hepatoma, and laboratory studies revealed no clues to pathogenesis. The detection of serum alphafetoprotein in the proband suggests that the test may be useful in the diagnosis of hepatoblastoma as well as hepatocellular carcinoma, and in the screening of children predisposed to these neoplasms. Sibship aggregation has also been observed with adrenocortical neoplasia and Wilms' tumor, which share with hepatoblastoma an association with certain congenital malformations.
Generalized M/G/C/C state dependent queueing models and pedestrian traffic flows

The generality and usefulness ofM/G/C/C state dependent queueing models for modelling pedestrian traffic flows is explored in this paper. We demonstrate that the departure process and the reversed process of these generalizedM/G/C/C queues is a Poisson process and that the limiting distribution of the number of customers in the queue depends onG only through its mean. Consequently, the models developed in this paper are useful not only for the analysis of pedestrian traffic flows, but also for the design of the physical systems accommodating these flows. We demonstrate how theM/G/C/C state dependent model is incorporated into the modelling of large scale facilities where the blocking probabilities in the links of the network can be controlled. Finally, extensions of this work to queueing network applications where blocking cannot be controlled are also presented, and we examine an approximation technique based on the expansion method for incorporating theseM/G/C/C queues in series, merge, and splitting topologies of these networks.
What kind of social support do cancer patients get from nurses

Health care workers have been identified as sources of social support for cancer patients. However, little is known about the type of support patients receive from nurses. The primary purpose of this study was to determine if patients perceived differences in how often they received different types of support from nurses. The dimensions of support assessed were based on House's conceptualization of social support as made up of four components: emotional, informational, instrumental, and appraisal. A secondary purpose was to determine how satisfied the patients were with the nursing care they received while hospitalized. Sixty-six patients completed a questionnaire containing a 23-item self-report scale that measured how often they received specific types of support from nurses. The questionnaire also contained a seven-item self-report scale that measured how satisfied they were with the nursing care they received. Patients reported receiving significantly more instrumental and less appraisal support than other types of support (p < 0.008). Satisfaction with nursing care was significantly related to the amount of support they perceived receiving (p < 0.01). Implications for the importance of affirming the personal worth of cancer patient's as a part of routine nursing care are discussed and intervention strategies suggested.
Obligatory amateurs: Annie Maunder (1868–1947) and British women astronomers at the dawn of professional astronomy

This paper explores the careers of several British women astronomers in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. I postulate that the only category of scientific practice open to most of these women was that of an ‘amateur’. They would have become professionals had they had the opportunity but since they were barred from professional status they used their talents to promote the importance of amateur science. I propose the term ‘obligatory amateur’ for these women who, unlike men, were unable to choose amateur or professional status. I explore this concept of a ‘gendered’ amateurism through the life and works of Annie Maunder, with references to British women astronomers contemporary with her.
Dynamics of two-process astrocyte networks

Computation in the brain is often thought of as being carried out solely by neurons without regards to their supporting cells. Recent work suggests that astrocytes may play a role alongside neurons in information processing. We investigated what types of spatio-temporal patterning can be supported for such a network. Namely the astrocyte networks contained both fast speed direct connections, representing gap junction coupling, and slower speed extracellular connections, representing local ATP diffusion or changes in local potassium concentration. We investigated what spatio-temporal dynamics results from the interplay between these two processes. We observed each process individually drive network activity and saw competition between the local and direct connections.
Facet Fractures: Which Have to Be Fixed?

The treatment of cervical facet fractures varies among injury subtypes. The recognition of those subtypes that can be associated with spinal segment instability and/or potential neurological deterioration can present a daunting clinical challenge. Appropriate clinical assessment and an evaluation of imaging studies including serial radiographs, multiplanar computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are essential components of the decision-making process. In those patients treated with external immobilization, frequent follow-up with appropriate imaging studies is paramount to ensure maintenance of alignment and neurological status. Posterior lateral mass fixation and fusion provide superior biomechanical stabilization as compared with anterior stabilization alone when treating facet injuries; however, anterior stabilization may be considered to avoid the posterior approach and/or avoid additional levels of fusion.
Light-induced decrease of serotonin N-acetyltransferase activity and melatonin in the chicken pineal gland and retina.

In the pineal gland and retina of chickens, light exposure at night when serotonin N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity levels are high causes a 4–5-fold decrease in NAT activity. Thet1/2 of NAT inactivation is 10 min and the kinetics of inactivation are similar in the pineal gland and retina. A brief pulse of light can initiate the process of NAT inactivation which continues in the dark for 30 min before a partial recovery of NAT activity occurs. In blinded chicks, there is less inactivation of pineal NAT by light than in intact chicks, indicating that the eyes are involved in the pineal's response to light. In chicks that have had their superior cervical ganglia removed inactivation of pineal NAT by light is intermediate between that of intact and blind chicks, indicating that ganglionectomy does not completely mimic the effects of blinding. The pineal gland itself is light-sensitive in culture. Light causes a 4–5-fold decrease in NAT activity in static organ culture, and inhibits melatonin release in flow-through organ culture. Drugs that increase cyclic nucleotide levels in cells (cholera toxin, RO 20-1724, monobutyryl cyclic AMP, monobutyryl cyclic GMP) block the NAT decrease by light, whereas high potassium or EGTA do not block this light-induced NAT inactivation.
Structure‐Property‐Processing relationships of polyurethane‐polyester interpenetrating polymer networks

Interpenetrating polymer networks of polyurethane and unsaturated polyester were prepared by reaction injection molding (RIM) and transfer molding. The structures of the molded samples were analyzed by electron microscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis. It was found that polymer morphology and dynamic mechanical properties depend strongly on the molding temperature, reaction rate and reaction sequence. Simplified structure models based on Takayanagi's model and sample morphology can predict the storage modulus reasonably well but not the tanδ.
Basal lamina at the site of spinal cord transection in the rat: an ultrastructural study

This electron microscopic study confirms that basal lamina (BL) begins to cap the cut end of the spinal cord 15 days after spinal cord transection. BL is first seen immediately adjacent to reactive glial cells but only when there is collagen in the nearby interstitial space. This finding suggests that collagen may provide a trigger to initiate the production of BL by reactive glia. We found no direct evidence that BL in this injury area impeded the outgrowth of regenerating neurites.
α(2A) adrenergic receptor promotes amyloidogenesis through disrupting APP-SorLA interaction.

Accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) peptides in the brain is the key pathogenic factor driving Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Endocytic sorting of amyloid precursor protein (APP) mediated by the vacuolar protein sorting (Vps10) family of receptors plays a decisive role in controlling the outcome of APP proteolytic processing and Aβ generation. Here we report for the first time to our knowledge that this process is regulated by a G protein-coupled receptor, the α2A adrenergic receptor (α2AAR). Genetic deficiency of the α2AAR significantly reduces, whereas stimulation of this receptor enhances, Aβ generation and AD-related pathology. Activation of α2AAR signaling disrupts APP interaction with a Vps10 family receptor, sorting-related receptor with A repeat (SorLA), in cells and in the mouse brain. As a consequence, activation of α2AAR reduces Golgi localization of APP and concurrently promotes APP distribution in endosomes and cleavage by β secretase. The α2AAR is a key component of the brain noradrenergic system. Profound noradrenergic dysfunction occurs consistently in patients at the early stages of AD. α2AAR-promoted Aβ generation provides a novel mechanism underlying the connection between noradrenergic dysfunction and AD. Our study also suggests α2AAR as a previously unappreciated therapeutic target for AD. Significantly, pharmacological blockade of the α2AAR by a clinically used antagonist reduces AD-related pathology and ameliorates cognitive deficits in an AD transgenic model, suggesting that repurposing clinical α2AR antagonists would be an effective therapeutic strategy for AD.
Prediction of preschool social behavior from social-emotional development at one year.

In an attempt to directly investigate later consequences of the early mother-infant relationship, several measures of social-emotional and cognitive-motivational development at 12 months of age were correlated with two measures of preschool adjustment for 26 children. Results indicated that both of our measures of early social functioning were related to more optimal adjustment in a peer-setting at three- and-a-half years of age. Taken together, the results of the study provide empirical support for the widely held, but seldom tested, hypothesis that the quality of the early mother-infant tie has important consequences for the child's subsequent development in most areas.
Economic, safety and environmental prospects of fusion reactors

Controlled fusion energy is one of the long term, non-fossil energy sources available to mankind. It has the potential of significant advantages over fission nuclear power in that the consequences of severe accidents are predicted to be less and the radioactive waste burden is calculated to be smaller. Fusion can be an important ingredient in the future world energy mix and can be part of an 'insurance policy' energy strategy to develop new sources as a hedge against environmental, supply or political difficulties connected with the use of fossil fuel and present-day nuclear power. Progress in fusion reactor technology and design is described for both magnetic and inertial fusion energy systems. The projected economic prospects show that fusion will be capital intensive, and the historical trend is towards greater mass utilization efficiency and more competitive costs. Recent studies emphasizing safety and environmental advantages show that the competitive potential of fusion can be further enhanced by specific choices of materials and design. The safety and environmental prospects of fusion appear to exceed substantially those of advanced fission and coal. For example, the level of radioactivity in a low activation fusion reactor at 1 year and at 100 years after shutdown is calculated to be about one-millionth of the radioactivity in a fission reactor of the same power. Likewise, the maximum plausible dose predicted at the site boundary in the case of a low activation fusion reactor is estimated to be between 100 and 500 times smaller than that estimated for a fission power plant. Clearly, a significant and directed technology effort is necessary to achieve these advantages. Typical parameters have been established for magnetic fusion energy reactors, and a tokamak at moderately high magnetic field (about 7 T on axis) in the first regime of MHD stability (β ≤ 3.5 I/aB) is closest to present experimental achievement. Further improvements of the economic and technological performance of the tokamak are possible through the following achievements: higher magnetic fields to lower the required plasma current and reactor size; higher values of the plasma beta, including reaching the second stable MHD regime, to lower the requirements on field and plasma current; and more efficient techniques to drive the plasma current. In addition, alternative, non-tokamak magnetic fusion approaches may offer substantive economic and operational benefits, although at present these concepts must be projected from a less developed physics base. For inertial fusion energy, reactor studies are at an earlier stage, but the essential requirements are a high efficiency (≥ 10%) repetitively pulsed pellet driver capable of delivering up to 10 MJ of energy on target, targets capable of an energy gain (ratio of energy produced to energy on target) of about 100, reactor chambers capable of absorbing the energy released per shot at conditions consistent with power generation, and effective means of isolating the target chamber and driver system.
A New Characterization for Carleson Measures and Some Applications

We provide a new characterization for Carleson measures in terms of the L p behaviors of certain functions represented as an integration on a non-tangential cone. Applications for characterizing the boundedness and compactness of Volterra type operators from Hardy spaces to some holomorphic spaces are also presented.
Conjugate natural convection from an array of discrete heat sources: part 2 — a numerical parametric study

Coupled conduction and natural convection transport within a discretely heated cavity have been investigated numerically. One vertical wall of the cavity is composed of discrete, isoflux heat sources mounted in a substrate of finite thermal conductivity. The opposite vertical wall and the horizontal walls are assumed to be isothermal and adiabatic, respectively. The governing steady-state partial differential equations for the fluid and solid region are solved simultaneously using a control volume formulation, coupled with an additive correction multigrid procedure that increases the convergence rate of the solution. The fluid Prandtl number and heater/fluid thermal conductivity ratio are fixed at 25 and 2350, respectively, corresponding to a dielectric fluid (FC-77) and heaters manufactured from silicon. With increasing modified Rayleigh number (104 < RaLz∗ < 109), the cavity flow becomes more boundary layer-like along the vertical walls, and multiple fluid cells develop in the central region. Thermal spreading in the substrate increases with decreasing modified Rayleigh number and with increasing values of the substrate/fluid thermal conductivity ratio (10−1 <- Rs ≤ 103). For large Rs, the discrete heat sources lose their thermal identity, and the streamlines and isotherms resemble those associated with a differentially heated cavity. Thermal spreading in the substrate also has a significant effect on circulation in the cavity and on maximum surface temperatures.
Preoperative statin treatment is associated with reduced postoperative mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing cardiac surgery : An 8-year retrospective cohort study

Background Cardiac surgical procedures can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recently, it has been recognized that statins might induce multiple biologic effects independent of lipid lowering that could potentially ameliorate adverse surgical outcomes. Accordingly, this study tested the central hypothesis that pretreatment with statins before cardiac surgery would reduce adverse postoperative surgical outcomes. Methods Demographic and outcomes data were collected retrospectively for 3829 patients admitted for planned cardiac surgery between February 1994 and December 2002. Statin pretreatment occurred in 1044 patients who were comparable with non–statin-pretreated (n = 2785) patients with regard to sex, race, and age. Primary outcomes examined included postoperative mortality (30-day) and a composite morbidity variable. Results The odds of experiencing 30-day mortality and morbidity were significantly less in the statin-pretreated group, with unadjusted odds ratios of 0.43 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28-0.66) and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.61-0.86), respectively. Risk-adjusted odds ratios for mortality and morbidity were 0.55 (95% CI, 0.32-0.93) and 0.76 (95% CI, 0.62-0.94), respectively, by using a logistic regression model and 0.51 (95% CI, 0.27-0.94) and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.55-0.92), respectively, in the propensity-matched model, demonstrating significant reductions in 30-day morbidity and mortality. In a subsample of patients undergoing valve-only surgery (n = 716), fewer valve-only patients treated with statins experienced mortality, although these results were not statistically significant (1.96% vs 7.5%). Conclusions These findings indicate that statin pretreatment before cardiac surgery confers a protective effect with respect to postoperative outcomes.
Proteomic analysis of the systemic response to radiographic contrast media

Radiographic contrast media (RCM) have numerous effects on the hemostatic system, inflammatory pathways, and vascular endothelium. Given the increasing number of high-risk patients undergoing radiographic procedures, more information regarding the systemic effects of RCM is needed. Blood samples prior to baseline, 4 and 24 h following elective coronary angiography in 10 patients, were subjected to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Data are presented as the ratio of the protein mass at 4 (iTRAQ4) and 24 h (iTRAQ24) compared to baseline. A ratio >1.0 and a ratio <1.0 indicate production and consumption, respectively, relative to baseline. In this sample, we identified 102 proteins with a confidence interval of ≥90%. Six proteins were identified at each time point in all patients. Of the proteins identified, apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein A-II, complement C3, fibrinogen beta chain, immunoglobulin α, and prothrombin revealed an iTRAQ ratio <1.0 at 4 h when compared to baseline (all with p value <0.05) and a trend toward baseline levels at 24 h. Systemic administration of RCM results in a variety of alterations to the proteome. Of interest, there is activation of the thrombotic and inflammatory pathways as well as an interaction with lipoprotein metabolism. These changes are most pronounced at 4 h but may persist through 24 h and may be of clinical relevance in patients at risk for thrombotic- and inflammatory-mediated consequences of atherosclerosis.
Subcellular localization of marker enzymes, lipase and triglyceride in rat heart.

Abstract Subcellular fractions containing lipase and triglyceride, prepared from rat hearts homogenized in 0.25 m sucrose, were characterized by the use of marker enzymes. In addition to the usual mitochondrial and microsomal pellets, an additional fraction was sedimented between 8000 g × 10 min and 13 000 g × 10 min. Assays for N -acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, β-glucuronidase and cathepsin D indicated that the relative specific activity (R.S.A.) of these enzymes in this fraction was two to three times higher than any of the other subcellular fractions. Since these hydrolytic enzymes are “marker” enzymes for lysosomes in other tissues, the results indicate that it is possible to separate rat heart homogenate into several fractions, one of which has the characteristics of the light mitochondria or lysosomes. Several other hydrolytic enzymes (acid phosphatase, α-glucosidase and β-galactosidase) yielded R.S.A. values which indicated that there was no enrichment of their activity in the lysosomal fraction. The R.S.A. patterns of 5′-nucleotidase and alkaline phosphatase indicated that the plasma membranes (sarcolemma) were sedimenting with the microsomal fraction. This latter fraction exhibited a high R.S.A. of rotenone-insensitive NADH cytochrome- c reductase. Measurement of lipase activity and triglyceride content of the subcellular fractions indicated a relative enrichment of both of these in the lysosomal fraction. Although the R.S.A. of lipase was high in both the lysosomal and microsomal fractions, addition of serum in the assay reduced the R.S.A. of the lipase in the microsomal fraction without altering the high R.S.A. of the lysosomal pellet. Thus, a fraction has been separated from rat heart homogenates with lysosomal characteristics. Associated with this fraction was also an enrichment of triglyceride content and lipase activity, which may be important for turnover of the former in the heart cell.
Property effects. Social networks and compensation claims in Melanesia

L'A. compare les reseaux sociaux mobilises par les revendications de propriete enregistrees en contextes euro-americain et melanesien. Les arguments de Latour (1993) et Strathern (1996) concernant l'extension des reseaux formes par ces enjeux dans les societes qu'ils abordent sont rapproches et discutes a l'aide d'exemples empruntes aux luttes menees en Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinee contre les mines d'or de Lihir. L'A. prend egalement en compte la discussion que mene Pietz (1997) a propos des lois britanniques relatives aux indemnisations. Il se propose d'examiner les effets que les strategies d'appropriation induisent sur les categories et sur les pratiques sociales en incluant aussi une analyse des positions opposees defendues a propos de l'impact des mines sur l'environnement sans oublier ce qu'elles revelent des valeurs attribuees a la vie humaine.
GROWTH PATTERNS AND MOTILITY OF SPIROGYRA SP. AND CLOSTERIUM ACEROSUM1,2

SUMMARY Spirogyra and Closterium exhibit active motility. This motility is associated with the secretion of pectic mucilage from the cells. The gliding of these cells is not directed toward light but photosynthesis is the energy source for it. The secretion of mucilage causes older Closterium cultures to become thick gelatinous clusters. Spirogyra filaments when undisturbed grow to form thick multistranded rings. This growth pattern might result from the tendency of the filaments to rotate on their long axis.
Temperature and Precipitation Affect Steer Weight Gains Differentially by Stocking Rate in Northern Mixed-Grass Prairie

Cattle weight gain responses to seasonal weather variability are difficult to predict for rangelands because few long-term (.20 yr) studies have been conducted. However, an increased understanding of temperature and precipitation influences on cattle weight gains is needed to optimize stocking rates and reduce enterprise risk associated with climatic variability. Yearling steer weight gain data collected at the USDA-ARS High Plains Grasslands Research Station at light, moderate, and heavy stocking rates for 30 years (1982‐2011) were used to examine the effects of spring (April‐June) and summer (July‐September) temperature and precipitation, as well as prior-growing-season (prior April‐September) and fall/winter (October‐March)
A qualitative examination of masculinity, homelessness, and social class among men in a transitional shelter

This study explored the intersection and meaning of homelessness, masculinity, and social class among 15 men who are homeless. Using Consensual Qualitative Research Methodology (Hill, Thompson, & Williams, 1997), three major domains arose from the data: The Homeless Experience, Perceptions of Men and Masculinity, and Changing Social Status. Participants described (a) gaining empathy for the homeless after they became homeless; (b) economic, personal, and substance use and abuse as barriers to moving out of homelessness; (c) retaining their sense of masculinity regardless of being homeless; and (d) aspirations for a better, non-homeless future. Men also discussed the importance of mental health and substance abuse services. Implications for psychologists and future research are discussed.
Making M–CN bonds from M–Cl in (PONOP)M and (dippe)Ni systems (M = Ni, Pd, and Pt) using t-BuNC

C–N bond activation of tert-butyl isocyanide in methanol using 2,6-bis(di-tert-butylphosphinito)pyridine (PONOP) metal (Ni, Pd, Pt) complexes and (dippe)NiCl2 are reported. t-BuOMe and t-BuCl were detected as organic products by GC–MS. Substitution of the metal-chloride by one molecule of tert-butyl isocyanide followed by carbonium ion loss/nucleophilic attack by chloride anion or methanol led to formation of a metal-cyanide bond.
Supporting Communities in Transition

The Armenian Social Investment Fund supports communities' efforts to improve local infrastructure during Armenia's economic transition away from central planning, financing community-designed and -implemented projects to rehabilitate primary schools, water systems, and other infrastructure. This article considers the targeting, household impact, and community effects of the social fund's activities. It relies on a nationally representative household survey, oversampled in areas where the social fund was active. Using propensity and pipeline matching techniques to control for community self-selection into the social fund, it evaluates the household effects of rehabilitating schools and water systems. The results show that the social fund reached poor households, particularly in rural areas. Education projects increased households' spending on education significantly and had mild effects on school attendance. Potable water projects increased household access to water and had mild positive effects on health....
A five-dimensional mathematical model for regional and global changes in cardiac uptake and motion

The objective of this work was to simultaneously introduce known regional changes in contraction pattern and perfusion to the existing gated Mathematical Cardiac Torso (MCAT) phantom heart model. We derived a simple integral to calculate the fraction of the ellipsoidal volume that makes up the left ventricle (LV), taking into account the stationary apex and the moving base. After calculating the LV myocardium volume of the existing beating heart model, we employed the property of conservation of mass to manipulate the LV ejection fraction to values ranging between 13.5% and 68.9%. Multiple dynamic heart models that differ in degree of LV wall thickening, base-to-apex motion, and ejection fraction, are thus available for use with the existing MCAT methodology. To introduce more complex regional LV contraction and perfusion patterns, we used composites of dynamic heart models to create a central region with little or no motion or perfusion, surrounded by a region in which the motion and perfusion gradually reverts to normal. To illustrate this methodology, the following gated cardiac acquisitions for different clinical situations were simulated analytically: 1) reduced regional motion and perfusion; 2) same perfusion as in (1) without motion intervention; and 3) washout from the normal and diseased myocardial regions. Both motion and perfusion can change dynamically during a single rotation or multiple rotations of a simulated single-photon emission computed tomography acquisition system.