cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Diacylglycerol on the Activation and Kinetics of the Respiratory Burst Oxidase in a Cell-Free System from Human Neutrophils: Evidence That Diacylglycerol May Regulate Nucleotide Uptake by a GTP-Binding Protein

Abstract The respiratory burst oxidase from human neutrophils is a membrane-associated enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of oxygen to O − 2 at the expense of NADPH. The oxidase is dormant in resting neutrophils, but comes to life when the cells are exposed to certain activating agents. Activation requires GTP or a GTP analog and is associated with the transfer of cytosolic oxidase polypeptides to the plasma membrane. Treatment of resting neutrophil membranes with phospholipase C caused an eightfold rise in their diacylglycerol content, increased the sodium dodecyl sulfate-mediated transfer of cytosolic polypeptides to the membrane, and enhanced O − 2 production by the membranes after treatment with cytosol and sodium dodecyl sulfate. Use of phospholipase C-treated membranes in the cell-free system caused only a minor change in the K m and V m for NADPH as compared with the same system containing untreated membranes, but caused the K m for the nonhydrolyzable GTP analog GTPγS to fall from 200 to 34 nM. Similar kinetic changes were observed with membranes treated with dioctanoylglycerol. These findings are consistent with the idea that the activity of a G protein can be regulated by diacylglycerol.
Localization of actobindin, profilin I, profilin II, and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) in Acanthamoeba castellanii.

Specific polyclonal antisera were raised against purified Acanthamoeba actobindin and synthetic peptides corresponding to regions of maximum charge differences in Acanthamoebaprofilin I and profilin II. Immunofluorescence studies with these antibodies showed profilin I to be distributed throughout the Acanthamoeba cytoplasm, except for lamellipodia, with the highest fluorescence intensity in cortical regions in which monomeric actin also was present, as shown by labeling with fluorescent DNase. In contrast, profilin II appeared to be uniformly associated with the plasma membrane except at sites of pseudopod extension, where the concentration was frequently decreased, in addition to cortical regions. Immunofluorescence studies using a monoclonal antibody specific for phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) suggested that its distribution is mostly limited to the plasma membrane. In contrast to the distribution of profilin II, PIP2 immunofluorescence was prominent at the leading edge of cells, including the plasma membrane of lamellipodia. Quantitative immunoelectron microscopy showed that profilin II was approximately 36 times more likely to localize to the plasma membrane than profilin I. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy localized actobindin to the base of lamellipodia. The differential localization of the three actin monomer-binding proteins suggests that they have different biologic functions in Acanthamoeba and is consistent with the hypotheses that (1) profilin I functions predominantly as an actin monomer-binding protein; (2) profilin II regulates, or is regulated by, PIP2; and (3) actobindin inhibits nucleation of new filaments and facilitates elongation of existing polarized filaments in actively motile regions. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 39:134–146, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Transient heat conduction with temperature-dependent thermal conductivity by the orthogonal collocation method

Abstract The orthogonal collocation method is employed in this work for solving the nonlinear transient heat conduction in a finite slab with variable thermal conductivity. Linear and nonlinear temperature dependences of thermal conductivity are considered. The orthogonal collocation method involves the approximation of the spatial derivative terms in the governing energy equation by an orthogonal polynomial and thus the nonlinear partial differential equation is transformed into a set of ordinary differential equation, which in turn can be integrated by any numerical integration scheme. Because of the accuracy and stability of the numerical integration method, very satisfactory results can be obtained with low order of orthogonal collocation approximation. The examples given in this work show that a wide variety of temperature-dependent heat conduction problems can be tackled by this method without much difficulty.
Environmental Regulation and Firm Level Innovation: The Moderating Effects of Organizational and Individual Level Variables

Many analysts argue that environmental regulation is a barrier to innovation in business firms. A competing view holds that environmental regulation contributes to firm level innovation. This article attempts to partially reconcile these two views. The article argues that organizational and individual level variables moderate the effect of environmental regulation generally on the radicalness of innovation at the firm level. It proposes that four moderating variables the degree to which information analysis about environmental issues is centralized, firm size, the intensity and integration of research and development (R&D) units within the firm, and whether regulation is perceived as an opportunity change the sign of the relationship between environmental regulation and the radicalness of firm level innovation. Empirically testable propositions are presented and a regulation innovation profile is suggested. Directions for future research and implications for practicing managers are highlighted.
The Modulating Role of Dissolved Organic Matter on Spatial Patterns of Microbial Metabolism in Lake Erie Sediments

To evaluate the role of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on microbial community metabolism, we established extracellular enzyme activity (EEA) and substrate-induced respiration (SIR) profiles of sediment samples collected from littoral and profundal regions of the western, central, and eastern basins of Lake Erie. Lake Erie is spatially structured such that the central and western basins receive relatively major inputs of allochthonous DOM in comparison to the eastern basin. Overall, spatial patterns of EEA and SIR profiles suggest both greater metabolic diversity and activity in the littoral regions of the central and western basins. In contrast, the eastern basin demonstrated much less structuring between littoral and profundal areas. To evaluate whether the observed spatial patterns are the result of microbial community adaptations to local DOM availability, we performed three experimental treatments by inoculating sediment samples with polyvinylpyrrolidone, which sequesters large polyphenols, or with either vanillin or catechol, two small phenolic compounds. Our results revealed that esterase and glycosidase EEA from the eastern basin were induced by small phenolics and inhibited by large polyphenols. In contrast, the addition of small phenolics decreased esterase and glycosidase activities from the central basin, while polyphenols had a negligible effect. These results suggest that the source and composition of DOM play a significant role in the local adaptation of microbial communities, determining large-scale spatial patterns of microbial functional diversity in Lake Erie sediments.
Sleep in intensive care units

Patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) have significantly disrupted sleep with circadian displacement. In this article we briefly discuss factors related to sleep disruption in ICU and the tasks of individual members of ICU multidisciplinary teams in promoting consolidated nocturnal sleep of critically ill patients.
Comparison of the effect of various chemical stabilizers and lyophilization cycles on the thermostability of a Vero cell-adapted rinderpest vaccine.

Abstract The thermostability of a rinderpest vaccine produced on Vero cells was evaluated using a variety of chemical stabilizers and lyophilization protocols. Three stabilizer preparations and three lyophilization schedule were examined using accelerated stability testing at 37°C. The vaccine preparation exhibiting the greatest stability at 37°C was tested at three additional temperatures, 42, 45 and 56°C, and an Arrhenius plot was constructed from the data. The stability of the reconstituted vaccine produced with the two most efficacious stabilizers was examined using three different diluent preparations. The stabilization method and high Vero cell virus batch titers resulted in a lyophilized vaccine which maintained the minimum required dose of log10 2.5 TCID50 tissue culture infectious dose for more than 20 weeks at 37°C.
RuO2–SiO2 mixed oxides as corrosion-resistant catalyst supports for polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of mixed oxides of silica (SiO2) and ruthenia (RuO2) for use as electrocatalyst supports in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). The RuO2:SiO2 oxides were synthesized in three different molar ratios (0.1:0.9, 0.3:0.7 and 0.5:0.5). Of these formulations, RuO2–SiO2 (0.5:0.5) displayed high BET surface area (∼290 m2 g−1), high electronic conductivity (>5 S cm−1), and outstanding electrochemical stability (change in double layer capacitance of
Effect of the quality of user documentation on user satisfaction with information systems

Abstract User documentation plays an important role in implementation success of an information system through its user satisfaction. Yet, very little rigorous research has been undertaken in relating user satisfaction to user documentation. This article first re-validates two existing user documentation and user satisfaction instruments. This is followed by a rigorous attempt to determine the effect of user documentation on user satisfaction, using a canonical correlation analysis. The results indicate that user satisfaction of a system is strongly influenced by its documentation. The research provides a set of guidelines, arrived at empirically, for IS managers to ensure the design of highly efficient and effective user documentation for a system, by monitoring and controlling the entire process of documentation. These guidelines can also be used to identify and rectify a poorly documented system by using a set of user satisfaction criteria.
FAMILY GROWTH, HOUSEHOLD DENSITY, AND MOVING

Residential and family histories collected from a sample of 4,027 couples in their first marriage and living in the Philadelphia-Trenton metropolitan area in 1960 are analyzed to determine the effects of marriage duration and childbearing on moving within the “local area.” Rates of moving decline sharply during the early years of marriage and more slowly after the tenth year. At any given marriage duration, the birth of children is associated with higher rates of moving. If the persons-per-room ratio of non-movers represents an acceptable household density, moving can be shown to be an adjustment mechanism whereby housing space is brought in balance with family needs. When couples who moved during a given three-year period defined in terms of marriage duration are compared with couples who did not move during that period, the movers are found to have had higher initial densities, would have had substantially higher densities had they not moved, but have similar terminal (after move) densities.
A methodologist's econometric model selection

The use of shortcuts to predict time series is discouraged by the findings of this paper. First, if time series data are no longer considered to be the result of random sampling, statistical analyses based on properties of sampling distributions become questionable. Using the shoal of fish analogy, we should be wary of considering our catch of fish caught in one dip of the net as essentially identical to another catch obtained from another dip. Second, transformation of time series data to achieve stationarity prevents the user of VAR-related methods from relying on information that is potentially symptomatic of misspecification, especially in the form of missing variables. Since the incidence of missing variables is enhanced the more “compact” is the model used, the implications of the stationarity assumption are vast. Third, uninformed comparisons of the short-term forecasting performance of VAR and large-scale commercial forecasting models leads to a more positive evaluation of VAR than is otherwise warranted. Overall, using our shoal of fish metaphor one final time, we should focus more attention on the reasons why the shoal is in its present location, the reasons why the fish are the size they appear to have, the reasons why the size of the shoal increases and the reasons why the shoal moves from one location to another. If there are sharks around, we should want to know, rather than ignoring their presence.
Development of a calibration methodology for large-volume, solid 68Ge phantoms for traceable measurements in positron emission tomography

We have developed a methodology to calibrate the (68)Ge activity concentration in large (9L) cylindrical epoxy phantoms in a way that is traceable to national standards. The method was tested on two prototype cylindrical phantoms that are being used in a clinical trial and gave (68)Ge activity concentration values with combined standard uncertainties of about 1.1%. Imaging data from the phantoms using a calibrated PET-CT scanner gave values consistent with the calibrated activity concentrations within experimental uncertainties.
Size and Phylogey in Hominoid Primates

Phylogenies of the hominoid primates based on biomolecular or karyological data routinely feature an African ape-human clade that excludes orangutans, while phylogenies derived from continuous variables of the skull include the four great ape species in a single clade that excludes humans. This difference obtains whether cladistic or phenetic methods are used to estimate phylogenies. Phenetic trees based on anatomical features differ from those based on biomolecular data because of greater heterogeneity in evolutionary rates for the former among hominoid lineages. Cladistic trees from the two types of data differ primarily because similar features in gibbon and human skulls are treated as shared, derived characters in quan- titative cladistic analysis, although they are size associated in gibbons and neotenic in humans. The most-parsimonious trees based on craniodental data from which such pseudoconvergences have been removed are those with an African ape-human clade. This result supports the hy- pothesis that man is more closely related to the chimpanzees and to the gorilla than to other living apes, as does the fossil evidence. (Hominoid phylogeny; allometry; neoteny; skulls; mor- phometrics; phylogenetic methodology.)
Miniaturized glucose biosensor modified with a nitric oxide-releasing xerogel microarray.

Abstract An enzyme-based glucose biosensor modified to release nitric oxide (NO) via a xerogel microarray is reported. The biosensor design is as follows: (1) glucose oxidase (GOx) is immobilized in a methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMOS) xerogel layer; (2) a blended polyurethane/hydrophilic polyurethane coating prevents enzyme leaching and imparts selectivity for glucose; and (3) micropatterned xerogel lines (5 μm wide) separated by distances of 5 or 20 μm provide NO-release capability. This configuration allows for increased glucose sensitivity relative to sensors modified with NO-releasing xerogel films since significant portions of the sensor surface remain unmodified. Glucose diffusion to the GOx layer is thus less inhibited. The micropatterned NO-releasing biosensors generate sufficient NO levels to reduce both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and platelet adhesion without significantly compromising the enzymatic activity of GOx. The glucose response, linearity and stability of the NO-releasing micropatterned sensors are reported.
Selective right, but not left, coronary endothelial dysfunction precedes development of pulmonary hypertension and right heart hypertrophy in rats.

We investigated a causal role for coronary endothelial dysfunction in development of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension and right heart hypertrophy in rats. Significant increases in...
An ethics curriculum for short-term global health trainees

Interest in short-term global health training and service programs continues to grow, yet they can be associated with a variety of ethical issues for which trainees or others with limited global health experience may not be prepared to address. Therefore, there is a clear need for educational interventions concerning these ethical issues. We developed and evaluated an introductory curriculum, “Ethical Challenges in Short-term Global Health Training.” The curriculum was developed through solicitation of actual ethical issues experienced by trainees and program leaders; content drafting; and external content review. It was then evaluated from November 1, 2011, through July 1, 2012, by analyzing web usage data and by conducting user surveys. The survey included basic demographic data; prior experience in global health and global health ethics; and assessment of cases within the curriculum. The ten case curriculum is freely available at http://ethicsandglobalhealth.org . An average of 238 unique visitors accessed the site each month (standard deviation, 19). Of users who had been abroad before for global health training or service, only 31% reported prior ethics training related to short-term work. Most users (62%) reported accessing the site via personal referral or their training program; however, a significant number (28%) reported finding the site via web search, and 8% discovered it via web links. Users represented different fields: medicine (46%), public health (15%), and nursing (11%) were most common. All cases in the curriculum were evaluated favorably. The curriculum is meeting a critical need for an introduction to the ethical issues in short-term global health training. Future work will integrate this curriculum within more comprehensive curricula for global health and evaluate specific knowledge and behavioral effects, including at training sites abroad.
Multiskalenmodellierung biologischer Funktionen: Von Enzymen zu molekularen Maschinen (Nobel‐Aufsatz)

Ein detailliertes Verstandnis der Wirkung biologischer Molekule ist eine Voraussetzung fur sinnvolle Fortschritte in der Medizin und verwandten Bereichen. Die Herausforderung besteht darin, aus vorhandenen Strukturinformationen zu einem klaren Verstandnis der zugrundeliegenden Funktion des Systems zu gelangen. In Anbetracht der Komplexitat von Makromolekulen sind Computersimulationen unentbehrlich, um den Zusammenhang zwischen den molekularen Krafte und einer bestimmten Funktion zu beschreiben. Allerdings ist es praktisch unmoglich, eine vollstandige und zuverlassige quantenmechanische Beschreibung groser molekularer Systeme zu verwenden.[1] Die Losung fur dieses Problem entstand aus der Erkenntnis heraus, dass grose Systeme raumlich aufgeteilt werden konnen, und zwar in einen Teil, der quantenmechanisch beschrieben werden muss (z. B. ein Bereich, in dem Bindungen gebrochen werden), wahrend der Rest des Systems auf einer einfacheren Ebene durch empirische Kraftfelder beschrieben wird. Diese Idee war besonders wirkungsvoll bei der Entwicklung von kombinierten Quantenmechanik/Molekulmechanik(QM/MM)-Modellen.2 Hierbei zeigte sich, dass das Zusammenspiel zwischen den elektrostatischen Effekten der klassischen und Quantensysteme der Schlussel fur die Beschreibung der Funktionen von Enzymen und anderen Biomolekulen ist. Die Idee der Darstellung komplexer Systeme in unterschiedlichen Auflosungen sowohl auf der Zeit- als auch auf der Langenskala hat sich als sehr nutzlich bei der Modellierung komplexer Systeme erwiesen. Ausgehend von grobkornigen (coarse grained, CG) Darstellungen, die sich ursprunglich als sehr wirkungsvoll bei der Simulation der Proteinfaltung erwiesen haben – und die um die Beitrage elektrostatischer Energien erweitert wurden –, gelangte man zu Modellen, die besonders nutzlich fur die Erforschung der Wirkungsweise molekularer Maschinen sind. Dieser Ansatz der Verwendung mehrerer Skalen (“multiscale modeling”) wird wahrscheinlich eine wichtige Rolle bei der Modellierung noch komplexerer Systeme spielen, einschlieslich Zellen und Zellenansammlungen.
The Battle of the Sexes: a Brawl in the Locker Room!

One of the most salient issues concerning the growth and development of modern in tercollegiate athletics is that of the apparent organizational conflict between the Associa tion for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Since its inception in 1972, the AIAW has been involved in a silent struggle for survival with its more established (1906) male counterpart (NCAA) which ap pears to be on the verge of unilaterally incorporating the inalienable rights of women's in tercollegiate athletics into their already-too-troubled and complex governance webb. The on-going battle of the opposing governance systems and their societal motivations, inten tions and ramifications are crucial for the social scientist to note and respond.
A highly conservative, cyclically permuted, non-homologous exchange among three unrelated DNA sequences in bleomycin-treated CHO cells

Molecular analysis of a bleomycin-induced rearrangement of the aprt gene in CHO cells revealed that it consisted of a nearly perfect three-way exchange among non-homologous sequences, consistent with a mechanism involving cyclically permuted misjoining of the six ends of three double-strand breaks.
Usefulness of Thyroid Transcription Factor-1 Immunohistochemical Staining in the Differential Diagnosis of Primary Pulmonary Tumors of Dogs

In a previous study, we characterized the reactivity of monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 8G7G3/1 to thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) in canine thyroid tumors. In this study, we have examined the reactivity of this antibody in 120 canine pulmonary tumors, including 78 primary epithelial tumors. Tissues had been fixed in formalin and routinely processed for histopathology. Nuclear staining for TTF-1 was detected in 64.2% of primary pulmonary epithelial tumors. The most common TTF-1-reactive tumor types were bronchioloalveolar carcinomas and bronchogenic carcinomas. Staining was diffuse, heterogeneous, or patchy. Nonpulmonary, metastatic epithelial tumors, except two of two thyroid carcinomas, did not react with antibody 8G7G3/1. Mesotheliomas and other mesenchymal tumors were also negative for this marker. A reduction or loss of reactivity was apparent in pulmonary epithelial tumors archived in paraffin blocks for 7-8 years. There was slight reduction in the number of positive cells or the intensity of the reaction in control tissues fixed longer than 1 week. On the basis of our limited studies and the human literature, it appears that MoAb 8G7G3/1 to TTF-1 is a highly specific (with the exception of thyroid tumors) and moderately sensitive marker for canine pulmonary epithelial tumors.
Statistical design and analysis

After a general simulation model is built, coded, verified, and validated, it is used to learn about the system(s) under study, requiring careful prior design of the runs and appropriate analysis of their output. This paper surveys methods for effective and efficient design and analysis of simulation experiments.
Self-excited resonances of two side-branches in close proximity

Complex piping systems with multiple side-branches in close proximity are very liable to flow-induced acoustic resonances. This is demonstrated by means of model tests of two piping systems, one with a single side-branch the second containing two side-branches. The general acoustic response of these two systems is studied as the flow velocity in the main pipe is increased. The influence of the distance between the branches, the branch length, the static pressure, the upstream turbulence level and the angle between the branches is also investigated.
Effects of Birth Cohort on Long-Term Trends in Mortality From Colorectal Cancer

Background & Aims The decrease in mortality from colorectal cancer might have begun before widespread use of screening colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy examinations. We examined long-term time trends in colorectal cancer mortality in 6 European countries to determine when the reduction began. Methods We analyzed mortality data from the national statistical offices of the United Kingdom (England and Wales), France, Italy, The Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland during the past 66 to 107 years. The data were made available by the national statistical offices of the 6 countries. Age-specific rates of death were plotted against the period of death, as period–age contours, and against the period of birth, as cohort–age contours. Results Long-term time trends in mortality from cancers of the rectum and colon each increased among generations born from 1800 to 1880, and then decreased among all subsequent generations, in all 6 countries analyzed. Similar temporal patterns also were observed when data from men and women were analyzed separately. The birth cohort patterns of colorectal cancer mortality resemble those of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer. Conclusions Time trends of mortality from colorectal cancer, in 6 European countries, are associated with birth cohort patterns: colorectal cancer mortality decreased among all generations since 1880. These patterns indicate that in addition to the use of screening colonoscopy, other factors, such as changes in Helicobacter pylori infection, may have affected mortality.
A randomized phase II trial of mitoxantrone, estramustine and vinorelbine or bcl-2 modulation with 13-cis retinoic acid, interferon and paclitaxel in patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer: ECOG 3899

Background: To test the hypothesis that modulation of Bcl-2 with 13-cis retinoic acid (CRA)/interferon-alpha2b (IFN) with paclitaxel (TAX), or mitoxantrone, estramustine and vinorelbine (MEV) will have clinical activity in men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Methods: 70 patients were treated with either MEV (Arm A) in a 3-week cycle or CRA/IFN/TAX with an 8-week cycle (Arm B). Patients were assessed for response, toxicity, quality of life (QOL), and the effect of treatment on Bcl2 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Results: The PSA response rates were 50% and 23%, measurable disease response rates (CR+PR) 14% and 15%, and median overall survival 19.4 months and 13.9 months on Arm A and Arm B respectively. Transient grade 4 neutropenia occurred in 18 and 2 patients, and grade 3 to 4 thrombosis in 7 patients and 1 patient in Arm A and Arm B respectively. Patients on Arm B reported a clinically significant decline in QOL between baseline and week 9/10 (.71 s.d.), and a significantly lower level of QOL than Arm A (p = 0.01). As hypothesized, Bcl-2 levels decreased with CRA/IFN therapy only in Arm B (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Treatment with MEV was well tolerated and demonstrated clinical activity in patients with CRPC. Given the adverse effect of CRA/IFN/TAX on QOL, the study of other novel agents that target Bcl-2 family proteins is warranted. The feasibility of measuring Bcl-2 protein in a cooperative group setting is hypothesis generating and supports further study as a marker for Bcl-2 targeted therapy.
Efficient Simulation of Fully Coupled Wave-Body Interactions Using a Sharp Interface Immersed-Boundary/Level-Set Method

In this paper, some recent progress toward the prediction of fully coupled wave-body interactions using a sharp interface immersed-boundary/level-set method is presented. A non-iterative strong coupling scheme for the fluid motion and rigid body dynamics is adopted by utilizing a non-inertial reference frame attached to the solid body. The combination of this scheme with the previous immersed-boundary/level-set method gives a robust and efficient tool for the prediction of solid body motions in waves. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the applicability of the new method. Possible further developments are discussed.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Towards a Native Anthropology

Field methodology is currently a much-discussed subject in anthropology. As usually conceived, research is a task carried out by an "outsider" or "stranger" who enters a society and attempts to learn about the way of life of its people. Thus, most discussions center on problems encountered by the outsider. But there is another vantage point from which research can be conducted - that of "insider," the person who conducts research on the cultural, racial, or ethnic group of which he himself is a member. The goal of this paper is to explore some of the problems of field work faced by such inside researchers.
Cash Flow Projections for Selected TxDoT Highway Projects

In planning for contractor payments, an owner with multiple projects needs to estimate the amount of money to be paid to contractors in coming months. For an owner as large as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDoT), one is faced with the problem of organizing the budget to ensure that there are sufficient funds for all projects. This investigation was requested by TxDoT to provide a tool to forecast future project payments. Recent account summaries of TxDoT projects from 2001 to 2003 were analyzed for creating mathematical models representing monthly payments for various projects. The data were organized into categories of project types and subcategories of project contract amount. A fourth degree polynomial regression analysis was run on the data and the regression curve, when statistically significant, was taken to be the forecast payment curve. Finally, a computer program was developed to implement the results of the investigation for TxDoT's needs. The methodology provided will help other highway agencies to create their own equations to better predict project cash flows and trends. This investigation might also benefit researchers in projecting cash flows and trends, while also allowing for improvements.
Frequency and heritability of depression symptomatology in the second half of life: evidence from Danish twins over 45.

Background. Self-reported depressive symptoms among the elderly have generated considerable interest because they are readily available measures of overall well-being in a population often thought to be at special risk for mental disorder. Method. The heritability of depression symptoms was investigated in a sample of 2169 pairs of Danish twins (1033 MZ and 1136 same sex DZ) ranging in age from 45 to over 95. Twins completed an interview assessment that identified symptoms of depression, which were scored on Affective, Somatic and Total scales. Results. Overall heritability estimates (a 2 ) for the Affective (a 2 = 0.27, (95% CI 0.22–0.32)). Somatic (a 2 = 0.26, (0.21–0.32)), and Total (a 2 = 0.29, (0.22–0.34)) scales were all moderate, statistically significant and similar to results from other studies. To assess possible variations in heritability across the wide age span, the sample was stratified into age groups in increments of 10 years. The magnitude of heritable influence did not vary significantly with age or sex. Somatic scale heritability tended to be greater for females than for males, though this difference was not statistically significant. The genetic correlation between the Affective and Somatic scales was 0.71, suggesting substantial common genetic origins. Conclusions. Though the frequency of self-reported depressive symptoms increased with age in this sample, their heritability did not.
Detection of emerging sunspot regions in the solar interior

Sunspots are regions where strong magnetic fields emerge from the solar interior and where major eruptive events occur. These energetic events can cause power outages, interrupt telecommunication and navigation services, and pose hazards to astronauts. We detected subsurface signatures of emerging sunspot regions before they appeared on the solar disc. Strong acoustic travel-time anomalies of an order of 12 to 16 seconds were detected as deep as 65,000 kilometers. These anomalies were associated with magnetic structures that emerged with an average speed of 0.3 to 0.6 kilometer per second and caused high peaks in the photospheric magnetic flux rate 1 to 2 days after the detection of the anomalies. Thus, synoptic imaging of subsurface magnetic activity may allow anticipation of large sunspot regions before they become visible, improving space weather forecast.
Diagnostic Plots for Missing Data in Least Squares Regression

Abstract The usual approach to handling missing data in a regression is to assume that the points are missing at random (MAR) and use either a fill-in method to replace the missing points or a method using maximally available pairs in the sample covariance matrix. We derive limits for the values of the least squares estimates of the coefficients (and their associated t statistics) when there are missing observations in one carrier. These limits are derived subject to a constraint on the relationship of the missing data to the present data. Calculating these limits while varying this constrained value results in a series of diagnostic plots that can be used to study the potential effect of the missing points on the regression (without assuming that the points are MAR). Simulations are performed to illustrate the use of the plots, and two real data sets are analyzed. The more general case of missing data in more than one carrier is also discussed.
Intrinsic Value in Environmental Ethics: Beyond Subjectivism and Objectivism

It is widely held that all hope for a satisfactory environmental ethic rests on the question whether intrinsic value can be discovered in non human nature, for it is also widely held that intrinsic value is what, if anything, grounds human obligations to non-human nature. The work of J. Baird Callicott on intrinsic value has been central to the contemporary discussion of environmental ethics and the present paper leads off with an overview of some aspects of his work in this area. An account of Callicott's views falls naturally into two parts. His earlier work in value theory explicitly endorsed value subjectivism and con sisted in an articulation of a sentimentalism, with roots in Hume and Dar win, which he perceived to be essential to a satisfactory exposition of Aldo Leopold's land ethic. With the publication of "Intrinsic Value, Quantum Theory, and Environmental Ethics" in 1985, however, Callicott confessed that value subjectivism rests on the dualism of mind and body, subject and object, characteristic of the waning Cartesian/Newtonian world view, and formulated a relational theory of intrinsic value inspired by the "new physics."1 Callicott's tack in his earlier work was to provide as much objectivity for intrinsic value as possible within a subjectivist framework by adopting a Humean moral philosophy and tailoring it to the needs of environmental ethics by the inclusion of Darwin's account of the origin of other-regarding sentiments and Leopold's account of the biotic community of which we are members. Stipulating that something has "inherent value" (for our pur poses here, read 'intrinsic value') "if (while its value is not independent of all valuing consciousness) it is valued for itself and not only and merely because it serves as a means to satisfy the desires, further the interests, or occasion the preferred experiences of the valuers,"2 Callicott argued that such inherent value does exist in non-human nature. He also argued that his view does not entail a radical relativism of value since there is a "functional
Interactions of recombinant and wild-type baculoviruses with classical insecticides and pyrethroid-resistant tobacco budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

In tests with neonate Heliothis virescens (F.), we characterized interactions of all combinations of a recombinant Autographa californica (Speyer) nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcAaIT) that expresses an insect-selective neurotoxin (AaIT) and wild-type AcNPV when combined with low concentrations of several conventional insecticides. All combinations of the recombinant virus AcAaIT and insecticides showed a positive interaction (decrease in the median lethal time (LT50) compared with the LT50 for either component alone). A type II pyrethroid (cypermethrin, which modifies currents of sodium channels) and a carbamate (methomyl, an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase) were synergistic in combination with AcAaIT. Other insecticides also showed a positive interaction when tested in combination with the recombinant virus, but joint activity was slightly antagonistic (i.e., less than predicted activity when combined) with wild-type AcNPV. We also characterized the effectiveness of AcAaIT against pyrethroid-resistant H. virescens larvae. Our results show that a resistant strain of H. virescens is more sensitive to the recombinant virus compared with a susceptible strain. Results of these studies should be useful in planning of future field trials to increase the effectiveness of nuclear polyhedrosis viruses and to manage resistance to pyrethroids and other insecticides.
Maxwell Finland, 1902–1987 A Tribute

The death of Maxwell Finland has ended one of the major eras of infectious diseases in the United States and abroad. To review his extraordinary career in the pages of this journal, and before members of the infectious diseases community, would be gratuitous. His work as one of the greatest contributors to our understanding of infectious diseases, and particularly to the understanding of the action of specific antimicrobial agents, was recognized in every possible manner nationally and internationally, by academic, governmental, and industrial organizations alike. As the first President of the Infectious Diseases Society, he helped to set its course, and the recognition paid to him by the Society in naming one of its annual lectures for him was one of the recognitions he treasured most among the large numbers of honors that came to him. Author of more than 800 scientific papers, of countless chapters in books, and of innumerable unsigned editorials and other commentaries, his industry and capacity to synthesize the voluminous material were apocryphal, except to those who knew him closely, for whom these capacities were realities that are still difficult to grasp fully. His devotion to his colleagues and to the field, his almost singleminded purposefulness when he had set his goals, his modesty, and yet his great personal warmth and deep friendships were the characteristics that all of us can remember with joy. He lived a full and happy life, doing what he most wanted to do and ultimately achieving every possible ambition and recognition. Only during the last few years, when his physical capacities began to fade, did this lifetime of robust energy and total commitment begin to show the effects of time. We should all take joy and pride that such a man was one of our leaders and one of the major figures of our field.
Abstract A106: Induction of synthetic lethality in mutant KRAS cells for lung cancer prevention and therapy

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States, with a low five-year survival rate despite improved treatment strategies. Mutations and activation of KRAS occur frequently in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) and are associated with higher risk of drug-resistance, tumor recurrence, and poor prognosis. Currently, there are no effective therapies for targeting mutant KRAS and there is a great need to develop such a strategy. We have previously discovered a synthetic lethal interaction among TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), the second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase Smac/DIABLO (Smac), and mutant KRAS in premalignant lung epithelial cells, which allows for chemoprevention of KRAS-driven lung cancer by the combination of TRAIL and Smac mimic [Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2011 May;4(5):666–73.]. Here we demonstrated that this synthetic lethal interaction also exists in malignant lung cancer cells. We showed that 3 out of 4 lung cancer cell lines harboring mutant KRAS displayed high sensitivity to the combination of TRAIL and Smac mimic and KRAS wild type lung cancer cell lines were resistant to the treatment. Expression of mutant KRAS in KRAS wild type lung cancer cells sensitized these cells to TRAIL and Smac mimic and knocking down of mutant KRAS in mutant KRAS expressing cells resulted in resistance to the treatment. Furthermore, we showed that TRAIL and Smac mimic treatment inhibited xenograft tumor growth in mutant KRAS dependent manner. Mechanistically, we found that mutant KRAS repressed cellular FADD-like interleukin 1β–converting enzyme (FLICE)-like inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) expression through the activation of Erk/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-mediated activation of c-Myc. Mutant KRAS also enhanced the secretion of Prostate Apoptosis Response-4 (Par4) to promote TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Our study provided a potential new approach for lung cancer chemoprevention and therapy based on synthetic lethality that targets mutant KRAS for apoptosis using the combination of and Smac mimic. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2011;4(10 Suppl):A106.
Towards low overhead control flow checking using regular structured control

With process scaling and the adoption of post-CMOS technologies, reliability has been brought to the forefront of modern computer system design. Among the different ways that hardware faults can manifest in a system, errors related to the control flow of a program tend to be the most difficult to handle when ensuring reliable computing. Errors in the sequencing of instructions executed are usually catastrophic, resulting in system hangs, crashes, and/or corrupted data. For this reason, conventional approaches rely on some form of general redundancy for detecting or recovering from a control flow error. Due to the power constraints of emerging systems however, these types of conservative approaches are quickly becoming infeasible. Control Flow Checking by Software Signatures (CFCSS) is a software-based technique for detecting control flow errors [1] that using assigned signatures rather than by using general redundancy. Unfortunately, the performance overhead for CFCSS can still be as high as 80%–90% for many applications. In this paper, we propose a novel method for reducing the overhead of control flow checking by exploiting the regular control structure found in many applications. Specifically, we observe that the alternating sequence of conditional and unconditional based control allows for the full control signatures to be computed at alternating basic blocks. Based on experimental results of the proposed approach, we observe that the overheads of the traditional methods are reduced on average by 25.9%.
The Characteristics Study of Unitied Low-voltage Current Transformer with the Function of Preventing Electricity-stealing

In order to establish the quality system of estimation,the characteristics of the new unitied low-voltage current transformer(ULCT) with the function of preventing electricity-stealing have been well studied in this paper.The typical designed structures of the ULCT are recommended based on the studies of electric largeny prevention structure and CT insulation chracteristcs,and the relationship between the electrometric features and performance of CT cores is established based on the studies of CT volt-ampere and error characteritics.All the detection methods are all followed with the national standards of China.The results of the detection show that the structures of the ULCT can influence baddly the insulation characteristics and there are strong relations between the electrometric features and performance of CT cores.
Multiple Coordinated Optimization Control of Active Distribution Network Considering Flexible Load

The development of active distribution network(ADN)is an effective approach to the consumption of intermittent distributed generation.Based on control technology of ADN optimal operation,a control method of global centralized optimization and regional coordinated correction is proposed.In the long cycle,global optimization control is implemented and an optimal flow model based on semi-definite programming theory is developed to get minimum power loss by coordinated globally active and reactive power resources.In the short cycle,the network is divided into several controllable regions,and the coordinated correction control strategy for distributed generation,voltage reactive power equipment,and flexible load for tracking the regional optimal operation objective is proposed.The simulation example demonstrates that global optimization control is able to effectively reduce power loss while regional correction control will accurately track the global optimization objective,maintaining the network optimal state of operation from beginning to end.
Recent advances in pancreatic cancer.

Progress is being made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer of the pancreas. Along with earlier diagnosis, a more adequate surgical resection combined with immune stimulation and administration of multiple drug chemotherapy may improve results.
Dynamic network interactions supporting internally-oriented cognition.

Recent advances in systems neuroscience have solidified the view that many cognitive processes are supported by dynamic interactions within and between large-scale brain networks. Here we synthesize this research, highlighting dynamic network interactions supporting a less explored aspect of cognition with important clinical relevance: internally-oriented cognition. We first present a brief overview of established resting-state networks, focusing on those supporting internally-oriented cognition, as well as those involved in dynamic control. We then discuss recent empirical work emphasizing that many cognitive tasks involving internally-oriented processes — such as mind-wandering, prospection, and creative thinking — rely on dynamic interactions within and between large-scale networks. Our aim is to provide a snapshot of emerging trends and future directions in an important aspect of human cognition.
Dispossession, Justice, and a Sustainable Energy Future

The World Health Organization’s ‘energy ladder’ illustrates the forms of energy found across the globe today, ranging from scavenged animal dung to electricity as fueled primarily by coal, hydropower, and nuclear energy. In this chapter, we argue that this ladder positions catastrophic risks at every rung, including ecological destruction and human warfare. Ulrich Beck theorized how catastrophic risks are engineered into modern western infrastructures, and then denied or falsely made manageable, as we witnessed with the 2010 Gulf of Mexico British Petroleum oil spill and the 2011 Fukushima nuclear crisis. Such catastrophic crises symbolically eclipse the equally significant—yet less spectacular—injustices and environmental degradation wrought routinely across carbon and nuclear supply chains. The concept of [liberal] ‘dispossession’ is adopted from critical social theory to name the conditions of sustained energy injustice found in western civilizations as its powerful energy complexes knowingly deny the scope and severity of externalized costs, thereby discouraging public awareness of needed change for a sustainable future.
Humanitarian Cyber Operations: Rapid Response to Crimes against Humanity Utilizing Offensive Cyber Ability

Military cyber capacity, built to be a part of military operations, can be utilized for humanitarian operations utilizing the legal framework of responsibility to protect. The responsibility to protect doctrine will allow concerned states to interfere in the domestic affairs of foreign nations that jeopardize the welfare of its citizenry, and the humanitarian operations are not considered acts of war. In principle, cyber can be utilized to protect humanity in the same way as military transportation ships can transport aid to a humanitarian catastrophe.