cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 4383: Effects of inhibition of upregulated microRNAs in canine histiocytic sarcoma

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Histiocytic diseases encompass a spectrum of proliferative diseases in humans and dogs. While these orphan malignancies are rare in the human, histiocytic diseases are relatively frequent in certain breeds of dog. In the dog, these diseases range from benign histiocytoma to malignant histiocytic sarcoma (HS). Disseminated HS has a poor prognosis and lacks effective treatment options in both humans and dogs. The overall goal of this study is to unravel the mechanisms of tumorigenesis in histiocytic diseases and identify better treatments. Our studies have focused on microRNAs (miRNAs), which are master regulators of gene expression and may have a significant role in tumorigenesis in histiocytic diseases. MiRNA profiling of canine histiocytic diseases was conducted on cases of reactive histiocytosis, HS, and hemophagocytic HS. These samples were compared to normal canine histiocytes derived from peripheral blood or peritoneal fluid. Several miRNAs were identified to be upregulated in the disease samples and were selected for validation by qRT-PCR. From these results, two miRNA targets were selected for further evaluation. We are probing the significance of the upregulation of these miRNAs by inhibiting their function in canine HS cell lines using chemical miRNA inhibitors and sponge constructs designed to competitively bind the upregulated miRNAs, thus preventing them from acting on their targets. Our results to date indicate that inhibiting these miRNAs in the canine HS cell line, DH82, decreases growth rate by as much as 39%. Studies into other aspects of tumorigenicity potentially affected by the inhibition of these miRNAs are underway. Our preliminary data suggests these miRNAs themselves may be effective therapeutic targets for histiocytic diseases. Additionally, further analysis of the pathways regulated by these miRNAs may identify critical gene targets in HS tumorigenesis and thus increase our understanding of these malignancies and discover novel and effective therapies. Comparative studies have the potential to provide opportunities for advancement in these orphan malignancies, and in this case, improve clinical outcome in dogs and humans. Citation Format: Emmalena J. Gregory-Bryson, Maciej Parys, Matti Kiupel, Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan. Effects of inhibition of upregulated microRNAs in canine histiocytic sarcoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4383. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4383
A Dynamic Model of Incumbent LEC Response to Entry Under the Terms of the Telecommunications Act of 1996

This paper dynamically models an incumbent Local Exchange Carrier's (LEC's) ability to control market entry with a profit squeeze. The model is consistent with the post-Telecommunications Act of 1996 local exchange market. The model shows that an unconstrained incumbent could choose output prices and input costs to discourage an entrant's output-market production. The impact of a regulatory constraint on incumbent behavior is examined. It is concluded that cost-based input prices may lead to little growth in the entrant's self-provision of inputs and that continuing oversight of output and input prices may be necessary.
Back to Basics in the Assessment of Stigma: Commentary on Conley et al. (2012)

In this commentary, I put forward some recommendations for a triangulating ap-proach to the documentation of stigma marking consensually nonmonogamous(CNM) relationships. I also suggest what information policymakers need next:answerstotheinterrelatedquestionsofwhereitcomesfromandwhattodoaboutit. Given the context-specific manifestations of social stigma, policy recommen-dations should be driven by both an account of the origins of this stigma anda consideration of the current atmosphere of intense social change relating tosexuality in the United States.
Activation of Selectively Reduced and Alkylated Trypsinogen and Enzymic Properties of the Activated Product

Abstract Chromatographically purified S-carboxymethyl (179, 203) trypsinogen was activated with trypsin and with enterokinase at pH 5 to functional enzyme molecules as judged by active site titrations. The activation with trypsin was pseudo first order, and its calculated second order rate constant was identical with the corresponding rate constant for the autocatalytic activation of trypsinogen. We interpret these results to signify that the modified zymogen followed the usual reaction pathway on activation, and end group analyses and the composition of purified carboxymethyl trypsin add further support to this proposal. The carboxymethyl, carboxyamidomethyl, and aminoethyl trypsinogens were activated with enterokinase and gave similar yields of active molecules. Carboxymethyl trypsin showed a pH rate profile in accord with the requirement of an un-ionized histidine in the catalytic mechanism. The specificity of catalysis was directed toward lysyl and argininyl residues, and a substrate activation effect was observed at high concentrations of ester substrates. Substrate binding (Km values) of benzoylarginamide was almost identical with that of trypsin and within an order of magnitude with ester substrates. However, the catalytic efficiency of the modified trypsin was low in its proteinase, amidase, and esterase activities. Thus, keat was 0.015 sec-1 with benzoylargininamide (instead of 0.7 sec-1) and 1.2 sec-1 with benzoylarginine ethyl ester (instead of 28 sec-1). The similar decrease in the acylation and deacylation rate constants, namely to 2 and 4%, respectively, was interpreted as arising from a small change in the geometry of the active site from its normal charge-relay configuration.
Intersecciones entre la antropología y los estudios culturales: El análisis sobre lo «político» y la política de nuestros estudios

Resumen es: A pesar de su mutua caricaturizacion, la antropologia y los estudios culturales comparten una serie de aproximaciones analiticas que podrian resultar en ...
Coherent structures in a simulated turbulent mixing layer

A direct numerical simulation of a plane turbulent mixing layer has been performed. The simulation was initialized using two turbulent velocity fields obtained from direct numerical simulation of a turbulent boundary layer at momentum thickness Reynolds number 300 (Spalart 1988). The mixing layer is allowed to evolve long enough for self-similar linear growth to occur, with the visual thickness Reynolds number reaching 14,000.
Surplus Nectar Available for Subalpine Bumble Bee Colony Growth

Mutualisms may cause coupled population expansion or decline if both partners respond to variation in the other's abundance. Many studies have shown how the abundance of animal mutualists affects plant reproduction, but less is known about how the abundance of plant mutualists affects animal reproduction. Over 2 yr, I compared reproduction of the bumble bee, Bombus appositus, across meadows that varied naturally in flower density, and I compared reproduction between fed colonies and unfed control colonies. Colony reproduction (gyne, worker, and male production) was constant across meadows that varied naturally in flower density. Forager densities per flower did not vary among meadows, and daily nectar depletion was consistently low across meadows, suggesting that bees had ample nectar in all meadows. However, colonies directly fed with supplemental nectar and pollen generally produced over twice as many gynes as control colonies. Feeding did not affect male or worker production. Although colonies may benefit from food supplementation at the nest, it is possible that they may not benefit from additional flowers because they have too few workers to collect extra resources.
Bromomethyl Methyl Ether

[13057-17-5] C2H5BrO (MW 124.96) InChI = 1S/C2H5BrO/c1-4-2-3/h2H2,1H3 InChIKey = JAMFGQBENKSWOF-UHFFFAOYSA-N (alkylating agent; formaldehyde equivalent;1-8 alcohol protecting group9-14) Alternate Name: BMME. Physical Data: bp 87 °C; d 1.531 g cm−3. Form Supplied in: colorless to light yellow liquid. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: lachrymator, possible carcinogen, handle with care. Extremely destructive to tissue of mucous membranes, eyes, and skin. Wear respirator, chemical-resistant gloves, and safety goggles.
Importance of Oxides in Carbon/Molecule/Metal Molecular Junctions with Titanium and Copper Top Contacts

Carbon/molecule/metal molecular junctions were fabricated by metal deposition of titanium or copper on monolayers of nitroazobenzene (NAB), biphenyl, and nitrobiphenyl (NBP), and multilayers of NAB and NBP covalently bonded to an sp 2 carbon substrate. The electronic behavior of Ti junctions was extremely dependent on residual gas pressure during E-beam deposition, due to the formation of a disordered Ti oxyhydroxide deposit. The junction resistance decreased with decreasing residual gas pressure, and the hysteresis and rectification observed previously for relatively high deposition pressure was absent for pressures below 5 × 10 - 7 Torr. Deletion of the molecular layer resulted in low-resistance junctions for both high and low deposition pressures. Replacement of the Ti with Al with otherwise identical deposition conditions resulted in insulating junctions with much higher resistance and no rectification. Ti junctions made at low residual gas pressure had resistances and current/voltage characteristics similar to those of junctions with Cu top contacts, with the latter exhibiting high yield and good reproducibility. The current/ voltage characteristics of both the Ti and Cu junctions fabricated with low residual gas pressure were nonlinear and showed a strong dependence on the molecular layer thickness. The hysteresis and rectification previously observed for junctions fabricated at relatively high residual gas pressure depend on the combination of the NAB layer and the semiconducting TiO x film, with the TiO x layer conductivity depending strongly on formation conditions. Rectification and hysteresis in NAB/TiO x junctions may result from either redox reactions of the NAB and TiO x layers, or from electron injection into the conduction band of Ti oxide.
What lies within: coinfections and immunity.

Helminth-induced immunomodulation is thought to influence the outcome of secondary infections. Osborne et al. (2014) and Reese et al. (2014) demonstrate that helminth infection impacts viral infections by tilting the immune system toward Th2/M2 immune regulatory responses that dampen Th1/M1 antiviral responses as well as promote reactivation of latent herpesviruses.
Testosterone negatively regulates right ventricular load stress responses in mice

Right ventricular (RV) function is the major determinant of mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension and male sex is a strong predictor of mortality in this disease. The effects of testosterone on RV structure and function in load stress are presently unknown. We tested whether testosterone levels affect RV hypertrophic responses, fibrosis, and function. Male C57BL/6 mice underwent castration or sham followed by pulmonary artery banding (PAB) or sham. After recovery, testosterone pellets were placed in a subset of the castrated mice and mice were maintained for at least two weeks, when they underwent hemodynamic measurements and tissues were harvested. Plasma levels of testosterone were reduced by castration and repleted by testosterone administration. In PAB, castration resulted in lower right ventricle/left ventricle + septum (RV/LV+S), and myocyte diameter (P < 0.05). Replacement of testosterone normalized these parameters and increased RV fibrosis (P < 0.05). Two weeks of PAB resulted in increased RV systolic pressure in all groups with decreased markers of RV systolic and diastolic function, specifically reduced ejection fraction and increased time constant, and dPdt minimum (P < 0.05), though there was minimal effect of testosterone on hemodynamic parameters. Survival was improved in mice that underwent castration with PAB compared with PAB alone (P < 0.05). Testosterone affects RV hypertrophic response to load stress through increased myocyte size and increased fibrosis in mice. Castration and testosterone replacement are not accompanied by significant alterations in RV in vivo hemodynamics, but testosterone deprivation appears to improve survival in PAB. Further study of the role of testosterone in RV dysfunction is warranted to better understand these findings in the context of human disease.
UNVEILING THE MECHANISM OF ACTION AND REGULATION OF THE STEROIDOGENIC ACUTE REGULATORY PROTEIN

Stimulation of steroid-producing cells of the gonads and adrenals with trophic hormone (LH, and ACTH, respectively) produces a marked increase in steroid hormone synthesis within minutes. The rate-limiting step in this acute steroidogenic response is the transport of cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane, where the first committed step in steroid synthesis is performed by the side-chain cleavage enzyme system (P450scc), resulting in the production of pregnenolone. This process of cholesterol translocation is blocked by inhibitors of protein synthesis (i.e. cycloheximide) indicating that the effect of trophic hormones, acting through the intermediacy of cAMP, most likely involves the de novo synthesis of a protein that is rapidly inactivated. The recently identified steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) appears to be the most likely candidate for the labile protein: (1) StAR is synthesized in response to cAMP and the StAR preprotein disappears rapidly in the presence of inhibitors of protein synthesis; (2) StAR has an N-terminal targeting sequence that directs the protein to the mitochondria; and (3) StAR protein is expressed almost exclusively in steroid-producing cells, its presence is correlated with steroid hormone production, and lack of functional StAR causes the autosomal recessive disease congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (lipoid CAH), characterized by markedly impaired gonadal and adrenal steroid hormone synthesis. We have demonstrated that StAR is a target for serine phosphorylation mediated by protein kinase A (PKA), a process that is essential to maximizing StAR activity. StAR import by mitochondria is not essential to its steroidogenesis enhancing activity, and more likely, represents a means of rapidly inactivating StAR. Truncation mutations and site-directed mutations in StAR demonstrated that the C-terminus of the protein contains the functionally important domains. Further, we have demonstrated potent steroidogenic activity of recombinant StAR protein on isolated mitochondria from bovine corpus luteum using protein that lacks the mitochondrial targeting sequence. These observations confirm that StAR import is not essential for its steroidogenic activity and suggest that StAR acts directly on the outer mitochondrial membrane in the absence of intermediary cytosolic factors. More recently, we have found that StAR functions as a cholesterol transfer protein that does not require a protein receptor or co-factor, suggesting that StAR acts directly on lipids of the outer mitochondrial membrane to promote cholesterol translocation.
Social Support Resources of Poor Widowed Men during the Depression

Sources of social support for 24 widowed, “worthy” elderly men who were clients of a privately funded foundation in Detroit, Michigan, beginning in 1929 or 1930 until their deaths are described. Beginning with the application for admission, each man's file documents delivery of services in notes recorded each time he had contact with anyone in the foundation. Letters written by and about a man were also kept in his file as well as reports from physicians and other health professionals who treated him. Sources of support for the widowers were fourfold: kin, friends, proprietors of the various residences in which they lived, and the social workers employed by the foundation. The use of each type of support is described. In the final section of the paper, general themes of support are placed in an historical context.
Getting F-bounded polymorphism into shape

We present a way to restrict recursive inheritance without sacrificing the benefits of F-bounded polymorphism. In particular, we distinguish two new concepts, materials and shapes, and demonstrate through a survey of 13.5 million lines of open-source generic-Java code that these two concepts never actually overlap in practice. With this Material-Shape Separation, we prove that even naive type-checking algorithms are sound and complete, some of which address problems that were unsolvable even under the existing proposals for restricting inheritance. We illustrate how the simplicity of our design reflects the design intuitions employed by programmers and potentially enables new features coming into demand for upcoming programming languages.
V/STOL aircraft simulation - Requirements and capabilities at Ames Research Center

Ground-based flight simulation contributes greatly to the development of new aircraft and flight management systems and will be especially important in improving the performance, safety, and environmental characteristics of future civil and military V/STOL aircraft. This paper describes existing simulation facilities at Ames Research Center and discusses their capabilities and limitations for V/STOL aircraft investigations. Simulation requirements for NASA research and support of DOD programs are also discussed, including technology development for advanced rotorcraft and civil and military V/STOL aircraft. Current efforts and future plans are described for the upgrading of Ames simulation facilities to meet those requirements. Recent advances in equipment technology and operational methodology are shown to provide significantly improved simulation fidelity through better motion and visual cues and faster system response to pilot inputs.
Arthroscopic synovectomy for the management of shoulder arthropathy in chronic renal dialysis patients.

Abstract We present the clinical results of 7 hemodialysis patients after arthroscopic shoulder synovectomy (1 bilateral) for night pain and decreased range of motion. There was no evidence of infection in any of the shoulders at the time of surgery. The results of histologic analysis of synovial tissue were negative for crystals in all of the patients. Tissue from 1 of 7 patients was positive for amyloid. All 7 patients had significant pain relief at a mean of 2.3 months postoperatively. At a mean of 5.5 years postoperatively, the mean L'Insalata score was 68.8 ± 12.2 points. Five of six patients rated their overall satisfaction with the procedure as good or excellent. Forward flexion and external rotation had improved by a mean of 40° and 20°, respectively. The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 64.5 ± 13.1 points. We believe that arthroscopic synovectomy is an effective treatment for hemodialysis patients who have shoulder pain, particularly night pain that is not caused by infection and fails to respond to conservative management. (J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2003;12:144-7)
General in-situation safety behaviors are uniquely associated with post-event processing.

Abstract Background and objectives Research suggests that state anxiety and in-situation safety behaviors are associated with post-event processing (PEP) in social anxiety. Past research has obtained mixed results on whether one or both factors contribute to PEP. The current investigation evaluated state anxiety and in-situation safety behaviors (including subtypes of in-situation safety behaviors) simultaneously to determine their relative contributions to PEP. Methods A prospective study assessed social anxiety, state anxiety, in-situation safety behaviors, PEP, and depression in the context of a speech stressor. Results Consistent with theory, in-situation safety behaviors were uniquely associated with greater PEP. State anxiety was not uniquely associated with PEP. Furthermore, restricting and active subtypes of in-situation safety behaviors showed specificity to PEP. Limitations Limitations of the present study include the use of a nonclinical analog sample and retrospective reporting of PEP. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of research on in-situation safety behaviors as a potential contributor to PEP.
TUBULARIZED INCISED PLATE HYPOSPADIAS REPAIR FOR PROXIMAL HYPOSPADIAS

AbstractPurpose: We report a multicenter experience using tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for proximal hypospadias.Materials and Methods: From August 1993 to December 1996 tubularized incised plate urethroplasty was performed in 27 boys 6 months to 3 years old with mid shaft and penoscrotal hypospadias. In 7 other boys complex reconstruction combined the tubularized incised plate technique for the glanular urethra with other repairs for the proximal urethra.Results: Tubularized incised plate surgery created a functional neourethra even in penoscrotal hypospadias. Complications of the primary repair developed in only 3 of 27 patients (11%). No complications were attributed to use of the technique for the glanular urethra in complex repairs.Conclusions: Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty is a versatile operation that corrects proximal hypospadias defects with few complications and superior cosmetic results.
Zr and Nb partition coefficients: Implications for the genesis of mare basalts, KREEP and sea floor basalts

The distribution coefficients of Zr and Nb have been found between armalcolite, ilmenite, clinopyroxene, rutile, plagioclase, and a coexisting high-Ti mare basalt melt in the 1105-1128 C temperature range. Henry's Law is not broken over the compositional range evaluated. The distribution coefficients of clinopyroxene are strongly dependent on melt and crystal compositions. The Al2O3 activity in the melt is a strong controlling parameter. It is concluded that: (1) Apollo 11 (low K) and Apollo 17 high-Ti mare basalts may have been generated by the partial melting of an ilmenite-rich cumulate, (2) Apollo 11 (high K) basalts may have been generated by a small amount of partial melting of a more fractionated ilmenite-rich cumulate, (3) KREEP magmas may have been formed as residual melts produced by fractional crystallization of the lunar magma ocean, and (4) anomalous (type II) MOR basalts may have been generated by small degrees of partial melting of a relatively undepleted mantle with clinopyroxene remaining in the residium.
Isolated heart myocytes: ultrastructural case study technique

We have developed a method for performing case studies of heart muscle cells enzymatically isolated from the ventricular walls of rats that is a simple and inexpensive adaptation of procedures developed for the examination of monolayers of attached, cultured cells. The technique represents a marked departure from published accounts of electron microscopic studies of pellets or monolayers from a population of potentially heterogeneous isolated myocytes. Here we report the method, which we have used under controlled conditions with 0 mmol and 1 mmol added CaCl2, to correlate sarcomere length and electrical stimulatibility in the living state with ultrastructural features that include the relative disposition of myofilaments and the integrity of the cell coat. The degree of shrinkage during the preparative steps in less than 5%, as directly determined from photographs of striations in the living, fixed, and embedded states.
Remote sensing applications of continuous spectral backscatter ultraviolet measurements

We discuss several new uses of backscatter ultraviolet (UV) measurements in atmospheric remote sensing. Radiances in the UV from 310 - 340 nm are primarily sensitive to total ozone and the effects of clouds and the Earth's surface. We have modeled UV radiances in this spectral range to an accuracy of approximately 0.5% with an efficient radiative transfer model. We have retrieved accurate values of total ozone using continuous spectral scan mode data from the Nimbus 7 Satellite Backscatter Ultraviolet (SBUV) spectrometer. Systematic effects resulting from calibration and algorithmic errors have been removed. The continuous scan mode total ozone measurements serve as independent validation of total ozone measurements and trends derived from TOMS and SBUV discrete mode, both of which have better temporal and spatial coverage than SBUV continuous scan mode but fewer channels. At wavelengths between 340 and 400 nm, radiances are sensitive to several properties of clouds and aerosols. We have used rotational-Raman scattering signatures near 360 nm and at the 394 nm calcium solar Fraunhofer line to determine effective UV cloud pressures with both TOMS and SBUV in continuous scan mode. At 280 nm, resonance scattering from magnesium ions has been detected. Spatial and temporal variations in magnesium ion column abundances, including increases with increased solar activity, have been derived from SBUV continuous scan measurements.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Science and Technology with Optical Frequency Combs

The basic operation, implementation and control of femtosecond laser optical frequency combs will be presented. The application of frequency combs in various scientific and technological fields will be described. 150-word Biography: Scott Diddams received the B.A. in Physics from Bethel College, St. Paul, MN in 1989 and the Ph.D. degree in Optical Science from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque in 1996. From 1996 through 2000, he did postdoctroral work at JILA, University of Colorado. In 1998 Dr. Diddams was awarded a National Research Council fellowship to work with Dr. John Hall (also at JILA) on the development of optical combs for frequency metrology. The techniques developed at that time have had a significant impact on the fields of ultrafast optics and optical frequency metrology. Since 2000, Dr. Diddams has been a staff member and project leader at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) where he and his coworkers have continued the development of optical frequency combs for optical clocks, waveform generation, low-noise microwave synthesis, spectroscopy and other applications. Dr. Diddams was a co-recipient of a Department of Commerce gold medal for "revolutionizing the way frequency is measured" and was additionally the recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award in Science and Engineering (PECASE) for his work on optical frequency combs. He is a Fellow of the OSA and APS and a member of IEEE. Article not available.
Endovascular Stent Grafts for Large Thoracic Aneurysms After Coarctation Repair

Background Aneurysm formation is a complication not infrequently seen after repair of aortic coarctation and some may enlarge over time. Conventional management of large thoracic aneurysms after aortic coarctation repair has been akin to the surgical treatment of nonspecific aneurysms; however, hypothermic circulatory arrest has been more frequently required because of reoperations. We describe the treatment of a series of patients with large aneurysms using novel endovascular techniques. Methods The database of patients undergoing thoracic endograft placement was reviewed to identify those with thoracic aneurysms after aortic coarctation repair. Clinical, operative, and radiographic data were assessed. Follow-up imaging included spiral computed tomography (CT) scans immediately after deployment, at 6 months, and yearly thereafter. Results Of 9 patients that were identified, 7 presented for elective repair and 2 were emergencies. The aneurysms measured 4.7 to 7.3 cm in diameter on spiral CT scans. Seven patients underwent carotid to subclavian bypass and subclavian ligation. Endografts were placed abutting the origin of the left common carotid artery. Seven patients were treated with Zenith endografts (Cook, Inc, Bloomington, IN), and 2 with TAG devices (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ). Left common carotid angioplasty and stenting was performed in 4 patients. No major complications occurred. A mean follow-up of 24 months (range, 6.4 to 48 months) demonstrated no late endoleaks, ruptures, conversions, or migration. Conclusions Placement of endovascular stent grafts is a less invasive approach for patients with thoracic aneurysm after aortic coarctation repair, provided there is no residual coarctation or arch hypoplasia. The potential to diminish the magnitude of the surgical procedure and consequences of aortic exposure in a reoperative field is promising and mandates further investigation.
Snow levels and amounts in the mountains of southern California

Abstract Using the San Bernardino Mountains, 100 km east of Los Angeles, California, long-term snowfall to annual precipitation ratios are generated by correlating radiosonde storm freezing levels recorded at San Diego with hourly precipitation at Big Bear Dam. Liquid equivalent of snowfall is developed by graphical analysis of snow profiles against high resolution precipitation data, and contour data. Radiosonde analysis also permits physical interpretation of atmospheric thermal structure and dynamic processes central to the generation of precipitation and vertical distribution of snowlines. The long-term mean snowline is 2,300 m. Nearly all precipitation is snow above 3,000 m. Snow is unusual below 1,250 m. Storm freezing lines decline through the precipitation season owing to cooling of ocean waters and the West Coast marine layer. Peak snow accumulation rates occur in winter at highest altitudes but skews toward spring at intermediate altitudes. Interannual fluctuations in snowlines result from numerous factors including stochastic variability of storms owing to southern California's marginal position to the jet stream, coupling of air mass temperatures to precipitation intensities, seasonal distribution of storms, and latitudinal displacement of the jet stream. Higher precipitation rates coincide with higher snowlines at all time scales, which results in an inverse trend between total precipitation and areal snow cover.
Zero-temperature Hall coefficient of an insulator.

We prove that for noninteracting electrons at zero temperature, an insulator exhibits finite Hall resistivity in the dc limit. More generally, we present simple macroscopic arguments that this behavior is generic for all insulators. We therefore conclude that the zero-temperature Hall coefficient is not a measure of the number of mobile carriers.
Reactions of protonated water clusters with deuterated ammonia: H(H2O)+ n (n = 1-4) + ND3

Abstract Reactions of protonated water dusters, H(H2O)+n (n = 1–4), with deuterated ammonia are studied by using guided ion beam mass spectrometry. Absolute reaction cross-sections are determined as a function of collision energy from thermal energy to over 10eV. Proton transfer is the only reaction seen for n = 1. For n = 2–4, proton transfer is accompanied by solvent transfer, with the dominant product at low collision energies being HND3(H2O)+n−2 in each case. At higher collision energies, additional water ligands are lost and the collision-induced dissociation products, H(H2O)+x where x = 1 to (n − 1), are also observed. The total reaction cross-sections are large and show little dependence on the number of water molecules. The kinetic energy dependence indicates that energy transfer in these reactions is efficient. A mechanism consistent with these results is discussed.
The Home that the Woman's Building Built: Cheri Gaulke and Sue Maberry Construct a Visual Narrative of the Lesbian Family

Artists Cheri Gaulke and Sue Maberry's feminist activism learned at the Woman's Building, combined with their lesbianism, radicalized them to create ongoing documentation of their family. This article examines how Gaulke has intertwined her domestic, private imagery and narrative with her artistic, public work in a way that reveals a useful mode for her to examine the range of experiences as lesbian, parent, and artist. Thus, these two bodies of work co-exist and inform each other in her oeuvre and in her art with partner Maberry. They have created a kind of sexualized display sometimes inverting heteronormative conventions while other times presenting the family as a single unit, transgressive in its happiness and unity.
Inequalities for the greedy dimensions of ordered sets

Every linear extension L: [x1<x2<...<x m ] of an ordered set P on m points arises from the simple algorithm: For each i with 0≤i<m, choose xi+1 as a minimal element of P−{x j :j≤i}. A linear extension is said to be greedy, if we also require that xi+1 covers x i in P whenever possible. The greedy dimension of an ordered set is defined as the minimum number of greedy linear extensions of P whose intersection is P. In this paper, we develop several inequalities bounding the greedy dimension of P as a function of other parameters of P. We show that the greedy dimension of P does not exceed the width of P. If A is an antichain in P and |P−A|≥2, we show that the greedy dimension of P does not exceed |P−A|. As a consequence, the greedy dimension of P does not exceed |P|/2 when |P|≥4. If the width of P−A is n and n≥2, we show that the greedy dimension of P does not exceed n2+n. If A is the set of minimal elements of P, then this inequality can be strengthened to 2n−1. If A is the set of maximal elements, then the inequality can be further strengthened to n+1. Examples are presented to show that each of these inequalities is best possible.
Evidence of possible opiate dependence during the behavioral depressant action of a single dose of morphine

Abstract Rats were trained to lever press for food pellets under a 20 response fixed ratio (FR 20) schedule of reinforcement. A single injection of 15 mg morphine SO4/kg suppressed operant behavior for 1 1 2 –3 1 2 hrs , after which time responding resumed at a reduced rate. When 0.25 mg naloxone HCl/kg was given during the recovery phase, the behavioral depressant effect of the narcotic was immediately reversed and operant performance returned to predrug rates. In contrast, when 0.5 mg naloxone/kg was given at this time, operant behavior was abolished for at least 1 hr. Naloxone, at these doses, did not affect responding in drug-naive subjects. These results suggest that a single, relatively low dose of morphine can induce transient dependence which is detectable for several hrs after drug administration, at a time when the acute pharmacological actions of morphine are still apparent.
Singlet Oxygen Production by Peptide-Coated Quantum Dot-Photosensitizer Conjugates

Peptide-coated quantum dot-photosensitizer conjugates were developed using novel covalent conjugation strategies on peptides which overcoat quantum dots (QDs). Rose bengal and chlorin e6, photosensitizers (PSs) that generate singlet oxygen in high yield, were covalently attached to phytochelatin-related peptides. The photosensitizer-peptide conjugates were subsequently used to overcoat green- and red-emitting CdSe/CdS/ZnS nanocrystals. Generation of singlet oxygen could be achieved via indirect excitation through Forster (fluorescence) resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the nanocrystals to PSs, or by direct excitation of the PSs. In the latter case, by using two color excitations, the conjugate could be simultaneously used for fluorescence imaging and singlet oxygen generation. Singlet oxygen quantum yields as high as 0.31 were achieved using 532-nm excitation wavelengths.
Ornithine decarboxylase and S-adenosyl methionine decarboxylase in skin fibroblasts of normal and cystic fibrosis patients.

Ornithine Decarboxylase and S -Adenosyl Methionine Decarboxylase in Skin Fibroblasts of Normal and Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Comparison of Three Case-Finding Strategies Relative to Elderly Alcohol Abusers

The effectiveness of three case-finding strategies for locating elderly alcohol abusers and linking them with an alcohol treatment program was explored. The three approaches emphasized the formal caregiver (CARN), the general public (PAC), and community health clinics (CBO). The CARN and PAC approaches appeared to be most cost-effective. I discuss implications of the findings.
Hydrodynamic modeling of detonations for structural design of containment vessels.

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), has been conducting confined high explosion experiments utilizing large, spherical, steel pressure vessels to contain the reaction products and hazardous materials from high-explosive (HE) events. Structural design of these spherical vessels was originally accomplished by maintaining that the vessel's kinetic energy, developed from the detonation impulse loading, be equilibrated by the elastic strain energy inherent in the vessel. In some cases, the vessel is designed for one-time use only, efficiently utilizing the significant plastic energy absorption capability of ductile vessel materials. Alternatively, the vessel can be designed for multiple use, in which case the material response is restricted to the elastic range. Within the last decade, designs have been accomplished utilizing sophisticated and advanced 3D computer codes that address both the detonation hydrodynamics and the vessel's highly nonlinear structural dynamic response. This paper describes the hydrodynamic modeling of HE reaction products phase, which produces transient pressures resulting in an impulsive load on the vessel shell. Modeling is accomplished through either (a) empirical/analytical methods utilizing a vast experimental database developed primarily for the Department of Defense (DoD) or (b)more » through application of numerical hydrodynamics codes, such as the Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) shock-wave physics code, CTH, which accurately model the thermochemistry and thermophysics of a detonation. It should be noted that this paper only addresses blast load prediction using the methods stated and does not include an assessment of structural response methods.« less
Plasma interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels in reactive versus clonal thrombocytosis

Abstract purpose: Evaluate the discriminatory value of plasma interleukin-6 or C-reactive protein levels in clonal thrombocytosis compared with those in reactive thrombocytosis. patients and methods: A comparative analysis of quantitatively measured laboratory values in a prospectively studied group of consecutive patients. The setting was a tertiary referral center consisting of two hospitals and an outpatient clinic. Plasma interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels were measured in 91 consecutive patients with thrombocytosis (platelet count ≥ 600 × 10 9 /L). The cause of thrombocytosis was determined by reviewing the medical histories and follow-up data without knowledge of the corresponding laboratory values. Sixty-four patients had reactive thrombocytosis, 20 had clonal thrombocytosis, and 7 had clonal thrombocytosis plus reactive thrombocytosis. Plasma interleukin-6 was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and C-reactive protein was measured with rate immunonephelometry. results: Interleukin-6 levels were undetectable in all the patients with clonal thrombocytosis, whereas they were increased in 60% of the patients with reactive thrombocytosis or clonal thrombocytosis plus reactive thrombocytosis. There was a correlation between interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels ( r = .6), and the median and range values of both levels differed significantly between the clonal thrombocytosis group and the other two groups ( P conclusions: An elevated interleukin-6 level is rare in uncomplicated clonal thrombocytosis and suggests reactive thrombocytosis. However, an isolated normal value has little discriminatory value. Measurement of C-reactive protein level may be used as a less expensive surrogate for measurement of interleukin-6. Repeatedly low levels of both interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein are most consistent with clonal thrombocytosis.
Toxoplasma gondii : Dithiol-induced Ca2+ flux causes egress of parasites from the parasitophorous vacuole

Ca2+ is an essential activator of motility in the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Ca2+ ionophore A23187 and intracellular microinjection of Ca2+ initiate motility of parasites residing in parasitophorous vacuoles (PV). The source of Ca2+ and the mechanism by which it activates motility in vivo remain uncertain. Exposure of the parasites to dithiothreitol (DTT) can activate egress of previously nonmotile intravacuolar parasites within 60 sec. DTT is also known to activate both isoforms of the highly concentrated nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase (NTPase) produced by T. gondii. Using an adherent cell analysis system (ACAS) for Ca2+ imaging, a brief 15-50% increase in intra-PV fluorescence ratio was observed after exposure of infected fibroblasts to 5 mM DTT. Chelation of intracellular Ca2+ with BAPTA-AM and extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA blocked the DTT effect; however, this chelation did not prevent the activation of parasites nor the Ca2+ response to the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin, suggesting that the Ca2+ that activates motility may reside near or within the parasite itself. This result demonstrates that an increase in Ca2+ within the vacuole precedes the onset of motility and the correlation of the DTT effect on motility and tachyzoite NTPase suggests that NTPase activation may be involved in the Ca2+ flux.
Hepatic lipid metabolism following distal ileal bypass.

Abstract Distal ileal bypass was performed on exogenous hypercholesterolemic rabbits and congenital hyperlipidemic Zucker rats to determine the effect of the operation on hepatic lipid metabolism. Distal ileal bypass produced little alteration in triglyceride metabolism in rabbits or rats. In hypercholesterolemic rabbits, distal ileal bypass decreased serum and hepatic cholesterol and decreased the activity of 7α-hydroxylase, the rate-controlling enzyme in the conversion of cholesterol to bile salts. Distal ileal bypass did not significantly alter cholesterol metabolism in Zucker rats. In hypercholesterolemic rabbits, distal ileal bypass is lipotrophic and the decrease in hepatic cholesterol is not due to increased conversion of cholesterol to bile salt.
Effects of neuropeptides on neutrophil migration through noncellular and endothelial barriers

Abstract Background: Neuropeptides and neutrophils are postulated to be important immune effector molecules and cells, respectively, in a variety of lung inflammatory conditions. Methods: We examined the effects of three lung neuropeptides, substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and somatostatin and two relatively protease-resistant peptides, helodermin and sandostatin, on human neutrophil migration across 3 μm pore filters and human endothelial monolayers cultured on these filters. Results: At concentrations of 1 to 10 μmol/L, substance P induced significant neutrophil migration that was dose-responsive and equivalent through endothelium and filters. Neither VIP, helodermin, somatostatin, nor sandostatin induced significant neutrophil migration through either barrier at doses of 10 −14 to 10 −5 mol/L. Because VIP and somatostatin have been reported to inhibit some inflammatory cell functions, we also examined their effects on chemoattractant-induced neutrophil migration. Pretreatment of neutrophils and/or endothelium with VIP or somatostatin at either 10 −5 or 10 −10 mol/L did not significantly inhibit formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-, leukotriene B 4 -, or platelet activating factor-induced neutrophil migration through naked filters or endothelium. Thus only substance P had significant effects on neutrophil chemotaxis. Conclusions: Substance P, but not VIP or somatostatin, may be important in directly influencing neutrophil migration across endothelium towards lung inflammatory sites. However, all three neuropeptides might still modulate neutrophil functions and lung inflammatory responses through effects on other lung cells.
The impact of anticipated HIV stigma on delays in HIV testing behaviors: findings from a community-based sample of men who have sex with men and transgender women in New York City.

Treatment as prevention (TaSP) is a critical component of biomedical interventions to prevent HIV transmission. However, its success is predicated on testing and identifying undiagnosed individuals to ensure linkage and retention in HIV care. Research has examined the impact of HIV-associated stigma on HIV-positive individuals, but little work has explored how anticipated HIV stigma–the expectation of rejection or discrimination against by others in the event of seroconversion—may serve as a barrier to HIV testing behaviors. This study examined the association between anticipated stigma and HIV testing behaviors among a sample of 305 men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women living in New York City. Participants' mean age was 33.0; 65.5% were racial/ethnic minority; and 50.2% earned <$20,000 per year. Overall, 32% of participants had not had an HIV test in the past 6 months. Anticipated stigma was negatively associated with risk perception. In multivariate models, anticipated stigma, risk perception, and younger age were significant predictors of HIV testing behaviors. Anti-HIV stigma campaigns targeting HIV-negative individuals may have the potential to significantly impact social norms around HIV testing and other biomedical strategies, such pre-exposure prophylaxis, at a critical moment for the redefinition of HIV prevention.
Intrinsic Variational Equations for Conservative Dynamical Systems with N Degrees of Freedom

For a conservative dynamical system withn deg. of freedom we show that the equations of variation along an orbit may be written with respect to an orthonormal moving frame (a generalized Frenet frame) in which the tangential variation is given by a quadrature and the normal andn-2 binormal variations are solutions ofn-1 coupled second order equations of the form of Hill's equation.
Improved contraction of the transversus abdominis immediately following spinal manipulation: a case study using real-time ultrasound imaging

The authors encountered a clinical dilemma when attempting to apply a clinical prediction rule for manipulation (Flynn et al., 2002; Childs et al., 2004) to a patient with a history and physical examination consistent with clinical lumbar instability (Hicks et al., 2005). Although the patient met four of five criteria predicting short-term success with manipulation, the presence of symptoms suggestive of underlying clinical instability remains a relative contraindication to thrust manipulation (Greenman, 1996; Maitland, 2001). Could the application of both manipulation and stabilization be logically justified in this patient? Despite the widespread use of spinal manipulation, the biological mechanisms by which it produces a beneficial effect in certain patients are not fully understood (Pickar, 2002). There is evidence which supports a reflexogenic effect from manipulation in the paraspinal muscles as one possible mechanism (Herzog et al., 1995, 1999; Lehman et al., 2001; Pickar, 2002). Specifically, several researchers have identified altered motor neuron pool excitability following spinal manipulation (Murphy et al., 1995; Floman et al., 1997; Herzog et al., 1999; Dishman and Bulbulian, 2000). The effect on neural pathways associated with manipulation has been suggested as one possible mechanism that may improve muscle performance (Pickar, 2002) and patient symptoms.
Transmission of Hepatitis C by Intrahepatic Inoculation with Transcribed RNA

More than 1% of the world's population is chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV infection can result in acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis, which is strongly associated with development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Genetic studies of HCV replication have been hampered by lack of a bona fide infectious molecular clone. Full-length functional clones of HCV complementary DNA were constructed. RNA transcripts from the clones were found to be infectious and to cause disease in chimpanzees after direct intrahepatic inoculation. This work defines the structure of a functional HCV genome RNA and proves that HCV alone is sufficient to cause disease.