cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Diurnal Cycle of Rainfall and Convective Intensity according to Three Years of TRMM Measurements

Abstract The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite measurements from the precipitation radar and TRMM microwave imager have been combined to yield a comprehensive 3-yr database of precipitation features (PFs) throughout the global Tropics (±36° latitude). The PFs retrieved using this algorithm (which number nearly six million Tropicswide) have been sorted by size and intensity ranging from small shallow features greater than 75 km2 in area to large mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) according to their radar and ice scattering characteristics. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the diurnal cycle of the observed precipitation features' rainfall amount, precipitation feature frequency, rainfall intensity, convective–stratiform rainfall portioning, and remotely sensed convective intensity, sampled Tropicswide from space. The observations are sorted regionally to examine the stark differences in the diurnal cycle of rainfall and convective intensity over land and ocean areas. Over ...
Chromosomes and causation of human cancer and leukemia: XXVIII. Value of detailed chromosome studies on large numbers of cells in CML.

Comparison of the chromosome findings obtained on routine examination (10-50 cells) of the marrows from patients with Ph1 -positive CML with those based on a large number (110-500 cells) of metaphases in six of these patients, in whom appropriate material was available, revealed the presence of small percentages of aneuploid cells in the marrow during the chronic phase of the disease and not seen with the routine procedure. These aneuploid cells may ultimately constitute the dominant clone during the blastic phase of the chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML). Furthermore, karyotypically abnormal cells, in addition those observed on routine study, were detected in the blastic phase when a large number of cells was examined. The value and implications of these observations are discussed.
Hysteresis behavior and microstructure of exchange coupled R/sub 2/Fe/sub 14/B/sub 1///spl alpha/-Fe magnets

The hysteresis behavior of nanocomposite R/sub 2/Fe/sub 14/B//spl alpha/-Fe magnets with R=Nd and Pr was investigated at low temperatures. The room temperature coercivity depends on annealing with a peak value at 700/spl deg/C. The low coercivity of samples annealed at temperatures below the optimum is due to incomplete transformation of R/sub 3/Fe/sub 62/B/sub 14/ to R/sub 2/Fe/sub 14/B phase. Hysteresis loops of Pr/sub 2/Fe/sub 14/B//spl alpha/-Fe samples change from a smooth to a constricted loop when temperature is varied from 300 to 10 K. This may be due to the decoupling of a fraction of the larger 2:14:1 grains which reverse independently of the rest of the sample.
Aging and Quality Control of Color LCDs for Radiologic Imaging

Our practice has long been concerned with the effects of display quality, including color accuracy and matching among paired color displays. Three years of data have been collected on the historical behavior of color stability on our clinical displays. This has permitted an analysis of the color-aging behavior of those displays over that time. The results of that analysis show that all displays tend to yellow over time, but that they do so together. That is, neither the intra- nor inter-display color variances observed at initial deployment diverge over time as measured by a mean radial distance metric in color space (Commission Internationale d’Eclairage L’, u’, v’ 1976). The consequence of this result is that color displays that are matched at deployment tend to remain matched over their lifetime even as they collectively yellow.
Function, Structure, and Stability of Enzymes Confined in Agarose Gels

Research over the past few decades has attempted to answer how proteins behave in molecularly confined or crowded environments when compared to dilute buffer solutions. This information is vital to understanding in vivo protein behavior, as the average spacing between macromolecules in the cell cytosol is much smaller than the size of the macromolecules themselves. In our study, we attempt to address this question using three structurally and functionally different model enzymes encapsulated in agarose gels of different porosities. Our studies reveal that under standard buffer conditions, the initial reaction rates of the agarose-encapsulated enzymes are lower than that of the solution phase enzymes. However, the encapsulated enzymes retain a higher percentage of their activity in the presence of denaturants. Moreover, the concentration of agarose used for encapsulation had a significant effect on the enzyme functional stability; enzymes encapsulated in higher percentages of agarose were more stable than the enzymes encapsulated in lower percentages of agarose. Similar results were observed through structural measurements of enzyme denaturation using an 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid fluorescence assay. Our work demonstrates the utility of hydrogels to study protein behavior in highly confined environments similar to those present in vivo; furthermore, the enhanced stability of gel-encapsulated enzymes may find use in the delivery of therapeutic proteins, as well as the design of novel strategies for biohybrid medical devices.
Second Generation Drug-Eluting Stents: A Review of the Everolimus-Eluting Platform

Everolimus-eluting stents (EES) represent the next generation of drug-eluting stents (DES). Important design modifications include thin strut stent backbones, less inflammatory and more biocompatible polymers, and lower drug dosing. The cobalt chromium EES fluoropolymer XIENCE V stent has been the most extensively studied of such stents. In animal models, this stent demonstrated minimal vessel inflammation, a biologically active endothelium with strut coverage similar to a bare metal stent, and inhibition of intimal hyperplasia comparable to that seen with sirolimus-eluting stents. The SPIRIT family of clinical trials demonstrated low rates of late loss, and clinical restenosis, as well as low rates of very late stent thrombosis. These excellent clinical outcomes addressed limitations of the 1st generation DES, and substantiated widespread clinical use of the EES platform.
Calcium supplementation in postmenopausal women to reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures

Purpose The most recent large-scale studies evaluating the effects of calcium supplementation for prevention of osteoporosis-related fractures in postmenopausal women are reviewed. Summary Osteoporosis is a very common disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. For many years, use of a calcium supplement (preferably in combination with vitamin D to optimize calcium absorption) has been recommended for postmenopausal women to decrease fracture risk. However, five large-scale, randomized, controlled trials have called into question the benefits of calcium in reducing fracture risk, and four of the studies indicated that calcium users may be at increased risk for renal stones and gastrointestinal problems. However, all five studies had one or more important limitations, including possible selection bias and study participants’ relatively high baseline calcium intake and generally low adherence to treatment regimens. Moreover, in some of the studies, vitamin D was not included in the treatment protocol or was not used at levels sufficient to optimize calcium absorption. In three of the five trials, subgroup analysis of the most treatment-adherent participants indicated significant reductions in osteoporotic fracture risk with calcium supplement use. Conclusion Results of recent clinical trials indicate that calcium supplementation does not significantly reduce fracture risk in postmenopausal women. However, evidence from the same studies suggests that beneficial effects on fracture risk may be seen in women who are adherent to therapy. Postmenopausal women should continue calcium supplementation to reduce osteoporosis risk.
Critical care pharmacy in donor management

Significant systemic changes occur following neurologic insult and subsequent brain death. If left untreated, the hemodynamic instability and neuroendocrine alterations that ensue may significantly affect the quality of the donor organs, and contribute to posttransplant allograft dysfunction. A number of pharmacologic interventions are often implemented in an attempt to stabilize donor hemodynamics and optimize organ perfusion, thereby increasing the number and quality of cadaveric donor organs available for transplantation. This review provides a summary of these interventions, with an emphasis placed on hormonal resuscitation, which involves utilizing such agents as thyroxin, vasopressin, insulin, and corticosteroids.
Subdivision of the genus Pleuroxus (Anomopoda, Chydoridae) into subgenera worldwide

Examination of many species of Pleuroxus from the entire World has revealed a major dichotomy in morphology, one line related to aduncus: the other to laevis both from Europe. Pleuroxus trigonellus (the type species of the genus) and Peracantha truncata are in two other distinct lines. The new subgenus Tylopleuroxus is proposed for the species related to aduncus, and the subgenus Picripleuroxus for those related to laevis. Tylopleuroxus is primarily Southern Hemisphere in distribution, Picripleuroxus primarily Northern Hemisphere. Evidence thus far suggests that probably most, perhaps all, of the taxa are confined to single continents or land masses.
Components of syllogistic reasoning

Abstract The present research sought to understand the components of syllogistic reasoning used in a syllogistic evaluation task. In this task, subjects must indicate whether a conclusion such as “Some Yale professors are humbugs” is definitely true, or never true of a set of premises such as “Some humbugs study syllogistic reasoning; some Yale professors study syllogistic reasoning”. A modified form of componential analysis (Sternberg 1977, 1978) was used to decompose the syllogistic evaluation task with abstract content into encoding and encoding plus combination subtasks. The response-choice data from these subtasks were used to provide (a) direct tests of a proposed theory of syllogistic reasoning, and in particular, of its assumptions about sources of error in syllogistic reasoning; and (b) direct inferences regarding the representation of relations between the subject and predicate of the premises as encoded and combined. The results supported a proposed transitive-chain model of syllogistic reasoning.
Practical constraints in growth of lightwave networks

The amount of fiber required, propagation delay, and length of the longest link are significant design constraints in spatially large networks. This paper examines these characteristics from the viewpoint of growth and compares basic networks with hierarchical ones in terms of these characteristics. Results show that, when considering growth from three nodes, a star network randomly placed with a uniform distribution uses less fiber than a dual ring until there are 57 nodes. As the networks become large, the star has the smallest propagation delay and the dual ring uses the least amount of fiber. A two-level network having a star on the upper level and dual rings on the lower network level performs well in both categories by using 1.38 times as much fiber as the dual ring and having 1.65 times the propagation delay of a star as the number of nodes becomes large.
TH-C-204B-02: Monte Carlo Feasibility Study of a Compact Microbeam Small Animal Irradiator

Purpose: Microbeam radiation therapy(MRT) is a promising but poorly understood experimental treatment modality. As an alternative to synchrotron‐based facilities we propose a compact carbon nanotube‐based MRTdevice for small animal research. We report on a Monte Carlo‐based feasibility study of the proposed design. Method and Materials:Monte Carlo calculations were performed using EGSnrc‐based codes. The proposed device design includes a carbon nanotube cathode shaped to match the collimator aperture a reflection anode with filter and a microbeam collimator. The collimator is sized to deliver a beam width ranging from 30–200 microns at 15 cm SAD. Design parameters studied with Monte Carlo include electron energy anode angle filtration and collimator design. Results: Increasing the energy from 100 kVp to 150 kVp increased the photon fluence through the collimator by a factor of 1.7. Both energies produced a largely uniform fluence along the microbeam with 5% decreases in intensity near the edges of the long dimension. The isocentric dose rate for 150 kVp was calculated to be 1200 Gy/min/A in the center of a 3 cm diameter target. Expected cathode currents of 1 A project an isocentric dose rate of 80 Gy/sec for a four‐beam system. Scatter contributions resulting from collimator size were found to produce only small (<7%) changes in the dose rate for field widths greater than 50 microns. Dose vs. depth was weakly dependant on filtration material. The peak‐to‐valley ratio outside the beam was less than 0.5% indicating the valley dose between adjacent microbeams will be no more than 1% of the peak dose.Conclusion:Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate that the proposed microbeam device will be capable of delivering a sufficient dose rate and peak‐to‐valley‐ratio to be useful for small‐animal MRT studies. Conflict of interest: The work is supported by NIH grant 1RC2CA148487‐01
Copper redox cycling in the prion protein depends critically on binding mode.

The prion protein (PrP) takes up 4–6 equiv of copper in its extended N-terminal domain, composed of the octarepeat (OR) segment (human sequence residues 60–91) and two mononuclear binding sites (at His96 and His111; also referred to as the non-OR region). The OR segment responds to specific copper concentrations by transitioning from a multi-His mode at low copper levels to a single-His, amide nitrogen mode at high levels (Chattopadhyay et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc.2005, 127, 12647–12656). The specific function of PrP in healthy tissue is unclear, but numerous reports link copper uptake to a neuroprotective role that regulates cellular stress (Stevens, et al. PLoS Pathog.2009, 5 (4), e1000390). A current working hypothesis is that the high occupancy binding mode quenches copper’s inherent redox cycling, thus, protecting against the production of reactive oxygen species from unregulated Fenton type reactions. Here, we directly test this hypothesis by performing detailed pH-dependent electrochemical measurements...
Synthesis and X-ray Powder Structures of Two Lamellar Copper Arylenebis(phosphonates).

Reaction of copper salts with 1,4-phenylenebis(phosphonic acid) yielded a conventional layered compound, Cu2[(O3PC6H4PO3)(H2O)2], while a similar reaction with 4,4‘-biphenylenebis(phosphonic acid) resulted in a new lamellar structure with composition Cu[HO3P(C6H4)2PO3H]. The structures of these compounds were solved ab initio by using X-ray powder diffraction data. The crystals of the phenylenebis(phosphonate) compound are monoclinic, space group C2/c, with a = 18.8892(4) A, b = 7.6222(2) A, c = 7.4641(2) A, β = 90.402(2)°, and Z = 4. The layer structure in this case is similar to that in copper phenylphosphonate, Cu[O3PC6H5]. The metal atoms display a distorted square pyramidal geometry where four of the coordination sites are occupied by the phosphonate oxygens. The remaining site is filled by an oxygen atom of the water molecule. Adjacent metal−O3PC layers are covalently pillared by the phenyl group of the phosphonates to create a 3-dimensional structure. Cu[HO3P(C6H4)2PO3H] is triclinic, space group P...
Impact of adenotonsillectomy on quality of life in children with obstructive sleep disorders.

Objectives To determine the impact of adenotonsillectomy on quality of life (QOL) in children with obstructive sleep disorders (OSDs) before and after surgery. Design Prospective, observational, before-and-after trial. Setting Seven tertiary pediatric otolaryngology practices. Patients Convenience sample of 101 children (mean age, 6.2 years) with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and OSD scheduled for adenotonsillectomy. Intervention Adenotonsillectomy was performed in children for OSDs. Quality of life was assessed using the Obstructive Sleep Disorders–6 survey, a validated instrument for detecting QOL change in children with OSDs. Surveys were completed at the initial office visit (visit 1), the day of surgery (visit 2), and at the postoperative office visit (visit 3). Physical characteristics were assessed using tonsillar and orocraniofacial scales (visit 1). Satisfaction with health care decisions was assessed using the Satisfaction With Decision and Satisfaction With Office Visit scales (visit 1). Main Outcome Measures Short-term changes in QOL before (visits 1 and 2) and after (visits 2 and 3) surgery. Results Changes in QOL before surgery were trivial or small, and smaller than changes after surgery (mean change score, 0.18 vs 2.3; P Conclusion Adenotonsillectomy produces large improvements in at least short-term QOL in most children with OSDs.
Social connections and risk for cancer: prospective evidence from the Alameda County Study

The association between social connections and cancer incidence, mortality, and prognosis during 17 years of follow-up was examined in a population-based sample of 6,848 adults who lived in Alameda County, California, in 1965. Estimates of relative hazards were derived from Cox regression modeling, adjusting for age, smoking, physical health at baseline, alcohol consumption, and adjusted household income. Women who were socially isolated were at significantly elevated risk of dying of cancer of all sites and of smoking-related cancers. Social connections were not prospectively associated with cancer incidence or mortality among men, but men with few social connections showed significantly poorer cancer survival rates. These patterns of risk are consistent with the biology of different cancer outcomes. They also suggest a different role for social isolation in cancer among men and women.
Dynamical symmetry breaking and the top-quark mass.

Dynamical symmetry breaking by fermion condensates is assumed to be the source of gauge-boson masses in the ${\mathrm{SU}(3)}_{C}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{SU}(2)}_{L}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}(1)$ model. For the minimal case of $t\overline{t}$ condensation alone, the predicted ${m}_{t}$ ranges from about 98 to 450 GeV as the scale of "new physics," responsible for ${m}_{t}$, $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$, goes from $\ensuremath{\infty}$ to \ensuremath{\sim}1 TeV. The lighter values, ${m}_{t}\ensuremath{\lesssim}200$ GeV, all correspond to "great desert" scenarios with $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}{m}_{\mathrm{Planck}}\ensuremath{\simeq}2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{19}$ GeV. Including a fourth generation of fermion condensates can lower ${m}_{t}$. In the case of maximal $t\ensuremath{-}{t}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ mixing, we find ${m}_{t}\ensuremath{\simeq}{m}_{{t}^{\ensuremath{'}}}\ensuremath{\simeq}(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}){m}_{{b}^{\ensuremath{'}}}$ with ${m}_{t}$ ranging from about 90 to 250 GeV, and ${m}_{t}\ensuremath{\simeq}140$ GeV for $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\ensuremath{\simeq}{10}^{15}\ensuremath{-}{10}^{19}$ GeV. For smaller mixing, ${m}_{{t}^{\ensuremath{'}}}$ is lowered and ${m}_{{b}^{\ensuremath{'}}}$ approaches ${m}_{t}\ensuremath{\lesssim}200$. We speculate as to how, using strong-coupling unitarity conditions, one might have $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ GeV with $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ far below ${m}_{\mathrm{Planck}}$. Phenomenological constraints and consequences are also discussed.
Van Arkel—Ketelaar triangles

Abstract An equilateral triangle with vertices designated metallic (M), ionic (I), and covalent (C) was introduced for pedagogical reasons many years ago by van Arkel and Ketelaar to qualitatively catalogue the types of chemical bonding organized by the Periodic Table. These triangles display a sequence of atoms from left to right (M to C) in the Periodic Table along one side and binary combinations of atoms along the other two sides (MI and IC), and we have systematically extended the information content and usefulness. By the positioning of atom pair combinations according to the sum and difference of configuration energies, CE (the average ionization energy of the valence electrons of an atom). This permits division of the triangle into regions corresponding to metallic, ionic, and covalent bonding and, in effect, quantifies the Periodic Table. Very recently Professor Gordon D. Sproul of the University of South Carolina, Beaufort, found literature references on several hundred binary compounds previously determined to be bound as metallic, ionic, or covalent compounds, and cleanly separated these into their known bonding categories by use of CE with plots which give essentially the same dividing lines that we have derived theoretically.
A purification procedure for the isolation of homogeneous preparations of bovine aorta amine oxidase and a study of its lysyl oxidase activity

It has been reported that bovine aorta amine oxidase oxidizes lysine residues in tropoelastin to allysine (Rucker, R.B. and O'Dell, B.L. (1971) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 235, 32-43). Pure bovine aorta amine oxidase was isolate by DEAE-cellulose, hydroxylapatite, Bio-Gel A-1.5 m and concanavalin A-Sepharose 4B chromatography. Enzymatic, chromatographic and immunochemical tests disclosed that pure bovine aorta amine oxidase was not a lysyl oxidase capable of oxidizing the lysine residues of tropoelastin to allysine; The bovine aorta amine oxidase preparation used by Rucker and O'Dell appears to have been contaminated with lysyl oxidase which is the emzyme that oxidizes some of the lysine residues in tropoelastin and tropocollagen to allysine.
Scaling net primary production to a MODIS footprint in support of Earth observing system product validation

Release of an annual global terrestrial net primary production (NPP) data layer has begun in association with the Moderate Imaging Spectro- radiometer (MODIS) sensor, a component of the NASA Earth Observing System. The task of validating this product will be complicated by the mismatch in scale between ground-based NPP measurements and the coarse resolution (1 km) of the NPP product. In this paper we describe three relevant approaches to scaling NPP from the plot level to the approximately 25-km 2 footprint of the sensor, and discuss issues associated with operational comparisons to the MODIS NPP product. All approaches revealed considerable spatial hetero- geneity in NPP at scales less than the resolution of the MODIS NPP product. The effort to characterize uncertainty in the validation data layers indicated the importance of treating the combination of classification error, sampling error, and measurement error. Generally, the optimal procedure for scaling NPP to a MODIS footprint will depend on local vegetation type, the scale of spatial heterogeneity, and available resources. In all approaches, high resolution remote sensing can play a critical role in characterizing land cover and relevant biophysical variables.
Blocking angiotensin-converting enzyme induces potent regulatory T cells and modulates TH1- and TH17-mediated autoimmunity.

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a major regulator of blood pressure. The octapeptide angiotensin II (AII) is proteolytically processed from the decapeptide AI by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and then acts via angiotensin type 1 and type 2 receptors (AT1R and AT2R). Inhibitors of ACE and antagonists of the AT1R are used in the treatment of hypertension, myocardial infarction, and stroke. We now show that the RAAS also plays a major role in autoimmunity, exemplified by multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Using proteomics, we observed that RAAS is up-regulated in brain lesions of MS. AT1R was induced in myelin-specific CD4+ T cells and monocytes during autoimmune neuroinflammation. Blocking AII production with ACE inhibitors or inhibiting AII signaling with AT1R blockers suppressed autoreactive TH1 and TH17 cells and promoted antigen-specific CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) with inhibition of the canonical NF-κB1 transcription factor complex and activation of the alternative NF-κB2 pathway. Treatment with ACE inhibitors induces abundant CD4+FoxP3+ T cells with sufficient potency to reverse paralytic EAE. Modulation of the RAAS with inexpensive, safe pharmaceuticals used by millions worldwide is an attractive therapeutic strategy for application to human autoimmune diseases.
Weather effects on avian breeding performance and implications of climate change

The influence of recent climate change on the world's biota has manifested broadly, resulting in latitudinal range shifts, advancing dates of arrival of migrants and onset of breeding, and altered community relationships. Climate change elevates conservation concerns worldwide because it will likely exacerbate a broad range of identified threats to animal populations. In the past few decades, grassland birds have declined faster than other North American avifauna, largely due to habitat threats such as the intensification of agriculture. We examine the effects of local climatic variations on the breeding performance of a bird endemic to the shortgrass prairie, the Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) and discuss the implications of our findings relative to future climate predictions. Clutch size, nest survival, and productivity all positively covaried with seasonal precipitation, yet relatively intense daily precipitation events temporarily depressed daily survival of nests. Nest survival was positively related to average temperatures during the breeding season. Declining summer precipitation may reduce the likelihood that Lark Buntings can maintain stable breeding populations in eastern Colorado although average temperature increases of up to 3°C (within the range of this study) may ameliorate declines in survival expected with drier conditions. Historic climate variability in the Great Plains selects for a degree of vagility and opportunism rather than strong site fidelity and specific adaptation to local environments. These traits may lead to northerly shifts in distribution if climatic and habitat conditions become less favorable in the drying southern regions of the Great Plains. Distributional shifts in Lark Buntings could be constrained by future changes in land use, agricultural practices, or vegetative communities that result in further loss of shortgrass prairie habitats.
A simple dynamic circuit model for MOS structure

A new simple circuit model for the MOS (metal-oxide-semiconductor) structure is presented. the model consists of three elements, namely, a linear capacitor, a non-linear capacitor and a C-dynamic element. Each component bears a simple relationship to the physical operating mechanism inside the MOS structure. the model can be used for simulating arbitrary MOS structure circuits under all operating conditions. In particular, it is capable of reproducing the structure's frequency-dependent small-signal characteristics. the model is also shown to exhibit many important and interesting dynamic behaviours under forward, reverse and sinusoidal operating modes. The model is based mainly upon the device's physical operating principles. But perhaps the most significant implication of this model is that it is the first ever to use a dynamic element to model the MOS structure from a physical approach.
News Coverage of Genetic Cloning: When Science Journalism Becomes Future-Oriented Speculation

This case study examines news coverage of genetic cloning in three major print newspapers and three major online news sources from 1996 to 1999. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to systematically assess issues of balance, sourcing, news focus, and language use in news articles about cloning. Four trends emerge from this study: a tendency to portray cloning as a technique and/or technology, a reliance on sources from research institutes and biotechnology companies, a use of language that depicts cloning in a positive light, and an overwhelming emphasis placed on the possible future benefits that may be associated with cloning. The author argues that these findings suggest a shift from conventional notions about what journalists do— report on events that have occurred. Instead, news reports about cloning involve speculative conjectures about potential benefits and possible futures. Such a shift may mean that a re-evaluation of journalistic practices is needed.
Efficacy of SERD/SERM Hybrid-CDK4/6 Inhibitor Combinations in Models of Endocrine Therapy–Resistant Breast Cancer

Purpose: Endocrine therapy, using tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor, remains first-line therapy for the management of estrogen receptor (ESR1)–positive breast cancer. However, ESR1 mutations or other ligand-independent ESR1 activation mechanisms limit the duration of response. The clinical efficacy of fulvestrant, a selective estrogen receptor downregulator (SERD) that competitively inhibits agonist binding to ESR1 and triggers receptor downregulation, has confirmed that ESR1 frequently remains engaged in endocrine therapy–resistant cancers. We evaluated the activity of a new class of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM)/SERD hybrids (SSH) that downregulate ESR1 in relevant models of endocrine-resistant breast cancer. Building on the observation that concurrent inhibition of ESR1 and the cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) significantly increased progression-free survival in advanced patients, we explored the activity of different SERD– or SSH–CDK4/6 inhibitor combinations in models of endocrine therapy–resistant ESR1 + breast cancer. Experimental Design: SERDs, SSHs, and the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib were evaluated as single agents or in combination in established cellular and animal models of endocrine therapy–resistant ESR1 + breast cancer. Results: The combination of palbociclib with a SERD or an SSH was shown to effectively inhibit the growth of MCF7 cell or ESR1-mutant patient-derived tumor xenografts. In tamoxifen-resistant MCF7 xenografts, the palbociclib/SERD or SSH combination resulted in an increased duration of response as compared with either drug alone. Conclusions: A SERD– or SSH–palbociclib combination has therapeutic potential in breast tumors resistant to endocrine therapies or those expressing ESR1 mutations. Clin Cancer Res; 21(22); 5121–30. ©2015 AACR . See related commentary by DeMichele and Chodosh, p. 4999
A prospective randomized trial comparing anastrozole and clomiphene citrate in an ovulation induction protocol using gonadotropins

Objective To compare the ovarian and endometrial effects of anastrozole and clomiphene when used with gonadotropins in a combination protocol. Design Prospective randomized trial. Setting Academic infertility center. Patient(s) Fifty infertile women. Interventions(s) Women were randomized to receive either 1 mg anastrozole or 100 mg clomiphene citrate for 5 days (cycle days 3–7) followed by FSH injections (days 7–11) for ovulation induction. A subset participated in a crossover arm of the study. Main Outcome Measure(s) Ovarian follicle number and size, E 2 levels, endometrial thickness, pregnancy, and cancelation rates. Result(s) On cycle day 12, anastrozole cycles were associated with fewer total follicles (1.4 vs. 3.6, P =0.01), fewer mature follicles (0.6 vs. 1.6, P 2 (131 pg/mL vs. 613 pg/mL, P P P Conclusion(s) Anastrozole when used in conjunction with gonadotropins results in lower E 2 levels and fewer follicles than clomiphene citrate. A combination protocol of anastrozole and gonadotropins may be a safer protocol for patients at higher risk of hyperstimulation and multiple births after infertility treatments.
Structure of butterfly scales: patterning in an insect cuticle.

All butterfly and moth scales and bristles are made of non-living insect cuticle. Each is the product of a single epithelial cell, and all share the same basic architecture. However, some are highly specialized, and their cuticle is further elaborated into stacks of thin-films, lattices, or other minute structures, many of which first came to our attention because they interact, with light to produce structural colors. The scale cell forms the scale by extruding a projection of itself and secreting around it the outer epicuticle, a thin cuticular envelope which will form the outermost layer of the scale. The inner layers of cuticle, collectively called the procuticle, are secreted thereafter and go on to form the lattices, pillars, or other internal structures of the scale. We believe that the pattern-forming mechanisms used by the cell to shape the cuticle into its finished form include elastic buckling of the outer epicuticle to produce external folds, and “masking” of certain areas of the original epicuticular envelope to produce thin spots which will break through to become windows. Varied though they be, all insect cuticular patterns have common basic elements, which suggests that our findings may be generalized to other highly patterned insect cuticles, particularly those formed by single cells. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Purification and quantitative analysis of veratridine and cevadine by HPLC

As part of a study to determine the variation in the effectiveness of commercial pesticide formulations of ester steroidal alkaloids from sabadilla (Schoenocaulon officinale Grey) seeds in the integrated pest management of citrus, a method to isolate and measure large quantities of alkaloids from natural starting materials was needed. The addition of the solvent modifier sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to a previously published HPLC method greatly improved peak resolution by minimizing peak tailing. The use of the non-ester alkaloid papaverine as an internal standard permitted quantification of sabadilla alkaloids by HPLC, and this modified method was then used to monitor the breakdown of cevadine and veratridine, the two most abundant sabadilla alkaloids, in aqueous solutions as a function of time and pH.
Biennial cycling caused by demographic delays in a fire-adapted annual plant

We explored models explaining population cycling in the annual Warea carteri. We modeled the life cycle of W. carteri and compared projected trajectories to independently observed trajectories (up to 16 years) of plants in 74 patches in three populations. We built matrix models with an annual time step for two populations, including four stages, (recently produced seeds, seeds in the seed bank, seedlings, and adults) and five vital rates, summarized in seven transitions. Fluctuations of both observed and modeled populations were evaluated using power spectra, autocorrelation, amplitude, and damping. Observed populations had two point cycling. Observed amplitude was higher in frequently burned populations, reached its maximum 1 year after fire, and then dampened. Asymptotic transition and vital rate elasticities showed that seedling survival was the most important factor for long-term population growth, but transient elasticities showed that recruitment from the seed bank was important during the first years post-fire. Deterministic modeling and elasticity analyses indicated that delayed germination (for 1 year) may explain biennial population cycling. Stochastic models created similar cycling with slower damping than deterministic models, but still had lower amplitudes (especially 1–3 years post-fire) than observed populations. The biennial cycle in W. carteri is likely caused by the delay in seed germination, which creates two overlapping cohorts of plants, much like a strict biennial. Fire initiates the cycle by killing aboveground individuals and promoting seedling recruitment in the first post-fire year.
Endocrine relationships of thymosine-α1, thymosin-β4, and luteinizing hormone throughout the prepubertal period of development in heifers, ovariectomized heifers and ovariectomized heifers with estradiol implants☆

Abstract To monitor the relationships of luteinizing hormone (LH) and thymosin-α1 and -β4 in conjunction with possible gonadal feedback mechanisms that could alter thymic function (thymosin secretion), circulating thymosin-α1 and -β4 and LH concentrations of control heifers ( n = 6), ovariectomized heifers ( n = 5) and ovariectomized heifers implanted with estradiol ( n = 5) were determined during the prepubertal period (initiated at 266 days of age). Sequential blood samples were collected at 12-min intervals for 8 h before ovariectomy on day 0 and on days 8, 36, 50, 64, 78, 92, 106, 120 and 134 of the experiment. Thymosin-β4 concentrations were not different between treatments. Thymosin-β4 concentrations gradually decreased until day 92 of the study, then increased two-fold by day 134 of experimental sampling (400 days of age) when all control animals had attained puberty. Concentrations of thymosin-α1 changed little as animals matured, but peak amplitude did increase over time (0.287 ng/ml at ady 0 to 0.403 ng/ml at day 120; P P
Coverage-oriented verification of Banias

The growing complexity of the state-of-art microprocessors dictates the use of cost-effective verification methods. Functional coverage was widely applied in the verification of Banias, Intel's new IA-32 microprocessor designed solely for the mobile computing market. In this paper, we describe the practical coverage approach as was carried out in the verification of Banias. According to this coverage-oriented verification approach, focus shifts gradually from basic logic cleanup using random testing, where verification follows a predefined test plan, to coverage-driven verification, where coverage verification resources are steered to hit coverage holes. This practical approach enables reaching higher quality for lower effort under a tightened schedule, and provides a clear metric to measure the progress of verification and the quality of the design under test. As the conclusions will show, the retrospective evaluation of this approach shed light on its significant impact beyond original intentions, as well as uncovering several potential areas for refinement that will make this approach even more effective on future projects.
The specification and modeling of computer security

A description is given of computer security models in general and the model of D. Bell and L. LaPadula (Tech. Rep. MTR-2997, Mitre Corp., 1976) in particular. The Bell and LaPadula (BLP) model is the backbone of the National Computer Security Center's evaluation process for trusted computer systems. Although discretionary access control is briefly addressed, the focus is on mandatory access control (MAC) in national security. However, the issues addressed are relevant to any setting in which MAC-like restrictions arise. It is shown that security is a fruitful research area for those interested in software specification, since some of the most difficult issues in specifying security have analogs in other domains. The limitations of the BLP model are examined. For example, it has little relevance for systems in which users can change their own security levels or those of their files, and it is inadequate for expressing requirements that certain operations cannot be performed by a single individual working alone. It is shown how BLP's limitations can be remedied by a framework of models, making it more useful to those interested in industrial security. >
Fastigial nucleus-mediated respiratory responses depend on the medullary gigantocellular nucleus

Electrical stimulation of the rostral fastigial nucleus (FNr) alters respiration via activation of local neurons. We hypothesized that this FNr-mediated respiratory response was dependent on the integrity of the nucleus gigantocellularis of the medulla (NGC). Electrical stimulation of the FNr in 15 anesthetized and tracheotomized spontaneously breathing rats significantly altered ventilation by 35.2 +/- 11.0% (P 0.05) but persisted in sham controls. Eight other rats, in which horseradish peroxidase (HRP) solution was previously microinjected into the left NGC, served as nonstimulation controls or were exposed to either 15-min repeated electrical stimulation of the right FNr or hypercapnia for 90 min. Histochemical and immunocytochemical data showed that the right FNr contained clustered HRP-labeled neurons, most of which were double labeled with c-Fos immunoreactivity in both electrically and CO(2)-stimulated rats. We conclude that the NGC receives monosynaptic FNr inputs and is required for fully expressing FNr-mediated respiratory responses.
Afterthoughts on Snyder v. Phelps

From a scholarly and professional perspective, the Supreme Court’s decision in Snyder v. Phelps added little to the development of free speech doctrine. As a normative matter, the Court’s role in the resolution of this case is hard to justify or explain. In this short piece, we reflect on the normative costs of the Court’s decision and raise additional constitutional questions not addressed by the Court in its decision.
Pesticide Drift VI: Target and Drift Deposits vs. Time of Applications

Three identical aerial spray applications were made to 5-acre alfalfa plots at 6:00 AM. 3:00 PM, and 7:00 PM. Deposits were measured on alfalfa and on horizontal and vertical aluminum foil targets. Respective efficiencies of on-target deposit were 75, 63, and 55%. It appears that early-morning application results in the greatest on-target deposit and that horizontal aluminum foil targets can be used reliably as substitutes for foliage samples.
Free Amino Acids in the Cockroach Blaberus giganteus

The free amino acids of insect hemolymph have been a subject of past investigations and continue to be an area of active interest and research. The amino acid content of various species ranges from 40 mg/100 ml in some adults and young larvae to as high as 385 mg/100 ml in some mature larvae and pupae (Pratt 1950). Extracts of hemolymph from adults of various species of mosquitoes contain the same amino acids (Micks and Ellis 1951) as do whole bodies of species of culicid mosquitoes (Clark and Ball 1952). In some cases, larval insects appear to differ little from adults of the same species, either in numbers or kinds of amino acids (Finlayson and Hamer 1949, Agrell 1949, Levenbook 1950, Micks and Ellis 1952, Hackman 1956, PoChedley 1956). Comparison of larval and pupal stages of other species reveals marked differences in the quantities of each of several amino acids which are normal components of their hemolymphs (Corrigan and Srinivasan 1966, Dittmer 1961). Both qualitative and quantitative differences in amino acid content are evident in the hemolymphs of unrelated species (Auclair and Dubreuil 1953).
Capitalist Coalitions, the State, and Neoliberal Economic Restructuring: Chile, 1973–88

This article argues that a high degree of relative state autonomy and ideology, while necessary, was not sufficient to explain fully the change from import-substitution industrialization to an open, free-market economy in Chile. A comparison across three distinct policy periods in authoritarian Chile reveals that shifting coalitions of businessmen and landowners, with varying power resources, also played an important part in the outcome. This approach does not seek to vitiate other interpretations of economic change in Chile and elsewhere. The question is not so much which factor is most important, but how and when the different factors matter.
A pilot study of low-dose zidovudine in human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Abstract Background. Zidovudine delays the progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection but is associated with hematologic toxicity at high doses. Regimens are needed that preserve or enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity. Acyclovir has been reported to potentiate the effect of zidovudine on HIV in vitro. Methods. We conducted a Phase II open-label, dose-escalating trial to evaluate the clinical and antiviral effects of zidovudine at low (300 mg daily, 28 subjects), medium (600 mg, 24 subjects), and high (1500 mg, 15 subjects) doses, either with or without acyclovir (4.8 g) by random assignment. The subjects had the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)—related complex, but not AIDS. All of them had either HIV p24 antigenemia or plasma viremia and CD4-lymphocyte counts of 200 to 500 per cubic millimeter when they began treatment. Results. Performance scores and fatigue improved the most in the low- and medium-dose zidovudine groups (both P≤0.025). Those assigned to low-dose zidovudine ga...
Four Bar/Six Bar Jaw Crusher Dynamics Simulation Based on MATLAB

The position closed loop vector equations of four bar jaw crusher and six bar jaw crusher are set up,the acceleration relation matrixes are built by second differential method,and M functions of the equations are written.By using Simulink in MATLAB, the kinematic and dynamic simulation is carried out,and the instantaneous position,velocity and acceleration of main components in four bar/six bar jaw crusher are obtained.The driving moment and the hinge reaction force are solved by SimMechanics.Results show that compared with six bar jaw crusher,four linkage crusher need less driving moment,with smaller reaction force on swinging rod hinged point and larger rockers angular displacement range.
Teacher's Perceived Organization Justice and Organizational Citizenship Behavior:the mediating Role of Job Burnout

The purpose of this study was to examine how the teachers'perceptions of organizational justice(POJ) influenced organizational citizenship behavior(OCB),and to reveal the mediating effects of teachers'job burnout in POJ-OCB.A questionnaire was used to collect data from 1325 teachers in Chongqing and Chenzhou of Hunan.A series of hierarchical regression analyses,mediating effects testing and dominance analysis were conducted for data analyses.The results consistently showed that procedural justice is the positive predictor of OCB,and teachers'job burnout is the negative predictor of OCB.Additionally,the result also demonstrated that teachers'job burnout has remarkably mediating effects on POJ-OCB;especially,the passion burnout and diminished personal accomplishment have prominent mediating effects on the relationship between the teachers ' perceptions of organizational justice and organizational citizenship behavior.
Sol–gel synthesis of a series of first row d-block ferrites via the epoxide addition method

Ferrite spinels of the late first-row d-block metals were synthesized in a uniform manner via the epoxide addition method. Cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc ferrites were generated under mild and favorable conditions and analyzed for trends in the series. All ferrites follow a pronounced trend in particle size and are generally identical beyond the identity of the cation. A crystalline copper ferrite phase is not obtainable under identical annealing procedures, but is obtained at high temperature and amorphous material is obtainable for catalytic testing and comparison within the set. The results indicate that while the epoxide addition method is a powerful and facile synthetic procedure to obtain metal-oxide aerogels, individual metal properties can complicate its use in catalyst comparisons. With the exception of copper ferrite, the other spinels in the series are ideally suited to functional comparisons and exploration of the catalytic parameter space for these materials. All of these ferrites are high surface area and highly porous materials, with uniform particle size modes ranging from 4–8 nm.