cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seasonal and solar cycle dependence of energy transfer rates in the Auroral E-region

We report one of the first comprehensive ground-based investigations of energy transfer rates in the E-region ionosphere compared relative to geomagnetic activity, seasonal effects, and solar activ...
Cytokines and Chemokines in Granulomatous Inflammation

This chapter summarizes the current understanding of the role of molecular mediators in granuloma formation as derived from studies of human disease and animal models. In the broadest definition, cytokines include lipid, nucleotide, and protein mediators, since all of these types of molecules have effects on immune cell function, but the discussion in the chapter focuses only on the protein mediators known as interferons (IFNs), interleukins (ILs), tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), colony-stimulating factors (CSFs), and growth factors (GFs). The roles that some of the major groups of cytokines play in granulomatous responses are discussed. Once the granuloma is established, chemokines could also help to sustain the lesion and regulate resolution phase sequela such as neovascularization and fibrosis. It is likely that chemokines participate extensively in the granulomatous response. The chapter summarizes some of the mounting evidence that appears to support this hypothesis. Other reported chemokine-inhibiting cytokines include Th2-related chemokines IL-4 and IL-13, but these cytokines have also been demonstrated to promote the production of some CC chemokines, such as CCL2 (MCP-1) in endothelial cells and granuloma fibroblasts. Evidence provided by many investigators over the past two decades provides strong support for the dynamic participation of cytokines and chemokines in granuloma formation.
Cooperativity in CYP2E1 metabolism of acetaminophen and styrene mixtures.

Abstract Risk assessment for exposure to mixtures of drugs and pollutants relies heavily on in vitro characterization of their bioactivation and/or metabolism individually and extrapolation to mixtures assuming no interaction. Herein, we demonstrated that in vitro CYP2E1 metabolic activation of acetaminophen and styrene mixtures could not be explained through the Michaelis–Menten mechanism or any models relying on that premise. As a baseline for mixture studies with styrene, steady-state analysis of acetaminophen oxidation revealed a biphasic kinetic profile that was best described by negative cooperativity (Hill coefficient = 0.72). The best-fit mechanism for this relationship involved two binding sites with differing affinities ( K s = 830 μM and K ss = 32 mM). Introduction of styrene inhibited that reaction less than predicted by simple competition and thus provided evidence for a cooperative mechanism within the mixture. Likewise, acetaminophen acted through a mixed-type inhibition mechanism to impact styrene epoxidation. In this case, acetaminophen competed with styrene for CYP2E1 ( K i = 830 μM and K si = 180 μM for catalytic and effector sites, respectively) and resulted in cooperative impacts on binding and catalysis. Based on modeling of in vivo clearance, cooperative interactions between acetaminophen and styrene resulted in profoundly increased styrene activation at low styrene exposure levels and therapeutic acetaminophen levels. Current Michaelis–Menten based toxicological models for mixtures such as styrene and acetaminophen would fail to detect this concentration-dependent relationship. Hence, future studies must assess the role of alternate CYP2E1 mechanisms in bioactivation of compounds to improve the accuracy of interpretations and predictions of toxicity.
Metabolomics reveals the impact of vitamin D on the microbiome (MUC4P.856)

Dysbiosis of the microbiome is an important factor in susceptibility to diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Vitamin D has known immunoregulatory roles and decreased levels of vitamin D are linked to IBD. Mice lacking the enzyme 1-α-hydroxylase (Cyp27B1 KO) cannot metabolize 25(OH)D 3 into bio-active 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 . These mice are more susceptible to experimental colitis compared to WT controls. Here we wanted to determine the effect of vitamin D 3 on the urinary metabolome, since microbial metabolites can be detected in urine. Urine was collected from WT, WT+20,000IU vitamin D 3 , and WT and Cyp27B1 KO littermates. Urine samples were profiled by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QTOFMS) and multivariate data analysis tools. WT mice supplemented with vitamin D and WT and Cyp27B1 KO mice displayed changes in microbial metabolites compared to unsupplemented mice. Metabolites associated with the gut microbiota: p-cresol sulfate, indoxyl sulfate, xanthurenic acid, and betaine were different as a function of vitamin D 3 supplementation or Cyp27B1 expression. Alterations in the urinary metabolome suggest a role for vitamin D 3 in regulating the microbiota. Metabolite analysis will aid our understanding of the mechanisms by which vitamin D 3 affects host health and the microbiota, and future work will address how changes in the microbiota affect susceptibility to experimental IBD.
Parametric study of dead time effect on three phase AC output impedance of Voltage Source Inverter (VSI)

This paper reports that the output impedance of a VSI measured in experiments differs from the results derived from the traditional small-signal model known in the literature. A parametric study of this effect is conducted by simulation, and then verified by experiment. The result reveals that dead time is the main contributor to the difference in impedance between simulation and experimentation. Dead time adds a resistive part to the VSI output impedance.
Focus on...The Conversation on Coverage

The Conversation on Coverage is a national public policy initiative of the Pension Rights Center, devoted to finding new ways of expanding coverage for the millions low- and moderate-wage earners who do not have pensions or retirement savings plans to supplement Social Security. Over the past year, 45 pension experts came together in three Working Groups to develop innovative, common-ground approaches to expanding retirement savings. This article discusses their recommendations, published in July 2004, which represent an important contribution to the ongoing policy discussion. I gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the Pension Rights Center, and of Robert England, who wrote the reports and spent months working on them. In describing the recommendations and goals of the Conversation on Coverage, we frequently quote the reports (with a view to doing so precisely) verbatim. Members of each of the three Working Groups edited their own respective reports, and did not have input into the other reports. The full reports are available at www.pensioncoverage.net. The PRC tells us the Conversation on Coverage will start up again soon and the Working Groups will begin refinement and implementation of the recommendations.
Genesis and Etiology

In recent years, concepts such as mental health and mental illness, or normal and deviant behavior, have come under increasing scrutiny by behavioral scientists. Some psychiatrits claim they do not know what constitutes mental health (Pasamanick, 1968), while others consider mental illness to be a myth (Szasz, 1961).
Slow Strain Rate Tensile Tests of Irradiated Austenitic Stainless Steels in Simulated PWR Environment

Irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking is of concern for the safe and economic operation of light water reactors. In this study, cracking susceptibility of austenitic stainless steels was investigated by using slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) tests in a simulated pressurized water reactor (PWR) environment. The specimens were irradiated to 5, 10, and 48 dpa in the BOR60 reactor at 320°C. The SSRT results showed that yield strength was increased significantly in irradiated specimens while ductility and strain hardening capability were decreased. Irradiation hardening was found to be saturated below 10 dpa. The irradiated yield strength of cold-worked specimens was higher than that of solution-annealed specimens. Fractographic examinations were also performed on the tested specimens, and the dominant fracture morphology was ductile dimples. Intergranular cracking was rarely seen on the fracture surface. Transgranular cleavage cracking, however, was found more frequently on the specimen tested in simulated PWR environment.
Endoscopic Appearance of Colonic Lymphoid Nodules: A Normal Variant

A patient undergoing routine colonoscopy was observed to have multiple white nodules scattered diffusely throughout the colon. Endoscopic biopsy revealed normal lymph tissue. The endoscopic appearance is described to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate therapy.
Tumor-induced Apoptosis of T Cells: Amplification by a Mitochondrial Cascade

We have recently reported that apoptosis of T cells induced by squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is partly Fas dependent. This tumor-induced T-cell death is mediated by the activities of caspase-8 and caspase-3 and is partially inhibited by antibodies to either Fas or Fas ligand. We report here that in contrast to apoptosis induced by agonistic anti-Fas antibody (Ab), the tumor-induced apoptotic cascade in Jurkat cells is significantly amplified by a mitochondrial loop. The involvement of mitochondria in tumor-induced apoptosis of T cells was demonstrated by changes in mitochondrial permeability transition as assessed by 3,3'-dihexiloxadicarbocyanine staining, by cleavage of cytosolic BID and its translocation to the mitochondria, by release of cytochrome c to the cytosol, and by the presence of active subunits of caspase-9 in Jurkat T cells cocultured with tumor cells. To further elucidate the significance of mitochondria in tumor-induced T-cell death, we investigated the effects of various inhibitors of the mitochondrial pathway. Specific antioxidants, as well as two inhibitors of mitochondria permeability transition, bongkrekic acid and cyclosporin A, significantly blocked the DNA degradation induced in Jurkat T cells by SCCHN cells. However, these inhibitors had no effect on cells triggered by anti-Fas Ab. Furthermore, a cell-permeable inhibitor of caspase-9, Ac-LEHD.CHO, which did not inhibit T-cell apoptosis induced by anti-Fas Ab, markedly inhibited apoptosis induced by etoposide or by coculture of Jurkat with SCCHN cells. These findings demonstrate that apoptotic cascades induced in Jurkat T lymphocytes by anti-Fas Ab or tumor cells are differentially susceptible to a panel of inhibitors of mitochondrial apoptotic events. It appears that besides the Fas-mediated pathway, additional mitochondria-dependent cascades are involved in apoptosis of tumor-associated lymphocytes. Inhibition of mitochondria-dependent cascades of caspase activation should be considered to enhance the success of immunotherapy or vaccination protocols in cancer.
Health consequences of reproductive aging: a commentary

This commentary discusses the intersection of human ovarian and somatic aging. It argues for re-contextualizing estrogen's role in and impact on ovarian aging and, more broadly, on women's health, considering in particular the importance of timing, dose, and the broader endocrine milieu. Distinguishing between current clinical needs and optimizing women's future options, the paper outlines an approach to broadening the research agenda to better understand the role of ovarian aging in supporting the metabolic demands of longevity. Three overarching issues important to consider explicitly as we pursue research on the health correlates of reproductive aging are discussed, including implications of a lifespan approach, population diversity, and selection bias.
The Interplanetary Causes of Magnetic Storms, Substorms and Geomagnetic Quiet

The current knowledge of the interplanetary and solar causes of superstorms (Dst ≤-350 nT), major magnetic storms (Dst ≤ -100 nT), recurring substorms and HILDCAAs will be summarised. The causes of geomagnetic quiet during both solar maximum and solar minimum will also be reviewed. The discussion will start with geomagnetic activity during the solar maximum portion of the solar cycle and then that of the declining phase. A newly identified type of aurora, caused by interplanetary shocks, will be discussed. Such auroras may occur at other planets as well.
Comparative effects of metoclopramide and bethanechol on lower esophageal sphincter pressure in reflux patients.

Abstract The effects of oral metoclopramide, 10 and 20 mg, bethanechol, 25 mg, and placebo on lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) were studied in 15 men with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and basal LESP less than 11 mm Hg. Each drug produced a significant increase in LESP when compared to placebo. Metoclopramide, 20 mg, produced a greater increase than either metoclopramide, 10 mg, or bethanechol, 25 mg. Serum gastrin concentrations were not altered by any of the drugs. Side effects were unremarkable. The LESP increasing effect of metoclopramide might be useful in treatment of gastroesophageal reflux.
Tinea versicolor: A light and electron microscopic study of hyperpigmented skin

Hyperpigmentation in lesions of tinea versicolor has previously been reported to be a result of the effects of the fungus Pityrosporon orbiculare on melanosome formation and distribution. Examination of biopsy specimens from lesions of hyperpigmented tinea versicolor involving vitiliginous skin reveals an absence of melanosomes and melanocytes. Reddish-tan and fawncolored hyperpigmentation in tinea versicolor of this type is not due to melanin pigment. The possible nature of the pigmentation that delineates hyperpigmented tinea versicolor from normal skin is discussed.
Pseudocyesis in a six-year-old girl.

Pseudocyesis, or imaginary pregnancy, was described by Hippocrates in 300 B.C. and in the mid-seventeenth century by Harvey. They noted that one could not dissuade these patients of their beliefs. One famous case was Mary Tudor, Queen of England, who was very anxious to become pregnant to please her consort. Huxley (1952) described the hysterical dramatics of a prioress in 1634 who believed herself to be possessed by lascivious devils, and to be pregnant as a result. “Menstruation had ceased, there were constant vomitings, secretion of milk and a marked enlargement of the belly. A celebrated physician pronounced the pregnancy to be genuine.” Then the devil, speaking through the woman’s lips, “made his appearance at a public exorcism, and said that all the symptoms had been contrived by demons.” The nun wrote that the devil forced her to throw up all the accumulations in her body. The pregnancy disappeared, and she believed thereafter that a miracle had occurred. Paddock (1928) wrote on “Spurious Pregnancy” and listed the numerous terms by which it is known: false pregnancy, phantom pregnancy, imaginary pregnancy, hysterical pregnancy, and simuulated pregnancy. He did not consider the term of “feigned pregnancy” proper, for it connoted malingering or intentional deception, which is not a part of the condition. He noted that case
Bioavailability of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in people of all ages who consume a low intake of animal-source foods, including populations in developing countries. It is also prevalent among the elderly, even in wealthier countries, due to their malabsorption of B12 from food. Several methods have been applied to diagnose vitamin B12 malabsorption, including Schillings test, which is now used rarely, but these do not quantify percent bioavailability. Most of the information on B12 bioavailability from foods was collected 40 to 50 years ago, using radioactive isotopes of cobalt to label the corrinoid ring. The data are sparse, and the level of radioactivity required for in vivo labeling of animal tissues can be prohibitive. A newer method under development uses a low dose of radioactivity as (14)C-labeled B12, with measurement of the isotope excreted in urine and feces by accelerator mass spectrometry. This test has revealed that the unabsorbed vitamin is degraded in the intestine. The percent bioavailability is inversely proportional to the dose consumed due to saturation of the active absorption process, even within the range of usual intake from foods. This has important implications for the assessment and interpretation of bioavailability values, setting dietary requirements, and interpreting relationships between intake and status of the vitamin.
County-level poverty estimates for the contiguous United States, 2001, 2005

Efforts to estimate various sociodemographic variables in small geographical areas are proving difficult with the replacement of the Census long form with the American Community Survey (ACS). Researchers interested in sub-national demographic processes have generally relied on Census long form data products in order to answer research questions. ACS data products promise to begin providing up-to-date profiles of the nation's population and economy; however, unit and item-level non-response in the ACS have left researchers with gaps in sub-national coverage resulting in unstable and unreliable estimates for basic demographic measures. Borrowing information from neighboring areas and across time with a spatiotemporal smoothing process based on Bayesian statistical methods, it is possible to generate more stable and accurate estimates of rates for geographic areas not represented in the ACS. This research assesses this spatiotemporal smoothing process in its ability to derive estimates of poverty rates at th...
Protonated Carbonic Acid and the Trihydroxymethyl Radical in the Gas Phase. A Neutralization−Reionization Mass Spectrometric and ab Initio/RRKM Study

Gas-phase protonation of carbonic acid is predicted to occur preferentially at the carbonyl oxygen with the 298 K proton affinity that was calculated as PA = 741 and 775 kJ mol-1 for the syn- and anti-conformer, respectively. The hydroxyl groups are less basic with a topical PA = 660 kJ mol-1. The standard enthalpy of formation of gas-phase carbonic acid was calculated as = −614 kJ mol-1. Collisional neutralization of protonated carbonic acid, anti-1+, yields transient trihydroxymethyl radicals that dissociate rapidly by loss of a hydrogen atom, so that no survivor species are observed on a 360 ns time scale. High-level ab initio calculations with G2(MP2), G2, B3-MP2, and QCISD(T)/6-311+G(3df,2p) find two stable conformers of trihydroxymethyl radicals, anti-1 and syn-1, that interconvert rapidly by O−H bond rotations. The lowest-energy dissociation of anti-1 is loss of a hydrogen atom which requires 93 kJ mol-1 in the transition state and forms the anti-conformer of carbonic acid with an overall reaction ...
The oxidation of molecular tritium in mammals.

Abstract Bacteria isolated from the intestinal contents from rats have been found to fix significant quantities of molecular tritium. The possibility that bacteria were the principal agent in the fixation of tritum within the animal body was investigated. Oxidation of tritium by tissue homogenates revealed that oxidation occurred with homogenates prepared from the spleen and intestines. Fixation by the intestinal homogenates was undoubtedly due to bacterial action. A decrease in the bacterial flora of intact animals by either evisceration or treatment with antibiotics reduced the total quantity of tritium oxidized. These results indicate that the bacterial content may be the principal agent in the oxidation of tritium within the animal body.
Reconfigurable coherent transceivers for optical transmission capacity and reach optimization

Coherent transceivers in high capacity optical transmission systems have dramatically increased networking capabilities. Enhancing flexibility of these transceivers can enable dynamic optimization of DWDM signal characteristics to extract more capacity from optical networks.
Myocardial blood flow and capillary density in chronic pressure overload of the feline left ventricle

The effects of chronic pressure overload hypertrophy on myocardial blood flow and capillary density was measured in the feline left ventricle. Myocardial hypertrophy was produced by and 84% banding constriction of the ascending aorta 2.8 +/- 1.2 months before the experiments. In seven cats with aortic constriction, cardiac hypertrophy produced a 40% increase in left ventricular mass. Seven cats served as normals. Our findings show that, in chronic pressure overload hypertrophy, coronary blood flow at control (resting) levels is increased compared with normals. In both normal and hypertrophy cats endocardial/epicardial flow ratios were equal at the control level. In the hypertrophied hearts, coronary reserve, measured as the percentage increase in myocardial blood flow from control to near maximal flow during adenosine infusion, was reduced. In the hypertrophy group a shift in the transmural distribution of blood flow in the left ventricle was noticed, as indicated by a reduced endo/epi flow ratio, during adenosine infusion. A decreased capillary density in hypertrophy, most marked in endocardial tissue regions, was demonstrated by this study. These findings indicate that capillary growth does not parallel myofibre growth in the endocardium of pressure overload hypertrophied left ventricles. The resultant anatomical imbalance causes a compromise of flow reserve in the endocardium, making this region vulnerable to ischaemia.
Sleep correlates of cognition in early course psychotic disorders.

Abstract Background Slow waves and sleep spindles, the main oscillations during non-rapid eye movement sleep, have been thought to be related to cognitive processes, and are impaired in psychotic disorders. Cognitive impairments, seen early in the course of psychotic disorders, may be related to alterations in these oscillations, but few studies have examined this relationship. Method Twenty seven untreated patients with a recently diagnosed psychotic disorder had polysomnographic sleep studies and neuro-cognitive testing. Results Reduced power in the sigma range, which reflects spindle density, was associated with impaired attention, and reasoning, but not intelligence quotient (IQ). Slow wave sleep measures were not significantly associated with any cognitive measures. Conclusions Impairments in sleep spindles may be associated with cognitive deficits in the early course of psychotic disorders. These observations may help clarify neuro-biologic mechanisms of cognitive deficits in psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
Examining the Relationship Between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Familial Risk Analysis

Background To use family study methodology to examine the relationship between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. Methods We assessed for ADHD and OCD in the 1533 first-degree relatives of three groups of index children: those with ADHD and OCD, those with ADHD but no OCD, and matched controls with neither disorder. Results The risk for ADHD was similarly elevated in families of ADHD youth with (18.9%) and without OCD (20.1%; p = .91), and both groups had significantly higher rates of ADHD compared with controls (4.6%; p ≤ .001), which was consistent with previous research showing a strong familial risk for ADHD. The risk for OCD was significantly elevated only among relatives of youth with ADHD plus comorbid OCD (13.0%) compared with controls (.5%; p ≤ .001) and was consistent with previous research showing a strong familial risk for OCD. Relatives affected with ADHD had a significantly elevated risk for OCD compared with relatives unaffected by ADHD (7.4% vs. 1.3%; p Conclusions These results extend previously reported findings regarding the heritability of both ADHD and OCD and provide new evidence of a familial relationship between ADHD and pediatric OCD that best fits the hypothesis of a unique familial subtype.
Lung cancer in association with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

The association of lung cancer and infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is uncommon. This report and critical review of the medical literature defines a clinical profile of 22 patients affected with this uncommon association. This clinical profile includes young age (median, 38 years), intravenous drug abuse (14 of 22 patients), preponderance of adenocarcinoma over other cell subtypes (11 of 22 patients), and advanced clinical stage at presentation (10 of 15 patients with staging data had Stage III or IV disease). This study also examines a possible increased risk for lung cancer in patients infected by HIV. Continued surveillance and reporting of lung tumors (other than lymphomas and Kaposi sarcomas) in patients infected by HIV should help to define the frequency of the association and the validity of the clinical profile. Cancer 1992; 70:432–436.
Ignition of Aluminum Powders Under Different Experimental Conditions

This paper presents a brief review of experimental measurements of aluminum ignition temperature. Models used to describe aluminum ignition are also reviewed. It is shown that the current models cannot describe ignition of aluminum powders of different sizes and ignited under various experimental conditions. The paper further discusses properties of and phase changes occurring in the alumina scale existing on the surface of aluminum particles at different temperatures. Results of recent thermal analysis studies of aluminum powder oxidation are presented and it is shown that the stepwise oxidation of aluminum is caused by the sequence of polymorphic phase transitions occurring in the growing oxide film. Finally, the qualitative connection between the processes governing the oxidation of aluminum powders and the ignition of aluminum particles is made and an explanation for the experimentally observed wide range of aluminum ignition temperatures is suggested.
On the oxidation of carbon monoxide catalyzed by palladium

Abstract We report here experimental data pertaining to the oxidation of CO when COO2 mixtures are exposed to Pd substrates. The substrates were prepared by exposure to O2 at high temperatures for extended periods of time. The rate of CO2 production was measured in the region 300–975 K and reaction orders and apparent activation energies have been derived from the data. At temperatures below 450 K the rate is very low and is inhibited by CO. Above 475 K the rate proceeds readily and involves an Eley-Rideal type reaction between chemisorbed oxygen atoms and gas phase CO. The rapid increase of the rate between 450 and 475 K is attributed to the desorption of CO which then allows the chemisorption of O2. Above 500 K the rate falls off slowly due to the decreasing residence time of CO and decreasing amounts of chemisorbed oxygen atoms available at the surface. The qualitative features of the temperature dependence of the rate are very similar to those observed on clean single-crystal substrates. Near 475 K the reaction orders with respect to O2 and CO are the same as those observed on clean single-crystal substrates.
Use of the salet phenomenon in the determination of sulfur and phosphorus in aqueous and organic samples

The history of the Salet phenomenon is summarized. Various experimental configurations are studied for the measurement of the S2 and HPO emission from different sulfur and phosphorus species in low-temperature flames. Analysis of petroleum fractions for sulfur, and insecticides for phosphorus is discussed.
US Southern Ocean JGOFS Program (AESOPS): Part III

Abstract This is the third and final volume of manuscripts comprising the results from a series of process studies conducted as part of the US Joint Global Ocean Flux Study. The objectives of this study were to provide insights into the quantities and controls of fluxes in the Southern Ocean, to elucidate the processes that control primary production in both space and time, and to use these results to model the processes that were dominant in past environments. The results demonstrate the importance of the Southern Ocean with regard to both the present and past productivity patterns and vertical fluxes from the surface layer.
Impact of the non-ideal temperature dependence of IC-VBE on ultra-wide temperature range SiGe HBT bandgap reference circuits

We investigate the impact of the non-ideal temperature dependence of I C -V BE on the performance of ultra-wide temperature range SiGe HBT bandgap reference circuits. Both the slope and intercept of I C -V BE show temperature dependences that significantly differ from “ideal” Shockley theory widely used in BGR analysis and design, and are shown to have significant impact on ΔV BE (T ), I C (T ) and V BE (T ).
A Suggestion for an Improved Vegetation Scheme for Local and Global Mapping and Monitoring

/ Understanding of global ecological problems is at least partly dependent on clear assessments of vegetation change, and such assessment is always dependent on the use of a vegetation classification scheme. Use of satellite remotely sensed data is the only practical means of carrying out any global-scale vegetation mapping exercise, but if the resulting maps are to be useful to most ecologists and conservationists, they must be closely tied to clearly defined features of vegetation on the ground. Furthermore, much of the mapping that does take place involves more local-scale description of field sites; for purposes of cost and practicality, such studies usually do not involve remote sensing using satellites. There is a need for a single scheme that integrates the smallest to the largest scale in a way that is meaningful to most environmental scientists. Existing schemes are unsatisfactory for this task; they are ambiguous, unnecessarily complex, and their categories do not correspond to common-sense definitions. In response to these problems, a simple structural-physiognomically based scheme with 23 fundamental categories is proposed here for mapping and monitoring on any scale, from local to global. The fundamental categories each subdivide into more specific structural categories for more detailed mapping, but all the categories can be used throughout the world and at any scale, allowing intercomparison between regions. The next stage in the process will be to obtain the views of as many people working in as many different fields as possible, to see whether the proposed scheme suits their needs and how it should be modified. With a few modifications, such a scheme could easily be appended to an existing land cover classification scheme, such as the FAO system, greatly increasing the usefulness and accessability of the results of the landcover classification. KEY WORDS: Vegetation scheme; Mapping; Monitoring; Land cover
Conflict between ecological sustainability and environmental aesthetics: Conundrum, canärd or curiosity

Abstract A prominent theme in the relatively young field of landscape ecology is the development of an ecological aesthetic. Landscape ecologists and others are concerned with the planning and management of environments for both ecological sustainability and environmental aesthetics. Research and conceptual examples are used in the first part of this paper to illustrate the potential incompatibility of these goals in some situations. Many writers have maintained that densely vegetated wood patches support the diversity of wildlife habitats, while evidence from the literature on the aesthetic quality of natural environments has repeatedly established that people tend to prefer more open grassy areas punctuated by occasional groupings of trees and shrubs. The second part of the paper is concerned with the general psychological importance of environmental aesthetics and human interactions with wildlife. Emerging evidence from various research areas is presented indicating the potential stress-reducing, health, cognitive and psychosocial effects of human interactions with outdoor environments in general, and with wildlife in particular. Though in the nascent stages, research in these areas suggests that there are important potential benefits associated with the visual quality of the environment, and that people derive similar benefits from interactions with wildlife and other animals. There is also evidence that nonconsumptive human interactions with wildlife are not entirely benign, underscoring the importance of research concerning the potential benefits of visual contacts with wildlife.
Science at LLNL with IBM Blue Gene/Q

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has a long history of working with IBM on Blue Gene® supercomputers. Beginning in November 2001 with the joint announcement of a partnership to expand the Blue Gene research project (including Blue Gene®/L and Blue Gene®/P), the collaboration extends to this day with LLNL planning for the installation of a 96-rack Blue Gene®/Q (called Sequoia) supercomputer. As with previous machines, we envision Blue Gene/Q will be used for a wide array of applications at LLNL, ranging from meeting programmatic requirements for certification to increasing our understanding of basic physical processes. We briefly describe a representative sample of mature codes that span this application space and scale well on Blue Gene hardware. Finally, we describe advances in multi-scale whole-organ modeling of the human heart as an example of breakthrough science that will be enabled with the Blue Gene/Q architecture.
Effects of d-cycloserine on extinction and reconditioning of ethanol-seeking behavior in mice

BACKGROUND D-Cycloserine (DCS), a partial N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor agonist, has been shown to enhance the extinction of both cocaine and amphetamine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). However, there have been no reports of the effects of DCS on the extinction of ethanol-conditioned behaviors in mice. Thus, the current experiments examined the effects of DCS on the extinction and subsequent reconditioning of ethanol-induced CPP in mice.
Use of Simultaneous Radiation Boost Achieves High Control Rates in Patients With Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Who Are Not Candidates for Surgery or Conventional Chemoradiation

Abstract Background Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with a simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) has improved the local disease control at a variety of anatomic sites. However, little is known about its use in lung cancer, especially in the context of shorter treatment schedules (hypofractionation). We analyzed the feasibility, toxicity, and patterns of failure of this approach for patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were not candidates for surgery or standard concurrent chemoradiation therapy. Patients and Methods We retrospectively identified 71 patients with NSCLC who received IMRT+SIB in 15 fractions to ≥ 52.5 Gy from January 2007 to February 2013. Toxicity and local control were evaluated for all patients. Results Of the 71 patients, 11 (16%) had stage I to II NSCLC, 15 (21%) stage III, and 45 (63%) stage IV. The esophagitis rate was grade 0 to 1 in 55%, grade 2 in 39%, and grade ≥ 3 in 6%. One patient developed a bronchoesophageal fistula 6 months after radiation. The pneumonitis rate was grade 0 to 1 in 93%, grade 2 in 6%, and grade 3 in 1%. At the time of analysis, 17 (24%) patients had local failure at a median of 5.2 months (range, Conclusion Hypofractionated IMRT+SIB is a viable option for some patients with NSCLC, with little high-grade toxicity overall. Nearly all local failures occurred within the higher dose region, implying strong radioresistance or some other mechanism for recurrence in a subgroup of patients.
Children's resolution of pronominal reference in text

Three-, four-, and five-year-old children listened to stories about which they were asked questions requiring resolution of the proper reference of he. The 5-year-olds performed at higher levels of accuracy than the other two subject groups. The 4-year-olds were dis tinguishable from the 3-year-olds primarily in terms of the pronominal reference resolution strategies reflected in their errors. These included searching only prior portions of text for plausible referents, and selecting referents that had appeared most frequently in the story. Of the four reference conditions employed, within-sentence anaphora proved to be the easiest type of reference to resolve, and within- sentence cataphora the most difficult. Anaphoric reference in which the appropriate referent preceded the pronoun by one or three sentences in text was associated with intermediate levels of accuracy.
Integration of RF Inductors and Baluns in Multilayer Organic Substrates

This paper discusses the design, modeling and characterization of RF inductors and baluns in a multilayer organic substrate. In the first part of the paper, we systematically look at two types of spiral inductors for RF applications. More than 40 multi-turn spiral inductors covering inductance values from a few nH to 20 nH have been fabricated and fully characterized. Single turn inductors suitable for high-frequency applications with inductance values in the sub-nH range have also been fabricated and evaluated. In the second part of the paper, we discuss the design of a Marchand-type balun for 2.4 GHz Bluetooth and WLAN application. This 50:100-Ohm balun design employs staggered trace arrangement which results in improved insertion loss and robust performance. Both measurement and simulation data are presented to validate the package-embedded components.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Interaction of human apolipoprotein A-I with model membranes exhibiting lipid domains.

Several mechanisms for cell cholesterol efflux have been proposed, including membrane microsolubilization, suggesting that the existence of specific domains could enhance the transfer of lipids to apolipoproteins. In this work isothermal titration calorimetry, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and two-photon microscopy are used to study the interaction of lipid-free apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) with small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) of 1-palmitoyl, 2-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine (POPC) and sphingomyelin (SM), with and without cholesterol. Below 30°C the calorimetric results show that apoA-I interaction with POPC/SM SUVs produces an exothermic reaction, characterized as nonclassical hydrophobic binding. The heat capacity change (ΔCp°) is small and positive, whereas it was larger and negative for pure POPC bilayers, in the absence of SM. Inclusion of cholesterol in the membranes induces changes in the observed thermodynamic pattern of binding and counteracts the formation of α-helices in the protein. Above 30°C the reactions are endothermic. Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) of identical composition to the SUVs, and two-photon fluorescence microscopy techniques, were utilized to further characterize the interaction. Fluorescence imaging of the GUVs indicates coexistence of lipid domains under 30°C. Binding experiments and Laurdan generalized-polarization measurements suggest that there is no preferential binding of the labeled apoA-I to any particular domain. Changes in the content of α-helix, binding, and fluidity data are discussed in the framework of the thermodynamic parameters.
Laparoscopic techniques enable peritoneal dialysis in the difficult abdomen.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis has become an increasingly popular modality of renal replacement therapy. Laparoscopic placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters may help overcome previous barriers to peritoneal dialysis, such as previous abdominal surgical procedures or the presence of hernias, without incurring substantially greater risks. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of 120 consecutive patients who underwent attempted laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter placement between July 2009 and June 2014 by a single surgeon. Patient and catheter characteristics and outcomes were compared between patients with and without complications, as well as between patients with a history of major abdominal surgery and those without such a history. RESULTS Laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter placement was aborted in 4 patients because of an inability to safely achieve sufficient access to the abdominal cavity through dissection; these patients were excluded from subsequent analysis. The mean follow-up period was 18.8 ± 12.9 months. Fifty-five patients had a history of major abdominal surgery compared with 61 without such a history. No significant difference was observed with respect to age, race, sex, or body mass index between groups. Notably, more adjunctive procedures were required in patients with previous abdominal surgery, including adhesiolysis (60.0% vs 4.9%, P < .0001) and hernia repair (12.7% vs 1.6%, P = .026). Postoperative catheter complications were not significantly different between patients with and patients without a history of abdominal surgery (29.1% vs 32.8%, P = .667). Both unassisted (56.8% vs 65.0%, P = .397) and overall (72.7% vs 76.7%, P = .647) 1-year catheter survival rates were similar between patients with and patients without previous surgery, and the overall 1-year survival rate improved to 83.9% on exclusion of patients who stopped peritoneal dialysis for nonsurgical reasons. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis catheter placement offers a chance to establish peritoneal dialysis access in patients traditionally viewed as noncandidates for this modality. Despite the potential risks incurred because of additional procedures at the time of catheter placement in these complicated cases, these patients can achieve good long-term peritoneal dialysis access with an aggressive surgical approach.
Regional low-flow perfusion improves neurologic outcome compared with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in neonatal piglets.

Abstract Background Regional low-flow perfusion is an alternative to deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, but whether regional low-flow perfusion improves neurologic outcome after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in neonates remains unknown. We tested neurologic recovery after regional low-flow perfusion compared with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in a neonatal piglet model. Methods Sixteen neonatal piglets underwent cardiopulmonary bypass, were randomized to 90 minutes of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest or regional low-flow perfusion (10 mL · kg −1 · min −1 ) at 18°C, and survived for 1 week. Standardized neurobehavioral scores were obtained on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7 (0 = no deficit to 90=brain death). Histopathologic scores were determined on the basis of the percentage of injured and apoptotic neurons in the neocortex and hippocampus by hematoxylin and eosin and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate–biotin nick-end labeling (0 = no injury to 4=diffuse injury). Differences between groups were tested by using the Wilcoxon rank sum test, and results are listed as medians within a range. Results There were no significant differences between groups during cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative neurobehavioral scores were abnormal in 25% (2/8) of the regional low-flow perfusion animals versus 88% (7/8) of controls. Regional low-flow perfusion animals had significantly less neurologic injury compared with controls on postoperative day 1 (0.00 [range, 0-5] vs 12.5 [range, 0-52]; P P = .08) on hematoxylin and eosin. The degree of apoptosis was significantly less in the regional low-flow perfusion group (0.0 [range, 0-1] vs 2.5 [range, 0-4]; P = .03). Conclusions Regional low-flow perfusion decreases neuronal injury and improves early postoperative neurologic function after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in neonatal piglets.
A specific Role for Cholesterol at the Mu Opioid Homodimer Interface

Palmitoylation has recently been shown to stabilize μ-opioid receptor (MOR) homodimerization and receptor-G protein coupling. The MOR palmitoylation site is located at the intracellular end of transmembrane helix 3 (TMH3) (C3.55(170)) rather than in the C-terminus. In work reported here, we tested the hypothesis that a specific cholesterol interaction with palmitoylated C3.55(170) may enhance interactions at the MOR homodimer interface. First, interactive docking studies were used to orient two MOR/cholesterol protomers at the symmetric TMH4-TMH5 interface of mouse dark state rhodopsin. Following energy minimization of the complex, the MOR protomers were found to form an interface that involves N4.41, I4.44, C4.48, I4.51, A4.55 and P4.59, with the cholesterol from protomer A interacting with residues on protomer B and vice versa. Cholesterol was found to contribute 24.7% to the total interaction energy at the dimer interface. In order to explore the structure and dynamics of this unique cholesterol binding site, two sets of NAMD molecular dynamics simulations were then performed employing the CHARMM 27 all atom force field. In the first set of simulations in a fully hydrated POPC bilayer, we examined the structure and stability of a cholesterol docked between palmitoylated C3.55(170) and the MOR monomer. The structure, location and motion of this cholesterol was monitored. In a second set of simulations, the uniqueness of this binding site was tested with the MOR monomer model embedded in a fully hydrated 30% cholesterol/POPC lipid bilayer. Here the cholesterol molecules were randomly placed in the simulation cell. In particular these simulations address the specificity (location/duration) of alternate cholesterol-mu opioid contact sites. Our initial results suggest that the docked binding site at palmitoylated C3.55(170) is a location for specific binding of cholesterol at MOR. [Support: KO5 DA021358 (PHR) and RO1 DA023905 (PYL)]
Code-mixing and borrowing in a New York Puerto Rican community: a cross-generational study

: Few studies have focused on borrowing and code-mixing across generations of United States Spanish speakers. This study focuses on code-mixing and borrowing across two generations of New York Puerto Ricans. A principle aim of this study is to explore the possibility of the existence of a ‘life cycle of language use’ in the community, as suggested by the Language Policy Task Force (1980). This concept is explored with reference to the use of Spanish, English, borrowing and code-mixing by two generations of adult Puerto Ricans in New York City.
Reply: Combined 18F-FDG and Fluoride Approach in PET/CT Imaging: Is There a Clinical Future?

REPLY: We read the letter to the editor by Dr. Dale Bailey regarding our recently published article ( [1][1] ). We strongly disagree with the ideas expressed by Dr. Bailey for the reasons listed below. In regard to the first objection raised by Dr. Bailey, we reaffirm that our work is indeed the
Immunity to Transplantable Nitrosourea-Induced Neurogenic Tumors. III. Systemic Adoptive Transfer of Immunity

The effect of intravenously injected tumor immune spleen cells on growth of 3 X 10/sup 5/ gliosarcoma T/sub 9/ cells injected intradermally (ID) or intracerebrally (IC) into sublethally irradiated CDF rats was evaluated. Spleen cells from donor rats with sufficient immunity to reject 5 X 10/sup 5/ T/sub 9/ cells inhibited the growth of T/sub 9/ cells mixed with spleen cells in a ratio of 1:25 and injected ID, but could not act after intravenous transfer. However, donor rats which had rejected increasing T/sub 9/ challenge doses up to 1 X 10/sup 7/ cells produced immune spleen cells which, upon IV transfer, could inhibit growth of ID T/sub 9/ challenge but not of EB-679, an unrelated glioma, in recipient rats. Rejection of IC T/sub 9/ challenge was also obtained after IV transfer, in recipients of such ''hyperimmune'' spleen cells, but was less (60% maximum) than that noted after ID T/sub 9/ challenge (100% maximum). The removal of B cells from the transferred spleen cells did not affect the results, suggesting that the specific immunity was mediated by T cells. The authors conclude that the special immunological circumstances of tumors growing in the brain renders them less accessible to rejection bymore » systemically transferred immune cells, but it is nevertheless possible to effect a significant incidence of rejection of syngeneic tumor growth in the brain by the intravenous transfer of hyperimmune spleen cells.« less