cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modification of the cadmium reduction assay for detection of nitrite production using fluorescence indicator 2,3-diaminonaphthalene.

Abstract The measurement of nitric oxide (NO) is important for characterizing the regulatory roles of NO in various biological systems. In this communication we report that cadmium (Cd) reduction of nitrate (NO−3) to nitrite (NO−2) can be quantitated by using the fluorescence indicator, 2,3-diaminonaphthalene (DAN) to detect the sum of NO−3 and NO−2 (NO−x) from endothelial cells. This assay is at least 10-fold more sensitive than when Cd reduction is coupled with the spectrophotometric Greiss reaction and can be used to quantitate the small amounts of NO−x generated from the constitutive form of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). In addition various P2 purinoceptor agonists and antagonists do not interfere the Cd reduction/DAN assay. Thus the Cd reduction/DAN assay can be used not only to characterize P2 purinoceptor release of NO−x from cultured endothelial cells but also to quantitate NO−x levels in serum.
The use of the vec-permutation matrix in spatial matrix population models

Matrix models for a metapopulation can be formulated in two ways: in terms of the stage distribution within each spatial patch, or in terms of the spatial distribution within each stage. In either case, the entries of the projection matrix combine demographic and dispersal information in potentially complicated ways. We show how to construct such models from a simple block-diagonal formulation of the demographic and dispersal processes, using a special permutation matrix called the vec-permutation matrix. This formulation makes it easy to calculate and interpret the sensitivity and elasticity of λ to changes in stage- and patch-specific demographic and dispersal parameters.
Biochemical Characterization of Ezrin-Actin Interaction

The highly related actin isoforms are thought to have different functions. We recently demonstrated a polarized distribution of actin isoforms in gastric parietal cells and association of gastric ezrin with the cytoplasmic β-actin isoform (Yao, X., Chaponnier, C., Gabbiani, G., and Forte, J. G.(1995) Mol. Biol. Cell. 6, 541-557). Here we used ultrastructural immunocytochemistry to verify that β-actin is located within canalicular microvilli and the apical cortex of parietal cells, similar to the localization reported for ezrin. Furthermore, we tested whether ezrin binds preferentially to cytoplasmic β-actin compared with the skeletal muscle α-actin isoform. Purified cytoplasmic β-actin (from erythrocytes) and skeletal α-actin were assembled with gastric ezrin. Co-sedimentation experiments showed that gastric ezrin selectively co-pelleted with the β-actin isoform and only very poorly with α-actin. Binding of erythrocytic β-actin to ezrin is saturable with a molar ratio of ~1:10 (ezrin:actin) and a dissociation constant ~4.6 × 10-8M. In addition, ezrin promoted pyrene-labeled actin assembly, with predominant effects on filament elongation and a distinct preference for β-actin compared with α-actin. Given these isoform-selective associations, we speculate that actin isoforms might segregate into different functional domains and exert specificity by interacting with isoform-orientated binding proteins.
Temperature Modulation of Integrin-Mediated Cell Adhesion

In response to external stimuli, cells modulate their adhesive state by regulating the number and intrinsic affinity of receptor/ligand bonds. A number of studies have shown that cell adhesion is dramatically reduced at room or lower temperatures as compared with physiological temperature. However, the underlying mechanism that modulates adhesion is still unclear. Here, we investigated the adhesion of the monocytic cell line THP-1 to a surface coated with intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) as a function of temperature. THP-1 cells express the integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), a receptor for ICAM-1. Direct force measurements of cell adhesion and cell elasticity were carried out by atomic force microscopy. Force measurements revealed an increase of the work of de-adhesion with temperature that was coupled to a gradual decrease in cellular stiffness. Of interest, single-molecule measurements revealed that the rupture force of the LFA-1/ICAM-1 complex decreased with temperature. A detailed analysis of the force curves indicated that temperature-modulated cell adhesion was mainly due to the enhanced ability of cells to deform and to form a greater number of longer membrane tethers at physiological temperatures. Together, these results emphasize the importance of cell mechanics and membrane-cytoskeleton interaction on the modulation of cell adhesion.
Successive matching-to-sample in the pigeon: Variations on a theme by Konorski

In 1959, Konorski proposed a successive matching-to-sample paradigm with which to study short-term memory in animals. Although the technique has been little used, it affords several distinct advantages over more commonly employed matching-to-sample procedures. Konorski’s paradigm involves the successive presentation of a pair of discriminative stimuli with a brief interstimulus interval between them. Reinforcement is scheduled to occur only when the second stimulus of a pair matches the first; otherwise, nonreinforcement follows. An investigation of the pigeon’s food-reinforced keypecking behavior is reported using a variant of Konorski’s technique. Pigeons rapidly learned to differentiate matching and nonmatching stimulus pairs when brief (5-sec) color stimuli were separated by a 1-sec interstimulus interval. No such differentiation arose when control subjects were trained with reinforcement equiprobable on matching and nonmatching trials. No support was found for the notion that correct performance under this successive-matching procedure was due to overt mediating behaviors.
Solar UV reduces Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst infectivity in environmental waters.

Aims: To determine the effect of solar radiation on Cryptosporidium parvum in tap and environmental waters. Methods and Results: Outdoor tank experiments and a cell culture infectivity assay were used to measure solar inactivation of C. parvum oocysts in different waters. Experiments conducted on days with different levels of solar insolation identified rapid inactivation of oocysts in tap water (up to 90% inactivation within the first hour). Increased dissolved organic carbon content in environmental waters decreased solar inactivation. The role of solar ultraviolet (UV) in inactivation was confirmed by long-pass filter experiments, where UV-B was identified as the most germicidal wavelength. Reductions in oocyst infectivity following solar radiation were not related to a loss of excystation capacity. Conclusions: Solar UV can rapidly inactivate C. parvum in environmental waters. Significance and Impact of the Study: This is the first study to assess natural sunlight inactivation of C. parvum oocysts in surface waters and drinking water using an infectivity measure and determines the wavelengths of light responsible for the inactivation. The findings presented here provide valuable information for determining the relative risks associated with Cryptosporidium oocysts in aquatic environments and identify solar radiation as a critical process affecting the oocyst survival in the environment.
Attitudes and Marginalization: Examining American Indian Perceptions of Law Enforcement Among Adolescents

This article examines minority youth perceptions of and attitudes toward the police, with particular attention given to American Indian youth. Using data gathered from the national evaluation of the Gang Resistance Education and Training program, we included a sample of 5,477 eighth-grade students across 11 U.S. cities in analyses. Results indicated a strong negative correlation between American Indian youth and perceptions of the police. Controlling for perceived neighborhood safety and socioeconomic status increased the magnitude of these negative perceptions. We conclude by discussing possible explanations as to why American Indian youth hold negative perceptions of police and directions for future research.
Creating a Cell Map as an Active-Learning Tool in a Biochemistry Course

Teaching metabolism to a biochemistry class with diverse academic backgrounds is a challenging task. Often students lack the global perspective that is needed to understand how different metabolic pathways are reciprocally regulated. The classroom activity presented in this article is designed to facilitate the learning of metabolism by having the students actively engaged in the process of building an integrated cell map.
Management of pulmonary embolism: State of the art treatment and emerging research

Pulmonary embolism is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular medicine and demands a circumscribed algorithmic treatment approach (Fig. 1). Anticoagulation should be triggered by a high clinical probability and continued based on urgent definitive imaging. Our assessment then continues with evaluation of the clinical severity of the pulmonary embolism to determine whether the patient will benefit from thrombolysis or not. We usually reserve this option for cases of massive pulmonary embolism (sustained hypotension, pulselessness, or persistent profound bradycardia) or patients with a low cardiopulmonary reserve and categorical signs of right ventricle failure. At this juncture, renal function, a diagnosis of active cancer, calculated bleeding risk, and estimated patient compliance will help us gravitate toward specific agent selection for subsequent anticoagulation management. While rivaroxaban is an attractive oral therapy option, it is not an appropriate choice for patients with significant renal disease; patients with cancer are better treated with low molecular weight heparin when possible. Warfarin anticoagulation continues to be a well-known, valid, and cost-effective treatment option. At the end of the primary treatment we assess each patient for the likelihood of thromboembolism recurrence, which will be highest among those patients with idiopathic events or those with cancer-associated thrombosis. We favor prolonged anticoagulation in these scenarios. In addition, we strongly advocate periodic scheduled follow up of patients on long-term anticoagulation for secondary prophylaxis to re-evaluate their bleeding and recurrence risk. We understand both of these extremes are in a dynamic balance, and likewise so should be the anticoagulation directives. As we learn more about recurrence and bleeding prediction, we foresee a personalized approach in which the anticoagulant agent for each patient will be narrowly chosen based on their specific performance.
Spin fluctuation and single-ion effects in dilute UPt3.

Single-ion effects are responsible for about 50% of the high [gamma] (==[ital C]/[ital T] for [ital T][r arrow]0) in UPt[sub 3]. Diluting uranium in UPt[sub 3] also shows that, contrary to usual expectations, [gamma] and the low-temperature magnetic susceptibility [chi] do not seem to be strongly correlated. It is remarkable that the spin-fluctuation term ([ital T][sup 3] ln[ital T]) in the low-temperature specific heat still appears, even down to a concentration of only 4% uranium. Comparisons to the doped heavy-fermion system U[sub 1[minus][ital x]M[ital x]]Be[sub 13] (with large [ital x]) are made.
Small molecule kinase inhibitors block the ZAK-dependent inflammatory effects of doxorubicin

The adverse side effects of doxorubicin, including cardiotoxicity and cancer treatment-related fatigue, have been associated with inflammatory cytokines, many of which are regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). ZAK is an upstream kinase of the MAPK cascade. Using mouse primary macrophages cultured from ZAK-deficient mice, we demonstrated that ZAK is required for the activation of JNK and p38 MAPK by doxorubicin. Nilotinib, ponatinib and sorafenib strongly suppressed doxorubicin-mediated phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK. In addition, these small molecule kinase inhibitors blocked the expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and CXCL1 RNA and the production of these proteins. Co-administration of nilotinib and doxorubicin to mice decreased the expression of IL-1β RNA in the liver and suppressed the level of IL-6 protein in the serum compared with mice that were injected with doxorubicin alone. Therefore, by reducing the production of inflammatory mediators, the inhibitors identified in the current study may be useful in minimizing the side effects of doxorubicin and potentially other chemotherapeutic drugs.
Absorption and fluorescence spectra of methyl salicylate in the vapor phase

Abstract Methylsalicylate (MSA) in vapor state shows two fluorescences originating from two different ground state species. The short wavelength emission is ascribed to free MSA molecules with open hydrogen bonds, whereas the blue fluorescence is due to closed MSA. From a study of the temperature dependence of the short-to-long wavelength fluorescence intensity ratio, the energy required for ring opening is found to be 15 kJ mol -1 .
Research on the mapping model for provincial wind power prediction

This paper presents three methods for the mapping model for provincial wind power prediction. After correlation analysis of the historical data, several wind farms' output power are found to be principal related to the global provincial wind power. For the first method, curve fitting and weighted average values are used to establish the mapping model. The second method is based on multiple linear regression. The third method depends on radial base function networks to search the unpredictable mapping. Finally, these methods are tested by forecasting horizon of 24h ahead and compared with their performance, which shows the validity of them.
True Walking Distance to Transit

People riding transit in the city of Detroit walk on average 0.8 miles (1.3 km) per round trip. The straight-line walking distance was found by buffering the bus stop locations and comparing them to the weighted US Census blocks. However, the true walking path follows the street pattern. Rather than undertaking network analysis, which would require connecting all addresses in the city with all bus stops, a Monte Carlo simulation was performed in geographic information system with random addresses. The simulation was performed over several addresses until convergence was achieved. The distances were converted to walking times and compared to the US National Household Transportation Survey.
Ionic conductivity, activation volumes, and frequency-dependent conductivity in crystals with the fluorite structure

Activation volumes were extracted from the effect of pressure on the ionic conductivities of CaF/sub 2/, SrF/sub 2/, BaF/sub 2/, and CdF/sub 2/. The activation volumes for motion of vacancies were measured in oxygen-contaminated samples and used to calculate defect-formation volumes from the activation volumes at high temperatures. The formation volumes are uniformly small and consistent with the dominance of Frenkel defects for temperatures up to 1400 K in the alkaline-earth fluorides. The CdF/sub 2/ was found to contaminate badly at temperatures around 600 K, and become an electronic conductor. All of the crystals were found to exhibit frequency-dependent conductivities at high temperatures, attributable to electrode effects on bulk dielectric response of the material, or both.
A Serendipitous Search for High-Redshift Lyα Emission: Two Primeval Galaxy Candidates at z ≃ 3*

In the course of our ongoing search for serendipitous high-redshift Lyα emission in deep archival Keck spectra, we discovered two very high equivalent width (W 450 A, 2 σ) Lyα emission-line candidates at z ~ 3 in a moderate dispersion (λ/Δλ 1200) spectrogram. Both lines have low velocity dispersions (σv ~ 60 km s-1) and deconvolved radii r ≈ 1 h kpc. We argue that the lines are Lyα and are powered by stellar ionization. The surface density of robust, high equivalent width Lyα candidates is estimated to be ~3 ± 2 arcmin-2 per unit redshift at z 3, consistent with the recent estimate of Cowie & Hu. The Lyα emission-line source characteristics are consistent with the galaxies undergoing their first burst of star formation, i.e., with being primeval. Source sizes and velocity dispersions are comparable to the theoretical primeval galaxy model of Lin & Murray based on the inside out, self-similar collapse of an isothermal sphere. In this model, star formation among field galaxies is a protracted process. Galaxies are thought to be able to display high equivalent widths for only about the first few times 107 yr. This time is short in relation to the difference in look-back times between z = 3 and z = 4 and implies that a substantial fraction of strong line-emitting galaxies at z = 3 were formed at redshifts z ≤ 4. We discuss the significance of high equivalent width Lyα-emitting galaxies in terms of the emerging picture of the environment and the specific characteristics of primeval galaxy formation at high redshift.
Mixture distributions in human genetics research.

The use of mixture distributions in genetics research dates back to at least the late 1800s when Karl Pearson applied them in an analysis of crab morphometry. Pearson's use of normal mixture distributions to model the mixing of different species of crab (or 'families' of crab as he referred to them) within a defined geographic area motivated further use of mixture distributions in genetics research settings, and ultimately led to their development and recognition as intuitive modelling devices for the effects of underlying genes on quantitative phenotypic (i.e. trait) expression. In addition, mixture distributions are now used routinely to model or accommodate the genetic heterogeneity thought to underlie many human diseases. Specific applications of mixture distribution models in contemporary human genetics research are, in fact, too numerous to count. Despite this long, consistent and arguably illustrious history of use, little mention of mixture distributions in genetics research is made in many recent...
Neonatal vascular catheters and their complications.

The infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) receives multiple invasive procedures including the placement of vascular catheters. Although traditional sites of access continue to be used, peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC lines), and catheters for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are increasingly placed. The indications for these lines and the list of infusates are expanding. Radiologists are now placing many of these catheters. The method of placement, site of access, and use of the catheter are important because they directly contribute to the complications encountered.
Fire and vegetation history during the last 3800 years in northwestern Montana

Abstract Foy Lake in northwestern Montana provides a record of annual-to-decadal-scale landscape change. Sedimentary charcoal and pollen analyses were used to document fire and vegetation changes over the last 3800 years, which were then compared to similar records from AD 1880 to 2000. The long-term record at Foy Lake suggests shifts between forest and steppe as well as changes in fire regime that are likely the result of climate change. Fire activity (inferred from the frequency of charcoal peaks) averaged 18 fire episodes/1000 years from 3800 to 2125 cal year BP, and increased from 16 fire episodes/1000 years at 2125 cal year BP to 22 episodes/1000 years at 750 cal year BP, a period when the pollen data suggest that steppe vegetation yielded to increasing patches of forest cover. Between 2125 and 750 cal year BP, increased forest cover produced more background charcoal than before and after this period, when vegetation was dominated by steppe. Between 750 and 75 cal year BP steppe has expanded and fire episode frequency averaged 33 episodes/1000 years, increasing to a maximum of 40 episodes/1000 years at ca. 300 cal year BP and then decreasing to present levels. Since AD 1880, the pollen record indicates an increase in shrubs and grasses from AD 1895 to 1960 as a result of vegetation changes associated with timber harvesting and livestock grazing. No fires have been documented in the Foy Lake watershed since AD 1880. Charcoal from the extralocal fires of AD 1910, burning over 4,111,249 ha in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, however, is present in Foy Lake. Between AD 1970 and 2000, increased arboreal pollen in the record is consistent with observations that the forest has become more closed. The activities of Euro–Americans have led to a decline in forest cover between AD 1880 and 1970, followed by a recent increase as trees are now growing in areas previously occupied by steppe. Euro–Americans are likely the cause of a reduction in fire activity in watershed since AD 1880.
Communication, coordination and Nash equilibrium

I note a methodological problem in studying the role of pre-play communication in ensuring equilibrium. To deal with this problem, I define a solution concept for the extended game (in which talk is followed by play) that is intermediate between Nash equilibrium and rationalizability. In some games our solution concept implies a Nash outcome, while in others it does not.
What is the evidence for evidence-based treatments? A hard look at our soft underbelly

In the rising quest for evidence-based interventions, recent research often does not give adequate attention to “nonspecific therapeutic factors,” including the effects of attention, positive regard, and therapeutic alliance, as well as the effects of treatment dose, intensity and actual processes mediating therapeutic change. To determine the extent to which recent clinical trial designs fully this problem, the authors conducted a systematic review of PsychLit/Medline of all controlled child psychotherapy treatment studies from 1995 to 2004. A total of 52 studies were identified that met review criteria: two or more therapy conditions and random assignment of participants to intervention groups. Of the 52 studies, one group (n = 29) compared a presumably active treatment with 1 or more similarly intensive treatments (often an attention control group) presumably not containing the active therapeutic ingredients. Of these, 14 studies found evidence of consistent differences between the two groups, whereas 15 did not. An additional group of studies (n = 27) compared therapy groups with different levels of intensity and “dose” of the putatively active treatment; 13 of these found evidence of the effects of different levels of treatment dose/intensity on outcomes and 14 did not. Four studies met criteria for inclusion in both groups. Across both groups of studies, when positive effects were found, few studies systematically explored whether the presumed active therapeutic ingredients actually accounted for the degree of change, nor did they often address plausible alternative explanations, such as nonspecific therapeutic factors of positive expectancies, therapeutic alliance, or attention. Findings suggest that many child psychotherapy treatment studies have not inadequately controlled for nonspecific factors such as attention and treatment intensity and have failed to assess specific mediators of change. Specific recommendations for future studies are offered, specifically:
An Acquisition Perspective on Product Evaluation

Abstract : This technical note focuses on software acquisition and development practices related to the evaluation of products before, during, and after implementation. From engagements with numerous DoD acquisition programs, it has been observed that a number of recurring issues reduce the effectiveness of how software-reliant products are evaluated. An acquisition effort consists of identifying the customer's needs, selecting or developing a product that is responsive to those needs, and then evaluating the product to determine if it properly addresses the identified needs. This technical note describes the Product Evaluation (verification, validation, and certification) process including test, reviews, and formal methods. It also makes the argument that Product Evaluation should not be deferred until after a product has been built, but should begin as soon as the customer's needs have been identified and should continue throughout the acquisition effort.
Gel Shift Assay of Nuclear Extracts from Histoplasma capsulatum Demonstrates the Presence of Several DNA Binding Proteins

A gel shift assay was optimized to detect several general DNA binding proteins from Histoplasma capsulatum strain G217B. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) technique also detected protein(s) recognizing a pyrimidine-rich motif found in several Histoplasma promoters. Establishment of EMSA conditions provides an important framework to evaluate regulation of homeostatic or phase-specific genes that may influence virulence in Histoplasma and other dimorphic fungal pathogens.
Performance of Unbuffered Shuffle-Exchange Networks

The throughput of unbuffered shuffle-exchange networks (also known as delta networks) is related to the arrival rate by a quadratic recurrence relation. Lower and upper bounds on the solution of this recurrence relation are derived in this paper. Two approaches for improving the throughput of unbuffered delta networks are investigated. The first approach combines multiple delta subnetworks of size N × N each, in parallel, to obtain a network of size N × N. Three policies used to distribute the incoming packets between the subnetworks are discussed and the relative effect of each on the throughput is compared. The second approach replaces each link of the simple delta networks by K parallel links (K equals 2,4,...,). The throughput of such networks is analyzed and one possible implementation for crossbar switches that could be used in these networks is discussed. The throughput of such networks with four parallel links is almost equal to the throughput of crossbars.
Dynamics of Separating Western Boundary Currents

Abstract In this work, Pratt and Stern’s quasigeostrophic, 1½-layer, infinite jet model is connected to a western boundary by a system of two converging boundary currents. The model has a piecewise constant potential vorticity structure and the departing jet has a zonal cusplike profile in the ocean interior. The relative strengths of the coastal jets can be varied and the coastline can be tilted relative to north. The coastline tilt and the coastal current asymmetry cause an alongshore momentum imbalance that creates a spatially damped, quasi-stationary wave pattern. The presence of the boundary favors the long waves in the model, which behave fairly linearly in all study cases. The effects of the coastline tilt and the coastal current asymmetry are varied to reinforce or cancel each other. In the former case, a retroflection type of boundary current separation, like the one observed in most Southern Hemisphere western boundary currents, is obtained. In the latter case, a much smoother separation results...
Reversible adrenal insufficiency induced by ketoconazole.

KETOCONAZOLE, an imidazole antifungal drug, blocks testicular and adrenal steroid synthesis in a dosedependent and time-dependent manner, presumably correlating with serum levels of ketoconazole. 1-5 Although hypogonadism and gynecomastia caused by ketoconazole have been reported, symptomatic hypoadrenalism has not yet been described, 1,4,6 to the best of our knowledge. We report a patient who developed symptoms and signs of hypoadrenalism while receiving an experimentally high daily dose of ketoconazole. The results of serum and urinary steroid measurements confirmed this clinical impression. All symptoms and signs of adrenal insufficiency resolved promptly following discontinuation of ketoconazole therapy. Methods A one-hour intravenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (cosyntropin [Cortrosyn]) test, 7 a 48-hour intravenous ACTH (Cortrosyn) test, 8 and a metyrapone (Metopirone) test 9 were performed during ketoconazole therapy and were repeated after its discontinuation. Report of a Case A hypertensive 48-year-old black man had an average blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg with methyldopa (Aldomet),
Adaptation of an ion accelerator to a high voltage electron microscope

Abstract The adaptation of a gas-source 200 kV ion accelerator to a 500 kV electron microscope was discussed as a means of simulating the CTR environment. The simultaneous accelerator microscope irradiation (SAMI) capability was demonstrated. Ion current densities of up to one milliamp/cm2 and electron current densities near several amp/cm2 are possible with the above system. In situ observations of blister and precipitate formation in 304 stainless steel at about 650°C were reported for 60 kV helium ion bombardment to a fluence of 3 × 1019 ions cm−2.
Structures of Protein Complexes by Multidimensional Heteronuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

With the advent of multidimensional heteronuclear-edited and -filtered NMR experiments, the field of three-dimensional structure determination by NMR has again increased in scope, making it possible to move the technology beyond the approximately 10 kDa limit inherent to conventional two-dimensional NMR to systems up to potentially 35 to 40 kDa. This article outlines the basic strategies for solving three-dimensional structures of larger systems, in particular, protein complexes and multimeric proteins using three- and four-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, summarizes the key experiments, and illustrates the power of these methods using several examples of protein-DNA, protein-peptide complexes, and oligomeric proteins from the authors' laboratories.
Spatial Feature of Jurassic Sandstone Permeability Based on Pumping Test

In order to plan mining areas, design coal mines in Jurassic coal field, Jurassic sandstone water should be controlled. Spatial feature of Jurassic sandstone permeability should be studied. Pumping test data of a coal mine in Ulugkhemsky coal field in Russia were collected to study spatial feature of Jurassic sandstone on Plane characteristics and vertical characteristics. The result indicates that permeability coefficients near the river and alluvium deposit area are higher than that of normal formation area. Sandstone permeability coefficients decrease with distances to the river increase and buried depths increase. Permeability-Buried Depth fitting equation was established to predict Jurassic permeability coefficients of different depth in normal formation area.
HF radar ship detection through clutter cancellation

High-frequency over-the-horizon (HF-OTH) radar uses ionospheric refraction to detect targets at thousands of kilometers. A timely surveillance of large areas requires relatively short dwells (coherent integration times) of less than 10 seconds. The resulting resolution in the Doppler Fourier transform is sufficient for detecting fast targets such as aircraft, but slow targets such as ships require integration times 12-30 seconds long to distinguish the ship peaks from the much more powerful ocean clutter. By modeling the first-order clutter as sinusoidal and subtracting it, we are able to expose ships in dwells as short as 3 seconds that would otherwise be masked by the mainlobe spread of the clutter. This technique is applied to data from the US Navy's relocatable OTHR (ROTHR). This approach is an alternative to superresolution techniques and may sometimes be more robust.
A meteorological overview of the TC4 mission

The TC4 mission in Central America during summer 2007 examined convective transport into the tropical Upper Troposphere/Lower Stratosphere (UTLS) and the evolution of cirrus clouds. The tropical tropopause layer (TTL) circulation is dominated by the Asian monsoon anticyclone and westward winds that stretch from the western Pacific into the Atlantic. During TC4, TTL westward flow over Central America was stronger than normal. Incidence of cold clouds over the Central American region was the third lowest out of 34 years sampled. The major factor was an incipient La Nina, specifically anomalously cold temperatures off the Pacific Coast of South America. Weakness in the low level Caribbean jet caused a shift in the coldest clouds from the Caribbean to the Pacific side of Central America. The character of tropopause temperature variability was that of upward propagating waves generated by local and nonlocal convection. These waves produced tropopause temperature variations of 3 K, with peak-to-peak variations of 8 K. At low levels in Central America, flow from the Sahara desert predominated; further south, the air came from the Amazon region. Convectively influenced air in the upper troposphere came from Central America, the northern Amazon region, the Atlantic ITCZ, and the North American monsoon. In the TTL, Asian and African convection affected the observed air masses. North of 10N in the Central American TTL, African and Asian convection may have contributed as much to the air masses as Central and South American convection. South of 8N, Asian and African convection had far less impact.
Superantigens: Molecular Basis for Their Role in Human Diseases

This collection of short reviews by experts in the field provides a complete overview of microbial superantigens, an unusual family of proteins that form an abnormal linkage between the major histocompatibility complex class II antigens and specific T-cell repertoire Vβ families. This linkage leads to the nonspecific activation of large numbers of regulatory T lymphocytes, producing cytokine storms that can have a variety of serious clinical consequences.
Pilot Phase II Trial of Bevacizumab Monotherapy in Nonmetastatic Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

Introduction/Background. Nonmetastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is a challenging disease state. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of bevacizumab in nonmetastatic CRPC patients. Patients. Patients with prostate cancer who developed PSA recurrence after local therapy were included if they had absence of bone or visceral metastases and PSA progression despite androgen deprivation therapy. Methods. Bevacizumab 10 mg/kg intravenously was administered every 14 days until PSA progression, development of metastasis, or unacceptable toxicity. Results. 15 patients were enrolled and treated with bevacizumab for a median duration of 3.1 months. Median baseline PSA was 27 ng/mL, and seven patients had Gleason Score ≥8. Five patients had declined in PSA during the treatment. Median PSA doubling time was prolonged from 4.7 months pretreatment to 6.5 months. Median time to PSA progression and new metastasis were 2.8 and 7.9 months, respectively. There were three grade 3 adverse events (one proteinuria and two hypertension) and one pulmonary embolism. There was no treatment-related mortality. Conclusion. Bevacizumab therapy had minimal impact on the disease course of nonmetastatic CRPC, and investigation of novel strategies is needed.
Dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome factors in a non-diabetic Italian population

Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, School ofPublic Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USASubmitted 12 October 2007: Accepted 18 November 2008: First published online 15 January 2009AbstractObjective: To examine the relationship between dietary patterns and metabolicsyndrome.Design: Population-based cross-sectional study. The K-means clustering methodwas used to identify dietary patterns and logistic regression models were used tocompare the adjusted prevalence rates of metabolic syndrome factors, stratifyingby obesity status.Setting: The 1992–3 Italian Bollate Eye Study, a population-based survey carriedout in the town of Bollate (Milan), Italy.Subjects: A total of 1052 non-diabetic Italian subjects, 527 men and 525 women,aged 42–74 years.Results: Five dietary clusters were identiﬁed: common, animal products, starch,vegetal/fat and vitamin/ﬁbre. After adjusting for potential confounders, the starchgroup showed the highest prevalence of metabolic syndrome (36%) followed bythe animal products group (30%); the vitamin/ﬁbre (20%) and vegetal/fat groups(19%) showed the lowest prevalence. The starch group had more dyslipidaemia(higher TAG and lower HDL cholesterol levels) and the animal products grouphad a higher prevalence of impaired fasting glucose. The vitamin/ﬁbre group hadthe lowest prevalence of abdominal obesity. The beneﬁcial effect of the vegetal/fat and vitamin/ﬁbre dietary patterns seemed stronger among the obese.Conclusions: Our results conﬁrm the deleterious effect of a very-low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet and also of high intakes of animal products. The consumptionof a diet high in vegetal fats or rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with ahealthier metabolic proﬁle. Reducing obesity is essential to prevent metabolicsyndrome, but even among the obese dietary habits are important for preservinghealthy lipid and glycaemic proﬁles.KeywordsMetabolic syndromeDietary patternsObesityDyslipidaemiaCluster analysisMetabolic syndrome indicates a group of markers –abdominal obesity, atherogenic dyslipidaemia, increasedblood pressure and high plasma glucose levels – whosepresence points to a very high risk of developing diabetesor CVD. These outcomes can be effectively prevented byearly syndrome management, particularly including life-style modiﬁcations
Solid-state NMR spectra of paramagnetic silica-based materials: observation of 29Si and 27Al nuclei in the first coordination spheres of manganese ions.

Some silica-based solids, prepared by the sol/gel method in the presence of high Mn2+ concentrations, have been characterized by the 29Si, 27Al MAS NMR spectra and 29Si T1 measurements. The single-pulse 29Si and 27Al MAS NMR spectra have shown broad spinning sideband patterns that are interpreted in terms of anisotropic bulky magnetic susceptibility (BMS) and dipole-field effects. In the absence of paramagnetic isotropic shifts, the 29Si and 27Al nuclei observed in the single-pulse NMR spectra have been assigned to nuclei remote from paramagnetic centers. It has been demonstrated that the 29Si and 27Al nuclei, which are in the vicinity of the manganese ions, can be detected by the Hahn-echo MAS NMR experiments at different carrier frequencies. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Separation of Rain and Non-Rain events in Radar Imaging using Multiple Elevations and Texture Analysis

We present an algorithm for the characterization of rain and non-rain related echoes such as atmospheric anomalous propagation and ground clutter in weather radar imagery. The motivation behind the proposed work is the need for an accurate quality control algorithm which at the same time reduces human interaction. Similar to our previous work, the proposed algorithm uses textural information of radar reflectivity images. The proposed technique utilizes several radar elevations to build 3D volume blocks, in which each slice is constructed from several radar elevation scans. The proposed technique provides a better representation of the volume data set, suitable for 3D multiscale textural analysis.
Anisotropy of Ultimate Properties in Vulcanizates of EPDM/High-Diene-Rubber Blends

Abstract It can be concluded from this work that the ultimate mechanical properties of NR/EPDM blends are indeed anisotropic, but that the tendency towards anisotropy (and, thus, the tendency towards weakness in certain directions, e.g., a tendency to tear with the processing-flow direction or grain) is greatly reduced when one uses the dynamic vulcanization technique. This technique improves cut-growth resistance (in the grain direction), peel strength, and interply adhesion. Also, because of the modification of the EPDM to give reactive sites (pendent succinic-anhydride groups) for vulcanization to occur by a means other than sulfur, the cure-rate incompatibility problem is greatly ameliorated. Thus, improvements in permanent set, hysteresis, and rebound are obtained by using the techniques of this report.
Foaming of Vulcanized PP/EPDM Blends Using Chemical Blowing Agents

Abstract Using two different chemical blowing agents, foaming behavior of partially vulcanized PP/EPDM blends with high EPDM ratio has been studied. The objective was to induce foaming within the EPDM phase prior to complete curing. The results suggest that with proper choice of blowing agent and by optimum balance of curative loading, foams with densities as low as 0.55 g/cm3 could be obtained. This corresponds to nearly 90 percent density reduction which is significantly greater than the 15 to 20% afforded by similar fully-vulcanized dynamically cured blends reported previously. The degree of cure in the rubber phase was determined to play a key role in determining the overall foamability. In particular, the foamability of the blend was found to decrease linearly with increase in the gel content. In addition, the compounding technique also plays a major role in controlling foamability of these blends. Attempts at extrusion foaming of these blends, however, were successful only for blends with a rather l...
The Effect of Corners on Electroplating of Hohlraum Mandrels

The corners on hohlraums can plate at different rates than the hohlraum body during electrolytic deposition of gold on the mandrel used to form the hohlraum shape. The diameter of the mandrel, the ...
Do Socioeconomic Risk Factors for Cigarette Smoking Extend to Smokeless Tobacco Use

Introduction Individuals with lower socioeconomic status (SES) are at increased risk for cigarette smoking. Less research has been conducted characterizing the relationship between SES and risk of using of other tobacco products. The present study examined SES as a risk factor for smokeless tobacco (ST) use in a US nationally representative sample, utilizing data from the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Methods Odds were generated for current cigarette smoking and ST use among adults (≥18 years) based on SES markers (educational attainment, income, blue-collar employment, and unemployment) after controlling for the influence of demographics and other substance dependence. Results Odds of current cigarette smoking increased as a graded, inverse function of educational attainment as well as lower income and being unemployed. Odds of current ST use also increased as a function of lower educational attainment, although not in the linear manner seen with cigarette smoking. Odds of ST use but not cigarette smoking also increased with blue-collar employment. In contrast to patterns seen with cigarette smoking, ST use did not change in relation to income or unemployment. Conclusions Markers of SES are significantly associated with odds of cigarette smoking and ST use, but which indicators are predictive and the shape of their relationship to use differs across the two tobacco products.
Who's in Charge Anyway? A Proposal for Community-Based Legal Services

The “modern” era of the provision of legal services to low-income communities can be traced back to the 1960s, although legal services have been offered to the poor in the United States have for over a century. This modern era has been marked by external, political threats to these services, particularly from elected officials in Washington, D.C., as well as an internal critique, one that questions the legitimacy of the legal services approach, one typified by individualized services provided to discrete individuals.In this article, the authors re-examine this service mode, its benefits and deficiencies. They argue that the individualized service model does not represent the best delivery model for such a finite resource as legal services. They argue that legal services programs can improve the quality of their services by establishing community-based programs that emphasize closer links with community groups and community institutions. By moving in this direction, legal services programs will be better situated to mobilize community resources and reflect community priorities.A community-based program will avoid the top-down, lawyer-dominated priorities that the authors believe exist today.
Writing a Brief the George Orwell Way

This pieces applies Orwell's rules for writing to appellate briefs:1. Never use the passive where you can use the active.2. If it is possible to cut the word out, always cut it out.3. Never use a long word where a short one will do.4. Never use a foreign word, scientific word, or jargon word when you can think of an everyday English equivalent.5. Never use a metaphor, simile, or figure of speech that you are used to seeing in print.6. Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.
Abstract T P33: Collateral Grade on MRI - Validation With Conventional Angiography is Key

Introduction: Collateral status may predict outcomes after endovascular therapy, yet a reliable noninvasive technique prior to angiography is needed. We developed a novel method for projection of perfusion imaging data and validated it with respect to DSA acquired immediately afterwards. Methods: Consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients with M1 MCA occlusions with perfusion MR imaging prior to endovascular revascularization therapy were included. Collateral status on DSA was graded with the ASITN/SIR scale (0-4). 4-D dynamic susceptibility contrast concentration time images were constructed and projected in 2-D axial and sagittal planes at each time point. Independent review of the resulting MRI-based collateral sequences was conducted to generate a score analogous to the ASITN/SIR scale, followed by correlation studies between the two techniques. Results: 47 patients were included with mean age 68.5 ± 16.3, 76.5% were female, baseline NIHSS was median 14 (range 3-31), and mean time from MRI to groin puncture was 109 min ± 95.5. DSA collateral grade was (0 (n=3); 1 (n=9); 2 (n=12); 3 (n=21); 4 (n=2)) with MRI collateral grade (0 (n=2); 1 (n=11); 2 (n=13); 3 (n=18); 4 (n=2)). MRI and DSA collateral scores were closely correlated, Spearman's rho = 0.91, weighted kappa = 0.82 (P <0.00001). Poor collateral status on MRI showed correlations with moderate to severe NIHSS (Spearman's rho = -0.31 (p< 0.039)). Figure depicts a panel version of MRI-based collateral sequences from a patient with a left M1 occlusion with a MR collateral grade of 1. Conclusions: Novel post-processing of noninvasive MRI perfusion data based on routine acquisitions can reliably measure the degree of collaterals on DSA. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Cross Tested Retirement Plans – The Future of Tax and Asset Protection Planning for Small Business

The future of tax planning for small business is the cross tested retirement plan. The plan allows larger contributions to business owners provided they have more compensation and are older then their employees.
Amino acid-directed nucleic acid synthesis - A Possible Mechamism in the Origin of Life

The fact that proteins contain onlya-amino acids and that protein structure is determined by 3′ → 5′ linked ribonucleotides is postulated to be the result of the copolymerization of these molecules in the prebiotic environment. Ribonucleotides therefore represent partial degradation products and proteins represent a side reaction developing from copolymerization. The basic structural unit of copolymerization is a nucleotide substituted with an amino acid at the 2′ position. Characteristics of modern amino and ribonucleic acid structure are all consistent with and necessary for this hypothesis. The characteristics and individual base assignments of the code also provide strong support for origin from the postulated copolymers. All characteristics of the code can be accounted for by this single hypothesis.