cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for dysfunction in the regulation of cytosolic Ca2+ in excitation-contraction uncoupled dysgenic muscle.

Abstract In noncontracting, dysgenic murine muscle, excitation is uncoupled from contraction. To test whether the gene lesion is expressed as a defect in the regulation of the intracellular free Ca 2+ levels, cultured normal and dysgenic muscle at various stages of development (proliferative myoblasts, early, late, and mature myotubes) were exposed to increasing increments (0.5-m M steps) of extracellular Ca 2+ in ionophore A23187-Ca 2+ -EGTA-buffered media. Normal and dysgenic muscle at all stages (except myoblast) displayed contractures at ∼500 μ M free Ca 2+ and higher. Experiments using finer increments of Ca 2+ and different ionophore concentrations indicated an external Ca 2+ threshold for contracture at 265 μ M Ca 2+ for early and late myotubes and 47–78 μ M for mature normal and dysgenic myotubes. Low extracellular concentrations of calcium (14 μ M and 0.76 n M ) caused elongation of both normal and dysgenic myotubes. Mature cells were depolarized by exposure to increasing extracellular K + and monitored by intracellular recording; normal and dysgenic myotubes showed similar reductions in membrane potentials. Depolarization to −35 mV elicited contractures in normal myotubes, but even depolarization to −9 mV in dysgenic cells elicited no response. Thus steady-state depolarization of dysgenic muscle does not cause contractures, which can, however, be elicited by increasing the intracellular free Ca 2+ . These results offer new evidence for a possible defect in the regulation of Ca 2+ levels in dysgenic muscle.
The National Coal Resources Data System: A status report

The National Coal Resources Data System (NCRDS) of the U.S. Geological Survey is an interactive computerized storage, retrieval, and display system to assess the quantity and quality of the nation9s coal resources. It has been developed to provide geological coal-resource data currently available, to update that data, and to expand to new types of data. To this end the U.S. Geological Survey has initiated a 5- to 10-yr program to acquire point-source data for all coal-bearing regions through its own programs and cooperative projects with state agencies. Presently, files containing summary areal coal-tonnage estimates and proximate/ultimate chemical analyses, as well as point-located major-, minor-, and trace-element analyses, and stratigraphic data are available. New resource assessments can be made with point-source data, including drill-hole records, field measurements, and so on. Data may be displayed in literal form or graphically — for example, tables, isoline maps, and cross sections. The system software can calculate coal-resource estimates, generate overburden or interburden distribution, and delineate areas of coal with selected parameters (for example, 28 in.) within specified boundaries (for example, quadrangle, county).
Durability of chlorosulfonated polyethylene geomembrane seams after accelerated aging tests

Abstract Accelerated aging tests have been conducted on seam specimens prepared by the different methods used to seam chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) geomembrane. These included factory seams prepared by dielectric seaming, by hot air and with a bodied solvent as well as a field seam made with a bodied solvent. Accelerated aging tests were conducted in hot air at 100°C and in a 63°C Xenon Arc Weather-O-Meter. Shear strengths of seams increased significantly during the early aging exposures, as the CSPE cured, and they remained at the higher level for the duration of the tests. This was true for both potable and industrial CSPE grades.
Crystal structure and physical properties of new ternary rare earth borides

Abstract Two ternary boride systems with a new type of structure are reported for MRh 3 B 2 (M ≡ Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Y) and MIr 3 B 2 (M ≡ Ce, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Sc, Y). These materials were found to crystallize in a base-centered monoclinic structure with space group C 2/ m and two formula units per unit cell. The proposed atomic positions were determined by a structural study of the ErIr 3 B 2 compound. The magnetic and superconducting properties are discussed by comparisons with those of other related binary and ternary compounds.
27.2: Distinguished Paper: Modeling Visible Differences: The Computational Observer Model

We describe a new approach to the design of visible difference metrics that is based on calculating the information available at different points in the visual pathway and determining whether an ideal linear classifier can use this information to reliably predict the difference between two stimuli. This approach, referred to as the computational observer model, establishes a near upper bound on performance by assessing whether the information necessary to make discrimination is present in the visual system. We describe the implementation of a software framework that embodies the computational observer and illustrate how this framework can be used to address specific questions about display design.
Crossover from nonequilibrium to equilibrium behavior in the time-dependent Kondo model

We investigate the equilibration of a Kondo model that is initially prepared in a nonequilibrium state towards its equilibrium behavior. Such initial nonequilibrium states can, e.g., be realized in quantum-dot experiments with time-dependent gate voltages. We evaluate the nonequilibrium spin-spin correlation function at the Toulouse point of the Kondo model exactly and analyze the crossover between nonequilibrium and equilibrium behavior as the nonequilibrium initial state evolves as a function of the waiting time for the first spin measurement. Using the flow equation method, we extend these results to the experimentally relevant limit of small Kondo couplings.
Participation of chromophore pairs in photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer for a naphthalimide spermine conjugate

Abstract Photophysical and electron transfer properties of the conjugate of 1,8-naphthalimide and spermine (BNS) and related chromophore system including, N -propyl-1,8-naphthalimide (NAP), have been investigated. Absorption and emission spectra for the BNS-spermine derivative revealed a ground state intramolecular complexation of the two naphthalimide chromophores, particularly for aqueous media. Fluorescence quenching studies of BNS using an electron donor, 1,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octane (DABCO), yielded quenching rate constants near that anticipated for a diffusion-controlled process. Transients observed on laser flash photolysis ( λ exc =355 nm) corresponding to the naphthalimide radical anion ( λ max =410 nm) and the triplet state of BNS ( λ max =470 nm) have been identified. Observation of a lower fluorescence quantum yield (in comparison to NAP) and the appearance of the radical anion intermediate on laser flash photolysis in the absence of any external electron donor (e.g., for BNS in its free base form) suggests a mechanism of intramolecular electron transfer involving either (a) interaction of two naphthalimide chromophores or (b) interaction of naphthalimide groups and a dialkyl amine moiety.
Mallorca: The Making of the Landscape. Richard J. Buswell.

Edinburgh, UK: Dunedin Academic Press, 2013. xv and 247 pp., maps, photos, illustrations, tables, notes, bibliography, index. $55.00 cloth (ISBN 978-1-78046-010-9). Richard Buswell, a geographer an...
Regularly spaced blocks of impurities in the Ising model: Critical temperature and specific heat

We consider the thermodynamics of a square Ising lattice which is constructed from unit cells of height $n$ lattice spacings and width $m$ lattice spacings. In a particular unit cell the values of the $2mn$ exchange energies can be chosen at will. Once specified this basic unit cell is repeated to make up the entire planar lattice. For arbitrary $n$ and for $m=2$ and $m=3$ we obtain the exact equations for the critical point. Furthermore, we show that when $n$ is finite and $m=1$ or $m=2$ the specific heat has a singularity of the form $A\mathrm{ln}|1\ensuremath{-}\frac{T}{{T}_{c}}|$ and we derive an explicit formula for $A$. Our method can be extended to values of $mg2$. A numerical evaluation of our results shows that the average of $A$ over impurity configurations is smaller for $m=1$ than for $m=2$.
Authority and the Sacred: Aspects of the Christianisation of the Roman World

The Christianisation of the Roman world lies at the root of modern Europe, yet at the time it was a tentative and piecemeal process. Peter Brown's fascinating study examines the factors which proved decisive and the compromises which made the emergence of the Christian 'thought world' possible: how the the old gods of the Roman Empire could be reinterpreted as symbols to further the message of the Church. Peter Brown also shows how Christian holy men were less representative of a triumphant faith than negotiators of a working compromise between the new faith and traditional ways of dealing with the supernatural worlds.
Metabolic effects of 2 days of strict bed rest.

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the possibility of whether 2 days of strict hospitalized bed rest would alter the metabolic profile (including insulin resistance as calculated by the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index or QUIC- KI) in both normal subjects and patients with type 2 diabetes in comparison with 2 days of normal activity. Methods The design of this pilot study was a randomized, crossover protocol that evaluated the effects of strict bed rest versus normal activity in 5 healthy normal subjects and 5 healthy patients with type 2 diabetes. All study participants completed a screening visit for assessment of baseline health. Results All 10 study subjects completed the protocol without adverse events. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and C-peptide levels as well as several known risk factors for atherosclerosis were unchanged in both the subjects without diabetes and the patients with type 2 diabetes after 2 days of hospitalized bed rest. Insulin resistance demonstrated no significant change during the 48 hours of bed rest when compared with the mean value at baseline. Conclusion This study demonstrates that 48 hours of bed rest has no significant effect on insulin resistance or standard metabolic variables in normal subjects and patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, achieving good glucose control in patients hospitalized for a period of 2 days or less does not necessitate early ambulation to prevent an increase in insulin resistance. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:564-569)
Minimum reflux conditions, part I: Theory

This paper presents a new formulation of the infinite plate or minimum reflux limit of a multicomponent distillation column. Based on this model, two new calculation methods are developed. The first is a short-cut method which extends Underwood's classic minimum reflux treatment to variable molar overflow situations. The second is a rigorous method which is similar to a multicomponent flash calculation and represents a significant computational advance over other rigorous methods.
Fear-reducing effect of graduated versus non-graduated forced exposure.

Contrary to a prediction from counterconditioning theory, forced, graduated exposure was less effective in reducing feat than forced, non-graduated exposure. This finding was interpreted to reflect a generalization decrement in the effect of graduated exposure resulting from exposure to conditions similar to, but not the same as, those present during the acquisition of fear. It was suggested, however, that this decrement would be offset during free exposure where, in contrast to forced exposure, a graduated procedure would result in a greater amount of exposure than a non-graduated procedure.
Histone deacetylase inhibition overcomes drug resistance through a miRNA-dependent mechanism

The treatment of specific tumor cell lines with poly- and oligoamine analogues results in a super-induction of polyamine catabolism that is associated with cytotoxicity; however, other tumor cells demonstrate resistance to analogue treatment. Recent data indicate that some of these analogues also have direct epigenetic effects. We therefore sought to determine the effects of combining specific analogues with an epigenetic targeting agent in phenotypically resistant human lung cancer cell lines. We demonstrate that the histone deacetylase inhibitor MS-275 when combined with (N1, N11)-bisethylnorspermine (BENSpm) or (N1, N12)-bis(ethyl)-cis-6,7-dehydrospermine tetrahydrochloride (PG-11047) synergistically induces the polyamine catabolic enzyme spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT), a major determinant of sensitivity to the antitumor analogues. Evidence indicates that the mechanism of this synergy includes reactivation of miR-200a, which targets and destabilizes kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) mRNA, resulting in the translocation and binding of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) to the polyamine-responsive element of the SSAT promoter. This transcriptional stimulation combined with positive regulation of SSAT mRNA and protein by the analogues results in decreased intracellular concentrations of natural polyamines and growth inhibition. The finding that an epigenetic targeting agent is capable of inducing a rate-limiting step in polyamine catabolism to overcome resistance to the antitumor analogues represents a completely novel chemotherapeutic approach. This is also the first demonstration of miRNA-mediated regulation of the polyamine catabolic pathway. Furthermore, the individual agents used in this study have been investigated clinically; therefore, translation of these combinations into the clinical setting holds promise.
Automatic moving object extraction for content-based applications

Rapid developments in the Internet and multimedia applications allow us to access large amounts of image and video data. While significant progress has been made in digital data compression, content-based functionalities are still quite limited. Many existing techniques in content-based retrieval are based on global visual features extracted from the entire image. In order to provide more efficient content-based functionalities for video applications, it is necessary to extract meaningful video objects from scenes to enable object-based representation of video content. Object-based representation is also introduced by MPEG-4 to enable content-based functionality and high coding efficiency. In this paper, we propose a new algorithm that automatically extracts meaningful video objects from video sequences. The algorithm begins with the robust motion segmentation on the first two successive frames. To detect moving objects, segmented regions are grouped together according to their spatial similarity. A binary object model for each moving object is automatically derived and tracked in subsequent frames using the generalized Hausdorff distance. The object model is updated for each frame to accommodate for complex motions and shape changes of the object. Experimental results using different types of video sequences are presented to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of our proposed algorithm.
Electrocardiographic abnormalities and arrhythmias are strongly associated with the development of cardiomyopathy in muscular dystrophy

Background Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a well-recognized sequela of muscular dystrophy (MD). Early identification of cardiac involvement with timely therapy can favorably impact outcome. We hypothesize that electrocardiography (ECG) can be a useful adjunct in the identification of DCM in MD. Objective This study sought to assess the utility of electrocardiography in patients with MD. Methods A retrospective review of patients with MD was performed. ECGs and Holter monitor results were analyzed to assess for association between abnormalities and the development of DCM. Results This study identified 150 patients. In 43% of patients (64 of 150) DCM developed. ECG abnormalities were found in 65% of patients and correlated well with the presence of DCM, with 60 of 64 (94%) with DCM having an abnormal ECG vs. 38 of 86 (44%) without DCM (P Conclusion ECG abnormalities are strongly associated with DCM in patients with MD and frequently precede cardiac dysfunction by several years. Arrhythmias are common, and periodic ECG and Holter evaluations are warranted as they may predict early cardiac involvement.
Mdm2 and MdmX as Regulators of Gene Expression

p53 is an important tumor suppressor, functioning as a transcriptional activator and repressor. Upon receiving signals from multiple stress related pathways, p53 regulates numerous activities such as cell cycle arrest, senescence, and cell death. When p53 activities are not required, the protein is held in check by interacting with 2 key homologous regulators, Mdm2 and MdmX, and a search for inhibitors of these interactions is well underway. However, it is now recognized that Mdm2 and MdmX function beyond simple inhibition of p53, and a complete understanding of Mdm2 and MdmX functions is ever more important. Indeed, increasing evidence suggests that Mdm2 and MdmX affect p53 target gene specificity and influence the activity of other transcription factors, and Mdm2 itself may even function as a transcription co-factor through post-translational modification of chromatin. Additionally, Mdm2 affects post-transcriptional activities such as mRNA stability and translation of a variety of transcripts. Thus, Mdm2 and MdmX influence the expression of many genes through a wide variety of mechanisms, which are discussed in this review.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Analysis of In Vitro-Selected Artemisinin-Resistant Progeny of Plasmodium falciparum

Emergence of artemisinin resistance in Cambodia highlights the importance of characterizing resistance to this class of drugs. Previously, intermediate levels of resistance in Plasmodium falciparum were generated in vitro for artelinic acid (AL) and artemisinin (QHS). Here we expanded on earlier selection efforts to produce levels of clinically relevant concentrations, and the resulting lines were characterized genotypically and phenotypically. Recrudescence assays determined the ability of resistant and parent lines to recover following exposure to clinically relevant levels of drugs. Interestingly, the parent clone (D6) tolerated up to 1,500 ng/ml QHS, but the resistant parasite, D6.QHS340×3, recovered following exposure to 2,400 ng/ml QHS. Resistant D6, W2, and TM91c235 parasites all exhibited elevated 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)s) to multiple artemisinin drugs, with >3-fold resistance to QHS and AL; however, the degree of resistance obtained with standard methods was remarkably less than expected for parasite lines that recovered from 2,400-ng/ml drug pressure. A novel assay format with radiolabeled hypoxanthine demonstrated a greater degree of resistance in vitro than the standard SYBR green method. Analysis of merozoite number in resistant parasites found D6 and TM91c235 resistant progeny had significantly fewer merozoites than parent strains, whereas W2 resistant progeny had significantly more. Amplification of pfmdr1 increased proportionately to the increased drug levels tolerated by W2 and TM91c235, but not in resistant D6. In summary, we define the artemisinin resistance phenotype as a decrease in susceptibility to artemisinins along with the ability to recover from drug-induced dormancy following supraclinical concentrations of the drug.
Prolactin Response to Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone in Normal Subjects

Synthetic thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) was administered intravenously to normal human subjects and the serum prolactin (PRL) response was measured. The effects of dose and of age and sex of the recipients on the PRL response were evaluated. The maximum increase in scrum PRL above the baseline level (max APRL) was used as the index of response. The max APRL increased linearly as a function of the log of the TRH dose between 6.25 and 100 μg of TRH, but did not increase further in response to 400 and 800 μg of TRH. Mean PRL responses did not vary with age in subjects of the same sex, but individual variability was greater in the older subjects of both sexes. PRL responses in each of 3 age groups of females, 20-39, 40-59 and 60-79 years old, were nearly double the responses observed in males of the same age groups (58.9 ± 4.7 ng/ml in all females vs 28.7 ± 2.4 ng/ml in all males, mean ± sem). In order to avoid diagnostic error in evaluating PRL response to TRH, criteria must be employed that are specif...
Pro-inflammatory and Anti-inflammatory Mediators in Critical Illness and Injury

Many forms of critical illness are characterized, at their onset, by a pro-inflammatory insult. Counter-regulatory, anti-inflammatory processes also exist in order to promote immunologic homeostasis. These processes are driven by, and modulate, the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system and are, in part, mediated by cytokines and chemokines. While surges in these pro-inflammatory mediators clearly produce many of the signs and symptoms of critical illness, the resultant anti-inflammatory surge has associated consequences as well. Systemic cytokine levels and leukocyte mRNA expression patterns suggest significant dysregulation of the inflammatory response in critical illness, though immune function testing is likely to be important as well. Severe reductions in innate and adaptive immune function following the onset of critical illness have been reported with increased risks for nosocomial infection and death across a wide array of adult and pediatric forms of critical illness. Immune monitoring and modulation trials are badly needed in the ICU, as growing evidence suggests that severe critical illness-induced immune suppression, or immunoparalysis, is reversible with potentially beneficial effects on outcomes. In addition, it appears that many of the therapies that are routinely used in critically ill children, including medications and transfusions, are likely to be inadvertently immunomodulatory. The role of these therapies, as well as the role of host genetics, on immunologic function and immunologic balance is poorly understood.
Device representation-the significance of functional knowledge

Progress toward a device representation that organizes knowledge based on functionality is described. Device representation involves theories about languages for representing structure, commitments for representing behavior, and kinds of causation needed to represent behaviors. The current focus is on the first two issues. The functional representation described provides a package that shows the relationship among structure, function, and behavior. Knowledge of this relationship provides basic, task-independent, intrinsic capabilities: simulation, i.e., given changes in a devices structure, what can be determined about changes in functionality; identification of structural cause. i.e. given changes in function (malfunction or reduced effects), what changes in structure could account for them; and identification of functional components, i.e. given a specific component, what functional purpose it provides. The structure of this functional representation, organized around functional packages, provides the means by which these capabilities can be accomplished. >
The Origin of Cultural Differences in Cognition The Social Orientation Hypothesis

A large body of research documents cognitive differences between Westerners and East Asians. Westerners tend to be more analytic and East Asians tend to be more holistic. These findings have often been explained as being due to corresponding differences in social orientation. Westerners are more independent and Easterners are more interdependent. However, comparisons of the cognitive tendencies of Westerners and East Asians do not allow us to rule out alternative explanations for the cognitive differences, such as linguistic and genetic differences, as well as cultural differences other than social orientation. In this review we summarize recent developments which provide stronger support for the social orientation hypothesis.
Monoacylglycerol Lipase Regulates a Fatty Acid Network that Promotes Cancer Pathogenesis

SUMMARY Tumor cells display progressive changes in metabolism that correlate with malignancy, including development of a lipogenic phenotype. How stored fats are liberated and remodeled to support cancer pathogenesis, however, remains unknown. Here, we show that the enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is highly expressed in aggressive human cancer cells and primary tumors, where it regulates a fatty acid network enriched in oncogenic signaling lipids that promotes migration, invasion, survival, and in vivo tumor growth. Overexpression of MAGL in nonaggressive cancer cells recapitulates this fatty acid network and increases their pathogenicity— phenotypes that are reversed by an MAGL inhibitor. Impairments in MAGL-dependent tumor growth are rescued by a high-fat diet, indicating that exogenous sources of fatty acids can contribute to malignancy in cancers lacking MAGL activity. Together, these findings reveal how cancer cells can co-opt a lipolytic enzyme to translate their lipogenic state into an array of protumorigenic signals.
Bubble Dynamics in Pool Boiling on Nanoparticle-Coated Surfaces

This work examines bubble dynamics for saturated nucleate boiling at atmospheric pressure for pure water on a 0.62 5mm-diameter zirconium wire with nanoparticle surface coating using a high-speed camera. Pool boiling experiments were carried out on the surface-modified wires fabricated by the electrophoretic deposition process using 60- to 80-nm titanium and 60- to 80-nm titania, respectively. Critical heat flux (CHF) enhancements for pool boiling were observed up to 27% for the titanium coatings and 65% for the titania coatings compared to bare zirconium wires. At 300 kW/m2 surface heat flux, the nucleate site density on the titanium coating and the titania coating was observed to be 47% and 45% less than the bare wire. In terms of bubble departure volume, each coating had 16% and 29% smaller volume than the bare surface, respectively. In addition, the average bubble departure frequency of each coating was 43% and 101% higher than that of the bare case. The nanoparticle surface coatings enhanced the natu...
PETROLEUM GEOLOGY OF NORTHERN CENTRAL AMERICA

Major reserves of oil exist in the Reforma area of Tabasco and Chiapas states and the Campeche Shelf of SE Mexico in high-energy, bank-edge, reef-derived or reef-associated carbonate rocks, ranging in age from Late Jurassic to earliest Late Cretaceous. It is the conclusion of this study that the Reforma reservoir facies does not extend into W Guatemala. However, there the potential for major reserves in bank and lagoonal carbonates of similar age is considered excellent. A variety of structures, mostly resulting from salt tectonics, is present. Known reservoir rocks include fractured carbonates with secondary porosity resulting from solution and dolomitization, and limestones with primary intergranular porosity.An indigenous source is likely for the large quantities of oil which have been tested at Rubelsanto. Seals, in the form of thick intervals of Cretaceous anhydrite and, in places, of Tertiary fine-grained clastics, are abundant.
The potential coupling interface: metadata for model coupling

Model coupling is a nontrivial task that is not adequately supported in existing frameworks. Our long term goal is to support the fast-prototyping of model couplings, enabling scientists to quickly experiment with a variety of linkings without having to make an upfront investment in reprogramming. This paper introduces the centerpiece of our framework, the potential coupling interface (PCI), a visual representation of a model code based on simplified control flow graphs. The PCI serves three roles: it is a new form of metadata describing the coupling potential of a model; it is the vehicle for the specification of couplings; and it is the basis for automatic code generation. It is easy to specify and once specified, it is available for all future coupling activities. The PCI allows scientists to focus on the important domain and model issues of coupling without having to revisit legacy code for each new effort.
BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT OF EXERCISE TRAINING IN VASCULAR HEADACHE PATIENTS: AN INVESTIGATION OF EXERCISE ADHERENCE AND HEADACHE ACTIVITY

A behavioral package was used to shape and maintain the adherence of 5 subjects with vascular headache to a program of aerobic exercise training. Repeated measures of exercise behavior were examined through the use of a bidirectional changing criterion design. Repeated measures of headache activity were also collected. Results demonstrated a functional relationship between the behavioral package and exercise adherence, because all 5 subjects showed exercise behavior that matched bidirectional changing exercise criteria. The results also indicated clinically significant collateral reductions in vascular headache activity in 4 subjects. Subjects whose aerobic fitness levels were not masked by vasoactive medication also showed measurable increases in aerobic fitness. The results are discussed in terms of the methodology used to demonstrate a functional relationship between the adherence package and exercise behavior and the possible mechanism(s) by which aerobic exercise activity might affect vascular headache activity.
The impact of whole brain radiation therapy on the long-term control and morbidity of patients treated with gamma knife radiosurgery for brain metastases

Materials/Methods: We evaluated the results of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for 160 brain metastases in 109 patients who were followed for a median of 18 months (range: 12–122) after radiosurgery. Eighty-two patients had solitary metastases. Twenty-seven patients presented with multiple tumors. Sixty-nine patients were treated with initial radiosurgery and WBXRT, while 40 received initial radiosurgery alone. Median treatment volume was 2.3 cc (range: 0.05–21.2). Median marginal tumor dose was 16 Gy (range: 12–21).
The impact of ground-based glaciogenic seeding on clouds and precipitation over mountains: A case study of a shallow orographic cloud with large supercooled droplets

This paper examines the impact of ground-based glaciogenic seeding on a shallow, lightly precipitating orographic cloud with rather large (~35 µm) supercooled droplets. The storm was observed on 22 February 2012 as part of the AgI (silver iodide) Seeding Cloud Impact Investigation experiment in Wyoming. The cloud base (top) temperature was about −5°C (−12°C). Vertical velocity data from an airborne Doppler W-band (3 mm) profiling Wyoming Cloud Radar (WCR) indicate broad ascent due to the strong wind (20 m s-1) impinging on the terrain and small pockets of intense updrafts. The large droplets, low droplet and ice particle concentrations, and strong updrafts lead to natural snow growth mainly by accretion (riming). The treated (seeded) period is compared with the preceding untreated period. The main target site, located on a mountain pass, was impacted by AgI seeding, according to a trace chemistry analysis of the falling snow. Data from three radar systems were used in the analysis of the impact of seeding on snow growth: the WCR, two Ka-band (1.2 cm) profiling Micro Rain Radars , and an X-band (3 cm) scanning polarization Doppler-on-Wheels radar. This case is complicated somewhat by a natural increase in cloud liquid water and in snow growth by riming, starting halfway during the seeding period, and continuing after seeding ended. Composite data from the centimeter-wave radar systems indicate an increase in low-level reflectivity during seeding, even after accounting for the natural trend observed in the upwind control region. A precipitation particle probe at the main target site shows an increase in concentration of both small and large hydrometeors.
Efficient Message Relaying for Wireless User Cooperation: Decode-Amplify-Forward (DAF) and Hybrid DAF and Coded-Cooperation

Amplify-forward (AF) can be modeled as a way of forwarding soft reliability information extracted directly from the transmit channel, without utilizing the channel code that may well exist in the source-packet. Decode-forward exploits the channel code but forwards the hard-decisions only. These observations motivate the proposition of an efficient new relaying strategy, decode-amplify-forward (DAF). By having the relay perform soft decoding and forward the reliability information at the output of its decoder instead of that from the raw channel, DAF cleverly combines the merits of both AF and DF: soft information representation in AF and coding gain in DF. A hybrid scheme of DAF and coded cooperation (DAF-CC), implemented through simple time-sharing, is further discussed. The information-theoretic achievable rates of these schemes are formulated for channels with binary inputs and Gaussian outputs. Both analysis and simulations confirm that the proposed schemes are capable of considerably better performances than the existing schemes.
COLORADO SEMIDRAINAGE MOUNTAIN LAKES1

A distinctive semidrainage lake type is common at midmountain elevations in Colorado. Such lakes arc similar in their small size, shallow depth, lack cf an outlet, high nitrate content, high organic content, and high water color. “Indicator species” are Rana pipiens, neotcnic Ambystoma tigrinum, Gammarus limnueus, an association of three leeches (Nephelopsis obscwa, Glosriphonia compZanatu, and Helobdella stagnalis), and Nuphur polysepalum. Usually 8 to 14 species of rooted aquatics arc present by late summer. Sponges arc abundant, fish are absent, and plankton is sparse. Evidence is presented to show that semidrainage lakes are limnoscres.
Quantitative proteomics of parotid saliva in primary Sjögren's syndrome

The diagnosis of primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is difficult due to the lack of specific laboratory and clinical tests. As an initial step for the global discovery of changes in the abundance of parotid salivary proteins in pSS, a pooled sample was compared to that from healthy control subjects by multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT). A total of 1246 proteins were identified by MudPIT. The abundance of 477 of these proteins did not change, 529 were only detected in either the pSS or HC sample, while 206 of these proteins were significantly upregulated ≥ twofold and 34 were downregulated ≤ 0.5. Ingenuity Pathway Analyses of differentially expressed proteins identified by MudPIT resulted in the identification of 100 significant pathways. The same samples were quantified in parallel using RP MS. Fifty-eight of 71 proteins identified by RP overlapped with MudPIT results. Five proteins were further analyzed by targeted label-free quantification to confirm the similar relative differential expression observed by RP and MudPIT approaches. The present study supports the use of MS for global discovery and validation of marker proteins for improved and early diagnosis of pSS.
Influence of Ultraviolet Irradiation on the Surface Activity of Phenothiazine Drugs

The effect of drugs on the permeability of cell membranes has been related to their surface activity. It was of interest, therefore, to determine the influence of UV irradiation on the surface activity of a series of potential photosensitizers. Solutions of five phenothiazine drugs (1 × 10−4M) were prepared in an acetate buffer. The solutions were exposed to UV irradiation and the surface pressure determined at fixed intervals by the Wilhelmy plate method. Chlorpromazine and prochlorperazine showed an increase in surface pressure during irradiation. Promazine showed no surface activity either before or after irradiation. Triflupromazine and trifluoperazine exhibited a decrease in surface pressure during irradiation. Both chlorpromazine and prochlorperazine have been clearly established as photosensitizers. The other drugs studied, except for a few isolated instances, have not been reported as photosensitizers. Thus, there appears to be a relationship between an increase in surface activity induced by irradiating a drug and the drug's in vivo photosensitizing properties.
Chronic effects of dietary fumonisin on the heart and pulmonary vasculature of swine

Fumonisins, mycotoxins produced in Fusarium moniliforme-infected corn, are hepatotoxic in several species and induce hepatocarcinomas in laboratory rats, leukoencephalomalacia in equine species, and fulminant pulmonary edema in swine. To date, the effects of fumonisin on pigs has dealt solely with the high levels required to induce the dramatic development of acute fulminant, and usually lethal, pulmonary edema. Less sensational, but equally important, are the chronic effects of fumonisin on swine health. In the first trial, six gilts were fed, ad libitum, a formulated complete ration containing 100 mg fumonisin B1 (FB1)/kg for 10 days followed by a ration containing 190 mg FB1/kg for up to 83 days. In the second trial, five gilts were fed, ad libitum, rations containing 150-170 mg FB1/kg for up to 210 days. The concentration of fumonisin B2 (FB2) was 31 +/- 2% that of the FB1. Weight-matched controls were selected for cardiac parameter comparison. Pigs fed fumonisin for at least 93 days developed nodular hyperplasia of the liver. Evidence from the microscopic examination of heart and lungs and gravimetric measurements of cardiac tissues from four pigs exposed to dietary fumonisins for 6 months suggests that the pulmonary vasculature is a target of chronic exposure. This study provides additional evidence linking the pathogenesis of fumonisin-induced lesions in a variety of organ systems of various animal species to a vascular mechanism.
Social sensing for epidemiological behavior change

An important question in behavioral epidemiology and public health is to understand how individual behavior is affected by illness and stress. Although changes in individual behavior are intertwined with contagion, epidemiologists today do not have sensing or modeling tools to quantitatively measure its effects in real-world conditions. In this paper, we propose a novel application of ubiquitous computing. We use mobile phone based co-location and communication sensing to measure characteristic behavior changes in symptomatic individuals, reflected in their total communication, interactions with respect to time of day (e.g., late night, early morning), diversity and entropy of face-to-face interactions and movement. Using these extracted mobile features, it is possible to predict the health status of an individual, without having actual health measurements from the subject. Finally, we estimate the temporal information flux and implied causality between physical symptoms, behavior and mental health.
Discovery of new mutually orthogonal bioorthogonal cycloaddition pairs through computational screening

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experiments in tandem led to discoveries of new reactivities and selectivities involving bioorthogonal sydnone cycloadditions. Dibenzocyclooctyne derivatives (DIBAC and BARAC) were identified to be especially reactive dipolarophiles, which undergo the (3 + 2) cycloadditions with N-phenyl sydnone with the rate constant of up to 1.46 M−1 s−1. Most significantly, the sydnone-dibenzocyclooctyne and norbornene-tetrazine cycloadditions were predicted to be mutually orthogonal. This was validated experimentally and used for highly selective fluorescence labeling of two proteins simultaneously.
Short-Flap Superficial Musculo- Aponeurotic System (SMAS) Rhytidectomy

Individuals seeking periorbital rejuvenation should also be analyzed for lower and midfacial aging changes as simultaneous rhytidectomy is often needed to create a balanced esthetic outcome. Restoring a youthful appearance often requires more than just surgical intervention. It is the combination of surgery with nonsurgical modalities that is often required to yield optimal results. The short-flap SMAS rhytidectomy (SFR) has a high patient satisfaction rate and is a facelift technique that can be mastered with appropriate training to address the lower face and neck regions. The risk profile of SFR is lower than other rhytidectomy procedures that require significant SMAS, subcutaneous, deep plane, or subperiosteal dissections. This chapter aims to acquaint plastic, oculoplastic, and facial plastic surgeons with SFR and to identify the key anatomic features, appropriate preoperative assessment, surgical techniques, postoperative care, and potential complications to help rejuvenate the entire face to create a balanced and youthful outcome.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Analyses of Ceftaroline in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis

tudy Objective To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ceftaroline in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). Design Open-label, single-center, prospective study. Setting University-affiliated teaching institution. Patients Eight patients with a diagnosis of CF and a history of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus who were treated with ceftaroline between November 2013 and September 2014. Intervention All patients received at least three doses of intravenous ceftaroline 600 mg every 12 hours, administered as a 60-minute infusion, to achieve steady-state concentrations before blood sample collection. After an interim analysis of the first four patients' pharmacokinetic data, the remaining four patients received a change in dosage of ceftaroline to 600 mg every 8 hours. Measurements and Main Results Patients' blood samples were collected at two time points, 2 and 6 hours after infusion initiation, after administration of at least three doses of ceftaroline. Serum ceftaroline concentrations were determined by using a validated mass spectrometry, with a lower limit of detection of 20 ng/ml. These ceftaroline concentrations were used to estimate patient-specific pharmacokinetic parameters, and 10,000-patient Monte Carlo simulations were performed to determine the pharmacodynamic probability of target attainment (PTA) for ceftaroline in adults with CF. A PTA of 90% or higher for the desired pharmacodynamic target was considered adequate. The PTA for 60% or higher of the dosing interval during which free (unbound) drug concentrations exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration (%fT > MIC) was simulated for various MICs. Compared with values previously reported in other populations, the volume of distribution was increased in the study patients, and the estimated half-life was shorter. Monte Carlo simulations revealed that a dose of ceftaroline 600 mg every 8 hours, infused over 60 minutes, maintained a higher than 90% PTA for %fT > MIC of 60% or higher for an MIC at the susceptibility breakpoint of 1 mg/L. Conclusion The pharmacokinetics of ceftaroline is altered in adults with CF, which suggests the need for modified dosing in this patient population to achieve adequate %fT > MIC. A dosage of intravenous ceftaroline 600 mg every 8 hours administered as a 60-minute infusion should be considered to achieve 60% fT > MIC.
Structuring the Financial Service Conglomerates of the Future: Does the Choice of Corporate Form to House New Financial Activities of National Banks Matter?

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act became law on November 12, 1999, bringing to an end a twenty year effort to expand bank powers by amending the Glass-Steagall Act and the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. Although styled as banking reform legislation, the new law will have a wide ranging impact on the financial services industry generally. A wave of merger activity will likely occur in this industry because many of the legal restrictions on bank affiliations with other financial services providers have been removed. An end result of the new legislation will be the creation of financial services conglomerates offering a combination of banking, securities, and insurance products under one roof. The appropriate corporate structure for expanded banking activities was a key issue in the debates over the new legislation, specifically whether banks should be allowed to conduct new financial activities exclusively through a bank holding company affiliate or whether use of a bank operating subsidiary should also be permitted. Under Gramm-Leach-Bliley, the primary vehicle for new activities will be the bank holding company affiliate. Bank operating subsidiaries may also be used by national banks for a more limited range of new activities and subject to certain restrictions and conditions not applicable in the case of the holding company affiliate. The new law reflects a compromise position in the corporate structure debate. Given the polemical nature of the debate, such a compromise was probably essential to ensure passage of the legislation. Nevertheless, the compromise is not justified in drawing a distinction between the bank holding company affiliate and the bank operating subsidiary as vehicles for new activities. The author reaches this conclusion after analyzing the history of the corporate structure debate and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley compromise from a public policy perspective. She suggests further that Gramm-Leach-Bliley represents a missed opportunity to clarify what is at stake and has resulted instead in a further obfuscation of the issues.
MicroRNA Regulation of Endocrine Functions in the Ovary

MicroRNA regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, and have important roles that control endocrine regulation of the ovary. While previous studies investigated changes in miRNA expression within the different cell types of the ovary, an important remaining challenge is to elucidate the functional role that these miRNA play during the hormonal cycles. In this chapter, we highlight miRNAs that are involved in endocrine processes controlling the ovarian antral follicle, the ovulatory follicle, and the corpus luteum. We discuss studies performed in vivo to elucidate the physiologic role these miRNA play in ovarian tissue.
A nuclear magnetic resonance study of compound 48/80.

Compound 48/80, a potent liberator of histamine from mast cells, is a polymer prepared by heating 4-methoxy-N-methylphenethylamine with an equimolar amount of formaldehyde in acid solution. We have attempted to elucidate the structure of 48/80 with the aid of carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The NMR spectrum of 48/80 suggests that it is a polymer in which methylene groups link 4-methoxy-N-methylphenethylamine moieties via their 3 and 39 positions. Some of the polymer chains of 48/80 are terminated by -CH2OH groups. In accord with the findings of Read and co-workers (J. Med. Chem. 15: 320, 1972; ibid 16: 1292, 1973), the most active high molecular weight polymers appear to be hexamers; however, contrary to the suggestion of these authors, there was no evidence for the presence of tetrahydroisoquinoline moieties in 48/80. Light scattering and fluorescence probe measurements with 1-anilino-naphthalene-8-sulfonic acid indicate that at concentrations above 2 mg/ml (0.01 M based on the monomer molecular weight) compound 48/80 formed micelles. This is reflected in the NMR spectrum of 48/80 by the sharpness of the N-CH3 resonance.
Tobacco Budworm on Flue-Cured Tobacco: Percentage Control with Insecticides Abnormally Low in Early 1970

Insecticides applied with a power sprayer to replicated field plots of flue-cured tobacco in 1968–72 were evaluated vs. artificial infestations of Heliothis virescens (F.) of similar insecticidal susceptibility. Significantly less control of budworm larvae and damage was obtained with methomyl in early 1970 than in 1968–69, 1971–72, and late 1970. In early 1970, methomyl provided 35 and 25% control of larvae and damage, respectively. In the other seasons, control of larvae and damage with methomyl averaged 82 and 72%, respectively. When tested in early 1970, carbaryl, endosulfan, monocrotophos, Supracide® (O,O-dimethyl phosphorodithioate, S-ester with 4-[mercaptomethyl]-2-methoxy-Δ2-1,3,4-thiadiazolin-5-one), TDE, and Thuricide HP® ( Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner) also performed poorly vs. the tobacco budworm. The abnormally low insecticidal control obtained in early 1970 appeared to be related to low rainfall and low relative humidity. Observations suggest that the effects of low moisture on tobacco plants and budworm larvae reduced the effectiveness of insecticides.