cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reducing Water Imbalance in Land Data Assimilation: Ensemble Filtering without Perturbed Observations

It is well known that the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) requires updating each ensemble member with perturbed observations in order to produce the proper analysis-error covariances. While increased accuracy in a mean square sense may be preferable in many applications, less accuracy might be preferable in other applications, especially if the variables being assimilated obey certain conservation laws. In land data assimilation, for instance, the update in soil moisture often produces a water balance residual, in the sense that the input water is not equal to output water. This study shows that suppressing the perturbation of observations in the EnKF and in the weakly constrained ensemble Kalman filter significantly improves the water balance residuals without significantly increasing the state errors.
Operationalizing Management Citizenship Behavior and Testing Its Impact on Employee Commitment, Satisfaction, and Mental Health

How can employers create conditions that foster satisfied, psychologically healthy, and committed employees? To answer that, the authors build on Hodson’s concept of management citizenship behavior...
Improving release-consistent shared virtual memory using automatic update

Shared virtual memory is a software technique to provide shared memory on a network of computers without special hardware support. Although several relaxed consistency models and implementations are quite effective, there is still a considerable performance gap between the "software-only" approach and the hardware approach that uses directory-based caches. Automatic update is a simple communication mechanism, implemented in the SHRIMP multicomputer, that forwards local writes to remote memory transparently. In this paper we propose a new lazy release consistency based protocol, called Automatic Update Release Consistency (AURC), that uses automatic update to propagate and merge shared memory modifications. We compare the performance of this protocol against a software-only LRC implementation on several Splash-2 applications and show that the AURC approach can substantially improve the performance of LRC. For 16 processors, the average speedup has increased from 5.9 under LRC to 8.3 under AURC.
A Computer Program for Cumulative Item Statistics

A computer program was developed for the accumulation of reliability information for items which are repeatedly administered to groups of examinees. The program, ISTAT, is a more general alternative to a program provided by Morris (1979). ISTAT is intended primarily for the pretesting of items in which tests composed of subsets of an item pool are administered to separate groups of examinees. In addition to accumulating item means and covariances across examinees, the user may elect to obtain a variety of ancillary item statistics. Written in standard FORTRAN, ISTAT can be easily adapted to permit use on many computers.
Mining event periodicity from incomplete observations

Advanced technology in GPS and sensors enables us to track physical events, such as human movements and facility usage. Periodicity analysis from the recorded data is an important data mining task which provides useful insights into the physical events and enables us to report outliers and predict future behaviors. To mine periodicity in an event, we have to face real-world challenges of inherently complicated periodic behaviors and imperfect data collection problem. Specifically, the hidden temporal periodic behaviors could be oscillating and noisy, and the observations of the event could be incomplete.In this paper, we propose a novel probabilistic measure for periodicity and design a practical method to detect periods. Our method has thoroughly considered the uncertainties and noises in periodic behaviors and is provably robust to incomplete observations. Comprehensive experiments on both synthetic and real datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
Setting dietary guidelines: the US process

Abstract Nutrition and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans has been issued jointly by the US Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) every five years since 1980. The Dietary Guidelines form the cornerstone of federal nutrition policy and provide the basis for all federal nutrition education activities. Beginning with the 1985 edition, USDA and HHS have appointed a Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee of prominent experts in nutrition and health to review recent advances in scientific and medical knowledge and to recommend revisions of the Dietary Guidelines, if warranted, to the Secretaries of HHS and USDA. The Committee's deliberations are informed by evidence-based reviews, consensus documents, peer-reviewed research studies, and by written and oral public comments. The Departments review the Committee's recommendations and rationale, make any necessary revisions, and jointly issue the final edition. Nutrition and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans is based on the best available science. Ultimately, its goal is to promote better health through food choices and physical activity. The Dietary Guidelines have been referred to as a "gold standard" of nutrition advice, amid often confusing messages about nutrition and health.
Transbarrier Ion and Fluid Transport

All segments of the upper and lower pulmonary epithelium have the capacity for transcellular ion transport. Net movement of solute across the alveolar epithelium, however, plays an especially important role in lung fluid homeostasis and appropriate oxygenation of the body. Apically located epithelial sodium channels alongside the coordinated action of basolateral Na/K ATPase pumps play a critical role in generating and sustaining the osmotic gradient needed for net fluid reabsorption across lung epithelia. The lung epithelium is also uniquely exposed to an oxidizing environment, and, therefore, the role of oxidants and antioxidants must be taken into careful consideration when evaluating the pathogenesis of transbarrier dysfunction(s), which lead to lung disorders. Severe disruption to the barrier properties of the alveolar capillary membrane occurs in acute respiratory distress syndrome, whereas dysfunction in ion channels and transporters are the root cause of cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This chapter presents the various ion channels, transporters, and pumps that are important in maintaining alveolar fluid homeostasis and biophysical changes to the cell membrane that can occur under pathological conditions.
FURTHER EVIDENCE CONCERNING THE AUTOANTIGENIC STATUS OF THE TROPHOBLAST

Heterologous antisera were raised by inoculation of rabbits with fairly pure suspensions of trophoblast, lymphoid, fetal (excluding placental components), epidermal, decidual, and renal cells from Fischer rats. After absorption of hemagglutinins, these antisera were assayed for abortifacient activity by intramuscular inoculation into time-mated Fischer females. The anti-trophoblast serum aborted all the recipients, but had some nonspecific activity in that it caused the deaths of 12% of them. Anti-lymphocyte serum was more toxic and less potent as an abortifacient. None of the other sera harmed either the mothers or their fetuses. However, the anti-kidney cell serum caused kidney lesions. Absorption of the anti-trophoblast serum with lymphoid cells completely removed its toxicity for the pregnant females without perceptible impairment of its abortifacient activity. However, the latter could be removed by absorption with trophoblast cells. (a) The lymphocyte-absorbed anti-trophoblast serum was equally effective in aborting rats over the range 7–18 days postconception; (b) a single injection of 1 ml was sufficient in most cases, and (c) it was equally efficacious in terminating gestation in rats irrespective of their genetic constitution, and (d) its effect was highly species-specific. These findings support the premise that a unique antigen (or antigens), of possible clinical significance, is associated with trophoblast cells.
Rejoining of DNA Double-Strand Breaks as a Function of Overhang Length

The ends of spontaneously occurring double-strand breaks (DSBs) may contain various lengths of single-stranded DNA, blocking lesions, and gaps and flaps generated by end annealing. To investigate the processing of such structures, we developed an assay in which annealed oligonucleotides are ligated onto the ends of a linearized plasmid which is then transformed into Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Reconstitution of a marker occurs only when the oligonucleotides are incorporated and repair is in frame, permitting rapid analysis of complex DSB ends. Here, we created DSBs with compatible overhangs of various lengths and asked which pathways are required for their precise repair. Three mechanisms of rejoining were observed, regardless of overhang polarity: nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ), a Rad52-dependent single-strand annealing-like pathway, and a third mechanism independent of the first two mechanisms. DSBs with overhangs of less than 4 bases were mainly repaired by NHEJ. Repair became less dependent on NHEJ when the overhangs were longer or had a higher GC content. Repair of overhangs greater than 8 nucleotides was as much as 150-fold more efficient, impaired 10-fold by rad52 mutation, and highly accurate. Reducing the microhomology extent between long overhangs reduced their repair dramatically, to less than NHEJ of comparable short overhangs. These data support a model in which annealing energy is a primary determinant of the rejoining efficiency and mechanism.
Zebrafish model of tuberous sclerosis complex reveals cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous functions of mutant tuberin

SUMMARY Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by mutations in either the TSC1 (encodes hamartin) or TSC2 (encodes tuberin) genes. Patients with TSC have hamartomas in various organs throughout the whole body, most notably in the brain, skin, eye, heart, kidney and lung. To study the development of hamartomas, we generated a zebrafish model of TSC featuring a nonsense mutation ( vu242 ) in the tsc2 gene. This tsc2 vu242 allele encodes a truncated Tuberin protein lacking the GAP domain, which is required for inhibition of Rheb and of the TOR kinase within TORC1. We show that tsc2 vu242 is a recessive larval-lethal mutation that causes increased cell size in the brain and liver. Greatly elevated TORC1 signaling is observed in tsc2 vu242/vu242 homozygous zebrafish, and is moderately increased in tsc2 vu242/+ heterozygotes. Forebrain neurons are poorly organized in tsc2 vu242/vu242 homozygous mutants, which have extensive gray and white matter disorganization and ectopically positioned cells. Genetic mosaic analyses demonstrate that tsc2 limits TORC1 signaling in a cell-autonomous manner. However, in chimeric animals, tsc2 vu242/vu242 mutant cells also mislocalize wild-type host cells in the forebrain in a non-cell-autonomous manner. These results demonstrate a highly conserved role of tsc2 in zebrafish and establish a new animal model for studies of TSC. The finding of a non-cell-autonomous function of mutant cells might help explain the formation of brain hamartomas and cortical malformations in human TSC.
An un-conventional earth retaining structure

An existing reinforced concrete barrel of the Weber Branch Siphon and Weber Coulee Siphon along East Low Canal in the State of Washington, U.S.A. is used as an earth retaining structure during required excavation for construction of an additional cast-in-place reinforced concrete barrel in close proximity. A continuumbased numerical model is implemented to simulate significant construction stages in sequential order so that soil-structure interaction effects are considered. Results of the numerical simulation demonstrate that at the end of required excavation, lateral forces on the existing barrel from the back and front soils are close to the corresponding lateral force values obtained using conventional earth pressure calculations with at-rest and passive earth pressure coefficients, even though the development of horizontal and vertical stresses is more complex.
Chemical History with a Nuclear Microprobe

A nuclear microprobe cannot give direct information on the chemical state of an element, but the spatial distribution of elements in a specimen is often determined by the chemical history of the sample. Fuel cells and minerals are examples of complex systems whose elemental distributions are determined by past chemical history. The distribution of catalyst in used fuel cell electrodes provides direct information on the chemical stability of dispersed catalysts under operating conditions. We have used spatially resolved Rutherford backscattering to measure the migration of platinum and vanadium from intermetallic catalysts and to determine their suitability for use under the extreme operating conditions found in phosphoric acid fuel cells. Geologic materials are complex, heterogeneous samples with small mineral grains. The trace element distribution within the individual mineral grains and between different mineral phases is sensitive to the details of the mineral formation and history. The spatial resolution and sub-100-ppm sensitivity available with a nuclear microprobe open up several new classes of experiments to the geochemist. Geochemistry and electrochemistry are two areas proving particularly fruitful for application of the nuclear microprobe.
Modeling of signaling networks.

Biochemical networks, including those containing signaling pathways, display a wide range of regulatory properties. These include the ability to propagate information across different time scales and to function as switches and oscillators. The mechanisms underlying these complex behaviors involve many interacting components and cannot be understood by experiments alone. The development of computational models and the integration of these models with experiments provide valuable insight into these complex systems-level behaviors. Here we review current approaches to the development of computational models of biochemical networks and describe the insights gained from models that integrate experimental data, using three examples that deal with ultrasensitivity, flexible bistability and oscillatory behavior. These types of complex behavior from relatively simple networks highlight the necessity of using theoretical approaches in understanding higher order biological functions.
Building bridges: the social structure of interdependent innovation

Multidivisional firms often fail to take advantage of innovations that involve combining resources from distinct divisions. This failure of cross-line-of-business innovation is a consequence of design choices employed to execute the firm's strategy: in organizing around its core businesses, the firm renders interdependence between divisions residual to the formal structure. As a result, those innovations which involve cross-line-of-business interdependence are trumped by the firm's articulated strategy and structure. Social structures could, potentially, fill this coordination gap. But social structures associated with the initiation of interdependent innovation are inversely associated with their execution. We build a dynamic, corporate-level, evolutionary model in which individuals autonomously initiate cross-line-of-business projects not through the formal structure of the firm, but using contacts from their own social networks. Some of these projects are selected and actively supported by senior executives; this support sends clear signals about what collaboration is valued by the firm, which gives other actors powerful, albeit informal, incentives to connect with others across the interunit boundary. As a result, the sparse interunit social structure that was conducive to initiation changes, becoming much more cohesive (at least locally) and is able to support execution and retain these interdependent innovations. Thus, where intra-divisional innovations are primarily driven by organizational structure, we suggest that interdivisional innovations are driven primarily by social networks. Copyright © 2007 Strategic Management Society.
DNA Sequencing by the Chemical Method

This procedure is written for a novice with no chemical sequencing experience. It is assumed, however, that the investigator has experience with DNA fragment isolation and DNA labeling with [32P]dNTPs. A DNA fragment labeled at only one end with 32P or 35S is divided into four aliquots and subjected to base-specific modification reactions. Piperidine is then added to catalyze strand scission at the modified bases. Finally, the four reactions are subjected to electrophoresis on adjacent lanes of a high-resolution denaturing polyacrylamide gel. The gel is then autoradiographed and the sequence is read from the film.
Nursing management of patients receiving biological therapy

Objective: To provide an overview of the most common toxic effects associated with biotherapy and strategies for effective patient management, predominantly in the outpatient setting. Data sources: Review articles and book chapters related to nursing care of patients receiving biotherapy. Conclusions: Biological response modifiers can produce several toxic effects that may have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life. Additionally, biotherapy is being delivered more frequently in the ambulatory and home care settings. Implications for nursing practice: As the role of biotherapy expands in the treatment of cancer, oncology nurses must be attuned to the special needs of patients receiving this therapy. Nurses must be knowledgeable of not only symptom management but reimbursement and managed care issues as well.
DIVINYL COPOLYMERIZATION INITIATED BY HIGH INTENSITY, LOW ENERGY ELECTRONS

Solutions of unsaturated esters in styrene were copolymerized by 0.04 M.e.v. electrons at dose rates of 0.44–85.8 Mrad/min. Disappearance of each monomer and gel fractions were measured as a function of dose rate. Rates noted under these conditions of high linear energy transfer exhibited linear dependence on intensity, followed by a region independent of intensity. The data suggest that polymerization occurs in discrete volume elements, and that chain growth is initiated by hot radicals. For 65% ester solutions, the polymerization rate of the bulk sample, dαt/dt, is given by dαt/dt = {(kp*2/kt,)[M20]}V, where kp* is an activated propagation rate constant tenfold greater than that for more conventional polymerizations, kt is the termination rate constant, [M20] is the starting ester concentration, and V, proportional to the radiation intensity, is the volume fraction of the sample occupied by the reacting elements. The volume of the element in which polymerization is occurring, estimated from experimental data and using reasonable values for the life of a growing radical, is 3 × 109 A.3, a value consistent with what is known of electron impact processes in liquids.
Stomatal architecture and evolution in basal angiosperms

Stomatal architecture—the number, form, and arrangement of specialized epidermal cells associated with stomatal guard cells—of 46 species of basal angiosperms representing all ANITA grade families and Chloranthaceae was investigated. Leaf clearings and cuticular preparations were examined with light microscopy, and a sample of 100 stomata from each specimen was coded for stomatal type and five other characters contributing to stomatal architecture. New stomatal types were defined, and many species were examined and illustrated for the first time. Character evolution was examined in light of the ANITA hypothesis using MacClade software. Analysis of character evolution, along with other evidence from this study and evidence from the literature on fossil angiosperms and other seed plant lineages, suggests that the ancestral condition of angiosperms can be described as anomo-stephanocytic, a system in which complexes lacking subdidiaries (anomocytic) intergrade with those having weakly differentiated subsidiaries arranged in a rosette (stephanocytic). From this ancestral condition, tangential divisions of contact cells led to the profusion of different types seen in early fossil angiosperms and Amborellaceae, Austrobaileyales, and derived Chloranthaceae, while the state in Nymphaeales is little modified. Formation of new, derived types by tangential division appears to be a recurrent theme in seed plant evolution.
Flow Visualization and Quantitative Evaluation of the Effect of Bore/Stroke Ratio on Swirl in a Piston Engine

The type and strength of the in-cylinder flow pattern significantly affects piston engine performance in terms of the rate and cyclic variability of combustion. This paper describes a flow visualization study in which the effect of engine stroke on in-cylinder flow is investigated. It was observed that longer stroke produces stronger swirling motion and in most cases a larger vertical (tumble) component of the rotational motion.
Role of Interferon in the Antiviral State Elicited by Selected Interferon Inducers

SummaryData are presented which show that protection of mice by endotoxin against viral infection is not mediated by interferon while that of poly(I:C) and pyran can be at least partially attributed to interferon induction. The results also suggest that circulating interferon does not protect against a virus administered intraperitoneally.
Molecular evidence for a viral etiology of human leukemias, lymphomas, and sarcomas.

The experiments described were designed to probe further the etiologic significance of the earlier findings in human leukemia and lymphoma by Hehlmann and associates13,14 and in sarcoma by Kufe and colleagues16 of RNA homologous to that of the Rauscher leukemia virus (RLV). The data obtained indicate that at least a portion of the viral-related RNA we were detecting is in the form of a 70S-RNA template physically associated with a reverse transcriptase, two of the diagnostic features of the RNA tumor viruses. Further, the DNA synthesized by the leukemic reverse transcriptase on its own endogenous template is related in sequence to RLV-RNA. This last finding completes the logic of our earlier experiments in which the DNA synthesized on RLV-RNA was used as a probe to find the viral-related information in leukemic cells. Finally, the data show that a reverse transcriptase and 70S RNA are associated with a particle possessing the exact density of oncogenic RNA viruses. The data we have detailed show that human leukemic cells contain a 70S RNA encapsulated with RNA-instructed DNA polymerase in a particle possessing the density characteristic of RNA viruses. Further, the DNA synthesized by the human RNA-enzyme complex hybridizes specifically with the RNA of a murine leukemogenic agent. Similar data are now available with human mammary cancers. Thus, for both leukemias and adenocarcinomas of the breast, four diagnostic features of the corresponding animal tumor viruses are exhibited by particles found in these analogous human neoplasias. The accumulating evidence for the involvement of RNA tumor viruses in at least some forms of human cancer is becoming more convincing. Final proof still requires the demonstration that the particles identified in human neoplastic tissues are infectious and transforming agents.
P5.097 Potential Population-Level Impact of Replacing Oral Gonococcal Therapy with Intramuscular Therapy

Background The role of oral drugs in gonorrhoea treatment is controversial, and the effect of eliminating oral treatments is unknown. Methods We created an arithmetic model to estimate the number of treatment failures (including no treatment) among persons with gonorrhoea and their first generation sex partners comparing current treatment patterns to treatment using only intramuscular drugs. Our base case scenario assumed: decreased susceptibility in 2% and 5% of cases in heterosexuals and men who have sex with men (MSM), respectively; oral therapy use in 30% of heterosexuals and 15% of MSM; treatment failure in 10% of persons with decreased susceptibility gonorrhoea given oral therapy; elimination of oral therapy results in 5% of oral treatment patients going untreated; expedited partner therapy (EPT) is offered to 40% of heterosexuals and increases the number of infected partners treated per case by 0.165. Results In our base case scenario, elimination of oral treatment decreased the number of decreased susceptibility treatment failures relative to the total number of decreased susceptibility cases by 0.8% if one ignores the effect of EPT, and increased decreased susceptibility cases by 0.8% with an EPT effect included. Total gonorrhoea cases increased by 0.8% and 4%, with and without an EPT effect, respectively. Assuming 50% of heterosexuals and 25% of MSM receive oral therapy at baseline and that 20% of decreased susceptibility cases fail oral treatment, elimination of oral therapy diminished decreased susceptibility cases 2.6% and 1.4% with and without an EPT effect, respectively, while increasing total gonorrhoea cases 1.5–4.8%. Conclusions Given plausible current levels of treatment efficacy, eliminating oral gonorrhoea therapy in the U.S. would likely have a small effect on decreased susceptibility treatment failures, and would somewhat increase gonorrhoea morbidity. These findings do no incorporate longer-term transmission effects, but highlight the importance of developing effective oral gonorrhoea treatment options.
Cocoa—past medicinal uses, current scientific evidence, and advertised health benefits

Abstract The fruit of Theobroma cacao contains flavan-3-ols and other bioactive compounds. This chapter compares the medicinal uses of cocoa throughout history with health benefits supported by scientific evidence and used in advertisements. Historically, therapeutic purposes of cocoa products included gaining weight and restoration of health, balancing the nervous system, and improving digestion. The current scientific literature provides substantial evidence that cocoa lowers cardiovascular disease risk through various mechanisms. For marketing, manufacturers use statements about cardiovascular disease prevention but also mention other conditions less supported by research. Over time, weight gain and restoration of health have evolved into a wider concern about chronic disease, the possible beneficial effects on the nervous system and emotional well-being have persisted, while the theme of digestion has receded despite novel hypotheses related to flavan-3-ols and gut microbiota. Better dietary methods to assess cocoa and chocolate intake accurately are needed to understand the health benefits cocoa and chocolate beyond the pleasure experienced by so many people throughout history.
Informed trading in business groups, ownership concentration, and market liquidity

Business groups, which are collections of publicly traded companies with significant amount of common ownership, dominate private sector activity in developing countries. This paper studies how information flows within these groups by analyzing the trading behavior of pension fund managers in firms that belong to the same group. The paper shows that while pension fund managers are momentum traders on non-affiliated companies, they trade in anticipation of future abnormal returns in affiliated firms. Ownership concentration and business group ties exacerbate information asymmetries, discouraging investment and depressing stock market participation. Using the merger and acquisition activity among pension fund managers as a natural experiment, the paper provides evidence that increases in stock ownership concentration, via the threat of informed trading, adversely affect liquidity. The results indicate that cross-ownership structures and extensive investor-industry relations might curb the expected benefits from the presence of institutional investors, limiting market development.
Are we ready for spray-on carbon nanotubes?

As artists and manufacturers explore the use of spray-on carbon nanotube coatings, Andrew D. Maynard explores the state of the science around nanotube safety.
Effects of implanting ram and wether lambs with zeranol at birth and weaning on palatability and muscle collagen characteristics.

Thirty-five zeranol-implanted (I) and nonimplanted (NI) ram and wether lambs representing four treatments (implanted rams [IR], nonimplanted rams [NIR], implanted wethers [IW], and nonimplanted wethers [NIW]) were evaluated for meat palatability and muscle collagen characteristics. Rib (longissimus muscle, LM) chops from I lambs were juicier (P less than .05) than rib chops from NI lambs. Chops from IR lambs had more (P less than .05) detectable connective tissue and lower myofibrillar and overall tenderness scores than chops from NIR, IW, or NIW lambs. Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS) values tended to be higher (P = .06) for LM chops from rams than for those from wethers, but WBS values for Biceps femoris (BF) chops were similar (P greater than .05) for rams and wethers. Implanting did not affect (P greater than .05) WBS values. Rams had more (P less than .05) LM heat-labile (soluble, SC), nonheat-labile (insoluble, IC), and total collagen (TC) and a higher (P less than .05) percentage of SC (SC/TC) than did wethers. Soluble collagen, TC, and percentage of SC for the BF were higher (P less than .05) and IC tended (P = .09) to be higher in chops from rams than in those from wethers. Implanting did not affect (P greater than .05) collagen amount or solubility. Serum nonprotein hydroxyproline (NPHP) was higher (P less than .05) in rams than in wethers throughout the feeding period and tended (P = .05) to be higher at slaughter. Implanting did not affect (P greater than .05) serum NPHP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Immune-related intestinal chloride secretion. II. Effect of adenosine on T84 cell line.

The inflammatory mediator adenosine caused sustained Cl- secretion across monolayers of T84 cells. The effect was promptly reversed by the adenosine receptor antagonist 8-phenyltheophylline and app...
Abstract B16: Association of calcium and vitamin D intake and vitamin D receptor genotypes with prostate cancer in multiethnic samples

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer among men in the U.S., and African American (AA) men have higher incidence and mortality rate compared to European American (EA) men. Social and behavioral factors affect stage and tumor grade at diagnosis, treatment choice, and mortality. However, the cause for PCa disparities is still unclear. Several roles have been proposed for calcium, vitamin D, and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in PCa pathogenesis and progression, but epidemiologic studies, mainly conducted in European descent populations, often show inconsistent evidence of associations. Here, we investigated the association of calcium and vitamin D intake and VDR genotypes with prostate cancer incidence and aggressiveness in multiethnic samples. Methods: The total of 1,403 individuals was included in this study (751 AAs, 481 EAs, 126 Hispanic Americans, and 45 others). Study participants were recruited from six hospitals in Chicago, IL and Washington, D.C. Calcium and vitamin D intake was evaluated using the Block calcium and vitamin D screener. Seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in and around the VDR gene and 105 ancestry informative markers were genotyped. STRUCTURE was used to estimate genetic ancestry. We performed logistic regression analyses adjusting for relevant variables using SPSS. Results: In the pooled data set, calcium and vitamin D intake was not associated with PCa risk (P>0.05), but high total calcium intake (≥800 mg/day) was significantly associated with aggressive PCa (Gleason Score ≥4+3, P=0.002, OR=2.05, 95% C.I.: 1.29-3.26). In the race/ethnicity stratified analyses, we confirmed the statistically significant associations of calcium intake with aggressive PCa in AAs. High total vitamin D intake (≥600IU/day), on the other hand, revealed a protective effect against aggressive PCa (OR=0.47, 95% C.I.: 0.24-0.92, P=0.026). In EAs, total calcium intake was significantly associated with PCa aggressiveness, only when we compared PCa cases with Gleason Score ≥4+3 to cases with Gleason Score Conclusion: In this study, we showed that high calcium intake increases the risk of prostate cancer aggressiveness, while high vitamin D intake has protective effects. Although a larger sample size is necessary to confirm the observation, we demonstrated that VDR genotypes may modify the effect of calcium intake. The findings from this study may help develop better PCa management plans. Citation Format: Ken Batai, Adam B. Murphy, Ebony Shah, Maria Ruden, Jennifer Newsome, Michael A. Dixon, Ahaghotu Chiledum, Rick A. Kittles. Association of calcium and vitamin D intake and vitamin D receptor genotypes with prostate cancer in multiethnic samples. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B16.
The Earthquake: The 9/11 Attacks and the US Response

Turkey and Qatar have begun to align their foreign policies in the post-9/11 regional context, a context that had been deeply shaken by the USA. To see how the USA had shaken the Middle East, this chapter discusses how the USA responded to the 9/11 attacks. The chapter argues that the USA in fact pursued two-pronged strategy: on the one hand, it sought ways to punish the regimes in Afghanistan and Iraq it held responsible for the 9/11 attacks; on the other hand, it promoted democracy in the Middle East.
Habitat separation among chironomidae (Diptera) in Big Springs.

Habitat separation among Chironomidae was determined for five habitats in Big Springs, which is located in the high plains of western Kansas. Larvae, pupae, pupal exuviae and adults were qualitatively collected from each habitat on seven dates over a two-year period. The five habitats investigated were: spring source, spring run, a large pool, splash zones, and saturated soils/small seeps. Sixty-six species occurred in the five habitats, with Chironomini being most species rich (31 species), followed by Orthocladiinae (22), Tanypodinae (9) and Tanytarsini (4). The highest species richness was in the pool habitat (45 species), which was dominated by Chironomini. Orthocladiinae dominated all other habitats, with the spring run having second highest species richness (20 species), followed by the spring source and splash zones (each with 13 species) and the saturated soils and seeps (11 species). Forty-eight of the species occurred in only one habitat and only three taxa, Tanytarsus spp., Corynoneura spp. and Thienemanniella spp., were found in all five habitats. Jaccard's Coefficient showed that the composition of the splash zone and spring source, and the splash zone and spring run were most similar. However, an analysis of species composition using the Simple Matching Coefficient indicated that the splash zone and spring source were most similar, and the splash zone and saturated soils and seeps as second most similar. Both indices, however, indicated that the spring source and the large pool had the least similar composition. These results suggest that patterns of longitudinal zonation in the composition of chironomids, and perhaps other macroinvertebrates, along spring and spring run gradients are strongly influenced by physical variations in the micro habitats that occur as the groundwater discharge merges into a well defined stream with alternating pool-rifle habitats.
Surgical Treatment for Acute Limb Ischemia

Patients suffering from acute limb ischemia (ALI) are at risk for significant morbidity and mortality. Successful surgical revascularization in this high-risk group is dependent on maintaining a systematic treatment approach. First, this chapter will review those clinical findings important for recognizing ALI. The classification of an affected limb according to its predicted viability will be discussed. Ultimately this categorization will help determine the urgency or futility of restoring blood flow to an ischemic leg. Finally, characteristics of the two major causes of ALI, embolus and thrombosis, will be explored to illustrate various treatment approaches for revascularization.
NSAIDs and Cardiovascular Toxicity

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are some of the most frequently prescribed medications currently on the market. A large amount of evidence has come out in the past 16 years suggesting these drugs increase adverse cardiovascular events, particularly in at-risk patients. This includes increases in blood pressure, worsening of heart failure, and higher risk of myocardial infarctions and stroke. The development of additional, more selective NSAIDs, has been halted due these risks. Drug selection in individuals requiring chronic pain relief requires careful examination of the balance between cardiovascular and bleeding risks.
Pressure drop characteristics of large length-to-diameter two-phase micro-channel heat sinks

Abstract Unlike prior published two-phase micro-channel studies that concern mostly miniature heat sinks, the present study addresses transport characteristics of a heat sink containing large length-to-diameter micro-channels. The copper heat sink has a 609.6-mm long by 203.2-mm wide base area, and contains 100 parallel micro-channels having a 1 × 1 mm2 cross-section, and a length-to-diameter ratio of 609.6 to 1. The study addresses pressure drop characteristics of R134a for subcooled inlet conditions with inlet pressures of 689.4–731.3 kPa, mass velocities of 75.92–208.79 kg/m2 s, and base heat fluxes of 4036–28,255 W/m2. The data are compared to predictions of the Homogeneous Equilibrium Model (HEM) in conjunction with six different two-phase mixture viscosity relations, correlations based on the Separated Flow Model (SFM) and intended for macro-channels, and correlations based on SFM and intended for micro-channels. Overall, fairly good predictions are achieved with HEM, compared to poor predictions with the macro-channel SFM correlations. The micro-channel SFM correlations fared better, yielding mean absolute error values as low as 6.66%. Flow visualization results show appreciable periodic fluctuations in two-phase flow patterns, which include four primary patterns: bubbly/slug, slug, transition, and annular, along with two other patterns associated specifically with downstream dryout: transition and annular. These observations point to the need for more research to address the role of flow instabilities and fluctuations in flow pattern development.
Nitrosyl and Nitryl Chloride Formation in H2SO4/HNO3/H2O/HCl Solutions at 200 K

Infrared spectroscopy has been used to measure the vapor pressure of chlorine containing species generated from H2SO4/HNO3/H2O/HCl solutions at 200 K. The vapor pressure was observed to be a function of solution composition. Two solution compositions were investigated. One solution remained a liquid whereas the second solution was a mixed liquid and solid phase (an ice slurry). The liquid solution had a composition of 64.6 wt.% H2SO4/4.8 wt.% HNO3/30.1 wt.% H2O/0.5 wt.% HCl and produced only vapor phase HCl. The ice slurry solution had a composition of 76.6 wt.% H2SO4/3.0 wt.% HNO3/20.1 wt.% H2O/0.3 wt.% HCl and produced HCl, ClNO, and ClNO2 vapor phase components. The sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and water content of these solutions are representative of those present in polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs), however the HCl concentrations are much higher than present within these clouds. The partitioning of chlorine between vapor phase HCl (50%) and ClNO/ClNO2 (50%) for the ice slurry solution suggests a possible mechanism of halogen activation within PSCs. A reaction mechanism to model the observed chemistry is proposed.
Specific Nanoporous Geometries on Anodized Alumina Surfaces Influence Astrocyte Adhesion and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Immunoreactivity Levels.

Electrodes implanted in the brain or spinal cord trigger the activation of resident astrocytes. In their reactive state, astrocytes surrounding the electrode form a glial scar, compromising the ability of the electrode to interface with the surrounding neural tissue. One approach to reduce the inhibiting scar tissue is to incorporate nanoarchitecture on the surface of the implanted materials to modify the astrocytic response. The incorporated nanoarchitecture changes both the surface characteristics and the material properties of the implant interface. We investigated the response of rat cortical astrocytes to nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) surfaces. Astrocytes were seeded onto nonporous aluminum control surfaces and AAO surfaces with average nanopore diameters of 20 and 90 nm. The surfaces were characterized by assessing their nanomorphology, hydrophobicity, surface chemistry, mechanical properties, and surface roughness. For cell response characterization, calcein-based viability and adhesion st...
Tunica vaginalis flap for salvaging testicular torsion: A matched cohort analysis

Summary Introduction In testicular torsion, ischemia time from pain onset impacts testicular salvage. A tunica albuginea fasciotomy to relieve compartment pressure followed by a tunica vaginalis flap (TVF) may enhance salvage. Objective To define the optimal window of ischemia time during which TVF may be most beneficial to avoid orchiectomy. Study design A retrospective cohort study of males presenting with testicular torsion at a single tertiary-care institution from January, 2003 to March, 2017. Ischemia time was defined as duration of pain from onset to surgery. Because TVF would be an option to orchiectomy, and it was found that ischemia time was longer in testicles that underwent orchiectomy, matching was performed. Cases of torsion treated with TVF were matched 1:1 with cases treated with orchiectomy on age at surgery, and ischemia time. Outcomes included postoperative viability, defined as palpable testicular tissue with normal consistency, and atrophy, defined as palpable decrease in size relative to contralateral testicle. Sensitivity analyses were performed restricting to the subgroups with postoperative ultrasound, >6 months' follow-up, and additionally matching for degrees of twist. Results A total of 182 patients met eligibility criteria, of whom 49, 36, and 97 underwent orchiectomy, TVF, and septopexy alone, respectively. Median follow-up was 2.7 months; 26% of patients had postoperative ultrasound (61% of TVF group). In the orchiectomy, TVF, and septopexy groups, respectively, median ischemia times were 51, 11, and 8 h, postoperative viability rates were 0, 86, and 95%, and postoperative atrophy rates were 0, 68, and 24%. After matching, 32 patients with TVF were matched to 32 patients who underwent orchiectomy. In the TVF group, postoperative viability occurred in 95% (19/20) vs 67% (8/12) of patients with ischemia times ≤24 and >24 h, respectively. Atrophy occurred in 67% (12/18) vs 83% (10/12) of these same respective patients. Sensitivity analysis by ultrasound and longer follow-up found similar viability results, although atrophy rates were higher. Additional matching for degrees of twist showed lower viability and higher atrophy rates for increasing ischemia times. Discussion Patients who presented with testicular torsion with ischemia times ≤24 h and who were being considered for orchiectomy may have benefitted most from TVF, albeit at high risk of atrophy. However, for ischemia times >24 h, TVF may still have preserved testicular viability in two-thirds of cases. A limitation was short follow-up. Conclusion A TVF was a valid alternative to orchiectomy for torsed testicles, albeit with high testicular atrophy rates.
Maize ( Zea mays L.): In Vitro Production of Haploids

Maize or corn (Zea mays L.) is a member of the Gramineae family placed in the tribe Maydeae with a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 2× = 20. The origin of corn has been studied extensively and remains a point of controversy. There seems to be general agreement that it originated in the western Hemisphere (Hallauer and Miranda 1981). Columbus, when he discovered the New World, found corn to be a major food staple of the American Indian, in much the form we know it today. Excavations in the caves of arid regions in Mexico revealed fragments of diminutive corn cobs which may have been grown for food more than 5000 years ago (Harpstead 1975). Maize was domesticated by these prehistoric plant breeders to the point where it cannot survive and reproduce in its present form without the aid of man (Brandolini 1970). While maize evolved as a crop of the Americas, it now is grown around the world (Table 1), having today become the third most important food grain, following closely after wheat and rice (Horsfall 1975).
“The female is such exquisite hell”: The Romantic Agony of My Dying Bride

The atmospheric heavy metal band My Dying Bride was formed in West Yorkshire in the summer of 1990. The various poetic personas that lyricist Aaron Stainthorpe adopts are similar to the tormented, neurotic, and obsessive narrators that define the poetry of Poe, Baudelaire, Swinburne, Coleridge, and others. A close analysis of My Dying Bride’s lyrics supported by interviews with Stainthorpe reveals how deeply the band is indebted to Romanticism in the band’s conceptualizations of femininity and exemplifies how earlier literary forms continue to influence contemporary culture. While the band’s lyrics resurrect several specifically nineteenth-century stereotypes regarding womanhood, this chapter argues that Stainthorpe’s lyrical approach is feminist, for most of his personas misunderstand female power and suffer as a result of their limited or misguided perspectives.
RADIATION TRANSFER IN THE ATMOSPHERE | Cloud-Radiative Processes

Clouds consist of water droplets with typical diameters of ∼20 µm or ice crystals with a typical size of ∼100 µm suspended in the atmosphere. Cloud-radiative processes are the interactions between these cloud particles and electromagnetic radiation, including the scattering, absorption, and emission processes. Radiative transfer, which serves as a mechanism for exchanging energy within the Earth–atmosphere system and between this system and the rest of the universe, is strongly modified by clouds. An understanding of cloud-radiative processes and their effects on radiative transfer is fundamentally important in climate studies and remote sensing applications.
Time for change: using implementation intentions to promote physical activity in a randomised pilot trial.

Objective: A common barrier to exercise is a perceived lack of time. The current pilot study examined the effects of an implementation intention intervention to enhance exercise self-efficacy, incr...
Justice Neil Gorsuch Joins the Court

In his first year on the Court, Justice Gorsuch has been a reliably conservative voice. His vote made the difference in several major decisions, usually ruling alongside Justices Alito, Kennedy, Roberts, and Thomas in 5–4 cases such as Janus v. AFSCME, NIFLA v. Becerra, Husted v. A. Philip Randolph Institute, and Trump v. Hawaii. President Trump’s promise to appoint someone in the vein of Antonin Scalia—from his originalist judicial philosophy, to his stature and intellect, to his engaging writing—was kept. Given his age, Justice Gorsuch will likely be a major force on the Court for the next three to four decades.