cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Moraxella catarrhalis acquisition, airway inflammation and protease-antiprotease balance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Moraxella catarrhalis causes approximately 10% of exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and also colonizes the lower airway in stable patients. Little is known about the effects of colonization by M. catarrhalis on airway inflammation and protease-antiprotease balance, and how these changes compare to those seen during exacerbations. Since COPD is a progressive inflammatory disease, elucidating the effects of bacterial colonization and exacerbation on airway inflammation is relevant to understanding disease progression in COPD. Our aims were (1) Analyze changes in airway inflammation in colonization and exacerbation of COPD due to M. catarrhalis; (2) Explore protease-antiprotease balance in colonization and exacerbation due to M. catarrhalis. Our hypothesis were (1) Acquisition of a new strain of M. catarrhalis in COPD increases airway inflammation from baseline and alters the protease-antiprotease balance towards a more proteolytic environment; (2) These changes are greater during exacerbations associated with M. catarrhalis as compared to colonization. Thirty-nine consecutive COPD patients with 76 acquisitions of a new strain of M. catarrhalis over a 6-year period were identified in a prospective study. Seventy-six pre-acquisition sputum supernatant samples, obtained just before acquisition of M catarrhalis, and 76 acquisition samples (34 were associated with exacerbation, 42 with colonization) were analyzed for IL-8, TNF-α, Neutrophil Elastase (NE) and Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI). Changes were compared in paired samples from each patient. IL-8, TNF-α and NE were significantly elevated after acquisition of M. catarrhalis, compared to pre-acquisition samples (p =< 0.001 for all three). These changes were present in colonization (p = 0.015 for IL-8; p =< 0.001 for TNF-α and NE) as well as in exacerbation (p =< 0.001 for all three), compared to pre-acquisition levels. SLPI was significantly lower after acquisition (p =< 0.001), in colonization (p =< 0.001) as well as in exacerbation (p = 0.004), compared to pre-acquisition levels. SLPI levels correlated negatively with NE levels (R2 = 0.07; p = 0.001). Acquisition of M. catarrhalis in COPD causes increased airway inflammation and worsening protease-antiprotease imbalance during exacerbations and also in colonization, even in the absence of increased symptoms. These effects could contribute to progression of airway disease in COPD.
Characteristics associated with important clinical end points in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia at initial treatment.

Purpose Response to front-line treatment and subsequent clinical course for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are heterogeneous. Identifying pretreatment patient characteristics or prognostic factors associated with clinical outcomes is important for counseling patients, conducting clinical research, and evaluating trial results. Patients and Methods We evaluated the pretreatment characteristics of 595 previously untreated patients who had National Cancer Institute Working Group indications to initiate front-line therapy for predictors of complete response (CR), time to treatment failure (TTF), and overall survival (OS). Multivariable models were developed for all three end points. Results CR is an important treatment end point correlated with longer TTF and OS. In this retrospective analysis, front-line treatment regimen was a significant independent predictive factor for all three end points; chemoimmunotherapy was the superior treatment regimen. Considering front-line treatment regimen, ...
Thinking and Being: Heidegger and Wittgenstein on Machination and Lived-Experience

Heidegger's treatment of 'machination' in the Beitrage zur Philosophie begins the critique of technological thinking that would centrally characterize his later work. Unlike later discussions of technology, the critique of machination in Beitrage connects its arising to the predominance of 'lived-experience' ( Erlebnis ) as the concealed basis for the possibility of a pre-delineated, rule-based metaphysical understanding of the world. In this essay I explore this connection. The unity of machination and lived-experience becomes intelligible when both are traced to their common root in the primordial Greek attitude of techne , originally a basic attitude of wondering knowledge of nature. But with this common root revealed, the basic connection between machination and lived-experience also emerges as an important development of one of the deepest guiding thoughts of the Western philosophical tradition: the Parmenidean assertion of the sameness of being and thinking. In the Beitrage 's analysis of machinatio...
Low temperature proton induced upsets in NMOS resistive load static RAM

Proton-induced upset measurements were performed on some NMOS resistive-load static RAMs for temperatures down to -125 degrees C. Results show that the upset cross section strongly depends on temperature as well as the incident beam flux. SPICE modeling for the critical charge versus temperature is not sufficient to explain the data. An explanation is provided that describes multiple subcritical linear-energy-transfer particle strikes within RAM cell integration times that cause upsets. >
Optical displacement sensor (ODS): an inertial reference sensor candidate for LISA

We propose here an optical displacement sensor (ODS) as a supplemental or backup sensor for the LISA inertial reference sensor concept. This simple ODS consists of a laser diode and a quad-cell photodiode (both commercially available). The inertial mass' reflective surface directs the laser beam onto the quad-cell photodiode. Changes in the inertial mass' position and orientation are then extracted from ratios of the differences and sums of the quad-cell photodiode outputs. A simpler proto-type using a 200 microns wide slit has demonstrated a resolution of 10 nm/square root Hz at 1 mHz and 1 nm/square root Hz above 5 mHz. The electronics noise was 1 nm/square root Hz at and above 1 mHz with simple and off the shelf electronics components. Although this ODS' current performance does not meet the LISA's system requirement1 of 1 nm/rtHz at 1 mHz, we think that is achievable in the near future.
Segmental and syllabic representations in the perception of speech by young infants.

In a series of four experiments, the ability of 3- to 4-month-old infants to form categorical representations to syllable-initial consonants in monosyllabic stimuli (experiments 1 and 2) and to initial and final syllables in bisyllabic stimuli (experiments 3 and 4, respectively) was investigated. Experiment 1 yielded no evidence of categorical representations for the initial consonant. However, the results indicated that the four or six stimuli presented during the initial phase of familiarization had been remembered. The results of experiment 2, which employed a less stringent familiarization criterion, replicated the findings of experiment 1, although there was some evidence for categorization for infants whose familiarization performance more closely matched the weaker criterion. In experiment 3, there was strong evidence for a categorical representation of the initial syllable of bisyllabic stimuli for infants experiencing six familiar stimuli. In experiment 4, there was less robust evidence of categorization of the final syllable of bisyllabic stimuli, but again only when six familiar stimuli were experienced. The results were discussed in terms of the earliest representation of speech being syllables that could be modified by the rhythmic nature of the infant’s native language.
Sea-ice thickness and mass at Ice Station Belgica, Bellingshausen Sea, Antarctica

Abstract Ice Station Belgica was commenced in late winter 2007 in the Bellingshausen Sea as part of Sea Ice Mass Balance in Antarctica (SIMBA), an IPY 2007 cruise on the research vessel N.B. Palmer. A primary objective was to build on the work of previous Antarctic drift station experiments to geophysically characterize sea ice in terms of thickness, surface and ice bottom morphology, and ultimately area-unitized mass. A 24 day drift station was established at approximately 70°S and 93°W in mixed first-year and multi-year ice with three geophysical study sites selected on a 5 km2 floe. A comprehensive time series assessment of elevation-surveyed transects ranging from 100 m to 300 m in length included snow surface elevation, snow depth, electromagnetic (EM) profiling, and direct drilling for ice draft and ice freeboard. Additional work included a snow surface morphology characterization of a 100 m×300 m area between the primary time series EM transects. Correlation of EM ice thicknesses with collocated drilled ice thickness yielded equations for the correction of EM underestimation of thick deformed ice, particularly at pressure ridges. Mean ice thickness from corrected EM was compared to isostatic ice thickness calculated from surface elevation, snow depth, ice freeboard and respective snow, slush, ice, and sea water densities. Results were consistent, with mean ice thicknesses for multi-year ice of 2.35 m, 2.34 m, and 2.41 m, with similar variance, for corrected EM, drilling, and buoyancy methods respectively. Additionally, a mean ice thickness of 2.31 m was calculated from ASPeCt observations of the ice field associated with the floe, using the method incorporating mean sail heights and fractional coverage of surface deformities or ridging. Temporal series assessment of ice freeboard indicated a slightly negative mean ice freeboard (
BANK PURCHASES OF EARNING ASSETS A DECISION UNIT MODEL

TRADITIONALLY, THE ATTENTION of monetary theorists has been directed toward explaining such aggregate behavior as consumption, saving, and investment. To this end, there has usually been an interest in such aggregate variables as interest rates, the money supply, velocity, and the price level. The advent of powerful computational and data-processing equipment makes feasible research efforts directed toward integrating models of micro behavior with larger systems of models relating to aggregates. This study consists of the specification and testing of several models predicting an individual bank's net purchases of earning assets. The broad hypothesis of the study is that certain underlying environmental, legal, and status variables have systematic influences on the behavior of banks. Therefore, the models are specified largely in terms of variables which differ among banks (e.g., size, population of city in which located, deposit "mix," etc.). In addition, however, several tests are performed with models which include such timeseries variables as interest rates, certain broad measures of economic conditions, and variables which seek to account for seasonal movements. The data with which the models are tested stem from statements of condition from member and non-member banks located in the Eighth Federal Reserve District. These statements, or call reports, provide successive cross-sections at six-month intervals during the period from June, 1950, to December, 1958. The empirical portion of the study consists of estimating the parameters relating the inputs and status variables of individual commercial banks (the independent variables) to their output, net purchases of earning assets (the dependent variable). A by-product of this process consists of testing hypotheses relative to the influence of such variables as size, deposit experience, deposit "mix," and other environmental variables. The parameters of the models are estimated by multiple linear-regression techniques. A majority of the parameter estimates attain acceptable levels of significance, but the variables
Dopamine receptor-mediated regulation of incertohypothalamic dopaminergic neurons in the male rat

Abstract The incertohypothalamic dopaminergic (DA) neuronal system has been divided into a rostral component of neurons originating in the rostral periventricular nucleus and projecting to the preopticosuprachiasmatic and medial preoptic nuclei and a caudal component originating in the medial zone incerta and projecting to the dorsomedial and anterior hypothalamic nuclei. The purpose of the present study was to determine if the activity of these intrahypothalamic DA neurons is regulated by DA receptor-mediated mechanisms, as are those in the major ascending nigrostriatal and mesolimbic neurons, or if they resemble another group of intrahypothalamic DA neurons, those that comprise the tuberoinfundibular system, which are not responsive to the acute actions of DA agonists or antagonists. The rate of DA turnover (decline after α-methyltyrosine) in micropunched regions of the striatum (ST), nucleus accumbens (NA) and hypothalamic regions which contain cell bodies or terminals of incertohypothalamic DA neurons was increased after administration of a DA antagonist (haloperidol) and decreased after administration of a DA agonist (bromocriptine). γ-Butyrolactone increased DA concentrations in the ST, NA and hypothalamic brain regions containing incertohypothalamic DA neurons, and this effect was blocked by the DA agonist apomorphine. In contrast, none of these treatments affected the concentration or rate of turnover of DA in the median eminence (terminal region of tuberoinfundibular neurons). Injections of either γ-hydroxybutyric acid or baclofen into the substantia nigra/ventral tegmental region of the midbrain increased DA concentrations in the NA and/or ST but failed to alter DA concentrations in any hypothalamic region. These results suggest that the incertohypothalamic DA system is composed of neurons whose activity can be rapidly modulated by DA receptor-mediated mechanisms and thus resemble the DA neurons in the major ascending nigrostriatal and mesolimbic systems rather than the hypothalamic neurons which comprise the tuberoinfundibular DA system.
Cholesterol ester droplets and steroidogenesis

Intracellular lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic organelles that contain a number of associated proteins including perilipin (Plin) and vimentin. Cholesteryl ester (CE)-rich LDs normally accumulate in steroidogenic cells and their mobilization is the preferred initial source of cholesterol for steroidogenesis. Plin1a, 1b and 5 were found to preferentially associate with triacylglycerol-rich LDs and Plin1c and Plin4 to associate with CE-rich LDs, but the biological significance of this remains unanswered. Vimentin null mice were found to have decreased ACTH-stimulated corticosterone levels, and decreased progesterone levels in females, but normal hCG-stimulated testosterone levels in males. Smaller LDs were seen in null cells. Lipoprotein cholesterol delivery to adrenals and ovary was normal, as was the expression of steroidogenic genes; however, the movement of cholesterol to mitochondria was reduced in vimentin null mice. These results suggest that vimentin is important in the maintenance of CE-rich LDs and in the movement of cholesterol for steroidogenesis.
Catalytic CO2-gasification of graphite versus coal char

Abstract The effects of alkali carbonate catalysts on the C0 2 -gasification of Illinois No. 6 hvB bituminous coal char, demineralized Illinois No. 6 coal char, Pittsburgh No. 8 hvA coal char, Navajo subbituminous coal char, Reading anthracite coal char, North Dakota A lignite char and spectroscopic grade highest purity graphite are reported. Alkali carbonate salts are effective Boudouard catalysts for all these substrates, but salient differences between coal char and graphite reactivity are observed. To account for these differences, a redox mechanism based on alkali hydride intermediates is proposed.
The thyroid hormone-induced tail resorption program during Xenopus laevis metamorphosis

Genes that are up- and down-regulated by thyroid hormone in the tail resorption program of Xenopus laevis have been isolated by a gene expression screen, sequenced, and identified in the GenBank data base. The entire program is estimated to consist of fewer than 35 up-regulated and fewer than 10 down-regulated genes; 17 and 4 of them, respectively, have been isolated and characterized. Up-regulated genes whose function can be predicted on the basis of their sequence include four transcription factors (including one of the thyroid hormone receptors), an extracellular matrix component (fibronectin) and membrane receptor (integrin), four proteinases, a deiodinase that degrades thyroid hormone, and a protein that binds the hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor, which has been implicated in controlling thyroid hormone synthesis in Xenopus tadpoles. All four down-regulated genes encode extracellular proteins that are expressed in tadpole epidermis. This survey of the program provides insights into the biology of metamorphosis.
Tort reform: an issue for nurse practitioners.

Purpose To inform nurse practitioners (NPs) about the issues related to tort reform and its relationship to malpractice insurance costs. Data Sources Current journals, newspapers, professional newsletters, and Internet sites. Conclusions NPs are paying more for their malpractice premiums, and many are losing their places of employment as clinics close due to the increased cost of premiums. One method proposed for curbing the flow of monies spent on premiums and litigation is tort law reform. California serves as an example; its Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA) tort reform law was passed 25 years ago, and has maintained stable malpractice premiums. Other states have proposed similar laws, but some have not had similar success. To curb litigation costs, not only should tort laws be reformed, but NPs and physicians should keep abreast of current practice standards in order to provide quality medical care. Implications for Practice Like physicians, NPs are affected directly by tort laws. These laws hold NPs accountable the same level as physicians. In addition, many states limit NPs’ practice to delegation of authority by a physician. Liability is therefore transferred from the NP to the physician and vice versa in cases of injury or wrongful act. In addition, many NPs are finding it increasingly difficult to locate insurers who will write policies for medical liability.
Enhanced active constrained layer damping treatment with symmetrically and nonsymmetrically distributed edge elements

This paper is concern with the effects of edge element symmetry on the Enhanced Active Constrained Layer (EACL) treatment. The research characterizes the relationship among the edge element stiffness distribution, the strain field of the base structure, and the system active, passive, and hybrid damping abilities. The results could provide good insights and guidelines for EACL designers.
Uptake of Exogenous PhosphatidyJserine by Human Neuroblastoma Cells Stimulates the Incorporation of [methyl‐l4C]Cholne into Phosphatidylcholine

The phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) content of human cholinergic neuroblastoma (LA-N-2) cells was manipulated by exposing the cells to exogenous PtdSer, and the effects on phospholipid content, membrane composition, and incorporation of choline into phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) were investigated. The presence of liposomes containing PtdSer (10-130 microM) in the medium caused time- and concentration-dependent increases in the PtdSer content of the cells, and smaller and slower increases in the contents of other membrane phospholipids. The PtdSer levels in plasma membrane and mitochondrial fractions prepared by discontinuous sucrose density gradient centrifugation increased by 50 and 100%, respectively, above those in control cells after 24 h of exposure to PtdSer (130 microM). PtdSer caused a concomitant, concentration-dependent increase of up to twofold in the incorporation of [methyl-14C]choline chloride into PtdCho at a choline concentration (8.5 microM) compatible with activation of the CDP-choline pathway, suggesting that the levels of PtdSer in membranes may serve as a stimulus to regulate overall membrane composition. PtdSer caused a mean increase of 41% in PtdCho labeling, but the phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), which stimulates PtdCho synthesis in a number of cell lines, increased [14C]PtdCho levels by only 14% in LA-N-2 cells, at a concentration (100 nM) which caused complete translocation of the calcium- and phospholipid-dependent enzyme protein kinase C to the membrane. The translocation was inhibited by prior exposure of the cells to PtdSer. Treatment with PMA for 24 h diminished protein kinase C activity by 80%, but increased the labeling of PtdCho in both untreated and PtdSer-treated cells. These data suggest that uptake of PtdSer by LA-N-2 cells alters both the phospholipid composition of the membrane and synthesis of the major membrane phospholipid PtdCho; the latter effect does not involve activation of protein kinase C.
Correction to "Universal trellis codes for diagonally layered space-time systems"

The paper presents a correction to the original paper by Matache and Wesel (IEEE Trans. Signal Process. Special Issue on MIMO Wireless Communications, vol.51, no.11, p.2773-83, Nov. 2003).
Aging and amnesia: A running span analysis

Groups of young (N = 36), old (N = 7), and amnesic Korsakoff patients (N = 6) were tested with a running memory span procedure. The running span task was administered with a fast presentation rate (2 digits/sec) under passive listening instructions to minimize the contribution of secondary or rehearsed memory. The young recalled with greater accuracy than subjects in the old and amnesic groups. These results are inconsistent with the hypothesis that storage and retrieval deficits in aging and amnesia are limited to secondary memory. Rather, they suggest that memory impairment in these populations is more extensive than is often maintained.
MAPK feedback encodes a switch and timer for tunable stress adaptation in yeast

Signaling pathwayscan behaveasswitchesorrheostats, generating binary orgradedresponses toa given cell stimulus. We evaluated whether a single signaling pathway can simultaneously encode a switch and a rheostat. We found that the kinase Hog1 mediated a bifurcated cellular response: Activation and commitmentto adaptation toosmotic stressare switch-like,whereas protein induction and the resolution of this commitment are graded. Through experimentation, bioinformatics analysis, and computational modeling, we determined that graded recovery is encoded through feedback phosphorylation and a gene induction program that is both temporally staggered and variable across the population. This switch-torheostat signaling mechanism represents a versatile stress adaptation system, wherein a broad range of inputs generate an “all-in” response that is later tuned to allow graded recovery of individual cells over time.
Inflation, non-neutral growth, equity yields and the Fisher hypothesis

(1986). Inflation, non-neutral growth, equity yields and the Fisher hypothesis. Applied Economics: Vol. 18, No. 3, pp. 237-247.
Social class as moderator of the relationship between (dis)empowering processes and psychological empowerment

This study examined whether social class moderated the relationship between empowering and disempowering processes and psychological empowerment (PE) in a sample of individuals from five community organizing initiatives (N 5 490). Hierarchical regression analyses were used to test the relationship between community participation (CP) and alienation on the intrapersonal and interactional components of PE. For the intrapersonal component of PE, CP and alienation were, respectively, positive and negatively predictive. Social class was positively related to the intrapersonal component of PE, and no interaction effects were detected. For the interactional component of PE, CP was not a significant predictor, and alienation was a significant positive predictor. Social class was a negative predictor, and interaction effects between independent variables were detected. These paradoxical relationships between social class and the components of PE are pertinent to empowerment theory and measurement. Implications for social policy, community interventions, and evaluation are explored. C 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Continuous 24-h L-[1-13C]phenylalanine and L-[3,3-2H2]tyrosine oral-tracer studies at an intermediate phenylalanine intake to estimate requirements in adults.

The daily rates of whole-body phenylalanine oxidation (phe-ox) and hydroxylation (phe-OH) were determined in young men (n = 10) receiving [ 13 C]phenylalanine and [ 2 H 2 ]tyrosine via primed constant oral infusion (four also received simultaneously [ 2 H 4 ]tyrosine and [2H 3 ]leucine via primed constant intravenous infusions) continuously for 24 h (first 12 h fast and then 12 h fed). The subjects were given a diet supplying a proposed requirement phenylalanine intake (six subjects: 39 mg phenylalanine . kg -1 . d -1 without tyrosine; four subjects: 36 mg phenylalanine plus 6.8 mg tyrosine), based on an otherwise adequate L-amino acid mixture for 6 d before the tracer study. Our hypothesis was that the subjects would be in approximate body phenylalanine equilibrium at these intakes. Estimates of the daily rate of phe-ox were 26.9 ± 7.5 mg . kg -1 . d -1 (17.2 ± 5.2 and 9.7 ± 3.2 mg . kg -1 . d -1 during the 12-h fast and fed periods, respectively), and for phe-OH they were 32.1 ± 11.9 mg . kg -1 . d -1 (21.7 ± 10.5 and 10.4 ± 2.5 mg . kg -1 . d -1 during the 12-h fast and fed periods, respectively). The daily phenylalanine balance was approximately neutral (P > 0.05) when based on phe-ox or phe-OH (+4.73 ± 7.34 and -0.41 ± 12.6 mg. kg -1 . d -1 , respectively). In comparison with recent, comparable 24-h tracer studies at deficient (22 mg. kg -1 . d -1 ) and generous (100 mg. kg -1 . d -1 ) phenylalanine intakes, these results support the hypothesis that a phenylalanine intake of 39 mg. kg -1 . d -1 (without significant tyrosine) approximates the mean requirement in healthy adults. This contrasts with the upper requirement value of 14 mg. kg -1 . d -1 for the total of the aromatic amino acids proposed in 1985 by FAO/WHO/UNU.
Emergency management operations control system

After hurricane Katrina, over 500 helicopter crews worked tireless to rescue victims trapped by the storm and the massive flooding which occurred after breaches in several earthen dams protecting New Orleans from surrounding waters. These crews worked without the benefit of air traffic control (ATC) de-confliction, needed communications, command & control and no protocol for mission planning and priorities. To address these problems, the NGATS Institute on behalf of the JPDO developed and advertised a study to solve these problems in the future using technologies from the Next Generation Airspace CONOPS. In December 2007, a team lead by Harris Corporation of Melbourne, Florida was awarded this three task study. This paper summarizes the design and planned operational capabilities of EMOCS. The purpose of this study task was to plan for the development and implementation of a fully operational low altitude airspace emergency management communications, navigation, surveillance, and weather system, applicable to both the civil and government first responders, which can support both fixed and rotary wing operations. Such a system must be comprehensive and provide for a deployable and viable platform capable of applying NextGen enabling programs, such as, but not limited to, automatic dependent surveillance - broadcast (ADS-B), DATACOMM and Network Enabled Operations (NEO). The system needs to be easily transportable, self contained, and set up quickly in austere conditions. The study task provides for planning the implementation requirements of foundational NextGen capabilities. These foundational capabilities are the prerequisite for the eventual transformation of the National Airspace System (NAS) by 2025. They also allow NAS users to derive near-term benefits from the NextGen program. This effort is used to provide guidance and address pre-implementation issues for the refinement of a detailed NextGen Concept of Operations (CONOPS).
Motion planning on steep terrain for the tethered axel rover

This paper considers the motion planning problem that arises when a tethered robot descends and ascends steep obstacle-strewn terrain. This work is motivated by the Axel tethered robotic rover designed to provide access to extreme extra-planetary terrains. Motion planning for this type of rover is very different from traditional planning problems because the tether geometry under high loading must be considered during the planning process. Furthermore, only round-trip paths that avoid tether entanglement are viable solutions to the problem. We present an algorithm for tethered robot motion planning on steep terrain that reduces the likelihood that the tether will become entangled during descent and ascent of steep slopes. The algorithm builds upon the notion of the shortest homotopic tether path and its associated sleeve. We provide a simple example for purposes of illustration.
A novel approach to the calculations of mass transfer rates from the linearized equations

The linearized equations describing binary and multicomponent mass transfer for a general class of problems are transformed to a “one-dimensional” root finding problem in the total molar flux. An algorithm is presented capable of solving this problem for a variety of mass transfer models. Applications to the film and penetration models are considered in detail. Numerical results are given which show that the new method is much faster than other currently available methods.
High‐resolution models of subduction zones: Implications for mineral dehydration reactions and the transport of water into the deep mantle

[1] Arc volcanism is intimately linked to mineral dehydration reactions in the subducting oceanic mantle, crust, and sediments. The location of slab dehydration reactions depends strongly on the temperature and pressure conditions at the top of the subducting plate and hence on the detailed thermal structure of subduction zones. A particularly important physical property of subduction zone thermal models is the viscosity of the mantle wedge. The introduction of an olivine rheology, with appropriate stress and temperature dependence, focuses flow into the tip of the mantle wedge. This leads to a temperature increase of a few hundred degrees in the wedge and the top of the slab as compared to the isoviscous case. Sensitivity tests show that this conclusion is robust under a variety of subduction zone parameters. The new high-resolution finite element models are used to reevaluate the thermal structure of the Honshu and Cascadia subduction zones using the more realistic olivine rheology. For Honshu, the model predicts slab–mantle interface temperatures of ∼800°C beneath the volcanic front. Deeper parts of the subducting oceanic crust and upper mantle remain relative cool (e.g., the subducted Moho beneath the volcanic front is ∼400°C) because of the rapid subduction of old Pacific lithosphere. High interface temperatures are consistent with Th and Be data, indicating sediment melting, whereas cooler crustal temperatures are consistent with boron evidence, indicating lower temperature dehydration. The strong temperature gradient at the top of the subducting plate may thus reconcile conflicting estimates of slab temperature in subduction zones that are characterized by rapid subduction of mature oceanic lithosphere. Low temperatures persist to great depth in the shallow upper mantle of the subducting plate, which allows for water transport in the form of hydrous minerals to the deep mantle. The thermal structure of the Cascadia subduction zone is markedly different because of the age of the incoming lithosphere and low subduction speed. In this case, shallow dehydration and melting of the subducting crust and lithosphere is predicted.
Arguing with Unresponsive Institutions: Jacques Rancière's Critique of Ontology and the Expansion of Democratic Possibilities

This paper builds out of Jacques Ranciere’s work the insight that claim-making can proceed even when no shared world exists to receive it. It does so by contrasting Ranciere’s thought to the ontological turn taken by other contemporary theorists with which he is sometimes associated, all of whom posit the existence of features of social reality that they say inescapably contradict claims to mastery. Ranciere is typically read as part of this trend. He is cast as an advocate of the spontaneous disruptions produced by inevitable miscounts; or as a champion of the timeless equality that pervades the most inegalitarian human interactions. Instead, I argue that Ranciere replaces this ontological understanding of contradiction with the idea that it is up to people to act as if a contradiction is given. This enables them to stage argumentative situations even when confronting elites and institutions that are deaf to their claims, and respond to situations widely perceived to not call for their engagement as occasions to act politically.
The impact of laparoscopy on tubal sterilization in United States hospitals, 1970 and 1975 to 1978

During the 1970s, tubal sterilization became an important method of fertility control in the United States. Over the same period laparoscopy emerged as an important innovation, one that has been associated with both a shift from postpartum to interval sterilization and a dramatic decrease in length of hospital stay required for sterilization. The use of laparoscopy has also been associated with an increase in hospital-based outpatient sterilization, particularly in the West. The number of sterilizations performed in hospitals and the use of laparoscopy for interval sterilization in hospitals both appear to have peaked. The laparoscope is an example of a technologic advance that has reduced medical care costs.
Secure end-to-end communication over GSM and PSTN networks

GSM (Global System for Mobiles) is the most widely spread mobile communication system in the world. An important objective in mobile communication systems is secure speech communication. GSM suffers from various security weaknesses. The GSM voice traffic is secure outside the core network but it has no security over the core network. This system can be made thoroughly secure by encrypting the speech which is to be transmitted on the GSM voice channel. In this paper we have demonstrated a real-time prototype of an end-to-end secure communication system developed in MATLAB Simulink. Our technique comprises of encryption of the speech before entering the GSM handset which adds security and confidentiality to our communication. The encryption algorithm is private to the communicating GSM subscribers and even the service providing company will not judge what was said. This is amazing because now the GSM channel will become exclusively concealed and confidential to the two subscribers so that even the company people cannot listen to them.
Membrane Estrogen Receptor Engagement Activates Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase via the PI3-Kinase–Akt Pathway in Human Endothelial Cells

Abstract —17β-Estradiol (E2) is a rapid activator of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The product of this activation event, NO, is a fundamental determinant of cardiovascular homeostasis. We previously demonstrated that E2-stimulated endothelial NO release can occur without an increase in cytosolic Ca2+. Here we demonstrate for the first time, to our knowledge, that E2 rapidly induces phosphorylation and activation of eNOS through the phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3)-kinase–Akt pathway. E2 treatment (10 ng/mL) of the human endothelial cell line, EA.hy926, resulted in increased NO production, which was abrogated by the PI3-kinase inhibitor, LY294002, and the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780. E2 stimulated rapid Akt phosphorylation on serine 473. As has been shown for vascular endothelial growth factor, eNOS is an E2-activated Akt substrate, demonstrated by rapid eNOS phosphorylation on serine 1177, a critical residue for eNOS activation and enhanced sensitivity to resting cellular Ca2+ levels. Adenoviral-mediated EA.hy926 transduction confirmed functional involvement of Akt, because a kinase-deficient, dominant-negative Akt abolished E2-stimulated NO release. The membrane-impermeant E2BSA conjugate, shown to bind endothelial cell membrane sites, also induced rapid Akt and consequent eNOS phosphorylation. Thus, engagement of membrane estrogen receptors results in rapid endothelial NO release through a PI3-kinase–Akt-dependent pathway. This explains, in part, the reduced requirement for cytosolic Ca2+ fluxes and describes an important pathway relevant to cardiovascular pathophysiology.
Diversity and Detection of Nitrate Assimilation Genes in Marine Bacteria

A PCR approach was used to construct a database of nasA genes (called narB genes in cyanobacteria) and to detect the genetic potential for heterotrophic bacterial nitrate utilization in marine environments. A nasA-specific PCR primer set that could be used to selectively amplify the nasA gene from heterotrophic bacteria was designed. Using seawater DNA extracts obtained from microbial communities in the South Atlantic Bight, the Barents Sea, and the North Pacific Gyre, we PCR amplified and sequenced nasA genes. Our results indicate that several groups of heterotrophic bacterial nasA genes are common and widely distributed in oceanic environments.
High Q silicon nitride photonic cavities

We demonstrate high confinement, low loss silicon nitride ring resonators with intrinsic Q of 4,000,000 in the telecommunication C-band. We measure the scattering and absorption losses to be below .08dB/cm and .02dB/cm, respectively.
Decreased nocturnal levels of prolactin and growth hormone in women with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex syndrome, primarily of women, characterized by chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. Altered function of the somatotropic axis has been documented in patients with FM, but little is known about nocturnal levels of PRL. As part of a laboratory study of sleep patterns in FM, we measured the serum concentrations of GH and PRL hourly from 2000–0700 h in a sample of 25 women with FM (mean, 46.9 ± 7.6 yr) and in 21 control women (mean, 42.6 ± 8.1 yr). The mean (±sem ) serum concentrations (micrograms per L) of GH and of PRL during the early sleep period were higher in control women than in patients with FM[ GH, 1.6 ± 0.4 vs. 0.6 ± 0.2 (P < 0.05); PRL, 23.2 ± 2.2 vs. 16.9 ± 2.0 (P < 0.025)]. The mean serum concentrations of GH and PRL increased more after sleep onset in control women than in patients with FM [GH, 1.3 ± 0.4 vs. 0.3 ± 0.2 (P < 0.05); PRL, 16.2 ± 2.4 vs. 9.7 ± 1.5 (P < 0.025)]. Sleep efficiency and amounts of sleep or wake stages on the blood draw night were n...
Relationship of HLA-DQAI alleles and humoral antibody following measles vaccination☆☆☆

Abstract Background: The human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQA1 locus is only moderately polymorphic compared to other HLA class II loci; however, we hypothesized that these polymorphisms could be important in determining the humoral antibody response to measles vaccine virus. Methods: The seroprevalence of measles antibody was determined in 881 school children who had been immunized with MMR-II at age approximately 15 months. All subjects resided in a geographic area with no circulating measles virus. The IgG antibody levels were determined by a measles-specific whole virus enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (BioWhittaker, Walkersville, MD). Subjects who were nonresponders (IgG seronegative or equivocal) (n = 46) and hyperresponders (upper 10th percentile of IgG levels of all subjects) (n = 64) were HLA-DQA1 typed using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). The HLA-DQA1 allele frequencies, as well as homozygosity rates, were compared between the nonresponders and hyperresponders. Results: The overall allele frequency distribution of alleles between the nonresponders and hyperresponders was significantly different (P = 0.05), with nonresponders having an excess of HLA-DQA ∗ 05 alleles (P = 0.017) and hyperresponders having an excess of HLA-DQA1 ∗ 01 alleles (P = 0.013). The homozygosity rate among nonresponders was significantly higher than among hyperresponders (23.9% vs. 9.4%, P=0.037). Conclusion: HLA-DQA1 alleles have important associations with the antibody response to measles vaccine. Specifically, the carriage of the HLA-DQA1 ∗ 05 alleles is associated with nonresponse and that of HLA-DQA1 ∗ 01 alleles with hyperresponse. In addition, HLA-DQA1 homozygosity is significantly associated with poor antibody response to measles vaccine.
OCEANS OF WORLD HISTORY: DELINEATING AQUACENTRIC NOTIONS IN THE GLOBAL PAST

This article presents various ocean- and sea-centered approaches to world history. Utilizing European transoceanic empires as a point of departure, the paper scrutinizes the emergence of “aquacentric” notions among selected global societies. The diasporas of African, Greek, and Polynesian peoples offer important pointers to unravel the global past. These pointers provide novel perspectives on the histories of the Atlantic, Indian, and the Pacific oceans. The article concludes with teaching and theoretical suggestions that derive from such aquacentric systems.
Some Intraspecies Differences in Antigens on the Surface of Certain Living Human Cells

Surface antigens of several types of living cells of human origin were partially characterized with hyperimmune antisera prepared in the rabbit against living HeLa cells and living, uncultured, full-term, human amnion cells. Hemagglutination, mixed-agglutination, and direct and indirect immunofluorescence (FAB) techniques were employed. With these techniques and fractional absorption procedures, common and specific cell antigens were detected on the surface of several human living cells: uncultured and primary amnion, two established human cell lines (RP Am 1 and U amnion) of presumed normal origin and two (HeLa and HEp-2) of presumed malignant origin, and human erythrocytes. None of the antigens were found on NCTC 2555 mouse cells. The human cells possessed species-related antigens demonstrable by hemagglutination. After removal of the hemagglutinins by absorption with human erythrocytes, antibody in high titer for the homologous cells was detected by FAB methods. In addition, some changes in antigens on the surface of amnion cells during primary culture were observed. Finally, an antigen was found on HeLa and HEp-2 cells, by use of anti-HeLa serum absorbed with human erythrocytes and RP Am 1 cells, that was not found on either human erythrocytes, uncultured amnion cells, or on the cells of the two established amnion cell lines. At the dilutions used in the tests, antibodies to the ABO blood group isoantigens, Forssman hapten, or adsorbed serum proteins could not account for the antigens detected. The possibility that Mycoplasma sp. antigens were responsible for the reactions was inconsistent with the results. The specificity of the FAB methods on living cells was confirmed.
How to Get a K Award It Is Not Just About the Science

Basic, translational, and clinical research are fundamental to our understanding of disease and are necessary for the discovery of new or improved therapies. Indeed, it has been demonstrated time and again that cutting-edge medical advances are made primarily by well-trained biomedical scientists, many of whom started their careers with career development grants (K awards).1 However, competition for grant funding today is fiercer than it was previously. Clinical and research fellows now often need to show fundability track records to even compete for tenured-track faculty appointments. With reduced paylines and increased numbers of applications, it is no wonder that trainees today are frustrated, do not bother to apply, or, worse, leave science all together. Yet, despite these obviously worrisome trends, it is possible for trainees to succeed in academia. One way to propagate this success is to receive a K award, a transformative grant that can essentially lay the foundation for a successful career. Here, I will disclose the critical elements needed to secure such an award, and what is surprising is that it is not just about the science. Of course, like for all grants, having a well-written research proposal is absolutely necessary to be competitive. However, in the current climate, attention to every detail is just as imperative and can basically make the difference between a funded and an unfunded grant. In this regard, I think a well-structured career development plan, together with innovative science, strong letters of recommendation, and institutional support, can ensure success in receiving the K award. Because the K award is considered a training grant, having a comprehensive career development plan is critical to obtaining this award. Indeed, the biggest mistake K applicants make is to neglect this section, believing that science alone is sufficient to drive the success of the grant. There are …
Chenodeoxycholate Is an Inhibitor of Clostridium difficile Spore Germination

Some cholate derivatives that are normal components of bile can act with glycine to induce the germination of Clostridium difficile spores, but at least one bile component, chenodeoxycholate, does not induce germination. Here we show that chenodeoxycholate inhibits the germination of C. difficile spores in response to cholate and taurocholate.
Technical Considerations for Stereophonic Broadcasting on TV

Pertinent parameters of performance and compatibility of stereo sound for Broadcast Television are enumerated. To be of general interest, the treatment begins with FM Phenomena and how it relates to Standard Broadcast FM stereo performance. Subsequently, inter-carrier FM is discussed in full consideration of the complications wrought by stereo. Finally, possible stereo systems for TV sound transmission are briefly described.
Estimating Implied Probabilities from Option Prices and the Underlying

This paper examines a variety of methods for extracting implied probability distributions from option prices and the underlying. The paper first explores nonparametric procedures for reconstructing densities directly from options market data. I then consider local volatility functions, both through implied volatility trees and volatility interpolation. I then turn to alternative specifications of the stochastic process for the underlying. I estimate a mixture of log normals model, apply it to exchange rate data, and illustrate how to conduct forecast comparisons. I finally turn to the estimation of jump risk by extracting bipower variation.