cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple signaling pathways promote B lymphocyte stimulator–dependent B-cell growth and survival

We investigated the mechanism by which B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS)/BAFF, a tumor necrosis factor superfamily ligand, promotes B-cell survival and resistance to atrophy. BLyS stimulation activates 2 independent signaling pathways, Akt/mTOR and Pim 2, associated with cell growth and survival. BLyS blocks the cell volume loss (atrophy) that freshly isolated B cells normally undergo when maintained in vitro while concurrently increasing glycolytic activity and overall metabolism. This atrophy resistance requires Akt/mTOR. We used a genetic approach to resolve the contributions of Akt/mTOR and Pim kinase pathways to BLyS-mediated survival. Pim 2–deficient B cells are readily protected from death by BLyS stimulation, but this protection is completely abrogated by treatment with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin. Furthermore, rapamycin treatment in vivo significantly reduces both follicular and marginal zone B cells in Pim-deficient but not healthy hosts. BLyS-dependent survival requires the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1. Mcl-1 protein levels rise and fall in response to BLyS addition and withdrawal, respectively, and conditional deletion of the Mcl-1 gene renders B cells refractory to BLyS-mediated protection. Because BlyS is required for the normal homeostasis of all B cells, these data suggest a therapeutic strategy simultaneously inhibiting mTOR and Pim 2 could target pathogenic B cells.
Effects of pressure, orientation, and heater size on pool boiling of water with nanocoated heaters

Abstract Parametric tests were experimentally conducted to observe the role of average nanoparticle size, pressure, heater orientation, and heater size during pool boiling of water using Al 2 O 3 nanoparticle coated flat heaters. Results indicate that pool boiling performance is dependent on the parameters tested, except the nanoparticle size, for both uncoated and nanocoated surfaces. The nanoparticle coated heater consistently produced dramatic Critical Heat Flux enhancement relative to the uncoated surface at all tested conditions. It was postulated that the better wettability in the nanocoating, especially its ability to continuously rewet the base of the growing bubbles, was the main cause of enhancement.
Augmenting gesture recognition with erlang-cox models to identify neurological disorders in premature babies

In this paper we demonstrate a Markov model based technique for recognizing gestures from accelerometers that explicitly represents duration. We do this by embedding an Erlang-Cox state transition model, which has been shown to accurately represent the first three moments of a general distribution, within a Dynamic Bayesian Network (DBN). The transition probabilities in the DBN can be learned via Expectation-Maximization or by using closed-form solutions. We test this modeling technique on 10 hours of data collected from accelerometers worn by babies pre-categorized as high-risk in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at UCI. We show that by treating instantaneous machine learning classification values as observations and explicitly modeling duration, we improve the recognition of Cramped Synchronized General Movements, a motion highly correlated with an eventual diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy.
Microprocessors in perspective

The technology available to the circuit designer covers a wide range of performance and application. Microprocessors offer a general solution; other methods are more particular. Which method should he use?
Thyroid control over biomembranes. II. Rat liver nuclei

Abstract Liver cell nuclei obtained from hypothyroid rats contain phospholipids in which the relative amounts of unsaturated fatty acids differ from those in normal nuclei: linoleic (18:2) and docosatrienoic (20:3) increase, γ-linolenic (18:3 ω6) appears, and arachidonic acid (20:4) decreases. The unsaturation index decreases by 7%, the ratio 20:4/18:2 by 63%. These changes resemble the pattern reported for the liver mitochondrial inner membrane, and are evidence for a defect in Δ5-desaturation in the livers of hypothyroid rats. The membrane-dependency of the activity of the nucclear glucose-6-phosphate phosphohydrolase is slightly but consistently different in hypothyroids and normals.
Structures of Zinc Ketone Enolates

Solution- and solid-phase structural characterizations of a series of simple zinc ketone enolates are presented. The new enolate derivatives were prepared (isolated yields 38−69%) by the deprotonat...
Proapoptotic BAX and BAK: A Requisite Gateway to Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Death

Multiple death signals influence mitochondria during apoptosis, yet the critical initiating event for mitochondrial dysfunction in vivo has been unclear. tBID, the caspase-activated form of a "BH3-domain-only" BCL-2 family member, triggers the homooligomerization of "multidomain" conserved proapoptotic family members BAK or BAX, resulting in the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. We find that cells lacking both Bax and Bak, but not cells lacking only one of these components, are completely resistant to tBID-induced cytochrome c release and apoptosis. Moreover, doubly deficient cells are resistant to multiple apoptotic stimuli that act through disruption of mitochondrial function: staurosporine, ultraviolet radiation, growth factor deprivation, etoposide, and the endoplasmic reticulum stress stimuli thapsigargin and tunicamycin. Thus, activation of a "multidomain" proapoptotic member, BAX or BAK, appears to be an essential gateway to mitochondrial dysfunction required for cell death in response to diverse stimuli.
Otolaryngologic complications of the anterior approach to the cervical spine

Abstract Purpose: To review current literature regarding otolaryngologic complications of the anterior approach to the cervical spine with the focus on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of these disorders. Methods: A review of literature from the introduction of anterior cervical surgery (late 1950s) to the present was conducted by using computer databases and bibliographies of appropriate journal articles and texts. Key words included “anterior cervical surgery,” “dysphagia,” “surgical complications,” and “hoarseness.” Conclusion: Dysphagia and dysphonia are common conditions following anterior cervical fusion, and patients should be counseled on this risk preoperatively. The etiologies of these problems have not been clearly elucidated, and these complications are frequently underreported or ignored. Otolaryngologic consultation should be obtained for all patients with dysphagia or dysphonia that persists longer than 1 to 2 months, and consideration should be given to having all patients at risk (previously operated patients) evaluated both preoperatively and postoperatively.
Source, distribution and abundance of macroarthropods on the bark of longleaf pine : potential prey of the red-cockaded woodpecker

Abstract Arthropod diversity, abundance and biomass on 50–70-year-old longleaf pine (Pinus plalustris) tree boles were examined to determine the origin of the prey available to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) and the variability of this prey over time. Traps designed to capture arthropods crawling on the bark (crawl traps), alighting on the bark (flight traps), and crawling on the ground (pitfall traps) were operated continuously for 12 months. Flight and crawl traps were placed at different heights. One-half of the trees with crawl traps were fitted with a barrier to prevent arthropods from crawling up from the ground. Arthropods were identified to genus from one weekly sample per month and subsamples were oven-dried and weighed to estimate biomass. The arthropod community on the bark included over 400 genera. Crawl trap captures were the most similar to the prey of P. borealis. Arthropod fauna captured in crawl traps had a 58% similarity to pitfall trap captures and a 60% similarity with flight trap captures. Flight and pitfall trap captures had a 10% similarity. Barriers to arthropod movement up the tree reduced the arthropod biomass on the bole of the trees by 40–70%. Arthropod biomass was relatively evenly distributed over the tree, but varied seasonally with the highest biomass captured in the fall of the year. In general, the study showed that little of the arthropod biomass on the bark is in the form of arthropods that live exclusively in that habitat and that a large portion of the biomass is crawling up from the soil/litter layer.
Difficulties in parentage analysis: the probability that an offspring and parent have the same heterozygous genotype.

Parentage studies often estimate the number of parents contributing to half-sib progeny arrays by counting the number of alleles attributed to unshared parents. This approach is compromised when an offspring has the same heterozygous genotype as the shared parent, for then the contribution of the unshared parent cannot be unambiguously deduced. To determine how often such cases occur, formulae for co-dominant markers with n alleles are derived here for Ph, the probability that a given heterozygous parent has an offspring with the same heterozygous genotype, and Pa, the probability that a randomly chosen offspring has the same heterozygous genotype as the shared parent. These formulae have been derived assuming Mendelian segregation with either (1) an arbitrary mating system, (2) random mating or (3) mixed mating. The maximum value of Pa under random mating is 0.25 and occurs with any two alleles each at a frequency of 0.5. The behaviour with partial selfing (where reproduction is by selfing with probability s, and random mating otherwise) is more complex. For n or = 4 alleles occurs with n* or = 2/3. In addition, the potential applicability of these formulae for evolutionary studies is briefly discussed.
Hierarchy, spatial configuration, and nutrient cycling in a desert stream

Recent studies of nutrient cycling in Sycamore Creek in Arizona, USA, suggest that a thorough understanding requires a spatially explicit, hierarchical approach. Physical configuration determines the path that water follows as it moves downstream. Water follows flowpaths through surface stream components, the hyporheic zone beneath the surface stream, and the parafluvial (sand bar) zone. Characteristic biogeochemical processes in these subsystems alter nitrogen (N) species in transport, in part as a function of available concentrations of N species. At several hierarchical levels, substrate materials are an important determinant of nitrogen dynamics in desert streams. Sand is present in bars of variable size and shape, each of which can be considered a unit, interacting with the surface stream. Groups of these stream-sandbar units form a higher level, the reach. At the next higher scale, sandy reaches (runs) alternate with riffles. Where flowpaths converge, rates of N transformation are high and, as a result, change in concentration is a non-linear function of flowpath length. Disturbance by flash floods alters sandbar configuration. Between floods, the interaction of subsurface and surface flowpaths shapes configuration in each, thus a self-organizing element of spatial structure exists. Sandy runs are dominated by subsurface processes and are likely to be net nitrifiers while riffles are dominated by surface flow and are nitrogen fixers. Whether a stream ecosystem retains nitrogen, or transports it to downstream recipient systems, or is a net emitter of gaseous forms of N, depends upon the dynamics of a spatial mosaic of interacting elements. An understanding of the net effect of this mosaic requires a spatially explicit, hierarchical, multi-scale approach.
Epidemiology of autoimmune reactions induced by vaccination.

In order for vaccinations to 'work', the immune system must be stimulated. The concern that immunizations may lead to the development of autoimmune disease (AID) has been questioned. Since AID occur in the absence of immunizations, it is unlikely that immunizations are a major cause of AID. Epidemiological studies are needed, however, to assess whether immunizations may increase the risk in some susceptible individuals. This paper discusses the evidence for and against vaccination as a risk factor for AID. Evidence for immunizations leading to AID come from several sources including animal studies, single and multiple case reports, and ecologic association. However more rigorous investigation has failed to confirm most of the allegations. Unfortunately the question remains difficult to address because for most AIDs, there is limited knowledge of the etiology, background incidence and other risk factors for their development. This information is necessary, in the absence of experimental evidence derived from controlled studies, for any sort of adequate causality assessment using the limited data that are available. Several illustrative examples are discussed to highlight what is known and what remains to be explored, and the type of epidemiological evidence that would be required to better address the issues. Examples include the possible association of immunization and multiple sclerosis (and other demyelinating diseases), type 1 diabetes mellitus, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The effects of international telecommunication investment: Wireline and wireless technologies, 1993–1998

Abstract In the 1990s, nations in the world from Singapore and Egypt to France and the United States poured billions of dollars into investments in information and telecommunication technologies. This article examines the effects of telecommunications investments from 1993 to 1998 using a model, which suggests that a delay in learning and adjustment is realized before the benefit and that it is (1) the transfer of information and knowledge and (2) the experience with telecommunications technology that contribute to economic performance of a nation. The research addresses the use of both traditional wireline and emerging wireless telecommunications and a nation's investments in telecommunications. The article concludes with a discussion of the results as well as the implications of the proposed learning model.
Influence of plume structure and pheromone concentration on upwind flight of Cadra cautella males

. The effects of pheromone plume structure and its concentration on the pheromone-mediated flight of male Cadra cautella (Lepidoptera: Phycitinae) were investigated in a laminar-flow wind tunnel. When two C. caurella males flew simultaneously along a ribbon plume of mixed smoke and pheromone, their inflight behaviour was dependent on the instantaneous structure of the plume they encountered. When a male intercepted an intact ribbon filament, he sustained a crosswind course, whereas when he intercepted a turbulent filament (created by an upwind male fragmenting the ribbon plume), he adopted a flight course more due upwind. These results indicate that C. cautella males altered their in-flight manoeuvres in response to instantaneous changes in the fine structure of the pheromone plume. We also demonstrated that differences in the fine structure of the plume had more influence on the flight pattern of C. cautella males than a 1000-fold range in pheromone dose. The size of the plume was increased by adding wind deflectors upwind of the pheromone source, independent of source dosage, males following ribbon plumes flew slow zigzag tracks, whereas males following large, turbulent plumes flew directly to the source in fast, straight tracks with less counterturning.
An alternate characterization of hazard in occupational epidemiology: years of life lost per years worked.

Background Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and other measures of relative risk by themselves may not suffice as descriptors of occupational hazards for many audiences including decision-makers and those at direct risk from hazardous work. To explore other approaches, we calculated excess years of potential life lost and excess lifetime risk for both lung diseases and fatal injuries in a cohort of uranium miners with historical records of exposure to radon gas. Methods We used relatively simple life table (SMR) methods and also analyzed lung cancer mortality with Poisson regression methods permitting control for smoking. Results Among uranium miners hired after 1950, whose all-cause SMR was 1.5, 28 percent would experience premature death from lung diseases or injury in a lifetime of uranium mining. On average, each miner lost 1.5 yr of potential life due to mining-related lung cancer, or almost 3 months of life for each year employed in uranium mining. As a consequence of all excess lung disease and injury risks combined, a year of mining was associated with 5.9 months loss of potential life. For each year actually working underground, miners lost more than 8 months of potential life. When controlled for smoking (and healthy worker effect) with Poisson regression, the estimates for radon-related lung cancer effects were slightly larger. Although chronic disease deaths dominated in excess years of life lost (due to radon, silica and possibly other exposures), more years were lost on average per individual injury death (38 yr), than per excess lung cancer (20 yr) or other lung disease death (18 yr). Fatal-injury dominated the potential years of life lost up to about age 40. Conclusions Years of life lost per years employed provides another, more intuitive summary of occupational mortality risk. Am. J. Ind. Med. 42:1–10, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Determinants of Prolonged QT Interval and Their Contribution to Sudden Death Risk in Coronary Artery Disease The Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study

Background— In a recent cohort study, prolongation of the corrected QT interval (QTc) was associated with an independent increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). We evaluated determinants of prolonged QTc and the relationship of prolonged QTc to SCD risk among patients with coronary artery disease in the general population. Methods and Results— A case-control design was used. Cases were SCD patients with coronary artery disease among a metropolitan area of 1 000 000 residents (2002 to 2006); controls were area residents with coronary artery disease but no history of SCD. All cases were required to have an ECG suitable for QTc analysis before and unrelated to the occurrence of SCD. A total of 373 cases and 309 controls met criteria for analysis. Mean QTc was significantly longer in cases than in controls (450±45 versus 433±37 ms; P<0.0001). In a multivariate model, gender, diabetes mellitus, and QTc-prolonging drugs were significant determinants of QTc prolongation in controls. In a logistic regressio...
NAD(P)H: Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 is Induced by Progesterone in Cardiomyocytes

NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is a ubiquitous flavoenzyme that catalyzes two-electron reduction of various quinones by utilizing NAD(P)H as an electron donor. Our previous study found that progesterone (PG) can protect cardiomyocytes from apoptosis induced by doxorubicin (Dox). Microarray analyses of genes induced by PG had led to the discovery of induction of NQO1 mRNA. We report here that PG induces NQO1 protein and its activity in a dose-dependent manner. Whereas NQO1 is well known as a target gene of Nrf2 transcription factor due to the presence of antioxidant response element (ARE) in the promoter, PG did not activate the ARE, suggesting Nrf2-independent induction of NQO1. To address the role of NQO1 induction in PG-induced cytoprotection, we tested the effect of NQO1 inducer β-naphthoflavone and inhibitor dicoumarol. Induction of NQO1 by β-naphthoflavone decreased Dox-induced apoptosis and potentiated the protective effect of PG as measured by caspase-3 activity. PG-induced NQO1 activity was inhibited with dicoumarol, which did not affect PG-induced cytoprotection. Dicoumarol treatment alone potentiated Dox-induced caspase-3 activity. These data suggest that while NQO1 plays a role in PG-induced cytoprotection, there are additional components contributing to PG-induced cytoprotection.
A Critical Assessment of the Quality of Reporting of Randomized, Controlled Trials in the Urology Literature

Purpose: Randomized, controlled trials are the gold standard for evidence based assessment of therapeutic interventions. In 1996 the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement was published in an effort to standardize the reporting of clinical trials. To our knowledge we report the first systematic assessment of randomized, controlled trial quality in the urology literature by Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials standards.Materials and Methods: All human subject randomized, controlled trials published in 4 leading urology journals in 1996 and 2004 were identified for formal review. A standardized evaluation form was developed based on the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement. Each article was evaluated by 2 independent reviewers and discrepancies were settled by consensus. A Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials criteria summary score was calculated on a scale of 0 to 22.Results: A total of 152 randomized, controlled trials met inclusion criteria. The mean ± SEM Conso...
CO oxidation of Pt/Al2O3 and Pd/ Al2O3 transient response and concentration cycling studies

By combining transient response experiments with forced concentration cycling, we were able to determine the reactive surface intermediates responsible for the large rate enhancements observed during periodic operation. According to the IR evidence on Pt the reactive surface species is a CO molecule adsorbed on a platinum atom sharing a chemisorbed oxygen with a neighbor. On Pd two different history dependent mechanisms were found to exist. One of these mechanisms is active only during concentration cycling and accounts for the major portion of the rate enhancement.
Celibacy or Consummation in the Garden? Reflections on Early Jewish and Christian Interpretations of the Garden of Eden

The interpretation of Adam and Eve's sexual life was a matter of some concern for early Jewish and Christian exegetes. As Louis Ginzberg observed, several Jewish pseudepigraphical works as well as the writings of many of the early Church Fathers “presuppose that not only the birth of the children of Adam and Eve took place after the explusion from paradise (Gen 4:1ff), but that the first ‘human pair’ lived in paradise without sexual intercourse.” The reasons for such an exegesis are not difficult to discern. The Garden of Eden was not simply a story about the primeval world; it could also function as a metaphor for the world-to-come. Hence the Garden was a paradigm for the ideal world of the eschaton, a world one should attempt to actualize or bring into existence now. Because Christians believed that the next world was devoid of marriage (Luke 20:27–40), it followed that the Garden was as well. In addition to this reason, Christians were also exhorted to abstain from marriage as a concession to the apocalyptic ferment of the present world (1 Corinthians 7).
Theranostic nanomedicine for cancer detection and treatment.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the USA according to the American Cancer Society. In the past 5 years, “theranostic nanomedicine”, for both therapeutics and imaging, has shown to be “the right drug for the right patient at the right moment” to manage deadly cancers. This review article presents an overview of recent developments, mainly from the authors' laboratories, along with potential medical applications for theranostic nanomedicine including basic concepts and critical properties. Finally, we outline the future research direction and possible challenges for theranostic nanomedicine research.
Integrating Acquisition Strategy and PMO Capability: A Catalyst for Defense Systems Engineering Transformation☆

Abstract Considerable research exists in defining organizational structures for project-based organizations; however, minimal research exists to help define organizational structures for complex defense programs. Complex Defense programs differ from traditional projects given that they negate profit, span public and private organizations, often demand considerable effort to integrate programs (sub-systems), and experience dynamic internal (e.g., rotating staff, shifting functionality/capability with progression through major system development milestones) and external environments (e.g., war, budget cuts, shifting priorities, Congressional mandates, etc.). While several factors contribute to program success (and failure), systems integration (SI) emerges as a common contributor in both public and private sectors. This research encompasses key areas that help examine PgMO structure and effectiveness: 1) Enterprise and acquisition strategy, 2) Defense Acquisition and system development life cycle processes, 3) PgMO systems engineering (SE) functionality, 4) organizational structure theory, and 5) factors that influence PgMO organizational structure selection. Literature research offers a preponderance of findings that help link program (sub- system) management implementation, enterprise strategy, PgMO capability, and SI to evaluate the systems integration organizational (SIO) structure design toward improving PgMO effectiveness. This paper provides the methodology used to identify primary SIO structures, evaluate SIO effectiveness, and identify core factors that help Program Executive Officers (PEOs) select a SIO structure in alignment with acquisition strategy.
Upper-limb cardiovascular syndrome: A family study∗

Abstract A family in which the upper limb-cardiovascular syndrome was found in at least three generations is reported. It is suggested that this disorder is heterogeneous, and that a number of genes or the environment, or both, can potentially influence the development of both the cardiovascular and skeletal systems during the critical early developmental period. Although simply inherited cardiovascular anomalies form only a small part of the spectrum of congenital heart disease, careful attention to the remaining physical examination and the family history may reveal evidence of the operation of single gene mutations which potentially can be biochemically defined. In this fashion the presence of heterogeneity can be established.
Significance of neoplastic atypicalities in endocervical epithelium.

Abstract Currently, adenocarcinoma in situ and early invasive adenocarcinoma of the cervix are poorly defined entities. The dangers inherent in such diagnoses are identified in this case report of "early adenoepidermoid" cervical cancer in which deepest glands were not involved; however, pelvic recurrence was recognized 5-years posthysterectomy and the patient died of widespread disease 112 years later. The danger of correlating the knowledge of cervical cancer with gland involvement to "apparently" similar changes in adenocarcinoma are emphasized. It is suggested that, at least at the present, "early adenocarcinoma" must be considered as invasive and treated as such.
Improved vacuum ultraviolet supersonic jet absorption spectrometer

We report on design changes that have significantly improved the performance of our supersonic jet ultraviolet and vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectrometer. We incorporated the following three features: (1) direct detection of VUV photons rather than scintillator detection; (2) a triple-pass mirror arrangement; and (3) a larger-pathlength monochromator and a finer grating. These upgrades have yielded about an order-of-magnitude improvement in sensitivity and greater than fivefold improvement in resolution.
Microlaser made of disordered media

We have fabricated microlasers with disordered semiconductor nanoparticles. The physical mechanism of optical confinement is based on Anderson localization of light in micrometer-sized random media. Pulsed lasing occurs around 380 nm at room temperature under optical pumping.
Midwifing the adolescents at Lincoln Hospital's teen-age clinics.

This is a two-year report of evening clinics for Hispanic and Black adolescents in the South Bronx, New York City. The majority of the article reports on the prenatal clinic, designed and administered by the midwives, for low-risk teen-agers. These sessions gave equal time to education and patient care management. Definite elements of success were good nutrition with liberal weight gains and continuity of care via midwifery caseloads. Highlights of data obtained from 204 delivered mothers were an average maternal weight gain increasing to 27.9 lb, the average newborn weight increasing to 7 lb 12 oz, low birth weights decreasing to 6.3%, and an average intrapartum hematocrit of 35.8%. The problems and challenges of parenting and family planning are also discussed.
Adverse Health Outcomes After Discharge from the Emergency Department—Incidence and Risk Factors in a Veteran Population

Background An Emergency Department (ED) visit represents a time of significant risk for an older adult; however, little is known about adverse outcomes after an ED visit in the VA system.
Chick muscle in tissue culture: the ubiquity of viral infection.

In chick skeletal muscle fibers cultured from embryos of commercially obtained “normal” eggs we have demonstrated numerous C-particles and large amounts of avian leucosis/sarcoma envelope antigen, especially when cultured in the presence of dinitrophenol. C-particles were present in t-tubules, which were possible intracellular viaducts of infection or dissemination and perhaps were the loci of receptors of viral invasion of the cytoplasm and sites of egress. The abundant lace-like membraneous proliferations, probably of t-tubules, usually had C-particles adjacent to or within them and perhaps were virus-provoked. Questioned is the validity of using cultured muscle, or extract, of embryos from ordinary chicken eggs for analysing normal biological phenomena—or conversely, is viral influence “normal” in chick development?
Combustion and heat transfer in model two-dimensional porous burners

A two-dimensional model of two simple porous burner geometries is developed to analyze the influence of multidimensionality on flames within pore scale structures. The first geometry simulates a honeycomb burner, in which a ceramic is penetrated by many small, straight, nonconnecting passages. The second geometry consists of many small parallel plates aligned with the flow direction. The Monte Carlo method is employed to calculate the viewfactors for radiation heat exchange in the second geometry. This model compares well with experiments on burning rates, operating ranges, and radiation output. Heat losses from the burner are found to reduce the burning rate. The flame is shown to be highly two-dimensional, and limitations of one-dimensional models are discussed. The effects of the material properties on the peak burning rate in these model porous media are examined. Variations in the flame on length scales smaller than the pore size are also present and are discussed and quantified.
Selective blockade of 2-arachidonoylglycerol hydrolysis produces cannabinoid behavioral effects

2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide are endocannabinoids that activate the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Endocannabinoid signaling is terminated by enzymatic hydrolysis, a process that for anandamide is mediated by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and for 2-AG is thought to involve monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). FAAH inhibitors produce a select subset of the behavioral effects observed with CB1 agonists, which suggests a functional segregation of endocannabinoid signaling pathways in vivo. Testing this hypothesis, however, requires specific tools to independently block anandamide and 2-AG metabolism. Here, we report a potent and selective inhibitor of MAGL called JZL184 that, upon administration to mice, raises brain 2-AG by eight-fold without altering anandamide. JZL184-treated mice exhibited a broad array of CB1-dependent behavioral effects, including analgesia, hypothermia and hypomotility. These data indicate that 2-AG endogenously modulates several behavioral processes classically associated with the pharmacology of cannabinoids and point to overlapping and unique functions for 2-AG and anandamide in vivo.
Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Rapid Protein Threading Predictor Structure Prediction and Collision-Induced Dissociation for Probing Chemokine Conformation and Stability

Unique to ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS) is the ability to provide collision cross section (CCS) data and the capacity to delineate any dissociation and/or unfolding of protein complexes. The strong correlation of the experimentally determined CCS with theory is indicative of the retention of native structure in the gas phase, which in turn, qualifies as a means in evaluating the IM-MS data. The assessment of IM-MS data, however, is currently impeded due to the lack of appropriate structural coordinates to use as input in the in silico calculation of theory. To address this issue, this study involves the use of rapid protein threading predictor (RAPTOR) to generate tertiary structures of closely related monomeric chemokines (MCP-1, MCP-3, MCP-4, and eotaxin) and, subsequently, utilize these models to estimate the theoretical values. Experimental CCS of both the model proteins and chemokines correlate well with theory generated by RAPTOR. All conformations for z = 5+ of chemokines fall within theor...
The relative importance of estrogen receptor analysis as a prognostic factor for recurrence or response to chemotherapy in women with breast cancer

The value of estrogen receptor (ER) analysis in primary breast cancer samples as a potential prognostic factor was examined in three clinical situations: time to recurrence in patients with no therapy after mastectomy, failure of patients receiving adjuvant therapy, and response of advanced disease patients to cytotoxic chemotherapy. Other prognostic factors analyzed were menopausal and nodal status. In none of these clinical settings were we able to demonstrate the usefulness of ER status as a prognosticator of the disease course or its response to therapy.
Anti-STAT6 CTL activity in Stat6 (-/-) mice: A cautionary tale.

The generation of germline gene mutations in mice has been an invaluable tool for experimental biology. However, studying immune responses that develop in the absence of a specific protein that could alter thymic selection complicates experimental interpretations. We observed that CD8+ T cells from Stat6−/− mice displayed “autoreactivity” to STAT6-expressing cells, associated with specific STAT6 peptides binding to MHC class I molecules. These results suggest caution in interpreting experiments where STAT6-expressing cells are transferred into Stat6−/− mice, or where adoptive transfer of Stat6−/− lymphocytes is performed. Our results further highlight additional considerations when studying immune responses involving cell transfer into gene-deficient mice.
Deterioration in Marital and Family Therapy: Empirical, Clinical, and Conceptual Issues

Recent empirical evidence of deterioration during both nonbehavioral and behavioral marital and family therapy is presented. While the frequency of patient worsening in marital-family therapy does not appear to exceed that previously found for individual psychotherapy, the acceptability of the evidence for negative effects in the treatment of systems may be greater than that which exists for individual treatment. After examining the empirical evidence of negative effects in family therapy and some of the factors that influence their occurrence, the authors discuss some conceptual issues relevant to a definition of worsening in marital and family therapy and present some methodological guidelines for the assessment of deterioration in therapy with family systems. It is concluded that the study of deterioration processes in family therapy may aid the understanding of family change processes more generally.
The role of infield agriculture in Maya cities

Abstract Archaeologists investigating urban settlement in the Maya area have attributed the dispersed nature of Maya cities to intra-settlement infield agriculture – but we have not yet addressed how to determine sources of variability in these agro-urban landscapes. In this paper I propose that one specific kind of infield agriculture – multigenerational household-managed, houselot-based subsistence systems – affected settlement patterns in three northern Maya lowland cities: Coba, Mayapan, and Chunchucmil. By comparing variation in the number of associated domestic structures (an approximation of multigenerational coresidence) and the amount of vacant houselot area enclosed within property walls (an approximation of land preserved for gardens and arboriculture), it is possible to assess relative differences in investment in this particular strategy. Ultimately different kinds of infield agriculture will lead to different kinds of low-density cities. This approach can be modified for multiple scales of investigation and should stimulate further discussion of the relationship between subsistence and urbanism.
Radiation therapy treatment planning using concurrent programming.

Abstract Concurrent programming can be applied to the problem of computer graphic simulation of radiation treatment of tumors (radiation treatment planning). Running several tasks or programs simultaneously on behalf of a single user provides a big improvement over the traditional sequential approach, in which editing a treatment plan and computing and displaying dose distributions are separate operations which must be invoked by explicit commands. With our system, the user sees isodose contours being updated automatically and continuously as the plan is edited; this greatly facilitates plan optimization. The complexity of parallel processing has resulted in a ‘conventional wisdom” which discourages this technique. The usual approach is to have parallel processes share a common global data structure, which makes interaction hard to control and discourages modularity and data abstraction. We have developed an alternative approach based on message streams which instead enhances modularity and data abstraction while still providing the advantages of parallel processing. The system is very reliable and is used routinely in a practical clinical environment.
The Dual World of Filipino Americans

ABSTRACT Social work research and practice has relatively little, if any, empirical literature oe the worldviews of Filipino Americans. Using a probability sample design, this study explored the locus of control of 216 Filipino Americans. The findings indicate that Filipino Americans are characterized by both an internal and external orientation. Sociodemographic variables were found to be significantly related to locus of control. Information on Filipino American history2 culture, and sociopolitical factors is offered to examine and explain statistical findings.
Women and the Politics of Place: A comment

Arif Dirlik looks at how the political and ideological issues raised by September 11 endow the project, ‘Women and the Politics of Place’, with a new significance – and urgency. He looks at the importance of rethinking politics at this historical juncture from the perspective of women and place.
Checking the Map: Critiquing Joanne Martin's Metatheory of Organizational Culture and Its Uses in Communication Research

Joanne Martin’s scholarship has significantly influenced the study of organizational culture by communication scholars. Martin’s recent metatheory seeks to ‘‘map’’ the ‘‘terrain’’ of perspectives commonly used to study organizational culture and argues for the use of multiple perspectives to produce more fruitful research. While acknowledging the benefits of this metatheory, we critique 2 of its problematic elements. Both arise from Martin’s claims about the phenomena of organizational culture and the various perspectives through which they might be known. The first problem involves Martin’s decoupling of ontology and epistemology, as well as her subsequent oscillation between 2 conflicting clusters of ‘‘onto-epistemological’’ claims. Partly as a result, Martin also overemphasizes the ideational dimensions of organizational culture, thereby inhibiting analysis of its production in and through communication. These problems may negatively affect how communication scholars conceptualize organizational cultural phenomena and analyze data. To mitigate these problems, we offer 2 readings derived from social constructionism, poststructuralism, and critical realism. These readings aid communication scholars in successfully using Martin’s metatheory. We conclude by considering the implications of this critique for the development of metatheory in communication.
Creatine kinase kinetics studied by phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance in a canine model of chronic hypertension-induced cardiac hypertrophy

Abstract To determine whether cardiac hypertrophy secondary to chronic renovascular hypertension is associated with altered in vivo myocardial metabolism, phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance saturation transfer techniques were used to study creatine kinase (CK) kinetics in six chronically hypertensive dogs with moderate cardiac hypertrophy and eight control dogs. The forward rate constant of CK and the flux of phosphocreatine to adenosine triphosphate were determined in both groups of dogs before and during norepinephrine administration (1 μg/kg per min), used to increase heart rate × systolic blood pressure (rate-pressure product), cardiac output and oxygen consumption. Baseline and norepinephrine-induced changes in rate-pressure product, cardiac output and oxygen consumption were similar in both groups of dogs, as were baseline forward rate constant and flux of phosphocreatine to adenosine triphosphate. However, the norepinephrine-induced changes in forward rate constant and flux were significantly less in hypertensive than in control dogs (p These data demonstrate that moderate myocardial hypertrophy is associated with altered CK kinetics, which do not appear to affect the heart's ability for global mechanical recruitment at this stage in the hypertensive process. It is possible that the changes in myocardial enzyme kinetics may contribute to diastolic dysfunction previously reported in this model and may be a precursor for ultimate development of heart failure if hypertension is maintained for prolonged periods. The data also suggest that the heart of moderately hypertensive animals may work less per gram muscle and that it may have greater metabolic efficiency because it can maintain lower adenosine diphosphate levels (as indicated by lower forward rate constant of CK) than those of control hearts. However, it appears that either the CK system has a large safety factor such that the lower forward rate constant and flux found in hypertensive dogs is sufficient to support normal global mechanical function or that the phosphocreatine shuttle is not a critical factor in maintaining mechanical function in the moderately hypertrophied heart.
Development of new treatments for congenital nystagmus.

The use of ocular motor data as the basis for the development of both nonsurgical and surgical therapies for congenital nystagmus (CN) has been underway since the mid-1960s. This paper presents three nonsurgical therapies (composite prisms, soft contact lenses, and afferent stimulation) and a new surgical therapy (four-muscle tenotomy) hypothesized from analysis of ocular motor data. The expanded nystagmus acuity function' was devel­ oped to both predict and measure the effectiveness of CN therapies and for in­ tersubject comparisons. Base-out prisms may be used to damp CN during distance fixation in patients whose CN damps during near fixation and who are binocular (i.e., they have no strabismus). Soft contact lenses may be used in those whose CN damps with afferent stimulation of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. Cutaneous afferent stimulation (rubbing, vibration, or electricity) of the forehead or neck damps CN in some individuals. Finally, as first demonstrated in an achiasmic Belgian sheepdog and later in humans, tenotomy of the four horizontal rectus muscles and reattachment at their orig­ inal sites may also damp CN. Taken together, these findings suggest the exist­ ence of one or more proprioceptive feedback loops acting to change the small­ signal gain of the extraocular plant. Four-muscle tenotomy provides a needed therapeutic option for the many individuals with CN for whom other surgical therapies are .contraindicated .
The Resilience and Adaptation of OccupyDC

During the winter of 2012 Occupy DC's McPherson Square encampment was at its zenith. The movement crossed traditional class, race and gender boundaries and coalesced around a similar thread of goals. Parallel to the political missions of the moment, the encampment organically became a thriving community with its own set of rules, social mores, multiple sub-cultures and languages. Although the encampment is now gone, the movement continues to thrive through social media and pop up demonstrations. While very adaptive, the movement's next steps are anyone's guess.
Inhibition of Pan Neurotrophin Receptor p75 Attenuates Diesel Particulate-Induced Enhancement of Allergic Airway Responses in C57/B16J Mice

Recent investigations have linked neurotrophins, including nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), to allergic airways diseases. Antibody blockade of NGF attenuates airway resistance in allergic mice. Diesel exhaust particle (DEP) exposure has been linked to asthma exacerbation in many cities with vehicular traffic congestion. We tested the hypothesis that DEP-induced enhancement of the hallmark features of allergic airway disease in a murine model is dependent on the function of the pan neurotrophin receptor p75. Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized C57B1/6J mice were intranasally instilled with an antibody against the p75 receptor or saline alone 1 h before OVA challenge. The mice were then exposed nose-only to the PM2.5 fraction of SRM2975 DEP or air alone for 5 h beginning 1 h after OVA challenge. Two days later, air-exposed OVA-allergic mice developed a small but insignificant increase in methacholine-induced airflow obstruction relative to air-exposed, vehicle-sensitized mice. DEP-exposed OVA-allergic mice had a significantly greater degree of airway obstruction than all other groups. Instillation of anti-p75 significantly attenuated the DEP-induced increase in airway obstruction in OVA-allergic mice to levels similar to non-sensitized mice. The DEP-induced exacerbation of allergic airway responses may, in part, be mediated by neurotrophins.
Characterization of poly(A+)RNA in free messenger ribonucleoprotein and polysomes of mouse Taper ascites cells.

Abstract Cytoplasmic extracts of mouse Taper ascites cells were centrifuged on sucrose gradients to give 0–80 S, monosome, and polysome fractions. CsCl equilibrium density centrifugation of formaldehyde-fixed material from the 0–80 S fraction demonstrated that the messenger RNA in the 0–80 S fraction was in the form of free ribonucleoprotein. The size of the poly(A + )RNA and the size of the poly(A) segments of these molecules were shown to be very similar in both the free mRNP † and polysome fractions. The labeling kinetics of the free mRNP poly(A + )RNA was similar to that of the polysomal poly(A + )RNA. The free mRNP poly(A + )RNA efficiently stimulated protein synthesis in the wheat germ cell-free system, supporting the view that it was mRNA. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to analyze the proteins whose synthesis was directed by free mRNP and polysomal poly(A + )RNA. The free mRNP poly(A + )RNA directed the synthesis of a simpler set of abundant protein products than did the polysomal poly(A + )RNA. Most of the free mRNP abundant protein products were also present in the polysomal products, though obvious quantitative differences were evident, indicating that each individual mRNA had its own characteristic distribution between polysomes and the translationally inactive RNP form.