cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sociocultural considerations in aging men's health: implications and recommendations for the clinician

The health of aging men, and the particular health concerns that they confront, are commanding greater attention within clinical medicine. Remnants of the biomedical tradition that examines prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease states in isolation from the historical, developmental, and cultural contexts in which they occur still predominate even though their impact on the medical care context is slowly becoming recognized. The relations of sociocultural characteristics to patterns of disease risk, health behaviors, symptom responses, delayed diagnosis, and treatment adherence are less well-documented or understood. Empirical evidence supports the role of sociocultural factors in the understanding and management of health among aging men. The essential features of specific ethno-cultural, psychosocial, socio-demographic, and health system variables can offer practical clinical applications for providers. Awareness and understanding of such characteristics will facilitate culturally competent practices that are more likely to engage men in collaborative educational, disease management, and health maintenance efforts throughout their lifespan.
Nitric Oxide-Induced Cytotoxicity: Involvement of Cellular Resistance to Oxidative Stress and the Role of Glutathione in Protection

A series of experiments were designed to examine the potential cytotoxicity of nitric oxide (NO), or reactive species derived from NO, in HA1 fibroblasts and H2O2-resistant variants of this cell line, designated OC14 cells. A 1-h exposure at 37 degrees C to a 1.7 mM bolus dose of NO, prepared in N2-gassed medium, significantly reduced clonogenic survival in the HA1 fibroblasts line to 60% of control cells treated with N2-gassed medium alone. The OC14 cells were found to be completely resistant (100% survival) to NO-mediated injury in comparable experiments. A second set of experiments was designed to determine the role of the intracellular antioxidant, glutathione, in protection against NO-mediated injury. Depletion of total glutathione resulted in a significant reduction in HA1 and OC14 clonogenic survival to 8% and 50% when compared with respective control cells. The effect of total glutathione depletion on NO-initiated toxicity in HA1 cells was dose- and cell-density dependent and was observed to occur within 5 min of exposure to NO. Further evidence of cytotoxicity was demonstrated by loss of trypan blue dye exclusion properties in glutathione-depleted HA1 cells after NO exposure. Other experiments demonstrated that nitrate and nitrite exposure produced no cytotoxicity in glutathione-depleted HA1 cells and that coincubation of NO-saturated medium with oxyhemoglobin inhibited NO-induced cytotoxicity in glutathione-depleted HA1 cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Fourier Transform and Ambiguity Function of Piecewise Polynomial Functions

A general systematic procedure is described for computing the Fourier transform and the ambiguity function of waveforms that are piecewise polynomial. The procedure can be implemented by hand or programmed for execution by a digital computer. The main advantage of the technique is that integration is replaced by a finite summation. Examples include the computation of characteristic function, moments, and the ambiguity function of an amplitude modulated linear FM signal.
Continuous processing of acoustic data for land mine detection

ABSTRACT Methods for processing continuously acquired data using an Acoustic/Seismic system are described. Data were acquired from 80-300 Hz. Two independent chains of processing were pursued. In one chain, pre-processing and normalization were followed by shape feature extraction using eccentricity and minor axis length. In another chain, Independent Component Analysis was used to generate image templates. The results were combined using piecewise linear discriminants. Probabilities of detection of 97.5% and 100% with false alarm rates of 0.01 and 0.03 were achieved on training and validation sets, respectively. 1. INTRODUCTION A land mine detection system based on optical detection of scattered acoustic waves has achieved success in field experiments 1, 9-11 . Previously, semi-automated analyses of data acquired over Anti-Tank (AT) mines have been reported 11 . In this paper, automated methods for detecting and discriminating AT mines from clutter objects are presented. The sensor system is thoroughly described in the literature. A loudspeaker above the ground insonifies a region of the surface and a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) measures the spatial pattern of particle velocity amplitude of the surface in a variety of frequency bands
Quantitative affinity chromatography of α-chymotrypsin

Abstract Affinity chromatography on a column of 4-phenylbutylamine, immobilized on succinylated polyacrylic hydrazide agarose, has been employed to study binding of ligands to α-chymotrypsin. In contrast to earlier studies of competitive elution phenomena, where an added soluble ligand interferes with enzyme binding to an affinity matrix, benzyloxycarbonyl derivatives of aromatic acids have been shown to facilitate binding of chymotrypsin to this matrix. This behavior has been analyzed in terms of an expanded binding scheme for affinity chromatography including the formation of a ternary complex (α-chymotrypsin · benzyloxycarbonyl-amino acid · 4-phenylbutylamine · matrix) where the soluble ligand and immobilized ligand bind to different sites. Equations to describe the phenonema have been derived and utilized to quantitate equilibrium constants for dissociation of the binary and ternary complexes. Benzyloxycarbonyl-Ala-Ala was found to promote earlier elution of the enzyme from its affinity matrix. Other ligands known to bind to the active site do not alter the binding to the 4-phenylbutylamine affinity matrix. These results illustrate the conclusion that binding of a small molecule can alter affinity retention in positive, negative, or neutral modes. This suggests that affinity chromatography could be “fine-tuned” by appropriate selection of cosolutes and illustrates the value of relatively weakly binding affinity matrices in enzyme studies.
Mechanically activated synthesis of PZT and its electromechanical properties

Mechanical activation was successfully used to synthesize nanostructured phase-pure Pb(Zr0.7Ti0.3)O3 (PZT) powders. Lead–zirconium–titanium (PbZrTi) hydrous oxide precursor, synthesized from chemical co-precipitation, was mechanically activated in a NaCl matrix. The synthesized PZT particles were characterized by using X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, laser-light diffraction, and nitrogen adsorption. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis were used to monitor dehydration and phase transformation of PbZrTi hydrous oxide precursor during mechanical activation. The best mechanical activation conditions corresponded to mechanically activating PbZrTi hydrous oxide precursor in a NaCl matrix with a NaCl/precursor weight ratio of 4:1 for 8 h. These conditions resulted in a dispersible phase-pure PZT powder with a median secondary-particle size of ∼110 nm. The properties of PZT 70/30 from mechanically activated powder, as measured on discs sintered at 1150 °C for 2 h, were found to be in close conformity to those obtained by a conventional mixed oxide solid state reaction route.
New Approaches to the Characterization of Obsidian from the Mediterranean Island Sources: Interpreting Chronological Change in Neolithic Sardinia and Corsica

Geochemical fingerprinting of obsidian sources was first applied in the Mediterranean region nearly four decades ago. Since then, a number of analytical methods (e.g. INAA, XRF, SEM/Microprobe, ICP-MS) have proven successful in distinguishing the Mediterranean island sources of Giali, Lipari, Melos, Palmarola, Pantelleria, and Sardinia. Moreover, recent geoarchaeological surveys of the central Mediterranean sources have resulted in the more precise location and documentation of each obsidian flow or outcrop, and multiple chemical groups have been identified on at least three of the islands. The ability to specifically attribute artifacts to one of at least five obsidian flows in the Monte Arci region of Sardinia, for example, has enabled the study of specific patterns of source exploitation and the trade mechanisms which resulted in the distribution of obsidian hundreds of kilometers away during the Neolithic period (ca. 6000-3000 BC). Results are presented here from the chemical analysis of 186 artifacts from several sites in Sardinia and Corsica as part of the largest and most comprehensive study of obsidian sources and trade in the Mediterranean. Analyses of large numbers of artifacts demonstrate the differential use of island subsources, which may be attributed to factors such as access (e.g. topography, distance from coast), size and frequency of nodules, and mechanical and visual properties. The patterns of source exploitation revealed by this study specifically support a down-the-line model of obsidian trade during the neolithic period. In addition, the spatial and chronological patterns of obsidian distribution may be used to address such issues as the colonization of the islands; the introduction of neolithic economies; and the increasing social complexity of neolithic and bronze age societies in the central Mediterranean.
Development of thin panels for active control of acoustic reflection, absorption and transmission

This paper explores the development of thin panels that can be controlled to provide surfaces with desired reflection coefficients, for use as perfect reflectors or absorbers, or transmission blockers. The development of the control system is based on the use of wave separation algorithms that separate incident sound from reflected sound. The reflected sound is then controlled to desired levels. The incident sound is used as an acoustic reference for feedforward control and has the important property of being isolated from the action of the control system speaker. The use of this incident signal reference also plays a key role in the use of the panels as transmission blockers where the acoustic pressure behind the panel is driven to zero. The panels themselves are constructed using poster-board and small rare-earth actuators. Detailed experimental results are presented. The panels are able to effectively block transmission of broadband sound. Practical applications for these panels include enclosures for noisy machinery, noise absorbing wallpaper, the development of sound walls and the development of noise-blocking glass windows.
Simulation and optimization for real options valuation

Real options valuation (ROV) considers the managerial flexibility to make ongoing decisions regarding implementation of investment projects and deployment of real assets. This paper introduces a simulation-optimization approach to valuing real investment options based on a model containing several decision variables and realistic stochastic inputs. Using this approach, the value of a portfolio of real investment projects is determined by maximizing the mean discounted cash flows calculated by the model over many combinations of the decision variables. This yields an optimal decision rule that significantly increases the value extracted from the investment projects in comparison to arbitrary decision rules.
I-slot characteristics

I-shaped slots will fit entirely on the rectangular waveguide narrow wall without wrapping onto the broad wall. This slot type is suitable for single plane scan-phased arrays where element spacing, in the scan plane, is equal to or less than one-half wavelength. The method of moments solution for the I-slot is presented. Comparison of computed results with measured data illustrates the validity of this solution. To facilitate future designs, the waveguide scattering parameters and the radiation characteristics of I-slots are included. >
Rangaku and Westernization

The continuities between the study of the West through Dutch in Tokugawa Japan and the program of modernization in the Meiji period seem self evident. The influence of Holland through Deshima became the focus of the life work of Itazawa Takeo and others well before the war, and it received detailed discussion from Charles Boxer in 1936. Nevertheless issues of the importance and influence of Tokugawa rangaku continue to be debated, and that debate greatly enriches our feel for Japanese society then and now.
Allometry of cetacean forelimb bones

This study examines the allometric scaling relationships of the cetacean humerus, radius, and ulna. Bone lengths and diameters were measured for 20 species of odontocete and three species of mysticete cetaceans, representing eight of the nine extant cetacean families. The scaling of individual bone proportions (bone length vs. cranio-caudal diameter, bone length vs. dorso-ventral diameter), and of individual bone dimensions against estimated body mass, are compared to models of geometric and elastic similarity. The geometric similarity model describes the scaling relationship of bone length vs. cranio-caudal diameter and body mass vs. cranio-caudal diameter for the humerus only; geometric similarity also describes the scaling relationship of body mass vs. bone length for all three bones. None of the scaling relationships fits the elastic similarity model. The scaling relationships of bone length vs. dorso-ventral diameter for all three bones, and bone length vs. cranio-caudal diameter for the radius and ulna, exhibit negative allometry, indicating that large bones are less robust than small bones. Negative allometry of structural support elements has not been previously described for terrestrial mammals or plants. The high relative swimming speeds of small delphinids may generate sufficient stresses to require more robust bones relative to those of larger whales.
A path-oriented matrix-based knowledge representation system

Most AI search/representation techniques are oriented toward an infinite domain of objects and arbitrary relations among them. In reality much of what needs to be represented in AI can be expressed using a finite domain and unary or binary predicates. Well-known vector- and matrix-based representations can efficiently represent finite domains and unary/binary predicates, and allow effective extraction of path information by generalized transitive closure/path matrix computations. In order to avoid space limitations in this approach, a set of abstract sparse matrix data types was developed along with a set of operations on them. This representation forms the basis of an intelligent information tool for representing and manipulating relational data. The tool is being used in developing a system that helps flight crews cope with in-flight malfunctions. >
Vapor escape from a droplet containing a volatile solute.

the spatial distribution of particle mass. Assumption of uniform number distribution gives an over-estimation of particle damping. For noncircular cylindrical rocket chambers, steady state internal ballistics must be considered to determine the particle distribution. Particle size growth should in general have a stabilizing effect. Quantitative prediction must await better knowledge of how particles grow within the combustion chamber.
Predictive Power of the Relative Lymphocyte Concentration in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure

Background—The physiological stress suffered by patients with heart failure results in an increased production of cortisol and a shift in the leukocyte differential toward a decreased percentage of...
Does language awareness foster social tolerance

Language Awareness (LA) programmes are often implicitly, and sometimes explicitly, assumed to aid in the promotion of intercultural tolerance. Drawing on sociopsychological theory and research on intergroup relations, it is argued that awareness should not necessarily lead to tolerance. In an exploratory study, 253 westcoast American students’ general responses to LA issues are investigated in relation to their own self‐reported LA and tolerance levels. In general, the findings only reflected extremely modest and uncertain relationships between LA and tolerance. Consequently, insights gleaned from intergroup relations (as well as accommodation processes) may serve as valuable resources for the development and refinement of LA programmes.
Forest organic runoff breaks down faster than agricultural and urban runoff

Dissolved organic matter in streams and rivers can be broken down by sunlight or bacteria, providing a fuel source for aquatic ecosystems and affecting carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide concentrations as the organic matter is mineralized. Researchers know that the amount of organic matter in streams fed by forest landscapes and those fed by watersheds affected by human activity, such as croplands, pasture, or urban environments, can differ greatly. What is less well known is how the organic matter from these various environments evolves as it flows downstream.
Bioinformatics analysis of transcriptional regulation of circadian genes in rat liver

The circadian clock is a critical regulator of biological functions controlling behavioral, physiological and biochemical processes. Because the liver is the primary regulator of metabolites within the mammalian body and the disruption of circadian rhythms in liver is associated with severe illness, circadian regulators would play a strong role in maintaining liver function. However, the regulatory structure that governs circadian dynamics within the liver at a transcriptional level remains unknown. To explore this aspect, we analyzed hepatic transcriptional dynamics in Sprague-Dawley rats over a period of 24 hours to assess the genome-wide responses. Using an unsupervised consensus clustering method, we identified four major gene expression clusters, corresponding to central carbon and nitrogen metabolism, membrane integrity, immune function, and DNA repair, all of which have dynamics which suggest regulation in a circadian manner. With the assumption that transcription factors (TFs) that are differentially expressed and contain CLOCK:BMAL1 binding sites on their proximal promoters are likely to be clock-controlled TFs, we were able to use promoter analysis to putatively identify additional clock-controlled TFs besides PARF and RORA families. These TFs are both functionally and temporally related to the clusters they regulate. Furthermore, we also identified significant sets of clock TFs that are potentially transcriptional regulators of gene clusters. All together, we were able to propose a regulatory structure for circadian regulation which represents alternative paths for circadian control of different functions within the liver. Our prediction has been affirmed by functional and temporal analyses which are able to extend for similar studies.
Religiousness and Spirituality: The Psychology of Multilevel Meaning-Making Behavior

The first edition of the Handbook of the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality (Paloutzian & Park, 2005a) was well received, as evidenced by its extensive use as a major research resource by coll...
Noonan syndrome--then and now.

The report by Danetz, Donofrio and Embrey1 provides an interesting long term follow-up on the first patient diagnosed by me with what is now known as Noonan syndrome. In 1960, when this patient was seen, cardiac ultrasound was unavailable and left-sided cardiac catheterization uncommon. He had severe pulmonary stenosis, and did well following surgery. Unfortunately, his follow-up was not adequate and left-sided obstruction was not recognized until he became symptomatic some thirty years later. Early reports stressed the dysplastic pulmonary valve, with pulmonary stenosis as a common finding.2 By 1972, the report of Ehlers et al.3 brought attention to the left-sided involvement in the Turner phenotype.
FULLY RESOLVED SIMULATION OF PARTICULATE FLOW USING A SHARP INTERFACE DIRECT FORCING IMMERSED BOUNDARY METHOD

In this paper, the sharp interface, direct forcing immersed boundary method developed by Yang and Stern (A simple and efficient direct forcing immersed boundary framework for fluidstructure interactions, J. Comput. Phys. 231 (2012) 5029-5061) is applied to the fully resolved simulation of particulate flow. This method uses a discrete forcing approach and maintains a sharp profile of the fluid/solid interface. Also, it employs a strong coupling scheme for fluid-structure interaction through a predictor-corrector algorithm. The fluid flow solver is not included in the predictor-corrector iterative loop thanks to the direct forcing idea, which makes the overall algorithm highly efficient and very attractive for the fully resolved simulation of particulate flow with numerous solid particles. Several cases including sedimenting and buoyant particles and the interaction of two sedimenting particles showing kissing, drafting, and tumbling phenomenon are examined and compared with the reference results to demonstrate the simplicity and applicability of our method in particulate flow simulations.
The GraftLink ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction: biomechanical comparison with the docking technique in both kinematics and failure tests.

Background:Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction aims to restore valgus stability, and numerous techniques have been described in the literature.Hypothesis/Purpose:To biomechanically compare the GraftLink (GL) technique with traditional bone tunnels used in the docking (DO) technique. It is hypothesized that the GL method will offer a stiffer, less lax construct compared with the DO.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Native and reconstructed states were tested in 7 matched pairs of cadaveric arms. To test kinematics, a 1.5-N·m valgus torque was applied and the resultant displacement at 15° to 90° of flexion was measured. Dissipated energy and the torque at the peak of the 10th cycle of preconditioning were analyzed during kinematic tests. Failure testing was performed by internal rotation of the humerus at 4.5 deg/s in 70° of flexion. Ulnotrochlear joint (UTJ) gapping was quantified during failure tests by use of video tracking.Results:Kinematics testing revealed no differences betw...
Application of Population Dynamics to Study Heterotypic Cell Aggregations in the Near-Wall Region of a Shear Flow

Our research focused on the polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) tethering to the vascular endothelial cells (EC) and the subsequent melanoma cell emboli formation in a shear flow, an important process of tumor cell extravasation from the circulation during metastasis. We applied population balance model based on Smoluchowski coagulation equation to study the heterotypic aggregation between PMNs and melanoma cells in the near-wall region of an in vitro parallel-plate flow chamber, which simulates in vivo cell-substrate adhesion from the vasculatures by combining mathematical modeling and numerical simulations with experimental observations. To the best of our knowledge, a multiscale near-wall aggregation model was developed, for the first time, which incorporated the effects of both cell deformation and general ratios of heterotypic cells on the cell aggregation process. Quantitative agreement was found between numerical predictions and in vitro experiments. The effects of factors, including: intrinsic binding molecule properties, near-wall heterotypic cell concentrations, and cell deformations on the coagulation process, are discussed. Several parameter identification approaches are proposed and validated which, in turn, demonstrate the importance of the reaction coefficient and the critical bond number on the aggregation process.
Phantom trips: Overestimating the traffic impacts of new development

The Trip Generation Manual is the standard reference for assessing the impacts of new development on traffic congestion and the environment in the United States. However, a comparison to household surveys suggests that the Trip Generation Manual overestimates trips by 55 percent—likely because its data represent a biased sample of development in the U.S. Moreover, the data in the Trip Generation Manual are ill suited to many analyses of traffic impacts, development impact fees, and greenhouse gas emissions because they do not account for substitution effects. Most trips “generated” by new developments are not new, but instead involve households reshuffling trips from other destinations. These twin problems—theoretical and practical—are likely to lead to the construction of excessive roadway infrastructure and to the overestimation of the congestion, fiscal, and environmental impacts of new development.
Trends in medical management of men with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Objective To examine trends in medical management of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms (BPH/LUTS) in relation to sentinel events specific to particular medication regimens. Methods Using the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (1993-2010), we identified outpatient visits by men with BPH/LUTS. We ascertained prescriptions for medical therapy and distinguished between treatment with alpha-blocker monotherapy, 5α reductase inhibitor monotherapy, combination therapy, and anticholinergic therapy. We evaluated temporal trends in prescription patterns and assessed for changes after sentinel events related to each regimen (eg, Food and Drug Administration [FDA] approval for tamsulosin and alpha-blocker monotherapy). Finally, we used multivariable logistic regression to determine factors associated with each treatment strategy. Results From 1993 to 2010, there were over 101 million outpatient visits for men with a diagnosis of BPH/LUTS. Among these visits, the use of BPH medication increased from 14% of visits in 1993-1995 to over 40% of visits in 2008-2010 (P Conclusion Over the last 15 years, there has been a steady increase in the use of medications to manage men with BPH. Providers seem to have readily adopted novel medications and treatment regimens in response to FDA approval and supportive level 1 evidence.
Gene Targeting Reveals Multiple Essential Functions of the Neuregulin Signaling System during Development of the Neuroendocrine and Nervous Systems

: Mice harboring targeted mutations in neuregulin-1 and its receptors (erbB2, erbB3, and erbB4) have been invaluable tools for testing the roles of these genes in vivo as well as for identifying unexpected functions for this signaling system. This review summarizes the advances in understanding the myriad functions of neuregulins in the nervous and neuroendocrine systems that have been revealed by examining gene-targeted mice.
Improving Sehool-Community Relationships—How Receptive Are Principals, Teachers?

Following up the study by McCleary and Hines, this writer speculates about the perceptions of principals and teachers con cerning citizen in volvement and pro fessional auton omy.
Fluctuations in the New Inflationary Universe

The spectrum of density perturbations is calculated in the new-inflationary-universe scenario. The main source is the quantum fluctuations of the Higgs field, which lead to fluctuations in the time at which the false vacuum energy is released. The value of $\frac{\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\rho}}{\ensuremath{\rho}}$ on any given length scale $l$, at the time when the Hubble radius $\ensuremath{\gg}l$, is estimated. This quantity is nearly scale invariant (as desired), but is unfortunately about ${10}^{5}$ times too large.
Mining and visualization of microarray and metabolomic data reveal extensive cell wall remodeling during winter hardening in Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis).

Microarray gene expression profiling is a powerful technique to understand complex developmental processes, but making biologically meaningful inferences from such studies has always been challenging. We previously reported a microarray study of the freezing acclimation period in Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) in which a large number of candidate genes for climatic adaptation were identified. In the current paper, we apply additional systems biology tools to these data to further probe changes in the levels of genes and metabolites and activities of associated pathways that regulate this complex developmental transition. One aspect of this adaptive process that is not well understood is the role of the cell wall. Our data suggest coordinated metabolic and signaling responses leading to cell wall remodeling. Co-expression of genes encoding proteins associated with biosynthesis of structural and non-structural cell wall carbohydrates was observed, which may be regulated by ethylene signaling components. At the same time, numerous genes, whose products are putatively localized to the endomembrane system and involved in both the synthesis and trafficking of cell wall carbohydrates, were up-regulated. Taken together, these results suggest a link between ethylene signaling and biosynthesis, and targeting of cell wall related gene products during the period of winter hardening. ALPINE, an in-house plugin for the Cytoscape visualization environment that utilizes the existing GeneMANIA and Mosaic plugins, together with the use of visualization tools, provided images of proposed signaling processes that became active over the time course of winter hardening, particularly at later time points in the process. The resulting visualizations have the potential to reveal novel, hypothesis-generating, gene association patterns in the context of targeted subcellular location.
Technology, knowledge systems, population dynamics, and coastal ecosystems

The three following papers describe a range of complex relationships among coastal ecosystems, demographic patterns, and the effects of technology on coastal resource use. All three deal with the production of living aquatic resources, whether from natural systems or from culture, and therefore offer some interesting comparative insights since the coastal industry sector, i.e., seafood production, is "controlled." None of the cases demonstrate a direct linkage between population pressure and negative environmental effects, although all show lesser or greater degrees of sustainability in resource use. On a spectrum from coastal ecosystems least influenced by recent technology developments to those most altered by their adoption, the coastal canoe fisheries of Ghana represent the least influenced (1). The next most affected, namely by the use of compressors for diving and better boats, is the Galapagos and Ecuador mainland sea cucumber fishery (2). The third case is coastal shrimp farming in Vietnam and Thailand, in which the coastal ecosystems have been much transformed by technology, especially in Thailand (3). The reader can also refer to additional material on the situation in Thailand in the paper by Barbier and Cox (4). Each case is famous in its own right, but not until publication of this special issue of Ambio have they been described so comprehensively with their human population, economic, and resource elements studied together. To some extent, the papers here explode some of the public myths surrounding the cases. The Ghana fishery is well known among fisheries scientists, and to some extent among fisheries anthropologists, for the influence of the dynamic West African "upwelling" fisheries, on fishing people's migrations. The Galapagos and Ecuador mainland sea cucumber fishery and the southeast Asian shrimp-farming developments have become celebrated coastal issues, brought to global media attention by international and local nongovernment organizations focusing on their environmental and social welfare effects.
MR and Cryomicrotomy of C1 and C2 Roots

Paramedian sagittal MR images and cryotome sections in four cadavers were correlated with eight clinical MR studies to analyze the appearance of the C1 and C2 nerve roots and adjacent tissue. The C2 nerve roots and anatomically related venous plexus were identified. The C1 root, although not visualized by MR, could be localized by its relation to the vertebral artery, C1 lateral mass, and posterior arch.
The impact of β-adrenergic signaling on radioresistance and anti-tumor immunity

Our laboratory has demonstrated that mildly cool housing temperatures, (a stress known to be mediated by sympathetic nerve activity and β-adrenergic receptors) can significantly enhance the incidence, growth, and metastasis of tumors in murine models by suppressing anti-tumor immunity [1]. Furthermore, we have shown that mild cool stress also decreases the sensitivity of cancer cells to several types of chemo- and targeted therapeutics [2]. These data strongly suggest that baseline responses of mouse models of tumor growth and tumor immunology may be significantly influenced by housing temperature and the degree of adrenergic stress experienced by tumor bearing mice. We have now become interested in dissecting the mechanisms by which increased adrenergic stress signaling resulting from cool housing conditions impacts anti-tumor immunity and the response of tumors to therapeutics. To investigate the effects of increased adrenergic signaling on anti-tumor immunity, we used β-AR antagonists (β-blockers) to block β-AR signaling resulting from mild cold stress induced by housing temperatures. The addition of a β-blocker to these mice significantly delayed tumor growth, and recapitulated the increased tumor growth control observed in mice housed at thermoneutrality where cold stress is alleviated. However, β-AR blockade did not alter tumor growth in mice housed at thermoneutrality compared to vehicle controls, suggesting that β-AR signaling is responsible for the impairment of anti-tumor immunity in chronically cold stressed mice. To further investigate the effects of β-AR signaling on suppressing anti-tumor immunity, we repeated these experiments in immunodeficient SCID mice and demonstrated that β-blockers had no effect on tumor growth in mice regardless of housing temperature. We also examined the effects of adrenergic stress signaling on radio-resistance. We addressed this question by stimulating β-ARs on Pan02 (murine) and Mia-PACA2 (human) pancreatic tumor cells and performed clonogenic assays. Those cells treated with a β-agonist exhibited improved survival and proliferation at varying doses of radiation when compared to untreated controls similar to our earlier studies using chemotherapy. In summary, β-adrenergic receptor activity appears to play a fundamental role in the regulation of both anti-tumor immunity as well as intrinsic therapeutic sensitivity. Therefore, strategic combinations of β-receptor antagonists with chemo-radiation therapy, or immunotherapy may provide significantly improved tumor control. This work was supported by the Peter T. Rowley Breast Cancer Research Grant and the Harry J. Lloyd Charitable Trust.
Epidemiology and classification of dry eye.

Dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is a rubric for a number of clinical disease states characterized by disturbances in the pre-ocular tear film resulting in ocular surface disease.1 KCS accounts for a high percentage of patient visits to ophthalmologists, and its treatment has given rise to a pharmaceutical market in the US of over $100 million per year (industry estimates). Approximately 7–10 million Americans currently require the use of artificial tear preparations.2 KCS is associated with a broad spectrum of ocular symptoms ranging from mild transient irritation to persistent irritation, burning, itchiness, redness, pain, ocular fatigue, and vision disturbances.3,4 In its more severe form, Sjogren’s-associated KCS, it is associated with vision-threatening complications including scleritis, corneal ulceration, and secondary bacterial infection.5 Pathophysiologic factors include deficiencies in aqueous tear production, qualitative changes in tear composition, alterations in the oil secretion of the meibomian glands of the eyelids, blinking abnormalities, and inflammatory changes in the ocular surface.6
Combined bi-occipital suboccipital transsinus transtentorial approach for resection of a pineal region falcotentorial meningioma: operative video and technical nuances

Large deep-seated meningiomas of the falcotentorial region present a formidable surgical challenge. In this operative video, the author demonstrates the combined bi-occipital suboccipital transsinus transtentorial approach for microsurgical resection of a large falcotentorial meningioma. This approach involves division of the less dominant transverse sinus after assessment of the venous pressure before and after clipping of the sinus with continuous neurophysiologic monitoring. Mild retraction of the occipital lobe and cerebellum results in a wide supra- and infratentorial exposure of extensive pineal region tumors. This video atlas demonstrates the operative technique and surgical nuances, including patient positioning, supra- and infratentorial craniotomy, transsinus transtentorial incision, and tumor removal with preservation of the vein of Galen complex. In summary, the combined bi-occipital suboccipital transsinus transtentorial approach provides a wide supra- and infratentorial surgical corridor for removal of select falcotentorial meningiomas. The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/3aD8h2uwBAo .
Unraveling The Mysteries Of Serum Theophylline Levels: A Patient Care Report In The Light Of Pharmacokinetics

One of our patients had trouble maintaining therapeutic and safe levels of theophylline, even though we were careful in planning and monitoring her drug regimen. This case report shows how we were able to use principles of pharmacokinetics to distinguish among plausible explanations for her experience. We discovered that she was not taking the drug consistently as prescribed and that supervised administration resolved apparent contradictions between doses and serum levels. We believe that physicians can use the same information and methods that we used to get better and safer results from theophylline therapy.
Structure of Syringomycin. A Progress Report

The structure of the non-host specific toxin, syringomy-cin has been partially solved. The toxin has been shown to contain 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (Dab), 2-amino-2-dehydrobu-tyric acid (Adb) and β-hydroxydodecanoic acid as well as the previously known amino acids, serine, arginine and phenylalanine.
Multiscale Modeling of Effective Piezoresistivity in Nanocomposite Bounded Explosives

The current work aims to explore the effective material properties of polymer bonded explosive (PBX) materials where the polymer medium is reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNT). In the current work, the effective properties of nanocomposite bound polymer explosives (NCBX) are evaluated using micromechanics based 2-scale hierarchal multiscale models connecting the CNT-Polymer nanocomposite scale (nanoscale) to the grain structure scale (microscale). At the microscale, the binding polymer nanocomposite medium is modeled as cohesive zones between adjacent explosive grains. The cohesive laws for the polymer nanocomposite binder phase are developed based on the effective response of the CNT-polymer nanocomposite at the nanoscale. Effective piezoresistive properties of NCBX materials are evaluated through hierarchal multiscale modeling where the nanoscale effective response of the nanocomposites is evaluated offline using finite elements based micromechanics modeling. The effective properties obtained from homogenization of the nanoscale response are then used to construct microstructure informed cohesive laws which are embedded into the microscale grain boundary problem at the grain interfaces. The results show a significant piezoresistive response when the microscale boundary value problem is subjected to different types of applied deformation.
Abstract B21: Cancer-related quality of life following physical activity interventions for cancer survivors

B21 Objectives We carried out a nonrandomized trial to determine how participation in physical activity interventions (dragon boat paddling team versus a group walking program) impacted on physical and psychological outcomes. We report preliminary findings comparing the pre-post intervention differences on cancer-related quality-of-life (QoL). Participants and Methods 83/92 (90%) of participants who enrolled in the study completed an eight-week paddling (n=46) or walking (n=37) intervention. The 27-item FACT-G Scale was administered both pre- and post-intervention. We examined pre-post test differences in mean scores for the total FACT-G scale and four subscales. Results In the total study population, participation in a physical activity intervention was associated with significant post-intervention improvements in overall FACT-G QoL scores (post-test mean 84.5 vs. pretest mean 82.5; p=0.03). This included significant gains on the physical (p=0.02) and functional (p=0.01) QoL FACT-G subscales. These overall findings were consistent within both the paddling and walking interventions; no significant between-group differences were observed. However, the increase in the functional subscale mean score was statistically significant for the paddling (p=0.02) but not the walking (p=0.19) intervention. Conclusions Participation in a physical activity program, regardless of the type of program, increased overall cancer-related QoL in cancer survivors. This impact was most notable for QoL related to the physical and functional domains. These preliminary findings indicate that participating in a short-term physical activity program can lead to significant improvements in cancer-related QoL. Supported by NCI R03CA128482. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):B21.
pH of the Chorio-allantoic Fluid of Chick Embryos Infected with Influenza Virus B.∗:

SummaryInfluenza virus B (Lee strain) increases to small degree in the chorio-allantoic fluid of 11-day-old chick embryos incubated for 60 hours at 39°C after inoculation with the virus. Increase was great at 37°C and still greater at 35°C. The pH of the chorio-allantoic fluid of the same embryos descended into the acid region at 39°C; at 37° C the pH remained essentially above 7.0; and at 35°C the reaction was maintained well in the alkaline region. These relations suggest the possibility that the extent of increase of the virus in the chorio-allantoic fluid may be influenced more by the pH of the fluid at the various temperatures than by the temperature per se.
A tumor-associated antigen in carcinoma of the pancreas defined by monoclonal antibody B72.3.

A retrospective analysis of 25 primary adenocarcinomas of the pancreas, 16 metastatic pancreatic tumors, 8 cases of chronic pancreatitis, and 3 adult normal pancreas was performed to ascertain the reactivity of monoclonal antibody (MAb) B72.3 to malignant and nonneoplastic pancreatic lesions. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of pancreas were evaluated by immunohistochemical techniques (avidin–biotin–peroxidase complex [ABC] method). Twenty-one of 25 malignant primary tumors were reactive, and all 16 metastatic sites ex-pressed the B72.3 antigen. In contrast, all cases of pancreatitis and normal pancreas were either weakly reactive or nonreactive. Ten malignant and two benign pancreatic fine-needle aspirates provided results similar to those seen with fixed tissues. Because MAb B72.3 has selective reactivity for primary and metastatic pancreatic cancer, it may be of value as a diagnostic adjunct in cytologic examination or for radioimmunodetection of regional and/or distant metastases of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.
Fly Control and Chronic Toxicity from Feeding Dursban® (0,0-Diethyl 0–3, 5, 6-Trichloro-2-Pyridyl Phosphorothioate) to Laying Hens,

Abstract The effects of administering technical Dursban at concentrations of 25, 50, and 200 p.p.m. in the feed of laying hens were studied over a 52 week period. The estimated mean daily intake of Dursban was 2.48, 5.12, and 20.44 mg. per hen for those receiving 25, 50, and 200 p.p.m., respectively. Dursban at 50 p.p.m. resulted in excellent control of larvae of Musca domestica L., Fannia pusio (Wiedemann), Chrysomya megacephala (F.), and Boettcherisca peregrina (Robineau-Desvoidy) but only moderate control of Parasarcophaga argyrostoma (Robineau-Desvoidy). No hen mortality occurred that could be attributed to the insecticidal treatment. There was a direct relationship between Dursban concentration and blood plasma cholinesterase inhibition. However, overall feed consumption, body weight, egg production, feed efficiency, egg weight, interior egg quality, and shell thickness were normal. Eggs from treated hens had no detectable off-flavors or off-odors.
Retrospective Study on Occurrence and Death of Notifiable Disease in Guangxi from 1950 to 2007

Objective To understand the outbreak and death trend of lawful infectious disease in Guangxi,to study disease regulation,and to research prevention and control experience.Methods The reported data of legal infectious disease in Guangxi from 1950 to 2007 were used to study the occurrence and death of infectious disease,and to describe outbreak level,death level and change trend.Results The trend of morbidity and mortality of infectious disease descended from 1950 to 2007.It showed that the highest morbidity of infectious disease was in the forepart of the 1970s,and the average morbidity was 5,285.03/100,000.The lowest morbidity was at the end of the 1990s,and the average morbidity was 196.69/100,000.The highest mortality was at the end of the 1960s,it was 39.66/100,000 in 1967.The lowest mortality was at the end of the 1990s,it was 0.62/100,000 in 1998.Conclusions There is an obvious change on the morbidity and mortality of infectious disease in Guangxi from 1950 to 2007,it shows the effect of prevention and control of infectious disease.Though the prevention and control measures are infective,the outbreak of some old infectious diseases shows the faultiness,and the uptrend shows the long-term and complex characteristic of infectious disease.It is necessary to strengthen research and control of infectious disease for effective prevention and control of notifiable disease.
Etiological characteristics of influenza in Pudong area Shanghai in 2007

[Objective] To find out the etiological characteristics of influenza in Pudong area to provide scientific supports for influenza prevention in this area. [Methods] Throat swab specimens were collected from two influenza inspection sites in Pudong.Influenza virus was analyzed using etiological and serological methods. [Results] A total number of 210 samples were collected in 2007,with 98 strains identified as influenza virus(46.7%).Among these strains,no strain was A(H1N1) subtype,62 strains were A(H3N2) subtype(63.3%),32 strains were B/Y subtype(32.6%) and 4 strains were B/V subtype(4.1%).Two epidemic peaks(January to March and July to September) were observed. [Conclusion] Main influenza subtypes changed continuously from A(H3N2) at the beginning of 2007 to coexistence of A(H3N2) and B then B subtype at the end of 2007.No A(H1N1) was observed during 2007.Research showed that the influenza infection was independent of age and gender.