cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The History of ‘Religion’

Making the leap from mountains to cultures, this chapter invites readers to consider not just religion as an aspect of wider cultural practices, but the very fact that we think such things as religions exist – that some of us even use the word ‘religion’ – itself to be a cultural artifact. We therefore begin by acquainting ourselves with the history of the very concept ‘religion’, keeping in mind that knowing the history, development, and limitations of our concepts may come in handy when we try to use them to name, organize, and move around within our worlds. Like all items of culture , words and the concepts they are thought to convey have a history (such as the classification of, and the various associations and value judgments that we make when we hear, the name ‘Mount Everest’); not only spelling and pronunciation but meanings and usages change (sometimes dramatically) over time and place. So too, ‘religion’, and the assumption that the world is neatly divided between religious and nonreligious spheres (i.e., Church and State ), can be understood as a product of historical development and not a brute fact of social life. Today, long after the modern usage of the word ‘ religion ’ was first coined, it is no longer obvious how it was understood in the past or how we ought to use it today. In fact, it is not altogether clear that scholars should continue to use it when studying human behavior.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Steroid Supplementation After Temporomandibular Joint Arthrocentesis

Purpose In patients with unilateral intra-articular temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, the efficacy of steroid supplementation compared with placebo after TMJ arthrocentesis was examined in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients and Methods Female patients unsuccessfully treated by usual therapy were recruited. After informed consent was obtained, 24 patients were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or placebo group. After local anesthesia, TMJ arthrocentesis, consisting of joint lavage using 100 mL of lactated Ringer solution, was performed by a single investigator. Depending on group assignment, triamcinolone acetonide (steroid) or lactated Ringer solution (placebo) was infused into the superior joint space. Patients, blinded to the procedure, were evaluated at baseline and 2, 6, and 12 weeks after arthrocentesis using a visual analog scale for primary outcome pain measures (pain intensity, pain unpleasantness, and chewing pain). A clinical examination using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders was performed at each time point by a separate calibrated, blinded examiner. Data were analyzed using an intention-to-treat model. Results Significant decreases in visual analog scale pain scores over time were found between baseline and the post-arthrocentesis time points for both groups. The steroid group had significantly less chewing pain at 6 and 12 weeks than the placebo group. Mean maximum mandibular openings without pain or with pain were significantly greater at all post-arthrocentesis time points than at baseline in the steroid group, whereas the placebo group had a larger mandibular opening at 6 weeks. At 12 weeks, significantly more patients in the steroid group (75%) had a nearly normal mandibular opening without pain (38 mm) compared with the placebo group (20%). In addition, the proportion of patients with a greater than 50% improvement in chewing pain in the steroid group (90%) was significantly higher than that in the placebo group ( Conclusions The results of this randomized controlled trial support steroid supplementation after TMJ arthrocentesis to achieve longer-lasting pain management and increased pain-free mandibular mobility.
Association of age at diabetes complication diagnosis with age at natural menopause in women with type 1 diabetes: The Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications (EDC) Study.

Abstract Objective Vascular damage is thought to have a role in premature ovarian aging. We thus assessed the association between the presence, and age at onset of, vascular diabetes complications and age at natural menopause in women with type 1 diabetes. Methods Female participants of the Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications study with type 1 diabetes who experienced natural menopause and who never received hormone therapy during their menopausal transition were included in the analysis (n=105). Microalbuminuria (MA), overt nephropathy, proliferative retinopathy, confirmed distal symmetric polyneuropathy, and coronary artery disease, were assessed during biennial clinical exanimations for the first 10 years of follow-up and at year 18, 25 and 30. Menopausal status was determined via self-report and sex hormone data. For each complication, separate linear regression models were used to assess whether, compared with women without the complication of interest, an earlier age at complication development (i.e., Results Although results from multivariable linear regression models suggested a similar age at menopause between women with normo-albuminuria and those diagnosed with MA after 30 years of age, menopause occurred 2.06 years earlier (β±SE=−2.06±1.08) among women diagnosed with MA before age 30 (p=0.06). No significant association was observed for other complications. Conclusion Among women with type 1 diabetes, menopause appears to occur earlier in those diagnosed with MA before age 30 compared to those with normo-albuminuria, suggesting that vascular dysfunction associated with early microvascular disease may affect ovarian aging.
Successful Prediction of Human Steady-State Unbound Brain-to-Plasma Concentration Ratio of P-gp Substrates Using the Proteomics-Informed Relative Expression Factor Approach

In order to optimize central nervous system (CNS) drug development, accurate prediction of the drug's human steady-state unbound brain interstitial fluid-to-plasma concentration ratio (Kp,uu,brain ) is critical, especially for drugs that are effluxed by the multiple drug resistance transporters (e.g., P-glycoprotein, P-gp). Due to lack of good in vitro human blood-brain barrier models, we and others have advocated the use of a proteomics-informed relative expressive factor (REF) approach to predict Kp,uu,brain . Therefore, we tested the success of this approach in humans, with a focus on P-gp substrates, using brain positron emission tomography imaging data for verification. To do so, the efflux ratio (ER) of verapamil, N-desmethyl loperamide, and metoclopramide was determined in human P-gp-transfected MDCKII cells using the Transwell assay. Then, using the ER estimate, Kp,uu,brain of the drug was predicted using REF (ER approach). Alternatively, in vitro passive and P-gp-mediated intrinsic clearances (CLs) of these drugs, estimated using a five-compartmental model, were extrapolated to in vivo using REF (active CL) and brain microvascular endothelial cells protein content (passive CL). The ER approach successfully predicted Kp,uu,brain of all three drugs within twofold of observed data and within 95% confidence interval of the observed data for verapamil and N-desmethyl loperamide. Using the in vitro-to-in vivo extrapolated clearance approach, Kp,uu,brain was reasonably well predicted but not the brain unbound interstitial fluid drug concentration-time profile. Therefore, we propose that the ER approach be used to predict Kp,uu,brain of CNS candidate drugs to enhance their success in development.
Analytical models for stress analysis of real-life bonded joints

The extensive aeronautic application of structural bonding motivated the development of numerous analytical models over the past century. Most of these models consider the adhesive to be uniform an...
Understanding the Role of Human–Animal Interaction in the Family Context

Abstract The goal of this chapter is to provide an overview of why it is important to understand companion animal relationships in the family setting generally, and how exploring these relationships intentionally can be productively incorporated into clinical practice and animal-assisted intervention more specifically. For youth in particular, interacting with animals can be associated with both positive and negative experiences, and awareness about the ways in which these relationships can be a lens for understanding a child's well-being can be a useful tool for both clinicians and researchers. Therefore, this chapter will discuss how human–animal relationships can be related to both adaptive and nonadaptive outcomes and functioning in the family system, and implications for clinical practice.
Folate induced-hypermotility response after bilateral injection into the nucleus accumbens of the rat. Possible mediation through dopaminergic mechanisms.

Abstract Folic acid (FA) and certain of its reduced congeners produce excitatory effects when applied to neuronal tissue. Recent evidence has suggested that folates have other biological properties in common with the excitatory amino adds. The purpose of this study was to determine the activity of folate compounds in a system sensitive to excitatory amino adds. Bilateral injection of folic add into the nucleus accumbens resulted in a marked increase in locomotor activity at doses of 2.5 and 5 μg. Larger doses resulted in behavioral responses, such as body tremor and labored breathing, which interfered with the locomotor response. Similarly, 5-formyltetrahydrofolic add (FTHF) produced a marked hypermotility response after bilateral injection into the nucleus accumbens (2.5–25 μg), while dihydrofolic acid, tetrahydrofolic add, and 5—methyltetrahydrofolic acid were ineffective. Pretreatment with reserpine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) markedly reduced the hypermotility response elicited by folic add and FTHF as did pretreatment with haloperidol in both peripheral (0.8 mg/kg) and direct (5 μg) injection into the nucleus accumbens. In addition, injection of muscimol (30 ng), which depresses hypermotility induced by dopamine and amphetamine, produced a significant decrease in the hypermotility response produced by folic acid. In contrast, pretreatment with phentolamine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) or propranolol (4 mg/kg, i.p.) did not decrease folic acid or FTHF-induced responses. These results suggest that folic add and FTHF produce an increase in locomotor activity by facilitating dopaminergic neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens, possibly by inducing the release of dopamine from the nerve terminals. Thus, these folates have effects similar to those of the excitatory amino adds when injected into the nucleus accumbens.
The Real and Imagined Harmful Effects of Rewards: Implications for Clinical Practice

In recent years, a number of researchers and social critics have cautioned against the widespread application of behavioral interventions on the grounds that the philosophy of behaviorism is fundamentally manipulative and damaging to creative and intrinsically motivated behavior. Most central to their arguments are concerns about the harmful effects of "extrinsic" rewards. Though concerns about the allegedly harmful effects of "rewards" on intrinsically motivated actions may have been partially allayed by a recent meta-analysis, proponents of the view that intrinsic interest is eroded by the delivery of contingent rewards will likely continue to attest to the dangers of operant conditioning and its application to human behavior. The present manuscript addresses the content of claims about the harmful effects of extrinsic rewards. While consideration is given to the existing behavior therapy literature and its treatment of "natural" versus "arbitrary" rewards, some surprising convergences between the views of self-determination theorists and behavioral practitioners are noted.
Postprocessing Antimicrobial Treatments To Control Listeria monocytogenes in Commercial Vacuum-Packaged Bologna and Ham Stored at 10°C

The antilisterial effect of chemical dipping solutions on commercial bologna and ham slices, inoculated (3 to 4 log CFU/cm2) after processing, was evaluated during storage in vacuum packages at 10°C. Samples were inoculated with a 10-strain composite of Listeria monocytogenes and subsequently immersed (25 ± 2°C) for 2 min in 2.5% acetic acid (AA), 2.5% lactic acid (LA), 5% potassium benzoate (PB), or 0.5% Nisaplin (commercial form of nisin, equivalent to 5,000 IU/ml of nisin) solutions, either singly or sequentially (Nisaplin plus AA, Nisaplin plus LA, or Nisaplin plus PB), and then vacuum packaged and stored at 10°C for 48 days. In addition to microbiological analysis, sensory evaluations were performed on uninoculated samples treated with AA, LA, or PB. Initial reductions (day 0) of the pathogen, compared with the controls, on bologna and ham samples treated with AA, LA, or PB ranged from 0.4 to 0.7 log CFU/cm2. Higher (P < 0.05) initial reductions (2.4 to 2.9 log CFU/cm2) were obtained for samples trea...
Reductase, phosphatase, and kinase activities in the metabolism of alkyldihydroxyacetone phosphate and alkyldihydroxyacetone.

Abstract Kinetic studies have been carried out with microsomal preparations from mouse preputial gland tumors that catalyze (a) the reduction of [1-14C]alkyldihydroxyacetone-P and [1-14C]alkyldihydroxyacetone; (b) the dephosphorylation of [1-14C]alkyldihydroxyacetone-P; and (c) the phosphorylation of [1-14C]alkyldihydroxyacetone. Our data demonstrate the existence of a pathway that permits the interconversion of metabolic intermediary ether-lipid products, i.e. alkyldihydroxyacetone-P, alkylglycerol-P, alkyldihydroxyacetone, and alkylglycerol. The labeled substrates used in these experiments, [1-14C]octadecyldihydroxyacetone-P and [1-14C]-octadecyldihydroxyacetone, were chemically synthesized. Alkyldihydroxyacetone-P is reduced to 1-alkyl-sn-glycerol-3-P by a microsomal reductase that is highly specific for NADPH and optimally active at pH 7.0. However, higher levels of NADH can substitute for the NADPH. The apparent Km for the alkyldihydroxyacetone-P reductase is 0.12 mm for NADPH and 3.2 mm for NADH. In contrast, only NADPH is utilized by the reductase that reduces alkyldihydroxyacetone to the alkylglycerol. With the alkyldihydroxyacetone reductase, the apparent Km for NADPH is 0.38 mm. The phosphatase present in the tumor microsomes is maximally inhibited at NaF concentrations greater than 40 mm; less than 4% of the alkyldihydroxyacetone-P was dephosphorylated during a 5-min incubation under these conditions. However, during longer incubation periods at low concentrations of NaF, significant quantities of alkyldihydroxyacetone and alkylglycerol are produced. In the presence of ATP and Mg2+, alkyldihydroxyacetone is phosphorylated to alkyldihydroxyacetone-P by a kinase in the tumor. The apparent Km for ATP was 3.6 mm. The highest specific activity for the alkyldihydroxyacetone kinase was located in the microsomal fraction. These data demonstrate how alkyldihydroxyacetone can re-enter the pathway responsible for the biosynthesis of complex ether lipids.
Renin gene promoter activity in GC cells is regulated by cAMP and thyroid hormone through Pit-1-dependent mechanisms.

Transcriptional activity of human renin gene (hREN) 5‘-flanking DNA sequences in pituitary cells is highly dependent on binding of the pituitary-specific transcription factor Pit-1. Pit-1 has been implicated in cAMP regulation of a number of pituitary genes and has also been shown to interact with thyroid hormone (T3) receptors in mediating T3 responsiveness of the rat growth hormone gene. In the present study we examine the effects of forskolin and T3 on the expression of luciferase hybrid genes containing hREN 5‘-flanking DNAs (hREN.luc) transiently transfected into the pituitary cell line GC. Basal activities of all hREN.luc constructs transfected into cells grown in media containing serum stripped of hormones were low. Addition of forskolin stimulated expression up to 48-fold, depending on the hREN sequences present. The hREN sequence -148 to +18 was sufficient for both maximal expression and maximal stimulation by forskolin. Mutagenesis of the Pit-1 site between -82 and -58 reduced forskolin induction 4-5-fold. In addition to the Pit-1 site, the sequence between -148 and -98 was also required for maximal activity and forskolin induction. T3 on its own had no effect on hREN promoter activity in GC cells, but suppressed the effects of forskolin. Gel mobility shift and Western blot analyses indicated that forskolin treatment had no effect on Pit-1 DNA binding or Pit-1 levels. However, T3 reduced Pit-1 levels which was reflected in lower DNA binding under the conditions employed. Taken together, these findings emphasize the importance of cAMP-dependent mechanisms in directing renin gene expression.
Endoscopic perforation of the colon: lessons from a 10-year study

OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence, clinical features, and management of endoscopic colon perforations in a large number of patients at a major medical teaching center. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of all patients with colon perforations from endoscopy over a 10-yr period. RESULTS: A total of 10,486 colonoscopies were performed over a 10-yr period. There were 20 (0.19%) perforations and two (0.019%) deaths related to colonoscopy and two perforations with no deaths in 49,501 sigmoidoscopies (0.004%). The majority of perforations (65%) occurred in the sigmoid colon. The mean age of the patients was 72 yr (range, 48–87 yr). Multivariate analysis using gender and age showed that female gender was an independent predictor of a higher risk of perforation (p < 0.05). Electrocautery injury (36%) and mechanical injury (32%) from the tip and shaft of the endoscope were the major causes for perforation. Most patients (91%) presented within 48 h of endoscopy. Nine patients (47%) required a surgical resection with primary anastomosis; seven (37%) required a simple closure. The average hospital length of stay was 7.7 ± 2.8 days. Although trainee endoscopists were involved in only 20% of the colonoscopies performed, eight (40%) perforations occurred while the training fellow was involved in the case. However, this increased risk of perforation with a training fellow was not statistically significant (p = 0.625). CONCLUSIONS: Colonoscopy can result in significant morbidity and carries a small risk of death. Sigmoidoscopy has lower risk. The following situations may represent increased risk to colonoscopy patients: unusual difficulty in traversing the sigmoid colon; difficult examinations in female patients, and difficult examinations performed by trainee physicians.
Oxytocin: neurobiologic considerations and their implications for affective illness.

Abstract Demitrack, Mark A. and Philip W. Gold: Oxytocin: Neurobiologie Considerations and Their Implications for Affective Illness. Prog. Neuro-Psychopharmacol. and Biol. Psychiat. 1988, 12 (Suppl): S23–S51. 1. 1. Oxytocin is a nonapeptide hormone first isolated in the central nervous system in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus. Recent studies show that oxytocin is also found in brain regions outside of the hypothalamus and sites of synthesis have been reported in peripheral steroidogenic organs as well. 2. 2. Oxytocin is released from hypothalamic nerve terminals in the posterior pituitary for distribution in the systemic circulation, where it acts to stimulate uterine contraction during parturition and milk let-down during lactation. 3. 3. Although a definitive role for oxytocin in CNS function has not been elucidated, studies in experimental animals suggest involvement in cognition, tolerance and adaptation, and in complex maternal behaviors. Similarly, although oxytocin's function in steroid-producing tissues is not fully established, recent in vitro data has shown that oxytocin can Inhibit androgen and estrogen production, and thus may act in a local regulatory fashion. 4. 4. This selective review will highlight some current ideas regarding the functional significance of oxytocin in the central nervous system and review available data concerning the regulation of oxytocin secretion in humans and its potential role in neuropsychiatrie illness.
Geologic and biostratigraphic framework of the non-marine Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary interval in western North America

Abstract Palynologically defined Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary sites in nonmarine rocks in western North America exhibit similar characteristics. All are marked by abrupt disappearance of the regional uppermost Cretaceous palynoflora at the level of an iridium anomaly; most also yeild shock-metamorphosed minerals. All are in coal-bearing, fluvial or paludal depositional settings, although the boundary horizon may be below, within, above, or at some stratigraphic distance from coal seams. At many sites the lowermost Tertiary beds contain assemblages overwhelmed by fern spores that, together with extinctions of some groups of angiosperms, are taken as evidence of regional devastation of terrestrial plant communities and subsequent recolonization by pioneer species.
Solvent assistance in regiospecific disulfide formation in dimethylsulfoxide

This paper describes a convenient oxidative refolding method that exploits the dual property of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as an oxidant and a solvent 'chaperon' in assisting disulfide formation in peptides. Synthetic peptides with preferred secondary structures were used as models. For β-sheet peptides, an active fragment of fibroblast growth factor containing the tetrapeptide Arg-Ser-Arg-Arg at a reverse turn was used. A disulfide scan consisting of 16 analogs is designed in which different pairs of amino acids on the antiparallel β-sheets flanking the active determinants are replaced with cysteine. DMSO in aqueous buffer at pH 6 or 8 was found to minimize aggregation due to β-sheet formation in all 16 β-stranded peptides and provided monocyclic disulfide peptides within 7 h. In contrast, air oxidation required a significantly longer duration for completion under similar conditions, and only 8 of 16 peptides formed intramolecular disulfides. Rate accelerations at pH 8 were found in exo-disulfide formation involving peptides with amino terminal cysteine, irrespective of oxidation conditions. The exo-disulfide effect in accelerating disulfide formation may be useful for regiospecific disulfide formation. For α-helix peptides, the two-disulfide endothelin (ET) was used as a model. DMSO in combination with trifluoroethanol (TFE) was found to favor the desired bicyclic 1,4-disulfide bridged ET (1,4-ET) over the incorrectly folded 1,3-ET. Under aqueous conditions at pH 5–11, 1,4-ET to 1,3-ET was formed in the ratio of approximately 3:1, while the use of DMSO and TFE increased the ratio to 11:1. This solvent combination may stabilize an α-helical stretch found in ET and contribute to enhanced selectivity. Thus, our results show that DMSO in disulfide formation in an aqueous or helix-promoting solution may serve as an oxidant and a 'chaperon' solvent system to provide regiospecificity for oxidative disulfide formation.
Mind–Body Therapies in Integrative Oncology

There is growing interest in mind-body therapies as adjuncts to mainstream cancer treatment, and an increasing number of patients turn to these interventions for the control of emotional stress associated with cancer. Increased research funding has enabled many such interventions to be evaluated for their efficacy, including studies of mind-body interventions to reduce pain, anxiety, insomnia, anticipatory, and treatment-related nauseas, hot flashes, and improved mood. Mind-body treatments evaluated for their utility in oncology include relaxation therapies, biofeedback, meditation and hypnosis, yoga, art and music therapy, tai chi, and qigong. Although studies are not always methodologically sound and results mixed, a growing number of well-designed studies provide convincing evidence that mind-body techniques are beneficial adjuncts to cancer treatment. The evidence is sufficient to recommend further investigation and adoption of these techniques in mainstream oncology care.
The soft-sphere model for metals near the critical point

Abstract The soft-sphere model is convenient and accurate for predicting fluid phase thermodynamics. The validity of the model for describing the equation-of-state derivatives, Gruneisen's gamma and sound velocity, is shown.
D2-like dopamine receptors promote interactions between calcium and chloride channels that diminish rod synaptic transfer in the salamander retina

Activation of D 2 -like dopamine receptors in rods with quinpirole stimulates L-type calcium currents (I Ca ). This result appears inconsistent with studies showing that D 2 -like dopamine receptor activation diminishes rod signals in second-order retinal neurons. Since small reductions in [Cl - ] i can inhibit photoreceptor I Ca , we tested the hypothesis that enhancement of I Ca with the D 2 /D 4 receptor agonist, quinpirole, increases calcium-activated chloride currents (I Cl(Ca) ) causing an efflux of Cl - from rods that would provide a negative feedback inhibition of I Ca . In agreement with studies from Xenopus, quinpirole reduced rod input to second-order neurons of tiger salamander retina without significantly altering rod voltage responses. Quinpirole also diminished the amplitude of depolarization-evoked increases in [Ca 2+ ] i measured with Fura-2 in rods, a finding consistent with inhibition of.synaptic transmission from rods. Electrophysiological and Cl - -imaging experiments indicated E Cl in rods is ∼ -20 mV. Quinpirole enhanced I Cl(Ca) ) and elicited an efflux of Cl - at the resting potential. A similar Cl - efflux was produced by extracellular replacement of 24 mM Cl - with CH 3 SO - 4 and this low Cl - solution inhibited Ca 2+ responses to a similar degree as quinpirole did. When I Cl(Ca) was inhibited with niflumic acid, quinpirole enhanced both I Ca and depolarization-evoked increases in [Ca 2+ ] i . Furthermore, with niflumic acid, quinpirole no longer inhibited rod inputs into horizontal and bipolar cells. These results suggest an initial enhancement of I Ca by quinpirole is followed by a stimulation of Cl - currents, including I Cl(Ca) . The net result is a Cl - efflux that inhibits depolarization-evoked increases in [Ca 2+ ] i and synaptic transmission from rods.
Optically transparent RF-EO aperture with 20:1 bandwidth

We present a printed radio frequency (RF) aperture (with an extraordinary 20:1 bandwidth) using optically transparent conductor (OTC), conformally placed onto a perfectly conducting ground plane. Of importance is that the OTC enables vertical integration of electro-optical and RF. Multiple RF aperture layers can be used to achieve 1–300 GHz operation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26129
Bromobenzene-glutathione excretion into bile reflects toxic activation of bromobenzene in rats.

Abstract This investigation was designed to determine whether biliary excretion of bromobenzene(BB)-glutathione(GSH) conjugate can be used as an index of in vivo activation of BB. In order to test this hypothesis, the effect of chemicals known to alter the toxicity and biotransformation of BB (i.e., cytochrome P-450 inducers and inhibitors) on the biliary excretion of BB-GSH was studied in rats. BB-GSH was the major BB metabolite in bile. A linear relationship was observed between the dosage of BB administered and BB-GSH excreted into bile, up to a dosage of 250 μmol kg of BB. Of the inducers tested, phenobarbital, which is known to increase the toxicity of BB, dramatically increased (700%) the rate of biliary excretion of BB-GSH over that in control animals. In contrast, 3-methylcholanthrene, which is known to decrease the hepatotoxicity of BB, decreased the biliary excretion of BB-GSH (56%). Inhibitors of P-450, such as SKF 525-A and piperonyl butoxide which are known to decrease the activation and hepatotoxicity of BB, also decreased the biliary excretion of BB-GSH. These findings are in agreement with the hypothesis that the biliary excretion of BB-GSH reflects the formation of the reactive BB metabolite in liver and the rate of biliary excretion can be used to determine factors that are important in determining the toxicity of BB.
Dermatology Aboard the USNS COMFORT: Disaster Relief Operations in Haiti After the 2010 Earthquake

On the 12th of January 2010, Haiti was struck by a 7.0 Richter magnitude earthquake that devastated its already fragile capital region. Approximately 230,000 people died immediately or during ensuing weeks, mostly due to acute trauma. Countless others suffered significant life- or limb-threatening injuries. As a part of the United States' response to this tragedy, eventually named Operation Unified Response, the United States Navy deployed hundreds of physicians and other medical response individuals on a hospital ship. Operation Unified Response was a military joint task force operation augmented by governmental and nongovernmental organizations. Its mission was to bring medical and logistical support to the region.
The atmospheric deposition of arsenic and association with acid precipitation

Measurements of As concentration and speciation in acid precipitation events were conducted at the mid-Atlantic coast of the U.S for the period June 1985–October 1986. Only inorganic As was detected, in concentrations ranging from <0.01 to 14.95 nmole l−1, with an annual volume-weighted mean of 1.30 nmole l−1. The total As concentration exhibited a positive correlation with acidity, excess (non-sea-salt) sulfate, and nitrate, suggesting common atmospheric sources and fates from fossil fuel combustion. Contributions of As from marine sources appear to be minor. Reduced As (III) was found to comprise between 0 and 40 % of the total in selected events; the As(III)/(V) ratio may be indicative of the redox intensity (pE) and/or source of the associated storm system. Based on concurrent bulk (wet plus dry) collections, the total As deposition rate varied from 42.7 to 296 nmole m−2mo−1, with dry deposition estimated to comprise between 29 and 55 % of the total.
Identity of human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor with glycoprotein SA-7: evidence for differential phosphorylation of the two components of the EGF receptor from A431 cells

A 165-kilodalton (kDal) surface glycoprotein encoded by human chromosome 7 (SA-7) had been characterized by using antisera raised against human chromosome 7-containing somatic cell hybrids. We now present evidence that SA-7 is the human receptor for epidermal growth factor (EGF) and that these antisera recognize human-specific determinants. The gene coding for the human EGF receptor is localized to the p12 to p22 region of chromosome 7. We have characterized the 145-kDal/165-kDal EGF receptor doublet of A431 cells after immunoprecipitation of radiolabeled cell extracts with these antisera. We find that a protein with endogenous kinase activity copurifies with the A431 receptor doublet and that both components of the doublet contain phosphotyrosine and phosphothreonine and the 165-kDal component contains phosphoserine as well. Further, although each component of the receptor doublet has an average pI of 7, both display charge heterogeneity and appear to have unique charge isomers. The relationship between the two components of the A431 EGF receptor is discussed.
Integrating Energy Storage in Electricity Distribution Networks

Electricity generation combined with its transmission and distribution form the majority of an electric utility's recurring operating costs. These costs are determined, not only by the aggregate energy generated, but also by the maximum instantaneous peak power demand required over time. Prior work proposes using energy storage devices to reduce these costs by periodically releasing energy to lower the electric grid's peak demand. However, prior work generally considers only a single storage technology employed at a single level of the electric grid's hierarchy. In this paper, we examine the efficacy of employing different combinations of storage technologies at different levels of the grid's distribution hierarchy. We present an optimization framework for modeling the primary characteristics that dictate the lifetime cost of many prominent energy storage technologies. Our framework captures the important tradeoffs in placing different technologies at different levels of the distribution hierarchy with the goal of minimizing a utility's operating costs. We evaluate our framework using real smart meter data from 5000 customers of a local electric utility. We show that by employing hybrid storage technologies at multiple levels of the distribution hierarchy, utilities can reduce their daily operating costs due to distributing electricity by up to 12%.
Theory of hydrogen passivation of shallow-level dopants in crystalline silicon.

Les structures stables, les modes de vibration et les mecanismes de passivation par des interstitiels d'hydrogene atomique dans le silicium dope au bore et au phosphore sont determines par une methode de pseudopotentiel ab initio. Les energies de formation calculees pour les complexes passives H-B et H-P sont respectivement 2,5 et 2,0 eV et sont comparees a l'energie de liaison par atome d'hydrogene (1,9 eV) dans une molecule interstitielle H 2 . Une passivation prononcee par l'hydrogene des centres accepteurs peu profonds est notee
Urologic manifestations of Erdheim-Chester disease.

Objective To describe the urologic manifestations of Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD). ECD is a rare multisystem disorder of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. In addition to classic long bone involvement, the retroperitoneum is a well-established site of disease infiltration. Herein, we present the urologic manifestations and outcomes of ECD in a large series of patients. Methods We identified 47 patients diagnosed with ECD between 1996 and 2012 at our institution. The medical records and imaging for these patients were reviewed for urologic involvement, including perirenal soft tissue encasement, renal atrophy, hydronephrosis, chronic renal insufficiency, diabetes insipidus, and lower urinary tract symptoms. Results At diagnosis, the median patient age was 57 years (interquartile range 49, 68), and median follow-up after diagnosis was 3 years (interquartile range 1.8, 7.3). There were 31 male patients (66%) and 16 female patients (34%). The majority of these patients (37, 79%) demonstrated evidence of urologic involvement from ECD, requiring urologic surgery in 13 (28%). This urologic involvement included retroperitoneal infiltration (28, 60%), worsening lower tract urinary symptoms from diabetes insipidus (21, 45%), hydronephrosis (10, 21%), and chronic kidney disease (18, 38%). Conclusion The incidence of urologic involvement with ECD is higher than previously reported in the published data. Urologists should be aware of this disorder, as it might mimic other retroperitoneal diseases and might contribute to lower urinary tract symptoms, hydronephrosis, renal atrophy, and chronic kidney disease.
Effectiveness of relaxation training in reducing adverse reactions to cancer chemotherapy

Cancer patients who had developed negative conditioned responses to their chemotherapy either did (relaxation training) or did not (no relaxation training) receive progressive muscle relaxation training and guided relaxation imagery instructions immediately before and during their chemotherapy treatments. Physiological (blood pressure and pulse rate) measures of arousal, frequency of vomiting, and patient-reported and nurse-reported indices of negative affect and nausea were collected during pretraining, training and posttraining chemotherapy sessions. Results indicated that during both the training and the posttraining sessions, patients in the relaxation training condition reported feeling less emotionally distressed and nauseated, and showed less physiological arousal following the chemotherapy infusion, than patients in the no relaxation training condition. The attending nurses' observations confirmed the patients' self-reports. No differences were found in frequency of vomiting between conditions. These data clearly suggest that the use of relaxation procedures may be an effective means of reducing several of the adverse side effects of cancer chemotherapy.
Tree-Ring Reconstructed Rainfall Over the Southeastern U.S.A. During the Medieval Warm Period and Little Ice Age

A 1053-year reconstruction of spring rainfall (March-June) was developed for the southeastern United States, based on three tree-ring reconstructions of statewide rainfall from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. This regional reconstruction is highly correlated with the instrumental record of spring rainfall (r = +0.80; 1887–1982), and accurately reproduces the decade-scale departures in spring rainfall amount and variance witnessed over the Southeast during the past century. No large-magnitude centuries-long trends in spring rainfall amounts were reconstructed over the past 1053 years, but large changes in the interannual variability of spring rainfall were reconstructed during portions of the Medieval Warm Period (MWP), Little Ice Age (LIA), and the 20th century. Dry conditions persisted at the end of the 12th century, but appear to have been exceeded by a reconstructed drought in the mid-18th century. High interannual variability, including five extremely wet years were reconstructed for a 20-yr period during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, and may reflect amplified atmospheric circulation over eastern North America during what appears to have been one of the most widespread cold episodes of the Little Ice Age.
Irreplaceable Mortality: Is It?

Peterson et al. (2009) presented an analysis of mortality rates of herbivorous insects using published life tables. For each mortality factor in each life table, they estimated the marginal attack rate (hereinafter, “marginal mortality rate”), i.e., the mortality rate expected in the absence of contemporaneous mortality factors assuming independence of occurrence and making some assumption concerning the outcome of their joint occurrence. Using these marginal mortalities, they calculated rates of irreplaceable mortality (“indispensable mortality”, Southwood 1978), i.e., the decrease in total mortality when a given mortality factor or group of factors is excluded from the life table. They compared irreplaceable mortalities for six categories of factors and found that irreplaceable mortality because of non-natural enemies (primarily abiotic factors) was significantly higher than that because of natural enemies. Characterizing irreplaceable mortality because of natural enemies as “very low”, they concluded that natural enemies typically have little impact on insect populations at temperate latitudes and in agricultural systems. They suggested that the impact of natural enemies may be higher in ecosystems with higher stability. They also presented an example based on Kuhar et al. (2002) of using irreplaceable mortality to assess the value of biological control agents. Unfortunately, problems with estimation and application of irreplaceable mortality weaken or invalidate their conclusions. It is important to consider proper usage of irreplaceable mortality because its misuse can result in misleading generalizations concerning insect ecology and in poor pest management decisions. ### Irreplaceable Mortality: Suitable Measure of the Effect of Mortality Factors on Population Growth Rate? Peterson et al. (2009) used irreplaceable mortality as a measure of the effect of mortality factors on population growth rate in comparisons among life tables. However, as pointed out by Bellows and Van Driesche (1999) and discussed in this section, irreplaceable mortality is generally inappropriate for such comparisons. For discrete generations, population growth rate is measured as the net multiplication rate per generation ( R …
Volatile cues used by the parasitoid, Aphytis melinus, for host location: California red scale revisited

Aphytis melinus DeBach (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is a biological control agent of diaspidid scale insects. The parasitoid has a narrow host range but its hosts are polyphagous. We determined the source of volatile cues the wasp uses to locate its few host species when those hosts occur on more than one host plant species. We addressed four questions in regard to the use of volatile cues in host location of California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Homoptera: Diaspididae): (1) Does A. melinus use volatile cues to assist in host location? (2) Are these cues innately recognized or learned? (3) Are cues produced by female California red scale, or from other sources? (4) Are the cues specific to the host or host plant? These questions were tested through the use of a Y-tube olfactometer. Female A. melinus used volatile cues to orient toward both infested and uninfested host plant material. Wasps learned these cues by associating odors from the host plant with host presence. They had no innate preferences for scale insect or host plant volatile stimuli. Contrary to previous studies, we found no evidence of orientation toward the female-produced sex pheromone of California red scale, nor to volatile cues from the attacked host stage. Wasps given experience with scale insects growing on lemon fruit subsequently oriented toward lemon and orange fruit and leaves. The scale species with which the wasp was given experience did not affect this preference. Wasps given experience with California red scale growing on squash did not orient toward infested lemon fruit, The host ranges of the parasitoid and its hosts are used to explain the adaptive value for the evolution of learned rather than fixed responses to cues used in foraging behavior.
Academic Achievement Declines Under Pass-Fail Grading.

College students voluntarily took all their courses or one course on a pass-fail basis. The mean grade point average (GPA) before conversion to pass-fail for freshmen taking all their courses on a pass-fail basis was 1.67 (C-), which is significantly lower than the 2.26 (C+) for controls who wanted but were denied pass-fail grading. Even after returning to conventional grading the former pass-fail students continued to get significantly lower grades than controls. Juniors taking one course on a pass-fail basis received significantly lower grades, before conversion, in their pass-fail course (mean 2.07) than did controls who wanted but were denied pass-fail grading (mean 2.40). There was no compensatory improvement in the grades received in non-pass-fail courses.
Star formation In Bright-Rimmed Clouds: a comparison of wind-driven triggering with millimeter observations

Bright-rimmed clouds (BRCs) are logical laboratories in which to study triggered star formation, however it is difficult in any single cloud to definitively show that star formation was triggered. In this study we compare the hydrodynamic models produced by Vanhala & Cameron (1998) that treat the problems of star-formation triggered by wind-driven implosion to millimeter and submillimeter molecular line observations of BRCs with embedded IRAS sources. These latter sources are derived from a catalog by Sugitani, Fukui, & Ogura (1991) In order to make an accurate comparison we implement a radiative transfer model based on the Sobolev or LVG approximation, and generate molecular line maps which can be directly compared to our observations. We observed several millimeter and submillimeter transitions of CO, C 18O, HCO+, and H13CO+ using the FCRAO, SMT, CSO, and SMA observatories (De Vries, Narayanan, & Snell 2002). We compare these observations with 3 hydrodynamic models of wind-driven shock fronts interacting with pre-existing, but unbound cloud cores. In two cases these model cores are triggered to collapse under the influence of the external wind.
The Na2 41Σg+ ∼ 23Πg ∼ 13Δg triple perturbation: Deperturbation of the (vΣ, vΠ, vΔ) = (6, 2, 7) and (7, 3, 8) interactions

Two examples of the 41Σg+ ∼ 23Πg ∼ 13Δg triple perturbation were observed by cw dye laser optical-optical double resonance spectroscopy via the A1Σu+ v′ = 5 intermediate state. The (vΣ, vΠ, vΔ) = (6, 2, 7) and (7, 3, 8) perturbation complexes were deperturbed, yielding the following molecular constants: T2 (23Πg) = 29027.102 (10) cm−1 , ΔG52 (23Πg) = 92.206 (10) cm−1 , A (23Πg) = 4.06 (1) cm−1 , B2 (23Πg) = 0.073740 (16) cm−1 , T7 (13Δg) = 28979.385 (15) cm−1 , ΔG152 (13Δg) = 122.450 (25) cm−1 , B7 (13Δg) = 0.117243 (20) cm−1 , T6 (41∑+g) = 29010.357 (31) cm−1 , ΔG132(41∑+g) = 101.096 (44) cm−1 , B6 (41∑+g) = 0.087626 (19)cm−1 and perturbation parameters: ζ(41∑+g ∼ 23Πg〈 υ∑ | υπ〉 = 1.459 (16) cm− 1 at Rc = 4.64 A: , α(23∑+g ∼ 13Πg〈 υπ | υδ〉 = 0.16 (7) cm− 1 at Rc = 4.12 A: , β(2(3Πg ∼ 13 Δg)lang;υπ | B (R) | υ δ〉 = 0.648 (20) A: In addition, the hyperfine structure of the 23Πgv = 2 level was sampled for all three Ω-components and many J-values. The hyperfine structure of the case aβ23Πg state is very similar to that in the b3Πu state and, like all singly excited triplet states of Na2, is dominated by the Fermi contact contribution from the singly occupied σg(3s) valence orbital.
[Maternal eating disorders and their influence on eating behavior of the children: a review of the literature].

Antecedentes: Existe concluyente evidencia de la influencia de madres con trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) en sus hijas (os). Objetivo: Analizar descriptivamente los diversos aspectos de madres con historia de TCA y sus implicancias en la nutricion, crecimiento y desarrollo de sus hijas (os). Metodo: Se efectuo una revision de la literatura disponible en PubMed y textos de consulta especializados. Resultados: Las madres con TCA previo o actual muestran patrones alimentarios restrictivos, un vinculo afectivo deficitario con sus propias madres, exhiben mas comorbilidades psiquiatricas, principalmente depresion y ansiedad; ademas sentimientos de culpa y verguenza, cese precoz de la lactancia, elevado control del consumo de alimentos de sus hijas (os) y/o presion para comer, horarios irregulares de comidas, dieta desequilibrada y monotona, preferencia por la delgadez y actitud critica sobre la silueta corporal de sus hijas (os). La lactancia representa un periodo critico para la irrupcion o recaida de un TCA por la adaptacion que implican los cambios caracteristicos de su figura corporal durante el embarazo. Conclusiones: Existe una particular relacion entre la presencia de un TCA materno y su ocurrencia en hijas (os), considerandose un factor de riesgo para su desarrollo.
The evolving role of aromatase inhibitors in the treatment of early-stage breast cancer.

Substantial progress has been made using aromatase inhibitors in early-stage breast cancer. This article highlights results from recent and ongoing trials of aromatase inhibitors as adjuvant therapy and discusses options for integration of these agents with tamoxifen in various subsets of patients and clinical scenarios.
The Dynamics of Global Dominance: European Overseas Empires, 1415–1980. By David B. Abernethy. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2001. 536p. $35.00.

In The Dynamics of Global Dominance David Abernethy advances four main propositions concerning the rise and demise of European overseas empires over the last half-millennium. The first proposition is that the unprecedented and unparalleled success of European states in building overseas empires in the two long phases of expansion (dated with questionable precision from 1415 to 1773 and from 1824 to 1913) was due primarily to the cumulative, synergistic effects of the extended geographical reach, functional specialization, and ability to work in mutually reinforcing ways of European governmental, business, and religious institutions. In each sphere Europeans faced highly effective non-European competitors. But no such competitor could match the European combination of mutually reinforcing advances in all three spheres. This combination was critical in sustaining not just expansion but also colonial consolidation.