cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fast Calculations of Electrostatic Solvation Free Energy from Reconstructed Solvent Density Using Proximal Radial Distribution Functions

Although detailed atomic models may be applied for a full description of solvation, simpler phenomenological models are particularly useful to interpret the results for scanning many large, complex systems, where a full atomic model is too computationally expensive to use. Among the most costly are solvation free-energy evaluations by simulation. Here we develop a fast way to calculate electrostatic solvation free energy while retaining much of the accuracy of explicit solvent free-energy simulation. The basis of our method is to treat the solvent not as a structureless dielectric continuum but as a structured medium by making use of universal proximal radial distribution functions. Using a deca-alanine peptide as a test case, we compare the use of our theory with free-energy simulations and traditional continuum estimates of the electrostatic solvation free energy.
Case study of urban interactions with a synoptic scale cold front

A two-day test period (10–11 March 1966) during which a slow moving synoptic cold front passed over New York City has been analyzed. As the front passed over the city it was destroyed near the surface by the urban roughness effect. The upper segment of the front passed over the city and rejoined the rest of the front downwind of the city. Evidence for the above phenomenon was seen in both the pibal wind and helicopter (temperature and SO2) soundings.
Simplified complex digital sampling demodulator

The process of digital complex sampling can be used to demodulate an IF signal into its baseband quadrature components. Efforts to employ digital complex sampling to generate the I and Q inputs to a digital frequency discriminator resulted in a system whose output contained significant AM sidebands. One of the two pairs of sidebands was caused by a sampling offset introduced by the digital complex sampling technique. The other was produced by the DC content of the input signal. This letter describes the effect of these two problems and presents a solution along with experimental results.
Arabidopsis Thaliana: A Model System for Plant Molecular Biology

Arabidopsis thaliana is a small member of the mustard family, botanical information on which dates back to the 16th century. It has many advantages as a model system for plant molecular genetics, such as a short life cycle, small size, small genome size, and well developed classical genetics. Arabidopsis thus provides an alternative system to the commonly used crop plants for studies in the molecular genetics of plant physiology and development.
The evolving role of animal laboratories in physiology instruction

Laboratory exercises are intended to illustrate concepts and add an active learning component to courses. Since the 1980s, there has been a decline in animal laboratories offered in conjunction with medical physiology courses. The most important single reason for this is cost, but other contributing factors include the development of computer simulations, changes in medical education, and pressure from antivivisectionists. Unfortunately, the elimination of animal laboratories has occurred with relatively little consideration of the educational impact of this change. Although computer simulations are considered effective in helping students acquire basic physiological concepts, there is evidence some students acquire a more thorough understanding of the material through the more advanced and challenging experience of an animal laboratory. The fact that such laboratories offer distinct educational advantages should be taken into account when courses are designed.
A Change in Legal Status: An Overlooked Dimension in the Transition to Higher Education:

The transition from high school to college entails a change in legal status for individuals with learning disabilities. As students leave high school and the dominion of P.L. 94-142, they enter a setting structured by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. How does this change in legal status affect student rights and responsibilities? Do students with learning disabilities need specific skills to facilitate their legal transition into higher education? Is current transition programming addressing To investigate these questions, basic provisions of P.L. 94-142 and Section 504 were reviewed. Implications of the change in legal status were discussed, and existing transition programs were examined. Guidelines are proposed for incorporating legal transition skills in future transition programming.
Ibuprofen restores cellular immunity and decreases susceptibility to sepsis following hemorrhage.

Abstract Although hemorrhage depresses splenocyte (SPL) functions and increases susceptibility to sepsis, it is not known whether increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or prostaglandin (PG) production are responsible for it. To study this, mice (C3H/HeN) were bled to a mean blood pressure of 35 mm Hg, maintained at that pressure for 60 min, resuscitated, and treated with ibuprofen (1.0 mg/kg body weight) or vehicle (saline). Hemorrhage reduced (P
Effect of hypophysectomy and adrenalectomy in nucleoside-induced nephrosis in the rat.

SummaryNephrosis was induced in immature rats by subcutaneous administration of aminonucleoside. Subjects were divided in 3 groups: I, hypophysectomized, II, intact and III, adrenalectomized. All 3 groups developed proteinuria and ascites. Examination of stained sections, however, showed that kidneys of intact rats had undergone marked deterioration. Pathological changes were less marked in the adrenalectomized group, and absent in the hypophysectomized group.
Halfspace learning, linear programming, and nonmalicious distributions

We study the application of a linear programming algorithm due to Vaidya tothe problem of learning halfspaces in Baum's nonmalicious distribution model. We prove that, in n dimensions, this algorithm learns up to e accuracy with probability 1−e in O((n2/e) log2(n/e)+n3.38 log(n/e)) time. For many combinations of the parameters, this compares favorably with the best known bound for the perceptron algorithm, which is O(n2/e5).
Activation of membrane cholesterol by displacement from phospholipids.

Abstract We tested the hypothesis that certain membrane-intercalating agents increase the chemical activity of cholesterol by displacing it from its low activity association with phospholipids. Octanol, 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (a diglyceride), and N-hexanoyl-d-erythrosphingosine (a ceramide) were shown to increase both the rate of transfer and the extent of equilibrium partition of human red blood cell cholesterol to methyl-β-cyclodextrin. These agents also promoted the interaction of the sterol with two cholesterol-specific probes, cholesterol oxidase and saponin. Expanding the pool of bilayer phospholipids with lysophosphatides countered these effects. The three intercalators also protected the red cells against lysis by cholesterol depletion as if substituting for the extracted sterol. As is the case for excess plasma membrane cholesterol, treating human fibroblasts with octanol, diglyceride, or ceramide stimulated the rapid inactivation of their hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase, presumably through an increase in the pool of endoplasmic reticulum cholesterol. These data supported the stated hypothesis and point to competition between cholesterol and endogenous and exogenous intercalators for association with membrane phospholipids. We also describe simple screens using red cells in a microtiter well format to identify intercalating agents that increase or decrease the activity of membrane cholesterol.
Strain path dependence of texture development in aluminum

Abstract Polycrystals of aluminum, initially cubic in shape, were deformed in various sequences of free or plane-strain compression increments to three different final shapes: one corresponding to compression, one to tension, and one to no net shape change. The orientation distributions were determined both initially and after the various strain paths. All of the samples exhibited significant changes in texture, in accordance with the total symmetry of each test. The final textures were in quantitative agreement with the results of computer simulations of polycrystal plasticity. The Taylor factors determined by this calculation were used to convert the measured stress-strain curves to crystallographic shear stress vs shear curves; this improved the comparison with experimental stress-strain curves, but the strain hardening in some tests involving path changes remained below that of unidirectional compression. The difference may be attributed to instabilities in the dislocation structure upon a path change.
Nanowire‐Based Electrochemical Biosensors

We review recent advances in biosensors based on one-dimensional (1-D) nanostructure field-effect transistors (FET). Specifically, we address the fabrication, functionalization, assembly/alignment and sensing applications of FET based on carbon nanotubes, silicon nanowires and conducting polymer nanowires. The advantages and disadvantages of various fabrication, functionalization, and assembling procedures of these nanosensors are reviewed and discussed. We evaluate how they have been used for detection of various biological molecules and how such devices have enabled the achievement of high sensitivity and selectivity with low detection limits. Finally, we conclude by highlighting some of the challenges researchers face in the 1-D nanostructures research arena and also predict the direction toward which future research in this area might be directed.
How to develop Proof‐Theoretic Ordinal Functions on the basis of admissible ordinals

In ordinal analysis of impredicative theories so-called collapsing functions are of central importance. Unfortunately, the definition procedure of these functions makes essential use of uncountable cardinals whereas the notation system that they call into being corresponds to a recursive ordinal. It has long been claimed that, instead, one should manage to develop such functions directly on the basis of admissible ordinals. This paper is meant to show how this can be done. Interpreting the collapsing functions as operating directly on admissible sets also renders a new and perspicuous approach to well-ordering proofs possible. MSC: 03F15, 03F35.
Precision orbit determination at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

This paper describes the GEODYN computer program developed by the Geodynamics Branch at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and outlines the procedure for accurate satellite orbit and tracking-data analyses. The capabilities of the program allow the development of gravity fields as large as 90 by 90, and a complete modeling of tidal parameters. It is also feasible to numerically integrate a continuous orbit of a satellite such as Lageos for up to 12 years. The evolution of the orbit can be studied, and, by comparison with locally determined orbits, force model improvements can be made. The GEODYN flow diagrams are presented.
Distributed Kalman filtering and Network Tracking Capacity

We propose and study a new distributed Kalman filter algorithm that can track unstable dynamics with bounded mean-squared error (MSE). The Network Tracking Capacity (NTC) of this algorithm depends only on the diffusion rate of the network and is independent of the local observation patterns, only requiring global observability. We analyze and compare the NTC for different network models.
Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis as a cause for hypertension in an adolescent patient.

Background Atherosclerosis causing renal artery stenosis (RAS) is one of the most common secondary causes of hypertension in adults, but is rare in children.
A sentence completion test assessing safety and esteem motives.

Summary This study was concerned with establishing the construct validity of a sentence completion test to assess safety and esteem motives, as characterized by Maslow (1970). A large number of students were given the test and 36 safety-oriented and 36 esteem-oriented Ss were selected and given the manifest anxiety (At), dominance (Do) and dependency (Dy) subscales from the MMPI. As predicted, the results indicated that safety-oriented Ss were significantly higher on manifest anxiety and dependency and lower on dominance than esteem-oriented Ss. Considerations of construct validity in the use of the test were discussed.
Enforcement at the EPA: High Stakes and Hard Choices

The history and assessment of the Environmental Protection Agency's role as America's environmental watchdog, providing a candid inside glimpse of a crucial aspect of the work of an important federal agency. Based on 190 personal interviews with present and former officials, it recounts the history of EPA's enforcement program.
Engaging a state that resists sanctions pressure: : US Policy toward China, 1992-1994

Why did President Bill Clinton, while having linked human rights to China�s most-favoured-nation (MFN) status in 1993, delink the two issues in 1994, despite the fact that China had not improved its human rights record? This article explains Clinton�s linkage-delinkage policy reversal in terms of �strategic co-constitution�. After Tiananmen, Washington was concerned about China�s human rights abuses, arms proliferation and unfair trade practices. During 1992-3, Clinton initiated a �strategic social construction� process that translated human rights into the linkage policy. Clinton stressed that a humane, democratic China would neither proliferate weapons nor engage in unfair trade practices. In 1994, however, a pro-MFN coalition persuaded Clinton that open trade could better advance US security, economic and human rights interests in China. Framing their rhetoric in ways that resonated with the exiting US concerns over China, pro-MFN actors led a strategic social construction process that redefined Clinton�s China policy toward engagement.
Methodology for the Design of Streamline-Traced External-Compression Supersonic Inlets

A design methodology based on streamline-tracing is discussed for the design of external-compression, supersonic inlets for flight below Mach 2.0. The methodology establishes a supersonic compression surface and capture cross-section by tracing streamlines through an axisymmetric Busemann flowfield. The compression system of shock and Mach waves is altered through modifications to the leading edge and shoulder of the compression surface. An external terminal shock is established to create subsonic flow which is diffused in the subsonic diffuser. The design methodology was implemented into the SUPIN inlet design tool. SUPIN uses specified design factors to design the inlets and computes the inlet performance, which includes the flow rates, total pressure recovery, and wave drag. A design study was conducted using SUPIN and the Wind-US computational fluid dynamics code to design and analyze the properties of two streamline-traced, external-compression (STEX) supersonic inlets for Mach 1.6 freestream conditions. The STEX inlets were compared to axisymmetric pitot, two-dimensional, and axisymmetric spike inlets. The STEX inlets had slightly lower total pressure recovery and higher levels of total pressure distortion than the axisymmetric spike inlet. The cowl wave drag coefficients of the STEX inlets were 20% of those for the axisymmetric spike inlet. The STEX inlets had external sound pressures that were 37% of those of the axisymmetric spike inlet, which may result in lower adverse sonic boom characteristics. The flexibility of the shape of the capture cross-section may result in benefits for the integration of STEX inlets with aircraft.
EFFECTS OF SETTING EVENTS ON THE PROBLEM BEHAVIOR OF STUDENTS WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES

Two studies analyzed the effects of preceding setting events on the problem behavior of students with severe disabilities. Using ABAB withdrawal designs, the occurrence versus nonoccurrence of preceding setting events was analyzed in relation to the frequency of problem behavior. Data were collected throughout a student's school day, with interventions focusing upon the elimination of setting events that occurred before school. The results indicate that (a) the occurrence of preceding setting events was related to higher frequencies of problem behavior and (b) interventions designed to eliminate preceding setting events were consistently associated with low frequencies of problem behavior.
Crystal populations in human synovial fluid. Identification of Apatite, Octacalcium Phosphate, and Tricalcium Phosphate

Defatted joint fluid pellets from 4 patients with the "Milwaukee shoulder" syndrome, an aspirate of milky fluid from subcutaneous tissue of a girl with dermatomyositis/calcinosis, and 2 rabbit synovial membranes calcified by calciphylaxis were studied by Fourier transform infrared analysis. This method permits sequential electronic subtraction ("stripping") of known patterns of highly characterized reference compounds from an unknown sample pattern. Collagen and hydroxyapatite, with carbonate partially (1-3%) substituted for phosphate, and to a lesser extent hydroxyl, were found in all samples. Octacalcium phosphate (OCP) was found in all samples except that from a patient with synovial chondromatosis which contained tricalcium phosphate (TCP). Sulfate was found in 2 of the shoulder joint fluid specimens. An unidentified organic phase was present in all samples. This study confirms recent observations by others that pathologic calcifications contain several mineral phases. These data raise the possibility that hydroxyapatite nucleation may be controlled by hydrolytic alteration of precursor calcium phosphate phases such as OCP or TCP. Studies of the biologic effects of synthetic calcium phosphate crystals must take into account the existence of several crystalline phases in natural pathologic calcifications.
Fuel cells and load transients

Fuel cells are static energy conversion devices that convert the chemical energy of fuel into electrical energy directly. Compared with conventional power generation systems, they have many advantages, such as high efficiency, zero or low emission (of pollutant gases), and flexible modular structure. Fuel cells are expected to play an important role in future distributed generation (DG) applications. Fuel cell DGs (FCDGs) can either be connected to a utility grid for network reinforcement or installed in a remote area to supply stand-alone power. In this article, a load transient mitigation controller is described for hybrid PEMFC-battery power generation systems. The hybrid FCDG is controlled in a way that during a load transient, the fuel cell provides the steady-state part of the load, and the battery will supply the transient part of the load. The proposed technique can be especially useful in fuel cell vehicles (motor starting and accelerating) as well as in stationary applications, where load transients are unavoidable. The load transient mitigation controller is applicable to other types of FCDGs
The effect of nonuniform targets on cross sections obtained in neutron transmission experiments

Abstract Errors in cross sections due to sample nonuniformities in transmission experiments are discussed. Resulting errors for some specific types of nonuniformities with various degrees of nonuniformity, and for various ratios between neutron beam diameter and sample diameter are presented.
Removal of perennial ryegrass from overseeded bermudagrass using cultural methods

Turfgrass managers in the southeastern United States often overseed 'Tifway' bermudagrass [Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt-Davey x C. dactylon (L.) Pers.] with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) to provide a dense green turf during winter months. Although overseeding provides benefits, the spring transition from perennial ryegrass to bermudagrass can be troublesome and inconsistent. Perennial ryegrass may survive longer into the spring than is desired due to cool, wet conditions. The following experiment evaluated cultural methods for removal of perennial ryegrass from overseeded bermudagrass in the spring and early summer. The experiment was conducted at the North Carolina State University Turfgrass Field Center in Raleigh in the 1995 to 1996 and 1996 to 1997 growing seasons. Monocultures of Gator' and Derby Supreme' perennial ryegrass were overseeded into an established Tifway bermudagrass turf managed at golf course fairway conditions. It was hypothesized that various cultural treatments in the spring and summer could promote bermudagrass and/ or discourage perennial ryegrass, and that the perennial ryegrass transition would differ depending on heat tolerance of the selected overseeding monocultures. The cultural treatments were biweekly vertical mowing, scalping, core cultivation, and vertical mowing/scalping, or two application timings of NH 4 NO 3 . Chemical removal of perennial ryegrass using pronamide [3,5-dichloro-N-(1,1'-dimethyl-2-propynyl)-benzamide] was included as a check treatment because it is commonly used to promote transition. Bermudagrass shoot density was consistently higher in nonoverseeded plots, illustrating perennial ryegrass competition. Cultural treatments affected perennial ryegrass cover during the spring and early summer but did not hasten its ultimate disappearance. Early or late applied NH 4 NO 3 enhanced bermudagrass shoot density in both years. In contrast, plots receiving core cultivation had lower bermudagrass shoot density at the end of the transition period than the nontreated plots. Pronamide did hasten transition through 7 and 13 wk after initial treatment for 1996 and 1997, respectively. Regression analysis between natural perennial ryegrass disappearance over both years and air temperature or relative humidity indicates a significant association. This implies that cultural treatments alone may not consistently enhance natural transition of perennial ryegrass to bermudagrass.
Ozone photolysis: determination of the O(3P) quantum yield at 266 nm

Direct production of O(3P) from the photodissociation of O3 at 266 nm has been observed by time-resolved resonance fluorescence following laser flash photolysis. The quantum yield for O(3P) production was determined to be 0.12 + or - 0.02 at this wavelength. This result confirms the qualitative observations of two previous photofragment studies and establishes an absolute value of the quantum yield for O(1D) production of 0.88. This value has been used as a basis for normalizing relative quantum yields in the fall-off region, and interpreting O(1D) kinetics studies.
Ammonia toxicity for mammalian and avian lymphocytes from blood

The effect of addition of ammonia to cultures of avian, bovine, cavian, equine, human, leporinae, murine, ovine and porcine blood lymphocytes was studied. The concentrations of ammonia in the lymphocyte cultures represented normal (0.01-0.5 mg/dl), subtoxic (0.5-1 mg/dl), and toxic (1-10 mg/dl) concentrations of ammonia in blood. Viability of the lymphocytes and their mitogenic reactivity were measured. In general, 1.0 and 10 mg/dl of ammonia (toxic concentrations) affected viability and mitogenic responsiveness of all lymphocytes from tested species. The lower concentrations of ammonia affected only avian, bovine and equine lymphocytes.
Openness to Experience and Mortality in Men Analysis of Trait and Facets

Objectives: We examined whether specific facets are more robust predictors of mortality risk than overall trait openness in a sample of older men. Methods: The current investigation used data from ...
Acute neurite retraction elicited by diverse agents is prevented by genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

: The retraction of axonal branches is a prominent feature of nervous system development and function. Although various biological and pathological signals can elicit retraction, little is known regarding their underlying mode of action. An in vitro assay using NG108–15 cells was used to demonstrate that rapid-onset neurites exposed acutely to trypsin, serum, lysophosphatidic acid, extracellular ATP, the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, and nocodazole were all protected from retraction by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. This finding indicates that a common (genistein-sensitive) cellular event is involved in integrating the influence of multiple extrinsic and intrinsic signals and in regulating whether or not neurites will execute a retraction response.
Human Interactions On-orbit

Anecdotal reports from space and studies from space analogue missions on Earth have suggested four areas of importance that have relevance for human interactions during on-orbit missions: time effects, displacement, leadership roles, and cultural issues (both national and organizational). In a communications questionnaire survey given to astronauts and cosmonauts who had flown in space, it was found that fluency in a common language during the mission was also important, and a number of factors that improved or hindered intra-crew and crew-ground communication were revealed. Following a pilot study of human interactions during the HUman BEhaviour Study (HUBES), my colleagues and I conducted two major studies involving on-orbit missions to the Russian Mir and International Space Stations. We did not find evidence supporting time effects (in particular during the second half or the third quarter of the missions), but we did find evidence for the displacement of crew tension and unpleasant emotions to the ground and support for the importance of task and support leadership roles for group cohesion. We also found cultural differences in work pressure and tension that may have been related to national and/or organizational factors. In a separate study, we found that space is a positive experience for astronauts and cosmonauts, especially with respect to gaining an appreciation for the Earth and its beauty. These studies suggest a number of countermeasures that can be employed during future space mission in terms of crew selection, pre-launch training, mission monitoring and support, and post-return readaptation.
The neuroecology of the elasmobranch electrosensory world: why peripheral morphology shapes behavior

The adaptations of elasmobranch sensory systems can be studied by linking the morphological structure with the natural behavior and ecology of the organism. This paper presents the first step in a ‘neuroecological’ approach to interpret the spatial arrangement of the electrosensory ampullary organs in elasmobranch fishes. A brief review of the structure and function of the ampullae of Lorenzini is provided for interpretation of the organ system morphology in relation to the detection of dipole and uniform electric fields. The spatial projections of canals from discrete ampullary clusters were determined for the barndoor skate, Raja laevis, based upon a published figure in Raschi (1986), and measured directly from the head of the white shark, Carcharodon carcharias. The dorsoventrally flattened body of the skate restricts the projections of long canals to the horizontal plane. There is a distinct difference between dorsal and ventral projection patterns in all groups. Notable within-cluster features include a relatively long canal subgroup in the dorsal superficial ophthalmic (SOd) and dorsal hyoid (HYOd) clusters that are oriented parallel (bidirectionally) to the longitudinal axis of the body. It is postulated that this subgroup of canals may be important for detection and orientation to weak uniform fields. Ventral canal projections in the skate are primarily lateral, with the exception of the hyoid (HYOv) that also projects medially. This wide dispersion may function for the detection of prey located below the body and pectoral fins of the skate, and may also be used for orientation behavior. The mandibular canals located near the margin of the lower jaw (of both study species) are ideally positioned for use during prey manipulation or capture, and possibly for interspecific courtship or biting. The head of the white shark, which lacks the hyoid clusters, is ovoid in cross section and thus ampullary canals can project into three-dimensional space. The SOd and superficial ophthalmic ventral (SOv) clusters show strong rostral, dorsal and lateral projection components, whereas the SOv also detects rostral fields under the snout. In the sagittal plane, the SOv and SOd have robust dorsal projections as well as ventral in the SOv. Most notable are canal projections in the white shark buccal (BUC) ampullary cluster, which has a radial turnstile configuration on the ventrolateral side of the snout. The turnstile design and tilt between orthogonal planes indicates the white shark BUC may function in detection of uniform fields, including magnetically induced electric fields that may be used in orientation behaviors. These data can be used in future neuroecology behavioral performance experiments to (1) test for possible specializations of cluster groups to different natural electric stimuli, (2) the possibility of specialized canal subgroups within a cluster, and (3) test several models of navigation that argue for the use of geomagnetically induced electric cues.
Effect of Dietary Ingredients on Monensin Toxicity in Chicks

A corn-soybean (CS) diet and diets containing medium or high levels of animal protein (AP) calculated to contain the same concentrations of the main nutrients promoted essentially the same growth rate and feed utilization in 20-day-old chicks. Supplementation with monensin sodium (100 or 120 mg/kg) depressed growth rate of the chicks fed all three diets. However, effect of the drug was much more severe in chicks fed the diets containing AP. This interaction resulted in significant (P < .05) differences in body weights between chicks fed the CS diet and PA diets. Moreover, feed-to-gain ratio was significantly (P < .05) adversely affected by monensin only in chicks fed the AP diets. Supplementation of the high AP diet with extra vitamin E, a mixture of arginine and tryptophan, or a mixture of silicon, chromium, and molybdenum failed to prevent the growth depression caused by monensin. These studies demonstrate that ingredient composition of diets for broiler chicks affects the magnitude of growth depression caused by monensin supplementation.
Positive and Negative Regulation of c- Myc Transcription

The c-Myc proto-oncoprotein is well-known to play important roles in determining the growth and development of normal cells [1,2]. c-Myc is required for cells to exit G0 and to enter cycle and is induced as an immediate early gene in response to most mitogenic stimuli. In contrast to the requirement for c-myc expression in proliferating cells, c-myc expression is shut down in differentiating cells. In fact, addition of exogenous c-Myc blocks terminal differentiation of several hematopoietic cell lines [3–11] and of myogenic cells [12,13] while inhibitors of c-Myc expression accelerate terminal differentiation of promonocytic HL60 cells [14–16], M1 leukemic myeloid cells [17], F9 teratocarcinoma cells [18] and human esophagael cancer cells [19]. Finally, c-Myc plays a role in programmed cell death. Elevated levels of c-Myc can cause apoptosis in certain cells when other factors necessary for their proliferation are absent [20, 21]. However, decreased levels of c-Myc can also cause apoptosis in Ramos and WEHI 231 B cell lines upon treatment with anti-immunoglobulin [22,23].
Storms of tropical origin: a climatology for New York State, USA (1851–2005)

The tropical storm database used in this study was obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Coastal Service Center, using the Historical Hurricane Tracks tool. Queries were used to determine the number of storms of tropical origin that have impacted the State and each of its counties. A total of 76 storms of tropical origin passed over New York State between 1851 and 2005. Of these storms, 14 were classified as hurricanes. The remaining hurricanes passed over New York State as weaker or modified systems—27 tropical storms, 7 tropical depressions, and 28 extratropical storms (ET). Long Island experiences a disproportionate number of hurricanes and tropical storms. The average frequency of hurricanes and storms of tropical origin (all types) is one in every 11 years and one in every 2 years, respectively. September is the month of greatest frequency for storms of tropical origin, although the storms of greatest intensity tend to arrive later in the hurricane season and follow different poleward tracks. While El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycles appear to show some influence, the frequency and intensity of storms of tropical origin appear to follow a multidecadal cycle. Storm activity was greatest in both the late 19th and 20th centuries. During periods of increased storm frequency and intensity storms reached New York State at progressively later dates. While the number and timing of storms of tropical origin is likely to increase, this increase appears to be attributed to a multidecadal cycle, as opposed to a trend in global warming.
Former college artistic gymnasts maintain higher BMD: a nine-year follow-up.

If higher bone gains acquired from weight-bearing sports during growth persist into old age, the residual benefits could delay or even prevent osteoporotic fractures. The purpose of this study was to determine if the higher areal bone mineral density (aBMD) observed 15 years after competitive training and competition in former female college artistic gymnasts (GYM) compared with controls (CON) is maintained nine years later in this same cohort approaching menopause. In this 9-year follow-up, aBMD changes were also compared between GYM (n=16; aged 45.3±3.3 years) and CON (n=13; aged 45.4±3.8 years). Total body, lumbar spine, proximal femur, femoral neck, leg, and arm aBMD were assessed at baseline and follow-up using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), (Hologic QDR-1000W). GYM had higher aBMD at all sites at follow-up (P<0.05; η 2>0.14). While there were no significant differences between groups for percent changes in aBMD at the total body, lumbar spine, total proximal femur, femoral neck, and arm, the change in leg aBMD was significantly different between GYM and CON (P=0.05; η 2=0.14). Former female college artistic gymnasts maintained significantly higher aBMD than controls 24 years after retirement from gymnastics training and competition. This study provides greater insight into the effects of past athletic participation on skeletal health in women approaching menopause.
Animal attendance at M-44 sodium cyanide ejector sites for coyotes

Sodium cyanide (NaCN) ejectors for coyotes (Canis latrans), known as M-44s, are used in many parts of the United States for lethally removing coyotes to protect livestock or other resources. Quantifying selectivity of current devices in killing target and non-target species is important to users and provides a baseline for future development of more effective and selective techniques. We used motion- activated cameras to monitor M-44 locations for coyote and other species visitations to the sites. Because camera presence potentially influences coyote behavior, we first compared activation of M-44s at paired sites where cameras were and were not present. Coyotes activated M-44s sites with cameras (n ¼17) similarly to sites without cameras (n ¼19). During 832 site-days of observation, coyotes visited M-44 sites 29 times, and 18 other species visited 1,597 times. The mean visitation ratio for non-coyotes to coyotes was 2.8:1 at the M-44 locations monitored (n ¼22). Non-coyotes were much less likely to touch the devices with their noses or mouths than were coyotes (0.24:1). No non-canid activated an M-44, suggesting very high selectivity toward killing canid species. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Advanced modeling of microwave Doppler spectra and along-track interferometric SAR signatures of ocean surface currents

In contrast to conventional imaging radars, along-track interferometric (ATI) synthetic aperture radars are directly sensitive to scatterer motions, which makes them a promising tool for oceanic surface current measurements. The authors present some new model developments and theoretical predictions. The authors discuss the capabilities and limitations of current measurements by ATI and compare advantages and disadvantages of this method with those of techniques based on conventional radar imagery.
Divergent tolerance to metabolic and cardiovascular effects of nicotine in smokers with low and high levels of cigarette consumption

Cigarette smokers on average weigh less than nonsmokers. However, among smokers, those who smoke the most weigh the most. To better understand the effects of nicotine on body weight, we investigated the pharmacodynamics of intravenous nicotine and cigarette smoking in low-level smokers (10 or fewer cigarettes per day) and high-level smokers (15 to 30 cigarettes per day). Cigarette smoking and intravenous nicotine increased heart rate and energy expenditure in most smokers. The effects of intravenous nicotine and smoking were of similar magnitude, confirming that the effects of smoking are mediated by nicotine. Nicotine produced a slightly greater increase in heart rate in low-level versus high-level smokers, but energy expenditure increased to a much greater extent in low-level versus high-level smokers. The plots of plasma nicotine concentration versus responses suggest development of acute tolerance to both heart rate acceleration and increased energy expenditure in low-level smokers; high-level smokers show a similar pattern of tolerance for heart rate but show only a brief increase in energy expenditure and a hysteresis curve consistent with either rapid development of tolerance or no effect. Thus there is evidence of differential development or rate of loss of tolerance to cardiovascular versus metabolic effects of nicotine in low-level versus high-level smokers. Pharmacodynamic differences between low-level and high-level smokers may explain, at least in part, the unusual relationship between cigarette consumption and body weight.
Interactions between the direct and indirect effects of predators determine life history evolution in a killifish

The ecological impacts of the indirect effects of predators are well established, but the evolutionary consequences are unknown. Predators often decrease prey density, which indirectly increases the resources available to surviving prey. This ecological effect could provide a link to evolution because it is generally assumed that resource availability influences life history evolution. Yet, predictions from theory that consider food availability are inconsistent, and evidence for an important role of resources in shaping life history evolution is absent. We compared life history traits in a Trinidadian killifish, Rivulus hartii, from fish communities that differ in predation intensity; predators are associated with lower population density and faster growth rates. To determine whether the indirect effects of predators influence evolutionary change, we reared second-generation-born fish under two food levels that approximated natural differences in resources between communities. Rivulus from sites with predators are younger and smaller at maturity. They have increased reproductive investment and produce many small eggs and smaller hatchlings. Such divergence is predicted as a direct effect of predation. We also found significant interactions between predator community and food level for age and size at maturity, fecundity, and egg size. These interactions, whereby the differences between communities were more pronounced at high-food levels, argue that evolution in Rivulus has been influenced by the indirect effects of predators mediated through resource availability. Rivulus from sites with predators better exploit the higher resources in those habitats. Therefore, both direct and indirect effects of predators have evolutionary consequences.
A ruptured infectious intracranial aneurysm with a combined fungal and bacterial etiology

1. IntroductionInfectious intracranial aneurysms (IIA) are rare, constituting0.7–5.4% of all intracranial aneurysms [1]. The vast majority – 86%in the preantibiotic era and now closer to 65% – are caused by bac-terial pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptoccus speciesin the context of a bacterial endocarditis arising from prostheticheart valvesorpotentialexposuretoinfectiousbloodstreamagentseither nosocomially or through intravenous (IV) drug injection [2].Currently, theterm“mycotic”isreservedforthosecausedbyafun-gal pathogen. Fungal pathogenicity due to the likes of Aspergillushas been reported over the past few decades due to the increasinguse of immunosuppressants, antibiotics, and steroids.We reportonanimmunocompetentpatientwhopresentedwitha somewhat typical clinical picture of bacterial endocarditis foundto have a ruptured 3mm saccular aneurysm in the right anteriorcerebral artery(ACA)atthebifurcationofA4andA5withassociatedsubarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Interestingly, pathology of theaneurysm revealed a fungal element. To our knowledge, this is the
Activities Worth Living For Call to Action Beyond Prognosis

Given the advances in the treatment options for chronic heart failure (CHF), the estimated 5 million people in the United States living with CHF have realized gradual improvements in their median life expectancy.1 Expectantly, there has been an increased focus on how well these patients live in addition to their longevity. The measurements of the wellness of patients include both patient-reported outcome tools and provider-based assessments. The model that links disease burden to these patient-centered outcome measures is well established in the literature2 and serves as the basis for novel interventions to improve these outcomes. Activities of daily living (ADLs) often involve many factors that are intermediate variables in the determinants of health-related quality of life and are often taken for granted when not evaluated in the context of disease burden. Despite these ADLs often being differentially influenced by the specific disease and the associated symptoms, patients may have impairments in their ability to perform because of factors unrelated to the specific disease. Although ADLs are important in clinical management, the focus on measurements as well as interventions to improve these important tasks is often assessed by physical and occupational therapist, nurses, social workers, and care coordinators with less attention by physicians. Article see p 261 There are many valid and reliable instruments used to measure ADLs in research studies and clinical care. The most …
Primary Lymphoma of the Skull Presenting as Multiple Cranial Nerve Palsies

Lymphoma presenting with isolated diffuse infiltration of the skull is exceedingly rare, with less than 20 previously reported cases. The clinical presentation of a 73-year-old female with primary lymphoma of the skull, manifesting multiple cranial nerve palsies and infiltration of the temporalis muscles is described. MRI of the head, revealed an abnormal signal from the diploic space of the call varium and skull base on both T1 and T2 weighted images, infiltration of the temporalis muscles and clivus, and diffuse meningeal enhancement encroaching on the cavernous sinus bilaterally. Biopsy of temporalis muscle and skull showed a diffuse large cell lymphoma, B-cell type. Staging workup failed to reveal any other sites of disease. Despite multiple cranial nerve palsies, there was no evidence of leptomeningeal disease on CSF examination. MRI was instrumental in demonstrating the abnormalities that lead to the diagnostic biopsy.
Study of Skin Rashes After Antibiotic Use in Young Children

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated drug sensitivity in children is uncommon. However, undefined skin rash following antibiotic ingestion in younger children is commonly observed in clinical practice. We studied 86 consecutively referred patients to our allergy clinic over a 5-year period. We found that the majority of children (80%) with skin rashes were under 3 years of age. All the children had been treated with antibiotics for a bacterial upper respiratory infection (URI; otitis media, sinusitis, or pharyngitis), 73 (85%) had erythematous rash, 13 (15%) had urticaria occurring 3-5 days after the treatment, and 43 (50%) reported a repeated rash with the use of two or more different antibiotics. There were no reports of systemic reactions or histories of accompanying food allergy. When patients were given the suspected antibiotics while they were well, none developed rash. However, in the next bacterial infection, 62 (72%) chose to receive dye-free suspensions of the suspected antibiotics. Only three patients (3.5%) elected for the dye-containing suspension. Of the 62 patients who received dye-free suspensions, only eight developed a mild skin rash, which was managed successfully. We conclude that a practical approach for non-IgE-mediated skin rash needs to be evaluated. The current practice of complete avoidance of the suspected antibiotics without further evaluation may be unwarranted.
Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Oral Controlled-Release 5-Fluorocytosine

5-Fluorocytosine (5FC) is an oral antifungal that is currently used in combination with amphotericin B to treat Cryptococcus neoformans meningoencephalitis. The oral dosing of 5FC could be optimized by the use of a controlled-release (CR) formulation. The objective of the current study was to develop two prototype 5FC-CR formulations and evaluate the single-dose (1,500-mg) serum pharmacokinetic profiles of those formulations relative to the profile of the commercially available, immediate-release 5FC product (Ancobon) by the use of a phase 1, open-label, randomized, three-phase, crossover pharmacokinetic study design. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose was utilized as the rate-controlling matrix to compound the 5FC-CR tablets. The two prototype 5FC-CR formulations demonstrated 80% release at 13.0 and 18.4 h, respectively, whereas the immediate-release product demonstrated 80% release at 0.28 h, as determined in vitro by the United States Pharmacopeia apparatus 2 dissolution method. Five subjects completed all three phases of the study without any adverse events. The mean maximum concentration, the area under the curve from time zero to 24 h, and the area under the curve from time zero to infinity were approximately 50% lower (P < 0.01) with the 5FC-CR formulations than with the immediate-release 5FC product. However, no statistically significant differences in the minimum concentrations at 24 h were noted between the formulations. The gastric absorption profile of 5FC-CR was well predicted by in vitro dissolution. Future exploration of a gastroretentive 5FC-CR formulation could overcome the marked lack of bioequivalence observed in the present study.
Preparing the Future STEM Workforce for Diverse Environments

Following the belief that diversity breeds innovation in scientific endeavors, there is a national push for more diversity in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce in order to maintain national economic competitiveness. Currently, STEM-related employment is only 28% non-White; however, greater efforts to recruit and retain underrepresented minorities should increase this figure. Amidst the attention given to supporting “leaky pipelines,” less emphasis has been placed on mitigating challenges associated with bringing diverse cultures together. This article presents a framework for supporting underrepresented minorities in building STEM-relevant skills and enhancing their ability to collaborate with peers different from themselves.