cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased excitability and spontaneous activity of rat sensory neurons following in vitro stimulation of sympathetic fiber sprouts in the isolated dorsal root ganglion

Many chronic pain conditions including complex regional pain syndrome are exacerbated by sympathetic activity. In animal models, sympathetic fibers sprout into the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) after peripheral nerve injury, forming abnormal connections with sensory neurons. However, functional studies of sympathetic-sensory connections have been limited largely to in vivo studies. This study describes a new method for studying sympathetic-sensory connections in an isolated whole DRG preparation in the rat spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model. Three days after ligation of the ventral ramus of the spinal nerve (SNL), sympathetic fibers sprouting into the DRG were observed to originate largely in the intact dorsal ramus of the spinal nerve, which at the lumbar level is a small branch of the spinal nerve separating from the ventral ramus near the intervertebral foramen. In whole DRG isolated 3 days after SNL, microelectrode recordings of sensory neurons showed that repeated stimulation of the dorsal ramus enhanced spontaneous activity in large and medium diameter neurons and reduced rheobase in large neurons. These effects, which were slow and long lasting, were attributed to stimulation of the sympathetic sprouts because: stimulation had no effect in uninjured DRG; and effects could be reduced or eliminated by a "cocktail" of antagonists of norepinephrine and ATP receptors, by pretreatment with the sympathetic release blocker bretylium, or by pre-cutting the grey ramus through which sympathetic fibers coursed to the ligated DRG. The latter treatment, a relatively minimal form of sympathectomy, was also highly effective in reducing mechanical pain ipsilateral to the SNL.
Energy Capitals: Local Impact, Global Influences

Energy capitals: local impact, global influences, edited by Joseph A. Pratt, Martin V. Melosi, and Kathleen A. Brosnan, Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Press, 2014, xx + 266 pp., US$25.00 (paperback), ISBN 978-0-8229-6266-3 When considering the effects of intensive production and consumption of fossil fuels, the first mental map that likely comes to mind is global in scale. It is possibly a Robinson, maybe a Mollweide, or perhaps a Gall-Peters if cartographic beauty remains unconsidered, but it is nevertheless planetary in scope. This is understandable because fossil fuels are key commodities used worldwide and the impacts of their burning, such as climate change, are typically framed as global environmental issues. Yet, the result of such thinking tends to make the world, its countries, and its regions appear monolithic, divided between the producers (Middle East or OPEC) and consumers (Global North countries), which leaves wanting a view into the localized expressions, especially in cities, of energy production and consumption. Energy Capitals: Local Impact, Global Influence takes this into consideration in its approach and examines how fossil fuels become focused and interwoven within the urbanization trajectories of nine case study cities from across the world throughout the nineteenth and twenty-first centuries. Specifically, as the editors intend, this book examines the "intersection of fossil-fuel production and use and urbanization in specific locations around the world" (p. xi). The scope of this volume, the result of a symposium on energy and urbanization, draws together contributions from and to environmental history, cultural geography, and economics, but is limited topically, in terms of "energy," to fossil fuels and their effects on cities. Thus, the volume defines its object of analysis as an "energy capital" or a city that is or has been heavily involved in the production and consumption of fossil fuels ranging from oil to natural gas to coal and whose society, economy, landscapes, and environment have been changed dramatically in the process. The editors usefully divide the book into three sections that are broadly defined by the outcomes of each place's engagement with energy-based development: those that grew from direct use of local fossil fuels, those that became remote centers of the energy economy, and those subject to the "resource curse" of oil. This division helps suggest broader takeaways from the entire reading of the volume and may orient readers to particular sections of the book that may pique their interest. The first section gives an account on how the energy capitals of Pittsburgh, PA, Houston, TX, Baton Rouge-to-New Orleans, LA, and Los Angeles, CA, each embraced locally available fossil fuels for economic and urban development. The authors of these chapters soberly depict how these American energy capitals rode measured economic successes through boom-bust cycles of fossil fuel development while managing the often severe environmental costs in their urban growth. …
Phonological contrast and neutralization by children with cochlear implants

Abstract Objective To determine the degree to which pediatric users of cochlear implants (CIs) implement neutralization of the /t/ vs. /d/ contrast under different pragmatic conditions. Study design Children who used cochlear implants and both children and adults with normal hearing produced minimal pairs contrasting lexical /t/ and /d/ in three conditions that gradually increased the need to differentiate members of the pairs, ranging from neutralization through implicit contrast to explicit contrast. Duration of the preceding vowel, the stop occlusion, and voice onset time following release were measured. Results Adults exhibited small differences between /t/ and /d/ in the neutralization condition; differences increased through the remaining conditions. For the children, differences between /t/ and /d/ in the neutralization condition were relatively large, and differences between /t/ and /d/ did not increase monotonically through the conditions. Conclusion Adults with normal hearing implement contrast and neutralization depending on pragmatic context. Children with either normal hearing or cochlear implants exhibit less differentiation, tending to maintain contrastiveness regardless of pragmatic condition.
Ontogeny of growth-regulating genes in the placenta.

Abstract Background Placental nutrient flow is the primary determinant of fetal growth. This key function of the placenta depends on several growth-promoting or -suppressing imprinted genes including Insulin-like growth factor [IGF] axis genes, which regulate nutrient transfer across the placenta. However whether changes in the placental expression of these genes parallel increased fetal growth observed in the second and third trimester remains unknown. Objective The aim of our study was to determine the ontogeny of key IGF axis genes and other growth regulating imprinted genes in the placenta and to characterize patterns of placental gene expression associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Study design Real time RT-PCR analysis of 11 genes using specific probes were performed in the placental tissue collected at the time of delivery from 63 subjects with live birth pregnancies from 24 to 40 weeks gestation between 2009 -2010. Results We found that paternally expressed gene ZNF127 ( p p = 0.001) and maternally expressed gene PHLDA2 ( p = 0.001) were downregulated with advancing gestational age. ROC analysis revealed a significant change in the expression of the above genes early in the third trimester. When compared to age-matched appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants, expression of PHLDA2 ( p = 0.03) IGF2R ( p p = 0.05). Conclusion We found increased placental expression of growth-promoting imprinted genes and decreased expression of growth-suppressive imprinted genes with advancing gestational age. These changes in placental gene expression could potentially explain accelerated fetal growth seen in the third trimester. Upregulation of maternally expressed imprinted genes in IUGR population supports the “parental conflict hypothesis”.
Embolization for Intractable Epistaxis

It is estimated that 60% of the population experiences epistaxis at least once in a lifetime, and that approximately 6% of these patients require treatment. We discuss the risks and benefits of an endovascular approach in our experience. We believe this option is often offered too late. By following basic rules the procedure is very safe and highly effective.
Impact of Change's Timing on Labor Productivity

There are many types of construction changes and each type can have an effect on labor productivity. To a certain extent though the specific type of change is not as important as the mere presence of the change and, as analyzed in this paper, the timing of that change. The research reported in this paper reaffirms that project change is disruptive and detrimental to labor productivity. Data from 162 construction projects were statistically analyzed and a series of three curves are presented in this paper, representing the impact that change has on the labor productivity for early, normal, and late timing situations. The projects are a representative sample of the industry, involving a wide range of sizes, different delivery systems, and industry sectors. Late change is more disruptive of project productivity than early change, all other things being equal. The implications and benefits of this research are clear: if changes are necessary, they should be recognized and incorporated as early as possible. Practitioners can use these data and curves for either forward pricing or retrospective pricing of changes. Other researchers can use these findings to test their own findings and to explore timing issues in further detail.
Refractive index control for optical quantum storage

Manipulating refractive index in time allows one to implement quantum storage in an extended resonant atomic system without recourse to inhomogeneous broadening of optical transitions or amplitude modulation of control fields, which when combined with other storage techniques provides the possibility to improve mode or channel capacity of optical storage devices. We discuss different methods of refractive index manipulation in the context of quantum storage applications, giving special attention to a simple frequency shift of an absorption structure relative to the resonant energy levels. We show that a linear modulation of refractive index in time without significant losses can be realized in doped solid-state materials such as Er3+ :Y2SiO5 crystal, to provide optical quantum storage.
Between Indian and white worlds : the cultural broker

Cultural boundaries exist wherever cultures encounter one another. During centuries of contact between native peoples and others in America, countless intermediaries - artists, students, traders, interpreters, political figures, authors, even performers - have bridged the divide. Between Indian and White Worlds: The Cultural Broker provides a new understanding of the role of these mediators in North America from 1690 to the present. Cultural brokers have shared certain qualities - in particular a thorough understanding of two or more cultures. Living on the edge of change and conflict, they have responded to evolving and unstable circumstances or alliances with a flexibility born of their determination to bring understanding to disparate peoples. No composite portrait can encompass the complexity of the brokerage experience. To convey the many roles of these intermediaries, editor Margaret Connell Szasz has brought together fourteen distinct portraits, crafted by prominent scholars of Indian-white relations, of brokers across the continent and throughout three centuries of American history - in the colonial world, during the expansion of the republic, in the Wild West, and in the twentieth century. This fascinating and inspiring collection speaks eloquently of life on the cultural frontier. Key figures in our pluralistic heritage, cultural brokers are no less important today, as society continues to struggle with diversity.
Militant Buddhist Nationalism: The Case of Burma

Abstract : Following a brief discussion of the interaction of Buddhism and government in traditional Burma until 1885, the report analyzes the emergence of the political monks as the main force in the militant nationalist movement for Burmese independence. Buddhist monks played an important role in the violent agitation of the 1920's and in the Saya San Rebellion of 1930-31. In the 1930's the monks were gradually overtaken by secular-minded nationalists. The report concludes with a brief examination of the place of Buddhism in post-independence Burma.
Mechanical Anchoring Strength of L-Selectin, β2 Integrins, and CD45 to Neutrophil Cytoskeleton and Membrane

The strength of anchoring of transmembrane receptors to cytoskeleton and membrane is important in cell adhesion and cell migration. With micropipette suction, we applied pulling forces to human neutrophils adhering to latex beads that were coated with antibodies to CD62L (L-selectin), CD18 (beta2 integrins), or CD45. In each case, the adhesion frequency between the neutrophil and bead was low, and our Monte Carlo simulation indicates that only a single bond was probably involved in every adhesion event. When the adhesion between the neutrophil and bead was ruptured, it was very likely that receptors were extracted from neutrophil surfaces. We found that it took 1-2 s to extract an L-selectin at a force range of 25-45 pN, 1-4 s to extract a beta2 integrin at a force range of 60-130 pN, and 1-11 s to extract a CD45 at a force range of 35-85 pN. Our results strongly support the conclusion that, during neutrophil rolling, L-selectin is unbound from its ligand when the adhesion between neutrophils and endothelium is ruptured.
Purification of Polonium-210 Using Pyrochemical Extraction

Abstract An efficient extraction process that does not utilize halides or organic solvents has been developed for the recovery and purification of 210po. Polonium-210, produced in bismuth metal by neutron irradiation, is extracted from molten bismuth metal into molten NaOH in an unique 3-compartment contactor under an inert atmosphere. At a temperature of 450±25°C, and at a NaOH/Bi weight ratio of 0.044, five successive 60-minute extractions remove >96% of the 210po. Following phase separation and freezing, additional purification steps include dissolution of the solidified NaOH in HN03, recovery of 210po from this solution by MnO2 carrier precipitation, dissolution of the precipitate by H2O2 in HNO3, and, finally, electrodeposition of 210po onto platinum gauze.
Determination of the Iodine Value of Selected Oils: An Experiment Combining FTIR Spectroscopy with Iodometric Titrations

An experiment has been developed that combines the FTIR analysis of oils and fats with an iodometric titration. While it is most appropriate for a sophomore or junior laboratory for majors, it also makes a suitable group project or demonstration for nonscience majors. Integration of the experiment into an upper-level biochemistry laboratory is described.
Overcoming Barriers to Evidence‐Based Practice: Lessons From Medical Practitioners

A growing number of studies support the use of evidence-based treatments in psychotherapy. Empirically derived methods have proven especially useful for certain disorders and may offer cost efficiencies as well. Despite these data, mental health practitioners often express concerns about treatment protocols, reporting that these approaches impede clinician judgment and constrain appropriate care. In reviewing this topic, Addis, Wade, and Hatgis (this issue) describe six domains of common practitioner concerns and offer a series of recommendations for addressing these issues. Building on that work, the present article extends Addis et al.'s formulation, directing attention to broader themes in the rapidly changing health care field. Certain parallels with the experiences of medical practitioners facing challenges of quality and standardization may offer a framework for challenges currently facing psychotherapy practitioners. Skilled mental health clinicians are likely to be especially well suited to meeting these challenges and to guiding advances in new types of psychotherapy care.
General Functionalization Method for Synthesis of α‐Functionalized Polymers by Combination of Anionic Polymerization and Hydrosilation Chemistry

A new general functionalization method (GFM) of synthesizing α-functionalized polymers has been developed. α-Vinyl-functionalized polystyrene was obtained by anionic polymerization of styrene using 4-pentenyllithium as an initiator. Chloromethyldimethylsilane-functionalized polystyrene was successfully synthesized from vinyl-functionalized polystyrene by hydrosilation using Karstedt's catalyst. Nucleophilic substitution of this polymer was carried out in presence of pyrrolidine to obtain α-pyrrolidine-functionalized polystyrene. α-Triethoxysilylpolystyrene was obtained by hydrosilation of a-4-pentenylpolystyrene with triethoxysilane using Karstedt's catalyst.
Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats

With heart failure leading the cause of death in the USA (Hunt), biomedical research is fundamental to advance medical treatments for cardiovascular diseases. Animal models that mimic human cardiac disease, such as myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemia-reperfusion (IR) that induces heart failure as well as pressure-overload (transverse aortic constriction) that induces cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure (Goldman and Tarnavski), are useful models to study cardiovascular disease. In particular, myocardial ischemia (MI) is a leading cause for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality despite controlling certain risk factors such as arteriosclerosis and treatments via surgical intervention (Thygesen). Furthermore, an acute loss of the myocardium following myocardial ischemia (MI) results in increased loading conditions that induces ventricular remodeling of the infarcted border zone and the remote non-infarcted myocardium. Myocyte apoptosis, necrosis and the resultant increased hemodynamic load activate multiple biochemical intracellular signaling that initiates LV dilatation, hypertrophy, ventricular shape distortion, and collagen scar formation. This pathological remodeling and failure to normalize the increased wall stresses results in progressive dilatation, recruitment of the border zone myocardium into the scar, and eventually deterioration in myocardial contractile function (i.e. heart failure). The progression of LV dysfunction and heart failure in rats is similar to that observed in patients who sustain a large myocardial infarction, survive and subsequently develops heart failure (Goldman). The acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model in rats has been used to mimic human cardiovascular disease; specifically used to study cardiac signaling mechanisms associated with heart failure as well as to assess the contribution of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of heart failure. The method described in this report is the rat model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This model is also referred to as an acute ischemic cardiomyopathy or ischemia followed by reperfusion (IR); which is induced by an acute 30-minute period of ischemia by ligation of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) followed by reperfusion of the tissue by releasing the LAD ligation (Vasilyev and McConnell). This protocol will focus on assessment of the infarct size and the area-at-risk (AAR) by Evan's blue dye and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) following 4-hours of reperfusion; additional comments toward the evaluation of cardiac function and remodeling by modifying the duration of reperfusion, is also presented. Overall, this AMI rat animal model is useful for studying the consequence of a myocardial infarction on cardiac pathophysiological and physiological function.
Problems associated with spin trapping oxygen-centered free radicals in biological systems.

Plusieurs solutions sont proposees pour remedier aux differents problemes rencontres par l'utilisation de nitrones tels que l'oxyde-1 pyrolline-1 dimethyl 5,5 qui reagit avec des radicaux libres de courte duree de vie pour donner un nitroxyde. Ce dernier est detectable par spectrometrie RPE dans les systemes biologiques. Les fortes concentrations exigees en DMPO qui entrainent une cytotoxicite est un des problemes abordes
Quasiparticle spectrum and dynamical stability of an atomic Bose-Einstein condensate coupled to a degenerate Fermi gas

The quasiparticle excitations and dynamical stability of an atomic Bose-Einstein condensate coupled to a quantum degenerate Fermi gas of atoms at zero temperature is studied. The Fermi gas is assumed to be either in the normal state or to have undergone a phase transition to a superfluid state by forming Cooper pairs. The quasiparticle excitations of the Bose-Einstein condensate exhibit a dynamical instability due to a resonant exchange of energy and momentum with quasiparticle excitations of the Fermi gas. The stability regime for the bosons depends on whether the Fermi gas is in the normal state or in the superfluid state. We show that the energy gap in the quasiparticle spectrum for the superfluid state stabilizes the low-energy excitations of the condensate. In the stable regime, we calculate the boson quasiparticle spectrum, which is modified by the fluctuations in the density of the Fermi gas.
Development of a Standard Reference Material for rainwater analysis

The paper describes the development of Standard Reference Material, SRM 2694, Simulated Rainwater, intended to aid in the analysis of acidic rainfall. Details of the formulation and preparation of the two levels of solutions (2694-I and 2694-II) are given. The 10 analytical techniques used to measure the 12 components in the solutions are described in brief.
Nonperturbative canonical quantization of minisuperspace models: Bianchi types I and II.

We carry out the quantization of the full type I and II Bianchi models following the nonperturbative canonical quantization program. These homogeneous minisuperspaces are completely soluble, i.e., it is possible to obtain the general solution to their classical equations of motion in an explicit form. We determine the sectors of solutions that correspond to different spacetime geometries, and prove that the parameters employed to describe the different physical solutions define a good set of coordinates in the phase space of these models. Performing a transformation from the Ashtekar variables to this set of phase space coordinates, we endow the reduced phase space of each of these systems with a symplectic structure. The symplectic forms obtained for the type I and II Bianchi models are then identified as those of the cotangent bundles over L +,+) × S 2 × S 1 (modulo some identification of points) and L +,+) × S 1 , respectively, with L +,+) the positive quadrant of the future light-cone. We construct a closed ∗− algebra of Dirac observables in each of these reduced phase spaces, and complete the quantization program by finding unitary irreducible representations of these algebras. The real Dirac observables are represented in this way by self-adjoint operators, and the spaces of quantum physical states are provided with a Hilbert structure.
Quality of Life Over Time in Women Diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In situ, Early-Stage Invasive Breast Cancer, and Age-Matched Controls

Little is known about quality-of-life (QOL) differences over time between incident ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and early-stage invasive breast cancer (EIBC) cases as compared with same-aged women without breast cancer (controls). We prospectively recruited and interviewed 1,096 women [16.8 % DCIS, 33.3 % EIBC (25.7 % Stage I; and 7.6 % Stage IIA), 49.9 % controls; mean age 58; 23.7 % non-white] at mean 6.7 weeks (T1), and 6.2 (T2), 12.3 (T3), and 24.4 months (T4) after surgery (patients) or screening mammogram (controls). We tested two hypotheses: (1) DCIS patients would report lower levels of QOL compared with controls but would report similar QOL compared with EIBC patients at baseline; and (2) DCIS patients’ QOL would improve during 2-year follow-up and approach levels similar to that of controls faster than EIBC patients. We tested hypothesis 1 using separate general linear regression models for each of the eight subscales on the RAND 36-item Health Survey, controlling for variables associated with at least one subscale at T1. Both DCIS and EIBC patients reported lower QOL at T1 than controls on all subscales (each P < 0.05). We tested hypothesis 2 using generalized estimating equations to examine change in each QOL subscale over time across the three diagnostic groups adjusting for covariates. By T3, physical functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, energy/fatigue, and general health each differed significantly by diagnostic group at P < 0.05, because of larger differences between EIBC patients and controls; but DCIS patients no longer differed significantly from controls on any of the QOL subscales. At T4, EIBC patients still reported worse physical functioning (P = 0.0001) and general health (P = 0.0017) than controls, possibly because of lingering treatment effects. DCIS patients’ QOL was similar to that of controls two years after diagnosis, but some aspects of EIBC patients’ QOL remained lower.
Elastic-plastic contact model for bifractal surfaces

Abstract Roughness measurements by atomic force microscopy have shown that the surfaces of magnetic tapes follow two different regimes of fractal structure. For such bifractal surfaces, this paper presents an elastic-plastic contact model. The theory is used to predict the real area of contact of a magnetic tape in contact with a flat hard plane. The trends of both the theory and experiments are in agreement. The theoretical predictions show that for contact pressures between 1 kPa and 104 kPa, the fraction of real area of contact in elastic deformation is about 90%. This is in agreement with experimental observations.
Two-dimensional microsphere quasi-crystal: fabrication and properties

Abstract Two-dimensional quasi-crystals were fabricated from polystyrene microspheresand characterized for their structural, diffraction, and non-linear optics properties. Thequasi-crystals were produced with the method based on Langmuir-Blodgett thin film technique. Illuminating the crystal with the laser beam, we observed the diffractionpattern in the direction of the beam propagation and in the direction of the back scattering, similar to the x-ray Laue pattern observed in regular crystals with hexagonal structure. The absorption spectrum of the quasi-crystal demonstrated two series of regular maxima and minima, wit- the spacing inversely proportional to the microspheresdiameter. Illumination of the d) -doped micropheres crystal with Q-switched radiationof Nd:YAG laser showed the en incement of non-linear properties, in particular, secondharmonic generation.INTRODUCTIONStudies of the optical properties of microspherical partic1es"21 show that high Q-factor of the microspherical cavity can provide conditions for significant enhancement ofnon-linear processes (lasing, harmonics generation, etc.).
A developmental analysis of clonidine's effects on cardiac rate and ultrasound production in infant rats

Under controlled conditions, infant rats emit ultrasonic vocalizations during extreme cold exposure and after administration of the alpha(2) adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine. Previous investigations have determined that, in response to clonidine, ultrasound production increases through the 2nd-week postpartum and decreases thereafter. Given that sympathetic neural dominance exhibits a similar developmental pattern, and given that clonidine induces sympathetic withdrawal and bradycardia, we hypothesized that clonidine's developmental effects on cardiac rate and ultrasound production would mirror each other. Therefore, in the present experiment, the effects of clonidine administration (0.5 mg/kg) on cardiac rate and ultrasound production were examined in 2-, 8-, 15-, and 20-day-old rats. Age-related changes in ultrasound production corresponded with changes in cardiovascular variables, including baseline cardiac rate and clonidine-induced bradycardia. This experiment is discussed with regard to the hypothesis that ultrasound production is the acoustic by-product of a physiological maneuver that compensates for clonidine's detrimental effects on cardiovascular function.
STUDIES ON KETOTIC HYPERGLYCINEMIA-INHIBITORS OF SERINE HYDROXYMETHYL TRANSFERASE

Recently Hillman and Otto showed tiglic acid to inhibit glycine-serine interconversion in fibroblasts from a patient with β-ketothiolase deficiency and normal cells. In order to elucidate the mechanism of these phenomena, the effects of tiglyl CoA and related compounds on partially purified rabbit liver serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) were investigated. The rate of conversion of serine to glycine was measured as described by Schirch. Using SHMT 27. 7 units/ml, serine 16mM, and dl-L-tetrahydrofolate 0.32mM, the concentration of tiglyl CoA and % inhibition (N=5, Mean ±S. E. M.) of the enzyme activity were 2.5mM 15±1.5, 5.0mM 28±2.4, 7.5mM 40±2.8, 10mM 41±3.3. Isovaleryl CoA, n-valeryl CoA, crotonyl CoA and isobutyryl CoA also showed inhibitory effects, but at a lesser degree than tiglyl CoA. n-Butyryl CoA, propionyl CoA and CoA inhibited only slightly. Tiglate, isovalerate, n-valerate, crotonate, isobutyrate and β-methylcrotonate at a concentration of 30mM were incapable of inhibiting SHMT activity. Tiglyl CoA inhibition showed competitive kinetics with tetrahydrofolate, but not serine. The findings suggest that impaired glycine-serine metabolism in the ketotic hyperglycinemia syndrome may, at least in part, result from inhibition of SHMT by high intracellular concentration of Tiglyl CoA.
Suspected Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: The Role of the Swan-Ganz Catheter

The use of the Swan-Ganz flow-directed catheter in establishing the diagnosis of the superior vena cava syndrome in two patients (one with Hodgkin's disease and the other with carcinoma of the lung) is described. A pressure tracing showing elevated pressures above the obstruction without respiratory or cardiac fluctuations is characteristic of obstruction of the superior vena cava.
Abstract 1537: Characterization of tumor-infiltrating macrophages in humanized mouse model of prostate cancer.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Macrophage infiltration is observed in many types of human and mouse malignant tumors. Though some studies reported anti-tumor activity of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) the majority of reports revealed contribution of TAM to tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. The phenotype and functions of TAM in prostate cancer are not well known. However, their abundance in the tumor suggests an important role in the course of malignant progression. In our novel humanized mouse model of prostate cancer, the expression of human HLA-DR*1501 (DR2b) transgene drastically impairs immune response to prostate tumor and induces excessive accumulation of TAM, which predominate in tumor tissue. In parallel, substantial accumulation of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T cells is observed in the tumor mass. The initial gene expression profiling of TAM in DR2b+ mice revealed their mixed M1/M2 phenotype since these cells expressed typical M2-associated genes TGFβ, IL10, arginase I, stabilin-1 and M1-associated genes IL1β, TNFα and IL6. Moreover, TAM strongly expressed chemokines CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5 and CXCL10, which are capable to recruit myeloid, NK and T cells as well as immune checkpoint receptor PDL-1. Interestingly, compared to DR2b- mice, TAM from DR2b+ animals had reduced expression of important NK and T cell survival factor IL15. Immunohistochemical investigation of the tumor tissue revealed that CD68+ TAM co-localized with T cells on the periphery of the tumor and expressed M2-associated marker stabilin-1. Moreover, T cells were found exclusively on the tumor periphery, whereas TAM were observed inside tumor mass. Altogether, present data suggest that TAM in DR2b model of prostate cancer have potential to recruit various immune cells to the tumor mass. However, elevated expression of immunosuppressive factors TGFβ, IL10, arginase I, PDL-1 and close association between TAM and T cells on tumor periphery may impair T cell activation and induce generation of Tregs. Citation Format: Vladimir Ryabov, David Kim, Rikka Saito, Richard B. Alexander, Elena Klyushnenkova. Characterization of tumor-infiltrating macrophages in humanized mouse model of prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1537. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1537
Relativistic Wave Equations and Field Theory for Arbitrary Spin

The possibility of formulating covariant field equations for particles of arbitrary spin and nonzero mass is considered. Using only the transformation properties of the single-particle states and the covariant fields under the Poincar\'e group, we investigate all possible covariant field equations which satisfy the following requirements: (i) neither "auxiliary fields" nor "subsidiary conditions" are used; (ii) the solutions of the free-field equation correspond to a unique irreducible representation of the Poincar\'e group [characterized by ($m,s$)] and the discrete transformations $C$, $P$, and $T$. If we restrict ourselves to equations which are homogeneous in the differential operator (except the mass term), it is shown that the only possible equations are those for spin 0, \textonehalf{}, and 1. These consist of all the known equations plus a few new ones. The general formalism also allows equations which are not homogeneous in the differential operator. In this case we again found strong evidence that although new equations for spin 0, \textonehalf{}, and 1 can be found, no equation for higher spin exists. It is shown, therefore, that the clear distinction between field theories of spin 0, \textonehalf{}, and 1 and those of all higher spin already arises in their group structure quite independent of quantization or any dynamical scheme such as the Lagrangian formalism. It is shown that, if the requirements of unique mass and/or definite transformation properties under $C$ and $P$ are relaxed, then general classes of field equations exist for any spin $s$. Apparent difficulties associated with possible field theories based on these equations are briefly indicated.
Intramolecular coordinate relaxation in a kratzer-simons-finlan potential-energy surface

Abstract A simple model that extends the theory of intramolecular coordinate relaxation to large internal coordinate distortions is investigated. The treatment is based on an extrapolation of quadratic interactions to a Kratzer—Simons—Finlan potential energy surface. Using the BF 3 molecule is a test case, the model is found to yield very satisfactory results up to distortions of the order of 1 A.
Venous thrombosis risk assessment in medical inpatients: the medical inpatients and thrombosis (MITH) study.

Summary Background We sought to define the risk factors present at admission for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in medical inpatients and develop a risk model for clinical use. Methods Between January 2002 and June 2009, 299 cases of hospital-acquired VTE were frequency matched to 601 controls. Records were abstracted using a standard form for characteristics of the thrombosis, medical conditions and other risk factors. Weighted logistic regression and survey methods were used to develop a risk model for hospital-acquired VTE that was validated by bootstrapping. Results VTE complicated 4.6 per 1000 admissions. Two risk assessment models were developed, one using laboratory data available at admission (Model 1) and the other excluding laboratory data (Model 2). Model 1 consisted of the following risk factors (points): history of congestive heart failure (5), history of inflammatory disease (4), fracture in the past 3 months (3), history of VTE (2), history of cancer in the past 12 months (1), tachycardia (2), respiratory dysfunction (1), white cell count ≥ 11 × 109/L (1), and platelet count ≥ 350 × 109/L (1). Model 2 was similar, except respiratory dysfunction had 2 points and white cell and platelet counts were removed. The c-statistic for Model 1 was 0.73 (95% CI 0.70, 0.77) and for Model 2 0.71 (95% CI 0.68, 0.75). Conclusions We present a VTE risk assessment model for use in medical inpatients. The score is simple and relies on information known at the time of admission and typically collected in all medical inpatients. External validation is needed.
Optimal biasing of magnetoresistance amplifiers

The magnetoresistive amplifier is usually implemented by allowing an input signal current to modulate a magnetic field which, in turn, produces a change in the resistance of an active element in the output portion of the device. Amplifiers of this type may be classified either as a conventional type, which utilizes the normal magnetoresistive effect of the active material, or as a type which employs the characteristics of a superconducting element operating in the resistive transition region. In both cases, there has been reported experimental data which indicates that the power gain for these amplifiers is a function of the biasing magnetic field (or biasing current), and that an optimal value of the bias field exists which results in a maximum value of the power gain. Analytical methods of determining these optimal values are derived and theoretical predictions based on these methods are shown to be consistent with the experimental results.
Inspection planning for sensor coverage of 3D marine structures

We introduce an algorithm to achieve complete sensor coverage of complex, three-dimensional structures surveyed by an autonomous agent with multiple degrees of freedom. Motivated by the application of an ocean vehicle performing an autonomous ship hull inspection, we consider a planning problem for a fully-actuated, six degree-of-freedom hovering AUV using a bathymetry sonar to inspect the complex structures underneath a ship hull. We consider a discrete model of the structure to be inspected, requiring only that the model be provided in the form of a closed triangular mesh. A dense graph of feasible paths is constructed in the robot's configuration space until the set of edges in the graph allows complete coverage of the structure. Then, we approximate the minimum-cost closed walk along the graph which observes 100% of the structure. We emphasize the embedding of observations within the edges of the graph as a means of utilizing all available sensor data in planning the inspection.
Comment: Marine Influence in the Upper Ordovician Juniata Formation (potters Mills, Pennsylvania): Implications for the History of Life on Land: Palaios, v. 25, no. 8, p. 527-539, 2010

Davies et al. (2010, abstract) propose that, contrary to past studies, “The evidence suggests that the Juniata Formation at Potters Mills was deposited in a marginal marine setting and, as such, no evidence for early life on land can be inferred from its strata.” The new evidence they present, not only from the Juniata Formation at Potters Mills, but from other localities in Pennsylvania, is a facies analysis and description of sedimentary structures. This is a welcome approach to the problem, because there are distinctive marine sedimentary structures and facies such as turbidites, hummocky cross-bedding, and flaser and lenticular bedding. However, this promising approach failed because neither these nor any diagnostic marine sedimentary structure is described from the Juniata Formation by these or prior authors. The sole plausible exception is a single case of reversing cross stratification at Waggoners Gap, which is inadequately exposed and qualified by Davies et al. (2010) as a possible artifact of outcrop orientation. The sedimentary structures and facies of the Juniata Formation have long been interpreted as formed in braided streams (Cotter, 1978), thus explaining the lack of lateral accretion deposits formed by meandering streams. “Under other circumstances, particularly given the nondiagnostic nature of the sedimentary facies, it would be standard practice to assume significant marine influence in the Juniata Formation based on the diverse and abundant trace fossils,” write Davies et al. (2010, p. 535), although they make an exception for repichnia (surface tracks and trails). “The lack of evidence for repichnial trackways in the Juniata sets it apart from all other early Paleozoic, terrestrial trace-fossil-bearing successions described to date” (Davies et al., 2010, p. 535). This statement is directly contradicted by their own illustrations of such fossils from the Juniata Formation (Davies et al., 2010, fig. 5N) labeled as “repichnial crossing …
On-chip networks: Two sides of the same coin

Two key concepts that will drive design in future years are low power and network design. Although at times it has been nearly impossible to understand what a certain design can or can't do for an application, things have improved lately thanks to the NoC benchmarking initiative. Now, for example, various optimizations can be compared and contrasted, using the same set of benchmarks, to understand what benefits&#x2014;for instance, in terms of performance or energy&#x2014;a network-based approach can bring to an application. It's necessary, however, to dig much deeper into the science of networks, and reach beyond the established confines of digital design if the potential of this new design paradigm is to be harnessed.
The Role of Neuropsychology on an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit: A Peek Behind the “Do Not Disturb” Sign

ABSTRACT.Neuropsychological services are considered an essential component of specialized epilepsy centers. In such a multidisciplinary setting, neuropsychologists interact regularly with other professionals involved in epilepsy patients' care. For these other professionals, this article provides an overview of the background of neuropsychologists, the services they provide, and how their findings contribute to the evaluation of the epilepsy patient. Two case examples are included to illustrate how neuropsychological evaluations are employed in the epilepsy monitoring unit setting.
Unified Description of Inclusive and Exclusive Reactions at All Momentum Transfers

The constituent-interchange model is used to relate large- and small-momentum-transfer reactions, to relate inclusive and exclusive processes, and to predict the form of the inclusive cross section throughout the Peyrou plot. Two important corrections to the triple-Regge formula are derived. The first, important at a small missing mass, allows a smooth connection to exclusive processes. The second, important at large missing mass, allows a smooth connection to the central region and to the large-transverse-momentum regime. Simple quark-counting rules are given which predict the limiting behavior of Regge trajectories and residue functions, and also the powers of ${{P}_{T}}^{2}$ and the missing-mass dependence of inclusive cross sections. Many experimental consequences of the model are given.
Dictyostelium discoideum SecG interprets cAMP mediated chemotactic signals to influence actin organization

Tight control of actin cytoskeletal dynamics is essential for proper cell function and survival. Arf nucleotide binding-site opener (ARNO), a mammalian guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Arf, has been implicated in actin cytoskeletal regulation but its exact role is still unknown. To explore the role of ARNO in this regulation as well as in actin-mediated processes, the Dictyostelium discoideum homolog, SecG, was examined. SecG peaks during aggregation and mound formation. The overexpression of SecG arrests development at the mound stage. SecG overexpressing (SecG OE) cells fail to stream during aggregation. Although carA is expressed, SecG OE cells do not chemotax toward cAMP, indicating SecG is involved in the cellular response to cAMP. This chemotactic defect is specific to cAMP-directed chemotaxis, as SecG OE cells chemotax to folate without impairment and exhibit normal cell motility. The chemotactic defects of the SecG mutants may be due to an impaired cAMP response as evidenced by altered cell polarity and F-actin polymerization after cAMP stimulation. Cells overexpressing SecG have increased filopodia compared to wild type cells, implying that excess SecG causes abnormal organization of F-actin. The general function of the cytoskeleton, however, is not disrupted as the SecG OE cells exhibit proper cell-substrate adhesion. Taken together, the results suggest proper SecG levels are needed for appropriate response to cAMP signaling in order to coordinate F-actin organization during development.
Using Actors as “Clients” for an Interviewing Simulation in an Undergraduate Clinical Psychology Course

Undergraduate theatre majors are trained to be clients for the interviewing component of an undergraduate clinical psychology course. The actor creates the character of a client after reading appropriate case studies. The instructor assists by providing feedback, helping to create client history, background, and personality characteristics, and by monitoring the degree of pathology that the actor portrays. The actors add a realistic component to this course.
Information extraction by finding repeated structure

Repetition of layout structure is prevalent in document images. In document design, such repetition conveys the underlying logical and functional structure of the data. For example, in invoices, the names, unit prices, quantities and other descriptors of every line item are laid out in a consistent spatial structure. We propose a general method for extracting such repeated structure from documents. After receiving a single example of the structure to be found, the proposed method localizes additional instances of this structure in the same document and in additional documents. A wide variety of perceptually motivated cues (such as alignment and saliency) is used for this purpose. These cues are combined in a probabilistic model, and a novel algorithm for exact inference in this model is proposed and used. We demonstrate that this method can cope with complex instances of repeated structure and generalizes successfully across a wide range of structure variations.
Active networks: Applications, security, safety, and architectures

Active networks represent a new approach to network architecture. Routers can perform computations on user data, while packets can carry programs to be executed on routers and possibly change their state. Currently, the research community is divided concerning the usefulness of active networks. On the one hand, active networks provide a much more flexible network infrastructure, with increased capabilities. On the other hand, they are obviously more complex than traditional networks and raise considerable security issues. The purpose of this article is to provide a broad survey on active networks. The first goal is to highlight their efficiency in a variety of applications. After presenting some key points on each application, we discuss some current experimental technologies and assess the usefulness of active networks in congestion control, multicasting, caching, and network management. The second goal is to address the security issues that active networks raise: the problem is defined, and techniques for solving it are presented and elaborated upon with a description of a specific implementation of a secure environment and related performance measures. Issues related to the design of a programming language for active networks are also discussed. The third goal is to classify active network architectures based on their design approach. Thus an inclusive presentation of currently proposed architectures, which focuses on their design attributes, capabilities, performance, and security, is given.