cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stress-Induced Neuronal Colony Stimulating Factor 1 Provokes Microglia-Mediated Neuronal Remodeling and Depressive-like Behavior.

Abstract Background Chronic stress exposure causes neuronal atrophy and synaptic deficits in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC), contributing to development of anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors. Concomitantly, microglia in the PFC undergo morphological and functional changes following stress exposure, suggesting that microglia contribute to synaptic deficits underlying behavioral consequences. Methods Male and female mice were exposed to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) to examine the role of neuron–microglia interactions in the medial PFC during development of anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors. Thy1-GFP-M mice were used to assess microglia-mediated neuronal remodeling and dendritic spine density in the medial PFC. Viral-mediated knockdown of neuronal colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) was used to modulate microglia function and behavioral consequences after CUS. Results CUS promoted anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors that were associated with increased messenger RNA levels of CSF1 in the PFC. Increased CSF1 messenger RNA levels were also detected in the postmortem dorsolateral PFC of individuals with depression. Moreover, microglia isolated from the frontal cortex of mice exposed to CUS show elevated CSF1 receptor expression and increased phagocytosis of neuronal elements. Notably, functional alterations in microglia were more pronounced in male mice compared with female mice. These functional changes in microglia corresponded with reduced dendritic spine density on pyramidal neurons in layer 1 of the medial PFC. Viral-mediated knockdown of neuronal CSF1 in the medial PFC attenuated microglia-mediated neuronal remodeling and prevented behavioral deficits caused by CUS. Conclusions These findings revealed that stress-induced elevations in neuronal CSF1 provokes microglia-mediated neuronal remodeling in the medial PFC, contributing to synaptic deficits and development of anxiety- and depressive-like behavior.
Evidence-Based Education: Faculty Development Workshop to Promote Critical Thinking Skills in Dental Education.

Introduction The Commission on Dental Accreditation emphasizes the importance of teaching critical thinking. If faculty are expected to change the way they teach, training resources that employ the...
Legacy Projects: Helping Young People Respond Productively to the Challenges of a Changing World.

How might educators help young people respond to current and future challenges of a changing world? In this article, I describe how educators can design Legacy Projects to provide young people with opportunities to make positive and lasting differences in their lives, schools, communities, and beyond. The connection between legacy projects and the kinds of transformative leadership skills outlined in Sternberg’s (2017) Active Concerned Citizenship and Ethical Leadership (ACCEL) model is also discussed.
The Place of the Alumni Organization in the History of Universities

I come from a very old country. The first Chinese government university was established in the second century B.C. and by the second century A.D. that university had as many as 30,000 students and was considered a political force.
Breast Cancer Genomics

Recent large-scale next-generation sequencing studies defined the landscape of genomic aberrations in breast cancer. Copy number variations, missense mutations, and small insertion/deletions of certain genes can be associated with carcinogenesis and tumor progression. These so-called cancer drivers supposedly confer either growth advantages or protection from therapeutic stress.
The Learning Cycle

Early approaches to science instruction in the United States consisted mainly of daily recitations from books and lectures. Use of the laboratory was unheard of prior to the mid 1800s. Physical materials and specimens, if used at all, were a means of verifying book or lecture information. But by the late 1800s, laboratory instruction became very popular because it was felt that firsthand observation and manipulation were useful in “disciplining” the mind. The idea of mental discipline stemmed from psychology and the then popular faculty theory. In general, faculty theory claimed that mental behavior was compartmentalized into several “faculties” such as logic, memorization, and observation. In theory, mental behavior could be enhanced by “exercising” these faculties and once the faculties were developed, they would function in all life situations. The theory was used to justify the use of abstract, meaningless, laborious tasks during instruction to exercise and strengthen the mind.
Angular Effects in Dielectronic Recombination and Resonance Transfer Excitation

Radiationless capture of a free electron with an ion is the process in which the incident electron is captured by the ion and simultaneously excites one of the bound electrons of the ion. These doubly excited autoionizing states can decay by the emission of either an electron or a photon. When the final state after x-ray emission is stable against autoionization, this process’ is called the dielectronic recombination (DR).
P011 HLA-B13 donor-specific antibodies yield atypical flow cytometry crossmatch outcomes

Aim To investigate observations of high rates of discrepancies between virtual crossmatch (VXM) positive and flow cytometry crossmatch (FCXM) negative cases in the presence of HLA-B13 DSA. Methods Sera with antibodies against HLA-B*13:01 and/or B*13:02 falling within a MFI ranging from 3286 to 11793, as determined by LABScreen Single Antigen beads (SAB) (One Lambda), were used in FCXM against cells expressing HLA-B*13:01, B*13:02 (sera n = 8, surrogate cells n = 5). Each serum sample was obtained from a unique donor. FCXM with non-B13 HLA class I DSA of a similar MFI were also conducted for comparison to B13 FCXM data. A linear regression analysis was conducted to determine correlation between MFI and MCS for both B13 and non-B13 DSA. Results Sera containing non-B13 DSA had a significant correlation between MCS and MFI values for both T (p 5000 producing positive reactions in only 66.7% of cases, compared to non-B13 DSA producing all positive FCXM reactions for DSA MFI > 5000. Additionally, of the five B13 sera tested on more than one cell, only two sera (#4 & #8) gave the same result (Fig. 1). Sera #1, 5 and 7 each resulted both negative and positive reactions. Conclusions High incidences of discrepancies in B13 FCXM indicate that the unpredictable nature of antigen availability at the cell surface occurs extensively in HLA-B13. One factor in these weak antigen-antibody interactions may be a lower salt bridge formation deduced from decreased protein-ligand interaction between B13 and KIR3DL1, which is unlike the other Bw4 + alleles. Another possibility, is that affinity level of anti-B13 reactions may be susceptible to certain eplets accessible only in naive antigen conformation. For certain specificities, including B13, it will be vital to evaluate FCXM reactions to avoid unnecessarily eliminating potential donors.
Anal Cancer in the Era of Dose Painted Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy: Implications for Regional Nodal Therapy

Since the initial development of 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin as a standard of care platform for definitive anal cancer chemoradiotherapy, multiple studies have evaluated the optimal chemotherapy regimen, and radiotherapy technique. Refinements in treatment technique have taken place during an era of improved diagnostic imaging, including incorporation of FDG-PET, with implications for a possible stage migration effect. This has introduced an opportunity to develop stage-specific recommendations for primary tumor, involved nodal, and elective nodal irradiation dose. Elective nodal irradiation remains standard given the low rates of elective nodal failure with current practice, although may be subject to evolving controversy for patients with early stage disease. In this review, development of the current standard of care for anal cancer chemoradiotherapy is reviewed in the context of modern staging and dose-painted radiotherapy treatment techniques.
Ultrasonographic characterization of cervical lymph nodes in healthy dogs

Ultrasonography provides a minimally invasive method to evaluate the cervical lymph nodes in dogs as part of staging head and neck cancer; however, standardized cohesive reports of the normal lymph node size and appearance are lacking. The purpose of this prospective, descriptive, reference interval study was to characterize the ultrasonographic appearance of cervical lymph nodes in 27 clinically healthy dogs. The size, shape, echogenicity, and margination of the mandibular, medial retropharyngeal, and superficial cervical lymph nodes were evaluated and correlated with age, breed, sex, body weight, and stage of dental disease. The appearance of the lymph nodes was variable among the population. The majority were cigar or ovoid in shape with smooth margins. The echogenicity of the mandibular lymph nodes was predominantly hypoechoic whereas the medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes were predominantly isoechoic compared to the salivary glands. The superficial cervical lymph nodes were predominantly hyperechoic to the surrounding muscle bellies. Higher body weight and younger age were associated with increased size in the medial retropharyngeal and superficial cervical lymph nodes (P-values < .05). Sex and breed were not found to correlate with lymph node characteristics, and there was no trend noted in lymph node appearance associated with dental disease. These data establish normal parameters for the ultrasonographic size and appearance of cervical lymph nodes in dogs and can provide a reference of comparison for future canine cervical ultrasounds, which can be considered for routine staging procedures for head and neck cancer.
Utilization of and Relationships With Primary Care Providers During the Transition to Medicaid Managed Care

The objective of this study was to determine whether seniors and disabled adults in Illinois’s Medicaid managed care (MMC) were more likely to see, maintain longitudinal relationships with, and hav...
Recuerdos de conversaciones con K.-O. Apel

espanolEstas paginas son un pequeno homenaje a Karl-Otto Apel. Desde el recuerdo de nuestros encuentros, pretendo hacer una aproximacion a su persona, tanto desde el punto de vista intelectual, como -sobre todo- desde una perspectiva humana y personal. EnglishThese pages are a small tribute to Karl-Otto Apel. From the memory of our encounters, I intend to make an approximation to his person, both from the intellectual point of view and -above all- from a human and personal perspective.
Mousse: a system for selective symbolic execution of programs with untamed environments

Selective symbolic execution (SSE) is a powerful program analysis technique for exploring multiple execution paths of a program. However, it faces a challenge in analyzing programs with environments that cannot be modeled nor virtualized. Examples include OS services managing I/O devices, software frameworks for accelerators, and specialized applications. We introduce Mousse, a system for analyzing such programs using SSE. Mousse uses novel solutions to overcome the above challenge. These include a novel process-level SSE design, environment-aware concurrent execution, and distributed execution of program paths. We use Mousse to comprehensively analyze five OS services in three smartphones. We perform bug and vulnerability detection, taint analysis, and performance profiling. Our evaluation shows that Mousse outperforms alternative solutions in terms of performance and coverage.
Fine root length production, mortality and standing root crop dynamics in an intensively managed sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) coppice

We used minirhizotrons and micro-video technology to study fine root production, mortality and standing root crop dynamics in an intensively managed sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) coppice. The experiment was a split-plot design with two levels of fertilization. Low-level treatment plots received 560 kg ha-1 yr-1 fertilizer (19:9:19 NPK) via a drip irrigation system and high-level treatment plots received twice this amount. Approximately 150 cm yr-1 irrigation was applied to all treatments. There were no significant treatment differences in daily average fine root production or mortality. The phenology of fine root production and mortality, however, was characterized by strongly seasonal asynchrony. Production increased throughout the summer, peaked in September and declined sharply over the winter. Root mortality was not observed in either treatment until August, and then increased significantly throughout the winter months. There were also no significant treatment differences in standing fine root length. Standing live root length was greatest in the fall and dead root length was greatest over the winter. Roots in the upper 25 cm of the soil profile appeared to be significantly more dynamic (i.e. greater production and mortality) than deeper roots in both treatments. High levels of fertilization apparently do not alter fine root dynamics at our sites, in contrast to fertilization responses observed in other, more nutrient-poor environments.
Subject-specific, Impairment-based Robotic Training of Functional Upper Limb Movements

Significant hand and upper-limb impairment is common post-stroke. Robotic training can administer a high-dose of repetitive movement training to stroke survivors, but its efficacy can be further improved by targeting specific impairments of individual patients. In this study, we developed a new robotic training protocol that identifies specific impairment patterns that degrade functional performance of individual patients and provide joint-specific assistance to counteract subject-specific impairments. The target tasks were also adjusted based on their task performance during training. Two chronic stroke survivors participated in a pilot training study to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed impairment-based robotic training. Upper limb function of the participants was improved by the proposed training as shown in the clinical tests (6.5 ± 4.5 increase in Fugl-Meyer; 10 ± 6.9 increase in Action Research Arm Test), and the laboratory tests also showed improvement in their range of motion (hand) and voluntary reaching distance (arm). The impairment-based robotic training targeted (and improved) specific deficits of individual patients that hampered their task performance, which could have contributed to the observed functional improvement. The proposed training can enhance the rehabilitative outcome of robotic training by emphasizing the key components of effective rehabilitation, i.e., subject-specific, impairment-based training.Clinical Relevance— This study shows that impairment-based, ‘subject-specific’ robotic trainings can improve upper extremity function of stroke survivors.
Social Networks and Chronic Illness Management among Low-Income Tenants in Publicly Subsidized Housing: Findings from a Pilot Study

Low-income tenants in publicly subsidized housing (PSH) have higher rates of chronic illnesses than non-PSH-based residents, making the implementation of chronic illness management (CIM) essential....
The impact of alteration in gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Purpose of review We have increasing evidence that alterations of the intestinal microbiome have a strong influence on human health. Previous work has demonstrated the association between changes in the microbiome and metabolic risk factors. One related area of interest is the relationship between dysbiosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as the global prevalence of NAFLD, and its resultant complications, increases. Recent findings In this review, we summarize the hypothesized pathophysiology of dysbiosis-mediated progression of NAFLD, including promotion of an inflammatory intestinal environment, increased intestinal permeability, endogenous ethanol production, short-chain fatty acid production, secondary bile acid metabolism, and choline depletion. We also review potential therapeutic interventions of the microbiome to slow or prevent NAFLD progression, including antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplant, and farnesoid × receptor agonism. Summary Much of the evidence supporting dysbiosis-mediated NAFLD progression has been gathered in high-quality animal trials. There remains a need for additional observational and randomized controlled trials in humans to establish causality between the suspected factors and pathogenesis of NAFLD.
Christianity in Latin America: A History

From the arrival of the conquistadores in the fifteenth century to the spread of the Pentecostal movement today, Christianity has moulded, coerced, refashioned, and enriched Latin America. Likewise, Christianity has been changed, criticized, and renewed as it crossed the Atlantic. These changes now affect its practice and understanding, not only in South and Central America and the Caribbean, but also - through immigration and global communication - around the world. Focusing on this mutually constitutive relationship, Christianity in Latin America presents the important encounters between people, ideas, and events of this large, heterogeneous subject. In doing so, it takes readers on a fascinating journey of explorers, missionaries, farmers, mystics, charlatans, evangelists, dictators, and martyrs. This book offers an accessible and engaging review of the history of Christianity in Latin America with a widely ecumenical focus to foster understanding of the various forces shaping both Christianity and the region.
Patterned changes in urge ratings with tic suppression in youth with chronic tic disorders.

Abstract Background Premonitory urges are central to emerging behavioral models of chronic tic disorders (CTD). Urge reduction has been proposed as a behavioral explanation for tic maintenance and exacerbation as well as the efficacy of behavioral treatments. Prior investigations have produced inconsistent findings despite common methodologies. The current study evaluated the possibility that data aggregation obscures distinct and meaningful patterns of change in urge ratings when tics are freely expressed versus suppressed. Method Participants (n = 12) included children with moderate-to-marked tic severity and noticeable premonitory urges. Tic frequencies and urge ratings were obtained at 15 s and 10-s intervals, respectively, across an alternating sequence of 10-min tic freely and 40-min tic suppression conditions. Patterns were established using a two step approach. Results Five distinct patterns of urge rating change emerged, suggesting data aggregation may obscure meaningful patterns in the urge–tic relationship when tics are completed versus suppressed. Limitations Eligibility criteria may have unintentionally excluded younger affected children and included older participants with more severe tic disorders than commonly seen. Additional research with less stringent eligibility criteria and a larger sample size will help validate the results. Conclusions The relationship between urges and tics is much more complex than previously theorized. Investigations that rely on global assessments of urge and tic severity and/or assume uniformity when aggregating participant data may obscure meaningful differences in the urge–tic relationship. Future investigations should examine the possibility that individual differences and/or developmental considerations modulate the functional urge–tic relationship.
Underwriting calls of convertible securities

Abstract Average common stock price responses to convertible preferred stock calls are significantly negative only when firms employ underwriters to assure conversion. Previous work reports similar results for convertible bond calls; we find that the stock price reaction does not depend upon the type of convertible security being called. The results support the idea that managers are more likely to have calls underwritten the more unfavorable their private information about firm value.
Genetic cause of leukocyte adhesion molecule deficiency. Abnormal splicing and a missense mutation in a conserved region of CD18 impair cell surface expression of beta 2 integrins.

Abstract Patients with leukocyte adhesion molecule (CD11/CD18, beta 2 integrins) deficiency have structural defects in the common beta subunit (CD18), which prevent heterodimer formation and normal cell surface expression of these receptors, leading to life-threatening bacterial infections. To elucidate the nature of these defects in a patient with partial (type II) deficiency, abnormal CD18 cDNA clones were isolated, using the polymerase chain reaction to amplify the patient's B cell-derived cDNAs. Sequence analysis revealed two mutant alleles. cDNA clones, representing a maternal allele, contained both a 12-base pair insertion resulting in an in-frame addition of four amino acids between P247 and E248 and a C1756----T nucleotide transition, resulting in an R586----W substitution in the normal CD18 protein. The inframe insertion arose by a single nucleotide C----A transversion in the 3' terminus of an intron, generating aberrant splice acceptor site. Other cDNA clones contained an A1052----G nucleotide transition not present in either parent which resulted in an N351----S substitution. To determine the functional importance of these changes, cDNA encoding a normal alpha chain (CD11b) was cotransfected into COS with CD18 cDNAs encoding for wild-type, maternal mutant allele, or CD18 containing N351----S substitution. Immunostaining of transfectants with anti-CD18 monoclonal antibodies revealed no cell surface expression of the maternal mutant CD18, and 22% surface expression of N351----S CD18. Both the insertion and the N351----S mutations occurred in a 250 amino acid extracellular region of CD18 that is highly conserved among beta integrins supporting a role for this region in heterodimer formation.
Axisymmetric and Related Problems

Many physically important problems of plasticity involve solids of revolution which are loaded symmetrically about their geometrical axes. Typical examples of axially symmetrical distribution of stress and strain are provided by the expansion of circular cylindrical tubes, upsetting of cylindrical blocks, extrusion of cylindrical billets, and the axial drawing of wires and tubes. In the theoretical analysis of such problems, which involve large plastic strains, it is customary to assume the material to be rigid/plastic, for which no deformation can occur until the load attains the yield point value. The rigid/plastic assumption is adequate for the estimation of the yield point load itself, and also for the determination of stresses and strains in the plastically deforming zone during the continued loading. In this chapter, we shall deal with several examples in which the stress distribution is axially symmetrical, together with a few related problems involving three-dimensional states of stress.
The Role of Systematic Covariance and Coskewness in the Pricing of Real Estate: Evidence from Equity REITS

This study explores the impact of systematic risk (beta) and systematic coskewness on EREIT returns. The test uses the Skewness Preference CAPM, which includes the impact of the third moment on ret...
Electrochemical lithiation-induced polymorphism of anthraquinone derivatives observed by operando X-ray diffraction

The use of organic molecules represents a very attractive and promising alternative for electrical energy storage applications. Quinones, in general, and anthraquinones, in particular, are especially attractive due to their ability to reversibly exchange multiple electrons per formula unit. When used as the active electrode material in a real lithium-ion battery (LIB), crystalline anthraquinone powders reversibly change crystal packing as a function of state-of-charge (redox state), with well-defined voltage plateaus appearing concomitantly with new phases. Operando powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a powerful method for screening the structural stability of organic cathode candidates and for understanding electrochemically-induced structural transformations within organic molecular crystals. Herein we explore the electrochemical lithiation-induced polymorphism of anthraquinone (AQ) and three related derivatives. We believe that this analysis can serve as a model for studying organic charge storage within crystalline small-molecule candidates.
HNF1β and S100A1 are useful biomarkers for distinguishing renal oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma in FNA and core needle biopsies.

BACKGROUND Morphologic overlap between renal oncocytoma (RO) and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC) can pose diagnostic challenges, especially in biopsy samples in which tumor quantity may be limited, architectural features are not well represented, and gross examination is not possible. It has been demonstrated that immunohistochemistry (IHC) for HNF1α, HNF1β, and S100A1 are differentially expressed in RO and ChRCC in resection specimens. We evaluated the utility of these markers in FNA and core biopsies of RO and ChRCC. METHODS IHC for HNF1α, HNF1β, and S100A1 were performed on 61 RO specimens (36 FNA biopsies and 25 core biopsies) and on 14 ChRCC specimens (10 FNA biopsies and 4 core biopsies), and results were scored semiquantitatively for staining intensity (0-3: negative, weak, moderate, strong) and staining extent (0-4: 0%, 1-25%, 26-50%, 51-75%, 76-100%). RESULTS Forty-four (44) of 60 (73%) RO displayed moderate-to-strong nuclear reactivity for HNF1β compared to 3 of 14 (21%) ChRCC (P 50% of tumor cells in 34 of 60 (57%) RO and in 2 of 14 (14%) ChRCC (P = .004). S100A1 was moderately-to-strongly positive in 45 of 56 (80%) RO and in 1 of 13 (8%) ChRCC (P 50% of tumor cells (P < .001). No ChRCCs were positive for both markers. There was no statistically significant difference in intensity or extent of HNF1α staining between RO and ChRCC. CONCLUSIONS HNF1β and S100A1 positivity was observed in a significantly greater proportion of RO than ChRCC. IHC for both markers can thus aid in the differential diagnosis. Accurate distinction is of increasing importance as tumor-ablative procedures and active surveillance become more widely adopted. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2015;123:298–305. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Government perspective: food labeling

The Food and Drug Administration acknowledges the severity of the obesity epidemic. The Food and Drug Administration recognizes the importance of food labeling as a vehicle for dietary messages and, thus, enforces stringent guidelines to maintain the integrity of the food label. As food labels await another upgrade to make them more effective and easier to understand, the Food and Drug Administration considers what information will be most useful for consumers to make healthy choices. The causal relationship between food labels and subsequent diet choice is not well understood; more research in this area is needed. The Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration has recently appointed an Obesity Working Group to develop proposals on pertinent topics of obesity, including the role of food labeling as a dietary guide.
Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy and Dor Fundoplication for Pediatric Esophageal Achalasia: Recent Technical Modifications of an Established Procedure

Background/Objective: Since 1996, both laparoscopic and thoracoscopic Heller myotomy, with and without fundoplication, have been described for the treatment of pediatric esophageal achalasia. Many ...
eHealth interventions for HIV prevention

The rapidly changing media landscape and proliferation of new technologies creates vast new opportunities for HIV prevention. The fast growth of the relatively new eHealth field is a testament to the excitement and promise of these new technologies. eHealth interventions in HIV prevention tested to date include computer- and Internet-based interventions; chat room interventions; text messaging interventions; and social media. The current article provides a brief review of these types of interventions in HIV prevention, including their unique advantages and evidence of efficacy. Implications for future research in the eHealth HIV prevention field are discussed.
DOS RELATOS DEL EXILIO CATALÁN EN CUBA: TERESA PÀMIES Y JOSEP MARIA POBLET

Es conocido que la Guerra Civil espanola y sus secuelas politicas forzaron a muchos escritores a transitar los pasos del exilio. Despues de cruzar los Pirineos, una de las alternativas a los campos de concentracion franceses la proporciono el Servicio de Evacuacion para Refugiados Espanoles (S.E.R.E.) que ofrecia la posibilidad de distribucion de los exiliados en diferentes paises del continente americano. Aunque Cuba no representaba el destino final de tal viaje, si se encontraba entre las paradas obligatorias del recorrido que en muchos casos terminaria en Mexico, gracias a la generosa politica de acogimiento de refugiados del presidente Lazaro Cardenas.
Comparison of human chorionic gonadotropin regression in molar pregnancies and post-molar nonmetastatic gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

Abstract The rate of regression of the β subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin in patients successfully treated by single-agent chemotherapy with methotrexate (MTX) for postmolar nonmetastatic gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (NMGTN) has not previously been described In 21 patients with NMGTN treated with MTX, the rate of regression was determined. Nineteen patients had a log-exponential disappearance of serum β-hCG titers within 100 days. There was a 50% probability of a negative titer at 50 days. Two patients had plateauing titers within 63 days after therapy. There was no difference in β-hCG disappearance whether MTX with citrovorum factor or MTX alone was administered. Also, the regression rate of β-hCG titer in the treated patients was compared to 63 patients with spontaneous decline of titers postevacuation of trophoblastic disease. In the postevacuation group there was a 50% probability at 49 days of negative serum titers. All 63 patients had negative titers within 105 days after evacuation.
Ionic interaction with bone mineral IV. Varying affinity of synthetic calcium phosphates for Ca2

Abstract The concentration of Ca 2+ and PO 4 3− in the liquid film surrounding the crystals of several synthetic calcium phosphates suspended in an aqueous medium was calculated from 45 Ca 2+ and 32 PO 4 3− exchange studies performed under physiological conditions. This permitted an estimation of the uptake of Ca 2+ and PO 4 3− from solution by the solid phase alone, exclusive of the uptake by the adherent liquid film. The compounds with low calcium-to-phosphate molar ratio (Ca/P) showed a greater affinity for Ca 2+ than those with higher Ca/P. Octacalcium phosphate (Ca/P = 1.33) incorporated considerably more Ca 2+ than PO 4 3− . Tricalcium phosphate (Ca/P = 1.5), Bio-Rad apatite (Ca/P = 1.51), G-D apatite (Ca/P = 1.63), and L-apatite (Ca/P = 1.67), all of which gave apatitic X-ray diffraction patterns, demonstrated an uptake of Ca 2+ in decreasing order, and an uptake of PO 4 3− in increasing order.
Influence of Parapets and Aspect Ratio on Live-Load Distribution

Significant discrepancies in girder distribution factors have been observed between actual bridge field-testing results and AASHTO code predictions. One of the reasons for the discrepancies is that code methods fail to account for the existence of secondary members such as parapets in bridges. This research investigates the effects of parapets and bridge aspect ratio on live-load moment distribution for bridge girders. The influence on distribution factors of parapets with varying overhang lengths and of aspect ratio with varying roadway width is investigated. To study the effects of parapets and aspect ratios, 34 two-span continuous bridges with a 0° or a 45° skew angle and with varied structure parameters are analyzed using the finite element method. The distribution factors obtained from these analyses are compared with those from the AASHTO methods. The presence of parapets is shown to reduce distribution factors by as much as 36 and 13% for exterior and interior girders, respectively. The effect of parapets is slightly less for skewed bridges. Aspect ratio is shown to have very little effect on distribution factors until the ratio exceeds 1.8.
Circuit-Specific Intracortical Hyperconnectivity in Mice with Deletion of the Autism-Associated Met Receptor Tyrosine Kinase

Local hyperconnectivity in the neocortex is a hypothesized pathophysiological state in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). MET , a receptor tyrosine kinase that regulates dendrite and spine morphogenesis, has been established as a risk gene for ASD. Here, we analyzed the synaptic circuit organization of identified pyramidal neurons in the anterior frontal cortex of mice with a dorsal pallium-derived, conditional knock-out (cKO) of Met . Synaptic mapping by glutamate uncaging identified layer 2/3 as the main source of local excitatory input to layer 5 projection neurons in controls. In both cKO and heterozygotes, this pathway was stronger by a factor of ∼2. This increase was both sublayer and projection-class specific, restricted to corticostriatal neurons in upper layer 5B and not neighboring corticopontine neurons. Paired recordings in cKO slices demonstrated increased unitary connectivity. We propose that excitatory hyperconnectivity in specific neocortical microcircuits constitutes a physiological basis for Met-mediated ASD risk.
Improving the Transparency of Construction Projects Through Visualization Technology

Reconstruction of major metropolitan highway projects is a complex engineering process during which detailed engineering plans and specifications are prepared and the construction operations are performed according to those plans and specifications. Most of these complex projects take years to plan and design and several more years to construct. One major challenge associated with urban and metropolitan highway reconstruction is balancing the mobility needs of the driving public and the construction needs of the contractor. In general, this balance is accomplished through the development of detailed traffic control plans (TCPs). These TCPs are primarily engineering documents. Typically, they are shared between an engineer, owner, and contractor on printed sheets of 11- x 17-in. paper. On large projects, a TCP document can consist of several thousand sheets. A TCP depicts the sequence of construction and the management of traffic (i.e., spatial information only). Timeline information (i.e., temporal data o...
Principles of programming

A hypothetical sample computer having a limited order code is described, followed by some examples of simple programming. These illustrate the general principles of programming as well as some aspects of the type of thinking necessary for utilizing computers of this kind.
The mechanical properties of tungsten-based composites at very high strain rates

Abstract The high strain rate behavior of two different tungsten-based composites (WBCs) has been investigated using a combination of compression Kolsky bar and high strain rate pressure—shear plate impact experiments. The two materials investigated are (a) a W/(WNiFe) “heavy alloy” containing 91 wt.% W with a WNiFe matrix/binder phase and (b) a W/Hf composite containing 72 wt.% W and Hf matrix/binder phase. For each materials, stress-strain curves are obtained in compression and shear over the strain rate range of 10 3 to 10 5 s −1 . The flow stresses observed in the W/Hf composite during these dynamic deformations are comparable to those observed in the W/(WNiFe) material, in spite of the lower tungsten content of the W/Hf composite. Further, the W/Hf composite displays approximately the same degree of strain-rate hardening as the W/(WNiFe) composite. The observed behaviorof the W/(WNiFe) composite is compared with the predictions of several phenomenological models for high-rate deformations, including the Johnson-Cook and Zerilli-Armstrong models.
Particle motions in a physical model of shallow angle thrust faulting

A physical model of thrust faulting has been constructed out of elastic foam rubber. The thrust wedge has an angle of 25°., and is forced from the back by a steel-hydraulic system of effectively infinite rigidity, analogous to the force exerted by tectonic plates. The observed particle motions show many features different from those commonly assumed in dislocation models of subduction thrusts. Interface waves associated with fault opening propagate along the thrust plane (from the back) and temporarily decouple the overlying hanging wall plate from the foot wall. Because of the geometry of the reflecting fault boundary, and the free surface (also reflecting), energy is trapped in the wedge and, as a consequence, the particle motions and energy in the hanging wall are much greater than in the foot wall. The interface wave and the energy trapped in the upper plate propagate up the wedge and break out at the toe of the thrust with a spectacular increase in motions.
Context-sensitive design and human-centered interactive systems

Context is a critical element in forming the performance of interactive systems. As the functional diversity and range of use context of the system increase, context sensitivity becomes a critical mechanism to enhance system performance and interactive qualities. Particularly in the design and management of ubiquitous computing and mobile communication environments embodying the concept of ambient intelligence, understanding diverse and changing contexts of people's life and work and incorporation of an accommodating context-sensitivity into the system need to be pursued. This SIG attempts to introduce a representation framework for contextual information critical to develop a methodological foundation for user-centered design practice. First, the concept of context is discussed including questions such as what composes a context, how contexts are structured and assessed, and how they can be described in relation to interactive systems development. Then, strategies and methods to incorporate context sensitivity are discussed from the perspective of system development in relation to types of system architecture that can effectively implement context-sensitivity.
Interrogating the repertoire: broadening the scope of peptide–MHC multimer analysis

Labelling antigen-specific T cells with peptide-MHC multimers has provided an invaluable way to monitor T cell-mediated immune responses. A number of recent developments in this technology have made these multimers much easier to make and use in large numbers. Furthermore, enrichment techniques have provided a greatly increased sensitivity that allows the analysis of the naive T cell repertoire directly. Thus, we can expect a flood of new information to emerge in the coming years.
Effects of bepridil on force development and transmembrane electrical activity of adult canine Purkinje strands: comparison with nisoldipine and lidocaine.

Superfusion of a bepridil containing normal Tyrode solution produced a concentration-dependent decrease in force development and shortening of action potential duration in isolated Purkinje strands. At a concentration close to the 50% inhibitory concentration for effects on force development and action potential duration, bepridil blocked ‘slow’ action potentials in potassium depolarized, isoproterenol-restored Purkinje strands. When the concentration-response relations for decreasing force development and shortening action potential duration were compared to those of nisoldipine and other calcium entry inhibitors, bepridil was the least potent. Bepridil also showed a concentration-dependent effect on the maximum rate of rise of the Purkinje fiber action potential upstroke similar to, though less potent than that of lidocaine. In addition, like lidocaine, bepridil shifted the membrane responsiveness curve of the Purkinje strands to the left. These findings indicate that bepridil produced effects that are consistent with its classification as a calcium entry inhibitor (class IV antiarrhythmic), as well as effects that are ‘lidocaine-like’ (class I antiarrhythmic).
TACE/ADAM-17 Phosphorylation by PKC-Epsilon Mediates Premalignant Changes in Tobacco Smoke-Exposed Lung Cells

Background Tobacco smoke predisposes humans and animals to develop lung tumors, but the molecular events responsible for this are poorly understood. We recently showed that signaling mechanisms triggered by smoke in lung cells could lead to the activation of a growth factor signaling pathway, thereby promoting hyperproliferation of lung epithelial cells. Hyperproliferation is considered a premalignant change in the lung, in that increased rates of DNA synthesis are associated with an increased number of DNA copying errors, events that are exacerbated in the presence of tobacco smoke carcinogens. Despite the existence of DNA repair mechanisms, a small percentage of these errors go unrepaired and can lead to tumorigenic mutations. The results of our previous study showed that an early event following smoke exposure was the generation of oxygen radicals through the activation of NADPH oxidase. Although it was clear that these radicals transduced signals through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and that this was mediated by TACE-dependent cleavage of amphiregulin, it remained uncertain how oxygen radicals were able to activate TACE.
Tachigalia versicolor is a suicidal neotropical tree

WITHIN a year of flowering in Tachigalia versicolor Standl. and Wms (Leguminosae-Caesalpinoideae) the leaves drop, the fruit is released and the tree dies. Reproduction occurs synchronously at intervals of several years in this large, much-branched, canopy tree species, but not all of the large individuals in the forest canopy flower and die at once. The species is known from the evergreen and semi-deciduous lowland forests of Panama, south-east Costa Rica and north-west Colombia. Except for a brief mention1 of the Amazonian T. myrmecophila, I have found no previous reference to reproduction followed by death in Tachigalia (including Sclerolobium, an apparently congeneric taxon2,3), nor in any other large, branched, dicotyledonous tree. My preliminary observations in Peru suggest that this behaviour is characteristic of several of the other 56 species in this genus, most of which occur in the Amazon Basin.
Model for the effects of water on the cationic UV-curing of cyclohexyl epoxides

The effect of relative humidity on the photoin-duced curing kinetics of cyclohexyl epoxide and epoxide/polyol coating formulations was investigated in real-time using FTIR spectroscopy. In total, five formulations were used in this study, including a cyclohexyl epoxide without polyol, and four with polyols. The polyol formulations were varied with respect to ratio of epoxide to polyol, and molar functionality of the hydroxyl group. The formulations were exposed to a maximum of seven different relative humidities (6, 16, 20, 30, 51, 62, 75 RH). The curing speed and overall conversion of the epoxy group passed through a maxima for all the formulations. The polyol had an effect on the hydrophilicity of the overall formulation. It was also found that water and polyols had a synergistic effect on the UV-curing kinetics, in effect lowering the relative humidity to achieve a maxima. A model for UV-curing mechanisms at low, medium, and high relative humidity was proposed for both systems with and without the polyols.
Where does the self‐refutation objection take us?

Eliminative materialism is the position that common‐sense psychology is false and that beliefs and desires, like witches and demons, do not exist. One of the most popular criticisms of this view is that it is self‐refuting or, in some sense, incoherent. Hence, it is often claimed that eliminativism is not only implausible, but necessarily false. Below, I assess the merits of this objection and find it seriously wanting. I argue that the self‐refutation objection is (at best) a misleading reformulation of much more mundane objections to eliminativism and that, contrary to its advocates’ endorsements, it adds nothing of genuine interest to the debate over the existence of prepositional attitudes.
Prostatic cryotherapy: Ultrasonographicand pathologic correlation in the canine model

Objectives Cryotherapy of the prostate has been reintroduced clinically due to improved ultrasound guidance and cryotechnology. The purpose of this canine feasibility study was to assess the accuracy of transrectal ultrasound (TRUE) in monitoring iceball progression with histologic correlation.
Generalized Linear Covariance Analysis

This talk presents a comprehensive approach to filter modeling for generalized covariance analysis of both batch least-squares and sequential estimators. We review and extend in two directions the results of prior work that allowed for partitioning of the state space into solve-for'' and consider'' parameters, accounted for differences between the formal values and the true values of the measurement noise, process noise, and textita priori solve-for and consider covariances, and explicitly partitioned the errors into subspaces containing only the influence of the measurement noise, process noise, and solve-for and consider covariances. In this work, we explicitly add sensitivity analysis to this prior work, and relax an implicit assumption that the batch estimator's epoch time occurs prior to the definitive span. We also apply the method to an integrated orbit and attitude problem, in which gyro and accelerometer errors, though not estimated, influence the orbit determination performance. We illustrate our results using two graphical presentations, which we call the variance sandpile'' and the sensitivity mosaic,'' and we compare the linear covariance results to confidence intervals associated with ensemble statistics from a Monte Carlo analysis.
Search for inverse fission of uranium

Background: There is a long-term interest in running the fission reaction backward, i.e., studying the ``inverse fission'' of uranium. The recent availability of beams of $n$-rich fission fragments has stimulated interest in this endeavor.Purpose: To search for inverse fission in the reactions ${}^{124,132}$Sn + ${}^{100}$Mo.Method: In the ${}^{124}$Sn + ${}^{100}$Mo reaction, evaporation residues were searched for using in-beam detection of evaporation residues, in-beam $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ spectroscopy, and post-irradiation $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ spectroscopy, while in the ${}^{132}$Sn + ${}^{100}$Mo reaction, the evaporation residue ${}^{230}$U was searched for using post-irradiation $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ spectroscopy.Results: No evidence for the occurrence of the inverse fission reactions was found. The upper-limit cross section for the latter reaction is $\ensuremath{\sim}$550 $\ensuremath{\mu}$b, while the experimental upper-limit cross section for the former reaction is about 21${}_{\ensuremath{-}21}^{+38}$ nb.Conclusions: The intensity of suitable radioactive beams is not high enough at present to detect inverse fission. For the ${}^{124}$Sn + ${}^{100}$Mo reaction, the observed upper limits are below the estimates of current models for these reactions, probably due to fusion hindrance.