cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of neural noise on a sensory-motor pathway signaling impending collision

Noise is a major concern in circuits processing electrical signals, including neural circuits. There are many factors that influence how noise propagates through neural circuits, and there are few systems in which noise levels have been studied throughout a processing pathway. We recorded intracellularly from multiple stages of a sensory-motor pathway in the locust that detects approaching objects. We found that responses are more variable and that signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) are lower further from the sensory periphery. SNRs remain low even with the use of stimuli for which the pathway is most selective and for which the neuron representing its final sensory level must integrate many synaptic inputs. Modeling of this neuron shows that variability in the strength of individual synaptic inputs within a large population has little effect on the variability of the spiking output. In contrast, jitter in the timing of individual inputs and spontaneous variability is important for shaping the responses to preferred stimuli. These results suggest that neural noise is inherent to the processing of visual stimuli signaling impending collision and contributes to shaping neural responses along this sensory-motor pathway.
Smartphone adapters for digital photomicrography

Background: Photomicrographs in Anatomic Pathology provide a means of quickly sharing information from a glass slide for consultation, education, documentation and publication. While static image acquisition historically involved the use of a permanently mounted camera unit on a microscope, such cameras may be expensive, need to be connected to a computer, and often require proprietary software to acquire and process images. Another novel approach for capturing digital microscopic images is to use smartphones coupled with the eyepiece of a microscope. Recently, several smartphone adapters have emerged that allow users to attach mobile phones to the microscope. The aim of this study was to test the utility of these various smartphone adapters. Materials and Methods: We surveyed the market for adapters to attach smartphones to the ocular lens of a conventional light microscope. Three adapters (Magnifi, Skylight and Snapzoom) were tested. We assessed the designs of these adapters and their effectiveness at acquiring static microscopic digital images. Results: All adapters facilitated the acquisition of digital microscopic images with a smartphone. The optimal adapter was dependent on the type of phone used. The Magnifi adapters for iPhone were incompatible when using a protective case. The Snapzoom adapter was easiest to use with iPhones and other smartphones even with protective cases. Conclusions: Smartphone adapters are inexpensive and easy to use for acquiring digital microscopic images. However, they require some adjustment by the user in order to optimize focus and obtain good quality images. Smartphone microscope adapters provide an economically feasible method of acquiring and sharing digital pathology photomicrographs.
Effective and efficient compromise recovery for weakly consistent replication

Weakly consistent replication of data has become increasingly important both for loosely-coupled collections of personal devices and for large-scale infrastructure services. Unfortunately, automatic replication mechanisms are agnostic about the quality of the data they replicate. Inappropriate updates, whether malicious or simply the result of misuse, propagate automatically and quickly. The consequences may not be noticed until days later, when the corrupted data has been fully replicated, thereby deleting or overwriting all traces of the valid data. In this sort of situation, it can be hard or impossible to restore an entire distributed system to a clean state without losing data and disrupting users.Polygraph is a software layer that extends the functionality of weakly consistent replication systems to support compromise recovery. Its goal is to undo the direct and indirect effects of updates due to a source known after the fact to have been compromised. In restoring a clean replicated state, Polygraph expunges all data due to a compromise or derived from such data, retains as much uncompromised data as possible, and revives valid versions of subsequently compromised data. Our evaluation demonstrates that Polygraph is both effective, retaining uncompromised data, and efficient, re-replicating data only when necessary.
Genetic analysis of adenovirus E1A: induction of genetic instability and altered cell morphologic and growth characteristics are segregatable functions

Abstract Single multifunctional oncoproteins contribute to genomic instability development, but relationships between one or more oncoprotein-associated activities and genetic changes accompanying tumor cell progression are uncertain. Using NIH 3T3 derivative EN/NIH 2-20 containing transcriptionally silent neomycin phosphotransferase gene ( neo ) integrants with undetectable spontaneous reactivations, we studied wild-type (WT) and mutant adenovirus E1A-induced neo reactivation by neo -allelic rearrangement. WT E1A expression, yielding differential splice transcripts 12S and 13S and resulting in altered cell morphologic and growth characteristics, produced neo reactivations in 9 of 21 subclones (median rate per cell, 35×10 −6 ; range, 0.33×10 −6 to 936×10 −6 ). Only 3 of 17 cell lines expressing CTdl976, a `12S' functional equivalent inducing altered cell morphologic and growth characteristics while lacking the 13S trans activation domain, yielded neo reactivations (range, 0.33×10 −6 to 0.67×10 −6 ). One of 21 subclones expressing NTdl646, an E1A mutant retaining the trans domain but lacking p300 binding activity and the ability to alter cell morphologic and growth characteristics, produced neo reactivations (8.7×10 −6 ). Other E1A mutants, all lacking the ability to alter cell morphologic and growth characteristics while binding pRb but variously lacking the trans domain and binding for p107 and/or p300, displayed undetectable neo -reactivations. 98 EN/NIH 2-20 derivatives coexpressing complementary mutant E1As exhibited altered morphologic and growth features, but only 10 of these produced neo reactivations, and maximum rates (14×10 −6 ) were substantially lower than those in comparably derived, morphologically altered E1AWT-expressing counterparts (497×10 −6 ). These findings suggest that maximum rates of gene reactivations by genomic rearrangement require the collective activities of functional domains assembled in single multifunctional proteins (or complexes) while altered cell morphologic and growth characteristics may arise through comparable sets of functional domains distributed across more than one protein (or complex).
Vitamin D3 and Its Synthetic Analogs Inhibit the Spontaneous in Vitro Immunoglobulin Production by SLE-Derived PBMC

Abstract The production of high-affinity pathogenic autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may result from aberrant immune regulation. Since 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D 3 (1,25 D 3 ) has immunoregulatory activity, we examined effects of 1,25 D 3 and its analogs HM, V, MC1288, and KH1060 on autoantibody production and proliferation of SLE PBMC. We found, in SLE, a higher percentage of T, B, and NK expressing vitamin D 3 receptors (VDRs) ( P = 0.034, 0.006, 0.012, respectively). Incubating SLE PBMC with 1,25 D 3 compounds significantly reduced proliferation, polyclonal and anti-dsDNA IgG production, and the percentages of CD3 + /DR + T and B (CD19 + ) cells, while elevating NK (CD16 + ) cells ( P 3 analogs were more potent than the natural compound: KH1060 up-regulated CD14 expression by SLE monocytes ( P 3 compounds can offer novel approaches to the clinical management of SLE.
Painful Physical Symptoms in Depression: A Clinical Challenge

Painful physical symptoms are common elements within mood disorders and provide a therapeutic challenge when such patients attribute their pain to causes other than the mood disorder. These somatic presentations may lead to under-diagnosis and inappropriate treatment of patients with mood disorders. Antidepressant agents that inhibit both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake effectively remit mood disorders, thereby providing relief of painful physical symptoms often associated with these disorders. They may also provide analgesia for neuropathic pain, such as that caused by diabetic neuropathy, which are associated with mood disorders. Newer generation dual acting antidepressants such as duloxetine and venlafaxine offer a well-tolerated and safe alternative to tricyclics. Concurrent with medication and management, the physician must educate the patient about the nature of both depressed mood and painful physical states that are augmented by and inherent in the depressive disorders. This mini review addresses the problems inherent to the treatment of painful physical symptoms in depression.
Cytoplasmic OCT4 staining is a sensitive marker of neuroendocrine differentiation

Previous studies by the authors have described a novel cytoplasmic staining pattern with OCT4 in normal adrenal medullary tissue and in paragangliomas. We aimed to determine if this type of staining is found in other neuroendocrine tissues by examining a broad range of neuroendocrine tumors. Fifty neuroendocrine tumors of various grades and primary organ sites were selected. All cases were immunostained with OCT4 and Ki-67. OCT4 reactivity was then scored for intensity (0-3+) and extent (0-3+). Ki-67 proliferation index was scored as a percentage of total tumor cells. Immunoelectron microscopy was performed to determine precise location of antibody binding within cells. Immunoreactivity was seen in 26 (96%) of 27 cases of carcinoid tumors. The same type of strong staining was seen in 4 (67%) of 6 moderately differentiated neuroendocrine tumors. Only 2 (12%) of 17 poorly differentiated neuroendocrine tumors showed similar staining. A strong, inverse correlation was seen with OCT4 and Ki-67 index. Immunoelectron microscopy showed binding of OCT4 antibody to neurosecretory granules. Cytoplasmic staining of OCT4 is a sensitive marker of neuroendocrine differentiation that has yet to be described in any other tissue or tumor type. These findings show that this antibody has a high affinity for well- to moderately differentiated neuroendocrine tumors. Although comparative studies with other markers and a more extensive analysis of other tissue types are necessary, cytoplasmic staining of OCT4 may prove to be a useful immunostain in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors.
Mapping micromechanical properties of soft polymer contact lenses

Abstract We present comparative micromechanical characterization of several commercial soft silicone hydrogel contact lenses, which allows for the examination of spatial distribution of different regions with local mechanical properties within the lens under practical wet conditions. We employ elastic contact mechanic model and corresponding analysis of force–distance curves collected with high-resolution atomic force microscopy measurements performed within elastic deformation limits. The measurements were performed on the lens cross section to map the micromechanical properties distribution within the sub-surface regions and bulk material of the different lens. In addition, we have studied topography and mechanical properties of the lens surfaces, which come into direct contact with the surface of the eye and eyelid. AFM images show high contrast distribution maps for the adhesive and mechanical properties of the different microstructured regions such as pores, lamellae and different material inclusions within the lenses. Additional indentation experiments allow for collection of quantitative data for micromechanical properties from different regions within the lens structure and correlate these data with lens-averaged macroscopic measurements available in the literature.
Nonlinear instability in multiple time stepping molecular dynamics

This paper discusses additional stability limitations of multiple time stepping (MTS) integrators for molecular dynamics (MD) that attempt to bridge time scales. In particular, it is shown that when constant-energy (NVE) simulations of Newton's equations of motion are attempted using the Verlet-I/r-RESPA/Impulse, there are nonlinear instabilities when the longest step size is one third and possibly one fourth of the period(s) of the fastest motion(s) in the system. This is demonstrated both thorough the analysis of a nonlinear model problem and through a through set of numerical simulations.
Connecting international priorities with human wellbeing in low-income regions: lessons from hawksbill turtle conservation in El Salvador

Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are highly endangered in the eastern Pacific Ocean, yet their eggs continue to be an important subsistence resource for impoverished coastal residents in El Salvador. In this study, we use naturalistic inquiry to explain the realities experienced by coastal residents who share habitat with hawksbills in El Salvador, and then suggest implications of the disparities between these realities and international priorities for hawksbill conservation and community development in El Salvador and other low-income regions. To provide a context for understanding hawksbill conservation and its implications for similar challenges related to conservation and wellbeing, we first summarise the conservation context, including the emergence of sea turtle conservation in El Salvador. We then describe our naturalistic approach, including the ethnographic methodology for this study. Finally, we detail the analysis of interviews conducted with tortugueros (i.e. local sea turtle egg col...
A curved‐field reflectron for improved energy focusing of product ions in time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

A new type of curved-field reflectron has been developed for the energy focusing of ions formed after initial acceleration in time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometers. These include ions generated in the dissociation region of a tandem TOF, as well as metastable decay products formed in the field-free drift region prior to their reflection. Unlike conventional linear-field reflectrons, which focus product ions to different focal lengths that are proportional to the mass (energy) of the fragment, the new curved-field reflectron energy focuses all ions to within a small region near the exit of the reflectron. Thus, the collection of resolved fragment peaks is possible without scanning or stepping the potential gradient of the reflectron, enabling faster acquisition of the production spectrum and, more importantly, true multiplex recording of the spectra from each ionization event. Theoretical considerations of the design are discussed along with an evaluation of collision-induced dissociation data, demonstrating the performance of the new reflectron in a tandem TOF instrument.
Longitudinal Analysis of a Model to Predict Quality of Life in Prostate Cancer Patients and their Spouses

Background/Purpose This study examined a stress-coping model to assess whether baseline antecedent variables predicted subsequent appraisal and how that appraisal predicted coping and quality of life for prostate cancer patients and their spouses.
Software design tool to analyze waste streams generated by power semiconductor device fabrication processes

A simulation software tool is developed to characterize the waste streams generated by the semiconductor device processing. The purpose of the software tool is to facilitate details such as: type of chemicals in the waste streams, waste segregation and quantitative analysis of the waste materials. The ultimate goal of this software tool is to design a semiconductor process flow that can generate minuscule quantities of waste streams with very low toxicity levels to maintain a clean environment. Free wheeling diode (FWD) fabrication process flow was selected to develop this software. The software tool was developed in the visual basic user interface environment under the Microsoft windows operating system. Semiconductor cleaning and etch operations were chosen as vehicles to demonstrate the software ability.
Is there a cardiomyopathy of obesity

Obesity is associated with structural and functional changes in the heart. These changes may be precursors to more overt forms of cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. However, it is not known 1) whether cardiac hypertrophy in obese individuals results directly from increased adioposity or from the effects of comorbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and sleep-disordered breathing and 2) whether functional changes (eg, mild reductions in systolic and diastolic function) in obese patients progress over time to the point where they cause heart failure, unless ischemic heart disease develops. Establishing a clear link between obesity and heart failure is complicated by the fact that obesity must be present for many decades before the risk of heart failure increases substantially. At present, there are no longitudinal studies of changes in cardiac size and function in humans with obesity. This article reviews data showing structural and functional changes in the heart in obesity and the evidence that these are or are not progressive over time. At present, we believe it is uncertain whether there is a true “cardiomyopathy of obesity.”
Privacy Challenges in Context-sensitive Access Control for Pervasive Computing Environment

The widespread prevalence of pervasive devices and applications has raised the concerns of privacy. Granting Access to Resources and Context sensitive information causes information leakage through inference or obfuscation. Again, the open and dynamic collaborative environment of pervasive computing has rendered the traditional access control models like Role based models to be unfit. Even though Trust based models came to rescue in such circumstances, privacy is mostly compromised in the big picture. In this paper, we have drawn examples from pervasive computing environment and illustrated some scenarios of privacy violation. We have presented a trust based access control model for pervasive healthcare environment to prevent information leakage on accessing constraint information that yields privacy violation in the end. We have addressed information leak from three perspectives of constraint information satisfaction to grant access to the resources. They are satisfy any, satisfy all and hierarchical constraints. Furthermore, the model eliminates requirements for maintaining any keys or access rights certificates for privacy protection. This lightweight model helps ensure the resource constrained small pervasive devices like PDA, cell phones use the access control model effectively and efficiently with privacy of the individuals preserved in the first place.
THE FECUNDITY, TIME OF EGG DEVELOPMENT AND JUVENILE PRODUCTION IN SPINY-CHEEK CRAYFISH (ORCONECTES LIMOSUS) UNDER CONTROLLED CONDITIONS

We comprehensively describe the fecundity and time of embryonic development of the spiny-cheek crayfish (Orconectes limosus). Linear relationships between female size and ovarian fecundity, pleopodal fecundity, and production of juveniles at the 3rd stage, were confirmed. The ovarian fecundity was evaluated for the smallest as well as largest females in the sampled population (43-93 mm of body length); the number of oocytes (eggs) ranged widely, between 46 and 505. No significant difference was found between the ovarian and pleopodal fecundity observed just after egg laying. The value of the female gonadosomatic index just before laying was 4.2 ± 1.8% (0.8-7.7%). The mean diameter of eggs on female pleopods was 1.8 ± 0.2 mm (1.45-2.15 mm). A statistically significant difference was found between the numbers of eggs carried on individual pairs of pleopods. Mean time from laying to hatching was 46 ± 3.8 days (37-56 days), i.e. 647 ± 39.9 CTU (Celsius Temperature Units = degrees Celsius × days). Mean production of juveniles at the 3rd stage was found to be 135.7 ± 67.24 (15-243) juveniles. The early sexual maturation and also high number of juveniles at the 3rd stage per female gives this species a good predisposition for quick establishment in new localities.
Three-dimensional unstable resonator calculations with laser medium.

A numerical procedure that uses an explicit finite difference method to solve the wave equation is described. This technique results in a propagation algorithm that can accurately propagate an arbitrary electric field through a uniform medium or a medium that is nonuniform, transversely flowing, saturable, and contains index inhomogeneities. By using the propagation algorithm to propagate an arbitrary field back and forth between two resonator mirrors, the three-dimensional transverse mode and the output beam characteristics for a laser resonator can be determined. The advantage of the finite difference method is that unlike integral techniques the computational accuracy and efficiency improve as the resonator Fresnel number increases. The computational techniques are explained, and results for several specific empty cavity confocal unstable resonators are presented and compared to results obtained using an established calculation technique. The application of the finite difference method to inhomogeneous laser media is described, and computational results for an existing CO2 gas dynamic laser are presented and compared to measured data. The medium kinetics and shock wave models used in the calculations are described.
A 13-b 2.5-MHz self-calibrated pipelined A/D converter in 3- mu m CMOS

Described is a self-calibrated pipelined A/D converter technique potentially appropriate for such high-resolution video applications. This approach requires much less area than multistep flash approaches and requires fewer clock cycles than error averaging techniques. Since self-calibration can be performed during interframe intervals, this approach is particularly attractive for video applications. A 3- mu m CMOS prototype fabricated using this architecture achieves 13-b resolution at 2.5 Msample/s. consumes 100 mW, and occupies 40 kmil/sup 2/ (26 mm/sup 2/), with a single 5-V supply and two-phase nonoverlapping clock. >
Advances in the treatment of follicular lymphoma

Introduction: Follicular lymphoma, the most common of the indolent non-Hodgkin lymphomas, exhibits a highly variable clinical course. The disease is characterized by a high response rate to therapy, but due to repeated relapses additional treatment options are necessary.Areas covered: The rediscovered chemotherapeutic agent, bendamustine, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy and tolerability when paired with rituximab and has been established as a front-line regimen. More recently, a number of new targeted therapies have been developed, directed against intrinsic drivers of malignant B-cell proliferation and survival, and extrinsic factors such as the tumor microenvironment and escape from the immune response. For the first time, a targeted oral agent, idelalisib, is now FDA approved for the treatment of this disease.Expert opinion: The promise of these new therapies has enabled us to move forward with multi-targeted biologic regimens and toward a future of individualized treatment without traditional che...
The catheter hub disinfection cap as esophageal foreign body

Disinfection caps are increasingly being used to prevent catheter-associated bloodstream infections. These devices, designed for continuous passive disinfection of catheter hubs, are typically small and often brightly colored. As such, they have the potential to become pediatric airway and esophageal foreign bodies. We report two patients who developed esophageal foreign body following ingestion of disinfection caps. Given the increasing use of these devices, it is imperative that health care providers be aware of this potential iatrogenic problem. We propose that the use of disinfection caps may not be appropriate in pediatric patients with risk factors for foreign body ingestion. Laryngoscope, 2015
Multicentric lymphosarcoma in a llama

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The Majority of Type 1 Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Associated with Cultured Human Endothelial Cells Is Located under the Cells and Is Accessible to Solution-phase Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator

The interactions between exogenously added tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and the active form of type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) produced by and present in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were investigated. Immunoblotting analysis of the conditioned media obtained from monolayers of HUVECs treated with increasing concentrations of t-PA (less than or equal to 10 micrograms/ml) revealed a dose-dependent formation of both t-PA/PAI-1 complexes, and of a 42,000-Mr cleaved or modified form of the inhibitor. Immunoradiometric assays indicated that t-PA treatment resulted in a fourfold increase in PAI-1 antigen present in the conditioned media. This increase did not result from the release of PAI-1 from intracellular stores, but rather reflected a t-PA-dependent decrease in the PAI-1 content of the Triton X-100 insoluble extracellular matrix (ECM). Although the rate of t-PA-mediated release of PAI-1 was increased by the removal of the monolayer, similar quantities of PAI-1 were removed in the presence or absence of the cells. These results suggest that the cells only represent a semipermeable barrier between ECM-associated PAI-1 and exogenous t-PA. Treatment of HUVECs with t-PA (1 microgram/ml, 2 h) to deplete the ECM of PAI-1 did not affect the subsequent rate of PAI-1 production and deposition into the ECM. Immunogold electron microscopy of HUVECs not only confirmed the location of PAI-1 primarily in the region between the culture substratum and ventral cell surface but failed to demonstrate significant (less than 1%) PAI-1 on the cell surface. Thus, the majority of PAI-1 associated with cultured HUVEC monolayers is present under the cells in the ECM and is accessible to solution-phase t-PA.
Optical Sensors for Manual and Automatic Titration in Undergraduate Laboratory

ABSTRACT The classic undergraduate titration analysis is upgraded using instrumental detection of end point with color indicators. Several color sensors (CCD-based spectrophotometer, video camera with RGB digitalization, photodiode with appropriate filters) were tested in order to replace the visual indication of the end point with different indicators. The developed procedures show adequate characteristics such as a short titration time and accuracy of 0.1–1%. Specific features of particular titrations such as hardness of water and argentometric titration of chloride are discussed. In the author's opinion, this experimental setup represents an affordable ($100-level) option for an undergraduate or advanced high school chemistry laboratory.
Fictional Names Masquerading as Literary-Historical Monikers: Onomastic Simulacra in A. S. Byatt's Possession

AbstractJean Baudrillard’s theory on the nature of simulation proposes that a shift from reality to representation progresses until the artificial surpasses the authentic. Phase three simulation occurs when distinctions between re­presentation and reality virtually disappear. In Possession, A. S. Byatt erodes boundaries between fictional representation and literary-historical reality to the extent that stage three simulation is achieved in her novel. Most strikingly, this phenomenon occurs through onomastic imitations as the created names of her fictional poets and faux scholars appear as real to the reader as the actual names of literary-historical personages.
Mechanisms of Shell Egg Deterioration: Comparisons of Chicken and Duck Eggs

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION ONE approach to a basic understanding of biological systems is through a comparative study of the physical and biochemical properties of closely related species. It is the purpose of such studies to utilize the subtle differences provided by nature to determine the relative significances and roles of the individual components of the systems. An attempt has been made to utilize such an approach in the present investigation. A comparative study of certain properties of chicken and duck eggs has been made in order to obtain information basic to the understanding of the causes and mechanisms of the deteriorations of quality of chicken eggs during storage. Chicken and duck eggs have been reported to have closely similar compositions. Chemically, they apparently differ primarily in the relative amounts of their various constituents and in minor (but important) differences in the molecular structure of the individual components. Most of the information available . . .
The effect of clinical chorioamnionitis on cord blood gas at term

Abstract Objective . We sought to determine the effect of clinical chorioamnionitis on cord blood gas values in term pregnancies not complicated by any other disease. Study design . 2200 consecutive deliveries were studied. Following exclusion of twins, non-viable malformations and stillbirths, as well as mothers with high-risk pregnancy diseases — i.e. hypertension, diabetes, preterm labor, third-trimester bleeding, IUGR, postdates, oligohydramnios, IV drug abused, decreased fetal movement, maternal viral infection, UTI or pneumonia ( n = 897) — two groups of patients remained: term pregnancies complicated only by clinical chorioamnionitis ( n = 81) and uncomplicated term pregnancies ( n = 1246). Results . Evaluation of mean cord blood gas values revealed a significant difference in pH, Po 2 , Pco 2 and BE values, with the infants of mothers with clinical chorioamnionitis having lower pH values (7.23 ± 0.07 vs. 7.28 ± 0.07). However, evaluating the independent effect of chorioamnionitis on arterial cord blood pH (using a logistic regression model) showed that clinical chorioamnionitis, by itself, did not contribute to this change in arterial cord blood pH. Conclusion . Chorioamnionitis was neither the explanation nor the cause for differences in arterial cord blood pH found between the two groups in our study. In cases of chorioamnionitis, these differences were attributed to other factors, such as length of labor, mode of delivery, method of delivery and presence of meconium.
The importance of decalcification in the treatment of tuberculosis. I. The influence of decalcification in the course of healing in experimental tuberculosis in guinea pigs.

Summary The authors have the opinion that hypercalcification of the morbid pulmonary tissue in destructive pulmonary tuberculosis impedes the requisite penetration by the therapeutic agents employed. Experiments were made on guinea pigs, one group receiving antibiotics together with chemical compounds of the EDTA type having a decalcifying effect, while a second group received calcifying agents as well as therapeutic drugs. For control, a third group was treated solely with streptomycin and isoniazid. Chemical, anatomicopathological and histopathological tests provided criteria for evaluation. The best therapeutic results were obtained in the group of decalcified animals.
ARTICLES Honeybees do not reject dances for 'implausible' locations: reconsidering the evidence for cognitive maps in insects

Results from a previous study, known as the ‘Lake Experiment’ (Gould & Gould 1982, Animal Minde Human Mind, Berlin, Springer-Verlag, 269e298), suggest that honeybee, Apis mellifera, foragers may assess the locations advertised by the waggle dances that they follow and reject dances for ‘implausible’ locations that are unlikely to yield food. However, alternative explanations for these results, which do not require bees to use cognitive maps or to evaluate the ‘plausibility’ of potential food sources, have also been proposed. To address this ambiguity, we repeated the study and used video analysis of dance followers in the hive to determine whether they refused to respond to implausible dances for a feeder on a lake. We found that bees following lake dances were just as likely to leave the hive as bees following control dances for a feeder on land. Bees also took the same amount of time to leave the hive after following dances for both locations, which suggests that their motivation to leave did not depend on the plausibility of the dance they had followed. Contrary to prior findings, our results provide no evidence that honeybees assess the plausibility of information contained in waggle dances or reject dances for locations that are unlikely to yield food. Thus, we conclude that the original Lake Experiment should no longer be cited as evidence that honeybees possess cognitive maps, ‘insight’ or ‘imagination’.
Erythema Multiforme and Herpes Simplex Virus

It has been suggested that herpes simplex virus (HSV) can trigger erythema multiforme (EM) at different times. One recent study showed HSV antigen in immune complexes of patients with EM. The purpose of our study was to assess a possible association between EM and HSV. Sixteen patients and 16 matched controls were studied using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure antibody of the IgG, IgA, and IgM classes against HSV-1. From our study on patients with oral erythema multiforme, we found no evidence to correlate the occurrence and/or severity of EM and the HSV-1.
Effect of water sorption on the dielectric behavior of calcium chondroitin-4-sulfate.

The dielectric properties of calcium chondroitin-4-sulfate were studied as a function of frequency, temperature, and water content. The dielectric constant changes very little with water content below “monolayer” coverage, and after that the dielectric constant follows the shape of the adsorption isotherm. The dielectric behavior is discussed as affected by interfacial polarization and by the increase in the rotational freedom of the polymer side chains.
Expression of NG2 proteoglycan causes retention of type VI collagen on the cell surface.

Abstract NG2 is a membrane-associated chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan with a core protein of 300 kD. Previously it was shown immunochemically that the core protein of NG2 can bind type VI collagen (Stallcup, W., Dahlin, K., and P. Healy. 1990. J. Cell Biol. 111:3177-3188). We have extended our studies on the interaction of NG2 and type VI collagen by transfecting cells with the full-length rat NG2 cDNA. B28 rat neural cells and U251MG human glioma cells used for transfection do not synthesize NG2. Both cell lines secrete type VI collagen into tissue culture medium but do not anchor it at the cell surface. Upon transfection of these cells with the NG2 cDNA, NG2 was correctly localized to the cell surface. Furthermore, type VI collagen could now be detected on the surface of NG2-positive cells in a pattern that coincided with that of NG2. This ability of NG2 to anchor type VI collagen to the cell surface could be abolished by incubating the cells in the presence of anti-NG2 monoclonal antibodies. These findings indicate that NG2 functions as a cell surface receptor for type VI collagen and may play a role in modulating the assembly of pericellular matrix.
Cost Analysis of Therapeutic Interchange of Calcium Channel Blockers for the Treatment of Hypertension: Unexpected Results from a Conversion Program

OBJECTIVE: To examine drug expenses and overall health care resource utilization associated with a calcium channel blocker therapeutic interchange and conversion program. DESIGN: A pre/post analysis involving a retrospective cohort study design and primarily using administrative databases was done. The study was conducted from an institutional perspective using hospital-specific drug acquisition costs in 1997 dollars. SETTING: Veterans Administration Hospital, Saginaw, Michigan. PATIENTS: One hundred and one patients receiving extended-release nifedipine (Procardia XL) were converted to either amlodipine (Norvasc) or felodipine (Plendil) through the institution's conversion program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in total drug cost, secondary health resource utilization, study drug costs, cardiovascular drug costs, noncardiovascular drug costs, and change in severity of hypertension. RESULTS: Unexpectedly, the total cost of drug therapy was significantly higher during the nine-month postconversion period r...
Class I and II HLA antibodies in pediatric patients with thalassemia major.

BACKGROUND HLA alloimmunization is a potential complication of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion with detrimental consequences for future organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS The study aimed to determine the prevalence and specificity of HLA antibodies among pediatric patients with thalassemia major (TM) and antibody changes over time while on leukoreduced chronic transfusion therapy. HLA antibodies were measured at two or more time points in children and young adults ages 3 to 21 years with TM. HLA Class I and II antibodies were measured by FlowPRA screening. Positive screening assays were confirmed with LabScreen single-antigen bead assays for antibody specificity. RESULTS HLA antibodies were detected in 10 of 19 (53%) subjects: seven of 19 (37%) with HLA Class I and II antibodies, two of 19 (11%) with only HLA Class I antibodies, and one of 19 (5%) with only HLA Class II antibodies. Subjects with HLA antibodies were older (14.6 years vs. 7.1 years, p = 0.05), predominantly male (80%), and more likely to have a remote history of nonleukoreduced transfusions (p = 0.057). Median time between testing was 3.7 years. De novo HLA antibodies were detected in two of 11 patients who initially had negative panel-reactive antibody screens, while one subject lost detection of Class II antibody. Two of seven patients with HLA antibodies had antibodies to self-HLA. CONCLUSION HLA antibodies have a high prevalence in TM patients and may be associated with nonleukoreduced transfusions and older age. For such patients, antibody identification will be useful if subsequent organ or stem cell transplantation is needed.
Quantifying historical carbon and climate debts among nations

Contributions to historical climate change vary substantially among nations. A new method of quantifying historical inequalities using carbon and climate debts can inform discussions about responsibility for cutting emissions in the future.
Chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting HERV-K inhibit breast cancer and its metastasis through downregulation of Ras

We have previously reported that human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K) envelope (env) protein is a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) for cancer vaccines, and that its antibodies (mAbs) possess antitumor activity against cancer. In this study, a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific for HERV-K env protein (K-CAR) was generated using anti-HERV-K mAb. K-CAR T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 9 breast cancer (BC) patients and 12 normal donors were able to inhibit growth of, and to exhibit significant cytotoxicity toward, BC cells but not MCF-10A normal breast cells. The antitumor effects in cancer cells were significantly reduced when control T cells were used, or the expression of HERV-K was knocked down by an shRNA. Secretion of multiple cytokines, including IFNγ, TNF-α, and IL-2, was significantly enhanced in culture media of BC cells treated with K-CARs. Significantly reduced tumor growth and tumor weight was observed in xenograft models bearing MDA-MB-231 or MDA-MB-435.eB1 BC cel...
On Tornados: Storm Exposure, Coping Styles, and Resilience

The psychosocial consequences of disaster exposure, which include threats to psychological health, physical well-being, and social networks, are documented in the existing literature. However, limited research exists assessing the relation of coping style to post-storm resilience levels among disaster survivors. The current study examined the relationships among demographic data, prior storm exposure, and coping styles on resilience of tornado survivors. Data for this study came from 87 individuals who were residents of Joplin, MO, at the time of the 2011 tornado. A linear regression analysis with stepwise entry was utilized to determine whether gender, income, marital status, coping style, and prior storm exposure were predictive of resilience. The overall model was significant, and the three coping styles, problem focused, active emotional, and avoidant emotional, were significant predictors of resilience. Age, marital status, income, and prior storm exposure were not significant predictors of resilience. Implications of these data for the development of evidence-based interventions that are designed to reduce suffering and promote effective preparation and post-disaster management are discussed.
Hydrogen bond donors accelerate vibrational cooling of hot purine derivatives in heavy water.

Natural nucleobases and many of their derivatives have ultrashort excited state lifetimes that make them excellent model systems for studying intermolecular energy flow from a hot solute molecule to the solvent. UV-pump/broadband-mid-IR-probe transient absorption spectra of canonical purine nucleobases and several xanthine derivatives were acquired in D2O and acetonitrile in the probe frequency range of 1500–1750 cm–1. The spectra reveal that vibrationally hot ground state molecules created by ultrafast internal conversion return to thermal equilibrium in several picoseconds by dissipating their excess energy to solvent molecules. In acetonitrile solution, where hydrogen bonding is minimal, vibrational cooling (VC) occurs with the same time constant of 10 ± 3 ps for paraxanthine, theophylline, and caffeine within experimental uncertainty. In D2O, VC by these molecules occurs more rapidly and at different rates that are correlated with the number of N–D bonds. Hypoxanthine has a VC time constant of 3 ± 1 p...
Design and Performance of Well-Performing Railway Transitions

This paper presents a review of railroad track transition behavior, causes of undesirable transition performance, and designs that have exhibited desirable transition performance as determined by field measurements. The first focus of the paper is a review of common factors that lead to transition geometry deviations. These deviations involve the inherent problem of a train passing from an earthen and ballasted approach to a nearly rigid bridge structure. The differential movement between the earthen approach and bridge usually results in increased dynamic loads. These increased dynamic loads can be avoided if all transient and permanent displacements between the approach and bridge deck are balanced by reducing ballast and subgrade settlements in the approach and decreasing the stiffness of the bridge. Two well-performing bridge transitions were monitored by using noninvasive accelerometers to illustrate design techniques that can balance transition differential movements and thus reduce dynamic loads. O...
The epigenesis of an epigeneticist

I’m going to begin this essay in the middle of the story, with a question the Johns Hopkins Medical School Admissions Director asked me in the spring of 1971, and also the question David Schwartz asked all of us in creating this book, namely, “Why did you want to become a physician-scientist?” I was a sophomore at Yale, and I had applied to medical school on a lark, really. The winter before the interview, a college friend and I drove to Baltimore to visit his cousin’s family. We decided to visit the main campus of Hopkins, but got lost and wound up at the medical campus, so we figured we would walk around. I picked up a catalogue, and later read about the “2–5” program, in which you go to medical school for five years after two years of college. I had not really considered medicine seriously but thought—what the heck, why not apply? So when summoned for an interview, still not having thought about it much, I was probably the least worried of the 100 applicants because I wasn’t sure I wanted this anyway.
Reclaiming Queer: Activist and Academic Rhetorics of Resistance

Queer theory lives. Lest we ring its death knell or dismiss its future in academic, activist, or rhetorical spaces, Reclaiming Queer illuminates the vitality and excessive, unpredictable, risky, an...
Acid acceleration of hydrogen generation using seawater as a reactant

Abstract The present study describes hydrogen generation from NaBH 4 in the presence of acid accelerator, boric oxide or B 2 O 3 , using seawater as a reactant. Reaction times and temperatures are adjusted using various delivery methods: bulk, addition funnel, and metering pump. It is found that the transition metal catalysts typically used to generate hydrogen gas are poisoned by seawater. B 2 O 3 is not poisoned by seawater; in fact, reaction times are considerably faster in seawater using B 2 O 3 . Reaction times and temperatures are compared for pure water and seawater for each delivery method. It is found that using B 2 O 3 with pure water, bulk addition is 97% complete in 3 min; pump metering provides a convenient method to extend the time to 27 min, a factor of 9 increase above bulk addition. Using B 2 O 3 with seawater as a reactant, bulk addition is 97% complete in 1.35 min; pump metering extends the time to 23 min, a factor of 17 increase above bulk. A second acid accelerator, sodium bisulfate or NaHSO 4 , is investigated here for use with NaBH 4 in seawater. Because it is non-reactive in seawater, i.e., no spontaneous H 2 generation, NaHSO 4 can be stored as a solution in seawater; because of its large solubility, it is ready to be metered into NaBH 4 . With NaHSO 4 in seawater, pump metering increases the time to 97% completion from 3.4 min to 21 min. Metering allows the instantaneous flow rate of H 2 , and reaction times and temperatures, to be tailored to a particular application. In one application, the seawater hydrogen generator characterized here is ideal for supplying H 2 gas directly to Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells in sea surface or subsea environments where a reliable source of power is needed.