cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Allo-reactivity of mesenchymal stem cells in rhesus macaques is dose and haplotype dependent and limits durable cell engraftment in vivo.

The emerging paradigm that MSCs are immune privileged has fostered the use of “off-the-shelf” allogeneic MSC-based therapies in human clinical trials. However, this approach ignores studies in experimental animals wherein transplantation of MSCs across MHC boundaries elicits measurable allo-immune responses. To determine if MSCs are hypo-immunogeneic, we characterized the immune response in rhesus macaques following intracranial administration of allogeneic vs. autologous MSCs. This analysis revealed unambiguous evidence of productive allo-recognition based on expansion of NK, B and T cell subsets in peripheral blood and detection of allo-specific antibodies in animals administered allogeneic but not autologous MSCs. Moreover, the degree of MHC class I and II mismatch between the MSC donor and recipient significantly influenced the magnitude and nature of the allo-immune response. Consistent with these findings, real-time PCR analysis of brain tissue from female recipients administered varying doses of male, allogeneic MSCs revealed a significant inverse correlation between MSC engraftment levels and cell dose. Changes in post-transplant neutrophil and lymphocyte counts also correlated with dose and were predictive of overall MSC engraftment levels. However, secondary antigen challenge failed to elicit a measurable immune response in allogeneic recipients. Finally, extensive behavior testing of animals revealed no main effect of cell dose on motor skills, social development, or temperament. Collectively, these data indicate that allogeneic MSCs are weakly immunogenic when transplanted across MHC boundaries in rhesus macaques and this negatively impacts durable engraftment levels. Therefore the use of unrelated donor MSCs should be carefully evaluated in human patients.
Degradation and phase partition of methyl iodide in soil

Methyl iodide (CH3I) was recently proposed as a direct replacement for methyl bromide (CH3Br) in soil fumigation, but no information exists on its behavior and safety in the environment. In this study, we compared CH3I and CH3Br for their transformation and phase partitioning in soil and characterized processes that affect the dissipation of CH3I from water. In moist soil, the adsorption coefficient Kd of CH3I is greater, and the Henry's law constant KH is smaller, than that of CH3Br. In the same soil, CH3I was about twice as persistent as CH3Br, and the persistence decreased with increasing soil organic matter content. Chemical reactions, likely nucleophilic substitutions on soil organic matter, were identified as the predominant pathway through which CH3I and CH3Br were degraded under the concentrations studied. In water, CH3I degraded to I2 and I- under 254-nm UV irradiation and dissipated rapidly (t1/2 = 26 h) through volatilization and photohydrolysis under outdoor conditions. Keywords: Methyl iodide...
Prolapse of urethral mucosa in white female children: Experience with 58 cases

In the 15 years from 1981, 58 white girls were treated for urethral prolapse. They were grouped into those with partial prolapse (n = 17) and those with circular prolapse (n = 41). Medical treatment was successful in 20 patients with 5 recurrences, 2 of whom ultimately required operation. Lack of response to medical treatment resulted in a further 38 patients undergoing surgery. Four girls had complications: bleeding (n = 1) urethral stenosis (n = 2) and recurrence (n = 1). These complications were treated successfully. Pathological changes in prolapsed urethral mucosa are discussed in this report.
Nuclear accumulation of exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor in endothelial, fibroblast, and myoblast cell lines results in diverse biological responses

During studies comparing125I-bFGF internalization between endothelial cells and other cell types, we found, unexpectedly, internalization and nuclear translocation of exogenously added125I-bFGF in two cell lines: Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) and rat L6 myoblasts. These cell lines were previously reported to be devoid of FGF receptors. Furthermore, CHO cells showed a weak mitogenic response to added bFGF, while L6 cells were mitogenically unresponsive. By comparison, coronary venular endothelial cells (CVEC), BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts, and BHK-21 cells, demonstrated internalization and nuclear translocation of added125I-bFGF, and mitogenic responsiveness to the growth factor. Insulin alone stimulated DNA synthesis in all cell types, yet augmented bFGF-dependent DNA synthesis only in CVEC, 3T3, and BHK. All five cell types expressed FGF receptors as assessed by covalent crosslinking with125I-bFGF and immunoblotting with anti-FGF receptor antibodies. Differing rates of cytoplasmic and nuclear accumulation of125I-bFGF and partial inhibition of internalization by pretreatment of CVEC with chlorate support a recent model that bFGF can internalize by two mechanisms. Insulin did not significantly affect125I-bFGF internalization or metabolism in any cell type. bFGF treatment resulted in weak inhibition of RNA synthesis in L6 cells. bFGF appears firmly bound to the nuclear matrix as little nuclear-bound125I-bFGF in CVEC is released by DNAse I or RNAse A digestion, while washes with 0.5M NaCl result in partial release. Nuclear bFGF may thus be involved in regulation of nuclear events (e.g., gene transcription and/or DNA replication).
Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis: anatomy and etiology.

The larynx is involved in swallowing, breathing, coughing, and phonation. All these functions are heavily influenced by vocal fold motion and thus by an intact recurrent laryngeal nerve. Damage or disruption of the recurrent laryngeal nerve may result from a variety of causes and can occur anywhere along its course. Traditionally, the etiology of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis has been divided into thirds: one-third tumor, one-third trauma (surgery), and one-third idiopathic. Yet, closer inspection of the subject reveals a much more detailed and interesting picture that has changed over time. New surgical procedures that place the nerve at risk, new diagnostic technologies that have reclassified some ‘‘idiopathic’’ cases, and perhaps even a new sensitivity to the problem among physicians have changed the facts of recurrent laryngeal nerve dysfunction. The unique anatomy of the recurrent nerves still determines their vulnerability, however, and remains a basic unalterable fact in this disorder.
Photovoltaic effect in small superconducting-normal-metal systems.

We have observed an unusual photovoltaic effect in small metallic systems in which some portion of the sample is superconducting. In these systems, an applied microwave field can induce a dc voltage (the {open_quote}{open_quote}photovoltage{close_quote}{close_quote}), {ital V}{sub dc}. We have found that this voltage can be an antisymmetric function of magnetic field, i.e., {ital V}{sub dc}(+{ital H})={minus}{ital V}{sub dc}({minus}{ital H}). It also exhibits aperiodic fluctuations as a function of both {ital H}, and the strength of the microwave field. Results for several different sample geometries suggest that it is due to the inverse Josephson effect, although the samples are not obviously reminiscent of weak link structures. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Light-induced oxidative stress in choroidal endothelial cells in mice.

Purpose Although light-induced oxidative stress in the retina has been extensively reported, little information regarding light-induced oxidative stress in choroidal endothelial cells (CECs) is available. In the current study, light-induced DNA oxidation and the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), a major oxidative responsive transcription factor, were investigated in mouse CECs. Methods Mice were exposed to green light. Light-induced DNA oxidation in CECs was detected by in situ 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) immunolabeling. CECs were isolated from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid by using immunomagnetic beads. The isolated CECs were immunochemically characterized by the expression of endothelial markers, CD31, and P1H12. The quality of total RNA from CECs was assessed by a bioanalyzer and RT-PCR. NF-kappaB activation in situ and in isolated CECs was investigated. Results After a 3-hour exposure to light, the immunoreactivity to anti-8-oxo-dG antibody or anti-NF-kappaB p65 antibody in CECs in situ was significantly increased when compared with unexposed mice. Isolated CECs expressed CD31 and P1H12. The 28S/18S rRNA ratio of RNA isolated from CECs was 1.5:1. CD31 and von Willebrand Factor (vWF) transcripts were predominantly expressed in the RNA from isolated CECs. IkappaBalpha was more heavily phosphorylated in light-exposed than untreated CECs. IkappaBalpha expression levels were increased fivefold in isolated CECs after exposure to light compared to unexposed control subjects. Conclusions Exposure to light induces oxidative stress in CECs in vivo. A method for CEC isolation from the mouse RPE/choroid with preservation of RNA quality has been developed. The results of this study may facilitate the ability to identify CEC-specific genes and gene products that respond to photo-oxidative stress.
InSb-GaAsP infrared to visible light converter

A solid-state sandwich composed of a capacitor-InSb diode detector-GaAsP diode emitter is proposed and demonstrated for efficiently converting infrared signals of wavelengths to 5.3 µ into visible 0.6- to 0.7-µ radiation. The device integrates the low-level incident radiation and delivers it to the emitter as high-current pulses.
The Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency and Insufficiency on the Endocrine and Paracrine Systems

Individuals are capable of producing vitamin D with proper exposure to sunlight. However, several factors can interfere with the effectiveness of this process. Most sunscreens filter out UVB light, thus inhibiting vitamin D production. Individuals with more darkly pigmented skin have greater difficulty producing vitamin D because melanin acts as an effective natural sunscreen, requiring longer sun exposure to produce an adequate daily allotment of vitamin D. Additionally, solely breastfed infants whose mothers suffered from vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency when pregnant have smaller reserves of the nutrient and are at greater risk of developing nutritional rickets. Vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis. Long-term vitamin D insufficiency can lead to paracrine effects such as type 1 diabetes, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. This article reviews the current literature on vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency and their relation to different disease states. Potential areas for research are discussed.
On the convergence of the euler-jacobi method

The Euler-Jacobi method for the solution of the symmetric eigenvalue problem uses as basic transformations Euler rotations which diagonalize exactly 3 × 3 submatrices. We prove that the cyclic Euler-Jacobi method is quadratically convergent for matrices with distinct eigenvalues. We show that the cyclic Euler-Jacobi method is a relaxation method for minimization of a functional measuring the departure of a rotation matrix from being a diagonalizing matrix.
Pharmacogenetics of beta-1- and beta-2-adrenergic receptors.

β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors are G protein-coupled receptors expressed throughout the body and serve as receptors for the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine. They a
Factors affecting oil uptake in tortilla chips in deep-fat frying

Abstract An understanding of the complex processes that occur during frying is necessary to control the quality of tortilla chips. Quantitative information is needed to describe the rate of oil absorption into the chips during the process. In this study, tortilla chips were processed under different conditions: (1) baking time, (2) frying oil temperature, (3) particle size distribution, and (4) oil quality. The effects of these parameters on the final oil content of tortilla chips were analyzed. Oil content of tortilla chips was significantly ( P The final oil content to water removed ratio was independent of frying oil temperature. It was also found that the total final oil content was not affected by oil quality, but the oil distribution was different. Tortilla chips fried in used oil had more oil accumulated at the surface than tortilla chips fried in fresh oil. The higher viscosity and/or lower surface tension of the used oil could cause the oil to adhere to the product's surfaces. Results showed that only 20% of the total final oil content was absorbed by the tortilla chips during frying, and 64% during cooling, leaving only 36% at the chip's surface.
The action of proctolin and L-glutamic acid on the visceral muscles of the hindgut of the cockroach Leucophaea maderae

Abstract 1. Response of the hindgut of Leucophaea maderae to glutamate (2 × 10 −5 M) resembles contractions evoked by brief neural stimulation. The action of proctolin (3 × 10 −10 M) approximates the response of the hindgut to recurrent neural stimulation but not to continous stimulation. 2. Neurally evoked contractions were graded and increased with the frequency of stimulation. Exposure of the hindgut to increasing concentrations of either glutamate or proctolin cause a graded response in deganglionated preparations. 3. The threshold for activation with proctolin on the hindgut of Periplaneta americana was about 4 × 10 −11 M. At a concentration of 6 × 10 −11 M, the response continued for 20 min. 4. Both glutamate (1.5 × 10 −6 M) and proctolin (2 × 10 −10 M) potentiated neurally evoked events in L. maderae , but glutamate at 2 × 10 −5 M or higher often suppressed contractions. This later circumstance resulted in part from a blockade of axonal transmission. Proctolin at elevated concentrations (10 −7 M) did not disrupt synaptic transmission. 5. Tyramine (10 −7 M) suppressed the action of proctolin and glutamate. The results suggest that glutamate might serve as a transmitter and that proctolin might function as a modulator in the hindgut of L. maderae .
Perceptual recognition of facial affect: Cross-cultural comparisons

Previous research has shown that the perception of affect in faces is well described by the fuzzy logical model of perception (FLMP). In this study, we asked whether the processes involved in recognition depended on the race/culture of the face and/or of the perceiver. A computer-generated face was used to manipulate two features of facial affect: brow deflection and mouth deflection. An expanded-factorial design was used, with four levels of brow deflection crossed with four levels of mouth deflection, as well as their corresponding half-face conditions. Participants identified these faces as either happy or angry. Japanese and U.S. students were tested on faces from these two countries that were texture-mapped onto the animated face. The FLMP gave the best description of performance for both groups and for both types of faces. These findings challenge previous claims of holistic perception, categorical perception, and additive feature integration.
Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Producing Interferon-α in a Mouse Melanoma Lung Metastasis Model

Adult stem cells represent a potential source for cell-based therapy of cancer. The present study evaluated the potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), genetically modified to express interferon (IFN)-alpha, for the treatment of lung metastasis in an immunocompetent mouse model of metastatic melanoma. A recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) 6 vector encoding IFN-alpha was used to transduce mouse bone marrow-derived MSC ex vivo. Expression and bioactivity of the transgenic protein from rAAV-transduced MSC were confirmed prior to in vivo studies. A lung metastasis model of melanoma was developed by i.v. injection of B16F10 cells into 8-week-old C57BL/6 mice. Ten days later, MSC transduced with rAAV-IFN-alpha or green fluorescent protein were intravenously injected. One cohort of mice was sacrificed to determine the effects of the therapy at an earlier time point, and another cohort was observed for long-term survival. Results indicated that systemic administration of MSC producing IFN-alpha reduced the growth of B16F10 melanoma cells and significantly prolonged survival. Immunohistochemistry analysis of the tumors from MSC-IFN-alpha-treated animals indicated an increase in apoptosis and a decrease in proliferation and blood vasculature. These data demonstrate the potential of adult MSC constitutively producing IFN-alpha to reduce the growth of lung metastasis in melanoma.
Ophthalmic injuries in patients with zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures requiring surgical repair.

Purpose Injuries to the middle third of the face commonly destroy the integrity of the orbital skeleton, and are frequently complicated by injury to the eye, ranging between 2.7% and 90.6% in reported series. This article is a retrospecitve, descriptive case study assessing the spectrum and incidence of ophthalmic involvement in patients presenting with zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures. Patients and Methods Ninety-six patients with ZMC fractures who were surgically treated in 1 academic institution between 1996 and 2006 were assessed pre- and postoperatively by the same oculoplastic surgeon and were included in the study. All patients had a thorough ophthalmologic examination that included assessment of visual acuity, pupillary reactivity, anterior and posterior segment examination, and extraocular motility. In cases of optic neuropathy, automated perimetry was also performed. The variables reviewed included patients' age, gender, mechanism of injury, visual acuity, pupillary reactivity, extraocular motility, presence or absence of diplopia, ocular and orbital findings, and intraorbital hypoesthesia. Results Gender distribution of the patients was 88% male, with a mean age of 36 years. The most common etiology of trauma was assult (56%), followed by falls (21%). Most patients (66.6%) sustained minor ocular injuries such as subconjuctival hemorrhage, iris sphincter tear, and corneal abrasion. Subconjunctival hemorrhage was the most common minor injury, accounting for 55% of the cases. Major injuries such as ruptured globe and retinal hemorrhage occurred in 10% of the patients. Orbital findings such as restriction of extraocular movement occurred in 15% of cases. Symptomatic diplopia was noted in 16% of the patients and traumatic optic neuropathy occurred in 6%. Diplopia significantly improved in the first 3 postoperative months, dropping from a preoperative incidence of 16% to 2%. Conclusion Comminuted ZMC fractures had been reported to be associated with a signficantly higher incidence of visual sequelae than other forms of midfacial injury. A 10% incidence of major or blinding injuries and a 6% incidence of traumatic optic neuropathy are significant, and warrants a prompt ophthalmologic examination of all patients with ZMC fractures as quickly as possible, and always preoperatively in injuries necessitating surgical repair.
Learning about objects with human teachers

A general learning task for a robot in a new environment is to learn about objects and what actions/effects they afford. To approach this, we look at ways that a human partner can intuitively help the robot learn, Socially Guided Machine Learning. We present experiments conducted with our robot, Junior, and make six observations characterizing how people approached teaching about objects. We show that Junior successfully used transparency to mitigate errors. Finally, we present the impact of "social" versus "non-social" data sets when training SVM classifiers.
Helix‐coil transition of alanine peptides in water: Force field dependence on the folded and unfolded structures

The force fields used in classical modeling studies are semiempirical in nature and rely on their validation by comparison of simulations with experimental data. The all-atom replica-exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) methodology allows us to calculate the thermodynamics of folding/unfolding of peptides and small proteins, and provides a way of evaluating the reliability of force fields. We apply the REMD to obtain equilibrium folding/unfolding thermodynamics of a 21-residue peptide containing only alanine residues in explicit aqueous solution. The thermodynamics of this peptide is modeled with both the OPLS/AA/L and the A94/MOD force fields. We find that the helical content and the values for the helix propagation and nucleation parameters for this alanine peptide are consistent with measurements on similar peptides and with calculations using the modified AMBER force field (A94/MOD). The nature of conformations, both folded and unfolded, that contributes to the helix-coil transition profile, however, is quite different between these two force fields.
N-(n-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)-2-[18f]fluorobenzamide: a potential ligand for pet imaging of breast cancer

N-(N-Benzylpiperidin-4-yl)-2-[(18)F]fluorobenzamide (2), a potential ligand for PET imaging of sigma receptor, has been found to be a potential agent for detection of breast cancer. In vivo studies in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice bearing MDA-MB231 tumors showed that the uptake of compound 2 in these tumors was high (3.8%/g); the ratios of tumor/muscle and tumor/blood were 6.2 and 7.0, respectively, at 1 h postinjection. Pretreatment of SCID mice with haldol increased the uptake of compound 2 in blood, muscle, and other well-perfused organs while decreasing its uptake in tumors. The ratios of tumor/muscle and tumor/blood decreased from 6.2 and 7.0 to 1.3 and 1.1, respectively, at 1 h postinjection. At 2 h postinjection, the ratios of tumor/muscle and tumor/blood decreased from 4.9 and 7.8 to 1.4 and 1.4, respectively. The tumor uptake of compound 2 in SCID mice bearing primary tumor explants from a human breast cancer patient was lower than that in MDA-MB231 tumors (1.66%/g versus 3.78%/g), and the ratios of tumor/muscle and tumor/blood were 3.5 and 3.7, respectively, at 1 h postinjection. These results suggest that compound 2 may be a potential ligand for PET imaging of breast cancer.
A rotational rheometer with a drag‐cup torque transducer

A rotational cone-and-plate rheometer incorporating a drag-cup torque transducer and a frictionless, wire suspension has been designed and constructed. The instrument design provides for a controlled atmosphere for the sample, including anhydrous conditions necessary for studies on solutions of polymers in strong acids. The rheometer can be used to determine the shear deformation in response to an applied stress, including creep, recovery, and the shear stress in response to an applied steady shear. Both transient and steady-state measurements are possible. Illustrative examples of the instrument performance are given.
The Public and Its Possibilities: Triumphs and Tragedies in the American City by John D. Fairfield

John D. Fairfield, The Public and Its Possibilities: Triumphs and Tragedies in the American City (Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2010).John Fairfield offers a passionate reading of American...
Oxime esters as selective, covalent inhibitors of the serine hydrolase retinoblastoma-binding protein 9 (RBBP9).

Abstract We recently described a fluorescence polarization platform for competitive activity-based protein profiling (fluopol-ABPP) that enables high-throughput inhibitor screening for enzymes with poorly characterized biochemical activity. Here, we report the discovery of a class of oxime ester inhibitors for the unannotated serine hydrolase RBBP9 from a full-deck (200,000+ compound) fluopol-ABPP screen conducted in collaboration with the Molecular Libraries Screening Center Network (MLSCN). We show that these compounds covalently inhibit RBBP9 by modifying enzyme’s active site serine nucleophile and, based on competitive ABPP in cell and tissue proteomes, are selective for RBBP9 relative to other mammalian serine hydrolases.
AC Conductivity of a Glass Semiconductor

The ac conductivity of a 70 mol% V2O5−30 mol% P4O10 glass semiconductor has been measured over a frequency range of 20 to 2 × 1066 Hz and a temperature range of −23 to 200 °C. An activation energy of 0.34 eV was measured over the entire temperature range for frequencies up to 5 × 104 Hz. Below a transition temperature of 70 °C the activation energy for high frequency conduction decreased with increasing frequency. Die Wechselstromleitfahigkeit eines 70 mol% V2O5−30 mol% P4O10 Glas-Halbleiters wurde im Frequenzbereich 20 bis 2 × 106 Hz und Temperaturbereich ×23 bis 200 °C gemessen. Im gesamten Temperaturbereich bis zu Frequenzen von 5 × 104 Hz wurde eine Aktivierungs-energie von 0,34 eV gefunden. Unterhalb einer Ubergangstemperatur von 70 °C nimmt die Aktivierungsenergie fur die Hochfrequenzleitfahigkeit mit zunehmender Frequenz ab.
Identifying Under- and Overperforming Countries in Research Related to Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Human embryonic stem cell (hESC) science is governed by a patchwork of policies that vary both between and within countries. To assess how this atypical environment may have influenced this field's development, publication data were analyzed to evaluate the relative performance of countries in the cumulative production of hESC-related research articles versus other areas of biomedical research. Overperforming countries generally offered permissive policy environments for hESC research, while underperforming countries were characterized by protracted policy debates and ongoing uncertainty, regardless of their current policy environment.
Integrating perceptual and symbolic information in VR

The problem of integrating symbolic and perceptual information becomes more difficult in a fully immersive virtual reality, in which the computer must draw and render the whole visible apparatus in real time. The authors believe that virtual environments should convey the widest possible range of perceptual and symbolic information. They discuss virtual reality as a user interface. To explore the possibilities they create two virtual athletic venues. >
Computational complexity of fixed points

A review of computational complexity results for approximating fixed points of Lipschitz functions is presented. Univariate and multivariate results are summarized for the second and infinity norm cases as well as the absolute, residual and relative error criteria. Contractive, nonexpansive, directionally nonexpansive, and expansive classes of functions are considered and optimal or nearly optimal algorithms exhibited. Some numerical experiments are summarized. A literature devoted to the complexity aspects of fixed point problems is listed.
Changes in vasoconstrictive hormones, natriuretic peptides, and left ventricular remodeling soon after anterior myocardial infarction.

Abstract Objective Our purpose was to study the changes in vasoconstrictive neurohormones, N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide (Nt-proANP), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and their relationship with left ventricular (LV) remodeling soon after anterior myocardial infarction (MI). Background The Healing and Afterload Reducing Therapy (HEART) trial has shown that early use of ramipril improves left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and attenuates LV remodeling when initiated soon after MI. This neurohumoral substudy of HEART investigates the changes in vasoconstrictive and natriuretic peptides and their relationship with LV remodeling. Methods One hundred twenty-two patients had blood drawn for the measurement of catecholamines, endothelin-I, angiotensin II, Nt-proANP and BNP, and prostacyclins within 24 hours of an MI, and at 3, 14, and 90 days after the MI. Quantitative echocardiograms were performed at baseline and at 14 days. Results All neurohormones except angiotensin II ( P = .12) and prostaglandins were significantly elevated at baseline. Vasoconstrictive neurohormones decreased significantly over time but remained elevated at 14 days. Both Nt-proANP and BNP were elevated within the first 14 days. BNP decreased significantly by 90 days, whereas Nt-proANP exhibited no change between 14 and 90 days. Ramipril decreased plasma levels of angiotensin II at 3 days but had no effect on the other neurohormones. Conclusions Neurohumoral activation occurs and persists in patients with anterior MI and overall preserved LV function. Ramipril had only a modest impact on neurohormones despite its significant benefits on LV remodeling soon after MI. (Am Heart J 2001;142:1056-64.)
State Legislation to Improve Employee Wellness

Abstract Objective Categorize and describe the content and status of state legislation of worksite wellness. Methods State worksite wellness legislation was compiled from the Centers for Disease Control's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity State Legislative Database (http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/DNPALeg/index.asp) and from LexisNexis (http://www.lexisnexis.com). Key word searches were used to gather worksite wellness legislation (2001–2006), with the exception of resolutions and those bills not pertaining to general employee wellness. Legislation was individually examined, categorized, and analyzed for content and status. Results The four categories of state legislation that appeared to be most common were tax credits (n = 34; 0 passed), wellness policies and programs (n = 21; 4 passed), alternative transportation (n = 18; 4 passed), and health insurance (n = 14; 3 passed). Conclusion During 2001 to 2006, seven of 27 states enacted worksite wellness bills. In the three categories in ...
Interacting Inflammatory and Growth Factor Signals Underlie the Obesity-Cancer Link

The prevalence of obesity, an established risk factor for many chronic diseases (including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and several types of cancer), has risen steadily for the past several decades in the United States and many parts of the world. Today, ∼70% of U.S. adults and 30% of children are at an unhealthy weight. The evidence on key biologic mechanisms underlying the obesity-cancer link, with an emphasis on local and systemic inflammatory processes and their crosstalk with energy-sensing growth factor signaling pathways, will be discussed. Understanding the influence and underlying mechanisms of obesity on chronic inflammation and cancer will identify promising mechanistic targets and strategies for disrupting the obesity-cancer link and provide important lessons regarding the associations between obesity, inflammation, and other chronic diseases.
First-principles simulations of MgO tilt grain boundary: Structure and vacancy formation at high pressure

Three { n 10}/[001] tilt grain boundaries ( n = 2, 3, and 4) of MgO were studied as a function of pressure from first principles within density functional theory. Our results show that the physical properties of the grain boundary are very distinct from the bulk properties. The predicted symmetric boundary containing well-defined dislocation pipes at zero pressure transforms to asymmetric boundaries with denser structures at higher pressures. The asymmetric boundary structure stable at 50 GPa can be associated with a shear in the boundary plane, whereas the asymmetric boundary structure stable at 100 GPa can be associated with an additional shear in the direction perpendicular to the boundary plane. Unlike in the bulk, several nonequivalent sites exist for vacancy formation in the boundary regions, and the calculated Schottky defect formation enthalpy varies among different boundaries with the {310} and {410} boundary values at zero pressure being similar to the bulk value. Pressure increasingly stabilizes the boundary vacancies relative to the bulk thereby causing an enhancement in the vacancy concentration, which is further enhanced due to high-binding energy for cation-anion vacancy pairs in the interfacial regions. Also, the grain boundary was shown to induce electronic states in the band gap below the conduction band, which can trap the electrons inside the free space at the interface. Additional states with strong electron localization character appear at the boundary in the presence of the vacancies. Our results are expected to be useful to understand how grain boundaries can serve as primary storage sites for defects and high-diffusion pathways.
Sexuality in the Later Years

Many people deny the existence and importance of sexuality among the elderly members of our population. In a time when people are increasingly tolerant of sexual self-determination for virtually every segment of our population, why do we cling to puritanical moralities and outdated ideas in our approach toward sex in ageing men and women? Reasons range from psychological conflicts to social taboos; some stem from the selfish concerns of the young, and others are rooted in the cultural stereotypes and ignorance about the sexual behaviour of elderly people. It is not easy to find research on ageing and sexuality that does not suffer from extreme sample bias or the difficulty in getting older people to speak candidly about their sexuality. This paper explores some of the issues relating to sexuality in the later years.
Speed Selectivity for Optic Flow in Area 7a of the Behaving Macaque

Area 7a, in the inferior parietal lobe, has been implicated in optic flow processing to obtain spatial information about the environment. Optic flow, angle-of-gaze and center-of-motion dependencies are already documented, but the selectivity of area 7a to speed is unknown. Such information is crucial as area 7a provides the final step in visual motion analysis that begins at the lateral geniculate nucleus and passes through MT, MST and LIP/VIP. Macaque area 7a neurons were tested with optic flows with speeds of 0.5-128 degrees /s. Of 161 neurons tested in four hemispheres of two adult male macaques, 53% (86/161) were speed selective at either the time of stimulus onset, at the end of the trial, or at both times. Speed selec- tivities resembling the basic filter types (band-pass, band-reject, high-pass, low-pass, broadband) were found. Area 7a neurons exhibited two novel properties not previously reported elsewhere. Speed selectivity was found to be dynamic in that many cells gained, lost or changed speed tuning over the course of a trial. In addition, speed dependence and optic flow selectivity interacted. For example, a cell could preferentially respond to one type of naviga- tional optic flow at a slow speed and a different navigational optic flow at a fast speed. The presence of speed selectivity combined with other properties of area 7a neurons indicates that these neurons may have a role in the concurrent representation of heading as well as multiple object speeds and directions.
When we do (and do not) have a classical arrow of time

I point out that some common folk wisdom about time reversal invariance in classical mechanics is strictly incorrect, by showing some explicit examples in which classical time reversal invariance fails, even among conservative systems. I then show that there is nevertheless a broad class of familiar classical systems that are time reversal invariant.
Una figura relegada de la Ilustración: la marquesa de Fuerte Híjar y su Elogio a la Reina (1798)

Among the many individuals of the Spanish Enlightenment still requi- ring further research, we find Maria Lorenza de los Rios, Marchioness of Fuerte Hijar. This article studies her life and works, showing her important role in the "Junta de Damas" within the Sociedad Economica Matritense. This study also analyzes her two unpublished plays La sabia indiscreta and El Eugenio, as well as the contents of her Elo- gio de la Reina, including as a final appendix its complete text (not reedited since its first publication in 1798).
Data correlation approach for slippage detection in robotic manipulations using tactile sensor array

In this paper, two techniques have been presented for slippage detection. They are independent of sensor signal type and are promising for general use on tactile array sensors. The first method is based on frequency analysis of the correlation coefficient sequence of sensor array data sampled as time evolves. The main idea is that a slippage causes heavier fluctuation in the sensor signal distribution and values than a static case. The second approach employs 2-D cross correlation to detect displacements of the sliding object from tactile images, which makes it possible to estimate the slippage velocity using commercially available sensors rather than custom hardware. Experiments have been implemented to evaluate the proposed approaches. It can be seen that the first method is capable of detecting both translational and rotational slippage. Also, it works well in dynamic environments. Additionally, the ability of the second method to detect slippage velocity has been confirmed in the experiment.
Service Expectations and Perceptions Revisited:Adding Product Quality to Servqual

Since the release of SERVQUAL and its findings, much has been written on service quality. In this study, we extend the SERVQUAL concept by adding product attributes and examining the combined results. The conclusions reached are that the product dimension is uppermost in the customer’s mind and, by excluding it, SERVQUAL only told half a story, and the less important half at that. For best results, we provide recommendations on how to incorporate customer service (service quality) with product offerings into an entity’s operations.
Biostratinomy of Recent crinoids (Echinodermata) at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Skeletal sands on and around a fringing reef at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, contain a small but recognizable component of skeletal ossicles of comatulid crinoids (feather stars), which inhabit the reef in great abundance and diversity. The distribution, abundance, and preservational condition of crinoidal ossicles were investigated as an analogue for biostratinomic processes in ancient crinoid environments. In the study area, crinoidal material occurs as completely disarticulated ossicles representing all elements of the comatulid skeleton (calyx, brachials, pinnulars, and cirrals). The crinoidfraction is greatest at the base of the forereef escarpment (3-5% by grain count), declining rapidly along slopes below the escarpment (-1 %), in the backreef ( 40 spp.) of living crinoids. Fish predation is a major source of crinoid mortality, which may partly account for the high concentration of crinoidal debris at the base of the reef, where it would most likely fall after being dropped by fish. The scarcity of calyxes in the sediment may also be a result of their selective removal by predators. Lacking rapid burial, crinoidal arms, pinnules, and cirri become virtually completely disarticulated within days; only the calyx remains articulated for longer periods. The result is a time-averaged accumulation that contains abraded and broken ossicles as well as fresh material. SEM photographs and thin sections of abraded ossicles show no evidence of infilling of the stereomic pores ("prefossilization"). Post-mortem movement of crinoidal material is evidently downslope rather than laterally away from the reef, despite regular along-reef tidal currents approaching 50 cmlsec or greater. No evidence for buoyant transport of crinoid ossicles was found, and only the finer skeletal elements were winnowed. Reduced concentration of crinoidal material along offreef slopes reflects the lower densities of living crinoids there. The concentration of crinoidal debris is thus directly related to proximity to the living site. INTRODUCTION
Infrared Laser Spectroscopy of Mass-Selected Carbocations

Small carbocations are of longstanding interest in mass spectrometry, organic chemistry and astrophysics, but there are few measurements of their spectroscopy in the gas phase. Of existing infrared measurements, few are available across the full range of IR frequencies. In new work described here, a pulsed-discharge supersonic-nozzle ion source produces higher densities of carbocations at low temperatures (20–100 K). Mass-selected photodissociation spectroscopy and the method of rare gas “tagging”, together with new broadly tunable infrared OPO lasers, produce IR spectra for a variety of small carbocations including C2H3+, C2H5+, C3H3+, C3H5+, the tert-butyl cation, protonated benzene, and protonated naphthalene. Spectra in the frequency range 600–4500 cm–1 provide new IR data for these ions and evidence for the presence of coexisting isomeric structures (e.g., C3H3+ is present as both cyclopropenyl and propargyl). Protonated naphthalene has bands at 6.2, 7.7, and 8.6 μm matching prominent features in the...
Peroneus Tertius Tendon Tear: A Rare Cause of Lateral Ankle Pain

The peroneus tertius (PT) muscle is a variably present muscle, uncommonly found in humans. Injury to the PT tendon is rare with virtually no cases reported in the literature. As a consequence of the rarity of this injury, there is little clinical information regarding injury or rupture of the PT muscle and tendon. We present a case of injury involving this rare anatomical variant. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstrates a short segment longitudinal split tear adjacent to the tendinous insertion of the peroneus tertius muscle. Knowledge of this rare anatomic variant and the potential for associated pathology is critical in the management of the patient. Directing the orthopedic surgeon, or podiatrist, to this finding is critical for directing intervention.
Atomic-Scale Studies of Defect Interactions with Homo- and Heterophase Interfaces

Interfaces are planar metastable defects with singular features capable of controlling diverse material properties, including mechanical response and the microstructure evolution in materials under irradiation. This ability of interfaces to dictate the material response resides inherently in their atomic structure, which controls the interactions of dislocations as well as point and defect clusters with the interface. We recently showed how dislocations nucleated from defect clusters interact with a heterophase interface in Cu–Nb layered composites. We also showed how the ability of the interface to absorb vacancy clusters depends on the atomic structure at the interface. Herein, we elaborate on the effect of the atomic structure on the ability of the interface to absorb dislocations as well as vacancy and self-interstitial defect clusters. We study a physical-vapor-deposited Kurdjumov–Sachs orientation in a Cu–Nb interface and an asymmetric $$\Sigma $$ 11 grain boundary in pure Cu. On the one hand, the manner in which dislocations react with the interface depends on the misfit dislocation arrangement, which substantially differs between these two cases. On the other hand, vacancy and self-interstitial clusters are absorbed similarly upon interaction with both structures.
ANALYSIS AND APPLACATION ON DISTRIBUTED BASED ON COM/DCOM COMPONENT

The distributed computing technology is now widely used in software development, which makes the developing of large complicated network application easy. The Component Object Model-COM and Distributed Component Object Model-DCOM technology is one of the distributed computing techniques presented by Microsoft. This paper analyzed the distributed computing Architecture based on COM/DCOM in detail, and summarized some implementing methods of COM/DCOM components and 3-tier client/server application. Finally, and 3-tier client/server application based on COM components was given.
Evaluation of Occupational Hazards in A Screen Printing Workshop

[Objective]To evaluate the occupational hazards in a screen printing workshop.[Methods]The combination methods of occupational field survey method,checklist method,inspection and testing methods,and occupational physical examination were applied for comprehensive analysis and evaluation..[Results]The maximum TWA of benzene and toluene exposure for operator of semi-automatic screen press was up to 9.5 mg/m3 and 256.0 mg/m3,which were not in accordance with the requirements of " Occupational Exposure Limits for Hazardous Agents in The Workplace" GBZ 2.1-2007.Part 1:Occupational exposure limits.But other toxicants' concentration met the health Standard.[Conclusion]This project belongs to the construction project with serious occupational hazards.Therefore,the rectification should be implemented immediately according to the suggestions.
Navigating Through Chaos: Charge Nurses and Patient Safety.

Objective The aim of this study was to explore actions and the processes charge nurses (CNs) implement to keep patients safe and generate an emerging theory to inform CN job descriptions, orientation, and training to promote patient safety in practice. Background Healthcare workers must provide a safe environment for patients. CNs are the frontline leaders on most hospital units and can function as gatekeepers for safe patient care. Methods This grounded theory study utilized purposive sampling of CNs on medical-surgical units in a 400-bed metropolitan hospital. Data collection consisted of 11 interviews and 6 observations. Results The emerging theory was navigating through chaos: CNs balancing multiple roles, maintaining a watchful eye, and working with and leading the healthcare team to keep patients safe. Conclusions CNs have knowledge of patients, staff, and complex healthcare environments, putting them in opportune positions to influence patient safety.
TH-AB-201-04: Clinical Protocol for Reuse of Optically Stimulated Luminescence Detectors

Purpose: OSLDs made of Al2O3:C have many useful dosimetric characteristics including their ability to be reused. The signal on an OSLD can be removed through heat or light. The objective of this study was to characterize the change in sensitivity associated with annealing OSLDs with light and in doing so define a range through which reuse is viable. Methods: Four groups of nanoDot OSLDs were repeatedly irradiated and bleached to create accumulated dose history. Each group's repeated irradiation remained constant at either 50, 100, 200, or 500 cGy. Before both irradiation and bleaching the OSLDs were read out, giving the dose reading and ensuring that ample bleaching had occurred, respectively. New and used OSLDs were compared in several clinical situations to verify accuracy. One final test involved correcting the readout dose based on the loss of sensitivity seen in the accumulated dose data. Results: In the first 40 Gy of accumulated dose the sensitivity can be broken into two regions: a region of sensitivity change and a region of no sensitivity change. From 0 cGy to an average of 1080 cGy the sensitivity does not change. After 1080 cGy the sensitivity begins to decrease linearly with an average slope of 0.00456 cGy lost per cGy accumulated after the cutoff point. The slope and cutoff point were used to correct readings in the final test, reducing the error from 6.8% to 3.9%. Conclusion: In the region of no sensitivity change OSLDs can be reused without concern to the validity of their result. Readings must be corrected if OSLDs are to be used in the region of sensitivity change, above 1080 cGy. After 40 Gy OSLDs must be retired because the sensitivity change reverses, making linear correction no longer feasible.