cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Morphine-induced feeding: A comparison of the Lewis and Fischer 344 inbred rat strains

Abstract Rats of the Lewis inbred strain have been shown to self-administer more morphine than rats of the inbred Fischer 344 (F344) strain. Because morphine reward and opioid-induced feeding may involve a common mechanism, we measured whether these strains also differ in their feeding response to morphine. In Experiment 1, rats were maintained on powdered rat chow and given SC injections of morphine sulfate (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg) and saline; all rats were tested with all doses. Food intake was measured 2, 4, and 6 h after injection. In Experiment 2, rats were given a choice of two diets: a fat/protein diet and a carbohydrate/protein diet. Feeding responses to morphine were measured in a manner identical to that in Experiment 1. In both experiments, the feeding response to morphine was greater in Lewis rats than in F344 rats. To determine whether these responses might be explained by differences in the levels of morphine achieved in the blood or brain, rats of each strain were given SC injections of morphine sulfate (3 mg/kg) and sacrificed either 30 min or 3 h after injection. Serum and brain morphin levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. Lewis rats had significantly less brain morphine than F344 rats at 30 min; they did not differ in morphine content at 3 h. Serum levels were similar at 30 min; at 3 h, F344 rats had slightly lower levels than Lewis rats. Thus, differences in tissue levels cannot readily explain the differences in feeding responses to morphine. These results indicate a strain differences in the feeding response to morphine that complements previously observed differences between Lewis and Fischer 344 rats in the self-administration of morphine. Further comparisons of these two strains may be useful in assessing the contribution of altered reward mechanisms to both eating disorders and drug abuse.
An oral communications course for EECS majors at MIT

This paper is about an oral communications course called "6.UAT" which is required of all students in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. We describe details about the course, discuss some high-level design decisions, and offer some results from student surveys about their communication ability before and after taking the course. Some of the curriculum ideas are not specific to EECS and thus are adoptable by the general technical community, and can serve as a possible starting point for practitioners at other institutions going through similar communications course design efforts.
Selective Shunting during Carotid Endarterectomy

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is an effective treatment for significant carotid atherosclerosis. Perioperative stroke, a devastating complication, may be partially circumvented by shunting. However, routine shunt use is not without complications and does not benefit every patient. Our study is designed to determine whether CEA under general anesthesia, without cerebral monitoring, can be safely done with shunting only in the presence of poor internal carotid artery back-bleeding or contralateral carotid occlusion or critical stenosis.The medical records of 995 carotid operations were reviewed. A subset of 117 operations was performed on 112 patients using selective shunting. Data were analyzed and outcomes compared.For the selective shunt group, indications for redo operations (n = 13) were recurrent asymptomatic high-grade stenosis in 69% and amaurosis fugax or transient ischemic attack in 31%. Indications for primary CEA (n = 104) were asymptomatic high-grade stenosis in 59%, amaurosis fugax or transient...
A Quasi-Optic Imaging Resonator for Plasma Diagnostics

A new resonant quasi-optic interferometer has been developed which has a unique capability to deduce spatial information about perturbing plasma media. The fundamental property of the resonator is that it is multiply degenerate. Its geometry consists of four spherical mirrors arranged in a confocal ring configuration such that the transverse modes are simultaneously resonant. Energy is coupled into and out of the resonator by thin dielectric film beam splitters. When perturbed, it is found that the resonant frequency of the system depends on the point at which the field is measured and this dependence is directly related to the geometry of the perturbation. The results of a theoretical analysis of the perturbation of the resonator are presented and preliminary experimental measurements of a 4-mm system are discussed.
Serum magnesium levels in pediatric inpatients: a study in laboratory overuse.

Background and Objective: Hypomagnesemia, defined as a serum magnesium (Mg) level Methods: We obtained data from 2010 through 2011 on charges for serum Mg levels and Mg supplementation for all non-ICU inpatients from the 43 tertiary care children’s hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System database. A manual chart review was performed for all patients at our institution with charges for both Mg levels and Mg supplementation. Results: A median of 13.5% (interquartile range: 7.7–22.1) of non-ICU inpatients from Pediatric Health Information System centers had charges for Mg levels, at a total charge of $41 million in the 2010–2011 period. At our institution, 19.1% of non-ICU inpatients had charges for Mg levels, at a charge of $67.32/patient-day. Of the 4608 patients with Mg laboratory charges at our institution, 171 (3.7%) had an intervention, defined as addition or modification of an Mg supplement dose in response to a serum Mg level. The 4 most common groups of diagnoses (oncologic, abdominal surgery requiring total parenteral nutrition, solid organ transplant, and short bowel syndrome) accounted for 143 (83.6%) of these interventions. Conclusions: Serum Mg levels were frequently ordered in non-ICU inpatients, but levels were seldom abnormal and rarely resulted in changes in clinical management. These findings raise concerns about resource overutilization and provide a target for more judicious laboratory ordering practices.
Through the energy efficiency looking glass

Abstract Energy efficiency is an important approach to mitigating climate change, minimizing energy system costs and improving system reliability. There is a role for the social sciences in these sorts of efforts to reduce energy waste. However, a singularly narrow theoretical and policy model of energy use and energy savings governs energy efficiency activities in the United States (and, to some degree, in Europe), as conducted by regulated utility companies and state actors. Firmly established in recent decades, an energy efficiency industry (EEI) is guided by this narrow model, which supplies a unifying conceptual frame, analytic paradigm and discursive context. That model is not hospitable to the social sciences and is extremely limited from a climate action point of view. The partial perspectives offered tend to misdirect attention and hamper the best efforts. This paper considers, in some detail, the organizational and regulatory systems that have given rise to, and sustain, this framework. It also offers a social science research agenda that might allow society to move beyond conventional thinking and the limitations of ineffective climate policy that follow from EEI business as usual.
Mechanism of Generation of ZnO Microstructures by Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Approach

In this report, a technique for rapid synthesis of ZnO microstructures by microwave-assisted heating of precursors at hydrothermal conditions is demonstrated. Further, the reaction mechanism for the growth of ZnO microstructures is analyzed. An accelerated rate of reaction obtained using microwaves enables a dissolution-recrystallization mechanism for generation of one dimensional (1D) rod-like structures, thereby showing that time of reaction can be used to dictate ZnO microstructure morphology.
The effect of chemonucleolysis on serum keratan sulfate levels in humans

Sensitive measurements of serum keratan sulfate (KS), a glycosaminoglycan found in large quantities in the proteoglycans of human cartilage, can be obtained using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent-inhibition assay. Patients who are undergoing chemonucleolysis (CN) provide a clinical opportunity to monitor the large-scale proteolytic degradation of cartilage. By measuring serum KS levels both pre- and post-CN, we have demonstrated that serum KS levels rise predictably after CN, in a manner that reflects major catabolic events of cartilage.
Discordant behavioral effects of psychotomimetic drugs in mice with altered NMDA receptor function

Rationale Enhancement of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activity through its glycine modulatory site (GMS) is a novel therapeutic approach in schizophrenia. Brain concentrations of endogenous GMS agonist d-serine and antagonist N-acetyl-aspartylglutamate are regulated by serine racemase (SR) and glutamic acid decarboxylase 2 (GCP2), respectively. Using mice genetically, under-expressing these enzymes may clarify the role of NMDAR-mediated neurotransmission in schizophrenia.
Gevrey regularity for a class of dissipative equations with applications to decay

Abstract In this paper, following the techniques of Foias and Temam, we establish Gevrey class regularity of solutions to a class of dissipative equations with a general quadratic nonlinearity and a general dissipation including fractional Laplacian. The initial data is taken to be in Besov type spaces defined via “caloric extension”. We apply our result to the Navier–Stokes equations, the surface quasi-geostrophic equations, the Kuramoto–Sivashinsky equation and the barotropic quasi-geostrophic equation. Consideration of initial data in critical regularity spaces allow us to obtain generalizations of existing results on the higher order temporal decay of solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations. In the 3D case, we extend the class of initial data where such decay holds while in 2D we provide a new class for such decay. Similar decay result, and uniform analyticity band on the attractor, is also proven for the sub-critical 2D surface quasi-geostrophic equation.
Threshold effect and π ± ψ ( 2 S ) peak

A resonancelike structure in the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}\ensuremath{\psi}(2S)$ mass spectrum arising in $B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}K{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}\ensuremath{\psi}(2S)$ has recently been reported. It is noted that the mass of this structure, $4433\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{MeV}$, is not far from the threshold for production of ${D}^{*}{\overline{D}}_{1}(2420)$. A proposed mechanism for production of this state is suggested, and tests are suggested.
Improving the practice of accounting

BOOKS REVIEWED: Reider, R. 2000. Benchmarking Strategies: A Tool for Profit Improvement (New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.) Bragg, Steven M. 1999. Accounting Best Practices (New York.: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.)
Learning design: Creating a quality learning environment

Research completed for this paper found that an optimal online learning experience should appeal to all of the learning styles of all students. This discussion focuses on how to apply Web-based tools to design courses that appeal to all learning styles beginning with teacher centered learning, moving to more active student involvement in their learning and concluding with the use of student-based teaching techniques. The author's research found that courses should include all learning styles and end with a metacognitive exercise in which students reflect on what they've learned.
Influence of hemicelluloses on the aggregation patterns of bacterial cellulose

Cellulose from the bacteriumAcetobacter xylinum was used as a model system for investigating the influence of other cell wall polysaccharides on the aggregation of cellulose. The patterns of aggregation of the bacterial cellulose were modified when the cellulose was produced in the presence of hemicellulose-like saccharides. The celluloses were found to be more like the Iβ-type found in higher plant celluloses than the Iα-type in the control bacterial celluloses. The effects of isolation procedures on structure were also explored. It was found that the structures of isolated celluloses were influenced by the procedures used in isolation.
Magnetic susceptibility of crystalline and amorphous selenium

Abstract The magnetic susceptibility of α-monoclinic, trigonal, and amorphous selenium has been measured from room temperature down to 40°K. All the susceptibilities were diamagnetic and temperature-independent. The amorphous value coincides, within experimental error, to the average of the monoclinic and trigonal values.
A comparative study of algorithms for computing the Smith normal form of an integer matrix

Several algorithms have been studied for computing the Smith normal form of an integer matrix. The algorithms are analysed and their run-time performances are compared. The algorithms that incorporate modular techniques overcome integer overflow problems and increase the computing power by several orders of magnitude.
Sclerosing myoepithelial neoplasm: immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features in a unique case

Background Histopathologic features of myoepithelial tumors may vary and include spindled, plasmacytoid, epithelioid, and clear cells as well as mucoid to hyalinized matrix. Objective We present a unique myoepithelial neoplasm with dense sclerosis. Case report A19-year-old male presented with a 2-year history of a right buccal lesion. A poorly circumscribed submucosal lesion without ulceration or tenderness was located near Stenson's duct. Contributor's impression was “lipoma.” Pathologic features The specimen was 2.1 × 1 × 1 cm, very firm, and varied in color from tan-brown to yellow. Microscopic examination revealed very dense fibrous stroma that infiltrated striated muscle, adipose tissue, and minor salivary gland lobules. Small strands and irregular islands of cells with poorly defined plasma membranes, abundant pale eosinophilic fibrillar to vacuolated cytoplasm, and oval to round nuclei were embedded in, and often compressed by, the dense stroma. Ductal structures and chondroid matrix were not present. Tortuous thin-walled vascular channels were common. The cellular strands and nests reacted with antibodies for S-100, pancytokeratin (AE1/AE3) and GFAP, but not for SMA, CD34, or CD68. There was mild expression of CD99 and Bcl-2. Electron microscopy revealed occasional intermediate filament aggregates, hemidesmosomes, rare structures representing myofilament attachment plaques, basement membranes, and basal lamina material. Neural processes, neurosecretory granules, neurofilaments, and glial differentiation were not identified. Myoepithelial origin was supported by the histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural findings. Conclusion Dense sclerosis may be associated with myoepithelial neoplasms, and both immunohistochemical and ultrastructural examination may help define the cell of origin.
TCT-157 Increased Local Cytokine Production at Culprit Superficial Femoral Artery Plaques

Characterization of local inflammation at culprit superficial femoral artery (SFA) stenosis has not been studied. We hypothesized that arterial cytokine concentrations would be greater at sites of stenosis. Twenty patients with ≥50 % angiographic stenosis of the SFA had blood drawn just proximal to the lesion and from a contralateral site free of disease. A microplate immunoassay was used to determine the concentrations of 42 distinct cytokines and growth factors. Exact conditional logistic analysis was used to compare measures at the two sites with interaction terms describing clinical factors used to identify difference mediators. Interaction terms identified clinical factors that could predict cytokine levels. The concentrations of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L; mean 212 and 177 pg/ml, p = 0.01) and tumor necrosis factor beta (TNF-B; mean 16.6 and 15.9 pg/ml, p = 0.04) were increased immediately proximal to areas of stenosis. Factors associated with greater concentrations at sites of stenosis were bilateral ankle-brachial index ≤0.90 (p = 0.04), no statin use (p = 0.02), claudication (p = 0.03), low leukocyte count (p = 0.03), absence of limb ischemia (p = 0.04) and lack of aspirin or clopidogrel therapy (p ≤ 0.06). Greater concentrations of sCD40L and TNF-B at sites of stenosis suggest that these cytokines play a role in the pathogenesis of symptomatic SFA disease. Our results also suggest that statin, aspirin and clopidogrel therapy may attenuate localized inflammation in the SFA, though due to a small sample size and the use of multiple comparisons across groups, these findings can be viewed as hypothesis generating only. In conclusion, selected cytokines are heightened at culprit SFA lesions and inflammation may be modulated by statin and antiplatelet therapy.
Conjunctions of unate DNF formulas: learning and structure

Abstract A central topic in query learning is to determine which classes of Boolean formulas are efficiently learnable with membership and equivalence queries. We consider the class R kconsisting of conjunctions ofkunate DNF formulas. This class generalizes the class ofk-clause CNF formulas and the class of unate DNF formulas, both of which are known to be learnable in polynomial time with membership and equivalence queries. We prove that R 2can be properly learned with a polynomial number of polynomial-size membership and equivalence queries, but can be properly learned in polynomial time with such queries if and only if P=NP. Thus the barrier to properly learning R 2with membership and equivalence queries is computational rather than informational. Few results of this type are known. In our proofs, we use recent results of Hellersteinet al.(1997,J. Assoc. Comput. Mach.43(5), 840–862), characterizing the classes that are polynomial-query learnable, together with work of Bshouty on the monotone dimension of Boolean functions. We extend some of our results to R kand pose open questions on learning DNF formulas of small monotone dimension. We also prove structural results for R k. We construct, for any fixedk⩾2, a class of functionsfthat cannot be represented by any formula in R k, but which cannot be “easily” shown to have this property. More precisely, for any functionfonnvariables in the class, the value offon any polynomial-size set of points in its domain is not a witness thatfcannot be represented by a formula in R k. Our construction is based on BCH codes.
Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor (SLPI): Oxidation of SLPI Does Not Explain Its Variable Anti-HIV Activity

Secretory leuhocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) has been proposed as a potential inhibitor of HIV-1 infection in human saliva. Although the ability of recombinant (r) SLPI to inhibit HIV-1 infection of macrophages and primary T-cells has been demonstrated by two independent laboratories, evidence to the contrary has also been reported. This study re-examines the anti-HIV effect of rSLPI and investigates the effects of repeated freeze-thawing and oxidation on the anti-HIV activity of rSLPI. rSLPI inhibited HIV-1 BaL infection of human macrophages in a highly variable manner. HPLC and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI) analyses indicated that variability in our inhibition data could not be attributed to the degradation or oxidation of rSLPI. These results suggest that the variable anti-HIV effect of rSLPI may be due to differential expression of the cell-surface molecule(s) to which SLPI binds rather than to changes in the rSLPI molecule.
Remote Network Emulation for Defense Applications

Many of today's military services and applications run on geographically distributed sites. Before these services and applications can be deployed in an actual network, they need to be tested and evaluated under realistic scenarios with many unpredictable factors. Existing experimental tools cannot meet the requirements for scale, accuracy and timeliness. A network emulation framework called ROSENET is proposed that can meet these requirements by using a remote parallel simulation server to model a wide area network and a local network emulator to provide timely QoS predictions for testing real world applications. This paper discusses the challenges faced in applying ROSENET to defense applications through two case studies. In the first case study we apply synthetic traffic workloads over DARPA's NMS network topology for a large scale simulation and define a metric called remote emulation delay to evaluate and quantify ROSENET's performance. In the second case study we illustrate the procedures using ROSE...
Case Report: Remission of Chronic Idiopathic Myelofibrosis to Busulfan Treatment

Three patients with chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis have responded to busulfan treatment with an excellent hematologic remission and reversal of myelofibrosis and myeloid metaplasia. Four months after busulfan therapy all three patients showed an improvement of hematocrit and hemoglobin and reduction of the number of leukoerythroblasts. Cellular bone marrow was re-established in two patients. A decrease of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly also occurred and was well correlated with the hematologic response. In one patient, when busulfan was discontinued for about 2 years after achieving an excellent remission, hematologic relapse was accompanied by increase of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. When busulfan treatment was resumed, hematologic response and decrease of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly reoccurred. This observation has demonstrated the beneficial effect of busulfan in chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis; therefore, the role of busulfan in the management of this disease should be further investigated.
Variable Structure Switching Controller

This paper presents results of an exploratory research in a variable structure control strategy that switches between two state feedbacks. Published results using computer simulations have shown that such switching strategies can have significant advantages in fuel consumption and performance over a fixed state feedback regulator. Moreover, it can guarantee asymptotic stability in the absence of sliding motion, even if one of the regulators is actually unstable. This exploratory research intends to test the application of the concept to other systems where fuel economy may not be a primary concern. This paper expands on published results in several aspects. First, the paper develops a simple criterion that can be used to predict the effectiveness of using switching control. Second, the paper verifies the existence of sliding motion for this application and resolves, for the first time, the issue of stability during sliding for switching state feedbacks. Third, it uses as test bed an experimental laboratory unit and compares results of both computer simulation and laboratory measurements. The selected test bed is the classical inverted pendulum system.
Plasma discharge in N2 + CH4 at low pressures - Experimental results and applications to Titan

Results are reported from laboratory continuous-flow plasma-discharge experiments designed to simulate the formation of hydrocarbons and nitriles from N2 and CH4 in the atmosphere of Titan. Gas-chromatography and mass-spectrometry data were obtained in experiments lasting up to 100 h at temperature 295 K and pressure 17 or 0.24 mbar, modeling (1) cosmic-ray-induced processes in the Titan troposphere and (2) processes related to stratospheric aurorae excited by energetic electrons and ions from the Saturn magnetosphere, respectively. The results are presented in extensive tables and graphs, and the 0.24-mbar yields are incorporated into an eddy-mixing model to give stratospheric column abundances and mole fractions in good agreement with Voyager IRIS observations.
Parasitic and Infectious Disease Responses to Changing Global Nutrient Cycles

Parasitic and infectious diseases (PIDs) are a significant threat to human, livestock, and wildlife health and are changing dramatically in the face of human-induced environmental changes such as those in climate and land use. In this article we explore the little-studied but potentially important response of PIDs to another major environmental change, that in the global nutrient cycles. Humans have now altered the nitrogen (N) cycle to an astonishing degree, and those changes are causing a remarkable diversity of environmental and ecological responses. Since most PIDs are strongly regulated by ecological interactions, changes in nutrients are likely to affect their dynamics in a diversity of environments. We show that while direct tests of the links between nutrients and disease are rare, there is mounting evidence that higher nutrient levels frequently lead to an increased risk of disease. This trend occurs across multiple pathogen types, including helminths, insect-vectored diseases, myxozoa, and bacterial and fungal diseases. The mechanistic responses to increased nutrients are often complex and frequently involve indirect responses that are regulated by intermediate or vector hosts involved in disease transmission. We also show that rapid changes in the N cycle of tropical regions combined with the high diversity of human PIDs in these regions will markedly increase the potential for N to alter the dynamics of disease. Finally, we stress that progress on understanding the effects of nutrients on disease ecology requires a sustained effort to conduct manipulative experiments that can reveal underlying mechanisms on a species-specific basis.
New reentrant wetting phenomena and critical behavior near bulk critical points.

Wetting phenomena near the bulk critical point of an adsorbate are examined for the realistic case of long-ranged (e.g., van der Waals) forces, with use of mean-field theory for an Ising lattice-gas system. For moderately strong long-ranged forces new critical behavior appears at and near ${\mathrm{T}}_{\mathrm{c}}$, accompanied by both reentrant wetting and dewetting transitions and the appearance of two distinct wetting phases.
Redundancy of structural systems with and without maintenance: An approach based on lifetime functions

The lifetime reliability of existing structures may be quantified by lifetime functions. Redundancy is an additional type of structural performance indicator that is defined as a measure of warning available prior to system collapse. Lifetime functions provide a basis on which lifetime redundancy can be evaluated and its quantification can be formulated. The objective of this paper is to present a novel approach for the evaluation of the lifetime redundancy of structural systems. Measures of lifetime redundancy based on lifetime functions are investigated. The effects of maintenance on lifetime functions and redundancy are also presented. Furthermore, the lifetime redundancy is incorporated in a maintenance optimization algorithm. This optimization algorithm is illustrated on an existing highway bridge.
Willingness of Graduate Students in Rehabilitation Counseling to Discuss Sexuality With Clients

The purpose of this study was to obtain a greater understanding of the willingness of graduate students in rehabilitation counseling to discuss sexuality with clients.This was done by testing a model of factors predicted to influence the willingness of rehabilitation counseling master’s students to discuss sexuality with clients, using path analysis.The results of this study suggest that sexuality knowledge, sexuality education, attitudes toward the sexuality of people with disabilities, and comfort with sexuality affect the willingness of rehabilitation counselors to discuss sexuality with clients, with sexuality knowledge and comfort with sexuality having direct effects on willingness. Understanding the relationships between these variables may facilitate the design of interventions that promote the willingness of rehabilitation counselors to discuss sexuality with clients.
Effect of Forest Harvest on the Vegetation of an Urban Park

Abstract Forested parks are an urban oasis, and forest management plays an important part in their maintenance. I used a systematic sampling technique to quantify the vegetation and propagule bank in a small urban park prior to and following a forest management event. The number of non-forest species and the abundance of Toxicodendron radicans (Poison Ivy) increased after forest harvest. Distance from an edge did not affect the change in vegetation. In the propagule bank, loss of basal area in a plot was positively correlated with an increase in the percent of species that were non-forest and non-native. The Sorenson coefficient of community similarity comparing the species composition of the vegetation before and after harvest was 0.769 (out of 1.0), but that for the propagule bank was 0.308. Forest management practices in small urban parks should be designed with extreme caution due to the volatile settings of these refuges.
Measurement of coherence Lengths of below threshold harmonics in solid argon

We report the measurement of the coherence lengths of 7th and 9th harmonics of Ti:sapphire laser radiation in solid argon crystals under strong-field excitation.
Free Carrier Generation in Fullerene Acceptors and Its Effect on Polymer Photovoltaics

Early research on C60 led to the discovery that the absorption of photons with energy greater than 2.35 eV by bulk C60 produces free charge carriers at room temperature. We find that not only is this also true for many of the soluble fullerene derivatives commonly used in organic photovoltaics, but also that the presence of these free carriers has significant implications for the modeling, characterization, and performance of devices made with these materials. We demonstrate that the discrepancy between absorption and quantum efficiency spectra in P3HT:PCBM is due to recombination of such free carriers in large PCBM domains before they can be separated at a donor/acceptor interface. Since most theories assume that all free charges result from the separation of excitons at a donor/acceptor interface, the presence of free carrier generation in fullerenes can have a significant impact on the interpretation of data generated by numerous field-dependent techniques.
Renal repair: role of bone marrow stem cells

Acute kidney injury carries severe consequences and has limited treatment options. Bone marrow stem cells may offer the potential for treatment of acute kidney injury. The purpose of this review is twofold. The first purpose is to provide a concise overview of the biology of bone marrow stem cells, including hematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells, for clinical nephrologists and renal researchers. The second purpose is to summarize published data regarding the role of bone marrow stem cells in renal repair after acute kidney injury. Currently, much of our knowledge of renal protective effect of bone marrow stem cells is obtained through animal research. Our goal is to understand the mechanism of renal protection by bone marrow stem cells and to develop strategies utilizing these stem cells for the eventual treatment of humans with kidney disease.
The nature and origin of lateral composition modulations in short-period strained-layer superlattices

The nature and origin of lateral composition modulations in (AlAs){sub m}(InAs){sub n} SPSs grown by MBE on InP substrates have been investigated by XRD, AFM, and TEM. Strong modulations were observed for growth temperatures between {approx} 540 and 560 C. The maximum strength of modulations was found for SPS samples with InAs mole fraction x (=n/(n+m)) close to {approx} 0.50 and when n {approx} m {approx} 2. The modulations were suppressed at both high and low values of x. For x >0.52 (global compression) the modulations were along the directions in the (001) growth plane. For x directions rotated {approx} {+-} 27{degree} from [110] in the growth plane. The remarkably constant wavelength of the modulations, between {approx} 20--30 nm, and the different modulation directions observed, suggest that the origin of the modulations is due to surface roughening associated with the high misfit between the individual SPS layers and the InP substrate. Highly uniform unidirectional modulations have been grown, by control of the InAs mole fraction and growth on suitably offcut substrates, which show great promise for application in device structures.
Estimation following sequential tests

SUMMARY A method is given for obtaining confidence intervals following sequential tests. It involves defining an order relation among points on the stopping boundary and computing the probability of a deviation more extreme in this order relation than the observed one. Particular attention is given to the case of a normal mean with known or unknown variance. A comparison with the customary fixed sample size interval based on the same data is given. The purpose of this paper is to describe a method for obtaining confidence intervals following sequential tests. An order relation is defined among the points on the stopping boundary of the test. The confidence limits are determined by finding those values of the unknown parameter for which the probabilities of more extreme deviations in the order relation than the one observed have prescribed values. To facilitate understanding the proposed procedures, most of the paper is restricted to estimating the mean of a normal population with known variance following the class of sequential tests recommended by Armitage (1975) for clinical trials. The case of unknown variance is discussed briefly in ? 4. It is easy to see that the proposed method is valid more generally, although the probability calculations required to implement it depend on the specific parent distribution and stopping rule. A closely related method was proposed by Armitage (1958), who studied the case of binomial data numerically by enumeration of sample paths. Let xl, x2, ... be independent and normally distributed with unknown mean ,u and known variance cr2. Let sn =x1 + .. . + xn, and for given b > 0 consider the stopping rule
An efficient store-and-forward protocol for a shallow-water acoustic local area network

A store-and-forward protocol for a shallow-water acoustic local area network is presented. This protocol permits random deployment of an unlimited number of possibly mobile acoustic modems in littoral zones. Modem connectivity is adaptively learned and permits the incorporation of fresh modems into an operating network. The main points of the protocol initialization, maintenance, routing, and rerouting algorithms are presented. The protocol borrows from existing algorithms for packet radio networks and presents methods to decrease delay and retransmission of packets to conserve the limited modem power. >
TARGETING THE PI3K SIGNALING PATHWAY IN CANCER THERAPY

Introduction: The PI3K signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of cancer cell growth, motility, survival and metabolism. The pathway is frequently active in many different types of cancer—e.g., breast, bladder, prostate, thyroid, ovarian and NSCLC. Targetable genetic aberrations in this pathway give us many opportunities for development of targeted therapies for different types of cancer. Areas covered: The genetic alterations in the PI3K/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/Akt pathway, as well as the drugs that target this pathway, either alone, in combination with other targeted agents or in chemotherapy. Targeted inhibitors of the PI3K pathway currently being tested in clinical trials in different types of human cancer. Expert opinion: Small-molecule inhibitors targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway show some success with these agents in current clinical trials. For further improvement in response, molecular correlates that can be used for patient selection, need to be determined. A more efficien...
USER-DEFINED CLASSIFICATION ON THE ONLINE PHOTO SHARING SITE FLICKR…OR, HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE MILLION TYPING MONKEYS

As evidenced by the growing popularity of sites which provide tagging and annotation functionality, like del.icio.us (http://del.icio.us), Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/), technorati (http://www.technorati.com/), and CiteULike (http://www.citeulike.org/), which already have combined user bases in the several millions, collaborative cataloging, or tagging, provides a workable solution for content organization, use, and exploration for many Internet users. This explosion in user-defined metadata has the potential to improve the way information is organized, navigated, and experienced on the web, and offers the Library and Information Science community the opportunity to augment and refine our existing classification methods and schemes to be more user-friendly, to allow for higher levels of precision and recall, and to enhance the human information interaction experience.
Dietary Na+ inhibits the open probability of the epithelial sodium channel in the kidney by enhancing apical P2Y2-receptor tone

Apical release of ATP and UTP can activate P2Y(2) receptors in the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron (ASDN) and inhibit the open probability (P(o)) of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). Little is known, however, about the regulation and physiological relevance of this system. Patch-clamp studies in freshly isolated ASDN provide evidence that increased dietary Na(+) intake in wild-type mice lowers ENaC P(o), consistent with a contribution to Na(+) homeostasis, and is associated with increased urinary concentrations of UTP and the ATP hydrolytic product, ADP. Genetic deletion of P2Y(2) receptors in mice (P2Y(2)(-/-); littermates to wild-type mice) or inhibition of apical P2Y-receptor activation in wild-type mice prevents dietary Na(+)-induced lowering of ENaC P(o). Although they lack suppression of ENaC P(o) by dietary NaCl, P2Y(2)(-/-) mice do not exhibit NaCl-sensitive blood pressure, perhaps as a consequence of compensatory down-regulation of aldosterone levels. Consistent with this hypothesis, clamping mineralocorticoid activity at high levels unmasks greater ENaC activity and NaCl sensitivity of blood pressure in P2Y(2)(-/-) mice. The studies indicate a key role of the apical ATP/UTP-P2Y(2)-receptor system in the inhibition of ENaC P(o) in the ASDN in response to an increase in Na(+) intake, thereby contributing to NaCl homeostasis and blood pressure regulation.
Recurrence of iris stromal cyst following aspiration and resection

Abstract We describe a 3-month-old patient with a primary epithelial cyst of the iris stroma. Although these cysts account for 16% of all childhood iris cysts, these cysts are uncommon with only a small number of reported cases. 1-6 Because our patient's cyst had amblyogenic potential, we proceeded with surgical treatment. The cyst was aspirated, but it recurred within 7 weeks. Sector iridectomy with excision of the cyst was performed, again with recurrence and subsequent glaucoma and cataract. These cysts present difficult management issues concerning the choice of initial surgical treatment and subsequent complications. (J AAPOS 2002;6:255-6)
A hybrid (parabolic equation)-(Gaussian beam) algorithm for wave propagation through large inhomogeneous regions

The wide-angle split-step parabolic equation (PE) algorithm is used to model electromagnetic wave propagation over general inhomogeneous terrain up to a height h. The PE-computed fields at h are then projected onto a complete Gabor basis from which we effect Gaussian beam propagation at altitudes greater than h. The Gaussian beams can be propagated through general inhomogeneous media, devoid of failures at caustics and shadow boundaries (as befalls ray tracing). The accuracy of the Gaussian beam algorithm is demonstrated via two realistic examples: (1) low-frequency (HF) ionospheric propagation with application to over-the-horizon radar and (2) near-grazing high-frequency propagation for communication or surveillance applications. In the context of these examples, we discuss relevant numerical issues associated with the hybrid algorithm from which general advantages and disadvantages are addressed.
A factorial analysis of timed and untimed measures of mathematics and reading abilities in school aged twins

Abstract The present study examined the phenotypic and genetic relationship between fluency and non-fluency-based measures of reading and mathematics performance. Participants were drawn from the Western Reserve Reading and Math Project, an ongoing longitudinal twin project of same-sex MZ and DZ twins from Ohio. The present analyses are based on tester-administered measures available from 228 twin pairs (age M = 9.86 years). Measurement models suggested that four factors represent the data, namely Decoding, Fluency, Comprehension, and Math. Subsequent quantitative genetic analyses of these latent factors suggested that a single genetic factor accounted for the covariance among these four latent factors. However, there were also unique genetic effects on Fluency and Math, independent from the common genetic factor. Thus, although there is a significant genetic overlap among different reading and math skills, there may be independent genetic sources of variation related to measures of decoding fluency and mathematics.
MIMO broadcasting with common, private and confidential messages

The two-user MIMO Gaussian broadcast channel with confidential messages is studied. For the case in which the transmitter has one common message for both users and one confidential message for user 1, the capacity region is characterized with the confidential message perfectly secret from user 2. For the case in which the transmitter has one common message for both users, two private messages each for one of the users, and two confidential messages each also for one of the users, an approximate characterization of the capacity region was provided via a deterministic approach with the confidential messages respectively secret from the other user.
Electric power exchanges with sensitivity matrices: an experimental analysis

We describe a fast incremental method for power flows computation tailored for electric power markets. Fast in the sense that it, can be used for real time power flows computation, and incremental in the sense that it computes any additional increase/decrease in line congestion caused by a particular (n-lateral) contract. Incremental methods offer a powerful way of dealing with congestion contingency, improve information flows among market entities, and are easy to understand. In this document we provide basic scaling properties for electric power markets using this method, and compare it with methods using (linearized) power flow code. The author is in the process of obtaining a patent on methods, algorithms, and procedures described in this paper.
Measurement of Double-Layer Forces at the Electrode/Electrolyte Interface Using the Atomic Force Microscope: Potential and Anion Dependent Interactions

The forces between a silica probe and silica and gold substrates were measured with an atomic force microscope in the presence of a series of alkali-halide electrolyte solutions. The interaction between two silica surfaces was repulsive and could be accurately predicted by Derjaguin−Landau−Verwey−Overbeek theory. The silica surface was negatively charged at a pH of 5.5 and the effective surface potential increased in magnitude with decreasing electrolyte concentration. In contrast, the force between the silica probe and a gold substrate was attractive at open circuit. This interaction was a strong function of the potential applied to the gold and the nature of the electrolyte species. In general, the silica−gold interaction changed from attractive, when the gold was held at positive potentials, to repulsive at negative potentials. A series of force measurements as a function of the potential of the gold electrode indicated that the repulsive force increased when moving toward more negative potentials, cor...
Erythromycin shortens orocaecal transit time in diabetic male subjects: a double-blind placebo-controlled study.

SUMMARY Background: The effects of erythromycin on small bows motility are controversial. Orocaecal transit time (OCTT) is considered to be a valid measure of small bowel motility. Methods: We studied the effect of erythromycin on OCTT in diabetic male subjects in a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover fashion. After an overnight fast, subjects received erythromycin 500 mf 250 mg or placebo, on 3 different days. A standard solid meal containing 20 g lactulose was administered 30 min after the erythromycin ingestion. Exhaled breath was collected and hydrogen concentration was assessed over 5 h. Breath hydrogen concentrations for each session were analysed over time by a generalized logistic function generating a sigmoidal curve. Front transit time was recorded as the time point when a sustained rise in breath hydrogen concentration of at least 5 p.p.m. was first observed. Results: The mean ± S.E.M. time taken for the front of the meal to reach the caecum was 92.5 ± 9.5, 86.1±16.5 and 62.3 ± 12.1 min for placebo, erythromycin 250 mg and erythromycin 500 mg, respectively. The OCTT was significantly decreased with erythromycin 500 mg compard to placebo (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Oral administration of 500 mg erythromycin has prokinetic effect on orocaecal transit in male patients with diabetes mellitus.
Promoter and enhancer elements from the rat elastase I gene function independently of each other and of heterologous enhancers.

Abstract An elastase-human growth hormone (hGH) fusion gene containing 205 base pairs of elastase 5' flanking region is expressed exclusively in pancreatic acinar cells of transgenic mice. This paper shows that the promoter region (-72 to +8) and the enhancer (-205 to -73) function independently of each other. The elastase enhancer can activate the heterologous mouse metallothionein gene and the hGH gene promoters; conversely, enhancers from the thymocyte-specific murine leukemia virus MCF13 and the metal regulatory elements from the metallothionein gene can activate the elastase promoter in a variety of cell types. Combinations of immunoglobulin and elastase enhancers with a heterologous promoter and the hGH gene result in expression in all of the tissues predicted by the sum of each enhancer acting alone. Thus these enhancer elements act independently of each other, suggesting that they do not have silencing activity in cells in which they are normally inactive.
Desuetude-Based Severability: A New Approach to Old Morals Legislation

Sometimes officials fail to enforce a statute despite its widespread violation over a long period of time. Under the doctrine of desuetude, such statutes are considered void and therefore may be abrogated by judges. This paper articulates and defends a version of the doctrine that would prevent arbitrary and capricious enforcement of obsolete morals legislation, while simultaneously preserving the residual symbolic value that otherwise obsolete morals legislation may retain for citizens. Judges would accomplish this by invalidating the punishment-enabling provisions of morals legislation as desuetudinal, while preserving the offense defining provisions that may still have symbolic value.
No Time to Waste: in Support of Aggressive and Immediate Management of Hypertension

Untreated and uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) presents a major public health burden in the USA and worldwide. Despite the known risk for increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, blood pressure remains untreated and uncontrolled at alarming rates of between 20 and 40 % in patients with known HTN. Further, while cumulative evidence indicates that early onset of antihypertensive effect improves CV outcomes, the time to blood pressure (BP) control remains long. The objective of hypertension management cannot be simply to achieve and maintain the goal BP, but to do so quickly to improve short-term and long-term CV outcomes. In this review, we will (1) describe the magnitude of uncontrolled HTN, (2) identify the factors that contribute to uncontrolled BP in patients with the diagnosis of HTN, and (3) explore the rationale for and benefits of aggressive and immediate control of HTN.