cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NC machine tool path generation from CSG part representations

Abstract Recent improvements in geometric modelling systems have led to the need for more reliable and highly automated software for machine tool path generation. Current machining algorithms require that any part geometric information which cannot be determined from the modelling system be supplied by the user. Much geometric information is needed if the model used to represent the part is incomplete. This is the case with many conventional boundary representation systems. However, this information can easily be determined automatically if a solid modelling system is used. This paper presents a method for generating numerically-controlled milling machine tool paths directly from constructive solid geometry part representations. The algorithm requires less user interaction than APT boundary representation methods. A wide variety of parts may be machined using standard torus (bull) ended milling cutters. The algorithm is computationally efficient, and requires iteration only on portions of the part where gouging may occur.
Subsets of Memory Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Elicited by Vaccination Influence the Efficiency of Secondary Expansion In Vivo

Vaccine-elicited cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) should be long-lived memory cells that can rapidly expand in number following re-exposure to antigen. The present studies were initiated to analyze the ability of plasmid interleukin-12 (IL-12) to augment CTL responses in mice when delivered during the peak phase of an immune response elicited by a plasmid human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120 DNA vaccine. Delivery of plasmid IL-12 on day 10 postimmunization resulted in a robust expansion of gp120-specific CD8+ T cells, as measured by tetramer, gamma interferon ELISPOT, and functional-killing assays. Interestingly, this delayed administration of plasmid IL-12 had no significant effect on antigen-specific CD4+-T-cell and antibody responses. Phenotypic analyses suggested that administration of plasmid IL-12 near the time of the peak CTL response activated and expanded antigen-specific effector cells, preventing their loss through apoptosis. However, this IL-12-augmented population of gp120-specific CD8+ T cells did not efficiently expand following gp120 boost immunization, suggesting that these effector cells would be of little utility in expanding to contain a viral infection. Analyses of the phenotypic profile and anatomic distribution of the plasmid IL-12-augmented CTL population indicated that these lymphocytes were primarily effector memory rather than central memory T cells. These observations suggest that CTL-based vaccines should elicit central memory rather than effector memory T cells and illustrate the importance of monitoring the phenotype and functionality of vaccine-induced, antigen-specific CTL.
Autoimmunity in MFG-E8–deficient mice is associated with altered trafficking and enhanced cross-presentation of apoptotic cell antigens

Apoptotic cells must be rapidly cleared, as defects in this process can lead to autoimmunity. Milk fat globule EGF factor 8 (MFG-E8) binds to apoptotic cells and facilitates their removal through interaction with phagocytes. Mice deficient in MFG-E8 develop lupus-like autoimmunity associated with accumulation of apoptotic cells in vivo. Here, we have shown that MFG-E8 controls phagocytic ingestion of cell fragments as well as their intracellular processing into MHC-antigen complexes. Older Mfge8–/– mice spontaneously developed dermatitis associated with CD8+ T cell infiltration and striking activation of effector memory CD8+ T cells. CD8+ T cell responses to both exogenous and endogenous apoptotic cell–associated antigens were enhanced in Mfge8–/– mice. MFG-E8 deficiency accelerated the onset of disease in a mouse model of autoimmune diabetes. Enhanced CD8+ T cell responses were attributed to increased cross-presentation by DCs along with increased detection of antigen-MHCI complexes. Intracellular trafficking analysis revealed that intact apoptotic cells ingested by wild-type DCs rapidly fused with lysosomes, whereas smaller fragments persisted in Mfge8–/– DC endosomal compartments for 24 hours. These observations suggest that MFG-E8 deficiency promotes immune responses to self antigens not only by delaying the clearance of dying cells but also by altering intracellular processing, leading to enhanced self-antigen presentation.
Neuromodulatory control of sleep in Drosophila melanogaster: Integration of competing and complementary behaviors

The transition between wake and sleep states is characterized by rapid and generalized changes in both sensory and motor processing. Sleep is antagonistic to the expression of important behaviors, like feeding, reproduction and learning whose relative importance to an individual will depend on its circumstances at that moment. An understanding of how the decision to sleep is affected by these other drives and how this process is coordinated across the entire brain remains elusive. Neuromodulation is an important regulatory feature of many behavioral circuits and the reconfiguring of these circuits by modulators can have both long-term and short-term consequences. Drosophila melanogaster has become an important model system for understanding the molecular and genetic bases of behaviors and in recent years neuromodulatory systems have been shown to play a major role in regulation of sleep and other behaviors in this organism. The fly, with its increasingly well-defined behavioral circuitry and powerful genetic tools, is a system poised to provide new insight into the complex issue of how neuromodulation can coordinate situation-specific behavioral needs with the brain's arousal state.
Construction and parameterization of all static and dynamic H/sub 2/-optimal state feedback solutions, optimal fixed modes and fixed decoupling zeros

A problem of H/sub 2/ optimization via state feedback is considered. The problems dealt with are of the general singular type, with a left invertible transfer matrix function from the control input to the controlled output. All the static and dynamic H/sub 2/ optimal state feedback solutions are constructed and parameterized, and all the eigenvalues of an optimal closed-loop system are characterized. All optimal closed-loop systems share a set of eigenvalues which are termed the optimal fixed modes, which must be assigned among the closed-loop eigenvalues. This set includes a set of optimal fixed decoupling zeros which shows the minimum absolutely necessary number and location of pole-zero cancellations present in any H/sub 2/ optimal design. It is shown that both the sets of optimal fixed modes and optimal fixed decoupling zeros do not vary. >
Walking speed as an aging biomarker in baboons (Papio hamadryas)

Background Walking speed is an important human aging biomarker. Baboons are valuable translational models for aging studies. Establishing whether walking speed is a good aging biomarker has value. We hypothesized there would be characteristic age-related decline in baboon walking speed. Methods We studied 33 female baboons aged 5–21 years. Walking speed was calculated by the time to walk between landmarks separated by known distances. A regression model was developed to describe the relationship between speed, age, and body weight. Results Speed negatively associated with age, a relationship enhanced by increased weight (P < 0.0005). For 16-kg animals, speed declined approximately 0.6 cm/s yearly. For each additional kilogram of weight, speed declined an additional 0.3 cm/s yearly. Conclusions Baboon walking speed declines with age, an effect modulated by weight. Ease of measurement and strong age association make walking speed a valuable biomarker for aging research with this important experimental species.
Salvage surgery for recurrent neck carcinoma after multimodality therapy

Recurrent carcinoma of the neck after treatment by radical neck dissection and radiotherapy leads to a progressive downhill course if no further therapy is instituted. Nine such patients having fixed, recurrent neck tumors with carotid artery involvement underwent 10 salvage procedures with carotid artery resection and replacement. One patient developed a transient hemiparesis that resolved in 3 days, and in another, a permanent hemiparesis occurred. Three patients have survived longer than 12 months. One patient is free of disease at 42 months following two salvage operations. We attribute the low operative morbidity to the frequent use of the subclavian artery for proximal anastomosis and myocutaneous flaps to resurface cutaneous and mucosal defects. We conclude that salvage surgery with carotid artery replacement can be performed on selected patients who have failed combined therapy as a palliative and possibly curative measure.
Functional translation of exercise responses from graded exercise testing to exercise training

This study attempts to develop a quantitative approach to the prescription of absolute exercise intensity during level ground ambulation (min/mile) or cycle ergometry (kpm) from responses observed during GXT. A total of 345 subjects performed GXT and exercise training sessions with either the Bruce treadmill protocol and level ground ambulation (N = 154) or cycle ergometry (N = 191). Responses from 90% of each group were used to generate equations for predicting training pace (or power output) from the time (or power output) during the GXT when target HR was achieved. FAI was also included in the prediction of training pace (or power output). The remaining 10% of subjects in each group were used to cross-validate the prediction equations. The correlation between the time (or power output) during GXT when the training HR was observed and the pace of ambulation (or power output) was 0.70 for treadmill walking and 0.88 for cycle-cycle. Correlations were increased by the addition of FAI to the prediction equation. The results of this investigation suggest that the absolute intensity of exercise for training can be predicted accurately from GXT results.
Evaluation of Visual Methods to Detect NAPL in Soil and Water

Non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs), such as chlorinated solvents and petroleum products, are present in the subsurface at numerous contamination sites in North America. Determination of NAPL presence should be an early investigation goal to guide site characterization and control efforts. Indirect methods for assessing NAPL presence rely on comparing measured chemical concentrations to effective solubility limits for ground water and to calculated equilibrium partitioning concentrations for soil. Under ideal conditions, NAPL presence can be identified by visual examination of soil or ground water samples. Direct visual detection may be difficult, however, where the NAPL is clear and colorless, present at low saturation, or distributed heterogeneously. There appears to be little documentation of practical, simple methods for direct identification of NAPL in soil or water. For this study, a series of experiments was conducted to test the hypothesis that simple and inexpensive methods can be used to visually identify clear, colorless NAPL in soil and water samples. Specific methods evaluated include direct visual examination, ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence analysis, a soil-water shake test, adding hydrophobic dye to the shake test, and centrifugation. Additionally, the utility of organic vapor analysis was examined as an NAPL screening tool. Of the methods investigated, the hydrophobic dye methods, followed by UV fluorescence, offer the most simple, practical, and effective means for direct visual identification of clear, colorless NAPL in contaminated soil samples. These methods can be utilized in the field or in a lab with minimal time and material expense. For volatile NAPLs, analysis of organic vapors in soil sample headspace can be used to screen samples for further examination and, possibly, to infer NAPL presence. The NAPL in water experiments demonstrate that very small quantities of clear, colorless NAPL in water can be quickly identified by mixing in a tiny amount of hydrophobic dye.
Western blot analysis of BK channel β1‐subunit expression should be interpreted cautiously when using commercially available antibodies

Large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK) channels consist of pore-forming α- and accessory β-subunits. There are four β-subunit subtypes (β1-β4), BK β1-subunit is specific for smooth muscle cells (SMC). Reduced BK β1-subunit expression is associated with SMC dysfunction in animal models of human disease, because downregulation of BK β1-subunit reduces channel activity and increases SMC contractility. Several anti-BK β1-subunit antibodies are commercially available; however, the specificity of most antibodies has not been tested or confirmed in the tissues from BK β1-subunit knockout (KO) mice. In this study, we tested the specificity and sensitivity of six commercially available antibodies from five manufacturers. We performed western blot analysis on BK β1-subunit enriched tissues (mesenteric arteries and colons) and non-SM tissue (cortex of kidney) from wild-type (WT) and BK β1-KO mice. We found that antibodies either detected protein bands of the appropriate molecular weight in tissues from both WT and BK β1-KO mice or failed to detect protein bands at the appropriate molecular weight in tissues from WT mice, suggesting that these antibodies may lack specificity for the BK β1-subunit. The absence of BK β1-subunit mRNA expression in arteries, colons, and kidneys from BK β1-KO mice was confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. We conclude that these commercially available antibodies might not be reliable tools for studying BK β1-subunit expression in murine tissues under the denaturing conditions that we have used. Data obtained using commercially available antibodies should be interpreted cautiously. Our studies underscore the importance of proper negative controls in western blot analyses.
Altered surfactant protein A gene expression and protein metabolism associated with repeat exposure to inhaled endotoxin

Chronically inhaled endotoxin, which is ubiquitous in many occupational and domestic environments, can adversely affect the respiratory system resulting in an inflammatory response and decreased lung function. Surfactant-associated protein A (SP-A) is part of the lung innate immune system and may attenuate the inflammatory response in various types of lung injury. Using a murine model to mimic occupational exposures to endotoxin, we hypothesized that SP-A gene expression and protein would be elevated in response to repeat exposure to inhaled grain dust and to purified lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Our results demonstrate that repeat exposure to inhaled endotoxin, either in the form of grain dust or purified LPS, results in increased whole lung SP-A gene expression and type II alveolar epithelial cell hyperplasia, whereas SP-A protein levels in lung lavage fluid are decreased. Furthermore, these alterations in SP-A gene activity and protein metabolism are dependent on an intact endotoxin signaling system.
The Role of Attitude Toward Risk in Strictly Competitive Decision-Making Situations

The impact of decision makers' attitudes toward risk has been studied extensively in the context of noncompetitive decision making but not in the context of competitive decision making. In this paper we study the effects of the utility functions of the players in a strictly competitive decision-making situation on a their strategies and b their expected monetary payoffs. The setting is that of a two-by-two, two-person, zero-sum in money game with exponential utility functions for the competitors. The monetary payoffs and utility functions are assumed to be public knowledge. Combinations of utility functions that preserve the zero-sum condition as well as combinations that do not preserve this condition are considered. As might be expected, results from noncompetitive decision making do not necessarily carry over into competitive situations. For example, an increase in the risk aversion of a player may actually increase that player's expected monetary payoff because of altered strategies on the part of the competitor. In general, the effects of nonlinear utility functions on a player's strategy and expected monetary payoff depend on the player's utility function, the opponent's utility function, and the relationship among the entries in the payoff table. Furthermore, it does not appear possible to express this dependence in the form of simple rules of thumb, although the results presented here indicate the direction of movement of strategies and expected payoffs as the inputs to the problem are varied in certain systematic ways.
Increased renal α-epithelial sodium channel (ENAC) protein and increased ENAC activity in normal pregnancy

Pregnancy-mediated sodium (Na) retention is required to provide an increase in plasma volume for the growing fetus. The mechanisms responsible for this Na retention are not clear. We first used a targeted proteomics approach and found that there were no changes in the protein abundance compared with virgin rats of the β or γ ENaC, type 3 Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE3), bumetanide-sensitive cotransporter (NKCC2), or NaCl cotransporter (NCC) in mid- or late pregnancy. In contrast, we observed marked increases in the abundance of the α-ENaC subunit. The plasma volume increased progressively during pregnancy with the greatest plasma volume being evident in late pregnancy. ENaC inhibition abolished the difference in plasma volume status between virgin and pregnant rats. To determine the in vivo activity of ENaC, we conducted in vivo studies of rats in late pregnancy (days 18-20) and virgin rats to measure the natriuretic response to ENaC blockade (with benzamil). The in vivo activity of ENaC (U(Na)V postbenzamil-U(Na)V postvehicle) was markedly increased in late pregnancy, and this difference was abolished by pretreatment with the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, eplerenone. These findings demonstrate that the increased α-ENaC subunit of pregnancy is associated with an mineralocorticoid-dependent increase in ENaC activity. Further, we show that ENaC activity is a major contributor of plasma volume status in late pregnancy. These changes are likely to contribute to the renal sodium retention and plasma volume expansion required for an optimal pregnancy.
EFFECT OF A WOODY (SALIX NIGRA) AND AN HERBACEOUS (JUNCUS EFFUSUS) MACROPHYTE SPECIES ON METHANE DYNAMICS AND DENITRIFICATION

Wetlands improve water quality through denitrification, but these ecosystems are also an important source of the greenhouse gas, methane. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of two common macrophyte species (Juncus effusus and Salix nigra) on denitrification and on the methane cycle. The research was conducted in a newly constructed wetland on the Columbus campus of The Ohio State University during two growing seasons. In the wetland, some plots were left unplanted, while others were planted with Salix or Juncus species (i.e., 3 treatments; n = 15 per treatment). For each treatment, we quantified concentrations of methane at two depths (15 and 25 cm) in the sediment, emissions of methane from the sediment and through the plants, and denitrification rates. During most of the second growing season, both species had a limited effect on denitrification and methanogenesis. The effects of the plants became evident by the end of the second growing season and during the third growing season. During the third growing season, Salix species enhanced the release of the greenhouse gas methane to the atmosphere, while Juncus limited the emission of methane. In comparison to the unplanted plots, the long-term removal of nitrate by denitrification was favored in the plots planted with Juncus and was not affected by Salix. Our study provides evidence that certain plants (such as Juncus) can be planted in constructed wetlands to favor denitrification, while buffering methane emission.
Finite Strip Method in Polar Coordinates

The finite strip method includes the bending of annular plate sectors. The plate sector is assumed to be simply supported along the radial edges with arbitrary boundary conditions along the circumferential edges. Attention is given to the stiffness matrix for an isotropic sector, a tapered thickness sector, and a polar orthotropic sector. For completeness the circular plate sector stiffness matrices are also provided. The equivalent load vectors for a concentrated and uniformly distributed load are presented. The finite strip results of a uniform thickness, isotropic annular plate sector subjected to a concentrated load were found to be identical to the exact solution using a two strip model. The identical agreement is not coincidental and is due to the choice of the assumed displacement pattern. The displacement function, which identically satisfies the homogeneous plate bending equilibrium equation, is also used to develop the stiffness matrices for the tapered thickness and polar orthotropic annular plate sectors.
Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar?: The Law and Ethics of Shifting Blame in Criminal Cases

Denials are a basic and often automatic response to an allegation that we have committed some wrong. Every parent has heard not me more times than he or she wants to acknowledge. The not me response is instinctive in young children, but as we mature, we learn that not me is often followed by the question: If not you, then who? Accordingly, we discover that denial is not nearly as effective unless we shift the blame to someone else. This phenomenon of childhood applies with equal force in criminal cases, where a defendant has been accused of wrongdoing. Where that defendant denies responsibility, says not me, and attempts to introduce evidence to address the then who question, what, if any, responsibilities does defense counsel have before engaging in blame-shifting behavior? Are there specific rules or considerations that apply in such situations? This Article addresses those questions, examining both ethical considerations and evidentiary rules, and concludes with proposals for change to address the apparent disjunction between the perceived ethical obligations of reasonably zealous criminal defense attorneys and evidentiary rules that improperly restrict that zeal.
Phytocomplexity: The Key to Rational Chemoprevention

Current chemotherapies have been derived from and inspired by the varied natural repository of phytochemicals and have been the linchpin of cancer treatment for years. However, isolation of individual active ingredients has proven to be expensive while offering narrow therapeutic windows and associated toxicities. In contrast, whole foods are endowed with an intricate natural balance among their constituent phytochemicals and have proven to impart optimal health benefits, leading to an enhanced interest in dietary interventions to treat as well as prevent cancer. Several dietary agents including fruits, vegetables, and spices have been investigated for their therapeutic and preventive efficacies. However, their incorporation in therapeutic regimens has been unsuccessful due to inadequate research emphasis on phytocomplexity, the intricate and dynamic interactions among pharmacologically active plant chemicals, and their inactive counterparts within their natural milieu, which affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of the constituent phytochemicals, conferring bioactivity on the plant-derived foods. This chapter illustrates the need to acknowledge the role of phytocomplexity and the possibility of synergistic activity in the current approach pertaining to dietary agents.
Estimating the Nutrient Content of Commercial Foods from their Label Using Numerical Optimization

We propose a method for automatically estimating the amount of a given nutrient contained in a commercial food. The method applies when no part of any ingredient is removed in the preparation process. First, we automatically bound the amount of each ingredient used to prepare the food using the information provided on its label (Ingredient list and Nutrition Facts Label) along with the nutrition information for at least some of the ingredients. Using these bounds (minimum and maximum amount for each ingredient), we obtain an initial set of bounds (minimum and maximum amount) for the nutrient considered. We then utilize the Simplex algorithm to refine these bounds on the nutrient content. Our motivating application is the management of medical diets that require keeping track of certain nutrients such as phenylalanine (Phe) in the case of the inherited metabolic disease phenylketonuria (PKU). To test our method, we used it to estimate the Phe content of 25 commercial foods. In a majority of cases (17 / 25), the bounds obtained were within 10.4mg of each other and thus our method provided a very accurate estimate (\(\pm 5.2\)mg) for the Phe content of the foods.
Reactive Molecular Dynamics on Massively Parallel Heterogeneous Architectures

We present a parallel implementation of the ReaxFF force field on massively parallel heterogeneous architectures, called PuReMD-Hybrid. PuReMD, on which this work is based, along with its integration into LAMMPS, is currently used by a large number of research groups worldwide. Accelerating this important community codebase that implements a complex reactive force field poses a number of algorithmic, design, and optimization challenges, as we discuss in detail. In particular, different computational kernels are best suited to different computing substrates—CPUs or GPUs. Scheduling these computations requires complex resource management, as well as minimizing data movement across CPUs and GPUs. Integrating powerful nodes, each with multiple CPUs and GPUs, into clusters and utilizing the immense compute power of these clusters requires significant optimizations for minimizing communication and, potentially, redundant computations. From a programming model perspective, PuReMD-Hybrid relies on MPI across nodes, pthreads across cores, and CUDA on the GPUs to address these challenges. Using a variety of innovative algorithms and optimizations, we demonstrate that our code can achieve over 565-fold speedup compared to a single core implementation on a cluster of 36 state-of-the-art GPUs for complex systems. In terms of application performance, our code enables simulations of over 1.8M atoms in under 0.68 seconds per simulation time step.
Laboratory evaluation of the serum dilution test in serious staphylococcal infection.

Four test media were studied to determine performance characteristics of serum dilution tests used to monitor antimicrobial therapy during serious Staphylococcus aureus infection being treated with highly protein-bound antibiotics. Serum inhibitory titers and serum bactericidal titers obtained with Mueller-Hinton broth supplemented with calcium and magnesium were 3– to 16-fold higher than titers obtained with whole human serum buffered with N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N’–2-ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES). In cation-supplemented Mueller-Hinton containing 5% albumin or in cation-supplemented Mueller-Hinton combined with an equal volume of human serum, titers were 2– to S-fold higher than in whole human serum buffered with HEPES. Clinical or animal studies are needed to establish whether the higher titers observed with patient serum containing highly protein-bound drugs diluted in low protein-content media would foster inadequate dosage regiments. In the meantime, both infectious disease clinicians and microbiologists should be aware of this potential pitfall.
Increasing prosperity for small farms through sustainable livestock production, processing, and marketing

This article presents results from a multidisciplinary project that examined whether increased production and processing of livestock for local and regional markets was a feasible economic development strategy in rural areas of northern Idaho and eastern Washington. Currently no substantial, accessible feedlot or U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-inspected processing infrastructure exists in the study area, leading most small producers to sell their livestock at auction with few options for branding their products to participate in higher value markets. The closest substantial processing facilities are a four to six hour drive from the area — farther than most producers are willing to transport their livestock. To assess and overcome these barriers to local and regional markets, we explored the viability of different USDA-inspected processing options to better understand economic feasibility, environmental impacts, and the small-scale livestock production value chain (i.e., consumer demand, producer capacity and willingness to participate, and processing capacity). In this paper, we present results from stakeholder surveys, interviews, forums, and an economic impact analysis. Results indicate that several livestock processing development scenarios are socially, economically, and environmentally viable in the region. Project findings are relevant to many areas of the United States, especially areas of the West, that have low population densities, large transportation distances, and few processing options for small-scale livestock producers.
Identifying the Barriers to Early Diagnosis and Treatment in Underserved Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Their Families: A Qualitative Study

Clinical accounts indicate that disparities exist among families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and that these disparities impede timely diagnosis and intervention. Furthermore, families living in rural areas are more likely to have reduced access to proper care and use alternative, unproven, and potentially harmful treatments. The purpose of this project was to begin addressing these needs by engaging providers and families of children with ASD living in rural and typically underserved areas. The investigators established a Community Advisory Board (CAB) of ASD professionals (e.g., community-based healthcare and service providers, director of a center for disabilities, psychologist, autism researcher, and special education professional). Next, they conducted four focus groups comprised of a total of 35 major stakeholders (e.g., individuals with ASD, parents of individuals with ASD, community-based healthcare and service providers, school teachers) to determine potential resources, barriers to early diagnosis/treatment, and alternative treatment use in children with ASD. Focus group sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by three trained independent coders. Community participants identified several barriers to early diagnosis and intervention, as well as a variety of alternative treatments used in children with ASD. Thematic analysis of focus group transcripts showed several overarching themes regarding barriers to early diagnosis and treatment. Findings from this study have implications for practice and future research.
Axial analysis of cones and adjacent retinal structures using AOSLO(Conference Presentation)

We imaged the retina using the Indiana Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (AOSLO). Our system uses two deformable mirrors to provide en face, high-resolution images of retinal structures at a 28 Hz frame rate. The wavelength of the sensor light was 850 nm and the imaging wavelength was 820 nm at 50 and 120 W respectively. The confocal pinhole was located in a position conjugate with the retina allowed us to segment one retina plane. Two different confocal apertures of 75 m and 100 m (1.5 and 2 times the Airy disk size) were used to provide different amounts of confocal or scattered light. The imaging area was 1.4 x 1.2 deg which corresponds roughly to 400 x 350 m. Using the large stroke deformable mirror, which provides the focusing capability of the confocal system, we imaged the same location at different planes. We moved from superficial layers to the retinal pigment epithelium in 0.3 D increments. The range of adjustments included the subjectively best overall image, and focal planes anterior and posterior to this. We imaged 10 subjects at approximately 7.5 deg temporal from the fovea. A video of individual frames was taken, and the individual frames were dewarped, aligned, and averaged. We measured 10 bright and 10 dim cones for each subject at the 10 depths, with brightness groupings based subjectively on the most superficial location. The function for amount of light reflected differed for the two groups of cones. Reflectivity varied as a function of depth.
Discussion on Competitiveness of Logistics Enterprises

The competition among logistics enterprises of China remains in a low level at the present. These enterprises need to strengthen and update their own core competitiveness in order to join in worldwide competition and place themselves in an undefeated position.
Information Disclosure Quality and the Cost of Equity

We measure mandatory information disclosure quality by financial report restatement,and measure voluntary information disclosure quality by voluntary information disclosure index.We investigate the relationship of information disclosure quality and the cost of equity.We find that corporations with higher information disclosure quality have lower cost of equity.And testing the joint influence of mandatory and voluntary information disclosure quality on the cost of equity is better than testing their influences separately.
Measles vaccine and its application

Measles is a respiratory diseases caused by the measles virus.The epidemic of measles has once been con- trolled since the beginning of using measles vaccines all over the world in 1963.To eliminate measles during the first 10 years of the 21st century has become a common aim of all countries on the earth.This article made a review of the initial immune age,immune courses of measles vaccines,and the role of measles vaccines in reducing infant morbidity,elimina- ting measles.
Loss Aversion Around a Fixed Reference Point in Highly Experienced Agents

We study how reference dependence and loss aversion motivate highly experienced agents, professional basketball players. Loss aversion predicts losing motivates if the reference point is fixed and losing discourages if it adjusts quickly. We find a "losing motivates effect" so large that an average team scores like a league leader when trailing by ten points. Optical tracking of players' movements shows this effect comes through differential exertion of effort. Betting spreads and lagged score margin show that expectations do not influence the reference point, which is stable around zero, far less malleable than previously found in less experienced agents.
Families with multiple cases of gluten-sensitive enteropathy.

UNLABELLED Early detection of oligosymptomatic gluten-sensitive enteropathy (GSE) may contribute to the prevention of late complications, such as malignancy. Family members of known GSE patients are at higher risk of being affected. To evaluate the frequency and clinical significance of multiple occurrence, we routinely offered an antiendomysium antibody (EmA)-based non-invasive screening to affected families. Among 997 family members of 396 GSE patients, we identified 89 subjects with EmA positivity and/or severe jejunal villous atrophy. In 83 cases GSE has been verified, four patients refused the biopsy and two subjects are under further observation for latent celiac disease. Prevalence of GSE was 8.5% (80/943) among the first-degree relatives, with significantly higher values in the siblings (13.8%) and offsprings (12.0%) than in the parents (4.2%) of the probands (p < 0.001). In 55 families (13.9% of the families studied) two, in ten families (2.5%) three, in one family four and in one other family six members were affected. Combinations of the clinical presentations of index and screening-detected cases were highly variable, with a high percentage of silent and atypical forms in the relatives. GSE cases presenting both with and without dermatitis herpetiformis occurred in 15 families. Six GSE cases with atypical or mild dermatitis herpetiformis were detected in consequence of the screening. CONCLUSIONS EmA-assisted family screening resulted in the detection of a clinically significant number of additional GSE patients.
How can we reach patients most effectively

(1972). How Can We Reach Patients Most Effectively? International Journal of Group Psychotherapy: Vol. 22, No. 4, pp. 446-454.
Environmental Factors and Wholesaler Structure in Nigeria: A Canonical Correlation Analysis

This study explores relationships between selected factors of the technological environment and selected structural variables of wholesalers in the Nigerian petroleum products industry from a systems theory perspective. Survey research was used to collect primary data related to technolgical environment factors and size, assortment structure, and market coverage of wholesalers of petroleum products. Canonical correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships between constructs. From a theory development perspective, the study explores the applicability of systems theory concepts to an important marketing area. From a managerial standpoint, the study has implications for international marketing managers concerned about the nature of specific aspects of the business environment in newly emerging third world markets.
II-15 Inhibition of TLR recognition of self nucleic acids by plasmacytoid dendritic cells using oligonucleotide-based inhibitors in lupus

Background SLE is an autoimmune disease where the immune tolerance to self-nucleic acids is broken with devastating consequences. The hallmark of the disease is an increased IFN-α signature in the blood which is accompanied with high levels of autoantibodies and disease activity. Self-nucleic acid recognition by Toll-like receptors (TLR)7 and TLR9 on B cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC) is believed to be key in the pathogenesis of SLE promoting immune complexes (IC) and the production of type I IFN, both of which are associated with the severity of the disease. Results We have generated and described oligonucleotide-based bi-functional inhibitors of TLR7&9 (called ImmunoRegulatory Sequences, IRS) and have shown that these can block IFN production by PDC as well as B cell activation. In addition, IRS are active in vivo and treatment of lupus-prone mice lead to reduced disease symptoms and end-organ damage. SLE patient are often treated with glucocorticoids (GC) but under maintenance levels often suffer from disease flares that necessitate high dose pulse therapy. We have shown that PDC were significantly more resistant to GC induced death in lupus-prone mice, a phenomenon that was completely reversed by pre-treatment with TLR7&9 inhibitor. These data provide a new understanding of the role of self-recognition of DNA and RNA by TLR as an important parameter during inflammatory response. These data also stress the potential utilisation of TLR7&9 specific inhibitors as cortico-sparing drugs which would be open new possibilities with respect to therapeutic applications. Finally, we have shown that IRS can prevent skin lesions following mechanical injury by blocking PDC activation in the skin environment. The lead IRS inhibitor, called DV1179, has entered a human clinical trial and its safety was assessed in multiple ascending doses in healthy volunteers and lupus patients, however no effect on IFN response was observed in lupus patients. Conclusions These data provide a new understanding of the role of self-recognition of DNA and RNA by TLR as an important parameter during inflammatory response. These data also stress the potential of blocking PDC activation to increase patient’s response to corticosteroid treatment although the use of oligo-nucleotide based inhibitors did not reduce the IFN signature in lupus patients. Other approaches could be tested as well.
David Trullo’s queer revisionist photography: Negotiating Spain’s homonationalism and the marketing of LGBTQ human rights as commodities in Latin America

Working with the theoretical notions of “homonationalism” (Puar 2013) and “pinkwashing” (Schulman 2011, 2012, Spade 2013) and using as a case study two photographic series by contemporary Spanish gay photographer David Trullo, I illuminate the complex situation in which contemporary queer Spanish visual artists must produce their work: they resist homonationalism and homonormativity at the same time that they must work within the very frames of homonationalism and homonormativity to fund, produce, and disseminate their particularly subversive queer politics. In analyzing Trullo’s series, Alterhistory: Una historia verdadera (2010) — a gay and lesbian, homonormative rewriting of late nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century photographic couple portraiture — I argue that he simultaneously makes visible and performatively embodies new LGBTQ visibilities and histories in Spain where they were previously erased through a queer manipulation of photographic language, specifically by altering what Roland Barthes has called photography’s “connotation procedures.” Also, I analyze Trullo’s Inca: 20 perfiles peruanos sin filtro (2009), a critique of neo-colonial Spanish enterprises in Latin America and Peru’s racism towards its queer indigenous population, which the artist produced while accompanying an exhibition promoting same-sex marriage funded by the AECID (Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion Internacional para el Desarrollo). I conclude that Trullo intervenes in and complicates public debates about LGBTQ rights, visibility, embodiment, and the politics of neo-liberal commodification of progressive rights
Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy with galactosyl serum albumin in a model of diffuse peritoneal disseminated ovarian cancer

// Toshiko Harada 1 , Yuko Nakamura 1 , Kazuhide Sato 1 , Tadanobu Nagaya 1 , Shuhei Okuyama 1 , Fusa Ogata 1 , Peter L. Choyke 1 , Hisataka Kobayashi 1 1 Molecular Imaging Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA Correspondence to: Hisataka Kobayashi, email: kobayash@mail.nih.gov Keywords: near-infrared photoimmunotherapy, ovarian cancer, peritoneal cancer metastases, galactosyl serum albumin, beta-D-galactose receptor Received: August 15, 2016 Accepted: September 30, 2016 Published: October 17, 2016 ABSTRACT Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a highly cell-selective cancer therapy based on an armed antibody conjugated with a phthalocyanine-based photo-absorber, IRDye700DX (IR700). NIR-PIT can quickly kill target cells that express specific proteins on the cellular membrane but only when the antibody-IR700 conjugate binds to the cell membrane and is then exposed to NIR light. NIR-PIT is highly selective based on the specificity of the antibody. Galactosyl serum albumin (GSA) is composed of albumin decorated with galactose molecules conjugated to the carboxyl groups of albumin. GSA binds to beta-D-galactose receptors, a surface lectin, which are overexpressed on the cell surface of many cancers, including ovarian cancers and is quickly internalized after binding. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of NIR-PIT in a model of disseminated peritoneal ovarian cancer (SHIN3 cells) using GSA-IR700 that binds to beta-D-galactose receptors. GSA-IR700 bound quickly to SHIN3 cells, then accumulated in the endo-lysosomes. Cell-specific killing was observed in vitro , yet a relatively large dose of NIR light exposure was required for cell killing compared to antibody-IR700 conjugates. To evaluate in vivo therapeutic effects of GSA-IR700 NIR-PIT, peritoneal disseminated SHIN3 tumor-bearing mice were separated into four groups: no treatment; NIR light only; GSA-IR700 only; and GSA-IR700 NIR-PIT. Repeated NIR-PIT showed significant suppression of tumor based on bioluminescence compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Thus, repeated NIR-PIT using GSA-IR700 can achieve efficient antitumor effects, although GSA-IR700 NIR-PIT was less effective than antibody-IR700 NIR-PIT conjugates likely due to the rapid internalization of GSA-IR700.
Life cycle cost evaluation of alternatives to the nuclear density gauge for compaction testing on design-build projects

AbstractWhen Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) implemented design–build (DB) contracting, it revised its quality assurance programme and shifted most of the compaction testing to the design-builder. As a result, fewer compaction tests were performed by state personnel and the need for speedy quality control testing by the agency to facilitate construction production disappeared. This paper reports the results of a study conducted by the department to evaluate three alternatives to the nuclear density gauge (NDG) using life cycle cost analysis and cost index number theory. The study’s objective was to investigate alternative soil compaction test devices and provide input to a decision regarding whether or not MoDOT should retain or replace the NDG. Despite the NDG successful track record, the ease of employment and speed with which the compaction results are delivered comes with a price in terms of life cycle costs. The NDG is regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and entails an onerou...
New Assessments and Treatments in ASD

The assessment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex and remains clinical, despite advances in basic research. In this chapter, we review new and updated clinical tools, such as screening and diagnostic tests, and discuss the DSM-5 criteria introduced in 2013. We provide an algorithm to guide clinical evaluation and referrals. We also review non-behavioral treatments and summarize recent research. Current conventional treatment of ASD in children includes intensive behavioral interventions (known as applied behavioral analysis or ABA), rehabilitative services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social skills training, and counseling. We present new validated information and provide clinical guidance for the evaluation and treatment of young children and youth with ASD.
Testing landslide and atmospheric‐effects models for the formation of double‐layered ejecta craters on Mars

Double-layered ejecta (DLE) craters are distinctive among the variety of crater morphologies observed on Mars, but the mechanism by which they form remains under debate. We assess two ejecta emplacement mechanisms: (1) atmospheric effects from ejecta curtain-induced vortices or a base surge and (2) ballistic emplacement followed by a landslide of ejecta assisted by either surface- or pore-ice. We conduct a morphological analysis of the ejecta facies for three DLE craters which impacted into irregular pre-existing topography. We find that the unique topographic environments affected the formation of grooves and the inner facies, and thus appear to be inconsistent with an atmospheric-effects origin but are supportive of the landslide hypothesis. We distinguish between the two landslide models (lubrication by either surface- or pore-ice) by assessing relationships between DLE crater ejecta and morphologic features indicative of buried ice deposits, including sublimation pits, ring-mold craters, expanded secondary craters, and excess ejecta craters. The association of DLE craters with these features suggests that surface ice was present at the time of the impacts that formed the DLE craters. We also compare the Froude numbers of DLE crater ejecta to landslides, and find that the ejecta of DLE craters are kinematically and frictionally similar to terrestrial landslides that overran glaciers. This suggests that the grooves on DLE craters may plausibly form through the same shear/splitting mechanism as the landslides. In summary, our analysis supports the hypothesis that DLE craters form through meteoroid impacts into decameters-thick surface ice deposits (emplaced during periods of higher obliquity) followed by ejecta sliding on the ice.