cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Caudal Pontine Reticular Formation of C57BL/6J Mice: Responses to Startle Stimuli, Inhibition by Tones, and Plasticity

Carlson, Stephanie and James F. Willott. Caudal pontine reticular formation of C57BL/6J mice: responses to startle stimuli, inhibition by tones, and plasticity. J. Neurophysiol. 79: 2603–2614, 1998...
A “dramatic” approach to interpretative analysis

(1952). A “dramatic” approach to interpretative analysis. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 38, No. 2, pp. 189-194.
Size-Independent Exciton Localization Efficiency in Colloidal CdSe/CdS Core/Crown Nanosheet Type-I Heterostructures

CdSe/CdS core/crown nanoplatelet type I heterostructures are a class of two-dimensional materials with atomically precise thickness and many potential optoelectronic applications. It remains unclear how the precise thickness and lack of energy disorder affect the properties of exciton transport in these materials. By steady-state photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy and ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy, we show that in five CdSe/CdS core/crown structures with the same core and increasing crown size (with thickness of ∼1.8 nm, width of ∼11 nm, and length from 20 to 40 nm), the crown-to-core exciton localization efficiency is independent of crown size and increases with photon energy above the band edge (from 70% at 400 nm to ∼100% at 370 nm), while the localization time increases with the crown size. These observations can be understood by a model that accounts for the competition of in-plane exciton diffusion and selective hole trapping at the core/crown interface. Our findings suggest tha...
Aphis (Homoptera: Aphididae) Recorded from Compositae in North America, with a Key to the Species East of the Rocky Mountains and Comments on Synonymy and Redescriptions of Some Little Known Forms

The Aphis recorded from Compositae in North America are listed and a key is provided for the species found east of the Rocky Mountains. Four species are redescribed to supplement the brief original descriptions. Ten species are synonymized and one North American record is regarded as an erroneous identification.
The inner life of star clusters.

The article discusses research in astrophysics as of March 2013, with a focus on the author's theory that the mass of parent clouds influences the formation, internal structure, and evolution of star clusters. Topics include the Pleiades open star cluster in the Milky Way galaxy, the formation of stellar groups within clouds of gas and dust, and the difference between T and OB Associations in clusters. Additional information is presented on the duration of open clusters, cloud contractions, and the Orion nebula cluster.
Comparison of EDTA, Terephthalic Acid, Sodium Sulfate and Acetyl-Salicylic Acid as Antibiotic Potentiating Agents in Broiler Chicks

Abstract PRICE et al. (1959) suggested that dietary calcium was responsible for lowering serum antibiotic levels in chickens. Increasing serum antibiotic levels by feeding compounds having a greater affinity for calcium than the antibiotic has been termed potentiation. At least four methods for increasing antibiotic levels in chickens have been published since potentiation of chlortetracycline and oxytetracycline was first reported. These methods involve the use of: (1) terephthalic acid (Price et al., 1959; Yates and Stephenson, 1959; Slinger et al., 1962; Harms et al., 1964); (2) low dietary calcium levels for a short period of time (Price et al., 1959; Patterson et al., 1960; Harms et al., 1964); (3) different calcium sources such as calcium sulfate (Donovan et al., 1962; Robblee and Clandinin, 1964); and (4) sodium sulfate (Pensack, 1963; Nelson et al., 1964; Gale and Baughn, 1965). Scott (1965) listed a number of common biological chelates for seven divalent cations… .
Fast Ascent Trajectory Optimization for Hypersonic Air-Breathing Vehicles

The objective of this paper is to investigate a fast and reliable method to generate threedimensional optimal ascent trajectories for hypersonic air-breathing vehicles. The problem is notoriously dicult because of the strong nonlinear coupling amongst aerodynamics, propulsion, vehicle attitude and trajectory state. As such an algorithm matures, the ultimate goal is to realize optimal closed-loop ascent guidance for hypersonic air-breathing vehicles. The problem is formulated as a fuel-optimal control problem. The corresponding necessary conditions are given. It is shown how the original problem of search for the optimal control commands can be reduced to a univariate root-nding problem at each point along the trajectory. A nite dierence scheme is used to numerically solve the associated two-point-boundary-value problem. Evaluation of the approach is done through open-loop solutions and closed-loop simulations. The results show promising potential of the proposed approach as a rapid trajectory optimization tool for the class of hypersonic air-breathing vehicles.
Structure-activity relationships of cardiotonic steroids for the inhibition of sodium- and potassium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase. II. Association rate constants of various enzyme-cardiac glycoside complexes.

In the paper by Yoda, Yoda, and Sarrif, "Structure-Activity Relationships of Cardiotonic Steroids for the Inhibition of Sodium- and Potassium-Dependent Adenosine Triphosphatase. II. Association Rate Constants of Various Enzyme-Cardiac Glycoside Complexes," Vol. 9, No. 6, November 1973, the second line from the bottom of the SUMMARY (p. 766) should read: For a given aglycone the association rate constants decreased ...
Factors Contributing to Path Hysteresis of Displacement and Conversion Reactions in Li Ion Batteries

We investigate the thermodynamic and kinetic attributes of electrode materials that are necessary to suppress path hysteresis during displacement and conversion reactions in Li ion batteries. We focus on compounds in the Li–Cu–Sb ternary composition space, as the displacement reaction between Li1+ϵCu1+δSb and Li3Sb can be cycled reversibly. A first-principles analysis of migration barriers indicates that Cu, while not as mobile as Li in the discharged phase (Li3Sb), nevertheless should exhibit mobilities similar to that of Li in common intercalation compounds. A calculation of phase stability in the ternary Li–Cu–Sb system predicts that the intermediate phases along the reversible charge/discharge path are stable in a large Cu chemical potential window. This ensures that intermediate phases are not bypassed upon Li extraction even when large thermodynamic driving forces are needed to reinsert Cu into the discharged electrode. Our study suggests that the suppression of path hysteresis during displacement r...
Personal Accomplishment, Mentoring, and Creative Self-Efficacy as Predictors of Creative Work Involvement: The Moderating Role of Positive and Negative Affect

This research explores the relationships among personal accomplish- ment, mentoring, affect, creative self-efficacy, and creative involvement. With a sample of working adults (N = 242), structural equation modeling results revealed that the data fit the theoretical model well in that creative self-efficacy fully mediated the relationships between personal accomplishment and creative work involvement and between mentoring and creative work involvement. Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that positive affect moderated the relationship between personal accomplishment and creative self-efficacy but negative affect did not, signifying that positive affect may be a necessary situational factor to optimize the personal accomplishment-creative self-efficacy link. In contrast, negative but not positive affect moderated the link between mentoring experiences and creative self-efficacy, suggesting that mentoring experiences associated with negative affect situationally may have been likely to have a significant consequence in weakening creative self-efficacy. The findings expand upon self-efficacy and mentoring theories by highlighting the importance of employing theoretically relevant moderating and mediating variables in research investigating the etiology of possible variables associated with vital workplace outcomes.
Latin America in the International Economy

(1975). Latin America in the International Economy. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 124-126.
Endothelin-B Receptors Play an Important Role in Modulating Chronic Pressure-Natriuresis and Blood Pressure Regulation in Response to Changes in Dietary Sodium Intake.

25 Activation of the ET B receptor by endothelin (ET-1) has been shown to inhibit renal tubule transport, dilate renal microcirculatory vessels, and inhibit renin release. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of ET and ET B receptors in modulating renal-pressure natriuresis and blood pressure regulation in response to changes in dietary Na intake. To test whether the renal production of ET is enhanced in response to elevation in Na intake, the effects of a low (0.4%), normal (1.0%), or high (8%) Na diet on 24hr urinary excretion of ET-1 and mRNA expression of preproendothelin (ribonuclease protection assay) were determined. Increasing Na intake from low to normal levels had no effect on urinary ET-1 excretion or renal expression of preproendothelin. In contrast, increasing Na intake from normal to high levels resulted in significant increases in urinary excretion of ET-1 (7223±968 vs 2127±167 pg/24hrs) and expression of preproendothelin (42.3±6.7 vs 25.4±1.8 densitometric units) in the renal medulla. To test whether ET B receptors play an important role in modulating arterial pressure in response to changes in Na intake, the relationship between arterial pressure and sodium excretion was determined in control rats and in ETB receptor antagonist-treated rats (A-192621, 30mg/kg/day for 7 days). Long-term ET B receptor blockade resulted in a significant rightward shift in the chronic pressure-natriuresis relationship. In control rats on a normal and high Na intake, AP was 122±3 and 132±3mmHg, respectively. In contrast, AP in ETB receptor antagonist-treated rats on a normal and high Na intake was 144±2 and 171±12mmHg, respectively. In summary, we report that the renal endothelin system is upregulated in response to increases in sodium intake. Blockade of the ET B receptors results in significant hypertension that is salt-sensitive. These results indicate that endothelin via ET B receptors plays an important role in modulating renal-pressure natriuresis and blood pressure regulation in response to changes in dietary Na intake.
New approaches to water purification for resource-constrained settings: Production of activated biochar by chemical activation with diammonium hydrogenphosphate

A significant portion of the world’s population does not have access to safe drinking water. This problem is most acute in remote, resource-constrained rural settings in developing countries. Water filtration using activated carbon is one of the important steps in treating contaminated water. Lignocellulosic biomass is generally available in abundance in such locations, such as the African rain forests. Our work is focused on developing a simple method to synthesize activated biochar from locally available materials. The preparation of activated biochar with diammonium hydrogenphosphate (DAP) as the activating agent is explored under N2 flow and air. The study, carried out with cellulose as a model biomass, provides some insight into the interaction between DAP and biomass, as well as the char forming mechanism. Various characterization techniques such as N2 physisorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy are utilized to compare the properties between biochar formed under nitrogen and partial oxidative conditions. At a temperature of 450 °C, the loading of DAP over cellulose is systematically varied, and its effect on activation is examined. The activated biochar samples are predominantly microporous in the range of concentrations studied. The interaction of DAP with cellulose is investigated and the nature of bonding of the heteroatoms to the carbonaceous matrix is elucidated. The results indicate that the quality of biochar prepared under partial oxidation condition is comparable to that of biochar prepared under nitrogen, leading to the possibility of an activated biochar production scheme on a small scale in resource-constrained settings.
A decentralized scalable control architecture for islanded operation of parallel DC/AC inverters with prescribed power sharing

This paper addresses the problem of output voltage regulation at the point of common coupling (PCC) for multiple single-phase DC/AC inverters connected to a microgrid in islanded mode, and prescribes a robust decentralized scheme for sharing power among different sources. The problem of regulating voltage at PCC is posed as a disturbance-rejection problem, where the load current is regarded as an unknown disturbance signal and thus no assumptions are made regarding the power demanded by the load at the PCC. The disturbance-rejection controller has an inner-outer cascaded structure, where inner-current controller is parameterized by coupling inductance of the inverter, and is such that the inner-loop seen by the outer-voltage controller is identical for all the parallel inverters. This favors scalability by allowing multiple inverters to be added to the PCC without the need to separately design outer-loop controllers for individual inverters. A significant feature of the proposed control architecture is that the stability and performance analysis of the multi-inverter network is tractable; in fact, analysis can be done in terms of an equivalent single-inverter system. Case studies presented in this paper demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design in terms of voltage regulation, power sharing and robustness to parametric and modeling uncertainties.
Acute effects of intravenous cocaine administration on serum concentrations of ghrelin, amylin, glucagon-like peptide-1, insulin, leptin and peptide YY and relationships with cardiorespiratory and subjective responses.

Abstract Background Food intake and use of drugs of abuse like cocaine share common central and peripheral physiological pathways. Appetitive hormones play a major role in regulating food intake; however, little is known about the effects of acute cocaine administration on the blood concentrations of these hormones in cocaine users. Methods We evaluated serum concentrations of six appetitive hormones: ghrelin (total and acyl-ghrelin), amylin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), insulin, leptin and peptide YY (PYY), as well as acute cardiorespiratory and subjective responses of 8 experienced cocaine users who received 25 mg intravenous (IV) cocaine. Results Serum concentrations of GLP-1 ( p = 0.014) and PYY ( p = 0.036) were significantly decreased one hour following IV cocaine administration; there was a trend towards a decrease for insulin ( p = 0.055) and amylin ( p = 0.063) concentrations, while no significant IV cocaine effect was observed for ghrelin (total or acyl-ghrelin) or leptin concentrations ( p ’ s ≫> 0.5). We also observed associations between hormone concentrations acutely affected by IV cocaine (GLP-1, PYY, insulin, amylin) and some cocaine-related cardiorespiratory and subjective responses ( e.g ., increased heart and respiratory rates; feeling high and anxious). Discussion These findings show a significant effect of acute IV cocaine administration on some appetitive hormones and suggest potential associations between these hormones and cocaine-related cardiorespiratory and subjective responses. Additional research is needed to further investigate the potential mechanisms underlining these associations.
The Competence of the Mildly Retarded

Freedom of choice, or self-determination, for rational adults is a value that lies at the center of our moral tradition. This value, however, only began to occupy center stage in the Western world during the early seventeenth century. The Greeks did not have anything like our notion of the importance of the individual; their moral and political theories focused on the community and on a balance of interests and institutions within the larger society. Although the Greeks did have a well-developed theory of virtue, which applied at the individual level, they did not emphasize the concept of rights as we commonly use it to apply to individual needs, wants, or deserts. But the rise of the ideology of individualism brought along with it the notion of rights—beginning with property rights—and also the concept of individual liberty.
Topical Review: Adherence Interventions for Youth on Gluten-Free Diets.

Objective To summarize gluten-free diet (GFD) nonadherence risk factors, nonadherence rates, and current intervention research within an integrative framework and to develop a research agenda for the development and implementation of evidence-based GFD adherence interventions. Methods Topical review of literature published since 2008 investigating GFD adherence in pediatric samples. Results Reviews of pediatric studies indicate GFD nonadherence rates ranging from 19 to 56%. There are few evidence-based, published pediatric GFD adherence interventions. Novel assessments of GFD adherence are promising but require further study. Nonmodifiable and modifiable factors within individual, family, community, and health systems domains must be considered when developing future interventions. Clinical implications are discussed. Conclusions Avenues for future research include development and refinement of adherence assessment tools and development of evidence-based GFD adherence interventions. Novel technologies (e.g., GFD mobile applications) require empirical study but present exciting opportunities for adherence intervention.
Effect of Spatial Variation of Thermal Conductivity on Magnitude of Tensile Thermal Stresses in Brittle Materials Subjected to Convective Heating

The results are presented for the effect of spatially varying thermal conductivity on the tensile thermal stress developed in a solid and a hollow circular cylinder subjected to different heating conditions. It is shown that the maximum tensile thermal stress in brittle ceramics can be reduced significantly by redistributing the temperature profile using (a) a spatial variation in thermal conductivity, (b) a spatial variation in pore content which in turn changes the density, thermal conductivity and modulus of elasticity and (c) by considering the effect of temperature on the thermal conductivity and specific heat. Possible methods for creating such variations in the material properties are discussed.
1927. “The Quantum Postulate and the Recent Development of Atomic Theory” (The Como Lecture): Complementarity Versus Causality

This and the following chapter consider Bohr’s new way of thinking about quantum phenomena and quantum theory, in terms of his concept of complementarity, a way of thinking that emerged following and in response to the discovery of quantum mechanics and then the uncertainty relations. Bohr’s thinking, I argue here, underwent several changes even at the earlier stages to be discussed in these two chapters, and it was further refined in the wake of EPR’s argument. The first change is the shift from Bohr’s pre-complementarity view of quantum theory in the wake of Heisenberg’s 1925 discovery of quantum mechanics, as discussed in the preceding chapter, to his view, via complementarity, following Schrodinger’s wave mechanics, Dirac’s and Jordan’s transformations theory, and Heisenberg’s uncertainty relations. These developments of quantum mechanics followed in quick succession and were instrumental to the invention of the concept of complementarity, introduced in the Como lecture in 1927. This change will be discussed in this chapter. The next change, discussed in the next chapter, was marked by Bohr’s rethinking of the quantum situation and occurred under the impact of his exchanges with Einstein in 1927, specifically at the Fifth Physical Conference of the Solvay Institute in October 1927 in Brussels.
Rod-Specific Ablation Using the Nitroreductase/Metronidazole System to Investigate Regeneration in Xenopus

Genetically controlled cell type-specific ablation provides a reproducible method to induce regeneration that can be temporally and spatially controlled. Until recently, regeneration studies in Xenopus have relied on surgical methods to stimulate regeneration. These methods are labor intensive and not as reproducible as a genetically controlled approach. In this protocol we describe selective ablation of rod photoreceptors in the premetamorphic Xenopus laevis retina using the nitroreductase/metronidazole (NTR/Mtz) system. We use the XOPNTR transgenic line in which the Xenopus Rhodopsin promoter drives rod photoreceptor-specific expression of the bacterial enzyme, NTR. Exposure of transgenic tadpoles to Mtz for 2 d completely ablates rods by 7 d after initial Mtz exposure. Removal of Mtz allows rods to regenerate and makes rod-specific ablation reversible and amenable for regeneration studies. The protocol presented here is applicable to the selective ablation of any cell type with the use of appropriate cell type-specific promoters.
Assessing Antibody Responses to Pathogens or Model Antigens in Xenopus by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Xenopus laevis-specific monoclonal antibodies recognize IgM and IgY antibodies not only from X. laevis but also X. tropicalis as well as a variety of amphibian species including Ranidae, Bufonidae, and even some salamanders. These reagents are very useful to assess antibody responses from the serum or other animal secretions (e.g., peritoneal fluid). We present here an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) optimized for amphibians that permits users to detect and titrate the presence of each type of antibody (IgM and IgY) produced against particular pathogens (e.g., virus, bacteria, or fungus) or antigens (e.g., DNP-KLH).
Improvements in CBCT Image Quality Using a Novel Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm: A Clinical Evaluation.

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of a novel iterative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) reconstruction algorithm for prostate and head and neck (HN) cancer. Methods and Materials A total of 10 patients with HN and 10 patients with prostate cancer were analyzed. For each patient, raw CBCT acquisition data were used to reconstruct images with a currently available algorithm (FDK_CBCT) and novel iterative algorithm (Iterative_CBCT). Quantitative contouring variation analysis was performed using structures delineated by several radiation oncologists. For prostate, observers contoured the prostate, proximal 2 cm seminal vesicles, bladder, and rectum. For HN, observers contoured the brain stem, spinal canal, right-left parotid glands, and right-left submandibular glands. Observer contours were combined to form a reference consensus contour using the simultaneous truth and performance level estimation method. All observer contours then were compared with the reference contour to calculate the Dice coefficient, Hausdorff distance, and mean contour distance (prostate contour only). Qualitative image quality analysis was performed using a 5-point scale ranging from 1 (much superior image quality for Iterative_CBCT) to 5 (much inferior image quality for Iterative_CBCT). Results The Iterative_CBCT data sets resulted in a prostate contour Dice coefficient improvement of approximately 2.4% (P = .029). The average prostate contour Dice coefficient for the Iterative_CBCT data sets was improved for all patients, with improvements up to approximately 10% for 1 patient. The mean contour distance results indicate an approximate 15% reduction in mean contouring error for all prostate regions. For the parotid contours, Iterative_CBCT data sets resulted in a Hausdorff distance improvement of approximately 2 mm (P Conclusions Observers noted an improvement in image uniformity, noise level, and overall image quality for Iterative_CBCT data sets. In addition, expert observers displayed an improved ability to consistently delineate soft tissue structures, such as the prostate and parotid glands. Thus, the novel iterative reconstruction algorithm analyzed in this study is capable of improving the visualization for prostate and HN cancer image guided radiation therapy.
Andromeda and the Technological Revolution in Astronomy

It is easy to overlook the impact that technology has had on astronomy. Until the invention of the telescope in the seventeenth century, astronomical study was done mostly with the naked eye. The universe was limited to what the visually unaided eye could see. This meant that the night sky consisted of the permanent stars to the sixth magnitude, the planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, the Moon, comets and meteors, and other occasional items such as supernovae. The universe seemed vast to the ancients, but it was clearly small, at least by contemporary standards of the universe, which can see objects to the 25th magnitude, back almost to the beginning of the universe 13.7 billions of years ago.
Characterization of radiative and kinetic properties of laser produced plasmas for efficient extreme ultraviolet nanolithography sources

Increasing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photon power in laser-produced plasma (LPP) sources is critically important for efficient future nanolithography devices. Enhancing the lifetime of the optical collector system in these devices is another important challenge for reliable and economically feasible devices. In this work, various mechanisms affecting ion acceleration in LPP were investigated to predict the maximum ion energies and flux arriving at the collecting mirror surfaces. Plasma evolution produced by an Nd:YAG laser from Sn targets was studied in detail to predict the dynamics of EUV producing ions and their contribution to the EUV power. The multiphysics fully 3D integrated HEIGHTS computer package was used in this analysis. HEIGHTS simulations of detail plasma evolution and ion kinetic energies were compared with various worldwide experimental data. Excellent agreement was shown regarding the range of ion kinetic energies and their angular distribution as well as recombination processes and their effect on the temporal output of EUV photons. Spatial and charge distributions were predicted for EUV producing ions and ionic debris. The analysis showed that mainly two Sn ions, i.e., Sn XII and Sn XIII, determine the EUV source intensity and spatial location. It was also shown that reducing the laser spot size and increasing the pulse duration allow a significant reduction in ion kinetic energies that is important for a longer lifetime of the optical collection system.
Controlled edge dependent stacking of WS 2 -WS 2 Homo- and WS 2 -WSe 2 Hetero-structures: A Computational Study

Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) are one of the most studied two-dimensional materials in the last 5-10 years due to their extremely interesting layer dependent properties. Despite the presence of vast research work on TMDs, the complex relation between the electro-chemical and physical properties make them the subject of further research. Our main objective is to provide a better insight into the electronic structure of TMDs. This will help us better understand the stability of the bilayer post growth homo/hetero products based on the various edge-termination, and different stacking of the two layers. In this regard, two Tungsten (W) based non-periodic chalcogenide flakes (sulfides and selenides) were considered. An in-depth analysis of their different edge termination and stacking arrangement was performed via Density Functional Theory method using VASP software. Our finding indicates the preference of chalcogenide (c-) terminated structures over the metal (m-) terminated structures for both homo and heterobilayers, and thus strongly suggests the nonexistence of the m-terminated TMDs bilayer products.
U.S. Consumer Demand for Traditional and Greek Yogurt Attributes, Including Livestock Management Attributes

Consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for yogurt attributes was evaluated using a survey targeted to be nationally representative within the United States. A novel approach was used to allow for self-selection into the choice experiment for commonly purchased types of yogurt, either Greek or traditional, based on what consumers purchase. They were willing to pay a positive amount for requiring pasture access and not permitting dehorning/disbudding (which references the removal of horns or horn buds) for both traditional and Greek yogurt. Respondents had positive WTP for Greek yogurt labeled free of high-fructose corn syrup and a higher WTP for low-fat yogurt when compared to nonfat for both yogurt types.
The combination of mitogenic stimulation and DNA damage induces chondrocyte senescence

Summary Objective Cellular senescence is a phenotypic state characterized by stable cell-cycle arrest, enhanced lysosomal activity, and the secretion of inflammatory molecules and matrix degrading enzymes. Senescence has been implicated in osteoarthritis (OA) pathophysiology; however, the mechanisms that drive senescence induction in cartilage and other joint tissues are unknown. While numerous physiological signals are capable of initiating senescence, one emerging theme is that damaged cells convert to senescence in response to sustained mitogenic stimulation. The goal of this study was to develop an in vitro articular cartilage explant model to investigate the mechanisms of senescence induction. Design This study utilized healthy cartilage derived from cadaveric equine stifles and human ankles. Explants were irradiated to initiate DNA damage, and mitogenic stimulation was provided through serum-containing medium and treatment with transforming growth factor β1 and basic fibroblastic growth factor. Readouts of senescence were a quantitative flow cytometry assay to detect senescence-associated β galactosidase activity (SA-β-gal), immunofluorescence for p16 and γH2AX, and qPCR for the expression of inflammatory genes. Results Human cartilage explants required both irradiation and mitogenic stimulation to induce senescence as compared to baseline control conditions (7.16% vs 2.34% SA-β-gal high, p = 0.0007). These conditions also resulted in chondrocyte clusters within explants, a persistent DNA damage response, increased p16, and gene expression changes. Conclusions Treatment of cartilage explants with mitogenic stimuli in the context of cellular damage reliably induces high levels of SA-β-gal activity and other senescence markers, which provides a physiologically relevant model system to investigate the mechanisms of senescence induction.
The Effect of Retrograde External Iliac Artery Runoff on Aortofemoral Bypass Limb Patency.

BACKGROUND Superficial femoral artery (SFA) and profunda patency has been shown to affect aortofemoral bypass (AFB) limb patency. However, the effect of retrograde flow through the external iliac artery (EIA) is unknown and is the subject of this analysis. METHODS Institutional AFB data from 2000-2017 were gathered, excluding those where SFA/EIA patency could not be determined. The cohort was divided into limbs with and without EIA occlusion; primary outcome was limb-based primary patency. Kaplan-Meier estimated patency; cox proportional-hazards model evaluated EIA patency while controlling for other factors. RESULTS Over the study period, there were AFB 557 limbs in 281 patients. Of the 435 AFB limbs in 220 patients that met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis, 162 had EIA occlusion and 273 had a patent EIA. Mean age was 69.6±9.0. EIA occlusions were more common in male patients (59.9% vs 44.6%; p=0.001), patients with CAD (43.8% vs 34.1%; p=0.042), COPD (34.6% vs 20.5%; p=0.001), and CHF (14.8% vs 5.9%; p=0.002). Limbs with EIA occlusions more often underwent end-to-side proximal anastomosis (40.7% vs 24.2%; p<0.001) and simultaneous infrainguinal bypass (7.4% vs 0.7%; p<0.001). Median clinical follow-up was 4.4 years (IQR: 1.6-8.4). Five-year primary patency was 83.1% (95% CI: 74.5%-90.0%) for EIA occlusion limbs and 85.9% (95% CI: 80.2%-90.0%) with patent EIA limbs (p=0.96). While controlling for other factors, EIA stenosis or occlusion did not affect primary patency. For patients with a proximal occlusion (occluded aorta, occluded common iliac, or end-to-end proximal anastomosis) and occluded SFA (N=73), EIA occlusion had a HR of 1.92 for loss of patency, but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION EIA patency did not influence primary patency in the overall cohort Further investigation on the topic in specific patient subgroups is warranted to determine the effect of EIA patency.
Human immunodeficiency virus-1/simian immunodeficiency virus infection induces opening of pannexin-1 channels resulting in neuronal synaptic compromise: A novel therapeutic opportunity to prevent NeuroHIV

In healthy conditions, pannexin-1 (Panx-1) channels are in a close state, but in several pathological conditions, including HIV and NeuroHIV, the channel becomes open. However, the mechanism or contribution of Panx-1 channels to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV) pathogenesis and NeuroHIV are unknown. To determine the contribution of Panx-1 channels to the pathogenesis of NeuroHIV, we used a well-established model of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) infection in macaques (Macaca mulatta) in the presence of and absence of a Panx-1 blocker to later examine the synaptic/axonal compromise induced for the virus. Using Golgi's staining, we demonstrated that SIV infection compromised synaptic and axonal structures, especially in the white matter. Blocking Panx-1 channels after SIV infection prevented the synaptic and axonal compromise induced by the virus, especially by maintaining the more complex synapses. Our data demonstrated that targeting Panx-1 channels can prevent and maybe revert brain synaptic compromise induced by SIV infection.
Vitamin B12 and gut-brain homeostasis in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It inflicts immeasurable suffering on patients and their loved ones and carries an immense social cost. Efforts to mitigate the impact of stroke have focused on identifying therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment. The gut microbiome represents one such potential target given its multifaceted effects on conditions known to cause and worsen the severity of stroke. Vitamin B12 (VB12) serves as a cofactor for two enzymes, methylmalonyl-CoA synthase and methionine synthase, vital for methionine and nucleotide biosynthesis. VB12 deficiency results in a buildup of metabolic substrates, such as homocysteine, that alter immune homeostasis and contribute to atherosclerotic disorders, including ischemic stroke. In addition to its support of cellular function, VB12 serves as a metabolic cofactor for gut microbes. By shaping microbial communities, VB12 further impacts local and peripheral immunity. Growing evidence suggests that gut dysbiosis-related immune dysfunction induced by VB12 deficiency may potentially contributes to stroke pathogenesis, its severity, and patient outcomes. In this review, we discuss the complex interactions of VB12, gut microbes and the associated metabolites, and immune homeostasis throughout the natural history of ischemic stroke.
An Agrarian History of South Asia

Originally published in 1999, David Ludden's book offers a comprehensive historical framework for understanding the regional diversity of agrarian South Asia. Adopting a long-term view of history, it treats South Asia not as a single civilization territory, but rather as a patchwork of agrarian regions, each with their own social, cultural and political histories. The discussion begins during the first millennium, when farming communities displaced pastoral and tribal groups, and goes on to consider the development of territoriality from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries. Subsequent chapters consider the emergence of agrarian capitalism in village societies under the British, and demonstrate how economic development in contemporary South Asia continues to reflect the influence of agrarian localism. As a comparative synthesis of the literature on agrarian regimes in South Asia, the book promises to be a valuable resource for students of agrarian and regional history as well as of comparative world history.
Program Result Checking: A New Approach to Making Programs More Reliable

Program result checking is concerned with designing programs to check their work. For example, after solving an equation for x, a result-checking program would substitute x back into the equation to make sure that the answer obtained is correct. There are many ways to check results, but there has been no theory to say what constitutes a good check. It is not a good check, for example, to redo a computation without change a second time. Such recomputation may uncover an intermittent hardware fault, but it will not uncover a software fault, and the discovery and elimination of software faults is the principal goal of this work. This talk discusses the concept of result checking, gives several examples, and outlines the basic theory.
Bounds for Cell Entries in Two-Way Tables Given Conditional Relative Frequencies

In recent work on statistical methods for confidentiality and disclosure limitation, Dobra and Fienberg (2000, 2003) and Dobra (2002) have generalized Bonferroni-Frechet-Hoeffding bounds for cell entries in k-way contingency tables given marginal totals. In this paper, we consider extensions of their approach focused on upper and lower bounds for cell entries given arbitrary sets of marginals and conditionals. We give a complete characterization of the two-way table problem and discuss some implications to statistical disclosure limitation. In particular, we employ tools from computational algebra to describe the locus of all possible tables under the given constraints and discuss how this additional knowledge affects the disclosure.
The epistemology of spontaneously broken symmetries

Spontaneously broken symmetries are often called hidden or secret symmetries. They are symmetries in the laws of nature that do not show up in observable phenomena. This raises the basic epistemological question: Is there reason to believe that these hidden symmetries are real features of nature rather than artifacts of theorizing. This paper clarifies the epistemic status of spontaneously broken symmetries. It presents the details of an argument by analogy that suggests the spontaneously broken gauge symmetry of electroweak interactions, and the subsequent hypothetico-deductive testing of the hypothesis. It is a story of how dubious means can lead to a credible end.
Confrontation, Understanding, and Friendship in a Redneck Culture

SUMMARY This article presents an anthropologist's narrative of three experiences over 30 years of informal research among the boys at Down Home Auto Repair in Tallahassee, Florida.
An Evidence-Based Medicine Review of Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Stereotactic radiosurgery has been increasingly utilized to manage a wide variety of indications including vascular malformations, benign and malignant tumors, and functional disorders. Methods: Rev
Afferent signalling through the common hepatic branch of the vagus inhibits voluntary lard intake and modifies plasma metabolite levels in rats

The common hepatic branch of the vagus nerve is a two-way highway of communication between the brain and the liver, duodenum, stomach and pancreas that regulates many aspects of food intake and metabolism. In this study, we utilized the afferent-specific neurotoxin capsaicin to examine if common hepatic vagal sensory afferents regulate lard intake. Rats implanted with a corticosterone pellet were made diabetic using streptozotocin (STZ) and a subset received steady-state exogenous insulin replacement into the superior mesenteric vein. These were compared with non-diabetic counterparts. Each group was then subdivided into those whose common hepatic branch of the vagus was treated with vehicle or capsaicin. Five days after surgery, the rats were offered the choice of chow and lard to consume for a further 5 days. The STZ-diabetic rats ate significantly less lard than the non-diabetic rats. Capsaicin treatment restored lard intake to that of the insulin-replaced, STZ-diabetic rats, but modified neither chow nor total caloric intake. This increased lard intake led to selective fat deposition into the mesenteric white adipose tissue depot, as opposed to an increase in all visceral fat pad depots evident after insulin replacement-induced lard intake. Capsaicin treatment also increased the levels of circulating glucose and triglycerides and negated the actions of insulin on these and free fatty acids and ketone bodies. Collectively, these data suggest that afferent signalling through the common hepatic branch of the vagus inhibits lard, but not chow, intake, directs fat deposition and regulates plasma metabolite levels.
A New Synthesis or Just The New Synthesis

The Speciation and Biogeography of Birds. by Ian Newton. Academic Press (Elsevier), San Diego, 2003. 680 pp. $75, £49.95. ISBN 0-12-517375-X. Newton offers a comprehensive overview of the origins and distribution of bird species and discusses the factors that shape these patterns.
Composite Beams with a Hybrid Tee Steel Section

The behavior of composite beams in which the welded steel section was of an inverted Tee shape was investigated by testing six simple beams having a span of 15 ft with a constant moment region of 2 ft at midspan. The slab was 47 in. wide and either 4 in. or 6 in. thick. All beams had an ASTM A36 web but the flange was varied in steel type using ASTM A36, A441, and A514. All beams failed in the concrete slab at the studs. Those having an A514 flange failed at about 80% of the computed fully plastic flexural capacity of the beam but those with A36 and A441 flanges reached an essentially fully plastic state of stress.
Deflecting Active Directory Attacks

Many of today’s enterprises use Microsoft Active Directory (AD) either as their enterprise directory or as the network OS (NOS) directory for their Windows infrastructure. AD has become an important asset in most enterprises, and valuable things must be protected accordingly. This paper provides examples of attacks against Active Directory and shows how an enterprise directory can be protected against them. The attacks addressed in this paper include password cracking-, elevation of privilege- and denial-of-service-based attacks. The main goal of this paper is to show AD users the urgent need for taking a multi-pronged approach toward locking down and securing AD.
System and algorithm implementation techniques on the TMS320 family

The widespread use of DSP techniques in many signal processing applications has made algorithm implementations a task that engineers face frequently. However, the real-time constraints that most of these applications have, often clash with the need to do the implementation quickly and with minimal pain. This paper examines tools and techniques that have been created for and applied on the TMS320 family of digital signal processors to facilitate such development. The use of C compilers speeds up the implementation, while software and hardware development tools make debugging easier. Some techniques of algorithm implementation are examined in the context of specific applications.
Characterization of an enhancer required for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-dependent transactivation of the rat osteocalcin gene.

The sequences in the rat osteocalcin gene that lie 3′ to the vitamin D response element (VDRE) contain a GGTTTGG motif (-420 to -414) that is essential for transcriptional activation of osteocalcin-CAT (OC-CAT) fusion genes by 1,25(OH)2D3. A second copy of this motif, present on the antisense strand is unable to compete for nuclear protein binding to the VDRE-associated motif, suggesting that the core element extends beyond the GGTTTGG motif. In order to examine the base requirements for both function and nuclear protein interactions with the VDRE-associated GGTTTGG enhancer motif, deletion and substitution of flanking sequences was performed in the context of both the native osteocalcin promoter and a heterologous viral promoter. These data demonstrate that the base requirements for protein-DNA interactions and transactivation are located between -430 and -414. The position of the element with respect to the VDRE is flexible and insertion of additional copies either 5′ or 3′ to the VDRE further enhances transactivation, both in the context of the native osteocalcin promoter and a heterologous viral promoter. These data demonstrate that VDR-dependent transactivation of the rat osteocalcin gene requires not only the VDRE (-456 to -442) but also sequences between -430 and -414. The protein(s) that interacts with these sequences is capable of enhancing transcription in both a position and orientation-independent fashion. J. Cell. Biochem. 73:400–407, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An augmented model for spontaneous regression and recovery

The Estes model for spontaneous recovery and regression is modified by relaxing the assumption that within-experiment stimulus fluctuation can be treated as negligible in the general case. The augmented model allows description of stimulus fluctuation both between and within experimental periods. Application of the model to mock experimental situations illustrates some of its properties.
Comparison of patient radiation doses from digital subtraction and fluoro save acquisitions of femoral access sites prior to use of vascular closure devices

Purpose Prior to use of femoral closure devices, evaluation of the femoral artery access and the suitability of the vessel for use of a vascular closure device is routinely performed. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and digital flouroscopic loop (DFL) technology both provide a means to acquire and store angiographic images. We sought to evaluate the image quality and radiation dose associated with each of these modalities. Materials and Methods Using a phantom we simulated angiographic acquisitions of the femoral artery in the AP and 35 degree oblique projections and measured the dose during DSA and DFL acquisitions. We retrospectively selected 60 adult patients from the radiology database who had undergone elective outpatient cerebral angiography using the three different DFL acquisition protocols (15 fps, 7.5 fps and 4 fps). We selected 20 patients who had DSA documentation of the femoral access site and 60 who had DFL documentation of the femoral access site. We then reviewed the images for diagnostic quality to determine if a femoral closure device could be safely employed. We subsequently looked up the dose parameters recorded for the acquisitions and compared the dose for the acquisitions. Results For the phantom studies we found that the dose on the AP acquisitions was lower than the Oblique acquisitions. The DSA dose was higher than the DFL dose. The image quality was diagnostic for evaluation of the femoral artery with regards to access site suitability for use of the femoral closure device on all the clinical studies. The average dose to the patient was 57.9 mGy for DSA acquisitions versus 6.5 mGy, 2.8 mGy and 2.4 mGy for 15 fps, 7.5 fps and 4 fps respectively (p Conclusion Use of the Fluoro save feature on modern angiography equipment yields adequate images for the evaluation of femoral access sites for suitability of femoral closure devices and decreases both patient and operator radiation doses.