cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Targeted Therapies for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Rationally Designed Combinations

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a diverse group of lymphoid malignancies treated historically with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Recent technologic advances have enabled the development of new therapies specifically targeted to inhibit various pathways involved in disease pathophysiology. Led by the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab, these agents are expected to revolutionize patient care. Several new drugs might have limited single-agent activity but could combine with other targeted therapies to produce significant effects. Although the current level of understanding makes this sort of rational combination challenging, there is evidence that certain combinations might be very effective. Examples include the combination of rituximab with other monoclonal antibodies, immunomodulatory drugs, Bcl-2 inhibitors, and bortezomib. All of these agents face the challenge of optimal integration with rituximab. The strategies most likely to produce initial success will be those that incorporate rituximab in sensitive patients, as well as those that target patient populations with rituximab-refractory disease. Ideally, these studies will incorporate biologic correlates, such that the mechanisms of action and the patients most likely to benefit can be better defined. We discuss several combinations, their rationale, and the clinical evidence that justifies further evaluation.
Higher order SPT functions for overpartitions, overpartitions with smallest part even, and partitions with smallest part even and without repeated odd parts

Abstract We consider the symmetrized moments of three ranks and cranks, similar to the work of Garvan in [17] for the rank and crank of a partition. By using Bailey pairs and elementary rearrangements, we are able to find useful expressions for these moments. We then deduce inequalities between the corresponding ordinary moments. In particular we prove that the crank moment for overpartitions is always larger than the rank moment for overpartitions, M ¯ 2 k ( n ) > N ¯ 2 k ( n ) ; with recent asymptotics this was known to hold for sufficiently large values of n for each fixed k. Lastly we provide higher order spt functions for overpartitions, overpartitions with smallest part even, and partitions with smallest part even and no repeated odds.
Interleukin-6: from an inflammatory marker to a target for inflammatory diseases

The incidence and diversity of chronic inflammatory diseases is increasing worldwide. However, the complexity of clinical symptoms has made it difficult to develop therapies that provide a substantial improvement for extended periods of time in a wide range of patient groups. Thus, there is a need for new therapies that target inflammatory responses without compromising immune defense. Interleukin (IL)-6, one of the first identified cytokines, has recently been recognized as a potential target in inflammatory disease. Here, I discuss how this cytokine has evolved from being a marker of inflammation to a successful target to control inflammation. I will summarize the results from the recent clinical studies using IL-6 receptor blockade, and describe potential mechanisms by which IL-6 can contribute to the progression of inflammatory diseases.
Power Hand Tool Kinetics Associated with Upper Limb Injuries in an Automobile Assembly Plant

This study investigated the relationship between pneumatic nutrunner handle reactions, workstation characteristics, and prevalence of upper limb injuries in an automobile assembly plant. Tool properties (geometry, inertial properties, and motor characteristics), fastener properties, orientation relative to the fastener, and the position of the tool operator (horizontal and vertical distances) were measured for 69 workstations using 15 different pneumatic nutrunners. Handle reaction response was predicted using a deterministic mechanical model of the human operator and tool that was previously developed in our laboratory, specific to the measured tool, workstation, and job factors. Handle force was a function of target torque, tool geometry and inertial properties, motor speed, work orientation, and joint hardness. The study found that tool target torque was not well correlated with predicted handle reaction force (r = 0.495) or displacement (r = 0.285). The individual tool, tool shape, and threaded fasten...
Periodic abstinence enhances nociception without significantly altering the antinociceptive efficacy of spinal morphine in the rat.

Naloxone administration in the opioid dependent rat is associated with spinal glutamate release and NMDA receptor activation which reportedly is also responsible for opioid tolerance. We hypothesized that episodic withdrawal during chronic infusion of spinal morphine might paradoxically enhance tolerance. Rats (24/group) infused with intrathecal morphine (M) for 4 days (20 nmol/μl per h) were given a daily subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of naloxone 0.6 mg/kg per 0.2 ml (MN) or saline 0.2 ml (MS). A third saline infused group was given daily s.c. saline 0.2 ml (SS). Latencies (rear paw hot box) were tested immediately prior to each daily injection. After termination of each infusion, the dose effect of spinal morphine (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 nmol) was examined. The MN group showed a significantly greater decline in daily latencies compared with the MS group, but also had greater withdrawal hyperalgesia upon termination of the infusion. Dose response to spinal morphine was not significantly different in either MS or MN groups. Periodic abstinence thus enhanced nociception without significantly altering the antinociceptive effect of spinal morphine in this group.
Efficient analysis for infinite microstrip dipole arrays

A moment method analysis of infinite microstrip dipole arrays which uses an efficient technique to evaluate the generalised impedance matrix is described. A particularly simple formulation is obtained through the use of the periodic Green function. Results for the reflection coefficient magnitude against scan angle are given for a typical array.
Learning from negative outcomes in stuttering therapy: I. Getting off on the wrong foot

Abstract Considering the long history of research into stuttering, it is surprising that so little time has been devoted to the study of factors that contribute to the success of therapy. Even less attention has been devoted to uncovering forces that promote poor treatment outcomes. In this article and the companion piece that follows it, an attempt has been made to delineate what may prove to be predictors of unsuccessful therapy. In this first of the two articles, the focus in on the identification of patient, extraclinical, and clinician variables that could act to negate progress during the establishment phase of treatment.
Photodissociation of H2S and the HS radical at 193.3 nm

Abstract Photodissociation of H2S has been studied at 193.3 nm using H atom photofragment-translational spectroscopy with mass-spectrometric detection. H + HS(v) product branching ratios are reported which are not in quantitative agreement with other recent experimental results. Secondary photodissociation of HS radicals has also been observed, showing that both S(3P) and S(1D) are produced via perpendicular transition. The HS bond energy was found to be 3.62 ± 0.03 eV.
The relation between emotional intelligence and job performance: A meta‐analysis

This meta-analysis builds upon a previous meta-analysis by (1) including 65 per cent more studies that have over twice the sample size to estimate the relationships between emotional intelligence (EI) and job performance; (2) using more current meta-analytical studies for estimates of relationships among personality variables and for cognitive ability and job performance; (3) using the three-stream approach for classifying EI research; (4) performing tests for differences among streams of EI research and their relationships with personality and cognitive intelligence; (5) using latest statistical procedures such as dominance analysis; and (6) testing for publication bias. We classified EI studies into three streams: (1) ability-based models that use objective test items; (2) self-report or peer-report measures based on the four-branch model of EI; and (3) “mixed models” of emotional competencies. The three streams have corrected correlations ranging from 0.24 to 0.30 with job performance. The three streams correlated differently with cognitive ability and with neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Streams 2 and 3 have the largest incremental validity beyond cognitive ability and the Five Factor Model (FFM). Dominance analysis demonstrated that all three streams of EI exhibited substantial relative importance in the presence of FFM and intelligence when predicting job performance. Publication bias had negligible influence on observed effect sizes. The results support the overall validity of EI. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Note: Correction added on 22 July 2010 after first publication online on 29 June 2010. The affiliations for Ronald H. Humphrey and Thomas H. Hawver have been corrected in this version of the article.
High Speed Flight Vehicle Structures: An Overview

High-speed vehicle structures have been of interest since the earliest days of aviation. Every since that fateful day at Kittyhawk, North Carolina, the quest for speed has been inseparable from the world of aviation. Some of the advances in structures technology are explored specifically for hypersonic flight vehicle structures during the first century of aviation. In particular, those advances pointing toward the next century hypersonic vehicles are examined.
Potential of Starch Encapsulated Semiochemical-Insecticide Formulations for Adult Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Control

Field and laboratory experiments were conducted from 1987 through 1989 to determine if plant-derived semiochemicals and carbamate insecticides, encapsulated in starch-borate (SBM) and pregelatinized-starch (PGM) matrices, could be used to attract and kill corn rootworm ( Diabrottca spp.) beetles. D. vtrgifera vtrgifera LeConte adults were concentrated in plots within a corn ( Zea mays L.) field, following application of SBM granules formulated with semiochemicals and carbaryl. However, resulting mortality was low even though beetles were observed feeding on the granules. Low mortality levels appear to have been caused by a loss of carbaryl during the formulation process. Laboratory assay results indicated that carbaryl, methomyl or carbofuran formulated in the PGM effectively killed D. vtrgifera adults but only SBM granules formulated with carbofuran provided acceptable mortality. PGM semiochemical-insecticide granules placed in traps killed Diabrotica spp. over time in field corn. D. v. virgifera and D. undecimpunctata howardt Barber mortality in plots treated with starch-encapsulated semiochemical-insecticide granules were comparable to mortality observed in plots treated with a broadcast application of carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus) while using 90% less insecticide. Mortality of D. harbert Smith & Lawrence was significantly greater in Sevin XLR Plus-treated plots than in plots treated with starch granules. Mortality of the coccinellid Coleomegilla maculata lengi Timberlake was significantly greater in plots treated with Sevin XLR Plus than in plots treated with starch granules, whereas a reverse trend was observed for the carabid Harpalus pennsylvantcus De Geer. Data suggest that efficacy of starch matrix delivery systems may be affected by the interaction of various biotic and abiotic factors but starch matrices appear to have potential as tools that could be used in the development of new, more environmentally sound, corn rootworm management programs.
Activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate-sensitive glutamate receptors stimulates arachidonic acid release in primary cultures of cerebellar granule cells

In cultured granule cells prelabeled with [3H]arachidonate the activation of excitatory amino acid receptors by various agonists results in a dose-dependent stimulation of [3H]arachidonic acid release. Glutamate and aspartate were the most potent agonists, whereas N-methyl-D-aspartate, kainate and quisqualate were less potent. Other neurotransmitter receptor agonists — GABA, baclofen and norepinephrine — were inactive, while carbachol induced only a slight effect. Since the transmitter-mediated release of [3H]arachidonate was blocked by phencyclidine, a selective inhibitor of NMDA-sensitive glutamate receptors, it can be inferred that the effects of all other receptor agonists were indirectly mediated via the release of glutamate from granule cells. Aspartate-evoked release was Ca2+-dependent and was abolished by the glutamate receptor inhibitors: Mg2+ ions and 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate. The inhibitors of phospholipase A2, quinacrine and p-bromophenacyi bromide, decreased the release of [3H]arachidonate in a dose-related manner.
Clomiphene citrate: Pharmacologic treatment of hypofertile male

Thirty-two males were treated with clomiphene citrate for a minimum of six months, a maximum of twelve months, or until pregnancy occurred. Among these patients, thirteen pregnancies occurred. Climiphene citrate appears a reasonable pharmaceutical method for management of idiopathic oligospermia.
Decontamination of transuranic contaminated metals by melt refining

Abstract Melt refining of transuranic contaminated metals is a possible decontamination process with the potential advantages of producing metal for reuse and of simplifying chemical analyses. By routinely achieving the 10 nCi/g (∼0.1 ppm) level by melt refining, scrap metal can be removed from the transuranic waste category. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this melt refining process, mild steel, stainless steel, nickel, and copper were contaminated with 500 ppm (μg/g) PuO 2 and melted with various fluxes. The solidified slags and metals were analyzed for their plutonium contents, and corresponding partition ratios for plutonium were calculated. Some metals were double refined in order to study the effect of secondary slag treatment. The initial weight of the slags was also varied to investigate the effect of slag weight on the degree of plutonium removal. In general, all four metals could be decontaminated below 1 ppm (μg/g) Pu (∼100 nCi/g) by a single slag treatment. Doubling the slag weight did not improve decontamination significantly; however, double slag treatment using 5 wt.% slag did decontaminate the metals to below 0.1 ppm (μg/g) Pu (10 nCi/g).
Depletion of protein kinase Cepsilon in normal and scleroderma lung fibroblasts has opposite effects on tenascin expression.

Objective To determine whether the extracellular matrix protein tenascin-C (TN-C) is overexpressed in lung fibroblasts from systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, the molecular mechanisms regulating TN-C secretion in SSc and normal lung fibroblasts, and how these processes might contribute to lung fibrosis in SSc patients. Methods TN-C secretion by SSc and normal fibroblasts was compared in vivo (in bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] fluid) and in vitro (in culture medium). The ability of thrombin to induce TN-C was confirmed at both the protein and the messenger RNA (mRNA) level. The role of protein kinase Ce (PKCe) in the expression of TN-C was evaluated by determining the effects of thrombin on PKCe levels and by directly manipulating PKCe levels via the use of antisense oligonucleotides. Results BAL fluid from SSc patients contained high levels of TN-C, whereas that from normal subjects contained little or no TN-C. In vitro, SSc lung fibroblasts expressed much higher amounts of TN-C than did normal lung fibroblasts. Consistent with the idea that thrombin is a physiologic inducer of TN-C, thrombin stimulated TN-C mRNA and protein expression in both SSc and normal lung fibroblasts by a mechanism that required proteolytic cleavage of the thrombin receptor. Surprisingly, thrombin treatment and antisense oligonucleotide–mediated depletion of PKCe indicated that TN-C expression is regulated via opposite signaling mechanisms in SSc and normal cells. In SSc lung fibroblasts, thrombin decreased PKCe levels, and the decreased PKCe induced TN-C secretion; in normal fibroblasts, thrombin increased PKCe levels, and the increased PKCe induced TN-C secretion. Normal and SSc lung fibroblasts also differed in the subcellular localization of PKCe, both before and after thrombin treatment. Conclusion These studies are the first to demonstrate that thrombin is a potent simulator of TN-C in lung fibroblasts and that PKCe is a critical regulator of TN-C protein levels in these cells. Furthermore, our results indicate that both the regulation of PKCe levels by thrombin and the regulation of TN-C levels by PKCe are defective in SSc lung fibroblasts.
ORFEUS-SPAS II Observations of the Ultraviolet-bright Star Barnard 29 in M13

The UV-bright star Barnard 29 in the globular cluster M13 was observed with the Berkeley spectrometer on the ORFEUS-SPAS II mission in 1996 November-December. The resulting spectrum extends from the interstellar cutoff at 912 A to ~1200 A at a resolution of ~0.33 A. It shows numerous absorption features, both photospheric and interstellar, but no significant emission other than diffuse emission of local origin. The Kurucz synthetic stellar spectrum that best fits the data has Teff=21,000 K, logg=3.0, and [M/H] = -2.0. This effective temperature and surface gravity are consistent with previous results, but the derived metallicity is lower than that of other M13 giants, for which [Fe/H] = -1.60. Using high-resolution synthetic spectra, we determine the photospheric abundances of C, S, and Fe, which are unobservable in the optical. We find log(C)=6.15 ± 0.10, log(S)=5.34 ± 0.50, and log(Fe)=5.30+ 0.22−0.26. Again, the Fe abundance is lower than expected. This anomaly may reflect selective condensation of metals onto dust grains at the end of the AGB phase, as has been suggested for some cooler post-AGB stars with peculiar Fe abundances.
The effects of percent of association on discrimination shifts

The present experiment investigated the effects of changes in the percent of association between stimuli and responses on intradimensional and extradimensional shift problems. The results indicated that the percent of association differentially affects the frequency of responses and that the weighted frequencies of the responses are related to the choices made with stimulus compounds that simulate intradimensional and extradimensional shift problems.
Treatment with electromagnetic fields improves dual-task performance (talking while walking) in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with an increased risk of falling resulting from visual disturbances, difficulties with gait and balance, apraxia of gait and peripheral neuropathy. These factors often interact synergistically to compromise the patient's gait stability. It has long been recognized that walking involves a cognitive component and that simultaneous cognitive and motor operations (dual-task) such as talking while walking may interfere with normal ambulation. Talking while walking reflects an example of a dual-task which is frequently impaired in MS patients. Impaired dual-task performance during walking may compromise the patient's gait and explain why in some circumstances, MS patients unexpectedly lose their balance and fall. Frontal lobe dysfunction, which commonly occurs in MS patients, may disrupt dual-task performance and increase the risk of falling in these patients. This report concerns a 36 old man with remitting-progressive MS with an EDSS score of 5.5 who experienced marked increase in spasticity in the legs and trunk and worsening of his gait and balance, occasionally resulting in falling, when talking while walking. His gait and balance improved dramatically after he received two successive transcranial treatments, each of 45 minutes, with AC pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of 7.5 picotesla flux density. Simultaneously, there was improvement in dual-task performance to the extent that talking while walking did not adversely affect his ambulation. In addition, neuropsychological testing revealed an almost 5-fold increase in word output on the Thurstone's Word-Fluency Test, which is sensitive to frontal lobe dysfunction. It is suggested that facilitation of dual-task performance during ambulation contributes to the overall improvement of gait and balance observed in MS patients receiving transcranial treatment with AC pulsed EMFs.
Selective olfactory system lesions in rats and changes in appetitive and aversive behavior.

Abstract Male rats with bilateral lesions in different parts of the olfactory system differed on a variety of behavioral measures. All lesioned animals were hyperreactive when handled and learned shuttle box avoidance faster than sham operates. However, activity in an open field, Y-maze, and startle chamber separated the groups. Animals with lesions confined to the olfactory bulb tip (LB) were least active whereas those sustaining peduncle destruction (DB) were most active. Bar pressing for continuous reinforcement also differentiated the groups. The LBs became inactive initially while DBs learned fastest but were more resistant to extinction. Only DBs failed to learn a passive avoidance task whereas, in one replication, only SHAMs failed to extinguish this task once learned. Differential lesions thus produced an activity or reactivity gradient that was low in LBs, moderate in MBs (bulb removed), and highest in DBs. The arousing properties of the measures used also interacted with lesions to produce a family of responses. The results are discussed in terms of possible olfactory-limbic interactions and evidence for a role of the olfactory system in modulations of arousal or affect is considered.
The effect of ripeness on storage quality of ‘Carlos’ muscadine grapes

Abstract Five replications of bronze muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia Michx.) cultivar ‘Carlos’, light-sorted on a Berrymatic into 4 classes of ripeness, were stored at 0°C for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 weeks. After removal from storage, decay of the grapes was measured after 0-, 1-, 2-, 3- or 6-day holding-periods at 20°C. Each increase in ripeness was related to a greater amount of decay development either during or after storage. Grapes of any ripeness level could be stored at 0°C with 10% or less decay for 1 week; the next-to-least-ripe class of grapes could be stored for 3 weeks; and the least-ripe (sol. sol acid ratio of 14.2) could be stored for 5 weeks. However, if 2 days at room temperature (20°C) after 0°C storage were added to simulate fresh-marketing exposure, only the least-ripe ones could be stored acceptably for 1 week at 0°C (without storage supplements).
Religious Differences: Psychological and Sociopolitical Aspects of Counseling

The author, reflecting on her Hindu socialization in India and her work in graduate training in diversity issues in the United States (U.S.), discusses reasons why therapists should develop an understanding of Islam. U.S. therapists' potential biases against Muslims may parallel the sociopolitical relations between the U.S. and the Middle East, as well as their religious and cultural differences; critical factors in these biases are discussed. Relevant recommendations are accompanied by training vignettes to provide suggestions for working with Muslim immigrants in the U.S. The author also discusses political events related to Muslim populations, such as the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the U.S.; the U.S. War Against Terrorism; and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This discussion is placed within the framework of intractable conflict. Suggestions are given for therapists' resolutions to disaster events, these being framed within existential psychotherapy and an analysis of societal contexts. This information is useful to therapists in any nation that is struggling with increasingly diverse populations and the effects of international relations.
SVM Viability Controller Active Learning: Application to Bike Control

It was shown recently that SVMs are particularly adequate to define action policies to keep a dynamical system inside a given constraint set (in the framework of viability theory). However, the training set of the SVMs face the dimensionality curse, because it is based on a regular grid of the state space. In this paper, we propose an active learning approach, aiming at decreasing dramatically the training set size, keeping it as close as possible to the final number of support vectors. We use a virtual multi-resolution grid, and some particularities of the problem, to choose very efficient examples to add to the training set. To illustrate the performances of the algorithm, we solve a six-dimensional problem, controlling a bike on a track, problem usually solved using reinforcement learning techniques.
Treating Older Adults as Ends Rather Than Means Only

The treatment of older adults by nurses requires professional knowledge, skills, and attitudes which are carefully thought out and put into practice in organizations and societies that do not always respect the perspectives and priorities of older adults. McCormack's person-centered nursing with older adults approach seeks to help nurses deal with this bind. His approach, as critiqued by Landers and McCarthy, is discussed here.
A Common Data Management Infrastructure for Adaptive Algorithms for PDE Solutions

This paper presents the design, development and application of a computational infrastructure to support the implementation of parallel adaptive algorithms for the solution of sets of partial differential equations. The infrastructure is separated into multiple layers of abstraction. This paper is primarily concerned with the two lowest layersof this infrastructure: a layer which defines and implements dynamic distributed arrays (DDA), and a layer in which several dynamic data and programming abstractions are implemented in terms of the DDAs. The currently implemented abstractions are those needed for formulation of hierarchical adaptive finite difference methods, hp-adaptive finite element methods, and fast multipole method for solution of linear systems. Implementation of sample applications based on each of these methods are described and implementation issues and performance measurements are presented.
Miniature High-Temperature Rotating Heat Pipes and Their Applications in Gas Turbine Cooling

This paper describes an emerging cooling technique of the miniature high-temperature rotating heat pipe (MHTRHP) and its applications in gas turbine engines. The working principle of the MHTRHP and its disposition in the turbine blade and disk are first elaborated, followed by experimental and numerical studies of the subject. The study in the past 10 years indicated that the MHTRHP worked very well under the working temperature environment of a gas turbine blade and disk. Additionally, the MHTRHP is proven to be cost-effective, reliable, and long lasting, which may provide a foundation for the transition from the concept stage to the product development stage of the system.
Generalized noise analysis of active mixers by simple linear periodic time-varying circuit model

A simple linear periodic time-varying circuit model is proposed to rigorously analyzed the noise behavior in active mixers. Explicit formulas for thermal noise folding factor and flicker noise leakage are derived. Based upon our analysis, mixers operating at the off overlap mode are shown to provide better noise performance. The analysis is validated against simulations and measurements
A planar parasitic array antenna for tunable radiation pattern

A planar cross-type parasitic patch array antenna has been successfully demonstrated to give tunable radiation patterns. Even with readily available commercial varactors, approximately 30 degrees of tunability is achieved. The simulated result is well matched to the measured result. If different varactors were used with an increased capacitance range then the antenna pattern could be tuned more, however more side lobes would also be introduced.
Prenylated hydroquinones: contact allergens from trichomes of Phacelia minor and P. parryi

Abstract Geranylgeranylhydroquinone and 1-oxofarnesylhydroquinone were identified as contact allergens in trichomes of Phacelia minor and P. parryi .
High voltage normally-off GaN MOSC-HEMTs on silicon substrates for power switching applications

We report our experimental results on high voltage normally-off GaN MOS channel HEMTs (MOSC-HEMT) on silicon substrates with best specific on-resistance (R on,sp ) of 4 mΩ-cm2 and breakdown voltage (BV) of 840V. The switching performance of the device was evaluated by SPICE simulations of a buck-boost converter and showed a system efficiency of 10% higher than that using a commercial GaN HEMT. A bidirectional switch consisted two GaN MOSC-HEMTs were also demonstrated.
IP3 receptor-mediated Ca2+ release in naive CD4 T cells dictates their cytokine program.

IP3 (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate) receptors (IP3Rs) regulate the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores in response to IP3. Little is known about regulation of the expression of IP3Rs and their role during the activation of CD4 T cells. In this study we show that mouse naive CD4 T cells express IP3R1, IP3R2, and IP3R3, but that gene expression of IP3R3 primarily is down-regulated upon activation due to loss of the Ets-1 transcription factor. Down-regulation of IP3R expression in activated CD4 T cells is associated with the failure of TCR ligation to trigger Ca2+ release in these cells. We also show that down-regulation of specific IP3Rs in activated CD4 T cells correlates with the requirement of IP3R-mediated Ca2+ release only for the induction of, but not for the maintenance of, IL-2 and IFN-γ expression. Interestingly, while inhibition of IP3R function early during activation blocks IL-2 and IFN-γ production, it promotes the production of IL-17 by CD4 T cells. Thus, IP3Rs play a key role in the activation and differentiation of CD4 T cells. The immunosuppressive effect of pharmacological blockers of these receptors may be complicated by promoting the development of inflammatory CD4 T cells.
ON THE ROLE OF THE SPINAL AFFERENT NEURON AS A GENERATOR OF EXTRACELLULAR CURRENT

The prediction that a system of currents flows between the dorsal column and the dorsal root due to differences in their after-potentials was found to be consistent with the experimental findings. The form, magnitude, duration, and sign of the electrotonic component DRα fulfill the requirements of the postulated system. A contribution of tract after-potentials to the evoked potential of intramedullary structures is indicated. It is a conclusion of this and previous studies that profound changes occur in certain membrane properties of myelinated primary afferent axons as they penetrate the central nervous system. The working concept of abrupt intraaxonal junctional regions is therefore justifiable.
Comorbidity and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

The mortality rate among dialysis patients is high. Although guidelines have been in place to improve outcomes in dialysis patients, new emphasis is being placed on better management of patients who are pre-end-stage renal disease (pre-ESRD)-patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Spearheaded by the National Kidney Foundation, the National Institute of Health, and the nephrology community at large, an effort is underway to improve the care of patients with kidney disease. We hope that improvement in health and outcomes of patients with kidney disease will be optimized through attention to care before the development of advanced renal disease. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an important comorbidity of chronic kidney disease, and reducing cardiovascular events in this population is an important goal for the people who care for chronic kidney disease patients. In this article, we review the available literature regarding certain risk factors for cardiovascular disease: proteinuria, hyperglycemia, hypertension, homocysteine, hyperlipidemia, and inflammation. When possible, recommendations for treatment are provided based on the information reviewed.
Genetic dissection of hybrid incompatibilities between Drosophila simulans and D. mauritiana. III. Heterogeneous accumulation of hybrid incompatibilities, degree of dominance, and implications for Haldane's rule.

Abstract The genetic basis of Haldane's rule was investigated through estimating the accumulation of hybrid incompatibilities between Drosophila simulans and D. mauritiana by means of introgression. The accumulation of hybrid male sterility (HMS) is at least 10 times greater than that of hybrid female sterility (HFS) or hybrid lethality (HL). The degree of dominance for HMS and HL in a pure D. simulans background is estimated as 0.23–0.29 and 0.33–0.39, respectively; that for HL in an F1 background is unlikely to be very small. Evidence obtained here was used to test the Turelli-Orr model of Haldane's rule. Composite causes, especially, faster-male evolution and recessive hybrid incompatibilities, underlie Haldane's rule in heterogametic male taxa such as Drosophila (XY male and XX female). However, if faster-male evolution is driven by sexual selection, it contradicts Haldane's rule for sterility in heterogametic-female taxa such as Lepidoptera (ZW female and ZZ male). The hypothesis of a faster-heteroga...
Regulation of Helicoverpa zea larval behavior by the parasitoid Eucelatoria bryani.

The parasitoid Eucelatoria bryani Sabrosky regulates the larval behavior of its host Helicoverpa zea (Boddie). Parasitized third, fourth and fifth instars burrow into the soil 0.7–3.4 days earlier than unparasitized larvae that normally enter the soil to pupate at the end of the fifth and final larval instar. Parasitized third instars molt once then burrow as fourth instars, one instar earlier than normal. When E. bryani pupariated on the soil surface in the field, none survived to the adult stage. However, E. bryani adults emerged from 49.2% of hosts that had burrowed into the soil. By accelerating the timing of H. zea burrowing behavior and causing host larvae to enter the soil before death, E. bryani ensures its pupariation in an environment with improved protection against natural enemies and lethal temperatures.
AIRS: Anytime Iterative Refinement of a Solution

Many exponentially-hard problems can be solved by searching through a space of states to determine a sequence of steps constituting a solution. Algorithms that produce optimal solutions (e.g., shortest path) generally require greater computational resources (e.g., time) than their sub-optimal counterparts. Consequently, many optimal algorithms cannot produce any usable solution when the amount of time available is limited or hard to predict in advance. Anytime algorithms address this problem by initially finding a suboptimal solution very quickly and then generating incrementally better solutions with additional time, effectively providing the best solution generated so far anytime it is required. In this research, we generate initial solutions cheaply using a fast search algorithm. We then improve this low-quality solution by identifying subsequences of steps that appear, based on heuristic estimates, to be considerably longer than necessary. Finally, we perform a more expensive search between the endpoints of each subsequence to find a shorter connecting path. We will show that this improves the overall solution incrementally over time while always having a valid solution to return whenever time runs out. We present results that demonstrate in several problem domains that AIRS (Anytime Iterative Refinement of a Solution) rivals other widely used and recognized anytime algorithms and also produces results comparable to other popular (but not anytime) heuristic algorithms such as Bidirectional A* search.
Structural model discovery in temporal event data streams

This dissertation presents a unique approach to human behavior analysis based on expert guidance and intervention through interactive construction and modification of behavior models. Our focus is to introduce the research area of behavior analysis, the challenges faced by this field, current approaches available, and present a new analysis approach: Interactive Relevance Search and Modeling (IRSM). More intelligent ways of conducting data analysis have been explored in recent years. Machine learning and data mining systems that utilize pattern classification and discovery in non-textual data promise to bring new generations of powerful “crawlers” for knowledge discovery, e.g., face detection and crowd surveillance. Many aspects of data can be captured by such systems, e.g., temporal information, extractable visual information—color, contrast, shape, etc. However, these captured aspects may not uncover all salient information in the data or provide adequate models/patterns of phenomena of interest. This is a challenging problem for social scientists who are trying to identify high-level, conceptual patterns of human behavior from observational data (e.g., media streams). The presented research addresses how social scientists may derive patterns of human behavior captured in media streams. Currently, media streams are being segmented into sequences of events describing the actions captured in the streams, such as the interactions among humans. This segmentation creates a challenging data space to search characterized by nonnumerical, temporal, descriptive data, e.g., Person A walks up to Person B at time T. This dissertation will present an approach that allows one to interactively search, identify, and discover temporal behavior patterns within such a data space. Therefore, this research addresses supporting exploration and discovery in behavior analysis through a formalized method of assisted exploration. The model evolution presented supports the refining of the observer’s behavior models into representations of their understanding. The benefit of the new approach is shown through experimentation on its identification accuracy and working with fellow researchers to verify the approach’s legitimacy in analysis of their data.
Effect of Recycling Agents on the Laboratory Performance of Asphalt Mixtures Containing Recycled Asphalt Shingles

The use of recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) as a partial replacement for aggregates and petroleum-based virgin asphalt cement binder has gained interest; however, many state departments of transportation are still cautious about adopting high RAS content in their designs because of construction concerns and durability issues. The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive laboratory evaluation of asphalt mixtures containing RAS with and without recycling agents. The study used postconsumer waste shingles. Five 12.5-mm asphalt mixtures were designed to meet Superpave® design criteria, with three of the five mixtures containing no recycling agents and two mixtures containing recycling agents (a naphthenic and a vegetable oil). Laboratory testing evaluated rutting performance, moisture susceptibility, fracture resistance, and the critical cracking temperature of laboratory produced mixtures. The testing used the Hamburg loaded-wheel tester, the semicircular bending test, and the thermal stress res...
Chromosome Numbers of the Blattaria

The numbers of chromosomes of 106 species (62 genera) of Blattaria are given; the numbers for 84 species are reported for the first time. The numbers vary greatly in the suborder and range from n ♀ = 8 to n ♀ = 40. Differences in number occur also between species of a given genus. The most frequently occurring haploid number is 19. There is a trend toward higher chromosome numbers in the more recent and highly evolved Blaberidae (ovoviviparous and viviparous species). Submetacentric chromosomes are most commonly encountered, followed in frequency by metacentrics and acrocentrics.
Differential Mobility Spectrometry Applications in Homeland Security, Clinical Diagnostics and Drug Discovery

There is an urgent need for miniaturized sensors that can rapidly, accurately, and specifically detect extremely low concentrations of chemical and biological materials. Such technologies impact many areas including public health, drug development and national defense. Along with other research groups in industry and academia, we are developing new microfabricated sensors based on differential mobility spectrometry - also known as high field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry. These sensors are suitable for rapid diagnosis of various pulmonary diseases and respiratory pathogens, and they may also be used for explosives and narcotics detection when configured and tuned to detect different chemical signatures. Similarly, we are also applying variations on this technology for the early detection of biological weapons agents. Given the extensive work being performed by many different research groups in many different specialties, there is now a need for a coherent and exhaustive look at the similarities and differences of detection in medical, pharmaceutical, defense and security applications and how these may influence system level designs.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Disseminated Fusarium infection with brain abscesses in a lung transplant recipient.

Objective To detail a case of disseminated Fusarium infection in an immunocompromised adult. Fusarium sp. infections are an important cause of fungal keratitis in immunocompetent patients and a recent outbreak related to use of a specific type of contact lens solution made national and international newspaper headlines. While reports of disseminated infection in immunosuppressed patients have appeared over the last 30 years, few have emphasized the neuropathological aspects of this emerging pathogen. Patient and methods Woman with pulmonary sarcoidosis necessitating bilateral lung transplants 4 months prior to her demise who was soon readmitted with viral pneumonia. She developed targetoid skin lesions of her face and thigh; she succumbed before biopsy could be performed. Results Autopsy revealed systemic organ infection involving lungs, gastrointestinal tract mucosa, bilateral kidneys, and skin. Foci of acute cerebritis showed vessels occluded by hyphal, septate fungi. Fungal culture remains the gold standard for diagnosis, and culture grew Fusarium. Conclusion Fusarium is resistant to standard antifungal therapies; the increasing use of antifungal medications - as either treatment or prophylaxis - may shift more infections toward unusual species such as Fusarium.
Business and Consumer Finance

This chapter discusses business and consumer finance. A business should be aware of any large cash payments that they must make at a future date. Such a payment can be for the replacement of expensive equipment, for the expansion of their plant, and for the retirement of bonds. To have the necessary cash available, a company can make periodic payments into a fund that earns interest. This type of fund is called a sinking fund. A sinking fund is an ordinary annuity. With a promissory note, a single sum of money is borrowed and a note is signed promising to repay the loan plus interest at some future date. In a revolving charge plan, a consumer can charge his or her monthly purchases using a bank credit card or a retail credit card. At the end of the month, the charges are totaled and added to any previous unpaid balance. Credit-card accounts are usually used to handle purchases under $1,000. The purchase of an expensive item, such as an automobile or a home computer system, is generally not made with a credit card because the amount to be borrowed usually exceeds the credit limit on the card.
Monitoring Sleep and Detecting Irregular Nights through Unconstrained Smartphone Sensing

Sleep is essential for a person's health and well-being. Recent advances of wearable devices and smartphone sensing have led to the proliferation of at-home sleep monitoring solutions for the consumer market. In this paper, we study how to monitor basic sleep behavior and how to detect irregular sleep nights, through unconstrained smartphone sensing, which can serve as an important indicator for both mental and physical health if the sleep problems persist. We first propose a supervised learning approach to predict bedtime and sleep duration with a light-weight context sensing schedule to minimize battery consumption. The proposed solution is validated through an extensive user study, and the prediction accuracy of bedtime and sleep duration significantly outperformed the state-of-art solution. In addition, we propose an unsupervised approach to detect irregular sleep nights by profiling and detecting contextual variations. The experiment results show that the proposed solution is effective in detecting irregular sleep nights. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that uses unconstrained smartphone sensing to detect sleep pattern changes with the benefits of reduced training efforts and improved robustness against behavior diversity.
RF Admittance Measurements of a Slotted‐Sphere Antenna Immersed in a Plasma

The admittance of a slotted-sphere antenna immersed in a tenuous plasma was measured at frequencies between 35 and 110 MHz in the region of resonance of the probe-plasma system. A set of antennas with radii R between 0.8 and 3.2 cm was used. The electron density and temperature were varied thus allowing studies to be made over a range of the parameter R/LD from 6 to 30, where LD is the Debye length. The approximate theoretical model of Harp (1964) for the position of the resonance was compared with measurements and was found to be adequate for values of (R/LD) ≳ 15. The width of the resonance line Δ was essentially independent of gas pressure for pressures below 10−3 Torr but was found to be a strong function of R and LD. The empirical relation (Δ/ωp) ≃ 7.8 (LD/R)1.5 where ω/ωp is the plasma frequency, fits the observations. Some form of collisionless damping causes the observed line broadening.
Clinical Data Visualization: The Current State and Future Needs

The growing volume of clinical data in modern medical practice creates difficulties for clinicians when attempting to come to a full understanding of each patient's overall health status. Many different approaches to computer-based visualizations have been taken in an attempt to alleviate this burden; however, no single approach has been widely adopted. As a step towards optimization and standardization of data visualization in healthcare, this paper presents a diverse set of approaches to visualization for multiple organ systems. To do so we summarize best practices in design and evaluation while proposing usability testing methodology. We then review and illustrate the goals of various clinical data visualization techniques.
Localization of phosphorylated connexin 43 using serial section immunogold electron microscopy.

ABSTRACT Gap junction turnover occurs through the internalization of both of the plasma membranes of a gap junction plaque, forming a double membrane-enclosed vesicle, or connexosome. Phosphorylation has a key role in regulation, but further progress requires the ability to clearly distinguish gap junctions and connexosomes, and to precisely identify proteins associated with them. We examined, by using electron microscopy, serial sections of mouse preovulatory ovarian follicles that had been collected with an automated tape collecting ultramicrotome (ATUM). We found that connexosomes can form from adjacent cell bodies, from thin cell processes or from the same cell. By immunolabeling serial sections, we found that residue S368 of connexin 43 (also known as GJA1) is phosphorylated on gap junctions and connexosomes, whereas connexin 43 residue S262 is phosphorylated only on some connexosomes. These data suggest that phosphorylation at S262 contributes to connexosome formation or processing, and they provide more precise evidence that phosphorylation has a key role in gap junction internalization. Serial section electron microscopy of immunogold-labeled tissues offers a new way to investigate the three-dimensional organization of cells in their native environment.