cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Shia Ismaili Muslim Girls Negotiate Islam in the Classroom

ABSTRACTThis case study investigates the experiences of Shia Ismaili Muslim girls as they encounter themselves as subjects of social studies curriculums on Islam. A postcolonial lens is used to examine differently empowered subjectivities and curricular epistimes within the high school world history context. In an effort to understand their experiences, this study focuses on how the students position themselves in relation to the curriculum, and ultimately asks, to what extent do students from minority communities of interpretation appropriate or resist the authoritative narrative of Islam offered in their classrooms, particularly around the question, “Who is a Muslim?” The central finding revealed a paradox of representation and participation for these students, who found their practice and interpretation of Islam silenced in the classroom curriculum, and yet felt obliged to defend Islam and educate others against stereotypes of Muslims. The implications of this study compel educators to explore decoloni...
On the theory of the viscoelastic behavior of soft polymers in moderately large deformations

Restricting consideration to deformations in which time shift invariance is preserved, a series of models was developed for the prediction of the viscoelastic behavior of isotropic soft polymers. The models describe the time dependent stress through the Boltzmann superposition integral incorporating into it an appropriately chosen nonlinear measure of strain. The theory was developed in its most general threedimensional form. It requires a single time function, the relaxation modulus of linear viscoelastic theory. In its simplest form the strain measure contains a single material parameter.
Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Quorum Sensing Signals

Microbes communicate with each other using chemical signals in order to cooperate or compete with neighboring microbes. Acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) are one type of signal used by many species of microbes to regulate gene expression. AHLs activates the process of quorum sensing which is involved in biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, and virulence. An individual microbe that activates quorum sensing upregulates the production of AHLs, and this signal can diffuse to nearby cells to either activate or sometimes inhibit quorum sensing.In this way, quorum sensing activation spreads through networks of microbes that are distributed in space. Our study is focused on understanding how the activation of quorum sensing depends on the species composition and spatial distribution of microbes in multispecies microbial networks.We developed an assay to quantify the ability of microbial networks to use signals to coordinate gene expression over long distances. In the assay a receiver strain, which responds to but does not produce the signal, is distributed homogenously on an agar plate. Activation of quorum sensing in this receiver strain is monitor by fluorescence. Upon addition of a signal producing strain to the center of the plate, we monitor quorum sensing activation in the lawn of receiver strains. The activation time of quorum sensing is measured as a function of position on the plate. This assay is used to quantify potential signal inference from a secondary strain added to the system to examine crosstalk between different species of microbes. A mathematical model is used to compare experimental observations to reaction diffusion models and to extend these results to more complex geometric arrangements of cells.
Investigation of Vascular Changes Following Penile Vein Ligation

AbstractIn an effort to characterize the changes in penile vasculature that occur following penile vein ligation, we performed pharmaco-cavernosometry and pharmaco-cavernosography on 20 patients after penile vein ligation for comparison with preoperative studies. Three patients with return of erectile function underwent repeat study: 2 were completely normal and 1 had a mild leak from the deep dorsal vein. The remaining 17 patients had continued complaints of erectile impairment. Of these studies 4 showed no evidence of venous leakage, 11 identified a new site of leakage (7 corporo-spongiosal shunts, 2 crural veins and 2 with multiple sites of involvement) and 1 revealed persistent leak through the proximal stump of the resected deep dorsal vein, while 1 patient had an iodine allergy and underwent pharmaco-cavernosometry only. A repeat study in the latter patient showed flow volumes consistent with continued venous leakage.In summary, penile vein ligation appears to be effective at correcting venous leaka...
Oxygen transport in the critically ill patient

Molecular oxygen is necessary for all biological systems to function in a proper manner. Aberrations in the supply and utilization of oxygen produce profound changes in the cell metabolism and threaten its survival. Abnormalities of oxygen supply and utilization cut across a broad spectrum of disease entities and pathological states, and very often are the predominant causes of death. Yet, early recognition and prompt treatment of the hypoxic state are not given the importance in clinical medicine as they should. It has been shown that prompt recognition and treatment of the hypoxic state improve the survival of the critically ill patient. The onset of hypoxia in many diseases is very insidious, and the clinical recognition is difficult. There is a universal tendency for physicians to ignore its early warning signs and its many manifestations until it is too late.
Sodium Benzoate, a Food Additive and a Metabolite of Cinnamon, Enriches Regulatory T Cells via STAT6-Mediated Upregulation of TGF-β

Upregulation and/or maintenance of regulatory T cells (Tregs) during autoimmune insults may have therapeutic efficacy in autoimmune diseases. Earlier we have reported that sodium benzoate (NaB), a metabolite of cinnamon and a Food and Drug Administration–approved drug against urea cycle disorders, upregulates Tregs and protects mice from experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, an animal model of multiple sclerosis. However, mechanisms by which NaB increases Tregs are poorly understood. Because TGF-β is an important inducer of Tregs, we examined the effect of NaB on the status of TGF-β. In this study, we demonstrated that NaB induced the expression of TGF-β mRNA and protein in normal as well as proteolipid protein–primed splenocytes. The presence of a consensus STAT6 binding site in the promoter of the TGF-β gene, activation of STAT6 in splenocytes by NaB, recruitment of STAT6 to the TGF-β promoter by NaB, and abrogation of NaB-induced expression of TGF-β in splenocytes by small interfering RNA knockdown of STAT6 suggest that NaB induces the expression of TGF-β via activation of STAT6. Furthermore, we demonstrated that blocking of TGF-β by neutralizing Abs abrogated NaB-mediated protection of Tregs and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. These studies identify a new function of NaB in upregulating TGF-β via activation of STAT6, which may be beneficial in MS patients.
Investigation of coupled systems consisting of fluid movers and heat-exchange devices

ABSTRACTA heat exchanger and the fluid mover that delivers a working fluid to the exchanger inlet may experience profound interactions, which argues against treating them as separate entities. On the other hand, the design practice commonly assumes that the fluid delivered to the heat exchanger inlet is specifiable without consideration of any possible influence of the exchanger. The magnitude of the flow rate arriving at the exchanger inlet is generally based on the pressure rise—flow rate (P-Q) curve supplied by the manufacturer of the fan and coupled with the assumption that that flow is uniformly distributed across the exchanger inlet. It was found that the complexity of the fluid flow delivered by the rotating fan gives rise to a large fluid resistance within the pin-fin array, such that the delivered air flow rate was only about 37% of that for the P-Q case. On the other hand, the corresponding reduction in the rate of heat transfer was, at most, 27%.
Four Essential Tips for Professional Development Success

As professionals in the world of eLearning, we are often called upon to develop and deliver effective professional development opportunities for staff and faculty who will engage students in online learning. Discover the four essential elements that can transform a mediocre course offering into an effective learning opportunity. These elements will help faculty stay engaged throughout the professional development course, and walk away with tools and tips that they can use in their future courses.
Scale-up and design aspects of column flotation

ABSTRACT Recent interest in the commercial application of column flotation has led to a need for scale-up and design procedures which can be applied to this technology. A review of the literature indicates that operating parameters and column geometries can vary greatly from one installation to another. In this investigation, a salt tracer technique has been used to study the mixing characteristics of several bench-scale flotation columns. This information has been combined with data from the literature to develop a scale-up procedure for determining the column dimensions required to achieve a given throughput. The results of this investigation indicate that mixing within the column does not vary greatly over the wide range of column geometries commonly encountered in commercial operations.
Compressed sensing based image restoration algorithm with prior information: software and hardware implementations for image-guided therapy

Based on the compressed sensing theorem, we present the integrated software and hardware platform for developing a total-variation based image restoration algorithm by applying prior image information and free-form deformation fields for image guided therapy. The core algorithm we developed solves the image restoration problem for handling missing structures in one image set with prior information, and it enhances the quality of the image and the anatomical information of the volume of the on-board computed tomographic (CT) with limited-angle projections. Through the use of the algorithm, prior anatomical CT scans were used to provide additional information to help reduce radiation doses associated with the improved quality of the image volume produced by on-board Cone-Beam CT, thus reducing the total radiation doses that patients receive and removing distortion artifacts in 3D Digital Tomosynthesis (DTS) and 4D-DTS. The proposed restoration algorithm enables the enhanced resolution of temporal image and provides more anatomical information than conventional reconstructed images. The performance of the algorithm was determined and evaluated by two built-in parameters in the algorithm, i.e., B-spline resolution and the regularization factor. These parameters can be adjusted to meet different requirements in different imaging applications. Adjustments also can determine the flexibility and accuracy during the restoration of images. Preliminary results have been generated to evaluate the image similarity and deformation effect for phantoms and real patient's case using shifting deformation window. We incorporated a graphics processing unit (GPU) and visualization interface into the calculation platform, as the acceleration tools for medical image processing and analysis. By combining the imaging algorithm with a GPU implementation, we can make the restoration calculation within a reasonable time to enable real-time on-board visualization, and the platform potentially can be applied to solve complicated, clinical-imaging algorithms.
Amitraz and its metabolite modulate honey bee cardiac function and tolerance to viral infection

The health and survival of managed honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies are affected by multiple factors, one of the most important being the interaction between viral pathogens and infestations of the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor. Currently, the only effective strategy available for mitigating the impact of viral infections is the chemical control of mite populations. Unfortunately, the use of in-hive acaricides comes at a price, as they can produce sublethal effects that are difficult to quantify, but may ultimately be as damaging as the mites they are used to treat. The goal of this study was to investigate the physiological and immunological effects of the formamidine acaricide amitraz and its primary metabolite in honey bees. Using flock house virus as a model for viral infection, this study found that exposure to a formamidine acaricide may have a negative impact on the ability of honey bees to tolerate viral infection. Furthermore, this work has demonstrated that amitraz and its metabolite significantly alter honey bee cardiac function, most likely through interaction with octopamine receptors. The results suggest a potential drawback to the in-hive use of amitraz and raise intriguing questions about the relationship between insect cardiac function and disease tolerance.
Analytic theory of a wind-driven sea

Abstract A self-sustained analytic theory of a wind-driven sea is presented. It is shown that the wave field can be separated into two ensembles: the Hasselmann sea that consists of long waves with frequency ω
The current state of long-acting growth hormone preparations for growth hormone therapy.

Purpose of reviewTo discuss the rationale of developing long-acting growth hormone (LAGH) preparations, to describe the technologies designed to prolong GH action, and to address key issues regarding efficacy, safety, and monitoring while on treatment.Review findingsRecombinant human GH is currently
Opioid Use Disorders in Adolescents-Updates in Assessment and Management.

To review information specific to adolescents regarding trends in opioid use, risk factors for opioid misuse, medical co-morbidity, and treatment updates. Although opioid misuse in adolescents is uncommon, it is associated with morbidity and mortality such as hepatitis C and overdose. Adolescents commonly start with prescription opioid misuse before transitioning to heroin use. The existing literature supports the use of buprenorphine/naloxone for the treatment of adolescent opioid use disorders. Safe medication storage and disposal is important to decrease adolescent prescription opioid misuse. Opioid misuse occurs in adolescents, and pediatric providers need to remain up to date.
Effect of Detachments in Asymmetric Simple Exclusion Processes

Asymmetric simple exclusion processes are important for understanding low-dimensional multi-particle dynamic phenomena. The effect of irreversible detachments of particles on dynamics of asymmetric simple exclusion processes is studied using analytical and computer simulation techniques. In the simplest model, where particles can only detach from a single site in the bulk of the system, a theory is presented and used to calculate explicitly phase diagrams and particle density profiles. The complexity of the phase behavior is discussed in terms of a recent domain-wall theory for driven lattice systems. The theoretical results qualitatively and quantitatively agree with computer Monte Carlo simulations.
What, How, Where?

This chapter tells what the World Wide Web (WWW) is, how to begin using the information on the WWW, and where to start. The WWW is a method of presenting and receiving information over the Internet, the global conglomeration of computer networks that is undergoing explosive growth. The simple and appealing presentation of information on the WWW has made this the most popular segment of the Internet. Its most potent feature is the relative simplicity of becoming an information publisher with potentially millions of readers; it’s never been easier. Unlike television, where hundreds of channels are available, the WWW has many thousands of information sources. Unlike television, where the consumer is passive, on the WWW the consumer must (still) be active. Perhaps best of all, no one owns the WWW. It and the Internet are still self-administered and self-regulated.
An hPSC-Derived Tissue-Resident Macrophage Model Reveals Differential Responses of Macrophages to ZIKV and DENV Infection.

Summary Zika virus (ZIKV) and dengue virus (DENV) are two closely related flaviviruses that lead to different clinical outcomes. The mechanism for the distinct pathogenesis of ZIKV and DENV is poorly understood. Here, we investigate ZIKV and DENV infection of macrophages using a human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived macrophage model and discover key virus-specific responses. ZIKV and DENV productively infect hPSC-derived macrophages. DENV, but not ZIKV, infection of macrophages strongly activates macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) secretion and decreases macrophage migration. Neutralization of MIF leads to improved migratory ability of DENV-infected macrophages. In contrast, ZIKV-infected macrophages exhibit prolonged migration and express low levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Mechanistically, ZIKV disrupts the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)-MIF positive feedback loop by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. Our results demonstrate the utility of hPSC-derived macrophages in infectious disease modeling and suggest that the distinct impact of ZIKV and DENV on macrophage immune response may underlie different pathogenesis of Zika and dengue diseases.
Validating Left Ventricular Filling Pressure Measurements in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure: CardioMEMS™ Pulmonary Arterial Diastolic Pressure versus Left Atrial Pressure Measurement by Transthoracic Echocardiography

Background. Routine ambulatory echocardiographic estimates of left ventricular (LV) filling pressures are not cost-effective and are occasionally fraught with anatomic, physiologic as well as logistical limitations. The use of implantable hemodynamic devices such as CardioMEMS Heart Failure (HF) System has been shown to reduce HF-related readmission rates by remote monitoring of LV filling pressures. Little is known about the correlation between CardioMEMS and echocardiography-derived estimates of central hemodynamics. Methods. We performed a prospective, single-center study enrolling seventeen participants with New York Heart Association functional class II-III HF and preimplanted CardioMEMS sensor. Simultaneous CardioMEMS readings and a limited echocardiogram were performed at individual clinic visits. Estimated left atrial pressure (LAP) by echocardiogram was calculated by the Nagueh formula. Linear regression was used as a measure of agreement. Variability between methods was evaluated by Bland–Altman analysis. Results. Mean age was 74 ± 9 years; 59% (10/17) were males. LV systolic dysfunction was present in 76% (13/17) of subjects. Mean PAdP was 18 ± 4 mmHg and 19 ± 5 mmHg for CardioMEMS and echocardiographic-derived estimates, respectively, with a significant correlation between both methods ( ). Conclusions. Our study illustrates a direct linear correlation between PAdP measured by CardioMEMS and simultaneous measurement of LV filling pressures derived by echocardiography.
[OA190] Novel inorganic scintillation detector system for real-time treatment verification during brachytherapy

Purpose Afterloaded brachytherapy administers a sealed radioisotope that is guided inside pre-inserted catheters in the tumor volume. The goal with the treatment modality is to deliver high doses to the tumor with steep dose gradients to spare adjacent organs and normal tissue. Real-time treatment verification could have an important role during brachytherapy treatments to detect errors that can lead to harmful consequences for the patient. However, real-time treatment verification is presently not performed during brachytherapy, partially because commercial technology does not exhibit adequate signal intensities over the entire range of absorbed dose rates. The limited use of treatment verification is problematic because errors can occur unnoticed. The purpose of this study was to develop scintillation-based point detectors that could have an important role for real-time verification during brachytherapy to detect and prevent treatment errors. Methods A real-time treatment verification system based on miniature inorganic scintillation detectors (ISDs) was developed. The ISDs consisted of a 1 mm-size scintillator that was optically coupled to a 1 mm-diameter and 15 m-long fiber-optic cable. The ISDs were based on the scintillation materials Al2O3:Cr, Y2O3:Eu, YVO4:Eu, ZnSe:O or CsI:Tl. The fiber-optic cable transmitted the scintillation to the photodetector system which consisted of a charge-coupled device camera or a spectrometer spectrograph. We tested the ISDs under brachytherapy treatment irradiation conditions using an Ir-192 source, and compared their performance with organic scintillators BCF-12 and BCF-60 which are the current standard for scintillation detectors in radiotherapy. Results The ISDs exhibited scintillation intensities that were up to 3 orders of magnitude greater than the detectors based on the organic scintillators. The large intensities of the ZnSe:O and CsI:Tl materials made it possible to develop an in vivo dosimetry system based on low-cost photodetector and data acquisition components. The prototype in vivo dosimetry system measured dose rates with Conclusions High-intensity ISD materials make it possible to develop low-cost in vivo dosimetry systems that precisely can monitor brachytherapy treatments. Miniature ISDs can therefore facilitate dissemination of real-time treatment verification technology for brachytherapy.
How Should a Research Ethicist Combat False Beliefs and Therapeutic Misconception Risk in Biomedical Research

Therapeutic misconception can be especially challenging at large research-intensive academic medical centers
‘Between Two Mysteries’: Intermediacy in Twin Peaks: The Return

Britt explores Twin Peaks: The Return as a work that operates according to philosophical propositions about humans and other entities of essence and existence, of being and becoming. This short journey through certain aspects of The Return examines the particular way Lynch merges observable material reality with abstraction and immaterial activity. The term/concept of intermediacy frames the primary dramatic action and theme of The Return. After outlining the apparent circumstances and stakes of the plot, Britt contrasts the dualism and paradoxes of material/immaterial interaction using the narratives of characters Margaret Lanterman (Catherine E. Coulson) and FBI Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan). The chapter concludes with impressions The Return offers about the interactivity between physical and spiritual worlds and the philosophical/theological implications therein.
Exploring the effect of the Looking China Youth Film Project on its participants

Pew Research Center surveys have shown, many of political tensions between China and the U.S. are reflected in American public opinion. Meanwhile, the Chinese public has its own complaints about the U.S.—in particular, most believe the U.S. is trying to contain a rising China. This article presents six key findings about American public opinion toward China, and Chinese public opinion about the U.S. While some surveys show a genereally negative opinion in both countries, it was found that young people possess a more piositive view of both China and the U.S.
Using small low-temperature quantum effects to calculate 300-K mobility in complex degenerate semiconductors: Ga2O3 (Conference Presentation)

With a high bandgap of 4.7 eV, β-Ga2O3 can be made semi-insulating by doping with Fe or Mg and thereby possesses a very high breakdown field necessary for high-powered switches. Somewhat surprisingly, β-Ga2O3 can also be made highly conductive by doping with Si, which leads to great potential for n+ohmic contacts and transparent current spreading layers. In the latter application, the goal is to achieve both high conductivity (high concentration n and mobility μ) and high transparency in the visible and UV regions. Recently we have achieved n = 2 x 1020 cm-3 in β-Ga2O3, using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) with a Ga2O3 target containing 1-wt%-SiO2. Although n is temperature-independent, µ is not, and by fitting µ vs T, we can determine donor ND and acceptor NA concentrations. However, at higher temperatures, µ is strongly affected by longitudinal optical (LO) phonon scattering, which is much more complicated to model in Ga2O3 (9 LO phonons) than in ZnO, GaN, and other binary semiconductors (1 LO phonon). Highly-doped samples have another complication, disorder in the dopant placement. Fortunately, this disorder leads to small quantum corrections delta sigma in the conductivity which are also affected by LO phonons. Indeed, the study of delta sigma vs T and vs magnetic field B at low temperatures is crucial in understanding mobility at 300 K. We demonstrate calculations of ND and NA in PLD-grown β-Ga2O3 under the assumption that the dominant acceptor is the Ga vacancy in various charge states.
High-Resolution Computed Tomography of the Inner Ear: Effect of Otosclerosis on Cochlear Aqueduct Dimensions:

Objectives:The cochlear aqueduct is a bony duct connecting the scala tympani with the subarachnoid space. Given the pathophysiology of otosclerosis, including bone resorption and new bone depositio...
Ventricular Assist Device Driveline Dressing Protocols: A Need for Standardization

Introduction The rate of ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation has increased exponentially. However, VAD related infections are relatively common and adversely affect health-related quality of life and survival. The driveline is a common source of infection as it passes through the skin and directly connects to the VAD. Yet, no rigorous standard of care exists for driveline exit-site management. The purpose of this study was to examine national driveline dressing protocols to identify similarities and differences. Hypothesis We hypothesized that that there would be a great deal of heterogeneity among national driveline dressing change protocols. Methods We performed content analysis of inpatient driveline dressing change protocols from 15 academic high-volume VAD centers across the United States (Table 1). We asked each center to provide their dressing change protocol for clean, dry driveline exit sites in non-allergic patients. A deductive approach was used to create a codebook relevant to VAD driveline dressing changes before coding. We reported frequencies for identified codes from the 15 protocols. Results There was substantial heterogeneity in the VAD driveline dressing protocols reviewed. Only 80% (12/15) of protocols explicitly stated how often the dressing should be changed. Use of sterile technique was required in 100% of programs, but only 53% (8/15) described how to maintain a sterile field. Only 40%, (6/15) of programs required everyone in the room to wear a mask. All protocols used CHG to clean the driveline exit site. However, almost half (47%, 7/15) specified “outward circles” to clean the skin, which is not best practice for using CHG. Over half of the protocols (67%, 10/15) use a dressing change kit and an antimicrobial covering. Conclusion We found substantial heterogeneity in VAD driveline dressing protocols among 15 high-volume U.S. VAD centers. Standardization and inclusion of best practices regarding CHG use may reduce driveline-associated infections. Future studies are needed to determine evidenced-based best practices for VAD driveline protocols to reduce infection.
Towards a Complete Picture of Lens Laws.

Bidirectional transformation, also called lens, has played important roles in maintaining consistency in many fields of applications. A lens is specified by a pair of forward and backward functions which relate to each other in a consistent manner. The relation is formalized as a set of equations called lens laws. This report investigates precise dependencies among lens laws: which law implies another and which combination of laws implies another. The set of such implications forms a complicated graph structure. It would be helpful to check a well-definedness of bidirectional transformation in a lightweight way.
Combining Radiosurgery and Systemic Therapies for Treatment of Brain Metastases

For decades, the treatment of brain metastases was limited to surgery, radiation, and, occasionally, chemotherapy. Advances in the understanding of oncogenic molecular pathways, the blood–brain barrier, focused radiation, and immunology have built a new foundation on how we think about and treat brain metastases. This chapter will review systemic treatments, with emphases on targeted therapy and immunotherapy, and their use in combination with radiosurgery. The substantial, yet still growing, literature will be presented and reviewed, along with data and recommendations from our own institution.
NASA's black marble night lights used to examine disaster recovery in Puerto Rico

At night, Earth is lit up in bright strings of roads dotted with cities and towns as human-made artificial light takes center stage. During 2017's Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico's lights went out. In the days, weeks and months that followed, NASA researchers developed neighborhood-scale maps of lighting in communities across Puerto Rico. To do this, they combined satellite data of Earth at night from the NASA/NOAA Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite with USGS/NASA Landsat data and OpenStreetMap data. They monitored where and when the electricity grid was restored, and analyzed the demographics and physical attributes of neighborhoods longest affected by the power outages. Power failures across Puerto Rico's rural communities accounted for 61 percent of the estimated cost of 3.9 billion customer-interruption hours, six months after Hurricane Maria. These regions are primarily rural in the mountainous interior of the island where residents were without power for over 120 days. However, even more heavily populated areas had variable recovery rates between neighborhoods, with suburbs often lagging behind urban centers. The absence of electricity as seen in the night lights data offers a new way to visualize storm impacts to vulnerable communities across the entirety of Puerto Rico on a daily basis.
The mechanism of TNF-stimulated growth of mammary epithelial cells: evidence that NFκB2/p52 can compensate for NFκB1/p50

3649 Nuclear factor kappaB (NFκB) is important in mammary gland development and breast cancer. We previously demonstrated that TNF stimulated the growth of rat mammary epithelial cells (MEC) and rat mammary tumor cells in a physiologically relevant 3D primary culture system, accompanied by enhanced DNA-binding of the NFκB p50 homodimer. Recently, we found that expression of cyclin D1 mRNA and protein was also increased by TNF in MEC. To determine if NFκB1/p50 was required for TNF-stimulated growth and up-regulation of cyclin D1, the TNF responsiveness of MEC including cell growth, activation of NFκB and cyclin D1 expression was compared between NFκB1/p50 null and wild type mice in MEC primary culture. TNF stimulated growth and induced the expression of cyclin D1 in MEC from both p50 null and wild type mice. No p50 protein was detected in either mammary gland tissue or cultured MEC of p50 null mice. However, a TNF-inducible NFκB DNA-binding protein complex was seen in the nuclear extract of cultured MEC from p50 null mice by electrophoresis mobility shift assay. This complex migrated at the same position as the upper band of the two NFκB-binding complexes detected in wild type MEC. Supershift analysis showed that the NFκB-binding complex in p50 null MEC was composed of NFκB2/p52 and RelB, while the two complexes in the wild type mice were the p65/p50 heterodimer, and the p50 homodimer. Additionally, NFκB2/p52 as well as its precursor p100 was increased by TNF in whole cell lysates of MEC from both p50 null and wild type mice. These data provide the first evidence that in the absence of p50, its close homologue p52 can functionally compensate. Although we demonstrate that the p50 protein itself is not critical in TNF-stimulated proliferation and up-regulation of cyclin D1 in MEC, the similar sensitivity of MEC to TNF in p50 null and wild type mice and the substitution of p52 for p50 highly suggest that NFκB-mediated transactivation and transcription are important in MEC responsiveness to TNF. The data further suggest that therapeutic approaches that target the NFκB pathway will have to take into consideration the individual proteins that make up the NFκB complex and the partial redundancy of the protein components within the complex. Supported by NIH CA77656.
High-power (2.5-W) cw phase-locked diode-laser arrays with coated facets

Continuous-wave laser operation of phase-locked diode laser arrays has been demonstrated1-3 at optical output powers between 0.5 and 1.5 W/facet for devices with uncoated facets. We report improved performance obtained from our coupled multiemitter phase-locked diode laser arrays by the application of facet coatings of different reflectivities.
Precision Machining And Polishing Of Scintillating Crystals For Large Calorimeters And Hodoscopes

New machining and polishing techniques have been developed for large scintillating crystal arrays such as the Barium Fluoride Electromagnetic Calorimeter for the GEM Detector at SSCL, the Crystal Clear Collaboration’s cerium fluoride or lead tungstenate calorimeter at the proposed LHC at CERN, the PHENIX Detector at RHIC (barium fluoride), and the cesium iodide Calorimeter for the BaBar Detector at PEP-I B Factory at SLAC. The machining and polishing methods to be presented in this paper provide crystalline surfaces without sub-surface damage or deformation as verified by Rutherford Back-scattering (RBS) analysis. Surface roughness of about 10-20 angstroms and sub-micron mechanical tolerances have been demonstrated on large barium fluoride crystal samples. Mass production techniques have also been developed for machining the proper angled surfaces and polishing up to five 50 cm long crystals at one time. These techniques utilize kinematic mount technology developed at LLNL to allow precision machining and polishing of complex surfaces. We will present this technology along with detailed surface studies of barium fluoride and cerium fluoride crystals polished with this technique.
Deepening reflexivity through art in learning qualitative research

Reflexivity involves examining one’s background and perspectives in relation to the research topic, participants, and the processes and practices of research. Building on the growing field of utili...
Clinical Epigenetics and Epigenomics

Epigenetics is the study of somatically heritable changes in gene expression that occur without alterations in DNA sequence, mainly including DNA methylation and histone modification. Epigenomics refers to the complete study of these somatically heritable changes across the whole genome. Epigenetic mechanisms are critical components in the growth of cells and normal development. Aberrant epigenetic changes have been found to be causative factors in cancer, autoimmune diseases as well as others. Significant progress has been made towards epigenomic profiling by using molecular techniques. In this chapter, we introduce the basics of epigenetics and epigenomics; describe the remarkable advances in current epigenomic mapping and analysis technologies, especially microarray-based and next-generation sequencing-based applications. Then we focus on the recent studies of epigenetic changes in normal and diseased cells with the aim to translate basic epigenetic and epigenomics research into clinical applications. We also discuss some critical challenges ahead and provide a perspective on the progress of epigenomics field.
The Rothman Index Does Not Predict a Successful Extubation in the Neurosurgical Critical Care Unit.

Background Identification of risk factors associated with successful extubation in neurosurgical critical care units (NSICUs) has been elusive due to the complex nature of neurocritical care injuries and patient factors. Traditional risk factors for extubation were shown to have poor predictive value in neurocritical care patients as compared to mixed ICU patients. The aim of this study was to determine if any risk factors, including the Rothman Index, could reliably predict successful extubation in a large sample size of neurocritical care patients. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 610 consecutively intubated patients in an NSICU while collecting variables of interest in airway management. Furthermore, Rothman Indices were collected immediately after intubations and extubations. A paired t-test of the immediate changes in Rothman Indices after airway manipulation was compared in patients who needed reintubation. In a smaller cohort of 88 patients, in whom complete data points existed for airway management, we performed a principal component analysis (PCA) to determine which risk factors were associated with extubation success when indexed with the magnitude of the Rothman Index. Results In 610 consecutively intubated patients, the mean pre-intubation Rothman Index average was 41.0 compared to the mean post-extubation Rothman Index was 35.4 (p<0.0001). Compared to those who were re-intubated, the Rothman Index did not correlate well with the prediction of extubation (p=0.355). Furthermore, an analysis of the PCA plot showed that a higher respiratory rate, longer length of stay, shorter length of intubation, and smaller cuff leak percentage were identified as risk factors associated with reintubation. Age and change in rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) did not correlate with reintubation. Conclusion The Rothman Index does not predict extubation success in patients in an NSICU. Risk factors associated with reintubation were respiratory rate, length of stay, length of intubation, and cuff leak percentage. Reintubation rates in our single-center NSICU are on par with general critical care populations.
HuR Plays a Positive Role to Strengthen the Signaling Pathways of CD4+ T Cell Activation and Th17 Cell Differentiation

After antigen and/or different cytokine stimulation, CD4+ T cells activated and differentiated into distinct T helper (Th) cells via differential T cell signaling pathways. Transcriptional regulation of the activation and differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into distinct lineage Th cells such as Th17 cells has been fully studied. However, the role of RNA-binding protein HuR in the signaling pathways of their activation and differentiation has not been well characterized. Here, we used HuR conditional knockout (HuR KO) CD4+ T cells to study mechanisms underlying HuR regulation of T cell activation and differentiation through distinct signaling pathways. Our work showed that, mechanistically, HuR positively promoted CD3g expression by binding its mRNA and enhanced the expression of downstream adaptor Zap70 and Malt1 in activated CD4+ T cells. Compared to WT Th0 cells, HuR KO Th0 cells with reduced Bcl-2 expression are much more susceptible to apoptosis than WT Th0 cells. We also found that HuR stabilized IL-6Rα mRNA and promoted IL-6Rα protein expression, thereby upregulating its downstream phosphorylation of Jak1 and Stat3 and increased level of phosphorylation of IκBα to facilitate Th17 cell differentiation. However, knockout of HuR increased IL-22 production in Th17 cells, which was due to HuR deficiency in reducing IL-22 transcription repressor c-Maf expression. These results highlight the importance of HuR in TCR signaling and IL-6/IL-6R axis driving naive CD4+ T cell activation and differentiation into Th17 cells.
Laser-micromachined, dual-resonant (17/33 MHz) ultrasound transducer with single electrical connection for forward-viewing guidance of a submm, robotically-steerable guidewire

More than 200 million people have peripheral artery disease globally. Minimally-invasive revascularization procedures can relieve pain, improve mobility, and salvage limbs. To improve navigation in these procedures, a transducer operating at two frequencies requiring only a single cable was developed to provide forward-viewing imaging with high resolution close to the transducer and high penetration farther from the transducer for planning the trajectory of a submillimeter, robotically-steerable guidewire. For the developed prototypes, center frequencies for the transducers were approximately 17/34 (side-by-side design) and 17/33 MHz (concentric design). When imaging a 0.2-mm wire target at a depth of 5 mm, measured SNR values were >20 dB for each frequency band. Images formed of speckle-producing phantoms showed high penetration with the low-frequency band and high spatial resolution with the high-frequency band. Additionally, 3D reconstructions of a porcine artery demonstrate the ability to image tissue with high resolution and penetration. Simultaneous dual-band imaging could improve the ability of the interventionalist to navigate during difficult cases.
Critical Conversations in Philosophy of Education

Critical Conversations in Philosophy of Education presents a series of conversations expressing many of the multiple voices that currently constitute the field of philosophy of education. Philosophy of education as a discipline has undergone several turns--the once marginal perspectives of the various feminisms, critical Marxism, and poststructuralist, postmodernist and cultural theory have gained ground alongside those of Anglo-analytic and pragmatic thought. Just as Western philosophers in general are coming to terms with the "end of philosophy" pronouncement implicit in postmodernism, so too are philosophers of education faced with similar challenges--challenges to long-held moral, political, aesthetic and epistemological commitments. The contributors take up these challenges through a dialogical structure, expressing differing positions without engaging in destructive critique.
Musical Percussion Its Place in Modern Dance Education

(1937). Musical Percussion Its Place in Modern Dance Education. The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 8, No. 5, pp. 290-335.
Optical Detector Calibration Program

An optical detector, either a photodetector or a thermal detector, is a device that generates a signal when light is incident upon it. A photodetector absorbs a photon of light and measures the electric current associated with the generated electrons. A thermal detector absorbs a photon of light, and as the temperature of the thermal detector increases the temperature change is measured.
Coexisting left anterior hemiblock and inferior wall myocardial infarction: Vectorcardiographic features

Abstract Using the Frank lead system, the Vectorcardiographic features of coexisting left anterior hemiblock and inferior wall myocardial infarction were characterized in 25 patients. The Vectorcardiographic findings most useful for the diagnosis of coexisting left anterior hemiblock and inferior myocardial infarction are: Frontal plane: (1) clockwise and superior inscription of the 20 to 30 msec QRS vectors, (2) counterclockwise and delayed inscription of the terminal 40 msec QRS vectors, (3) maximal QRS deflection vector located in the left superior quadrant, and (4) major area of the QRS loop above the X axis. Sagittal plane: (1) superior inscription of the 20 to 30 msec QRS vectors, (2) deviation of the maximal QRS deflection vector superiorly and posteriorly, (3) delay in inscription of the terminal 40 msec QRS vectors, and (4) figure-of-eight or counterclockwise rotation of the QRS loop. Because of the difficulties in the electrocardiographic recognition of coexisting left anterior hemiblock and inferior myocardial infarction, utilization of the Frank vectorcardiogram appears to be a superior means for diagnosis.
The Deregulation of the Telephone Industry: The Lessons from the U.S. Railroad Deregulation Experience

The deregulation of the telephone industry has been a major task of public policy for the U.S. for the past two decades. There have been some outstanding achievements but also some serious frustrations — especially in the deregulation of local telephone service, which is now a prime focus of public policy concern in telephony. Similar public policy concerns are now arising with respect to deregulation of telephone service in European and Pacific Rim nations.
Psychological and cultural aspects of interrogations and false confessions: Using research to inform legal decision-making.

False confessions are a major cause of wrongful convictions. In many countries, physical abuse and torture are still used to extract confessions from criminal suspects. Cultural orientations such as collectivism and power distance may influence the tendency to confess, and a suspect's past experience in a country that uses physical abuse during interrogations may render suspects fearful and more prone to falsely confess. After looking at interrogations outside the United States, we examine the issue of why false confessions sometime occur in the U.S. legal system. We prove an overview of the stages of a typical interrogation and provide a psychological analysis of the array of tactics used by police interrogators. Finally, we describe several reforms that hold the potential to dramatically reduce the risk of false confessions.
Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on the sleep of normal human subjects.

Abstract The effects on sleep of increasing brain serotonin with 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), the immediate precursor of serotonin, were studied on twelve normal subjects. In each subject, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep increased from 5 to 53% of placebo baseline. The total rapid eye movement activity also increased. Non-REM sleep decreased slightly, apparently compensating for the increased amount of REM sleep. The apparent serotonin-REM sleep association is discussed in light of recent animal experiments in which total insomnia was produced by decreasing brain serotonin concentration with parachlorophenylalanine.
High yields of olefins and hydrogen from decane in short contact time reactors: rhodium versus platinum

The partial oxidation of n-decane to produce H2, ethylene, and α-olefins has been compared over Rh and Pt in autothermal reactors at short contact times. Over Rh it is shown that the addition of an alumina wash coat and small foam pore size give higher H2 selectivity (>85%), while the absence of wash coat and larger pore size give more olefins (up to 60%). In contrast, Pt is unsatisfactory for producing either H2 or olefins because the conversion of both n-decane and O2 is lower. Pt produces essentially no H2 (<0.1% under any conditions). Ignition and autothermal operation over Pt also occur only over a narrow range of composition and flow rate. A catalyst consisting of Pt–Rh gave higher olefin selectivity (89%) than either metal, while producing little H2. We interpret these results as caused by the high activity of Rh that removes all O2 early in the catalyst, leaving homogeneous pyrolysis to produce olefins. The lower activity of Pt appears to be caused by its inability to completely dissociate n-decane, leaving fragments on the surface that inhibit reaction and produce a less active surface.