cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RemoteBunnies: multi-agent phenomena mapping between physical environments

This paper presents RemoteBunnies, a proof-of-concept design for multi-agent phenomena mapping between physical environments. RemoteBunnies relies on a sensor network and a tangible representational tool connected via an Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) server. For demonstration purposes, the proposed system will be integrated to map field data of cottontail rabbits' foraging behavior onto an indoor environment.
The Effect of Alcohol on Active and Passive Stiffness, and on Isometric Contractions of Glycerinated Heart Muscle in Rats

The response of the contractile and the series elastic elements to ethanol was studied isometric contraction and quick release methods after measuring the passive length-tension relationship in glycerinated heart muscle fibers of rats at resting state. In rats consuming 30% ethanol for an average of 5 weeks, maximal developed tension (P0), the maximal rate of tension development (dp/dtmax) and Vmax were significantly depressed, the time to peak tension (t0) was not changed. As in fresh papillary muscle the modulus of elasticity of active glycerinated muscle increased in proportion to load. The stiffness of the series elastic element showed significant elevation in rats receiving ethanol. The passive stiffness in resting state revealed no significant difference between control and alcohol exposed rats. Therefore, increased stiffness of the series elastic element and diminished contractility are present following chronic alcohol consumption.
A Call for Higher Standards of Evidence for Dietary Guidelines

Dietary guidelines, especially those designed to prevent the diseases of dietary excess, are a relatively new phenomenon in the United States. National dietary guidelines have been promulgated based on scientific reasoning and indirect evidence. In general, weak evidentiary support has been accepted as adequate justification for these guidelines. This low standard of evidence is based on several misconceptions, most importantly the belief that such guidelines could not cause harm. Using guidelines against dietary fat as a case in point, an analysis is provided that suggests that harm indeed may have been caused by the widespread dissemination of and adherence to these guidelines, through their contribution to the current epidemic of obesity and overweight in the U.S. An explanation is provided of what may have gone wrong in the development of dietary guidelines, and an alternative and more rigorous standard is proposed for evidentiary support, including the recommendation that when adequate evidence is not available, the best option may be to issue no guideline.
Pore-scale analysis of anaerobic halorespiring bacterial growth along the transverse mixing zone of an etched silicon pore network

The anaerobic halorespiring microorganism, Sulfurospirillum multivorans, was observed in the pore structure of an etched silicon wafer to determine how flow hydrodynamics and mass transfer limitations along a transverse mixing zone affect biomass growth. Tetrachloroethene (PCE, an electron acceptor, 0.2 mM) and lactate (an electron donor, 2 mM) were introduced as two separate and parallel streams that mixed along a reaction line in the pore structure. The first visible biomass occupied a single line of pores in the direction of flow, a few pore bodies from the micromodel centerline. This growth was initially present as small aggregates; over time, these grew and fused to form finger-like structures with one end attached to downgradient ends of the silicon posts and the other end extending into pore bodies in the direction of flow. Biomass did not grow in pore throats as expected, presumably because shear forces were not favorable. Over the next few weeks, the line of growth migrated upward into the PCE zone and extended over a width of up to five pore spaces. When the PCE concentration was increased to 0.5 mM, the microbial biomass increased and growth migrated down toward the lactate side of the micromodel. A new analytical model was developed and used to demonstrate that transverse hydrodynamic dispersion likely caused the biomass to move in the direction observed when the PCE concentration was changed. The model was unable, however, to explain why growth migrated upward when the PCE concentration was initially constant. We postulate that this occurred because PCE, not lactate, sorbed to biofilm components and that biomass on the lactate side of the micromodel was limited in PCE. A fluorescent tracer experiment showed that biomass growth changed the water flow paths, creating a higher velocity zone in the PCE half of the micromodel. These results contribute to our understanding of biofilm growth and will help in the development of new models to describe this complex process.
Differential Activation of Pontomedullary Nuclei by Acid Perfusion of Different Regions of the Esophagus

The objective of this study was to determine the brain stem nuclei and physiological responses activated by esophageal acidification. The effects of perfusion of the cervical (ESOc), or thoracic (ESOt) esophagus with PBS or HCl on c-fos immunoreactivity of the brain stem or on physiological variables, and the effects of vagotomy were examined in anesthetized cats. We found that acidification of the ESOc increased the number of c-fos positive neurons in the area postrema (AP), vestibular nucleus (VN), parabrachial nucleus (PBN), nucleus ambiguus (NA), dorsal motor nucleus (DMN), and all subnuclei of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), but one. Acidification of the ESOt activated neurons in the central (CE), caudal (CD), dorsomedial (DM), dorsolateral (DL), ventromedial (VM) subnuclei of NTS, and the DMN. Vagotomy blocked all c-fos responses to acid perfusion of the whole esophagus (ESOw). Perfusion of the ESOc or ESOt with PBS activated secondary peristalsis (2P), but had no effect on blood pressure, heart rate, or respiratory rate. Perfusion of the ESOc, but not ESOt, with HCl activated pharyngeal swallowing (PS), profuse salivation, or physiological correlates of emesis. Vagotomy blocked all physiological effects of ESOw perfusion. We conclude that acidification of the ESOc and ESOt activate different sets of pontomedullary nuclei and different physiological responses. The NTSce, NTScom, NTSdm, and DMN are associated with activation of 2P, the NTSim and NTSis, are associated with activation of PS, and the AP, VN, and PBN are associated with activation of emesis and perhaps nausea. All responses to esophageal fluid perfusion or acidification are mediated by the vagus nerves.
The M&M Game

I am a physician who specializes in neonatology. There are few specialties more grounded in pure physiology. I am also a cancer patient. In the summer of 2010 I was diagnosed with a locally advanced rectal carcinoma. I received the best care medicine has to offer, from skilled and compassionate physicians: preoperative radiochemotherapy, a low anterior resection, a temporary ileostomy, and 12 cycles of chemotherapy. I worked throughout the entire ordeal and am told I “sailed through” chemo. I’ve made the mistake of reading tales of ghastly complications, misdiagnoses, and treatment failures on Internet chats devoted to my disease, and I know how lucky I am.
Effect of blindfolding on centre of pressure variables in healthy horses during quiet standing

Abstract In a standing horse the centre of pressure (COP), measured as the resultant vertical ground reaction force (GRF) of all supporting limbs, is adjusted in response to visual, vestibular and proprioceptive information. Stabilographic analysis measures balance by tracking COP movements in the horizontal plane. Loss of visual input affects stability of balance in people and has clinical implications in that instability inherent in some neurological diseases increases with the eyes closed. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the visual contribution to postural stability in horses. The hypothesis was that the magnitude and variability of postural sway variables increases when visual input is removed. Vertical GRFs were measured using two synchronized force plates and COP movements were tracked in 20 horses as they stood without visible movements of the hooves, head or neck. Three trials of 60 s duration were recorded under sighted and blindfolded conditions. Stabilographic variables (craniocaudal and mediolateral COP amplitudes, velocities and mean power frequencies and their within-trial variabilities) were calculated and compared using univariate analysis of variance. Compared with the sighted condition, blindfolding increased the magnitude and the within-trial variability of craniocaudal and mediolateral COP amplitudes and mediolateral COP velocity. The findings indicated that loss of visual input had more effect on the measured COP variables in the time domain (amplitudes, velocities) than in the frequency domain (mean power frequency). The effects of blindfolding on postural stability should be further investigated as part of a diagnostic approach to the evaluation of balance in horses with neurological impairment.
Five myofibrillar lesion types in eccentrically challenged, unloaded rat adductor longus muscle-a test model

Sarcomere disruptions are observed in the adductor longus (AL) muscles following voluntary reloading of spaceflown and hindlimb suspension unloaded (HSU) rat, which resemble lesions in eccentrically challenged muscle. We devised and tested an eccentric contraction (ECCON) test system for the 14-day HSU rat AL. Six to 7 hours following ECCON, ALs were fixed to allow immunostaining and electron microscopy (EM). Toluidine blue-stained histology semithin sections were screened for lesion density (#/mm2). Serial semithin sections from the ECCON group were characterized for myosin immunointensity of lesions. Five myofibrillar lesion types were identified in histological semithin sections: focal contractions; wide A-bands; opaque areas; missing A-bands; and hyperstretched sarcomeres. Lesion density by type was greater for ECCON than NonECCON ALs (P< or =0.05; focal contractions and opaque regions). Lesion density (#-of-all-five-types/mm2) was significantly different (ECCON: 23.91+/-10.58 vs. NonECCON: 5.48+/-1.28, P< or =0.05; ECCON vs. SHAM: 0.00+/-0.00; P< or = 0.025). PostECCON optimal tension decreased (Poi-drop, 17.84+/-4.22%) and was correlated to lesion density (R2=0.596), but prestretch tension demonstrated the highest correlation with lesion density (R2=0.994). In lesions, the darkly staining A-band lost the normally organized thick filament alignment to differing degrees across the different lesion types. Ranking the five lesion types by a measure of lesion length deformation (hypercontracted to hyperstretched) at the light microscopy level, related to the severity of thick filament registry loss across the lesion types at the electron microscopic level. This ranking suggested that the five lesion types seen in semithin sections at the light level represented a lesion progression sequence and paralleled myosin immunostaining loss as the distorted A-band filaments spread across the hyperlengthening lesion types. Lesion ultrastructure indicated damage involved calcium homeostasis loss (focal contraction lesions) and "thick-filament-centering" failure of titin (wide A-band lesions) in the early stages of lesion development.
The petrography of some Illinois pleistocene and recent sands

Abstract Some Recent and Pleistocene sands of Illinois and the nearby Missouri River were separated into three groups by petrographic characteristics that reflect source material. The sands derived largely or entirely from the glacial material of Illinois and the upper Mississippi, Wabash, and Lake Michigan drainage basins contain types of feldspars and rock fragments that indicate derivation from the Precambrian metamorphic rocks of the Canadian Shield. The sands of the Ohio River at the southern boundary of Illinois contain relatively large amounts of polycrystalline quartz and nonfeldspathic rock fragments that may have been derived from Paleozoic sedimentary rocks largely of Appalachian derivation, from glacial drift of the eastern states, or from both sources. A significant portion of the Missouri River sands and the Mississippi River sands below the mouth of the Missouri River consists of feldspars and rock fragments derived from the Cretaceous and Tertiary igneous rocks of the western United States. The volcanic rock fragments are especially indicative of a western source. Petrographic characteristics of 23 samples of these sands were determined. The sources of the sands were interpreted principally from their rock fragments and light minerals, especially the feldspars, taking into account the variation in composition with changing grain size. Much of the plagioclase was untwinned, but certain varietal features proved useful in its identification.
Neurochemical abnormalities in unmedicated bipolar depression and mania: A 2D 1H MRS investigation

The neurobiology and neurochemistry of bipolar disorder and its different phases are poorly understood. This study investigated metabolite abnormalities in both unmedicated bipolar depression as well as mania using 2D 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI). MRSI data were obtained from 24 unmedicated bipolar disorder (BP) subjects (12 (hypo)manic (BPM)) and 12 depressed (BPD), and 20 closely matched healthy controls. 2D 1H MRSI data were collected from a 15-mm axial slice placed along the anterior commissure-posterior commissure (AC-PC) line to measure brain metabolites bilaterally in the thalamus and also the anterior and posterior cingulate cortex (ACC and PCC). Brain Lac/Cr levels were significantly increased in the BP group as a whole compared to healthy controls. Glutamate abnormalities varied across bipolar state as well as brain region: significantly increased Glx/Cr values were found in the left thalamus in BPD, but BPM had decreased Glu/Cr and Glx/Cr levels in the PCC when compared to healthy controls and decreased Glu/Cr levels even when compared to the BPD subjects group. The findings of the study point to state-related abnormalities of oxidative and glutamate metabolism in bipolar disorder.
Identification and diagnosis of specification errors in the multinomial logit model

Abstract Multinomial logit models of travel demand are subject to a variety of specification errors that can severely affect the accuracy the models' forecasts. This paper describes some of the important sources of specification errors in logit models, presents numerical illustrations of the errors' effects on forecasts of travel behavior, and evaluates the ability of several informal and formal statistical procedures to identify and diagnose the errors. Among the tests considered, the most powerful are a test against a probit model and the McFadden, Tye and Train (1976) test based on the universal logit method. The least powerful tests are a test based on extrapolating the logit model and informal tests based on examination of the signs, t -statistics and ratios of the estimated parameters of the logit function.
The much exaggerated death of positivism

Approaches to research in the social sciences often embrace schema that are consistent with positivism, even though it is widely held that positivism is discredited and essentially dead. Accordingly, many of the methods used in present day scholarship are supported by the tenets of positivism, and are sources of hegemony. We exhort researchers to employ reflexive methods to identify the epistemologies, ontologies and axiologies that are salient in their scholarship and, when necessary, transform practices such that forms of oppression associated with crypto-positivism are identified and extinguished.
Case report 630

In summary, chondrosarcoma arising in an osteochondroma is a difficult diagnosis to establish on radiological-morphological grounds, especially in low grade lesions. A patient with a painful, enlarging exostosis usually comes to require resection even in the absence of radiographic hallmarks of malignancy. Although many osteochondromas complicated by bursal formation will be resected for relief of symptoms, the identification of a reactive bursa surrounding an exostosis without grossly malignant features presages a benign course and will dramatically effect established preoperative plans.
Exploring iconic interpretation and mathematics teacher development through clinical simulations

Field placements serve as the traditional ‘clinical’ experience for prospective mathematics teachers to immerse themselves in the mathematical challenges of students. This article reports data from a different type of learning experience, that of a clinical simulation with a standardized individual. We begin with a brief background on medical education’s long-standing use of standardized patients, and the recent diffusion of clinical simulations to teacher and school leader preparation contexts. Then, we describe a single mathematics simulation and report data from prospective mathematics teachers’ interactions with a standardized student on the issue of iconic interpretation. Findings highlight teachers’ diagnostic, explanatory, mathematical, and instructional repertoires, as they guide a standardized student through two different graphing problems. Implications focus on the trends in teachers’ instructional decisions, contextualized explanations, and the use of clinical simulations to enhance mathematics teacher development.
Theorist as an authentic person.

(2003). Theorist as an Authentic Person. The American Journal of Bioethics: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 31-34.
What it Means to Ban Wikipedia: An Exploration of the Pedagogical Principles at Stake

Abstract This essay argues in favor of college instructors, especially in introductory classes, giving students the freedom to use Wikipedia entries in their research projects. It explores the pedagogy created by rigid prohibitions of potential sources, and argues that at stake are two chief dichotomies: one, students learning by engaging in a process vs. students producing a product, and two, students thinking individually and evaluating vs. students following rules. Within the discussion of these dichotomies is a call for instructors to emphasize evaluation of the content of research material rather than an author's credentials or other external markers.
Free Energy Landscapes for a Kainate Receptor Ligand-Binding Domain

The kainate family of ionotropic glutamate receptors (GluK) mediate neurotransmission in pre- and post-synaptic neurons. Previously computed free energy landscapes for iGluR ligand-binding domains (LBD) revealed subtype-dependent conformational differences between NMDA and AMPA iGluR families. Here we report free energy landscapes for the GluK2 ligand-binding domain (LBD) in apo and glutamate-bound states. The GluK2 free energy landscapes reveal both apo and glutamate-bound LBDs preferentially access the closed-cleft conformation and suggest a conformational selection mechanism of binding. These results are consistent with the free energy landscapes for NMDA receptors but not AMPA receptors. Additionally, the open-cleft conformation is more accessible to the GluK2 apo state than the glutamate-bound state, consistent with previous results for both NMDA and AMPA receptors. Finally, large-scale structural dynamics are characterized by principle component analysis.
On quantization of channel output feedback for the Gaussian channel

The availability of a noiseless feedback channel can allow for simplistic transmission schemes with very high reliability; such advantages were solidified by a linear feedback scheme developed by Schalkwijk and Kailath (S-K) [1], [2]. However, the S-K scheme and related techniques rely on the presence of a noiseless feedback channel which is not practical. In this paper, we look at introducing the notion of quantization into linear feedback coding. To accomplish this, we look at adapting a recent linear feedback scheme [3] built on a noisy feedback channel to a system where the feedback is now quantized to be in the form of a binary message. This form of feedback gives insight into the relationship between bits of feedback and received signal-to-noise ratio given a blocklength, and, also, how the precision of feedback relates to average transmit power.
Analysis and Observations of Wind Turbine Yaw Dynamics

Presentation de deux modeles de simulation du comportement d'«embardee» d'aerogenerateurs a axe horizontal. Validation des modeles a partir de resultats issus d'autres modeles, d'essais en soufflerie et essais atmospheriques en vraie grandeur
Effective incorporation of ethics into courses that focus on programming

This paper discusses some of the issues involved in incorporating ethics material into programming courses. Incorporating ethics into such courses raises particular challenges because of the time-intensive nature of the courses and because of the difficulty of finding material that is both relevant to the course and comprehensible to the students. The paper presents four case studies that we have used successfully when incorporating ethics material into our own programming courses.
Bisphosphonates in oncology: breast cancer and beyond

Breast cancer frequently spreads to bone and is associated with increased osteoclastic bone resorption. Bisphosphonates exert a powerful inhibitory effect on osteoclast activity and have been shown to reduce the frequency of skeletal complications in patients with breast cancer and metastatic bone disease. Laboratory models have shown that bisphosphonates can reduce the tumor burden in bone. Although improvements in overall survival (the gold standard outcome measure in oncology studies) have been seen in patient subpopulations in many phase III studies of bisphosphonates in breast cancer, only three major trials have been powered to assess overall survival as a primary efficacy endpoint. The results of these studies have been equivocal, a phenomenon largely attributable to methodologic differences in study design and patient selection. Well-designed confirmatory clinical studies are now required to elucidate the true benefits of bisphosphonates in breast cancer. This article discusses future prospects for research with these agents. The benefits and drawbacks of standard clinical parameters and surrogate marker studies are discussed based on experience from past investigations.
The role of CD18 in phorbol ester-induced human monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity.

Abstract Monocyte cell surface molecules play an important role in the regulation of monocyte function. To investigate the molecular basis of monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity, we tested the ability of a variety of mediators to stimulate human monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity. Phorbol myristic acetate (PMA) stimulated significant monocyte-mediated killing of tumor cells in an 18-hr indium-111 release assay. Five other cytoactive substances did not induce monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity. The acquisition of monocyte cytotoxicity was associated with nearly a twofold increase in surface expression of three CD18-bearing cell surface molecules (CD11a, CD11b, CD11c). The direct involvement of the CD18-bearing molecules in monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity was investigated using monoclonal antibody (MAb) inhibition. MAb recognizing the CD18 subunit significantly inhibited monocyte-mediated killing. The inhibition by anti-CD18 MAb could not be attributed to LFA-1 (CD11a) alone, suggesting that CR3 (CD11b) and p150, 95 (CD11c) may also participate in monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity. In contrast, seven of eight other cell surface structures were not affected by PMA treatment, and MAb to all eight cell surface structures did not inhibit killing. These findings suggest that CD18-bearing molecules are upregulated with monocyte activation and may play a functional role in monocyte-mediated killing.
A matroid approach to finding edge connectivity and packing arborescences

We present an algorithm that finds the edge connectivity ? of a graph having n vectices and m edges. The running time is O(? m log(n2/m)) for directed graphs and slightly less for undirected graphs, O(m+?2n log(n/?)). This improves the previous best time bounds, O(min{mn, ?2n2}) for directed graphs and O(?n2) for undirected graphs. We present an algorithm that finds k edge-disjoint arborescences on a directed graph in time O((kn)2). This improves the previous best time bound, O(kmn + k3n2). Unlike previous work, our approach is based on two theorems of Edmonds that link these two problems and show how they can be solved.
Transduction by bacteriophage MU-1

Lysates of bacteriophage Mu are capable of the general transduction of many host markers at frequencies of 10−7 to 10−8 transductants per plaque-forming phage. The transduction is due to the Mu particles in the lysate since it is eliminated by using a Mu resistant recipient strain or by treating the lysate with anti-Mu serum. The transduction frequency is constant over a wide range of phage multiplicities in both Mu sensitive and Mu lysogenic recipients, and transduction is independent of lysogenization by plaque-forming phage. Cotransduction of closely linked markers and abortive transduction have also been observed. Transduction does not occur in a recombination deficient recipient or in a recipient which has a very large deletion of the region to be transduced; thus, it appears that transducing DNA is substituted for host DNA by a host recombination system. The transducing ability cannot be propagated and is lost during one cycle of growth in the recipient. Attempts at the isolation of special transducing particles of Mu carrying leu, trp, and lac have not been successful.
Distribution of ∆9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol and 11‐Nor‐9‐Carboxy‐∆9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol Acid in Postmortem Biological Fluids and Tissues From Pilots Fatally Injured in Aviation Accidents

Little is known of the postmortem distribution of ∆(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its major metabolite, 11-nor-9-carboxy-∆(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THCCOOH). Data from 55 pilots involved in fatal aviation accidents are presented in this study. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis obtained mean THC concentrations in blood from multiple sites, liver, lung, and kidney of 15.6 ng/mL, 92.4 ng/g, 766.0 ng/g, 44.1 ng/g and mean THCCOOH concentrations of 35.9 ng/mL, 322.4 ng/g, 42.6 ng/g, 138.5 ng/g, respectively. Heart THC concentrations (two cases) were 184.4 and 759.3 ng/g, and corresponding THCCOOH measured 11.0 and 95.9 ng/g, respectively. Muscle concentrations for THC (two cases) were 16.6 and 2.5 ng/g; corresponding THCCOOH, "confirmed positive" and 1.4 ng/g. The only brain tested in this study showed no THC detected and 2.9 ng/g THCCOOH, low concentrations that correlated with low values in other specimens from this case. This research emphasizes the need for postmortem cannabinoid testing and demonstrates the usefulness of a number of tissues, most notably lung, for these analyses.
Reliability of modular mesh-connected intelligent storage brick systems

A key objective of the IBM Intelligent Bricks project is to create a highly reliable system from commodity components. We envision such systems to be architected for a service model called fail-in-place or deferred maintenance. By delaying service actions, possibly for the entire lifetime of the system, management of the system is simplified. This paper examines the hardware reliability and deferred maintenance of intelligent storage brick (ISB) systems assuming a mesh-connected collection of bricks in which each brick includes processing power, memory, networking, and storage. On the basis of Monte Carlo simulations, we quantify the fraction of bricks that become unusable by a distributed data redundancy scheme due to degrading internal bandwidth and loss of external host connectivity. We derive a system hardware reliability expression and predict the length of time ISB systems can operate without replacement of failed bricks. We also show via a Markov analysis the level of fault tolerance that is required by the data redundancy scheme to achieve a goal of less than two data loss events per exabyte-year due to multiple failures.
Chiral symmetry breaking in QED with an external field varying in 3D space and time

Abstract We study quantum electrodynamics in an external field of gaussian configuration varying in all four dimensions and find that for certain ranges of the widths there is a non-zero value for 〈 Ψ Ψ〉 ext . This indication of chiral symmetry breaking in QED via a varying external field configuration which is quite similar to those in the GSI experiments, provides further evidence that the peaks seen in those experiments may be explained by a “new” phase of QED.
Myeloid-derived suppressor cell function is reduced by Withaferin A, a potent and abundant component of Withania somnifera root extract

Myeloid cells play a crucial role in tumor progression. The most common tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells are myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). These cells promote tumor growth by their inherent immune suppressive activity which is enhanced by their cross-talk. The root extract of the plant Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) (WRE) has been reported to reduce tumor growth. HPLC analysis identified Withaferin A (WA) as the most abundant constituent of WRE and led us to determine whether the anti-tumor effects of WRE and WA involve modulating MDSC and TAM activity. A prominent effect of MDSC is their production of IL-10 which increases upon cross-talk with macrophages, thus polarizing immunity to a pro-tumor type 2 phenotype. In vitro treatment with WA decreased MDSC production of IL-10 and prevented additional MDSC production of IL-10 generated by MDSC–macrophage cross-talk. Macrophage secretion of IL-6 and TNFα, cytokines that increase MDSC accumulation and function, was also reduced by in vitro treatment with WA. Much of the T-cell suppressive activity of MDSC is due to MDSC production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and WA significantly reduced MDSC production of ROS through a STAT3-dependent mechanism. In vivo treatment of tumor-bearing mice with WA decreased tumor weight, reduced the quantity of granulocytic MDSC, and reduced the ability of MDSC to suppress antigen-driven activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Thus, adjunctive treatment with WA reduced myeloid cell-mediated immune suppression, polarized immunity toward a tumor-rejecting type 1 phenotype, and may facilitate the development of anti-tumor immunity.
Leading Tropical Modes Associated with Interannual and Multidecadal Fluctuations in North Atlantic Hurricane Activity

Abstract Interannual and multidecadal extremes in Atlantic hurricane activity are shown to result from a coherent and interrelated set of atmospheric and oceanic conditions associated with three leading modes of climate variability in the Tropics. All three modes are related to fluctuations in tropical convection, with two representing the leading multidecadal modes of convective rainfall variability, and one representing the leading interannual mode (ENSO). The tropical multidecadal modes are shown to link known fluctuations in Atlantic hurricane activity, West African monsoon rainfall, and Atlantic sea surface temperatures, to the Tropics-wide climate variability. These modes also capture an east–west seesaw in anomalous convection between the West African monsoon region and the Amazon basin, which helps to account for the interhemispheric symmetry of the 200-hPa streamfunction anomalies across the Atlantic Ocean and Africa, the 200-hPa divergent wind anomalies, and both the structure and spatial scale ...
The role of MMP-9 in the anti-angiogenic effect of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine.

The role of MMP-9 in the anti-angiogenic effect of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine
Resistivity aging of beta-alumina ceramics in sodium-sulfur cells

Abstract The resistance of sodium-sulfur cells containing beta-alumina ceramic electrolyte changes with time. We show that this aging process can be divided into three separate stages reflecting different mechanisms and kinetics.
"Hidden Danger" a case report on interatrial septal aneurysm.

In this case Cardiac CT angiography has been the tool for evaluation of Atrial septal aneurysm. This cardiac malformation is well identified by echocardiographic techniques and cardiac-MRI sequences. Clinical significance due to left atrial dysfunction and increased thrombo-embolic risk has been described independently and in association to cardiac wall defects as patent foramen ovale.
Intimate partner violence screening in the emergency department.

Background and Aims: Every year between 1.5 and 4 million women are abused by a partner in the United States and many abused women turn to the Emergency Department (ED) as their first source of care. Even though the vast majority of patients would feel comfortable disclosing intimate partner violence (IPV) to their physician, identification and referral is inconsistent . Aims: The aim of this paper was to discuss prevalence statistics of IPV, current screening recommendations and practices in ED settings, and future directions to improve the screening and identifying of victims of IPV that present to the ED. Material and Methods: The authors conducted a Medline search for articles discussing IPV screening in the ED. Results: Intimate partner violence results in approximately 1,300 deaths and 2,000,000 injuries annually among women and up to a third of ED patients have a history of IPV. Despite patients' reported willingness to disclose this information, identification of IPV by healthcare practitioners remains very low, with some estimates ranging between 4-10%. Conclusions: If we do not identify victims of IPV in the ED, this may result in continuation of the abuse, routine returns to the ED for treatment of injuries, and possibly even death.
Squire’s theorem for two stratified fluids

It is demonstrated that only two‐dimensional perturbations need be considered in determining the marginal stability boundary in the parameter space for the incompressible, parallel flow of two stratified, homogeneous, immiscible fluids, with constant interfacial tension, bounded by two (possibly moving) parallel plates.
Outcome-selective effects of intertrial reinforcement in a Pavlovian appetitive conditioning paradigm with rats

The outcome-selective effects of presenting intertrial unconditioned stimuli (USs) in a rat appetitive conditioning paradigm were examined in two experiments. In both experiments, two stimuli were paired with different outcomes, while one of these outcomes was also presented in the intertrial interval (A+, B*, +). Two measures of learning, stimulus-elicited magazine approach and Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer, were used to examine these effects. The presence of freely occurring outcomes in the intertrial interval (ITI) was observed to interfere more with the learning of a new association (Experiment 1) and to degrade more an already established association (Experiment 2) when the conditioned stimulus had been paired with the same outcome as that occurring in the ITI. An outcome-selective effect of ITI USs distinguishes among accounts of contingency based on general performance, attentional, and motivational mechanisms from those based on more specific associative mechanisms. Overall, the data highlight the importance of specific encoding processes in the analysis of associative learning.
Protective effect of corticosteroid against the cytotoxicity of aminoglycoside otic drops on isolated cochlear outer hair cells.

Objectives Otic drops are commonly used not only for otitis externa but also for otorrhea in the presence of tympanic membrane perforation or tympanostomy tube. Many studies demonstrated the ototoxicity of aminoglycoside. In our previous study, we observed that gentamicin (GM), when activated with liver extract, demonstrated significant cytotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to assess the protective effect of corticosteroid against the cytotoxicity of GM and tobramycin drops using isolated cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs) in vitro with liver extract. Methods OHCs from adult chinchilla cochleae were exposed to standard bathing solution, liver extract alone, and aminoglycoside otic drops with and without corticosteroid and liver extract. All experiments were performed at an osmolality of 305 ± 5 mOsm, at room temperature, and for up to 60 minutes. The images of OHCs were recorded using an inverted microscope and analyzed on the Image Pro-Plus 3.0 program. Time to cell death and change of cell length were measured and analyzed. Results The time to cell death and percent change in cell length observed was significantly longer in the GM + liver extract + dexamethasone group than the GM + liver extract group (P .05) and significantly increased time to cell death than the tobramycin + liver extract group (P < .05). Conclusion This study demonstrated that dexamethasone significantly reduced aminoglycoside cytotoxicity.
Fringe tracking in the StarLight formation interferometer testbed

StarLight, a NASA/JPL mission originally scheduled for launch in 2006, proposed to fly a two spacecraft visible light stellar interferometer. The Formation Interferometer Testbed (FIT) is a ground laboratory at JPL dedicated to validating technologies for StarLight and future formation flying spacecraft such as Terrestrial Planet Finder. The FIT interferometer achieved first fringes in February 2002. In this paper we present our status and review progress towards fringe tracking on a moving collector target.
Algorithms for generating large scale nonlinear programming problems with known degree of difficulty

Abstract Convex-quadratic functions are defined based on real symmetric positive definite matrices. Gershgorin's Theorem is used for randomly generating positive definite matrices of arbitrary size. A computational algorithm is presented. The concept of degree of difficulty of a test function is introduced and it is used to define an algorithm to generate test problems with varying degree of difficulty. These algorithms when used in conjunction with the Rosen and Suzuki method may be used to generate large scale constrained nonlinear programming problems.
Neuronal injury-induced expression and release of apolipoprotein E in mixed neuron/glia co-cultures: nuclear factor κB inhibitors reduce basal and lesion-induced secretion of apolipoprotein E

In order to better delineate the intracellular signaling pathways underlying glial apolipoprotein E (apoE) expression and release, we have characterized an in vitro model of induction of glial apoE production induced by neuronal death. Exposure of mixed fetal cortical neuron/glia co-cultures to the neurotoxin N-methyl-D-aspartate results in increased apoE expression and release in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Increased expression of apoE messenger RNA precedes the increase in intracellular apoE, followed by accumulation of the holoprotein in the culture medium. Neuronal injury induced by N-methyl-D-aspartate is accompanied by a reactive astrogliosis as measured by an increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein messenger RNA and protein at 48 and 72h post-lesion, respectively. A similar microgliosis was observed using the microglial marker ED-1. Neuronal injury-induced glial apoE secretion is attenuated by the nuclear factor kappaB inhibitors, aspirin, Bay 11-7082 and MG-132, suggesting that this transcription factor is involved in both constitutive and induced glial apoE expression. The present data show that up-regulation of apoE is an early event in the glial activation triggered by neurodegeneration in vitro and that activation of nuclear factor kappaB directly or indirectly mediates the increase in apoE expression.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Inhibits Osteocalcin Expression in Mouse through an Indirect Mechanism

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3), a key regulator of mineral metabolism, regulates the expression of several genes that are expressed in osteoblasts. In particular, in rat and human osteoblasts, 1,25-(OH)2D3 increases the expression of Osteocalcin by interacting, through a hormone-receptor complex, with a vitamin D-responsive element present in the promoter of the genes. Here we show that in mouse, 1,25-(OH)2D3 inhibits the expression of both osteocalcin genes, OG1 and OG2. This inhibition was observed in primary osteoblast cultures and in the whole animal. From sequence inspection, DNA transfection experiments, and DNA binding assays, we could not identify a functional vitamin D-responsive element in the promoter of OG2 or in the first 3.3 kilobases of the OG1 promoter. However, we show that 1,25-(OH)2D3 treatment of primary osteoblasts abolishes the binding of OSF2, an osteoblast-specific activator of transcription that binds to OSE2, a critical osteoblast-specific cis-acting element present in OG1 and OG2 promoters. Consistent with these DNA binding data, a mutation in OSE2 in the OG2 promoter abrogated the inhibitory effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 treatment on this promoter activity. This study illustrates that 1,25-(OH)2D3 can play different roles in the expression of the same gene in various species and indicates that this regulation in mouse occurs through an indirect mechanism, 1,25-(OH)2D3 acting on a gene genetically located upstream of Osteocalcin.
From lab to bedside: emerging clinical applications of thymosin alpha 1.

Background: Thymosin α1 (Tα1), a synthetic version of a thymic-derived biological response modifier was the first of the thymosins in clinical use. Tα1 is approved in over 35 countries for the treatment of hepatitis B and C, and as an immune stimulant and adjuvant. Tα1 is also in late-stage clinical testing in the United States and Europe for hepatitis C and stage IV melanoma. Objective/methods: Novel applications and other recently completed trials point to much broader clinical applications of Tα1 in the treatment of life-threatening and chronic diseases, and are the subject of this review. Result/conclusions: The most recent reports of clinical trials with Tα1 are pointing to important, hitherto unrecognized, applications in a number of diseases and disorders, including septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, peritonitis, acute cytomegalovirus infection, TB, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and lung infections in critically ill patients. It is also emerging as a promising chemoprotection a...
Utah bioDesign: An Asynchronous Approach to Team Based Learning

The University of Utah offers a two semester capstone biomedical engineering design course (bioDesign) where products are developed and prototyped using the guidance of FDA Design Control mandates. During the two semesters, students are required to develop a project plan, marketing requirements, specifications, test plan, results and working prototype. Additionally, design reviews are regularly held in order to provide student teams with constructive feedback from clinicians, coaches, and course instructors. To foster a rich environment for innovation and to better instruct students in problem based learning, we partner student teams with design ideas that have been conceptualized by clinical advisors. This collaboration creates high value relationships maximizing the students’ learning experience while exposing them to best practices. This course offers unique challenges to the students; they must balance the creativity and innovation of design work with the documentation and regulations mandated by the FDA and other regulatory agencies. Since the inception of this course, we have identified various problems with student learning. Over the past 25 years, educators have begun to understand the importance of hands-on, interactive learning experiences in the undergraduate engineering curriculum [1,2]. Therefore, by overcoming the teaching and learning issues associated with this program, we hope to develop a course that empowers student teams to become effective, innovative engineers.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The Culinary and Nutritional Aspects Surrounding the Newfound Sport of Tailgating

Tailgating is becoming America's fastest growing “sport,” with Americans spending more money every year to create the ultimate tailgating experience. This study investigates the culinary aspects and nutritional quality of tailgating food items. The analysis focused on nutritional content and quality as well as visual acceptability of physical appearance of foods in respect to gender differences. A better understanding of tailgaters' food priorities will ultimately help foodservice providers offer more efficient ways of marketing for the increasing popularity of tailgating. Tailgating foods and other related paraphernalia could be marketed directly to potential customers who, based on this study, are most interested in including these products in their tailgates.
Human lung fibroblasts express multiple means for enhanced activity of bradykinin receptor pathways.

Abstract Human lung fibroblasts represent important targets for the biologic activities of bradykinin (BK). We have identified multiple mechanisms in these cells which may extend their potential for BK receptor responsiveness, particularly with regard to generation of arachidonate metabolites. These fibroblasts can constitutively express B 2 and B 1 BK receptors concurrently, both coupled to the pathway for arachidonate metabolism resulting in generation of PGE 2 and the potent vasoactive lipid mediator Thromboxane A 2 . Although expression patterns for B 2 and B 1 receptors have classically been regarded as ‘constitutive’ and ‘inducible’, respectively, we demonstrate that in human lung fibroblasts both can be expressed spontaneously at equivalent biologic activity levels without selective induction by other mediators. Concurrent B 2 /B 1 receptor expression extends the scope of fibroblast response potential to both BK and des-Arg 9 -BK in the same time frame. We have identified additional short-term and long-term cellular events, involving both protein kinase pathways through which BK receptors act and those which act upon BK receptors, that result in enhanced BK receptor response potential. These properties of BK receptors may affect whether fibroblast behaviors maintain controlled activities of normal homeostasis or foster escalating cellular responses which may influence the progression of certain human disease states.
Homology and logical fallacy

The meaning of homology, is analyzed in a phylogenetic context. The notion of homology is unequivocal only if tied to recency of common ancestry, i.e. to the concept of monophyly. Processual analysis of the biological causes of similarity cannot provide guidance in the search for relations of homology. Instead, it is the reconstruction of the taxic hierarchy based on homology and congruence which provides guidance in the search for underlying causes of similarity. Pattern reconstruction is shown to have logical precedence over process explanations.
Amphetamine-like effect of l-deprenyl (selegiline) in drug discrimination studies*

l-Deprenyl has dose-dependent amphetamine- and methamphetamine-like discriminative stimulus properties in rats and monkeys. However, these actions occur only at doses that are well above the clinically relevant dose range for l-deprenyl and are likely to reflect its metabolic conversion to amphetamine products. In view of its weak potency for producing amphetamine-like effects and their slow onset, it may not be surprising that l-deprenyl does not appear to have amphetamine-like abuse potential and has been used therapeutically in the treatment of Parkinson syndrome for more than 20 years with no reported instances of abuse.
EPR study of the absorption of iodine by coal

Abstract Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra have been obtained on mixtures of iodine with lignite and several grades of bituminous coal. Systematic increases in g-value and linewidth were observed with increasing concentration of iodine. The thermal stability of iodine in these mixtures was also investigated. The data is consistent with a model based on the formation of a molecular complex between iodine and coal.