cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Intermittent and Chronic Calorie Restriction on Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) and IGF-I Signaling Pathways in Mammary Fat Pad Tissues and Mammary Tumors

Chronic calorie restriction (CCR) prevents mammary tumor (MT) development in rodents. We reported that intermittent calorie restriction (ICR) provides greater protection than CCR in MMTV-TGF-α mice. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is involved in MT development. Here the impact of ICR versus CCR on proteins associated with mTOR signaling in mammary tissues and MTs from MMTV-TGF-α mice was determined. Mice were enrolled at 10 wk of age into ad libitum-fed (AL), CCR, and ICR groups and followed until 37/38 or 73/74 wk of age. Time points 37 and 73 followed 3 wk of 50% restriction for ICR mice, while 38 and 74 followed 1 wk of refeeding of ICR mice. Calorie restriction reduced serum IGF-I levels except for older CCR mice. At 37/38 wk, calorie restriction decreased mTOR, p70S6K, HIF-1, EGFR, and Erk protein activation and increased p4EBP1 and VEGF in mammary fat pads. At 73/74 wk, both modes of calorie restriction lowered IGF-I protein expression levels and Akt activation in MTs and mammary fat pads, and CCR increased mTOR, p70S6K, p4EBP1, and HIF-1 expression. ICR had inconsistent effects on these proteins in older mice. These results indicate that mTOR signaling proteins are modulated by age and type of calorie restriction.
Manpower Trends: Counseling or Political Solutions?.

A review of manpower trends and political developments reveals that governmental decisions threaten to reduce job and training opportunities. Career counselors must be prepared to help clients cope with reduced opportunities. In this article the author describes several alternatives for helping clients in this situation. He maintains that political action by APGA should be one of the alternatives—perhaps the most appropriate one—if APGA is to continue its established tradition of supporting social development.
Transformation of Soybean Embryogenic Cultures by Microprojectile Bombardment

Regenerable embryogenic suspension cultures of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merrill, cv. Jack) were transformed by microprojectile bombardment with a β-glucuronidase (gus) gene and a hygromycin phosphotransferase (hpt) gene under control of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter on different plasmids mixed together. Many independent transgenic clones were obtained by selection for hygromycin resistance. GUS activity was detected in 45% of the transgenic clones showing that cotransformation occurred at high frequency. Stable integration of both the gus reporter gene and the hpt selectable marker were further confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of both genes using double primer sets together in the same reaction. Southern blot hybridization analysis also showed the presence of the foreign genes in genomic DNA. The frequency of embryo development was increased and the time span required for embryo development was reduced by the use of a liquid medium to induce embryo development. An average of 3645 GUS-positive spots and ten transgenic clones were produced per bombardment by this procedure giving a 0.27% ratio of stable to transient expression. The procedure described here can be used for modification of agronomic traits and for study of gene regulation in soybean.
Sexual stimulation in male sheep and goats

Abstract Previous research has shown that the sexual performance of male goats is enhanced by viewing the mating activities of other males prior to being placed with sexually receptive females. This same experience has no effect on the sexual performance of male sheep. In the present experiment, 14 male goats and 17 rams were individually allowed to sniff and nuzzle the anogenital region of an estrous female and engage in premating behaviors, but not mount for 20 min immediately prior to the administration of 30-min sexual performance tests. A female-absent control treatment was administered to these same animals prior to sexual performance tests. In the sexual stimulation treatments, male goats were more sexually active than rams ( P P >0.20 for all variables). Male goats and sheep did not differ ( P >0.05) in number of completed matings (services) but male goats exhibited more mounts without ejaculation ( P P
Influence of load biaxiality on the fracture characteristics of two collinear cracks

A theoretical investigation has been performed to determine the influence of load biaxiality on quantities pertinent to the brittle (elastic) fracture of an infinite sheet containing a pair of collinear cracks. It is shown how the biaxiality of the applied load affects the stress, the displacements and the maximum shear near the ends of the cracks, as well as the angle of initial crack extension and the displacement of the crack borders. The influence of load biaxiality on the rate at which the elastic strain energy of the entire body is altered with change in the length of the cracks is also demonstrated, and is used in conjunction with Griffith's crack instability hypothesis to show the effect of load biaxiality on the fracture load. The analysis indicates that loads applied parallel to the cracks influence the value of the critical (fracture) tensile load applied perpendicular to them, and that the Poisson ratio of the material determines the characteristics of this influence.
Strategic Plan Intensity and Competitive Strategy

This study investigates the relationship between a firm's competitive strategy and strategic plan intensity, defined as the emphasis placed on strategic planning in guiding the future decisions and activities carried out by organisational members. The research question addressed is “Under what competitive strategy contexts does high strategic plan intensity lead to greater performance?” The competitive strategies considered are low‐cost, differentiation and competitive strategy segmentation. Strategic plan intensity is viewed as the combined emphasis a firm places on mission/vision, long‐term objectives, planned activities, short‐term objectives and policies in guiding the decisions and activities of organisation members.
Mucormycosis in leukemia.

Abstract Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is a virulent, rapidly progressive, potentially fatal illness which demands early diagnosis and aggressive medical and possibly surgical therapy. Although most commonly reported in persons with poorly controlled diabetes, it may occur in other immunosuppressed hosts. In persons with leukemia the disease has been uniformly fatal. A well-documented case of fatal rhinocerebral mucormycosis in a leukemic patient is presented to illustrate the diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas often faced. A review of the 233 cases thus far reported in the literature is used as a spring-board for a discussion of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of this disease.
Investigation of recombination loss in organic solar cells by simulating intensity-dependent current–voltage measurements

Abstract After numerically solving the Poisson and continuity equations that characterize the electrical behavior of semiconductor devices, we investigated the loss mechanism in bulk heterojunction organic solar cells (OSCs) by simulating intensity-dependent current–voltage curves. Comparison of simulation results with real experimental measurements reveals that monomolecular recombination is the primary loss mechanism in OSCs. This conclusion is consistent with direct observations that bimolecular recombination is significantly suppressed in bulk heterojunction OSCs. The determination of recombination mechanism is important to model and predict the operation of OSCs precisely and further optimize their performance.
Effects of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free acid and cold water immersion on expression of CR3 and MIP-1β following resistance exercise

The inflammatory response to muscle-damaging exercise requires monocyte mobilization and adhesion. Complement receptor type 3 (CR3) and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β enables monocyte rec...
Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of the Lionfish Invasion in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico: Perspectives from a Broadscale Trawl Survey

AbstractThe recent introduction of invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish species (Red Lionfish Pterois volitans and Devil Firefish P. miles, hereafter collectively referred to as lionfish) into the western Atlantic Ocean has been extensively documented in both the scientific literature and the media. Nevertheless, much of the information synthesized has been obtained via diver-based surveys and there is likely a depth-related bias to the understanding of the temporal and spatial dynamics of the lionfish invasion. Accordingly, we examined data from a broadscale fisheries-independent trawl survey of bare substrates and low-relief habitats that was initiated in 2008 in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Lionfish were first observed in the survey in 2010, when two individuals were collected off southwestern Florida. The distribution of lionfish continued to expand northward through the Florida panhandle in 2011 and 2012, when 40 and 29 lionfish were collected, respectively. A dramatic increase in the abundance (391 individ...
Evidence for Occupational Therapy Interventions: A Student Educational Assignment

As an educational assignment, two classes of graduate students who had recently completed Level II fieldwork listed interventions they had either witnessed or implemented at their sites. Interventions were then randomly assigned to a different group of graduate students in an upper level research class. Searching the literature from the past 10 years, students located the literature providing evidence for the efficacy of these interventions and categorized them according to five hierarchical levels of effectiveness. Results across both classes indicated support at the two highest levels (I and II) for the following interventions: Constraint-Induced Treatment; Hippotherapy; Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Multisensory Handwriting Programs. Students indicated that this educational experience greatly helped to improve their understanding of research and emphasized the importance of researching the literature supporting interventions as they relate to current practice.
The effect of coach education on reporting of concussions among high school athletes after passage of a concussion law.

Background:Increasing attention has been paid to concussions and especially sports-related concussions in youth. To prevent an inappropriate return to play while symptomatic, nearly all states have now passed legislation on youth sports-related concussions.Purpose:To determine (1) the incidence of sports-related concussions in high school athletes using a unique system to collect reports on concussions, (2) the proportion of athletes with concussions who play with concussive symptoms, and (3) the effect of the type and modality of coach education on the likelihood of athletes reporting symptoms to the coach or playing with concussive symptoms.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:This study was conducted with high school football and girls’ soccer athletes playing in fall 2012 and their coaches and parents in 20 urban or rural high schools in Washington State. The main outcome was the incidence of concussions per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs), the proportion of concussed athletes who play...
Party Power or Preferences? Quasi-Experimental Evidence from American State Legislatures

Can majority parties control legislative outcomes by controlling the agenda, or are roll-call patterns simply the product of legislators’ preferences? We argue that, holding members’ preferences constant, the majority party’s ability to set the agenda gives it the power to influence legislative outcomes. We present the implications of this view of party power formally and then explore them empirically in two quasi-experiments from American state legislatures. In both, agenda control varies while legislator preferences remain constant. Our consistent finding is that the majority party uses its control over the agenda to screen out bills that would split its own membership, devotes more floor time to bills that divide majority from minority party legislators, and ultimately uses agenda control to protect the policy interests of its members.
Testing for population-level impacts of introduced Pseudacteon tricuspis flies, phorid parasitoids of Solenopsis invicta fire ants

Abstract Parasitoid phorid flies in the genus Pseudacteon are potential biocontrol agents of invasive Solenopsis fire ants in the US. One Pseudacteon species, P. tricuspis Borgmeier, has been released and is now established over a large region of north central Florida. We conducted a multi-year, large-scale field experiment to investigate potential population-level impacts on host Solenopsis invicta Buren fire ants and associated arthropods. We established and monitored 67 field sites over a 3.5 year period, documenting S. invicta density and activity by three complementary sampling methods: (1) mound counts and measurements, (2) attraction to baits, and (3) pitfall trap catches. P. tricuspis abundance was determined by censusing flies at disturbed S. invicta mounds. P. tricuspis populations increased in abundance over the first two years following colonization and then oscillated seasonally, reaching higher abundances in the fall than in the preceding spring. S. invicta populations varied greatly over time, and repeated-measures ANCOVA revealed no effect of phorid parasitism pressure on S. invicta density or activity. P. tricuspis likely has a relatively small effect on S. invicta populations, which may not be consistent over space and time and is difficult to document against the background of high variability in fire ant populations due to various environmental factors (i.e., rainfall, disturbance). P. tricuspis parasitism pressure (averaged over the course of the experiment) was positively associated with changes in S. invicta density. Additionally, P. tricuspis abundance was positively correlated with S. invicta density after P. tricuspis populations had been established for >1 year. Introduced phorid populations may require many years before a measurable impact is apparent. Alternatively, parasitism pressure of a single phorid species may not be a major factor regulating fire ant populations.
Self-Compensating Antenna Concept for a Dispersionless UWB Propagation Channel

An antenna that is used at both the transmit and receive end of the same dispersionless communications link should have a time domain response that looks like a half-derivative on transmit, at least over the frequency range of interest. Time domain reciprocity then dictates that the antenna will compensate for this half-derivative when used as the receiver, producing a flat channel response in the frequency domain. The desired waveform is produced by a pulsed infinite line source. An antenna concept based on a partially focused transverse electromagnetic horn might be able to mimic this performance over a finite frequency range.
Knowledge based Optimum Feature Selection for Lung Nodule Diagnosis on Thin Section Thoracic CT

An approach for optimum selection of lung nodule image characteristics in the feature domain is presented. This was applied to the classification module in the CAD system with data that was extracted from 42 ROI's of the 38 cases with an effective diameter of 3 to 8.5mm. 11 fundamental features were computed on the basis of dimensionality and image characteristics. The relation between the represented features of the 4 radiologists and the computed features was mapped using non-parametric correlation coefficients, multiple regression analysis and principle component analysis (PCA). Malignant and benign modules were classified based on the artificial neural network (ANN) to confirm the hypothesis from the mapping analysis. From the computed features and the radiologist's annotations, correlation coefficients between 0.2693 and 0.5178 were obtained. A combination of analyses namely regression, PCA, correlation and ANN were used to select optimum features. This resulted in F-test values of 0.821 and 0.643 for malignant and benign nodules respectively. The study of the relationship between the features and the weightage towards each of the representative classes resulted in optimum feature input for a CAD system. A composite analysis derived from correlation, PCA, multiple regression and the classification algorithm, collectively termed as the knowledge base, was used arrive at an "optimum" set of lung nodule features.
Constructive response to failure in music: the role of attribution feedback and classroom goal structure

Within the past decade, researchers have made significant progress in understanding how and why students are motivated to learn. Little research, however, has examined motivation within music classrooms, despite indications that motivational responses to music and related arts classes may differ significantly from responses obtained in other school content areas. In the present study, the effects of attribution feedback for failure (ability, effort, strategy) on behavioural and affective responses to failure in music were examined. A total of 120 junior high students, randomly assigned to nine treatment conditions (outcome attribution x goal structure), were presented with a scenario describing the failure experience of a fictitious music student. After reading through the situational description, participants completed a questionnaire assessing their expectations about the student's future behaviours and affective responses. Results indicated that most participants believed the student would feel badly about his failure experience, but would respond constructively in terms of future classroom behaviour (performance, effort, use of sound strategies). The most to least constructive future behaviours and affective reactions occurred when failure was attributed to the use of inappropriate strategies, lack of effort, and lack of ability, respectively. Guilt, anger, and upset following failure and attribution feedback were more strongly correlated with constructive future behaviours than were shame and embarrassment. No significant results were found for classroom goal structures.
A time-domain circuit simulator for coupled-cavity traveling-wave tubes

The Curnow equivalent circuit was used to predict the dispersion of cold coupled-cavity traveling-wave tubes, as wen as the voltage and current characteristics for lossless and lossy multicavity circuits. The equivalent circuit is extended to have three ports. The added beam port allows the future modeling of the interaction between beam and cavity. Losses are introduced into the circuit as resistors in series with the corresponding inductors. The time-domain solution to the multicavity circuit is developed. It can be applied to the full-spectrum signal. It is also useful for the transient analysis for both single frequency and full-spectrum signals, including the turn-on transients. Numerical methods to solve the time-domain equations are discussed; a second-order leap-frog method and a fourth-order Runge-Kutta method are implemented and analyzed. Simulation results from both codes are compared, and match well with the theory.
A software companion capable of dialogue

We discuss the conditions for the integration of a software companion into a distance training system. The study context is that of Croisieres, a device to learn French. The main questions raised when integrating a software companion into such a device can be answered by defining the various roles that the companion plays for the learner, by defining a written dialogue that can be established between companion and learner, and by defining the companion's capacities for explanation.
Cell segmentation using Hessian-based detection and contour evolution with directional derivatives

The large amount of data produced by biological live cell imaging studies of cell behavior requires accurate automated cell segmentation algorithms for rapid, unbiased and reproducible scientific analysis. This paper presents a new approach to obtain precise boundaries of cells with complex shapes using ridge measures for initial detection and a modified geodesic active contour for curve evolution that exploits the halo effect present in phase-contrast microscopy. The level set contour evolution is controlled by a novel spatially adaptive stopping function based on the intensity profile perpendicular to the evolving front. The proposed approach is tested on human cancer cell images from LSDCAS and achieves high accuracy even in complex environments.
Effects of nutritional state on the expression of radiation injury in two tumor subpopulations obtained from a heterogeneous human colon carcinoma.

Abstract Environmental modification of the intrinsic ionizing radiation sensitivity of two tumor cell subpopulations obtained from a single heterogeneous human colon adenocarcinoma was studied. The two subpopulations (termed clones A and D) were grown as monolayers to produce plateau phase cultures. Two different plateau phase growth states were produced by either changing the culture medium daily until maximum density was achieved ("fed" cultures), or by not changing the original medium for the entire duration of growth ("unfed" cultures). Cells were irradiated with graded single doses of X rays to determine survival responses. Using conventional single-hit, multi-target terminology, the extrapolation numbers ( n ), mean lethal doses (D 0 , Gy), and quasi-threshold doses (D q , Gy) for fed and unfed cultures of clone A cells were 23.7, 0.80, and 2.54 (fed); and 9.65, 0.85, and 1.93 (unfed). For fed and unfed cultures of clone D cells these values were: 13.0, 0.76, and 1.94 (fed); and 23.8, 0.73, and 2.30 (unfed). No significant difference was found between the radiation responses of these two tumor subpopulations in the plateau phase of growth, either as fed or unfed cultures. The D 0 value for clone D, but not for clone A, was significantly less than the D 0 value for cells in exponential growth, indicating that the change from exponential growth to a plateau growth state is accompanied by a change in the intrinsic sensitivity of clone D tumor cells. After establishment of the single dose response curves, we then investigated the ability of clone A and D cells to recover from radiation injury (potentially lethal damage recovery, PLDR) by irradiating plateau phase cultures with a single radiation dose sufficient to reduce survival to about 1%, and then subculturing the cells into fresh medium at times varying from 0–24 hours postirradiation. We found that the maximum increase in survival was seen at 12–24 hours postirradiation, and that the ratio of this maximum survival to the cell survival when subculturing was done immediately after irradiation was 2.7 (fed) and 2.5 (unfed) for clone A cells, and 3.6 (fed) and 3.0 (unfed) for clone D cells. Therefore, whereas clone D cells have a greater ability to express PLDR (by a factor of about 1.3) than clone A cells, the modification of this recovery by the environment was identical, with survival in the fed state being greater than in the unfed state by a factor of 1.2 and 1.1 for clone D and clone A tumor subpopulations, respectively.
Circuit models for power bus structures on printed circuit boards using a hybrid FEM-SPICE method

Power bus structures consisting of two parallel conducting planes are widely used on high-speed printed circuit boards. In this paper, a full-wave finite-element method (FEM) method is used to analyze power bus structures, and the resulting matrix equations are converted to equivalent circuits that can be analyzed using SPICE programs. Using this method of combining FEM and SPICE, power bus structures of arbitrary shape can be modeled efficiently both in the time-domain and frequency-domain, along with the circuit components connected to the bus. Dielectric loss and losses due to the finite resistance of the power planes can also be modeled. Practical examples are presented to validate this method
Tuberculosis exposure risk in emergency medicine residents.

Objectives To assess purified protein derivative (PPD) test surveillance and respiratory protection practices of emergency medicine (EM) residents, along with the prevalence of PPD test conversion and the development of active tuberculosis (TB) in EM residents. Methods The study instrument was an anonymous, self-reporting, multiple-choice survey administered to U.S. and Canadian EM residents. It was distributed for voluntary completion in conjunction with the American Board of Emergency Medicine's annual in-service examination, which was administered February 25, 1998. Results A total of 89.3% (n = 2,985) of residents eligible to complete the survey completed at least part of it. The majority of residents are PPD-tested once a year. The prevalence of PPD test conversions in EM residents was between 1.4% (36/2,575) and 2.0% (52/2,575). Of the residents who PPD test-converted, the ED was most often the perceived area of TB source exposure (n = 15). Two residents (0.08%) reported having developed active TB, including chest radiographic findings or clinical infection, which equals a 0.14% (95% CI = 0.005 to 0.31) risk of developing active TB over a three-year residency. Half of all the residents do not routinely wear National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved particulate filtration respirator (PFR) masks in patient encounters at risk for TB exposure. While more than a third of EM residents have not undergone fit testing for a NIOSH-approved PFR mask, the lack of routine easy availability of such masks is the most common reason they are not routinely worn by EM residents during at-risk encounters for TB transmission. Conclusions Most surveillance PPD testing of EM residents is performed at intervals recommended by the CDC. TB control programs at institutions sponsoring EM residencies need to improve both compliance with PFR mask fit testing by EM residents and availability of approved PFR masks in appropriate areas of the ED. Despite poor compliance with personal respiratory protection in ED patient encounters at risk for TB transmission, the risk of an EM resident's developing active TB over a three-year residency is low.
Sequential injection wetting film extraction applied to the spectrophotometric determination of chromium(VI) and chromium(III) in water

Abstract The spectrophotometric determination of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) via sequential injection was used to demonstrate the sensitivity enhancement provided by a newly developed wetting film extraction system. The reaction product of Cr(VI) with 1,5-diphenylcarbazide was ion-paired with perchlorate and extracted into an organic wetting film consisting of octanol and 4-methyl-2-pentanone on the inner wall of a Teflon tube. The wetting film, with the extracted analyte, was then eluted with 100 μl acetonitrile and the analyte determined spectrophotometrically at 546 nm. Important optimized parameters were the selection of wetting film and elution solvents, the flow rate, the length and diameter of the extraction coil and the conditions for the formation of the ion paired chelate. Cr(III) was previously oxidized to Cr(VI) and calculated as the difference between total Cr and Cr(VI). An enrichment factor of 25 and a detection limit of 2.0 μg l−1 Cr(VI) were achieved with a sampling frequency of 17 h−1. The calibration curve was linear up to 100 μg l−1 Cr(VI) (r = 0.999). The relative standard deviations were 2.8 and 2.0% at the 25 and 100 μg l−1 levels.
High-accuracy photoreceiver frequency response measurements at 1.55 µm by use of a heterodyne phase-locked loop

We demonstrate a high-accuracy heterodyne measurement system for characterizing the magnitude of the frequency response of high-speed 1.55 µm photoreceivers from 2 MHz to greater than 50 GHz. At measurement frequencies below 2 GHz, we employ a phase-locked loop with a double-heterodyne detection scheme, which enables precise tuning of the heterodyne beat frequency with an RF synthesizer. At frequencies above 2 GHz the system is operated in free-run mode with thermal tuning of the laser beat frequency. We estimate the measurement uncertainties for the low frequency range and compare the measured high-frequency response of a photoreceiver to a measurement using electro-optic sampling.
Understanding Power Supply Droop during At-Speed Scan Testing

The paper explores the effects of power-supply droop during scan based at-speed test application. The unnatural supply voltage profile that results when the capture clocks are fired during such tests can lead to artificial failures and bring into question the validity of using structural at-speed testing as a delay defect screen. The experiments described in this paper attempt to fully characterize this effect in a number of different ways. Although the focus of this publication is mainly transition scan patterns, the results are equally applicable to path-delay scan testing.
ABCA1 and ABCG1 Protect Against Oxidative Stress-Induced Macrophage Apoptosis During Efferocytosis

Rationale: Antiatherogenic effects of plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) include the ability to inhibit apoptosis of macrophage foam cells. The ATP-binding cassette transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1 have a major role in promoting cholesterol efflux from macrophages to apolipoprotein A-1 and HDL and are upregulated during the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis). Objective: The goal of this study was to determine the roles of ABCA1 and ABCG1 in preserving the viability of macrophages during efferocytosis. Methods and Results: We show that despite similar clearance of apoptotic cells, peritoneal macrophages from Abca1 −/− Abcg1 −/−, Abcg1 −/−, and, to a lesser extent, Abca1 −/− mice are much more prone to apoptosis during efferocytosis compared to wild-type cells. Similar findings were observed following incubations with oxidized phospholipids, and the ability of HDL to protect against oxidized phospholipid-induced apoptosis was markedly reduced in Abca1 −/− Abcg1 −/− and Abcg1 −/− cells. These effects were independent of any role of ABCA1 and ABCG1 in mediating oxidized phospholipid efflux but were reversed by cyclodextrin-mediated cholesterol efflux. The apoptotic response observed in Abca1 −/− Abcg1 −/− macrophages after oxidized phospholipid exposure or engulfment of apoptotic cells was dependent on an excessive oxidative burst secondary to enhanced assembly of NADPH oxidase (NOX)2 complexes, leading to sustained Jnk activation which turned on the apoptotic cell death program. Increased NOX2 assembly required Toll-like receptors 2/4 and MyD88 signaling, which are known to be enhanced in transporter deficient cells in a lipid raft–dependent fashion. Conclusions: We identified a new beneficial role of ABCA1, ABCG1 and HDL in dampening the oxidative burst and preserving viability of macrophages following exposure to oxidized phospholipids and/or apoptotic cells.
Enhancing downlink performance in wireless networks by simultaneous multiple packet transmission

In this paper we consider using simultaneous Multiple Packet Transmission (MPT) to improve the downlink performance of wireless networks. With MPT, the sender can send two compatible packets simultaneously to two distinct receivers and can double the throughput in the ideal case. We formalize the problem of finding a schedule to send out buffered packets in minimum time as finding a maximum matching problem in a graph. Since maximum matching algorithms are relatively complex and may not meet the timing requirements of real time applications, we give a fast approximation algorithm that is capable of finding a matching at least 3/4 of the size of a maximum matching in O(|E|) time where |E| is the number of edges in the graph. We also give analytical bounds for maximum allowable arrival rate which measures the speedup of the downlink after enhanced with MPT and our results show that the maximum arrival rate increases significantly even with a very small compatibility probability. We also use an approximate analytical model and simulations to study the average packet delay and our results show that packet delay can be greatly reduced even with a very small compatibility probability. Index Terms: Multiple packet transmission, wireless LAN, matching, approximation algorithm, maximum allowable arrival rate, delay.
Morphology of ejected debris from laser super-heated fused silica following exit surface laser-induced damage

Laser induced damage (breakdown) initiated on the exit surface of transparent dielectric materials using nanosecond pulses creates a volume of superheated material reaching localized temperatures on the order of 1 eV and pressures on the order of 10 GPa or larger. This leads to material ejection and the formation of a crater. The volume of this superheated material depends largely on the laser parameters such as fluence and pulse duration. To elucidate the material behaviors involved, we examined the morphologies of the ejected superheated material particles and found distinctive morphologies. We hypothesize that these morphologies arise from the difference in the structure and physical properties (such as the dynamic viscosity and presence of instabilities) of the superheated material at the time of ejection of each individual particle. Some of the ejected particles are on the order of 1 µm in diameter and appear as “droplets”. Another subgroup appears to have stretched, foam-like structure that can be described as material globules interconnected via smaller in diameter columns. Such particles often contain nanometer size fibers attached on their surface. In other cases, only the globules have been preserved suggesting that they may be associated with a collapsed foam structure under the dynamic pressure as it traverses in air. These distinct features originate in the structure of the superheated material during volume boiling just prior to the ejection of the particles.
Constructive Controversy as a Means of Teaching Citizens How to Engage in Political Discourse.

Positive political discourse is the heart of democracy. The purposes of political discourse include making an effective decision about the course the society should take and building a moral bond a...
A psbA mutation (Val219 to Ile) causes resistance to propanil and increased susceptibility to bentazon in Cyperus difformis.

BACKGROUND Propanil-resistant (R) Cyperus difformis populations were recently confirmed in California rice fields. To date, propanil resistance in other weed species has been associated with enhanced aryl acylamidase (AAA)-mediated propanil conversion into 3,4-dichloroaniline. Our objectives were to determine the level of propanil resistance and cross-resistance to other PSII inhibitors in C. difformis lines, and to elucidate the mechanism of propanil resistance. RESULTS The propanil-R line had a 14-fold propanil resistance and increased resistance to bromoxynil, diuron and metribuzin, but not to atrazine. The R line, however, displayed a fourfold increased susceptibility to bentazon. Interestingly, susceptible (S) plants accumulated more 3,4-dichloroaniline and were more injured by propanil and carbaryl (AAA-inhibitor) applications than R plants, suggesting that propanil metabolism is not the resistance mechanism. psbA gene sequence analysis indicated a valine-219-isoleucine (Val219 Ile) amino acid exchange in the propanil-R chloroplast D1 protein. CONCLUSION The D1 Val219 Ile modification in C. difformis causes resistance to propanil, diuron, metribuzin and bromoxynil but increased susceptibility to bentazon, suggesting that the Val219 residue participates in binding of these herbicides. This is the first report of a higher plant exhibiting target-site propanil resistance. Tank mixing of bentazon and propanil, where permitted, can control both propanil-R and propanil-S C. difformis and prevent the spread of the resistant phenotype. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
Complement-fixing antibodies reactive with Epstein-Barr virus in sera of marmosets and prosimians.

SummaryComplement-fixing antibodies reactive with Epstein-Barr (EBV) antigens were detected in 35% of 137 marmoset sera tested. The incidence of these antibodies ranged from 23 to 64% depending on the cohort of imported or colony-born marmosets. Similar antibodies were present in sera of 7 of 13 prosimians. The specificity of the serologic reaction was demonstrated by absorption experiments. Attempts to demonstrate EBV-reactive antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence with labeled antisera to human or rhesus IgG were unsuccessful. The results suggest that these lower primates may be susceptible to experimental EBV infection and could provide a model for the study of the pathogenicity of this virus.
The influence of adrenal steroids on thyroid function and serum-free thyroxine in tumor-bearing rats.

SummaryThe correlation between the suppression of thyroidal uptake of radioactive iodide and the serum percent free thyroxine (PFT) in rats with hormone-secreting pituitary tumors was studied. Thyr...
Current Epidemiological Situation of Rubella in Weifang During 2001-2005

Objective To understand the epidemic characteristics of rubella in Weifang and to provide scientific evidences for controlling rubella. Methods The epidemiological characteristics of rubella were analyzed by using the data of NNDRS (National Notifiable Disease Reported System and Measles Surveillance). Result 129 rubella cases were reported in Weifang during 2001-2005. The annual average incidence was 3.04/100 000.The high incidence period was in spring,which occupied 80.62%(104/129) cases.The incidence was in highly aggregate state. The outbreak cases were 80.62%(104/129). The cases in school children aged 9-17 years was 75.97%.Conclusion The outbreak of rubella in Weifang all comes from school.The outbreak cases almost do not vaccinate rubella vaccine or have not clear history of vaccination.The basic reason of rubella outbreak is generous accumulation of susceptible population.The rubella vaccine immunization of school students should be reinforced in the future.The monitoring of epidemic situation in school should also be strengthened in order to cut down the rubella outbreak.
Simulation on System Commissioning for Interconnection Project of 330 kV Qinghai Power Grid With 110 kV Yushu Power System and Analysis on Its Pre-Control Strategy

There are difficulties in the interconnection project of 330 kV Qinghai power grid with 110 kV Yushu power system such as long transmission distance, weak structure at receiving end in 110 kV Yushu power system, system voltage out-of-limit and frequency instability during the commissioning. For this reason, a voltage pre-control scheme for energizing operation of no-load 330 kV transmission line and the commissioning test of 35 kV SVC in Yushu power system is proposed to solve the out-of-limit of system voltage caused by energizing operation of no-load transmission line from Maduo to Yushu and hot-line switching of 35 kV SVC in Yushu substation during the commissioning, and the effectiveness of the proposed voltage pre-control scheme is validated by measured data during the commissioning. The impacts of connection test on bus voltages at both sides of the circuit breaker and reactive output of Yushu hydropower generating units are simulated and the pre-control strategy for connection test of 330 kV Qinghai power grid with Yushu power system is put forward. The impacts of speed regulation system parameter of hydropower generating units in Yushu power system, load model of the Yushu power system and the power flow at the disconnection-point on frequency variation in post-disconnection Yushu power system are analyzed, and the pre-control strategy for the disconnection test between Qinghai power grid and Yushu power system is given. Above-mentioned voltage pre-control scheme and the pre-control strategy for system connection as well as the pre-control strategy for system disconnection have been applied in the commissioning test of actual power grid interconnection.
Measuring MicroRNA Expression in Mouse Hematopoietic Stem Cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of diverse biologic processes. In the hematopoietic system, miRNAs have been shown to regulate lineage fate decisions, mature immune effector cell function, apoptosis, and cell cycling, and a more limited number of miRNAs has been shown to regulate hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal. Many of these miRNAs were initially identified as candidate regulators of HSC function by comparing miRNA expression in hematopoietic stem and progenitors cells (HSPCs) to their mature progeny. While the measurement of miRNA expression in rare cell populations such as HSCs poses practical challenges due to the low amount of RNA present, a number of techniques have been developed to measure miRNAs in small numbers of cells. Here, we describe our protocol for measuring miRNAs in purified mouse HSCs using a highly sensitive real-time quantitative PCR strategy that utilizes microfluidic array cards containing pre-spotted TaqMan probes that allows the detection of mature miRNAs in small reaction volumes. We also describe a simple data analysis method to evaluate miRNA expression profiling data using an open-source software package (HTqPCR) using mouse HSC miRNA profiling data generated in our lab.
Protective Measures in Connection with Electromagnetic Separations of Radioactive Isotopes at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory

In its inception, the electromagnetic plutonium separation facility was constructed to provide small, research quantities of the isotopes. Feed was limited and the content of isotopes other than Pu239 was quite low. Thus health problems were those associated with elemental plutonium, a bone seeking, alpha emitter with 2.4 • 104 year half-life.
Expression of substance P and its precursor forms in vagal, tracheal, and lung tissues of the guinea pig

Steady-state levels of the prototypic tachykinin neuropeptide substance P (SP) and its major precursor form substance P-glycine (SP-G) were detected and authenticated in guinea pig vagal and respiratory tissues by radioimmunoassay (RIA), combined high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/RIA analyses, and immunohistochemistry. Four antisera were employed: anti-SP that recognizes the amidated COOH-terminal of SP and is specific for the mature peptide, anti-SP4-10 that recognizes the midportion 4-10 amino acid sequence of SP and is highly specific for both mature SP and extended precursor forms of SP, anti-SP-G that is highly specific for the unamidated COOH-terminal of SP-G, and affinity-purified anti-SP-G-K that is capable of detecting SP-G and minor forms of SP precursor in immunohistochemical analyses. In all examined areas, the content of substance P4-10-like immunoreactivity (SP4-10-LI) quantified by RIA with the use of anti-SP4-10 was greater than that quantified by RIA with the use of anti-SP serum, thereby providing biochemical evidence of steady-state expression of extended precursor forms of SP. Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated labeled axonal profiles indicating the presence of immunoreactive SP as well as immunoreactive forms of SP precursor within lung hilum and in small fibers in the parenchyma, with no evidence of labeled neuronal cell bodies in these same areas.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment of refractory osteomyelitis

Of 70 patients with refractory osteomyelitis who received treatment with hyperbaric oxygen, all improved and 63% have remained free of disease. Treatment is supplemental to properly timed surgery and antibiotic therapy.
SU-G-TeP4-10: Do Small Errors Matter When Treating Pituitary Adenoma Patients Using Gamma Knife?

Purpose: To determine whether positional errors on the order of 0.5–1 mm have any effect on critical structure dose or target coverage for pituitary adenoma patients treated with the Gamma Knife Perfexion. Methods: Treatment plans for six pituitary adenoma patients were modified to include positional shifts of 0.5 mm and 1 mm for each shot and in each cardinal direction. Twelve new plans were created per patient, and changes in target coverage and maximum dose to surrounding critical structures were recorded. Of particular interest were cases in which dose to the optic apparatus exceeded a tolerance of 8 Gy or dose to the brainstem exceeded a tolerance of 10–12 Gy. Target volumes ranged from 0.8–4.7 cc, and prescription doses ranged from 12–20 Gy. Results: Target coverage was significantly affected for only the smallest lesion. In this case, a shift of 1 mm in the superior or inferior direction resulted in a loss of coverage equal to 10%. A shift of 0.5 mm in the superior direction resulted in a loss of coverage equal to 4%. Critical structure tolerances were exceeded in 6/36 altered plans applying a 1 mm shift, and 3/36 altered plans applying a 0.5 mm shift. The increase in critical structure dose was between 2.0–2.7 Gy for these cases. Conclusion: In the world of radiosurgery accuracy is often quoted as sub-millimeter. It is important to recognize, however, that even at this scale small errors can lead to situations where OAR tolerances are exceeded or target coverage is lost. The risk of such errors is dependent on the uncertainties involved with each step of the planning/treatment process. Future work will be devoted to better quantifying these uncertainties and defining the risk/benefit ratio for specific treatment approaches, i.e. margin vs no margin, optimization strategy, choice of prescription dose, etc.
The Case of More General Groups

We are concerned with extensions of locally defined continuous and positive definite (p.d.) functions F on Lie groups, say G, but some results apply to locally compact groups as well. However in the case of locally compact Abelian groups, we have stronger theorems, due to the powerful Fourier analysis theory in this specific setting.
Patient-Centered Learning Curricula: Evaluating the Impact of the Friday Wrap-Up on Student Conceptualization of Patient Psychosocial Characteristics

Medical educators are challenged to prepare physicians who recognize and attend to patients’ psychosocial needs, as doing so is essential for prevention and treatment of disease. The authors evaluated Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine’s Patient-Centered Learning curriculum as a model for teaching about patient psychosocial needs. Data was collected at five time points throughout the academic year. The year-long study using a pre-test and post-test design confirmed one part of the curriculum is effective in increasing the students’ recognition of patient psychosocial characteristics. This replicable and sustainable curriculum and implications for medical educators are described herein.
Flux Tube Spectrum from Thermodynamic Bethe Ansatz

In this chapter we develop a technique for calculation of the QCD flux tube spectrum based on approximate integrability of the worldsheet theory at low energies. Our calculations are in good agreement with the currently available lattice data and demonstrate the presence of a massive excitation propagating on the worldsheet of flux tubes in 4D Yang–Mills. Same techniques are applicable in 3D where lattice data allows to measure the mass of the breathing modes of some of the k-strings. Most of the results first appeared in [10], while the detailed discussion presented here can be found in [11].