cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Manley-Rowe Relations in the Transverse Wave Vector

The applicability of the Manley–Rowe relations is extended to the case of beams incident on a parallel-sided plate having rationally related frequencies but different angles of incidence. Distinct harmonic beams of the same frequency are distinguished by their different values of the transverse wave vector. The statement of the Manley–Rowe relations is changed only to the extent that terms corresponding to zero frequencies are omitted from the sums. This extension of the relations fills a gap which is inconvenient in discussions of the image-processing possibilities of nonlinear optical media.
A calcium-independent 5-lipoxygenase system in mast/basophil PT-18 cells.

Abstract Mammalian 5-lipoxygenase systems exist in inactive or cryptic states and have to be stimulated in order to metabolize exogenous [14C]arachidonic acid to 5-HETE and leukotrienes. In most cells, both the activation process and the 5-lipoxygenase activity are calcium-dependent. However, the cryptic 5-lipoxygenase system in the murine PT-18 mast/basophil cell line, which can be stimulated by 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE), is unusual. Studies with fura-2 loaded PT-18 cells indicate that increases in cytosolic calcium do not appear to correlate with enhanced 5-lipoxygenase product formation. Thus, both the calcium ionophore ionomycin and arachidonic acid increase cytosolic calcium levels but have very little effect on [14C]5-HETE formation, whereas 15-HETE induces large increases in [14C]5-HETE production but no concomitant enhancement in cytosolic calcium is observed. Chelation of extracellular calcium by 3 mM EGTA resulted in a 30−40% inhibition of [14C]5-HETE formation induced by 15 HETE, whereas 3 mM EGTA has no appreciable effect on a crude PT-18 5-lipoxygenase homogenate. These results indicate that in PT-18 cells, calcium does not appear to play an important role in either the 15-HETE-induced activation process, or the enzymatic activity of the cryptic 5-lipoxygenase system.
Direct and indirect effects of grazing by Neocalanus plumchrus on plankton community dynamics in the subarctic Pacific

The effects of grazing of Neocalanus plumchrus C5 copepodids on plankton trophic coupling in the subarctic Pacific were examined in shipboard microcosm experiments during June 1987. Mixed-layer seawater was incubated for 5d in 601 containers under simulated in situ conditions and copepod densities ranging from 0 (control) to 0.75 copepods 1−1. Direct grazing effects were determined from temporal changes in abundances of chlorophyll, diatoms, and ciliates. Indirect effects were evaluated from measured rates of primary production (14C-bicarbonate uptake), bacterial secondary production (3H-thymidine incorporation), and 15N-ammonium uptake and regeneration. Phytoplankton grew to higher than natural levels in all microcosms over the course of the incubations, but copepods reduced the rates of increase by factors suggesting time-averaged clearance rates of 120, 420, 450 and 170ml copepod−1d−1 for chlorophyll, Nitzschia spp., centric diatoms and ciliates, respectively. Of the rates measured, those largely attributable to phytoplankton growth (i.e. primary production and ammonium uptake) declined with increasing macrozooplankton grazing, in proportion to phytoplankton standing stock measured as chlorophyll a. In contrast, rates associated with microbial loop activity (thymidine incorporation and ammonium regeneration) were enhanced by macrozooplankton grazing. Consequently, increased copepod grazing resulted in a larger fraction of phytoplankton production being processed through the microbial loop.
Definitive radiotherapy for head-and-neck cancer with radiographically positive retropharyngeal nodes: Incomplete radiographic response does not necessarily indicate failure

Purpose: Our aim was to report the control rate of radiographically positive retropharyngeal (RP) nodes with radiation therapy (RT) and to correlate posttreatment imaging with clinical outcome. Methods and Materials: Sixteen patients treated with definitive RT for head-and-neck cancer had radiographically positive RP nodes (size >1 cm in largest axial dimension, or presence of focal enhancement, lucency, or calcification), and both pre-RT and post-RT image sets available for review. An additional 21 patients with unconfirmed radiographically positive RP nodes had post–RT imaging, which consisted of computed tomography (CT) at a median of 4 weeks after completing RT. Patients with positive post-RT RP nodes underwent observation with serial imaging. Results: Of 16 patients with pre-RT and post-RT images available for review, 9 (56%) had a radiographic complete response, and of 21 patients with unconfirmed positive RP nodes with post-RT images available for review, 14 (67%) had a radiographic complete response. In all, 14 patients with incomplete response on post–RT imaging experienced control of their disease with no further therapy, and no RP node or neck failures were noted during a median follow-up of 2.8 years. Six patients with positive post-RT RP nodes had serial imaging available for review, and none demonstrated radiographic progression of disease. Conclusions: Radiographic response at 4 weeks may not accurately reflect long-term locoregional control, as RP nodes may continue to resolve over time. The highest index of suspicion should be reserved for patients with progressive changes in size, focal lucency, or focal enhancement on serial imaging after RT.
Modeling of an actively stabilized regenerative amplifier for OMEGA pulse-shaping applications

We have modeled the output of a feedback stabilized regenerative amplifier (regen). We solve the rate equations including upper- and lower-laser-level lifetimes explicitly. The complete regen dynamics including the losses due to the feedback stabilizer are modeled. We provide a prescription for determining the injection-pulse shape required to produce a given output-pulse shape from this region. The model shows excellent agreement to measured regen output. This model of the regen along with our code RAINBOW, completely describes the temporal dynamics of the OMEGA laser system allowing OMEGA users to specify on-target pulse shapes in advance.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Laparoscopic Hepatic Lobectomy: Advantages of a Minimally Invasive Approach

Background As compared with open hepatic lobectomy (OHL), laparoscopic hepatic lobectomy (LHL) carries a substantial learning curve and potential for improved perioperative outcomes. The purpose of this analysis was to compare the outcomes of patients undergoing LHL with those of patients undergoing OHL. Methods Analysis of a 1,545-patient prospective hepato-pancreatico-biliary database from January 2000 to June 2009 identified 450 hepatic lobectomy patients, in whom 90 were LHL. A 4:1 case-matched analysis comparing LHL with 360 OHL patients, controlling for age, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, tumor size, histology, and tumor location was performed. Results A total of 450 patients underwent hepatic lobectomy for malignant or benign lesions, with LHL performed in 90 (20%) patients. There was a significant increase in the percentage of LHL performed during 3 intervals of time: 1995 to 1999, 0%; 2000 to 2004, 1%; 2005 to 2009, 24% (p Conclusions In this prospective evaluation, LHL was associated with substantial improvements in operative time, Pringle maneuver time, blood loss, transfusion requirements, length of stay, and morbidity without compromising resection margins. These results suggest that LHL is appropriate in selected patients with hepatic tumors.
A Hashing-Based Search Algorithm for Coding Digital Images by Vector Quantization

This paper describes a fast algorithm to compress digital images by vector quantization. Vector quantization relies heavily on searching to build codebooks and to classify blocks of pixels into code indices. The proposed algorithm uses hashing, localized search, and multi-stage search to accelerate the searching process. The average of pixel values in a block is used as the feature for hashing and intermediate screening. Experimental results using monochrome images are presented. This algorithm compares favorably with other methods with regard to processing time, and has comparable or better mean square error measurements than some of them. The major advantages of the proposed algorithm are its speed, good quality of the reconstructed images, and flexibility.
Orchestrating T-cell receptor α gene assembly through changes in chromatin structure and organization

V(D)J recombination is regulated through changes in chromatin structure that allow recombinase proteins access to recombination signal sequences and through changes in three-dimensional chromatin organization that bring pairs of distant recombination signal sequences into proximity. The Tcra/Tcrd locus is complex and undergoes distinct recombination programs in double negative and double positive thymocytes that lead to the assembly of Tcrd and Tcra genes, respectively. Our studies provide insights into how locus chromatin structure is regulated and how changes in locus chromatin structure can target and then retarget the recombinase to create developmental progressions of recombination events. Our studies also reveal distinct locus conformations in double negative and double positive thymocytes and suggest how these conformations may support the distinct recombination programs in the two compartments.
From Conditionality to Persuasion? Europeanization and the Rights of Sexual Minorities in Post‐Accession Poland

Abstract Through an examination of sexual minorities’ rights in Poland, this paper compares the effectiveness of ‘external incentives’ and ‘social learning’ as Europeanization mechanisms after EU enlargement in post‐communist Europe. The politics surrounding the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Poland raise questions about the EU’s capacity to foster norms of tolerance and non‐discrimination now that accession has weakened the tools of external incentives. Through interviews with LGBT activists and political elites in Warsaw in 2007, I examine the potential of a policy of Europeanization through persuasion, or social learning.
Sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy of fan-delta and river-delta deposystems, Pennsylvanian Minturn Formation, Colorado

Fan-delta and river-delta strata of the middle Pennsylvanian Minturn Formation were deposited in the Central Colorado trough and are well exposed in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Proximal fan-delta strata were deposited in lowstand, transgressive, and highstand systems tracts, whereas distal fan-delta strata were deposited in lowstand, highstand, and forced regressive systems tracts. Fan-delta strata were deposited adjacent to coeval westward-dipping thrust faults along the western margin of the Central Colorado trough. Inferred high subsidence rates caused by thrust loading along the western margin of the basin created accommodation space closer to the basin margin and resulted in localized aggradation of fan-delta deposits.Proximal river-delta strata were deposited in transgressive, highstand, and early regressive systems tracts, whereas distal river-delta strata were deposited during all stages of sea level change. River-delta deposystems are interpreted to have formed in parts of the basin that experienced relatively less subsidence associated with Pennsylvanian thrust loading. Lower subsidence rates associated with river-delta deposystems resulted in progradation into more distal parts of the basin.Results of our study point out that lateral changes in depositional systems, related to local variation in tectonic subsidence, may produce significant along-strike differences in the sequence stratigraphic framework of flexural basins. Our analysis also shows that potential reservoir facies in coeval fan-delta and river-delta deposystems form at different times and in different parts of the basin during sea level fluctuation.
Perceptual retraining for adults with diffuse brain injury

Occupational therapy for adults with perceptual dysfunction secondary to diffuse acquired brain injury from trauma or anoxia often includes remedial retraining with treatment tasks, like construction of puzzles, to provide clients with practice in deficit perceptual skills. Therapists using this approach assume that adults with brain injury learn specific perceptual skills from retraining exercises and can transfer those skills across all activities (including self-care and community living activities) that require those skills. This review of outcome studies about remedial perceptual retraining for adults with diffuse acquired brain injury suggests that those learning assumptions hold true only for clients with localized lesions and preserved abstract reasoning who have been explicitly taught to transfer learning across a variety of treatment activities. Recommendations about ways to assess clients' learning potential and appropriateness for remedial retraining include keeping track of the number of repetitions clients need to relearn functional tasks and systematically varying functional tasks during training to see how easily clients can transfer learning across variations of the same task.
Temporal Change in Fur Color in Museum Specimens of Mammals: Reddish-Brown Species Get Redder with Storage Time

Museum collections have great value for zoological research, but despite careful preservation, over time specimens can show subtle changes in color. We examined the effect of storage time on fur color of two reddish-brown species, golden mice (Ochrotomys nuttalli) and eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus). Using image analysis, we obtained color data (hue, saturation, and density) on 91 golden mice and 49 chipmunks from Georgia, USA. Analyses that considered body size, gender, and collection year showed significant effects of year on fur color of golden mice (hue and saturation) and of agouti color of chipmunks. Older specimens tended to be redder in color than newer specimens, consistent with a prior study of red bats (Lasiurus borealis). Hair samples showed reddening of fine body hairs, but not in thicker guard hairs. There was no temporal change in black or white stripe color in chipmunks, indicating that this temporal effect would be limited to species with reddish-brown fur. This effect may be caused by breakdown of eumelanin pigments (which make dark colors) over time, leaving a greater proportion of pheomelanin pigments (which make red colors). These results show that storage time needs to be considered in research projects where fur color is of importance.
Better Than the Lungs We Are Taking Out

JAMA Effect of a Lung Protective Strategy for Organ Donors on Eligibility and Availability of Lungs for Transplantation: A Randomized Controlled Trial Luciana Mascia, MD, PhD; Daniela Pasero, MD; Arthur S. Slutsky, MD; M. Jose Arguis, MD; Maurizio Berardino, MD; Salvatore Grasso, MD; Marina Munari, MD; Silvia Boifava, MD; Giuseppe Cornara, MD; Francesco Della Corte, MD; Nicoletta Vivaldi, MD; Paolo Malacarne, MD; Paolo Del Gaudio, MD; Sergio Livigni, MD; Elisabeth Zavala, MD; Claudia Filippini, PhD; Erica L. Martin, PhD; Pier Paolo Donadio, MD; Ilaria Mastromauro, MD; V. Marco Ranieri, MD Context: Many potential donor lungs deteriorate between the time of brain death and evaluation for transplantation suitability, possibly because of the ventilatory strategy used after brain death. Objective: To test whether a lung protective strategy increases the number of lungs available for transplantation. Design, Setting, and Patients: Multicenter randomized controlled trial of patients with beating hearts who were potential organ donors conducted at 12 European intensive care units from September 2004 to May 2009 in the Protective Ventilatory Strategy in Potential Lung Donors Study. Interventions: Potential donors were randomized to the conventional ventilatory strategy (with tidal volumes of 10-12 mL/kg of predicted body weight, positive end-expiratory pressure [PEEP] of 3-5 cm H 2 O, apnea tests performed by disconnecting the ventilator, and open circuit for airway suction) or the protective ventilatory strategy (with tidal volumes of 6-8 mL/kg of predicted body weight, PEEP of 8-10 cm H 2 O, apnea tests performed by using continuous positive airway pressure, and closed circuit for airway suction). Main Outcome Measures: The number of organ donors meeting eligibility criteria for harvesting, number of lungs harvested, and 6-month survival of lung transplant recipients. Results: The trial was stopped after enrolling 118 patients (59 in the conventional ventilatory strategy and 59 in the protective ventilatory strategy) because of termination of funding. The number of patients who met lung donor eligibility criteria after the 6-hour observation period was 32 (54%) in the conventional strategy vs 56 (95%) in the protective strategy (difference of 41% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 26.5% to 54.8%]; P > P = .004). Six-month survival rates did not differ between recipients who received lungs from donors ventilated with the conventional strategy compared with the protective strategy (11/16 [69%] vs 24/32 [75%], respectively; difference of 6% [95% CI, −22% to 32%]). Conclusion: Use of a lung protective strategy in potential organ donors with brain death increased the number of eligible and harvested lungs compared with a conventional strategy. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00260676
Role of Leptin-Mediated Colonic Inflammation in Defense against Clostridium difficile Colitis

The role of leptin in the mucosal immune response to Clostridium difficile colitis, a leading cause of nosocomial infection, was studied in humans and in a murine model. Previously, a mutation in the receptor for leptin (LEPR) was shown to be associated with susceptibility to infectious colitis and liver abscess due to Entamoeba histolytica as well as to bacterial peritonitis. Here we discovered that European Americans homozygous for the same LEPR Q223R mutation (rs1137101), known to result in decreased STAT3 signaling, were at increased risk of C. difficile infection (odds ratio, 3.03; P = 0.015). The mechanism of increased susceptibility was studied in a murine model. Mice lacking a functional leptin receptor (db/db) had decreased clearance of C. difficile from the gut lumen and diminished inflammation. Mutation of tyrosine 1138 in the intracellular domain of LepRb that mediates signaling through the STAT3/SOCS3 pathway also resulted in decreased mucosal chemokine and cell recruitment. Collectively, these data support a protective mucosal immune function for leptin in C. difficile colitis partially mediated by a leptin-STAT3 inflammatory pathway that is defective in the LEPR Q223R mutation. Identification of the role of leptin in protection from C. difficile offers the potential for host-directed therapy and demonstrates a connection between metabolism and immunity.
An Examination of the Validity of the Sex-Role Egalitarianism Scale (SRES-KK) Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis Procedures

Validity of the Sex-Role Egalitarianism Scale (SRES) was examined employing LISREL confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) procedures for a managerial sample (N = 268) and for a student sample (N= 519). Results of the CFAs indicated that the proposed one- and five-dimensional models of the SRES did not fit the data from the managerial sample but were partially confirmed on the student sample. Further analyses suggested the use of a revised, five-item version of the SRES measure comprising an employment egalitarian dimension, based upon the conceptual definitions provided by the developers of the instrument. This measure was confirmed on both the managerial and student samples using LISREL CFA and represents a valid one-dimensional measure for future use in research on sex role egalitarianism with managerial samples.
Visualization of shell matrix proteins in hemocytes and tissues of the Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica

The tissues of the oyster were examined for the presence of shell matrix proteins (SMPs) using a combination of Western, proteomic, and epi-fluorescent microscopy techniques. SMP, including 48 and 55 kDa phosphoproteins, was detected in the epithelial cells of mantle, gill, heart, and adductor muscle and linings of arteries and veins. The 48 kDa SMP circulates continuously within the hemolymph, and is present in the immune system hemocytes. It appears to be secreted from hemocytes on induction of shell repair. We suggest that the 48 and 55 kDa proteins are multifunctional and bridge the process of soft tissue repair and shell formation by mediating cellular activities during immune response as well as interacting with the mineral phase during deposition.
Refinement of weed risk assessments for biofuels using Camelina sativa as a model species

Summary 1. Biofuel production has the potential of reducing CO2 emissions while decreasing global dependence on fossil fuels. However, concerns have been raised on the invasiveness of biofuel feedstocks. Estimating invasion potential remains a challenge because of inconsistencies and inherent limitations of using first-tier qualitative weed risk assessment (WRA) protocols singularly. 2. We evaluated the usefulness of second-tier quantitative WRA methods using a recently introduced oilseed crop, Camelina sativa, as a model species. First, we subjected C. sativa to the qualitative Australian WRA and found that it should not be allowed entry. We then used demographic models fit with field-estimated parameters as a second-tier approach to quantitatively evaluate its invasion potential. Data on disturbance (two herbicides, mechanical, none) and seeding season (autumn, spring) relative to C. sativa demography were obtained over 2 years in two rangeland ecosystems in Montana, USA. Population growth (k) was forecast by developing population dynamics models using field data. 3. Emergence rates were greatest when C. sativa was spring-seeded; all survivors to maturity occurred only in mechanically disturbed plots. Population growth rate never exceeded 0AE03, and the maximum time to extinction was 6 years. Perturbation analyses indicated that consistent propagule pressure and biologically improbable rates of seed survival are necessary to sustain C. sativa populations, indicating that the risk of invasion by this species in the studied ecosystems is low. 4. Synthesis and applications. Although more site-years of demographic data would strengthen our conclusions about the invasion potential of C. sativa, we contend that the methods developed provide a useful contribution to WRA. If applied to proposed plant biofuel species, our second-tier quantitative refinements will elucidate important population dynamics often overlooked by qualitative WRAs and, in turn, may reduce the frequency of invasions or rejection of potentially useful species.
An iterative reconstruction algorithm for single photon emission computed tomography with cone beam geometry

An iterative EM reconstruction algorithm for single photon emission computed tomography is implemented for cone beam geometry that uses a ray-driven projector-backprojector. The cone beam projector-backprojector models the attenuated Radon transform of a source distributed within an attenuator as line integrals of discrete voxels representing the source and attenuation distributions. The attenuation coefficient distribution for each voxel is assumed to be equal to the average value over a cubical region, and the integral of the source concentration through each voxel is obtained by interpolating between the source values at eight neighboring voxels. The calculation of the attenuation factors requires a specification of the attenuation distribution, estimated either from an assumed constant distribution with an estimated body outline or from transmission measurements. The distribution of attenuation coefficients is stored in memory, and the attenuation factors are calculated for each voxel during the projection and backprojection operations instead of using precalculated values. Computer simulations of half-scan and full-scan reconstructions show that the algorithm is able to compensate for attentuation and to suppress the propagation of artifacts that can result with limited angular sampling. The simulations verify that the algorithm has important application to cardiac SPECT imaging; because of variable attentuation through the thorax, it is necessary to use an iterative algorithm with an attenuation map in order to quantify radiopharmaceutical distributions in the heart.
The Effects of a Higher Protein Intake During Energy Restriction on Changes in Body Composition and Physical Function in Older Women

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this double-blind randomized clinical trial was to compare the relative effectiveness of a higher protein and conventional carbohydrate intake during weight loss on body composition and physical function in older women. METHODS: Thirty-one overweight or obese, postmenopausal women (mean ± SD: age 65.2 ± 4.6 years, body mass index 33.7 ± 4.9 kg/m(2)) were prescribed a reduced calorie diet (1,400 kcal/day; 15%, 65%, 30% energy from protein, carbohydrate, and fat, respectively) and randomly assigned to 2 × 25 g/day whey protein (PRO n = 15) or maltodextrin (CARB n = 16) supplementation for 6 months. Lean soft tissue (LST) via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; thigh muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and intermuscular adipose tissue with magnetic resonance imaging; knee strength with isokinetic dynamometry; balance and physical function with a battery of performance tests. RESULTS: PRO lost more weight than CARB (-8.0% ± 6.2%, -4.1% ± 3.6%, p = .059; respectively). Changes in LST, %LST, and strength, balance, or physical performance measures did not differ between groups (all p > .05). Weight to leg LST ratio improved more in PRO versus CARB (-4.6 ± 3.6%, -1.8 ± 2.6%, p = .03). PRO lost 4.2% more muscle (p = .01), 10.9% more SAT (p = .02), and 8.2% more intermuscular adipose tissue (p = .03) than CARB. Relative to thigh volume changes, PRO gained 5.8% more muscle (p = .049) and lost 3.8% greater SAT (p = .06) than CARB. Weight to leg LST ratio (r(2) = .189, p = .02) and SAT (r(2) = .163, p = .04) predicted improved up and go, relative muscle (r(2) = .238, p = .01) and SAT (r(2) = .165, p = .04) predicted improved transfer test, and %LST predicted improved balance (r(2) = .179, p = .04). CONCLUSIONS: A higher protein intake during caloric restriction maintains muscle relative to weight lost, which in turn enhances physical function in older women.
Revenue and operational impacts of depeaking at U.S. hub airports

Abstract Historically, peaked schedules have been used with hub-and-spoke networks to maximize passenger connection opportunities. Although peaked schedules can generate more attractive connecting itineraries and revenue for an airline, they are costly to operate because additional manpower and equipment resources are needed to serve the peak periods. Several airlines experimented with depeaking their hubs as a way to reduce costs and improve operations in the 2000s. Prior studies have quantified operational improvements and cost savings associated with depeaking; however, none have quantified revenue impacts. We use difference-in-differences methods to quantify revenue and operational impacts associated with depeaking for five U.S. hubs. Results show that depeaking tends to improve operations, but may negatively impact revenue per available seat mile (RASM). In some cases, revenue losses exceed reported cost savings.
A possible role for inflammation in mediating apoptosis of oligodendrocytes as induced by the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi

Inflammation caused by the Lyme disease spirochete B. burgdorferi is an important factor in the pathogenesis of Lyme neuroborreliosis. Our central hypothesis is that B. burgdorferi can cause disease via the induction of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and chemokines in glial and neuronal cells. Earlier we demonstrated that interaction of B. burgdorferi with brain parenchyma induces inflammatory mediators in glial cells as well as glial (oligodendrocyte) and neuronal apoptosis using ex vivo and in vivo models of experimentation. In this study we evaluated the ability of live B. burgdorferi to elicit inflammation in vitro in differentiated human MO3.13 oligodendrocytes and in differentiated primary human oligodendrocytes, by measuring the concentration of immune mediators in culture supernatants using Multiplex ELISA assays. Concomitant apoptosis was quantified in these cultures by the in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and by quantifying active caspase-3 by flow cytometry. The above phenomena were also evaluated after 48 h of stimulation with B. burgdorferi in the presence and absence of various concentrations of the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone. B. burgdorferi induced enhanced levels of the cytokine IL-6 and the chemokines IL-8 and CCL2 in MO3.13 cells as compared to basal levels, and IL-8 and CCL2 in primary human oligodendrocytes, in a dose-dependent manner. These cultures also showed significantly elevated levels of apoptosis when compared with medium controls. Dexamethasone reduced both the levels of immune mediators and apoptosis, also in a manner that was dose dependent. This finding supports our hypothesis that the inflammatory response elicited by the Lyme disease spirochete in glial cells contributes to neural cell damage. As oligodendrocytes are vital for the functioning and survival of neurons, the inflammation and subsequent apoptosis of oligodendrocytes induced by B. burgdorferi could contribute to the pathogenesis of Lyme neuroborreliosis.
Epithelkörperchen und Knochengewebe

Die meisten Hormone von allgemeiner Wirksamkeit beeinflussen auch das Skeletsystem; aber nur fur zwei ist es das eigentliche Angriffsziel, namlich das Parathormon und das Wachstumshormon. Bei bestimmten Tierarten haben noch die Oestrogene einen bedeutenden Einflus auf die Knochenbildung an bestimmten Stellen des Skeletsystems. Weitere Hormone wirken nur mittelbar.
Behavioral Contrast in a Group Foraging Paradigm

Two experiments examined multiple schedule behavioral contrast in a group foraging paradigm. Groups of five rats foraged simultaneously in a large open field apparatus with two feeding stations. Food pellets were delivered at each of the feeding stations on multiple Variable Time schedules. As predicted by both the matching law and the ideal free distribution, the relative distribution of behavior between the two feeding stations roughly matched the relative rate of food delivery at the feeding stations. These differences were reflected in both the behavior of individual animals and in the behavior of the group. Positive behavioral contrast was found in Experiment 1, evidenced by an increase in the frequency of response in one component produced by a decreased rate of food delivery in the other component. Negative behavioral contrast was found in Experiment 2, evidenced by a decreased frequency of response in one component produced by an increased rate of food delivery in the other component. Interestingly, there was virtually no correlation between the behavior of an individual animal and the number of pellets consumed by that animal. The present results support other attempts to compare the matching law to the ideal free distribution. The data also show that behavioral contrast is predicted by both models and in fact occurs in ways consistent with both models.
Long-Term Dietary Restriction in Older-Aged Rhesus Monkeys: Effects on Insulin Resistance

Long-term dietary restriction to maintain constant body weight in adult rhesus monkeys prevents the development of impaired glucose tolerance, hyperglycemia, and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. We sought to determine whether these positive antidiabetogenic effects of reduced calorie intake with maintenance of normal lean body weight might be mediated through prevention of the development of insulin resistance. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was assessed by the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp technique in seven older-aged rhesus monkeys (20.7 +/- 0.6 years) who had been dietary restricted for 9 +/- 2 years. Results were compared to seven ad libitum-fed nondiabetic monkeys of similar age (21.0 +/- 1.3 years). Results showed that the dietary restricted monkeys had significantly higher in vivo insulin action compared to the ad libitum-fed group (14.06 +/- 2.4 vs 7.75 +/- 0.9 mg/kg FFM/min, respectively; p < .03). We conclude that long-term dietary restriction is an effective means of mitigating the development of significant insulin resistance in older-aged rhesus monkeys, and may be the mechanism underlying the prevention of Type II diabetes in this model.
Opportunities for Improvement: Experience at One Institution

In spring of 2011, 11 NCCN Member Institutions were invited to participate in an opportunity to use the NCCN Breast Oncology Outcomes Database to identify opportunities for improvement in the quality of patient care in breast cancer and to implement measures that would target such improvement. The identified measures focused on the administration of treatment that is concordant with selected sections in the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for Breast Cancer or timely access to and administration of care. Each institution chose their project based on the individual opportunities specific to that institution.
Small data is the problem

Small data is the limiting issue for signal processing and science in general, especially in the contemporary era of complex systems. Lack of data impacts system identification and the problem is compounded by having insufficient data for system validation. With biological systems, feature spaces for both classification and network representation contain thousands of potential variables. Even when these spaces are dramatically reduced, owing to a paucity of data, the best one can do is identify an uncertainty class of distributions constructed via a combination of prior knowledge and data. We discuss the small sample conundrum and Bayesian approaches to address it.
Language Delay in Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy

Developmental milestones of 130 male children with Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy (DMD) and their 59 unaffected siblings were determined by retrospective parental reports and compared by researchers at the City University and Columbia University, New York, NY; and Scottish Rite Children’s Medical Center, Atlanta, GA.
An Indirect Method for Repeated Determinations of Blood Pressure of Rats

SummaryA method has been described for obtaining repeated determinations of blood pressure in rats. The blood pressures obtained with the indirect method agree with those obtained by the direct method of aortic cannulation.
Pressure Fluctuation Measurements in the NASA Langley 20-Inch Mach 6 Wind Tunnel

Experiments have been carried out in the NASA Langley Research Center 20-Inch Mach 6 Wind Tunnel to measure the freestream pressure fluctuations, or tunnel noise, using a pitot rake. These experiments are part of an on-going effort to characterize the freestream disturbances of the Langley hypersonic wind tunnels along with other facilities around the country. Once the freestream disturbances have been characterized, a better understanding of the effect of these disturbances on boundary layer instability and transition measurements can be gained. The current experiments use a multi-probe pitot rake instrumented with both Kulite and PCB pressure transducers. Data were obtained over a range of Reynolds numbers and test section axial and radial positions. In general, noise levels were consistent spatially across the test section and ranged from 1% at the highest Reynolds numbers tested to approximately 1.6% at the lowest Reynolds number tested.
Characteristics of vibration and sound field of axisymmetric shell with stiffening rings

In order to investigate the characteristics of the vibration and sound field radiated by an axisymmetric shell with stiffening rings,a 3D model based on FEM/BEM for computing the sound field radiated by an axisymmetric shell with stiffening rings in water was established,and the effects of the height,the width and the number of the ring stiffeners on the roop mean square vibrational velocity,sound radiated power,radiation efficiency,normal sound intensity at driving point and pressure directivity of sound field radiated by it were investigated.The meshing data and modal data of the model in vacuo obtained from FEM code ANSYS were put into BEM code SYSNOISE and used for computing the parameters of the coupled sound field.The results show that: the curve peaks of the roop mean square vibratory velocity,radiated sound power,radiation efficiency,normal sound intensity at driving point will shift to different places when the width,or the height or the number of the stiffening rings increases;with the increase of the width,or the height or the number of the stiffening rings,the normal sound intensity at driving point and sound radiated power increases,the roop mean square vibratory velocity decreases,and the radiation efficiency increases;in the frequency region 0~700 Hz,the influence of the width,the height and the number of the rings on the sound field directivity pattern are nearly same,but at high frequency the number of rings makes the sound radiation from the tail higher than that from the middle section.16 figs,8 refs.
Sweatshop Regulation: Tradeoffs and Welfare Judgements

The standard economic and ethical case in defense of sweatshops employs the standard of the “welfare of their workers and potential workers” to argue that sweatshop regulations harm the very people they intend to help. Scholars have recently contended that once the benefits and costs are balanced, regulations do, in fact, raise worker welfare. This paper describes the short and long-run tradeoffs associated with sweatshop regulation and then examines how reasonable constructions of measures of “worker welfare” would evaluate these tradeoffs finding that the standard economic and ethical case against sweatshop regulations is well supported.
Somatization: Is It Only Physical?

Before Marty developed the big one, DLB, we suffered through many smaller illnesses together.
pH-Responsive PLGA Nanoparticle for Controlled Payload Delivery of Diclofenac Sodium.

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) based nanoparticles have gained increasing attention in delivery applications due to their capability for controlled drug release characteristics, biocompatibility, and tunable mechanical, as well as degradation, properties. However, thorough study is always required while evaluating potential toxicity of the particles from dose dumping, inconsistent release and drug-polymer interactions. In this research, we developed PLGA nanoparticles modified by chitosan (CS), a cationic and pH responsive polysaccharide that bears repetitive amine groups in its backbone. We used a model drug, diclofenac sodium (DS), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), to study the drug loading and release characteristics. PLGA nanoparticles were synthesized by double-emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The nanoparticles were evaluated based on their particle size, surface charge, entrapment efficacy, and effect of pH in drug release profile. About 390–420 nm of average diameters and uniform morphology of the particles were confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurement. Chitosan coating over PLGA surface was confirmed by FTIR and DLS. Drug entrapment efficacy was up to 52%. Chitosan coated PLGA showed a pH responsive drug release in in vitro. The release was about 45% more at pH 5.5 than at pH 7.4. The results of our study indicated the development of chitosan coating over PLGA nanoparticle for pH dependent controlled release DS drug for therapeutic applications.
Chapter 6 – Defensins and Other Antimicrobial Peptides and Proteins

Endogenous antimicrobial peptides are widely distributed among vertebrates. Most are amphiphilic, polycationic molecules with an α-helical, cystine-stabilized β-sheet, or proline-rich structure. Secreted and cell-associated antimicrobial peptides enable their hosts to resist incursions by potential pathogens. Such peptides present a series of barriers to the pathogens, to evade or overcome. In humans (and other mammals), defensins and cathelicidins are the principal antimicrobial peptides of neutrophils and epithelial cells. Many mucosal surfaces are bathed by antimicrobial proteins, including lysozyme, lactoferrin, secretory leukoprotease inhibitor (SLPI), and secretory phospholipase A2. All defensins have largely β-sheet structure and contain three intramolecular cystine disulfide bonds. The smallest, Ө-defensins, are circular peptides that contain 18 residues, α-defensins have between 29 and 35 residues, and β-defensins have up to 45. Defensins are effective broadspectrum microbicides, especially when present in high local concentrations or acting in low–ionic strength media. High local concentrations occur within phagolysosomes, in the capillary-like lumen of small intestinal crypts, and at interfaces between effector and target cells.
Shanidar Cave and the Discovery of the Shanidar Neandertals

There are aspects of the history of the excavations in Shanidar Cave and the discoveries of the Neandertals that relate to the appreciation of the Neandertal remains. This chapter provides an overview of these aspects. It describes the site of Shanidar Cave. Shanidar Cave is located in the Zagros Mountains of northeastern Iraq, in the middle of Iraqi Kurdistan. As such, it is close to the point where Iraq meets Iran and Turkey. The region is one of high limestone bluffs and rolling terrain. The limestone contains numerous caves of which Shanidar Cave appears to be one of the largest. The site itself is in the Shanidar Valley that leads off to the north from the larger valley formed by the Greater Zab River, not far from the village of Shanidar. The cave has a commanding view of the Shanidar Valley and is not far from the Greater Zab Valley. In prehistoric times, under cooler and wetter conditions, it must have been a welcome retreat. The chapter then presents the history of excavations in Shanidar Cave and discusses the discoveries of the individual Shanidar Neandertals.
Dislocation mediated alignment during metal nanoparticle coalescence

Abstract Dislocation mediated alignment processes during gold nanoparticle coalescence were studied at low and high temperatures using molecular dynamics simulations and transmission electron microscopy. Particles underwent rigid body rotations immediately following attachment in both low temperature (500 K) simulated coalescence events and low temperature (∼315 K) transmission electron microscopy beam heating experiments. In many low temperature simulations, some degree of misorientation between particles remained after rigid body rotations, which was accommodated by grain boundary dislocation nodes. These dislocations were either sessile and remained at the interface for the duration of the simulation or dissociated and cross-slipped through the adjacent particles, leading to improved co-alignment. Minimal rigid body rotations were observed during or immediately following attachment in high temperature (1100 K) simulations, which is attributed to enhanced diffusion at the particles' interface. However, rotation was eventually induced by {111} slip on planes parallel to the neck groove. These deformation modes led to the formation of single and multi-fold twins whose structures depended on the initial orientation of the particles. The driving force for {111} slip is attributed to high surface stresses near the intersection of low energy {111} facets in the neck region. The details of this twinning process were examined in detail using simulated trajectories, and the results reveal possible mechanisms for the nucleation and propagation of Shockley partials on consecutive planes. Deformation twinning was also observed in-situ using transmission electron microscopy, which resulted in the co-alignment of a set of the particles' {111} planes across their grain boundary and an increase in their dihedral angle. This constitutes the first detailed experimental observation of deformation twinning during nanoparticle coalescence, validating simulation results presented here and elsewhere.
Three-Dimensional Surface Evolution and Mesh Deformation for Aircraft Icing Applications

This paper presents a mesh generation strategy that facilitates the numerical simulation of ice accretion on realistic aircraft configurations by automating the deformation of surface and volume meshes in response to the evolving ice shape. The discrete surface evolution algorithm is based on a face-offsetting strategy that uses an eigenvalue decomposition to determine 1) the nodal offset direction and 2) a null space in which the quality of the surface mesh is improved via point redistribution. A fast algebraic technique is then used to propagate the computed surface deformations into the surrounding volume mesh. Due to inherent limitations in the icing model employed here, there is no intent to present a tool to predict three-dimensional ice accretions but, instead, to demonstrate a meshing strategy for surface evolution and mesh deformation that is appropriate for aircraft icing applications. In this context, sample results are presented for a complex glaze-ice accretion on a rectangular-planform wing ...
Optimal decision support rules improve personalize warfarin treatment outcomes

We tested optimization-based approaches to generate decision support rules used to improve personalized warfarin treatment based on clinical and genetic characteristics. Our approach simulated warfarin treatment outcomes using five existing treatment plans for clinical avatars (virtual patients). We used individual clinical avatar Time-in-Therapeutic-Range to represent the two-sided adverse risk to bleeding (over dosed — above therapeutic range) and thrombosis (under dosed — below therapeutic range) and as the objective function in the optimization to minimize overall risk. A series of optimization approaches demonstrate that correctly selected decision rules matched to particularly characterized patients produce treatment plans that minimize risk. Finally, a decision tree algorithm was used to produce decision rules, each of which indicated a specific treatment plan that optimally reduce risks for a patient subgroup. The optimization approach minimizes entropy/impurity property thus producing rules that identify treatment plans that minimize overall adverse risks for the largest possible patient subgroups.
Politics and the Space Race

Chapters 6, 7, and 8 examine the politics of outer space for three different time periods. This chapter looks at the Space Race and the Cold War. The story of the early rocket pioneers (Werhner von Braun, Sergei Korolev, and Robert Goddard) are woven together to examine how the Space Race was influenced by these brilliant scientists in the midst of international pressures. The story of the tense days of the Cold War is told with an eye on space travel. There is a focus on the American space program, the formulation of NASA, President Kennedy’s speech for landing on the moon, and the final lunar achievements.
Phase-based Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy for Adults With Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Complex posttraumatic stress disorder (complex PTSD) presents unique challenges to treatment beyond that of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The expert consensus best practice for treatment of...