cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CD4 and CD8 T Cell Immune Activation during Chronic HIV Infection: Roles of Homeostasis, HIV, Type I IFN, and IL-7

Immune activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of HIV disease. Although the causes are not fully understood, the forces that lead to immune dysfunction differ for CD4 and CD8 T cells. In this study, we report that the molecular pathways that drive immune activation during chronic HIV infection are influenced by differences in the homeostatic regulation of the CD4 and CD8 T cell pools. Proliferation of CD4 T cells is controlled more tightly by CD4 T cell numbers than is CD8 T cell proliferation. This difference reflects the importance of maintaining a polyclonal CD4 T cell pool in host surveillance. Both pools of T cells were found to be driven by viral load and its associated state of inflammation. In the setting of HIV-induced lymphopenia, naive CD4 T cells were recruited mainly into the proliferating pool in response to CD4 T cell depletion, whereas naive CD8 T cell proliferation was driven mainly by levels of HIV RNA. RNA analysis revealed increased expression of genes associated with type I IFN and common γ chain cytokine signaling in CD4 T cell subsets and only type I IFN-associated genes in CD8 T cell subsets. In vitro studies demonstrated enhanced STAT1 phosphorylation in response to IFN-α and increased expression of the IFNAR1 transcripts in naive and memory CD4 T cells compared with that observed in CD8 T cells. CD4 T cell subsets also showed enhanced STAT1 phosphorylation in response to exogenous IL-7.
Patterns of Trophic Shift in 15 N and 13 C Through a Cynipid Gall Wasp Community (Neuroterus sp.) in Quercus turbinella

The degree of shift in stable isotope ratios between trophic levels, known as trophic shift, can help elucidate trophic interactions in systems not amenable to conventional analyses. Gall wasp communities have long been a model system for community ecologists, yet much remains to be explored concerning trophic interactions between hosts, herbivores, and natural enemies. Before stable isotopes can be successfully applied to trophic interactions within gall communities, quality estimates of trophic shift between community members are required. In this study, we document the degree of trophic shift in carbon ( 13 C) and nitrogen ( 15 N) isotopes within a simple cynipid gall wasp community, Neuroterus sp. (Cynipidae), in Quercus turbinella Greene (Fagaceae). The trophic shift in 15 N betweenNeuroterus sp. andQ.turbinella was much lower than values reported for Cecidomyiid gallers, whereas the shift in 15 N between Neuroterus sp. and its parasitoid, Omyrus sp., was similar to that reported for parasitoids. The trophic shift in 13 C was considerably greater in Neuroterus sp. than previous estimates from other types of herbivores, whereas Omyrus sp. exhibited a trophic shift in 13 C similar to other biological systems. The unusual trophic shift in 13 Ci nNeuroterus sp. is likely a result of metabolic differences between host and gall tissues. We discuss commonalities in the observed trophic shift of 13 C and 15 Ni n theNeuroterus sp. community to other biological systems
Toward obtaining all possible contacts-growing a polyhedron by its location uncertainty

A large number of robotic tasks require precision and thus the dealing with uncertainties. The effects of various uncertainties often manifest to location (i.e., position and orientation) uncertainties of objects. Thus, an important problem that often arises is how to assess the region that an object may occupy in the presence of uncertainties. This paper addresses the problem by describing how to grow exactly an arbitrary polyhedral object in the three-dimensional Cartesian space by its position and/or orientation uncertainties. Three types of related regions for the object are described: (1) the grown regions, regions possibly occupied by the object due to uncertainties in its position, orientation, or both, (2) the grown shell regions, regions possibly occupied by the boundary (surfaces) of the object due to uncertainties in its position, orientation or both, and (3) the core regions, regions (which could be empty) definitely occupied by the object in spite of uncertainty. The exact representations introduced in this paper can serve as benchmarks against which efficient but approximate algorithms may be evaluated. A particularly important application of the grown shell regions is in obtaining the set of all possible topological contacts among polyhedral objects due to location uncertainties. Such a set can serve as a basis from which more precise contact information can be extracted by additional sensing means, such as vision and force/moment sensing. The approach for this application and its implementation is introduced and discussed.
Districts’ Efforts for Data Use and Computer Data Systems: The Role of Sensemaking in System Use and Implementation

BackgroundIncreasingly, teachers and other educators are expected to leverage data in making educational decisions. Effective data use is difficult, if not impossible, without computer data systems...
Evolution and the Holy Ghost of Scopes: Can Science Lose the Next Round?

Despite repeated setbacks in the lower courts, the politics surrounding anti-evolution efforts have never been more favorable for a renewed legal assault on the teaching of evolution in the nation's schools. The roughly twenty year cycle of Supreme Court evolution cases, the probable dilution by the Roberts Court of the Establishment Clause as a restraining force on government, the strength of the religious right in the American political arena, and the addition of two very conservative justices to the Court, each suggest that we may see a potent new challenge to the teaching of this topic reaching the Court in the near future. The challenge may well succeed. Twenty years ago, legal arguments in favor of a Louisiana anti-evolution statute persuaded two Justices of the Supreme Court and seven judges of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (sitting en banc) in the Edwards case. The dissenting opinion of Justice Scalia in that case might serve as a template for a new Supreme Court majority that appears to think very differently about the separation of church and state than Court majorities in the last half century. But it is possible that the Establishment Clause may yet maintain sufficient strength to turn back the anti-evolutionists' next challenge. The crusaders against evolution are willing to grant religious proselytizers access to the nation's school children, to promote their particular view of Christian truth. A ruling by the Supreme Court vindicating those who would restrict the teaching of evolution would be a sign that the pluralistic religious freedom so highly valued in American history had become what Justice Robert H. Jackson once called "a mere shadow of freedom." This article examines in detail the nature of the legal arguments, considers the political surroundings that make this a vulnerable time for evolution's defenders, and identifies some factors which suggest how the current battle over evolution may yet be won by the proponents of science and reason. The article pays special attention to the attitudes and views of Justice Anthony Kennedy, who might cast a swing vote in any such case.
Buckling of Viscoelastic Columns. Part I: Constant Load Buckling

Abstract The constant load buckling of viscoelastic columns has been studied extensively in the past and equations have been derived to predict the buckling time from the geometry of the columns and the constitutive equation of the material. These theories restrict themselves to columns loaded with an axial load only. A variety of linear as well as nonlinear creep laws have been utilized. In this study, existing creep-buckling equations have been modified to include the effect of lateral loads on the time to buckle. The constitutive equation used is the power law which applies quite well for well-vulcanized elastomers. Furthermore, the viscoelastic response of the material was assumed to be linear, which can be justified by the extremely small compressive strains found before buckling occurs. The validity of the equations has been compared to experimental data obtained on well-vulcanized elastomeric columns of different slenderness ratios under a variety of loading conditions. An attempt has been made to ...
Four New Species of Stoneflies in North America (Plecoptera)

Leuctra alabama, L. alta, L. cottaquilla , and Isoperla davisi are described from Alabama and their diagnostic characters figured.
Effect of mercury on renal tubular transfer of p-aminohippurate and glucose in man.

SummaryThe intravenous administration of 78 mg of organically bound mercury (2 cc mercuzanthin) causes a significant decrease in the TmPAH but no significant change in the Tm6 in man. It is concluded that under the conditions of this study mercury had no effect on the renal tubular glucose transfer system in man.
Data for Preparedness Metrics: Legal, Economic, and Operational

Tracking progress toward the goal of preparedness for public health emergencies requires a foundation in evidence derived both from scientific inquiry and from preparedness officials and professionals. Proposed in this article is a conceptual model for this task from the perspective of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded Preparedness and Emergency Response Research Centers. The necessary data capture the areas of responsibility of not only preparedness professionals but also legislative and executive branch officials. It meets the criteria of geographic specificity, availability in standardized and reliable measures, parameterization as quantitative values or qualitative distinction, and content validity. The technical challenges inherent in preparedness tracking are best resolved through consultation with the jurisdictions and communities whose preparedness is at issue.
Blinking Statistics of Small Clusters of Semiconductor Nanocrystals

Individual and small clusters of CdSe/ZnS core/shell semiconductor nanocrystals are studied with single-molecule, time-correlated, single-photon counting confocal fluorescence microscopy to obtain fluorescence intermittency (blinking) statistics and correlations. Clusters were distinguished from individual nanocrystals using intensity autocorrelations and decay histograms. Because clusters do not exhibit on/off blinking, we have constructed objective prescriptions to distinguish between high and low emission intervals using lifetime as well as intensity data. The high/low blinking of clusters is statistically similar to the on/off blinking of individual nanocrystals. These results support a model for the distinctive fluorescence properties of small nanocrystal clusters based on nonradiative energy transfer, in which the high/low blinking of a cluster is a consequence of on/off blinking of the “acceptor” (smallest energy gap) nanocrystal in the cluster.
Anisotropic Thermal Diffusivity Measurements in Nanostructured Samples Using a Photothermoelectric Technique

Knowledge of the thermal transport properties in thin films and nanostructures is critical for a wide range of applications in microelectronics, photonics, micro-electro-mechanical-systems, and thermoelectrics. The last twenty years have seen significant developments in thin-film thermal characterization techniques. Despite these advances, the characterization of the thermal transport properties in low-dimensional systems remains a challenging task. Recently, thermal properties of nanowire/nanotube nanocomposites such as thermoelectric nanowires and aligned carbon nanotubes (CNT) deposited on silicon substrates or in alumina or polymer matrix have attracted a great interest due to their possible applications in high efficiency thermoelectric energy conversion and thermal management applications. However, a major challenge for thermal characterization of nanowire/nanotube composites is their thermal anisotropy. This work presents measurements of anisotropic thermal properties using a photothermoelectric technique.© 2006 ASME
Efficient implementation of enhanced adaptive simultaneous perturbation algorithms

Stochastic approximation (SA) applies in both the gradient-free optimization (Kiefer-Wolfowitz) and the gradient-based setting (Robbins-Monro). The idea of simultaneous perturbation (SP) has been well established. This paper discusses an efficient way of implementing both the adaptive Newton-like SP algorithms and their enhancements (feedback and optimal weighting incorporated), using the Woodbury matrix identity, a.k.a. matrix inversion lemma. Basically, instead of estimating the Hessian matrix directly, this paper deals with the estimation of the inverse of the Hessian matrix. Furthermore, the preconditioning steps, which are required in early iterations to maintain positive-definiteness of the Hessian estimates, are imposed on the Hessian inverse rather than the Hessian itself. Numerical results also demonstrate the superiority of this efficient implementation on Newton-like SP algorithms.
253 IN-HOSPITAL PSYCHOSOCIAL MANAGEMENT OF SUICIDE ATTEMPTS: CORRESPONDENCE WITH PROFESSIONAL GUIDELINES

Background There are 2,000 suicides among children and adolescents annually. A third of teenagers committing suicide have previously been hospitalized for an attempt. The psychosocial management during in-hospital medical stabilization of a suicide attempt may be critical in preventing reoccurrence of suicidal behavior. Purpose To compare evidence in the medical chart of psychosocial management in the hospital to the standards established by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Methods The Pediatric Health Information System database was used to compile a list of individuals, aged 10-20, admitted to a large children9s hospital between April 1998 and January 2003 with ICD-9 E-codes as follows: self-inflicted injury (950-959), accidental self-poisonings related to medications (850-859), and/or injury undetermined (980-989). Abstraction of medical charts was completed for 90 adolescents. Mortalities during hospitalization were excluded. Results Consistent with guidelines, all patients received an evaluation by either a psychiatrist (96%), social worker (92%), or both (89%). Less complete correspondence with professional guidelines was noted for the following: efforts to establish the importance of treatment with family (6.8%), prescription of SSRIs among depressed adolescents (27.9%), suicidality stabilized prior to discharge home (80%), effort to sanitize the home of firearms and lethal medications (7.8%), and evidence of adult supervision among those discharged home (45%). Discharge to a psychiatric facility versus to the home was more likely among adolescents who were depressed (OR 7.9, p Conclusions Evidence from a chart-based review shows that quality of care differs from national guidelines. Standardized psychosocial assessment procedures during medical hospitalization should be developed and implemented to ensure the safety of adolescents who attempt suicide.
Bottom sediments affect Sonneratia mangrove forests in the prograding Mekong delta, Vietnam

Abstract Mangrove forests exert a strong influence on tropical deltas by trapping sediments discharged by rivers and by stabilizing the substrate with roots. Understanding the dynamics of sediments and morphology in and around mangrove forests is critical in order to assess the resilience of coastlines in a period of accelerated sea level rise. In this research, sediment samples, mangrove forest characteristics, and remote sensing data are used to investigate the relationship between mangroves and sediment substrate in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Our data show a significant correlation between percent of sand in bottom sediments and density of Sonneratia caseolaris forest. We ascribe this result to higher sediment disturbance in muddy areas that prevents seedling establishment. This correlation potentially allows the determination of substrate characteristics from vegetation attributes detected by remote sensing, despite the impenetrability of the forest canopy. The results presented herein suggest that a supply of sand from the river and hydrodynamic processes moving the sand ashore control the density of the Sonneratia mangrove forests at this location, promoting tidal flat colonization and canopy expansion.
The founding period of the U.S. Pharmacopeia. III. The First Edition.

L'A. rapporte les conditions d'edition de la pharmacopee americaine, grâce aux efforts du comite de publication qui a tenu un role primordial dans la preparation de la premiere edition
MEASURED AND CALCULATED HEATING AND DOSE RATES FOR THE HFIR HB4 BEAM TUBE AND COLD SOURCE

The High Flux Isotope Reactor at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory was upgraded to install a cold source in horizontal beam tube number 4. Calculations were performed and measurements were made to determine heating within the cold source and dose rates within and outside a shield tunnel surrounding the beam tube. This report briefly describes the calculations and presents comparisons of the measured and calculated results. Some calculated dose rates are in fair to good agreement with the measured results while others, particularly those at the shield interfaces, differ greatly from the measured results. Calculated neutron exposure to the Teflon seals in the hydrogen transfer line is about one fourth of the measured value, underpredicting the lifetime by a factor of four. The calculated cold source heating is in good agreement with the measured heating.
The use of ACE inhibitors for congestive heart failure among Delaware Medicare beneficiaries.

The analysis upon which this publication is based was performed under Contract Number 500-96-P603, entitled, Utilization and Quality Control Peer Review Organization for the State of Delaware, as sponsored by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), Department of Health and Human Services. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. The author assumes full responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the Health Care Quality Improvement Program initiated by HCFA, which has encouraged identification of quality improvement projects derived from analysis of patterns of care, and therefore, required no special funding on the part of this Contractor. Ideas and contributions to the author concerning experience in engaging with issues presented are welcomed.
Mathematical models and solution approach for cross-training staff scheduling at call centers

Abstract Call centers face demand variations over time across multiple service categories and typically employ a cross-trained workforce with flexible schedules to hedge against these fluctuations. In practice, it is often impossible to cross-train agents in each category, thus partial and limited cross-training are the norm. This adds another layer of complexity to determine the optimal mix of cross-trained workforce (on top of the shift and tour schedules) and has created a challenging problem in the optimization of staff schedules. To solve this problem to its fullest extent, an integer program that addresses cross-training, shift schedule, days off and break assignments across multiple service categories is proposed. The model is hard to solve and a two-phase sequential approach is developed. The first phase is to find the optimal mix of the workforce, i.e., the categories to be cross-trained and the time periods in which they are to be deployed; the second phase is a smaller staff scheduling model to find the composition of the workforce and to construct their weekly tours. For all the test cases, which are of practical sizes, the two-phase sequential approach provided better solutions than the solution of the original model with a state-of-the-art commercial solver subject to imposed time limits. Experimental results with data from a call center with nine categories clearly demonstrate the significance of cross-training. In fact, partial limited cross-training, where 30% of staff is cross-trained with two skills or 10% of staff is cross-trained with three skills, could result in considerable cost savings; however, these savings could diminish quickly with the increase of efficiency loss in secondary skills. Experiments also suggest that cross-training could be a more effective approach than part-time shifts to hedge against fluctuations across service categories.
Mechano-Chemo-Transduction in Rabbit Cardiomyocytes Mediated by no Signaling

Background: Increased mechanical stress under pathological conditions such as hypertension, infarction and fibrosis can cause arrhythmias and heart failure. However, little is known about Mechano-Chemo-Transduction (MCT) mechanisms that underlie heart disease development. We developed a novel Cell-in-Gel system to control mechanical loading on cardiomyocytes during excitation-contraction coupling. Here we investigate mechanical load effects on modulating Ca2+ signaling and contraction dynamics to test the hypothesis NO signaling mediates MCT.Methods: Freshly isolated adult rabbit ventricular myocytes were embedded in polyvinyl alcohol (10%) and crosslinked with tetravalent boronate-PEG (7.5%) to form a 3D viscoelastic hydrogel. The Cell-in-Gel system was continuously perfused with Tyrode's solution and electrically paced at 0.5 Hz. Cardiomyocyte contraction and Ca2+ transients were measured in-gel and compared with load-free cells in solution.Results: Cardiomyocytes contracting in-gel under mechanical load showed augmented systolic Ca2+ transients (Fura-2 fluorescence ratio 1.47 ± 0.07 in-gel vs 0.85 ± 0.03 load-free), revealing MCT transduces mechanical stress to increase intracellular Ca2+ release. NOS inhibition using 1 mM L-NAME reduced the in-gel Ca2+ transient by 33% (n=15), suggesting NO signaling mediates MCT. Cells in-gel showed 8% decrease in contraction (fractional shortening 13.5 ± 0.4% in-gel vs 14.7 ± 0.3% load-free). Cells in-gel treated with L-NAME demonstrated a further reduction in contraction (11.6 ± 0.8%) as a result of decreased MCT by NOS inhibition. Importantly, 12% of cells in-gel showed mechanical load-induced alternans, which was abolished with L-NAME treatment, suggesting NO signaling contributes to load-induced Ca2+ dysregulation.Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate MCT increases the systolic Ca2+ transient to enhance contractility in response to increased afterload, serving a compensatory mechanism to autoregulate contractility. MCT is attenuated by inhibiting NOS. These results suggest NOS mediates increased Ca2+ signaling in cardiomyocytes under mechanical load, providing a mechanistic basis for the Anrep effect.
Production of alumina borate filaments

Reinforcing materials by incorporation of inorganic fibers and whiskers [1] provides the possibilty to obtain composite materials of high mechanical strength. Besides structural strength chemical inertness at high temperatures in different environments is the main demand towards reinforcing additives. Metal oxide ceramics fulfill this requirement, making them one of the most prominent materials for fiber and whisker production. Endless fibers of various ceramics with diameters in the μm range can be spun while whiskers with smaller diameters and lenghts of several μm can be synthesized by a variety of methods. Al2O3 whiskers were produced by vapor-phase reactions [2] and vapor-liquidsolid deposition [3]. Mixtures of Al2O3 and B2O3 form alumina borate whiskers at high temperatures [4, 5]. Alumina borate needles can also be obtained in a potassium sulphide flux from aluminum salts and boric acid at 1100 ◦C [6]. Here we report a simple and efficient method to produce alumina borate filaments by a vapor solid reaction between fumed alumina and boron trifluoride, BF3. The reaction was carried out in a resistively heated flow reactor. In the center of the quartz flow tube (inner diameter 22 mm) a quartz boat with typically 100 mg fumed alumina (Degussa) was placed. The system was evacuated to 10−5 Torr to remove air and checked for leaks. The temperature of the furnace was ramped to 1200 ◦C before a flow of 5 sccm BF3 at a pressure of 50 Torr was established. After 1 h the gas flow was stopped and the reactor evacuated before the system was allowed to cool down to room temperature. The reaction product was collected from the quartz boat and weighed. Optical characterization of the material was performed by scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM). Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDX) spectra were measured in order to determine the elemental composition of the product. The fumed alumina powder which was used as the solid reactant is shown in the inset in the upper part of Fig. 1. It consists of ultrafine particles with diameters around 17 nm. The appearance of the fumed alumina is not altered by the heating process in vacuum or when it is exposed to N2 or H2 at 1200 ◦C. The reaction with BF3 at 1200 ◦C and 50 Torr, however, results in a complete transformation of the alumina powder into filamenteous material. The filaments which are displayed in Fig. 1 have diameters around 200–300 nm and are
Plan quality and dosimetric association of patient-reported rectal and urinary toxicities for prostate stereotactic body radiotherapy

Abstract Background and purpose To study the association between dosimetric parameters with patient-reported quality-of-life (QOL) in urinary irritative/incontinency and bowel functions for prostate stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Material and methods The patient-reported QOL was evaluated using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC-26). According to the progression in QOL score over 12months, patients were assigned to one of three subgroups: score decrement, no change, or increment. The dosimetric parameters were cross-compared among subgroups in urinary and bowel domains using univariate Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The evaluated dosimetric metrics included target volume, V100 (volume receiving 100% prescription dose); rectal volume/dose–volume endpoints, maximum/mean doses; bladder volume/dose–volume endpoints, and maximum/mean doses. Results Patients with consistent QOL reduction in urinary irritation function were significantly associated with greater mean bladder dose, greater V85/V90/V95/V100 and D 2cc / D 10cc . Patients with QOL reduction in urinary incontinence were marginally associated with greater mean bladder dose ( p =0.06). None of the evaluated dosimetric parameters showed a significant correlation with QOL score change in bowel function. Conclusions Patients with large prostate size were more susceptible to QOL decrements for urinary irritative and incontinency functions. Large bladder V85/V90/V95/V100 was associated with QOL decrements in the urinary irritative domain at 1-year after prostate SBRT.
Did foreign banks stay committed to emerging Europe during recent financial crises

Abstract Our objective is to investigate empirically the behavior of foreign banks with respect to real loan growth during periods of financial crisis for a set of countries in which foreign banks dominate the banking sectors due primarily to having taken over large existing former state-owned banks. The eight countries are among the most developed in emerging Europe, their banking sectors having been modernized by the middle of the last decade. We consider a data period that includes an initial credit boom (2005 – 2007) followed by the global financial crisis (2008 & 2009) and the onset of the Eurozone crisis (2010). Our two innovations with respect to the existing literature on banking during the financial crisis are to separate foreign banks into two categories, namely, subsidiaries of the Big 6 European multinational banks (MNBs) and all other foreign-controlled banks, and to take account of the impact of exchange rates during the period. Our results show that bank lending was impacted adversely by both crises but that the two types of foreign banks behaved differently. The Big 6 banks remained committed to the region in that their lending behavior was not different from that of domestic banks supporting the notion that these countries are treated as a “second home market” by these European MNBs. Contrariwise, the other foreign banks active in the region were involved in fueling the credit boom but then decreased their lending aggressively during the crisis periods. Our results also indicate that bank behavior in countries having flexible exchange rate regimes differs from that in those in (or effectively in) the Eurozone. Our results suggest that both innovations matter for studying bank behavior during crisis periods in the region and, by extension, to other small countries in which banking sectors are dominated by foreign financial institutions having different business models.
Photoemissive Cathodes: I. Photoemissive Surfaces in Imaging Devices

Except for tubes of the vidicon type, all photoelectronic imaging tubes in current use employ as their light-to-electron conversion medium a photo-emissive layer. The surface largely determines the range of spectral sensitivity and maximum detective performance of the device. Some of the early camera tubes (the single-sided target iconoscope and one type of image dissector) used opaque photosurfaces; however, all modern camera tubes and essentially all image intensifiers and image converters use semitransparent photosurfaces.* The characteristics then of photosurfaces in photo-electronic imaging tubes are those of semitransparent surfaces in combination with the supporting window material.
Robust Oncolytic Virotherapy Induces Tumor Lysis Syndrome and Associated Toxicities in the MPC-11 Plasmacytoma Model.

Tumor-selective oncolytic vesicular stomatitis viruses (VSVs) are being evaluated in clinical trials. Here, we report that the MPC-11 murine plasmacytoma model is so extraordinarily susceptible to oncolytic VSVs that a low dose of virus leads to extensive intratumoral viral replication, sustained viremia, intravascular coagulation, and a rapidly fatal tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). Rapid softening, shrinkage and hemorrhagic necrosis of flank tumors was noted within 1–2 days after virus administration, leading to hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hyperuricemia, increase in plasma cell free DNA, lymphopenia, consumptive coagulopathy, increase in fibrinogen degradation products, decreased liver function tests, dehydration, weight loss, and euthanasia or death after 5–8 days. Secondary viremia was observed but viral replication in normal host tissues was not detected. Toxicity could be mitigated by using VSVs with slowed replication kinetics, and was less marked in animals with smaller flank tumors. The MPC-11 tumor represents an interesting model to further study the complex interplay of robust intratumoral viral replication, tumor lysis, and associated toxicities in cases where tumors are highly responsive to oncolytic virotherapy.
Application of new mycotoxin adsorbent-bentonite clay “Askangel” in poultry feed

Abstract In order to mitigate the negative effect of mycotoxins the major researches have been conducted to obtain the mycotoxins adsorbent in recent years. As for the adsorbents, they are substances of a firm or liquid form, on which surface the mycotoxins are absorbed and prevent transition of mycotoxins from the intestines walls in to blood system. The bentonite clay obtained in western region of Georgia (Guria, Ozurgeti) is characterized with a broad range of ion exchange, high colloidal, enriched, for its wide adsorption characteristics and exchange capacity It is widely used in oil exploration, filtration of wine, vinegar, oil, production of pharmaceuticals, perfumery, cellulose, it is used in agriculture. Based on the mentioned characteristic of locally produced bentonite clay, for the purpose of mycotoxins adsorption in ready combined food the various portions (1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%) of Askangel has been tested on Broiler “Cross-308”. Based on preliminary (10-10 bird in each group) and primery (50-50 birds in each group) experiment the impact of the “Askangel” on broiler productivity and its adsorbtion capacity has been identified. The dynamic of the live mass showed that at the start point of the experiment (20 day) in first, second and third (3,4,5) groups the live mass (Tables 2 and 4) was nearly equal 0.8–0.83 kg, at the end of the experiment the advantage of the third, fourth and fifth groups was (the combined food was balanced with Askangel 1%, 1.5%, 2.0%) compared with the first and second groups. The indicator of the third group was ahead by 5,1%, the fourth group by 7.1% and the fifth by 8.2%, accordingly to second control group by 2,7%, 4.7% and 5.8%. In each group we observed poultry feeding, feed utilization and conversion. According to the obtained data the feed conversion in the third testing group compared to the first control group was less by 3%, in the fourth group by 5%, in fifth testing group by 3,7%. Compared to the second group the indicator is as follows: 1,2%, 3,1% and 1,85%. During the experiment, for the physiological tests the samples of manure was taken from all five groups and the mycotoxins adsorption ability of betonies clay “Askangel” was identified at the LTD “Chirina” laboratory “SANA” using ELIZA method. The highest capacity of adsorption was seen in fifth group, in the mentioned group the Askangel was added with the portion 1.5–2% where the adsorption rate of aflatoxin was 79%, T 2 HT 2 adsorbtion 8.3%. During the testing period the broiler daily weight gain in third group was 72.8 gr, in fourth 77.5 gr. The less daily weight gain was observed in first and second control groups: 68.2 gr and 69.6 gr.
Stereopsis and form Disparity

Ten observers estimated stereoscopic depth arising from matrix-defined disparate forms in the absence of contour or edge disparities. Magnitude of depth varied directly with the lateral displacement of the form and the shape of the stereoscopic form and the disparate form in the half-images was similar, just as in the case of contour disparate stereograms. The findings suggest that the concept of disparity must not be limited solely to contours or edges.
Monolithically-integrated distributed feedback laser compatible with CMOS processing

An optically-pumped, integrated distributed feedback laser is demonstrated using a CMOS compatible process, where a record-low-temperature deposited gain medium enables integration with active devices such as modulators and detectors. A pump threshold of 24.9 mW and a slope efficiency of 1.3 % is demonstrated at the lasing wavelength of 1552.98 nm. The rare-earth-doped aluminum oxide, used as the gain medium in this laser, is deposited by a substrate-bias-assisted reactive sputtering process. This process yields optical quality films with 0.1 dB/cm background loss at the deposition temperature of 250 °C, and therefore is fully compatible as a back-end-of-line CMOS process. The aforementioned laser's performance is comparable to previous lasers having gain media fabricated at much higher temperatures (> 550 °C). This work marks a crucial step towards monolithic integration of amplifiers and lasers in silicon microphotonic systems.
Robotic telecytology for remote cytologic evaluation without an on-site cytotechnologist or cytopathologist: an active quality assessment and experience of over 400 cases

Background: The first satellite center to offer interventional radiology procedures at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center opened in October 2014. Two of the procedures offered, fine needle aspirations and core biopsies, required a rapid on-site cytologic evaluation of smears and biopsy touch imprints for cellular content and adequacy. The volume and frequency of such evaluations did not justify hiring on-site cytotechnologists, and therefore, a dynamic robotic telecytology (TC) solution was created. In this article, we provide data on our experience with this active implementation. Sakura VisionTek was selected as our robotic TC solution. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all TC evaluations from this satellite site was performed. Information was collected on demographics, lesion location, imaging modality; a comparison of TC-assisted adequacy with final adequacy was also conducted. Results: An analysis of 439 cases was performed over a period of 23 months with perfect correlation in 92.7% (407/439) of the cases. An adequacy upgrade (inadequate specimen becomes adequate) in 6.6% (29/439) of the cases. An adequacy downgrade (adequate specimen becomes inadequate), is near zero at 0.7% (3/439) of the cases. Conclusions: Dynamic robotic TC is effective for immediate evaluations performed without on-site cytotechnology staff. The overall intent of this article is to present data and concordance rates as outcome metrics. Thus far, such outcome metrics have exceeded our expectations. Our TC implementation shows high, perfect concordance. Adequacy upgrades are minor but more relevant and impressive is a near zero adequacy downgrade. Our full implementation has been so successful that plans are in place for configurations at future satellite sites.
Hybrid motion sensing and experimental modal analysis using collocated smartphone camera and accelerometers

State-of-the-art multisensory technologies and heterogeneous sensor networks propose a wide range of response measurement opportunities for structural health monitoring (SHM). Measuring and fusing different physical quantities in terms of structural vibrations can provide alternative acquisition methods and improve the quality of the modal testing results. In this study, a recently introduced SHM concept, SHM with smartphones, is focused to utilize multisensory smartphone features for a hybridized structural vibration response measurement framework. Based on vibration testing of a small-scale multistory laboratory model, displacement and acceleration responses are monitored using two different smartphone sensors, an embedded camera and accelerometer, respectively. Double-integration or differentiation among different measurement types is performed to combine multisensory measurements on a comparative basis. In addition, distributed sensor signals from collocated devices are processed for modal identification, and performance of smartphone-based sensing platforms are tested under different configuration scenarios and heterogeneity levels. The results of these tests show a novel and successful implementation of a hybrid motion sensing platform through multiple sensor type and device integration. Despite the heterogeneity of motion data obtained from different smartphone devices and technologies, it is shown that multisensory response measurements can be blended for experimental modal analysis. Getting benefit from the accessibility of smartphone technology, similar smartphone-based dynamic testing methodologies can provide innovative SHM solutions with mobile, programmable, and cost-free interfaces.
Oncology nurse perspectives on the nature and meaning of their positive relationships with seriously ill patients.

42Background: Inpatient oncology nurses regularly care for patients at or near the end of life. Given increasing attention to risk of compassion fatigue in this setting, we conducted a qualitative study to explore nurses’ perspectives on the nature and meaning of their positive relationships with patients who were seriously ill or dying. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with 24 registered nurses (RN)s working on an inpatient medical oncology unit at an academic medical center. We used a semi-structured interview guide to elicit RNs’ descriptions of ‘good’ relationships they had with patients/families with attention to aspects that made these relationships meaningful. Using a framework approach, including an iterative coding process, two team members independently coded all interview data (Kappa = .80) and worked with a multidisciplinary team to identify themes. Results: RNs (95.8% female; 95.8% non-Hispanic white, M age = 32.7 yrs [SD = 10.8 yrs], median yrs as RN = 4.0 [range: 1.5-35.0 yrs]) des...
They Chose to Go to the Moon: How Birth Cohorts Shape Opinions on Funding for Space Exploration*

Objective Oftentimes, political scientists wish to measure how attitudes or behaviors have changed from one generation to the next. One obstacle to this analysis is that certain attitudinal and behavioral variables (e.g., political participation or policy preferences) correlate with the age of the respondent. In seeking to model both ageâ€ and cohortâ€ based changes in attitudes, researchers are left having to impose constraints within the generalized linear model framework to solve problems of underidentification. Methods This article uses a method that has been developed to work around this exact problem: the intrinsic estimator. Results By using this approach to traditional ageâ€ periodâ€ cohort (APC) models, the IE is one solution to underidentified models of political change. Conclusions This article summarizes the identification problem in APC methodology and then illustrates the advantages of the IE to the traditionally used constrained generalized linear modeling (CGLIM) approach with specific applications to trends in American political attitudes regarding spending on space exploration.
Analysis of fissile materials by cyclic activation of delayed neutrons

A method for analyzing nuclear material for different fissile nuclides by cyclic activation has been developed and tested experimentally with samples of 235U and 239Pu, singly and in combination.Th...
Penetration of Escherichia coli O157:H7 into Lettuce as Influenced by Modified Atmosphere and Temperature

The effects of temperature and atmospheric oxygen concentration on the respiration rate of iceberg lettuce and Escherichia coli O157:H7 cells attachment to and penetration into damaged lettuce tissues were evaluated. Respiration rate of lettuce decreased as the temperature was reduced from 37 to 10°C. Reducing the temperature further to 4°C did not affect the respiration rate of lettuce. Respiration rate was also reduced by lowering the atmospheric oxygen concentration. Lettuce was submerged in E. coli O157:H7 inoculum at 4, 10, 22, or 37°C under 21 or 2.7% oxygen. Attachment and penetration of E. coli O157:H7 were not related to the respiration rate. The greatest numbers of E. coli O157:H7 cells attached to damaged lettuce tissues at 22°C at both oxygen concentrations. More cells were attached under 21% oxygen than under 2.7% oxygen at each temperature, but this difference was small. Penetration of E. coli O157:H7 into lettuce tissue was determined by immunostaining with a fluorescein isothiocyanate-labe...
Phosphoinositides in Chemotaxis

Phosphatidylinositol lipids generated through the action of phosphinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) are key mediators of a wide array of biological responses. In particular, their role in the regulation of cell migration has been extensively studied and extends to amoeboid as well as mesenchymal migration. Through the emergence of fluorescent probes that target PI3K products as well as the use of specific inhibitors and knockout technologies, the spatio-temporal distribution of PI3K products in chemotaxing cells has been shown to represent a key anterior polarity signal that targets downstream effectors to actin polymerization. In addition, through intricate cross-talk networks PI3K products have been shown to regulate signals that control posterior effectors. Yet, in more complex environments or in conditions where chemoattractant gradients are steep, a variety of cell types can still chemotax in the absence of PI3K signals. Indeed, parallel signal transduction pathways have been shown to coordinately regulate cell polarity and directed movement. In this chapter, we will review the current role PI3K products play in the regulation of directed cell migration in various cell types, highlight the importance of mathematical modeling in the study of chemotaxis, and end with a brief overview of other signaling cascades known to also regulate chemotaxis.
Niches in the urban forest: Organizations and their role in acquiring metropolitan open space.

As a response strategy to minimize the impacts of urban sprawl, public and private organizations are striving to acquire open lands that will contribute to a resilient and multifunctional urban forest. In the Chicago metropolitan region, we interviewed representatives of 15 organizations to understand the land acquisition process--the structures and functions of groups involved, their acquisition goals, and the cooperation among groups as they work to build metropolitan green infrastructure. Our findings reveal strength in diversity--a variety of groups working at different levels with complimentary goals can help meet the complex challenges of land protection in rapidly urbanizing areas.
Sustainability Assessment Methodology for Process and Product Design of Appropriate Technology for Developing Regions

Abstract This contribution introduces a novel methodology for assessing the sustainability of appropriate technology based product and process designs in developing regions utilizing a simple computer algorithm. This methodology is necessary due to the fact that currently available sustainability metrics used for industrial products and processes are not applicable in developing regions. The novel methodology proposed will be illustrated through a case study involving a biofuel process in sub-Saharan Africa.
Abstract 4363: Pharmacologic targeting of Gq reveals new pathways in uveal melanoma

Constitutively active G protein α-subunits are oncogenic drivers of several cancers, most notably in uveal (eye) melanoma (UM), which have constitutively activating mutations in GNAQ(Gαq) or GNA11(Gα11) in over 90% of tumors. Therapeutic intervention by targeted inhibition of constitutively active Gα subunits in cancer has yet to be achieved. Here we show that constitutively active Gαq in UM cells can be targeted by the cyclic depsipeptide FR900359 (FR). FR inhibits GDP/GTP exchange allosterically to trap constitutively active Gαq in inactive GDP-bound Gαβγ heterotrimers, and allosteric inhibition of other Gα subunits can be achieved by introduction of an FR binding site. In UM cells driven by constitutively active Gαq, FR inhibits second messenger signaling, arrests proliferation and reinstates melanocytic differentiation. At higher doses, FR also induces apoptosis. FR has no effect on BRAF-driven UM cells. FR promotes UM cell differentiation by reactivating polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2)-mediated gene silencing, antagonized by a heretofore unrecognized effector system of constitutively active Gαq in UM. Constitutively active Gαq and PRC2 therefore provide important therapeutic targets for UM. Further, the development of FR analogs specific for other Gα subunit subtypes may provide novel therapeutic approaches for diseases driven by constitutively active Gα subunits or multiple G protein-coupled receptors where targeting a single receptor is ineffective. Citation Format: Michael D. Onken, Carol M. Makepeace, Shiqi Wang, Kevin M. Kaltenbronn, Stanley M. Kanai, Tom J. Broekelmann, John A. Cooper, Kendall J. Blumer. Pharmacologic targeting of Gq reveals new pathways in uveal melanoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4363.
Opioid Prescribing in the United States Before and After the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2016 Opioid Guideline.

The alarming rates of opioid-related harms prompted national efforts to curtail inappropriate prescribing. This study evaluated whether the release of a clinical practice guideline from the Centers...