cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are We Choosing Wisely? Older Adults' Cancer Screening Intentions and Recalled Discussions with Physicians About Stopping.

National guidelines recommend against cancer screening for older individuals with less than a 10-year life expectancy, but it is unknown if this population desires ongoing screening. To determine (1) if older individuals with < 10-year life expectancy have future intentions for cancer screening, (2) if they recall a doctor previously suggesting that screening is no longer needed, and (3) individual characteristics associated with intentions to seek screening. National Social life Health and Aging Project (2015–2016), a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey. Community-dwelling adults 55–97 years old (n = 3816). Self-reported: (1) mammography and PSA testing within the last 2 years, (2) future intentions to be screened, and (3) discussion with a doctor that screening is no longer needed. Ten-year life expectancy was estimated using the Lee prognostic index. Multivariate logistic regression analysis examined intentions to pursue future screening, adjusting for sociodemographic and health covariates. Among women 75–84 with < 10-year life expectancy, 59% intend on future mammography and 81% recall no conversation with a doctor that mammography may no longer be necessary. Among men 75–84 with < 10-year life expectancy, 54% intend on future PSA screening and 77% recall no discussions that PSA screening may be unnecessary. In adjusted analyses, those reporting recent cancer screening or no recollection that screening may not be necessary were more likely to want future mammography or PSA screening (p < 0.001). Over 75% of older individuals with limited life expectancy intend to continue cancer screening, and less than 25% recall discussing with physicians the need for these tests. In addition to public health and education efforts, these results suggest that older adults’ recollection of being told by physicians that screening is not necessary may be a modifiable risk factor for reducing overscreening in older adults with limited life expectancy.
Abstract TP193: Trends in Prevalence and Clinical Impact of Socio-demographic Indicators and Multiple Chronic Conditions in Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack

Importance: The increasing prevalence and clinical and clinical impact of chronic conditions (CCs) have been recognized as an important public health concern. Objectives: To evaluate trends in co-e...
The Pollinator’s Garden

The fall colors of deciduous trees are quite beautiful, but pale in comparison to the dazzling colors of a fall garden. Asters provide a range of pastel blues, pinks, and purples to offset the orange and red of the oaks and maples. Mums, which always reminded me of colorful moss-covered rocks, pop up across gardens and decks. The yellows and whites add a little brightness to the seasonal colors. The lilies are standing tall with speckled purple and white flowers. Goldenrods remind us of the last warm sunny days. The purple and red sages blend in nicely with the turning leaves. These late blooming flowers do more than simply supply our eyes with additional color for our homes and gardens. The fall serves as the last time of the year for insect pollinators to gather up pollen and nectar for the creation of honey.
Do prophylactic probiotics prevent the incidence of Clostridium difficile colitis infection in hospitalized patients

Clostridium difficile colitis infection is an opportunistic infection with as high as an estimated 30,000 deaths and 4.8 million dollars in healthcare costs recorded in 2011. The most common risk factor for infection is antibiotic therapy. Studies reviewed consisting of a meta-analysis of 19 randomized clinical trials demonstrate a beneficial effect of probiotics in preventing CDCI with the highest efficacy noted when initiated within 2 days of antibiotics. However, variations in dosing, initiation and species of probiotic have unknown effects in study results. The most significant correlation noted was the decreased incidence of CDCI by almost 50% when adjusting for timing of probiotic administration nearer to the first dose of antibiotics. The adverse effects of probiotics across studies were similar when comparing control and experimental groups.
Clickers in the Biology Classroom: Strategies for Writing and Effectively Implementing Clicker Questions That Maximize Student Learning

Many studies over the past 20 years have described the advantages, for both students and instructors, of using clickers to ask conceptual questions in science classrooms. In biology courses, which students may view as content-heavy, clickers can be particularly helpful in encouraging students to apply their knowledge and analyze new scenarios. As an instructor, asking clicker questions that are aligned with learning goals, challenge student thinking, inspire student discussion, and provide information to monitor student learning are all rewarding practices. However, it can take instructors many rounds of iteration to see this reward, and often they are unsure how to best write and implement clicker questions. In this chapter, we highlight the evidence-based practices that can help instructors use clickers effectively in biology classrooms. Specifically, we describe how to ask clicker questions to encourage student engagement and learning, and we provide guidance about how to write conceptual questions that encourage thinking and discussion. We also discuss evidence about student learning during clicker questions and conclude with practical advice about implementation.
Liked by Peers or Liked by Teachers: Differential Patterns of Bullying over Time

We examined the tendency for high status children to bully their classmates. Children liked by peers only (LPO), liked by teachers only (LTO), liked by both (Both), liked by neither (Neither), and ...
The Impact of Fulfilling a Desire for Idealism on Task Engagement and Enjoyment in Digital Games

For practitioners and researchers who want to design for enjoyment, empirical research on what makes digital games enjoyable is critical. This is true for Game Design, Gamification of non-game applications, and Serious Games with a purpose beyond enjoyment. But existing theories are incomplete or lacking empirical support. A Desire Fulfillment Theory of digital game enjoyment is proposed, building on three established theories: Expectancy Disconfirmation Theory, Basic Human Desires Theory, and Flow Theory. Desire Fulfillment Theory suggests systems that fulfill users’ basic human desires will maximize enjoyment. An online survey of 315 game players was conducted, focusing on the last digital game they played. Idealism, a desire to improve society, stood out as having the greatest impact (highest R2) on the Task Engagement (flow not including enjoyment) factors Concentration and Sense of Control among the factors tested, and greater Task Engagement in turn increased Enjoyment. Multiple linear regression results support the proposed model with minor revisions. The revised model shows how Clear Proximal Goals, Immediate Progress Feedback, and Desire Fulfillment: Idealism lead to Task Engagement and Enjoyment. This is the first empirical evidence the authors are aware of that fulfilling a desire for Idealism leads to Task Engagement and Enjoyment in digital games. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Leveraging SONiC Functionalities in Disaggregated Network Switches

Ever since the inception of the networking industry, routing and switching devices have been limited to tightly-coupled hardware and software components. Vendors provide closed source proprietary stacks, restraining network operators from utilizing customized features, and hence hindering innovation. This aggregated model is costly, time consuming, and unscalable as changes in the devices require vendor’s intervention. As a result, the industry started manufacturing white-box switches and developing Network Operating Systems (NOSs) that support multiple vendors and Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). This model is referred to as ”disaggregated” as the software and hardware are decoupled; essentially, vendors’ switching silicons (e.g., Broadcom) are compatible with different NOS (e.g., SONiC). In this paper, we discuss the lessons learned while designing and implementing a testbed that consists of disaggregated network devices. We iterate over several open source Internet Protocol (IP) routing suites and NOSs that are vendor-agnostic. Additionally, we highlight a novel type of forwarding data planes that are programmable and explore their features. The testbed consists of two white-box switches provided by Edgecore that use programmable switching silicon (Tofino) manufactured by Barefoot Networks, an Intel Company. We installed SONiC NOS on top of the switches and tested static and BGP routing protocols. We report the configuration process and the prerequisites needed to deploy a working disaggregated environment. Finally, we discuss how open source NOSs and programmable switches can be extended to support campus networks, rather than being data center-oriented only.
Nutrition and Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an acute inflammatory process of the pancreas that is characterized by severe abdominal pain, elevated pancreatic enzymes, and pancreatic changes on abdominal imaging. AP is, by nature, an inflammatory process that leads to protein catabolism and an increased metabolic rate, highlighting the strong need for early nutritional support in the initial management of the disease process. The goal of nutritional support in acute pancreatitis is to correct the negative nitrogen balance to reduce inflammation and improve outcomes. Many trials and multiple systemic reviews and meta-analyses have examined the best modality, timing, and composition of nutritional support for acute pancreatitis. Early enteral nutrition has emerged as an important aspect of the clinical management of AP. This narrative review aimed to provide an overview of the clinical management of nutrition in acute pancreatitis based on the currently available data.
Stepwise sRNA targeting of structured bacterial mRNAs leads to abortive annealing.

Bacterial small RNAs (sRNAs) regulate the expression of hundreds of transcripts via base pairing mediated by the Hfq chaperone protein. sRNAs and the mRNA sites they target are heterogeneous in sequence, length, and secondary structure. To understand how Hfq can flexibly match diverse sRNA and mRNA pairs, we developed a single-molecule Forster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) platform that visualizes the target search on timescales relevant in cells. Here we show that unfolding of target secondary structure on Hfq creates a kinetic energy barrier that determines whether target recognition succeeds or aborts before a stable anti-sense complex is achieved. Premature dissociation of the sRNA can be alleviated by strong RNA-Hfq interactions, explaining why sRNAs have different target recognition profiles. We propose that the diverse sequences and structures of Hfq substrates create an additional layer of information that tunes the efficiency and selectivity of non-coding RNA regulation in bacteria.
Hemagglutination Inhibition (HAI) antibody landscapes after vaccination with H7Nx virus like particles.

Background A systemic evaluation of the antigenic differences of the H7 influenza hemagglutinin (HA) proteins, especially for the viruses isolated after 2016, are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antigenic differences of major H7 strains with an ultimate aim to discover H7 HA proteins that can elicit protective receptor-binding antibodies against co-circulating H7 influenza strains. Method A panel of eight H7 influenza strains were selected from 3,633 H7 HA amino acid sequences identified over the past two decades (2000-2018). The sequences were expressed on the surface of virus like particles (VLPs) and used to vaccinate C57BL/6 mice. Serum samples were collected and tested for hemagglutination-inhibition (HAI) activity. The vaccinated mice were challenged with lethal dose of H7N9 virus, A/Anhui/1/2013. Results VLPs expressing the H7 HA antigens elicited broadly reactive antibodies each of the selected H7 HAs, except the A/Turkey/Italy/589/2000 (Italy/00) H7 HA. A putative glycosylation due to an A169T substitution in antigenic site B was identified as a unique antigenic profile of Italy/00. Introduction of the putative glycosylation site (H7 HA-A169T) significantly altered the antigenic profile of HA of the A/Anhui/1/2013 (H7N9) strain. Conclusion This study identified key amino acid mutations that result in severe vaccine mismatches for future H7 epidemics. Future universal influenza vaccine candidates will need to focus on viral variants with these key mutations.
Molecular Modes of Attosecond Charge Migration.

First-principles calculations are employed to elucidate the modes of attosecond charge migration (CM) in halogenated hydrocarbon chains. We use constrained density functional theory (DFT) to emulate the creation of a localized hole on the halogen and follow the subsequent dynamics via time-dependent DFT. We find low-frequency CM modes ($\ensuremath{\sim}1\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{eV}$) that propagate across the molecule and study their dependence on length, bond order, and halogenation. We observe that the CM speed ($\ensuremath{\sim}4\text{ }\text{ }\AA{}/\mathrm{fs}$) is largely independent of molecule length, but is lower for triple-bonded versus double-bonded molecules. Additionally, as the halogen mass increases, the hole travels in a more particlelike manner as it moves across the molecule. These heuristics will be useful in identifying molecules and optimal CM detection methods for future experiments, especially for halogenated hydrocarbons which are promising targets for ionization-triggered CM.
A Sportsman’s Paradise: What Louisiana Can Do to Protect Collegiate Athletes In Need of Medical Marijuana

The NCAA has a strict policy against drugs and other substances. The NCAA’s policy includes an exhaustive list of certain controlled substances, nutritional enhancements, performance enhancements, and alcohol that are banned from collegiate athlete use. However, the NCAA substance policy includes a minimal list of substances that are exempted from the ban. This list includes substances that are medically prescribed to the student-athlete. Surprisingly, medical marijuana does not appear on the list of exemptions. Louisiana has recently enacted a comprehensive statutory regulation scheme for the use, production, sale and “recommendation” of medical marijuana. However, what this field of regulation lacks is a provision explicitly tailored toward collegiate athlete’s legal use of medical marijuana in the state. This provision is crucial due to the NCAA’s refusal to recognize medical marijuana as a legal alternative for college athletes. Instead, the NCAA has chosen to lessen the punishment for a positive test instead of exempting legal use. This Comment recommends potential regulation by the State of Louisiana to shield Louisiana collegiate athletes from NCAA and institutional punishment for lawfully abiding by state regulation.
Long-term Mammography Adherence among Uninsured Women Enrolled in the Breast Screening and Patient Navigation (BSPAN) Program.

Background: The Breast Screening and Patient Navigation (BSPAN) Program provides access to no-cost breast cancer screening services to uninsured women in North Texas. Using data from the longitudinal BSPAN program (2012–2019), we assessed prevalence and correlates of (i) baseline adherence and (ii) longitudinal adherence to screening mammograms. Methods: Outcomes were baseline adherence (adherent if women received second mammogram 9–30 months after the index mammogram) and longitudinal adherence (assessed among baseline adherent women and defined as being adherent 39 months from the index mammogram). We used multivariable logistic regression and multivariable Cox proportional hazards model to assess associations of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics with baseline and longitudinal adherence, respectively. Results: Of 19,292 women, only 5,382 (27.9%) were baseline adherent. Baseline adherence was more likely among women who were partnered, preferred speaking Spanish, had poor reading ability, had prior Papanicolaou (PAP) testing, and prior screening mammograms, compared with women who were non-partnered, preferred speaking English, had good reading ability, had no prior PAP testing, and no prior screening mammograms, respectively. Of those who were baseline adherent, 4,364 (81.1%) women demonstrated longitudinal adherence. Correlates of longitudinal adherence were similar to those from baseline adherence. Conclusions: A large proportion of baseline adherent women (>80%) achieved longitudinal adherence, which highlights the importance of concentrating resources during the second mammogram in the progression toward continued adherence. Impact: Results from our unique dataset provide realistic mammography adherence rates and may be generalizable to other areas introducing no-cost screening to low-income women, independent of any regular patient-centered medical home.
Effects of solvent osmolarity and viscosity on cartilage energy dissipation under high-frequency loading

Abstract Articular cartilage is a spatially heterogeneous, dissipative biological hydrogel with a high fluid volume fraction. Although energy dissipation is important in the context of delaying cartilage damage, the dynamic behavior of articular cartilage equilibrated in media of varied osmolarity and viscosity is not widely understood. This study investigated the mechanical behaviors of cartilage when equilibrated to media of varying osmolarity and viscosity. Dynamic moduli and phase shift were measured at both low (1 Hz) and high (75–300 Hz) frequency, with cartilage samples compressed to varied offset strain levels. Increasing solution osmolarity and viscosity both independently resulted in larger energy dissipation and decreased dynamic modulus of cartilage at both low and high frequency. Mechanical property alterations induced by varying osmolarity are likely due to the change in permeability and fluid volume fraction within the tissue. The effects of solution viscosity are likely due to frictional interactions at the solid-fluid interface, affecting energy dissipation. These findings highlight the significance of interstitial fluid on the energy dissipation capabilities of the tissue, which can influence the onset of cartilage damage.
High Resolution Diode Laser Spectroscopy of Transient Species

An infrared diode laser spectrometer consisting of a tunable diode laser source (Spectra Physics Model SP-5150), an LSI-11/23 microcomputer, alm multipass absorption cell and diagnostic instrumentation to provide frequency markers and reference gas spectra has been constructed in order to study the spectroscopy and kinetics of chemically reactive free radical species. For spectroscopy, these species are produced in the absorption cell from a suitable flowing precursor either by a DC discharge or by excimer laser flash photolysis, while for kinetics studies only the latter method is employed.
An International SOS (Save Our Sharks): How the International Legal Framework Should Be Used to Save Our Sharks

The purpose of this Article is to shed light on the plight on sharks in international and domestic waters. An estimated 100 million sharks are killed every year. The cruel and wasteful practice of shark finning is responsible for a large portion of those killings. Shark fins are the most valuable part of the shark, because they are used as the key ingredient – and namesake – in an Asian delicacy known as “shark fin soup.” This Article opens with background information on the dire situation sharks are facing in our oceans, and how the depletion of these top predators from the oceans has a drastic effect on the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem. Next, the Article examines on approaches to curb shark finning taken by the United States, European Union, and China and Hong Kong. Then the Article moves to a focus on the international legal framework for protecting sharks, specifically focusing on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This Article concludes with an analysis of how the current legal framework is insufficient to provide the necessary protection for sharks and examines what more can be done. 1 J.D. May 2014, Pace University School of Law.
From Romantic Naturphilosophie to a Theory of Scientific Method for the Medical Disciplines

During the Romantic period from about 1790 to 1840, Naturphilosophie exercised an ambivalent influence on the medical disciplines. In the early Romantic period, it provided a goal of unity of knowledge, an increase in organic images of the world, and numerous theories of science.1 Yet these same ideas came under heavy criticism in the late Romantic period and afterwards.2 The reconciliation of one strand of this ambivalence is our aim here. We intend to demonstrate the enrichment of research through a theory of scientific method tied to the actual work of scientists (Cfr. Laudan 1968). Behind this change in social function were important cognitive reforms in post-Kantian philosophy of science.3
Workplace Values: Cross-Cultural Insights from the Service Industries

With the globalization of businesses in recent years, managers must attract and retain the right employees. Part of the fit between a worker and employer is in the area of values. Employees bring personal values to the job and they also are asked to display the workplace values of the organization. Managers must be sure that all workers share the values of the organization. Few studies examine workplace values cross-culturally and qualitatively. Using existing theory, we find that service workers in three countries display workplace values that reflect cultural norms. Managerial implications and directions for future research are given.
Array Data Flow Analysis for Load-Store Optimizations in Fine-Grain Architectures

The performence of scientific programs on modern processors can be significantly degraded by memory references that frequently arise due to load and store operations associated with array references. We have developed techniques for optimally allocating registers to array elements whose values are repeatedly referenced over one or more loop iterations. The resulting placement of loads and stores is optimal in that number of loads and stores encoutered along each path through the loop is minimal for the given program branching structure. To place load, store, and register-to-register shift operations without introducing fully/partially redundant and dead memory operations, a detailed value flow analysis of array references is required. We present an analysis framework to efficiently solve various data flow problems required by array load-store optimizations. The framework determines the collective behavior of recurrent references spread over multiple loop iterations. We also demonstrate how our algorithms can be adapted for various fine-grain architectures.
First Order Imaging Methods: An Introduction

The development of self-calibrating first order diffraction-limited imaging methods is summarized. Seeing calibrated point spread functions for conventional telescopes and the MMT are presented. A physical basis for weighted shift-and-add with deconvolution is proposed. Implications for future developments, including speckle holography, are noted.
Operational Standards for CASA Instruments

Computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) technology is 7 years old. Over 120 papers have been written that verify the technology or apply it in basic and clinical studies. Most of the technical problems with CASA, such as the dependence of velocity on video frame rate, inaccuracy of count and percent motility for low- and high-concentration specimens, parameter dependence on the number of frames analyzed, sensitivity of the subjective threshold setting, confusion over the presence of debris, and different implementations of algorithms across instruments, still persist. A critical review of the literature reveals that no standard practices are followed within or across instruments. Moreover, no standards have been embraced or recommended by professional societies. Despite its potential to provide objective measurements of specimen and individual sperm parameters, and to automate the laboratory semen analysis, the promise of CASA has not been fulfilled. Unless laboratory medicine defines instrument performance and laboratory standards and co-operates with industry to achieve these goals, CASA technology may remain a research curiosity. This outcome is especially worrisome in the context of increasing requirements for laboratory accuracy, precision, standardization, and accreditation under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988.
Gametocytemia and Infectiousness in Falciparum Malaria: Observations and Models

The interface between the mosquito vector of malaria and the human host is mediated in one direction by the sporozoites, whereby mosquitoes infect humans, and in the other by the gametocytes, whereby humans infect mosquitoes. This paper is about the gametocytes of Plasmodium falciparum and their environment in the human host: when and why gametocytes are produced; patterns of their appearance; the relationship between patent gametocytemia and infectiousness of the host to the vector; and the immune response of the host.
Book Review: MICROPROGRAMMING AND FIRMWARE ENGINEERING METHODS by Stanley Habib, Editor:, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1988

During the Spring Semester 89, I had the pleasure to teach the microprogramming course at Purdue University from two textbooks of which one was "Microprogramming and Firmware Engineering Methods." Contributing authors for this book were selected among the nation's leading experts in the field, which greatly contributes to the depth and breath of the coverage.
Predicting Biochemical Response to Clomiphene Citrate in Men with Hypogonadism

Abstract Introduction Clomiphene citrate (CC) is as an effective treatment for men with hypogonadism (HG). Identifying the ideal candidate for this strategy has to date largely relied upon a patient's interest in preservation of testicular volume and spermatogenesis. Aim This analysis was undertaken to define if predictors existed of robust elevation in serum testosterone (T) levels in response to CC. Methods Seventy‐six men with a diagnosis of HG (two separate early morning total T levels Main Outcome Measure Successful biochemical response to CC, defined as an increase of ≥200 ng/dL in total T level at ≥6 months after commencing CC, was the main outcome measure. Results Mean age was 46 ± 22 years. Mean pretreatment testicular volume was 16 ± 8 mL. Mean baseline T and LH levels were 179 ± 72 ng/dL and 7.2 ± 5.6 IU/mL, respectively. Mean total T on CC was 467 ± 190 ng/dL. Forty‐seven patients (62%) met the responder definition, with a mean increase in total T levels of 302 ± 76 (204–464) ng/dL. In CC responders, the mean LH rise was 5.6 ± 3.1 IU/mL. On multivariable analysis, factors predictive of CC response included: mean testicular volume (adjusted [adj.] r = 0.32, P P r = 0.48, P P Conclusion These data indicate that two thirds of men with HG meet a robust responder definition and that pretreatment testicular volume and LH levels (in continuous and dichotomized fashions) are predictors of response. Mazzola CR, Katz DJ, Loghmanieh N, Nelson CJ, and Mulhall JP. Predicting biochemical response to clomiphene citrate in men with hypogonadism. J Sex Med 2014;11:2302‐2307.
erbB-2/neu Transformed Rat Cholangiocytes Recapitulate Key Cellular and Molecular Features of Human Bile Duct Cancer

Background & Aims: Cholangiocarcinomas appear to arise from the malignant transformation of cholangiocytes lining the biliary tract. Because the development of an in vitro model of malignant transformation can provide a powerful new tool for establishing critical events governing the molecular pathogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma, we investigated the potential of achieving malignant transformation of cultured rat cholangiocytes in relation to aberrant overexpression of mutationally activated erbB-2/neu. Methods: Malignant neoplastic transformation was achieved after infection of the rat cholangiocyte cell line, designated BDE1, with the retrovirus Glu664-neu, containing the transforming rat erbB-2/neu oncogene. Results: Compared with untransformed control cells, malignant transformants carrying the activating erbB-2/neu mutation prominently overexpressed p185neu receptor protein, which was phosphorylated strongly at its major autophosphorylation site at tyrosine 1248. Moreover, erbB-2/neu transformation of BDE1 cells resulted in increased telomerase activity, up-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 with overproduction of prostaglandin E2, enhanced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and of serine/threonine kinase Akt/PKB, overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor, and increased mucin 1 messenger RNA expression. Only erbB-2/neu transformants were tumorigenic when transplanted into isogeneic rats, yielding a 100% incidence of tumors closely resembling human desmoplastic ductal cholangiocarcinomas in their morphology. Malignant cholangiocytes in the tumors were strongly immunoreactive for biliary cytokeratin 19, p185neu, and cyclooxygenase-2. Conclusions: This unique malignant transformation model recapitulates key molecular features of the human disease and appears to be well suited for testing novel molecular therapeutic strategies against cholangiocarcinoma.
Lipopolysaccharide increases Na+,K+-pump, but not ENaC, expression in guinea-pig airway epithelium

Earlier, we found in functional experiments that lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 4mg/kg; i.p.) hyperpolarized the epithelium by stimulating the transepithelial transport of Na(+) in guinea-pig tracheal epithelium. Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) activity and Na(+),K(+)-pump activity were increased. In this study, we hypothesized that LPS increases the expression of ENaC and the Na(+),K(+)-pump in the epithelium and investigated the levels of transcription and protein abundance. Using qPCR, the effects of LPS on the transcription of αENaC, α(1) Na(+),K(+)-pump, COX-2, eNOS, iNOS, IL-1β, and TNF-α were measured at 3 and 18h. In the epithelium, LPS increased the transcription of COX-2, IL-1β, and, to a nonsignificant extent, TNF-α at 3h, but not at 18h. In alveolar macrophages, TNF-α, and, to a nonsignificant extent, COX-2 and IL-1β were up-regulated at 3h, but not at 18h. Even though LPS stimulated the transcription of some genes, αENaC and α(1) Na(+),K(+)-ATPase transcription were not affected. The expressions of α-, β-, and γ-ENaC and α(1) Na(+),K(+)-pump from the tracheal epithelium and kidney cortex/medulla were investigated by western blotting. All three ENaC subunits were detected as cleavage fragments, yet LPS had no effect on their expression. LPS increased the expression of the α(1) subunit and the α(1), α(2), and α(3) subunits, collectively, of the Na(+),K(+)-pump. Taken together, these data indicate that LPS increases Na(+) transport downstream of the genetic level, in part, by stimulating the expression of the Na(+),K(+)-pump.
Power-series solutions to the optical Maxwell–Bloch equations

We discuss a new way of solving the optical Maxwell–Bloch equations governing the interaction of two-level inhomogeneously broadened atoms with a laser by expanding the components of the Bloch vector in power series of the detuning. This method leads to a set of infinitely many coupled ordinary differential equations in which the detuning no longer appears explicitly. These equations are solved numerically, reproducing some analytic solutions reported previously and obtaining a variety of other shape-preserving steady-state solutions. These new solutions, however, are neither factorable nor simply periodic. In this connection we discuss the implications of the factorization assumption, which appears to be the only condition leading to closed-form analytic solutions.
Enhanced transmission for ultra-low-power nonlinear optics experiments using tapered optical fibers in Rubidium vapor

We have studied transmission degradation for sub-wavelength diameter Tapered Optical Fibers in Rubidium vapor. A heating strategy is shown to reduce degradation, thereby enhancing the ability to perform ultra-low-power nonlinear optics experiments.
A STUDY TO COMPARE THE EFFICACY OF TWO METHODS OF SKIN PREPARATION PRIOR TO JOINT INJECTION

This paper compares two methods of skin preparation in terms of their effectiveness in rendering the skin sterile, ease of use, and their cost.
Whole grain snack intake in an after-school snack program: a pilot study

US children consume about one-third of the recommended level of whole grain. This study compared the difference in consumption between snacks made with either refined flour (Goldfish 0 g/serving), low (Graham crackers 5 g/serving, Goldfish 8 g/serving) or 100% whole grain flour level (Graham crackers 26 g/serving) among 117 children (kindergarten–sixth grade) participating in after-school snack programs. The study included plate waste collection and group interviews conducted in four elementary schools in the Midwest. A multiple comparison test determined differences in consumption. The mean consumption for Graham crackers 26 g (52.0 ± 11.40) was significantly lower than the mean consumption for Goldfish 0 g, (78 ± 4.31), Graham crackers 5 g, (80.2 ± 5.19) and Goldfish 8 g (75.4 ± 5.24) (P < 0.05). Children were more sensitive to the taste and texture of Graham crackers 26 g/serving as compared with snacks with less whole grain. Snack products with considerable whole grain content may require additional research in order to increase their appeal to children.
Cycle-Controlled Water Injection for Steady-State and Transient Emissions Reduction From a Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine

A system for co-injecting mixtures of diesel fuel and water into a heavy-duty diesel engine has been developed and evaluated at the Southwest Research Institute. This system features prototype Lucas EUI injectors, full electronic control, and can vary the percentage of water in the mixture on a cycle-resolved basis. Tests of this system were conducted on a production Volvo D-12 engine, and have produced very encouraging results. Water-diesel co-injection yielded a considerable improvement in NOx-smoke and NOx-BSFC trade-offs under steady-state engine operation. In addition, control of the water percentage on a cycle-resolved basis was shown to be an effective method for mitigating NOx and smoke emissions over step-load transients. Results from this work show that a combination of aggressive EGR and diesel+water co-injection is very promising for producing very low levels of engine-out exhaust emissions, reducing the water storage requirements, and improving fuel efficiency. Further refinement of this injection technology is in progress.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Atom number in magneto-optic traps with millimeter scale laser beams

We measure the number of atoms N trapped in a conventional vapor-cell magneto-optic trap (MOT) using beams that have a diameter d in the range 1-5 mm. We show that the N is proportional to d(3.6) scaling law observed for larger MOTs is a robust approximation for optimized MOTs with beam diameters as small as 3 mm. For smaller beams, the description of the scaling depends on how d is defined. The most consistent picture of the scaling is obtained when d is defined as the diameter where the intensity profile of the trapping beams decreases to the saturation intensity. Using this definition, N scales as d(6) for d<2.3 mm but, at larger d, N still scales as d(3.6).
Epidermal Synthesis of Prostaglandins and their Effect on Levels of Cyclic Adenosine 3',5'-Monophosphate

Extracts of guinea-pig and human skin epidermis were analyzed for prostaglandins PGE 1 , E 2 , and F 2α , by radioimmunoassay, and found to contain a total of 62.0 (guinea pig) and 144.7 (human) ng/gm wet weight. The three prostaglandins occurred in approximately equal amounts. Guinea-pig epidermal homogenates converted labeled arachidonic acid to PGE 2 and PGF 2α , the rate of formation being 10 and 2.5 pmoles per mg protein in 0.5 hr. respectively. Conversion in the dermis occurred to a much smaller extent. Homogenates of uninvolved and involved epidermis from 10 subjects with psoriasis produced PGE 2 from arachidonic acid at rates of 6.48 and 2.97 pmoles per mg protein, respectively, in 0.5 hr. These figures were significantly different statistically. The corresponding values for PGF 2α were 1.10 and 0.51. The exposure of guineas-pig epidermal slices to isoproterenol (1–2 × 10 -6 M) resulted in 2-fold to 5-fold increases in PGE (PGE 1 + PGE 2 ) levels in the tissue. Levels of PGF 2α , were increased 2-fold at the higher concentration. Guinea-pig epidermal slices incubated with PGE 2 (3–6 × 10 -8 M) and theophylline (2 × 10 -3 M) showed a 6-fold to 9-fold increase in cyclic AMP content, measured by radioimmunoassay. The effect of PGE 2 was less pronounced. The lower ability of involved epidermal areas in psoriasis to produce PGE 1 may account for the low levels of cyclic AMP in the lesions.
New Isoeudistomin Class Dihydro-β-Carbolines from an Undescribed Ascidian of the Genus Eudistoma.

Abstract 19-Bromoisoeudistomin U (1) and isoeudistomin U (2), two new dihydro-β-carbolines have been isolated from an undescribed Western Australian ascidian of the genus Eudistoma. The structures of these dihydro-β-carbolines were determined by comprehensive spectral analyses primarily involving 2D NMR.
Immunological tolerance of the human fetus

Why is the fetus not rejected as foreign tissue? The maternal and fetal immune systems temporarily coexist; both are precisely tuned to detect and reject foreign invasion and yet somehow achieve a symbiotic relationship. This mutual state of tolerance is obviously critical for carrying pregnancy to full term. Two active arms of the immune system maintain protection of the host: the first of these involves a humoral immune system in which foreign tissue invokes an antibody response by recognition of antigenic surfaces by the B-cell, the second arm involves cell-mediated immunity in which T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells seek out and destroy foreign tissue. Several mechanisms are thought to invoke the immune tolerance of the fetus. These include: absence of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I antigens, presence of unique human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) surface molecules, nonspecific reduction of systemic immunoreactivity, possible role of blocking antibody, expressions of complement regulatory proteins, and factors of locally reduced immunoreactivity. Ultimately, developing regimens to control these elements in the clinical setting may help us overcome preterm labor, infertility, and preeclampsia. Available evidence regarding immune tolerance of the human fetus, integrated into a workable model, and focused at an overview level are systematically reviewed in this article.
A common schema for dynamic programming and branch and bound algorithms

A new model for dynamic programming and branch and bound algorithms is presented. The model views these algorithms as utilizing computationally feasible dominance relations to infer the orderings of application objects, thereby implicitly enumerating a finite solution space. The formalism is broad enough to apply the computational strategies of dynamic programming and branch and bound to problems with nonassociative objects, and can model both oblivious and nonoblivious algorithms, as well as parallel algorithms. The model is used to classify computations based, in part, on the types of computationally feasible dominances that they employ. It is demonstrated that the model is computationally precise enough to support the derivation of lower bounds on the number of operations required to solve various types of problems.
Global analysis of B cell selection using an immunoglobulin light chain–mediated model of autoreactivity

The important subtleties of B cell tolerance are best understood in a diverse immunoglobulin (Ig) repertoire context encoding a full spectrum of autoreactivity. To achieve this, we used mice expressing Igκ transgenes that confer varying degrees of autoreactivity within a diverse heavy chain (HC) repertoire. These transgenes, coupled with a biomarker to identify receptor-edited cells and combined with expression cloning of B cell receptors, allowed us to analyze tolerance throughout B cell development. We found that both the nature of the autoantigen and the Ig HC versus light chain (LC) contribution to autoreactivity dictate the developmental stage and mechanism of tolerance. Furthermore, although selection begins in the bone marrow, over one third of primary tolerance occurs in the periphery at the late transitional developmental stage. Notably, we demonstrate that the LC has profound effects on tolerance and can lead to exacerbated autoantibody production.
Alterations in microRNA expression in stress-induced cellular senescence

We investigated miRNA expression changes associated with stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) in primary cultures of human diploid fibroblast (HDF) and human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. Twenty-five miRNAs were identified by miRNA microarray analysis and their changes in expression were validated by TaqMan real-time RT-PCR in three independent cell lines of HTM and HDF. SIPS in both HTM and HDF cell types was associated with significant down-regulation of four members of the miR-15 family and five miRNAs of the miR-106b family located in the oncogenic clusters miR-17-92, miR-106a-363, and miR-106b-25. SIPS was also associated with up-regulation of two miRNAs (182 and 183) from the miR-183-96-182 cluster. Transfection with miR-106a agomir inhibited the up-regulation of p21(CDKN1A) associated with SIPS while transfection with miR-106a antagomir led to increased p21(CDKN1A) expression in senescent cells. In addition, we identified retinoic acid receptor gamma (RARG) as a target of miR-182 and showed that this protein was down-regulated during SIPS in HDF and HTM cells. These results suggest that changes in miRNA expression might contribute to phenotypic alterations of senescent cells by modulating the expression of key regulatory proteins such as p21(CDKN1A) as well as by targeting genes that are down-regulated in senescent cells such as RARG.
Dpb11 Protein Helps Control Assembly of the Cdc45·Mcm2-7·GINS Replication Fork Helicase

Dpb11 is required for the initiation of DNA replication in budding yeast. Dpb11 binds to S-phase cyclin-dependent kinase-phosphorylated Sld2 and Sld3 to form a ternary complex during S phase. The replication fork helicase in eukaryotes is composed of Cdc45, Mcm2-7, and GINS. We show here, using purified proteins from budding yeast, that Dpb11 alone binds to Mcm2-7 and that Dpb11 also competes with GINS for binding to Mcm2-7. Furthermore, Dpb11 binds directly to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), and ssDNA inhibits the Dpb11 interaction with Mcm2-7. We also found that Dpb11 can recruit Cdc45 to Mcm2-7. We identified a mutant of the BRCT4 motif of Dpb11 that remains bound to Mcm2-7 in the presence of ssDNA (dpb11-m1,m2,m3,m5), and this mutant exhibits a DNA replication defect when expressed in budding yeast cells. Expression of this mutant results in increased interaction between Dpb11 and Mcm2-7 during S phase, impaired GINS interaction with Mcm2-7 during S phase, and decreased replication protein A (RPA) interaction with origin DNA during S phase. We propose a model in which Dpb11 first recruits Cdc45 to Mcm2-7. Dpb11, although bound to Cdc45·Mcm2-7, can block the interaction between GINS and Mcm2-7. Upon extrusion of ssDNA from the central channel of Mcm2-7, Dpb11 dissociates from Mcm2-7, and Dpb11 binds to ssDNA, thereby allowing GINS to bind to Cdc45·Mcm2-7. Finally, we propose that Dpb11 functions with Sld2 and Sld3 to help control the assembly of the replication fork helicase.
GEOMORPHOLOGY OF THE LAKE SHEWA LANDSLIDE DAM, BADAKHSHAN, AFGHANISTAN, USING REMOTE SENSING DATA

Lake Shewa in northeastern Badakhshan, Afghanistan, was dammed sometime in antiquity when a large rock avalanche (sturzstrom) from the fault‐shattered and strongly weathered Archean gneisses of the...
Agonists at μ‐opioid, M2 ‐muscarinic and GABAB ‐receptors increase the same potassium conductance in rat lateral parabrachial neurones

1. Intracellular recordings of membrane potential and current were made from neurones in the lateral parabrachial nucleus in slices of rat brain in vitro. 2. The membrane was hyperpolarized by the opioid peptides Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-MePhe-Gly-ol (DAGOL, 0.01-1 microM) and [Met5]enkephalin (3-30 microM), though not by Tyr-D-Pen-Gly-Phe-D-Pen and U50488. In two experiments, naloxone competitively antagonized the effects of DAGOL and [Met]enkephalin with equilibrium dissociation constants of 0.8 and 3.2 nM, respectively. 3. Baclofen (0.3-30 microM) also hyperpolarized the neurones; this action was unaffected by naloxone. 4. DAGOL, [Met5]enkephalin and baclofen caused outward currents at the resting potential. These currents reversed polarity at a membrane potential which changed with the logarithm of the extracellular potassium concentration. 5. Muscarine has been shown previously to increase the potassium conductance by an action at M2-receptors: the potassium currents induced by maximal concentrations of muscarine, baclofen and [Met5]enkephalin were non-additive, indicating that these agonists opened the same population of potassium channels. 6. Noradrenaline, UK14304, carboxamidotryptamine, dopamine, adenosine and somatostatin had little or no effect on membrane potential. 7. It is concluded that rat lateral parabrachial neurones express mu-opioid, gamma-aminobutyric acidB (GABAB), and M2-muscarinic receptors: activation of any of these receptors increases the potassium conductance of the membrane and inhibits the neurones through hyperpolarization.
Topical paricalcitol (19-nor-1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D2) is a novel, safe and effective treatment for plaque psoriasis: a pilot study

Summary Background There continues to be a need to develop new pharmacological approaches for treating psoriasis. Topical active vitamin D compounds have proven to be both safe and effective for treating psoriasis. Paricalcitol (19-nor-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2) is a novel vitamin D analogue which has been developed for the prevention of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic renal failure. Objectives To investigate the efficacy and safety of 12 weeks' therapy with a once-daily application of paricalcitol ointment (15 μg g−1) in comparison with placebo ointment. Methods This pilot double-blinded self-controlled study was initiated in 11 patients with moderate plaque psoriasis. To characterize the biological effects further and to evaluate the efficacy of topical paricalcitol treatment in psoriasis, we have analysed immunohistochemically the expression of one of the markers for epidermal differentiation (transglutaminase K) in paricalcitol-treated skin as compared with placebo treatment. Results Treatment with paricalcitol was superior to placebo treatment beginning at week 1. The global severity score for erythema, plaque elevation and scaling was improved significantly more by paricalcitol ointment than by placebo (P < 0·001). Similar results were obtained for assessments of scaling, erythema and plaque elevation. No symptoms of local skin irritation were noted. Laboratory parameters including serum calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone and urinary calcium/creatinine ratio did not reveal any changes of clinical relevance during treatment. The immunoreactivity of transglutaminase K changed after 12 weeks of paricalcitol treatment almost completely to the pattern characteristic for nonlesional psoriatic skin. Conclusions Once-daily application of paricalcitol ointment was safe and effective for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.
Influence of melatonin, 5-methoxytryptophol and pinealectomy on pituitary and plasma gonadotropin and prolactin levels in castrated adult male rats.

The effects of melatonm, 5-methoxy-tryptophol and pmealectomy on pituitary and plasma LH, FSH and prolactin levels were in-Melatonin vestigated in adult male castrated rats. and 5-methoxytryptophol we