cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of glucocorticoids on weight change during the treatment of Wegener's granulomatosis.

Objective Weight gain is a side effect of glucocorticoid (GC) use, but the natural history and health implications of changes in weight that occur during the treatment of inflammatory disease are not understood. Methods We evaluated data from the Wegener's Granulomatosis Etanercept Trial. Patients were categorized according to clinical outcome at 1 year: remission (no disease flares), single flare, or multiple flares. Risk factors for gaining ≥10 kg were examined in multivariate models. Results Weights at baseline and 1 year were available for 157 (93%) of the 168 patients analyzed. During year 1, the mean cumulative prednisone dosage in the multiple flares subgroup was 7.9 gm, compared with 6.0 gm and 3.9 gm in the single flare and remission subgroups, respectively (P < 0.001). Patients in these subgroups gained an average of 2.6 kg, 4.1 kg, and 5.8 kg, respectively (P = 0.005). Weight gain did not correlate with cumulative GC dose (R = 0.10, P = 0.25). Thirty-five patients (22.3%) gained and maintained ≥10 kg in the first year. New diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis at baseline was an independent predictor of gaining ≥10 kg at 1 year (odds ratio 19.7, 95% confidence interval 2.4–162.6, P = 0.006). Among the 78 patients in the remission subgroup, 40 sustained remissions through the 2-year time point. For these 40 patients, the mean weight gained at year 1 did not regress by the end of year 2, despite the absence of continued GC use. Conclusion Disease control was associated with lower cumulative GC doses but greater weight gain. More than one-fifth of patients gained >10 kg in the first year of treatment. The quantity of weight gained by patients during treatment has potential future health implications.
A metabolic derivation of DDE from kelthane

DDE (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene), the DDT derivative that causes thinning of the eggshells of sensitive bird species, is metabolically formed in mallard ducks fed Kelthane®, a widely used acaricide that consists of technical dicofol, a mixture of compounds synthetically derived from technical DDT. Technical dicofol mixtures contain very low levels of p,p'-DDT, which has been assumed to be the only precursor to environmental DDE. Applications of Kelthane and of other products containing technical dicofol would therefore increase the environmental input of DDE, accounting at least in part for recent observations of high levels of DDE in environmental samples from Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California that contained only trace amounts of DDT. Among the components of Kelthane, chloro-DDT (1,1,1,2-tetrachloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane) is converted to DDE under certain laboratory conditions. Levels of chloro-DDT in the Kelthane mixture employed could account for all of the DDE metabolically formed in the ducks. The data leave unresolved the question of whether DDE may be derived from p,p'-dicofol (1,1-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethanol), the principal ingredient of technical dicofol, under either experimental or environmental conditions.
Kernel Association for Classification and Prediction: A Survey

Kernel association (KA) in statistical pattern recognition used for classification and prediction have recently emerged in a machine learning and signal processing context. This survey outlines the latest trends and innovations of a kernel framework for big data analysis. KA topics include offline learning, distributed database, online learning, and its prediction. The structural presentation and the comprehensive list of references are geared to provide a useful overview of this evolving field for both specialists and relevant scholars.
Scanning tunneling microscopy of electrodeposited CuInSe2 nanoscale multilayers

Abstract We have investigated the electrochemical deposition of modulated thin films based on the Cu x In 2− x Se 2 system. CuInSe 2 is a leading alternative to silicon for use in thin film photovoltaic solar cells due to its optical absorption and electrical characteristics. Alternating layers of two different compositions based on the Cu x In 2− x Se 2 system were potentiostatically deposited. These nanometer-scale layers are used to form reduced-dimensionality structures such as superlattices that can be used in concentrator solar cells. We have used X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy to characterize our asdeposited thin films. The ability of the scanning tunneling microscope to resolve the individual nanoscale layers of our multilayered thin films is shown and is used to determine modulation wavelengths.
Environmental prospection for PCDD/PCDF, PAH, PCB and heavy metals around the incinerator power plant of Reggio Emilia town (Northern Italy) and surrounding main roads

Samples of soil, sediment and pine needles from the Reggio Emilia area were analysed in order to estimate the environmental pollution caused by an MSWI. PCDD/PCDF, PCB, PAH and metals were analysed in the collected samples. The data obtained showed relatively low pollution levels. Indeed, the PCDD/PCDF and PCB data were comparable to the values usually found in the grazing areas of the European Union countries. Metal concentrations in soils and sediments may be related to local geological occurrences and to agricultural activities. PAH values are significantly lower than the limit values set by the Italian law.
Nutrient specific feeding and endocrine effects of jejunal infusions.

Intestinal nutrient infusions result in variable decreases in food intake and body weight based on the nutrient type and the specific intestinal infusion site. Only intrajejunal infusions of fatty acids decrease food intake beyond the calories infused. To test whether this extra-compensatory decrease in food intake is specific to fatty acids, small volume intrajejunal infusions of glucose (Glu) and casein hydrolysate (Cas), as well as linoleic acid (LA) were administered to male Sprague–Dawley rats. Equal kilocalorie (kcal) loads of these nutrients (11.4) or vehicle were infused into the jejunum over 7 h/day for five consecutive days. Food intake was continuously monitored and body weight was measured daily. After the infusion on the final day, rats were killed and plasma collected. Intrajejunal infusions of LA and Glu, but not Cas, suppressed food intake beyond the caloric load of the infusate with no compensatory increase in food intake after the infusion period. Rats receiving LA and Glu infusions also lost significant body weight across the infusion days. Plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) was increased in both the LA and Glu rats compared with control animals, with no significant change in the Cas-infused animals. Peptide YY (PYY) levels increased in response to LA and Cas infusions. These results suggest that intrajejunal infusions of LA and Glu may decrease food intake and body weight via alterations in GLP-1 signaling. Thus, particular nutrients are more effective at producing decreases in food intake, body weight, and inducing changes in peptide levels and could lead to a novel therapy for obesity.
Optimization of Bioethanol Ethanol Production in Fed-batch Fermentation

This study focuses on improving the productivity of a fed-batch ethanol fermentation process by developing and implementing in real time, an optimum feeding policy. A constraint-based stoichiometric model is developed using the systems biology approach, which can quantitatively predict the cellular behavior of the E coli strain, KO11. However, the predictions from this model are accurate under low concentrations of substrate. In order to extend the usage of the model to higher substrate concentrations, we modified this model by introducing changes in glucose utilization rate to restrict the metabolic capacity of the cell. Using the proposed model, the fed-batch optimization problem becomes a constrained optimization problem, and a modified Iterative Dynamic Programming (IDP) algorithm was developed with an adaptive-stage updating methodology, which was applied to solve the global optimization problem. Experiments were carried out based on the optimal feed profile generated using the modified stoichiometric model and the Iterative Dynamic Programming algorithm. Approximately 90% of the theoretical ethanol yield was obtained; the fermentation consumed a total of 521.5 g of glucose and produced 237.5 g of ethanol.
Sexes, species, and genomes: why males and females are not like humans and chimpanzees

This paper describes, analyzes, and critiques the construction of separate “male” and “female” genomes in current human genome research. Comparative genomic work on human sex differences conceives of the sexes as like different species, with different genomes. I argue that this construct is empirically unsound, distortive to research, and ethically questionable. I propose a conceptual model of biological sex that clarifies the distinction between species and sexes as genetic classes. The dynamic interdependence of the sexes makes them “dyadic kinds” that are not like species, which are “individual kinds.” The concept of sex as a “dyadic kind” may be fruitful as a remedy to the tendency to conceive of the sexes as distinct, binary classes in biological research on sex more generally.
Effects of cue-reward congruity on retardates' learning under varying conditions of S-R contiguity.

Summary.4 groups of retardates were presented a blue-yellow discrimination. Two groups responded directly KO panels containing the color cues and the remaining two made their response to other panels spatially separated by 15 in. from the stimulus panels. Also, half of the groups received a reward which was identical to the cues and half received a reward which had no dimension congruous with the cues. Results showed cue-reward congruity facilitated learning by retardates but its effect was contingent upon S-R contiguity, whereas contiguity promoted maximum achievement regardless of rhe presence of congruous properties between cue and reward. Distinctive cue properties of rewards or of the surround in which the reward is presented have been shown to affect learning. Zeaman and House (1963), for example, have reporred marked facilitation in learning patterns by retardates when the same pattern which served as the positive discriminative cue was also used to line a container in which the reward was found. Earlier studies by Grice (1948) and Webb and Nolan (1953) with lower animals also demonstrate the facilitating effect on learning of painting a goal box the same color as the positive cue in a black-white color discrimination task. Shepp (1962, 1964) has shown chat distinctive reward cues may not only have facilitating properties but may also interfere in learning object discrimination by retardates whenever incentives are associated with irrelevant position stimuli. As a continuation of the research on reward cues, two questions were asked in the present study: (1) Will a distinct incentive cue sharing multiple properties with the positive stimulus of a single-dimension (color ) discrimination problem have a greater facilitative effect on learning than a non-congruent reward of greater subjective value? (2) Will distinctive properties shared by reward and cues of a discrimination cask facilitate learning under conditions known to recard learning, namely, S-R disconciguity? The latter question involves the consistent impairment of learning found in lower primates (Wunderlich & Dorff, 1965), normal children ( Wunderlich, Nazarro, & Youniss, 1968), and retardates (Wunderlich, 1971) whenever the positions of the discriminative cues are spacially separaced from the site of the response. This study explored the possibility that congruity of cue and reward may be helpful as a condition easily introduced into complex learning situations when the task necessarily involves S-HI disconciguity.
A Generalization of Omura's Decoding Algorithm and a Proof of Convergence

An approximation of maximum-likelihood decoding over the binary symmetric channel was introduced by Omura in 1972. This decoder employs an iterative, randomized algorithm whose behavior closely mimics that of the simplex algorithm. In this paper, we generalize Omura's decoder to operate on an arbitrary binary-input memoryless channel. Further, we prove that the probability of the generalized Omura decoder (and hence Omura's original decoder) returning a maximum-likelihood codeword approaches 1 as the number of iterations goes to infinity, a result that has hereto remained unproven.
Labelling theory's explanation of mental illness: An update of recent evidence

As Horwitz (1979) notes, the conflict between the labelling explanation of mental illness and the psychiatric explanation of mental illness appears to be unresolved. In the present paper it is suggested that this is because sociologists have ignored recent developments in psychiatry. Considerable evidence is reviewed which supports the psychiatric perspective.
Summarizing data using a similarity based mountain method

We consider the problem of summarizing a collection of data values. Here we use a mountain method like approach based on the similarities of the data. Fundamental to our work is the possibility of allowing for multiple summarizing values. We present an algorithm, in the spirit of the mountain method, that uses the similarity between the data points to find focus points which serve as the seed for finding summarizing centers. Central to this algorithm is a process of reducing the energy of the data points which we show can be implemented most generally using a t-norm. We provide an application of the algorithm to the problem of binning data which is used in data mining and the development of histograms. Here we allow the location of the bins to be determined by the data rather then fixed a priori.
Bounds for polynomials with applications

Abstract For a polynomial having a non-constant upper bound on an interval, we derive upper bounds valid outside of that interval. Several applications are given. The paper arose from a desire to have a simpler proof of a result of one of us and to extend it to the complex plane.
Effects of aggressive driving and driver characteristics on road rage

To what extent is road rage triggered by aggressive driving behavior (frustration-aggression) or by characteristics of an aggressive driver (frustration-selective aggression)? Two scenarios on aggressive driving were presented to 144 undergraduates: impeding traffic (passive aggression) and reckless driving (active aggression). Age, gender, and cell phone use of a fictitious aggressive driver were manipulated in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. Dependent variables were anger that was created by each scenario, intentions to retaliate against the other driver, and intentions to report the incident to police. Age, gender, and cell phone use had no significant effects on results. Subjects raged far more against aggressive driving than against particular classes of aggressive drivers. Strategies for lowering road rage are discussed.
AMINO NITROGEN AND REDUCING SUGARS OF GREEN AND CHLOROPHYLL‐DEFICIENT TYPES IN MAIZE

IN THE experiments reported in this paper, corn seedlings were subjected to various conditions, both normal and abnormal, and the influence of these conditions upon the amino nitrogen and reducing sugar content of the seedlings was determined by analysis. The abnormal conditions used were carbohydrate starvation, artificial feeding of maltose or dextrose to seedlings kept under conditions in which they were unable to supply their own carbohydrates, and subjection to anaerobic conditions. Plants of an albino type were particularly valuable in determining the effects of carbohydrate starvation and of feeding sugars artificially, because the carbohydrate supply of these plants could be cut off by merely removing the endosperm. When comparative experiments with green and albino seedlings were conducted, plants of the same parent stock and of exactly the same age were always selected. The same albino type, w9u'2, was used in these experiments as was used in the respiration experiments which have been previously reported (Groner, 1936). PREPARATION OF PLANT MATERIAL.-In each of these experiments from four to six plants were subjected to the desired conditions and extracted for analysis. The exact number of seedlings used depended upon the number of albinos appearing in the planting, and the number of parallel experiments to be conducted. As soon as the albino plants could be distinguished from the normal green seedlings, they were divided into groups and transplanted to pots. If parallel experiments were to be conducted with green seedlings, these were also transplanted to pots. All of these seedlings were grown in the greenhouse until the albino plants had reached a fairly large size. However, the plants were subjected to experimental conditions at least one week before untreated plants of the same age showed signs of having exhausted the food supply of the endosperm. At the end of the experimental period the seedlings from each pot were cut off cleanly at the surface of the soil and placed in a previously weighed Erlenmeyer flask of 100-150 ml. capacity. All particles of soil were removed from the seedlings. The flasks were then placed in a drying oven for twenty-four hours at a temperature of 980C. The plants were always cut in the middle of the afternoon, because
A quantitative study of the yeasts and bacteria associated with laboratory-reared Dendroctonus frontalis Zimm. (Coleopt., Scolytidae)1

Abstract Populations of yeasts, bacteria, and filamentous fungi present at various stages of larval development were determined by sampling frass and inner bark adjacent to larval galleries of laboratory-reared southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimm. Yeast populations of more than 106 cells/mg were present and greatly exceeded bacteria. Yeasts and bacteria were associated with all stages of larvae. Filamentous fungi were isolated in large amounts only from galleries of later larval stages. Of the eight bacteria that were isolated, Micrococcus luteus (Schroeter) Cohn and Bacillus spp. occurred most frequently isolated of more than 23 species of yeasts identified from D. frontalis larval galleries were Pichia pinus (Holst) Phaff, Candida tenuis Diddens et Lodder, and Hansenula capsulata Wickerham. The high populations of some of the species of yeasts associated with D. frontalis larvae support the contention of many researchers that a symbiotic relationship exists between yeasts and bark beetles. Zusammenfassung Quantitative Untersuchungen uber die mit laborgezogenen Dendroctonus frontalis Zimm. (Col., Scolytidae) assoziierten Hefepilze und Bakterien Populationen von Hefepilzen, Bakterien und Fadenpilzen wurden aus Bohrmehl- und Brutgangrand-Proben von im Labor gezogenen D. frontalis wahrend verschiedener Stadien der Larvalentwicklung gewonnen. Hefepilzpopulationen waren in einer Dichte von mehr als 106 Zellen/mg vorhanden und ubertrafen damit die Bakterien bei weitem. Beide, Hefepilze und Bakterien, waren mit allen Larvenstadien assoziiert. Fadenpilze konnten in groserer Zahl nur aus den Gangen der alteren Larven isoliert werden. Unter den 8 isolierten Bakterienarten waren Micrococcus luteus (Schroeter) Cohn und Bacillus spp. am haufigsten. Die 3 dominantesten Hefepilze (von 23) aus D. frontalis-Brutgangen waren Pichea pinus (Holt) Phaff, Candida tenuis Diddens et Loder sowie Hansenula capsulata Wickerham. Die grosen Populationen einiger mit D. frontalis-Larven assoziierten Hefearten stutzen die Auffassung vieler Autoren, das zwischen den Hefepilzen und Borkenkafern symbiotische Beziehungen bestehen.
Olfactory experience accelerates glomerular refinement in the mammalian olfactory bulb

Primary olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) impart both molecular and functional organization to the olfactory bulb. Because OSNs can be selectively activated by odorants in vivo, we sought to determine whether odorant experience alters the cellular dynamics of specific OSNs or their axonal projections. Using mice, we found that odorant stimulation associated with behavioral conditioning influenced OSN wiring by accelerating glomerular refinement independent of OSN number; furthermore, this wiring was strongly associated with olfactory learning.
ON REDUNDANT VARIABLES IN LAGRANGIAN MECHANICS, WITH APPLICATIONS TO PERTURBATION THEORY AND KS REGULARIZATION*

It is shown that it is possible to make a change of variables in a Lagrangian in such a way that the number of variables is increased. The Euler-Lagrange equations in the redundant variables are obtained in the standard way (without the use of Lagrange Multipliers!). These equations are not independent but they are all valid and consistent. In some cases they are simpler than if the minimum number of variables are used. The redundant variables are supposed to be related to each other by several constraints (not necessarily holonomic), but these constraints are not used in the derivation of the equations of motion. The method is illustrated with the well known Kustaanheimo-Stiefel Regularization. Some interesting applications to perturbation theory are also described.
Hippocampal “Time Cells”: Time versus Path Integration

Recent studies have reported the existence of hippocampal “time cells,” neurons that fire at particular moments during periods when behavior and location are relatively constant. However, an alternative explanation of apparent time coding is that hippocampal neurons “path integrate” to encode the distance an animal has traveled. Here, we examined hippocampal neuronal firing patterns as rats ran in place on a treadmill, thus “clamping” behavior and location, while we varied the treadmill speed to distinguish time elapsed from distance traveled. Hippocampal neurons were strongly influenced by time and distance, and less so by minor variations in location. Furthermore, the activity of different neurons reflected integration over time and distance to varying extents, with most neurons strongly influenced by both factors and some significantly influenced by only time or distance. Thus, hippocampal neuronal networks captured both the organization of time and distance in a situation where these dimensions dominated an ongoing experience.
EAST ASIAN FINANCIAL SYSTEMS AND THE TRANSITION FROM INVESTMENT-DRIVEN TO INNOVATION-DRIVEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Many of today's high growth and high value-added businesses are concentrated in the knowledge- and innovation-based industries of information technology, telecommunications, biotechnology, media, software and entertainment. Though the governments of Hong Kong, Singapore & Taiwan (Asian NIEs) have invested heavily in promoting these sectors, they have largely failed to produce internationally competitive firms. We argue that government-led initiatives that were appropriate for economies in the investment-driven stage of industrialisation need to be reformed. As some economic sectors approach the technology frontier, diverse financing arrangements are needed to direct capital to high technology start-ups. To complement existing government-related technology initiatives, a more varied financial infrastructure must be developed.
Hypotensive activity of a new ganglionic blocking agent and its comparative effectiveness on normotensive unanesthetized dogs.

Methodology was established for comparison of hexamethonium, pentolinium, and H-2 for their vasodepressive responses on intact, unanesthetized dogs. Comparisons were made at various dosage levels. Intravenous toxicities on dogs and intra-peritoneal toxicities on rats were also performed for the three agents. It was found that H-2 was moderately more potent and markedly less toxic than either hexamethonium or pentolinium.
Nanotechnology and heat transfer

Nanotechnology extends over many areas of research dealing with objects that have dimensions between 1 and 100 nanometers (1 nm = 10−9 m). These areas include molecular biology, chemistry, material...
Early Determinants of Obesity: Genetic, Epigenetic, and In Utero Influences

There is an emerging body of work indicating that genes, epigenetics, and the in utero environment can impact whether or not a child is obese. While certain genes have been identified that increase one's risk for becoming obese, other factors such as excess gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes mellitus, and smoking can also influence this risk. Understanding these influences can help to inform which behaviors and exposures should be targeted if we are to decrease the prevalence of obesity. By helping parents and young children change certain behaviors and exposures during critical time periods, we may be able to alter or modify one's genetic predisposition. However, further research is needed to determine which efforts are effective at decreasing the incidence of obesity and to develop new methods of prevention. In this paper, we will discuss how genes, epigenetics, and in utero influences affect the development of obesity. We will then discuss current efforts to alter these influences and suggest future directions for this work.
Crime and the transformation of capitalism

This study investigates factors that enhance criminal behavior. Typically, explanations for increasing crime rates discuss various familial and community attributes; i.e., single parent households and poverty rates. When crime has increased, these attributes are cited as being responsible. This we believe is an incorrect assumption. In particular, we argue the factors that are cited by these authors merely reflect transformations within the greater economic structure. As a result, the familial and community attributes suggested as causing crime are seen as intervening variables; which are either attentuated or amplified in their ability to control criminal behavior by the condition of the economy itself. Within this study, five urban cities (New York, Detroit, Newark, Boston, and Philadelphia) are observed over a twenty eight year period. Structural change is measured by industrial employment and crime is measured by three indices: burglary, robbery and murder. Our investigation reveals a strong relationship between declining industrial employment and increasing crime rates. In addition, we find that the magnitude of this relationship is subject to variation. This variation is dependent upon whether or not the industrial decline experienced was steady or vacilating between high and low levels. These findings support the contention that familial units and other communal organizations are merely intervening variables between large-scale structural changes and criminal behavior. Moreover, it suggests that unless anti-crime efforts (increasing the size of the police forces, increasing state expenditures for law enforcement, etc.) are accompanied by strategies of industrial reorganization, they will have no impact on reducing crime rates.
Characterization of a blue-green algal genome

The following properties of the genomic DNA of the unicellular blue-green alga Agmenellum quadruplicatum have been determined: (1) buoyant density in neutral CsCl (1·701 2 g/cm 3 ); (2) thermal denaturation profile ( T m =89·2°C); (3) kinetic complexity (2·2×10 9 to 2·8×10 9 daltons); (4) quantity per cell (8×10 9 to 13×10 9 daltons); and (5) molecular weight (3·9×10 9 ). These experiments indicate that blue-green algal DNA is similar to that of bacteria in the following ways: (1) there is little base composition heterogeneity present; (2) repeated sequences are below the level of detection; and (3) the size of the chromosomal DNA is most likely equal to the kinetic complexity. Our studies do suggest, however, that Agmenellum unlike common bacteria, may have a basal DNA content of two or more chromosomes per cell.
Surgical Techniques for Unclippable Fusiform A2-Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysms and Description of a Frontopolar-to-A2 Bypass

Background Fusiform aneurysms involving the A2 or distal A1-A2 segment of the anterior cerebral artery are uncommon and difficult to manage surgically with simple coiling or clipping. Methods We illustrate four technical strategies to achieve complete obliteration of such complex aneurysms based on individual clinical conditions and imaging characteristics. Such treatments included combined open and endovascular techniques. Results The techniques described include simultaneous clipping and wrap reinforcement of the aneurysm (clip-wrapping), flow reversal with A3-to-A3 bypass, trapping with A3-to-A3 bypass, and the use of an ipsilateral frontopolar-to-contralateral A2 bypass after resection of the aneurysm. Conclusions These techniques may involve endovascular and surgical options in an attempt to obtain the best overall outcome. Bypasses in the interhemispheric fissure, while difficult, are important, even necessary, adjuncts to treatment of these complex lesions.
DNA Microarrays in the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The significant progress in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) experienced over the last 3 decades has been driven mainly by the empirical combination of antileukemic drugs in highly intensive therapies. Further progress in the management of ALL is currently limited, however, by our incomplete understanding of the molecular pathways involved in leukemia pathogenesis and by the lack of useful prognostic markers for most patients. The recent development of microarray technology, which allows the simultaneous analysis of gene expression levels for thousands of transcripts, has accelerated significantly the rate of progress in our understanding of the molecular basis of ALL. During the last few years, analysis of ALL samples with DNA arrays has facilitated the recognition of molecularly distinct leukemia groups, advanced our knowledge of the mechanisms of sensitivity and resistance to chemotherapy, generated novel prognostic prediction tools, and identified new targets for the development of molecularly tailored antileukemic agents. Thus, the introduction of microarray gene expression profiling has opened the opportunity for accelerated progress in the diagnosis and therapy of ALL, which will ultimately result in the development of novel highly effective and less toxic treatments for this disease.
Monitoring Plasmodium falciparum Growth and Development by UV Flow Cytometry Using an Optimized Hoechst-Thiazole Orange Staining Strategy

The complex life cycle of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) makes it difficult to limit infections and reduce the risk of severe malaria. Improved understanding of Pf blood-stage growth and development would provide new opportunities to evaluate and interfere with successful completion of the parasite's life cycle. Cultured blood stage Pf was incubated with Hoechst 33342 (HO) and thiazole orange (TO) to stain DNA and total nucleic acids, respectively. Correlated HO and TO fluorescence emissions were then measured by flow cytometry. Complex bivariate data patterns were analyzed by manual cluster gating to quantify parasite life cycle stages. The permutations of viable staining with both reagents were tested for optimal detection of parasitized RBC (pRBC). Pf cultures were exposed to HO and TO simultaneously to achieve optimal staining of pRBC and consistent quantification of early and late stages of the replicative cycle (rings through schizonts). Staining of Pf nucleic acids allows for analysis of parasite development in the absence of fixatives, lysis, or radioactivity to enable examination of erythrocytes from parasite invasion through schizont rupture using sensitive and rapid assay procedures. Investigation of the mechanisms by which anti-malarial drugs and antibodies act against different Pf lifecycle stages will be aided by this cytometric strategy. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Divine Revelation and Human Imagination: Must we Choose Between the Two?

Gazing about himself at the theological landscape in 1967, Gordon Kaufman observed,… the historical situation has changed and with it the theological task. The great critical questions posed by liberalism and humanism …—questions which could be more or less ignored or overlooked during the crises of recent decades — have come into view once again and are demanding attention. Most notable of all in this respect is the central conception on which the whole theological program rests, the problem of ‘God’, What do we mean by ‘God’? Is this notion intelligible at all to ‘modern man’ or does it depend on outgrown mythological patterns of thought?Kaufman was not alone in the 1960's in sensing a change in the theological situation. Schubert Ogden saw it as symptomatic of an overall, cultural change. Langdon Gilkey pointed to the rise of the radical ‘God is dead’ theologies as indicative of the truly new element in the present situation: ‘This upheaval, this radical questioning of the foundations of religious affirmation and so of the theological language reflective of it, is now taking place within and not outside of the Church.’ In other words, the meaningfulness of religious language, so long taken for granted while neo-orthodoxy held sway, was now problematic, not just outside the Church, but within as well.
Black emancipatory action research: integrating a theory of structural racialisation into ethnographic and participatory action research methods

The central purpose of this article is to introduce Black Emancipatory Action Research (BEAR) as a framework that will allow social scientists to explore the implications that ‘racing research and researching race’ have for methodological practices and knowledge production in the field of education and beyond (Twine and Warren 2003). Drawing on critical race theory (CRT), participatory action research (PAR), Critical Africentricity, and feminists scholarship (FS), the BEAR framework questions notions of objectivity and a universal foundation of knowledge by breaking down the barriers between the researched and the researcher and underscoring ethical principles such as self-determination, social justice, equity, healing and love. With its commitment to community capacity building, local knowledge, asset based research, community generated information and action as part of the inquiry process – BEAR represents an orientation to research that is highly consistent with Paulo Freire's critical pedagogy aimed a...
Jewish-Iranian identities in the Pahlavi era

A few years ago, while conducting archival research on Pahlavi-era Iranian newspapers, I came across a photo from the anti-shah demonstrations that took place in late 1978 and early 1979. It showed a large group of Armenians protesting against the shah. In these years many Iranians and Westerners considered the shah's policies beneficial for religious minorities in Iran. Around the same time, I found a sentence that made this discovery more intriguing. In his seminal work Iran between Two Revolutions, Ervand Abrahamian mentions that throughout the Muhammad Riza Pahlavi era, the opposition to the communist Tudeh party accused it of being controlled by �Armenians, Jews, and Caucasian emigres.� I tried to find references in the current scholarship to Jews participating in the party, which could have earned them their part in this propaganda campaign, but found very little. Having read the important works of Joel Beinin, Orit Bashkin, and Rami Ginat on Jewish revolutionaries, including communists, in the Middle East, I wondered where the Jewish radicals in Iran were. Several factors may contribute to this silence in the historiography: the writing of Iranian history from a Zionist vantage point, a lack of interest in the history of the Iranian left in the postrevolutionary historiography, and an inability to conceptualize the transregional and global nature of the Iranian Jewish community.
MANAGING INCIDENTS ON URBAN ARTERIAL ROADWAYS

Limiting the impact on traffic of nonrecurring events such as crashes, traffic stops, or disabled vehicles through effective incident management should be one objective for emergency response professionals. Moreover, such management is an integral part of Intelligent Transportation Systems planning. The Arterial Incident Management Study, sponsored by the Illinois Department of Transportation and conducted by Northwestern University, examined the impact and management of arterial street incidents to determine what steps could be taken to improve the handling of such events. Several approaches were used to accomplish this, including (a) analysis of incident data from police and fire agencies, (b) debriefings of responders about specific incidents, (c) observation and videotaping of incidents, and (d) an incident management simulation workshop involving police, fire, emergency medicine, tow operator, public works, insurance, and media professionals who have responsibilities for incident management. A series of incidents were simulated in a workshop and consensus was sought on specific and general management tactics. This paper describes study methods and summarizes the important issues and recommendations to improve incident management. Among the key needs identified are (a) response in a manner and with adequate resources to minimize the time an incident affects a scene, (b) rapid removal of vehicles and debris, (c) effective traffic control at and around the incident, (d) communication with motorists who may be affected by long-duration incidents, and (e) advanced, intra- and interagency planning for incident management. Recommended changes include education of drivers and professionals, legislation, communications, use of new technologies for communications and data collection, and advanced planning and coordination of on-site procedures, responsibilities, and priorities.
The dynamic behaviour of boiling water reactors

Abstract Using the laws of conservation of mass, energy, and momentum stated in integral form, it is possible to derive a set of ordinary differential equations governing the hydrodynamics of natural circulation boiling systems. The variables which can be determined as functions of time by solving these equations are the water velocities at the inlet and outlet of the heated section, the outlet void fraction, and the total fluid momentum. The effect of a layer of water above the convection circuit also can be taken into account. When these equations are added to the reactor kinetics equations, the equations governing the transfer of heat from reactor fuel elements to water, and the relation between reactivity and the average void fraction, one obtains a model for the dynamic behaviour of a boiling water reactor. Calculations made using this model indicate that under certain conditions boiling water reactors can operate stably even for very substantial reactivity additions. Further analysis reveals that under proper conditions purely hydrodynamic instability can occur independently of any coupling between void and power. The onset of this unstable behaviour would be independent of nuclear and thermal parameters although the ensuing dynamic behaviour of the reactor would depend on them.
Palmitate Improves Redox Balance and Enhances Contractility While Offsetting Adverse Effects of Hyperglycemia in the Diabetic Cardiomyocyte

High blood glucose and fatty acid levels constitute main hallmarks of diabetes. In heart from diabetic animals, wide variations in plasmatic glucose combined with sympathetic hyperactivation represent a challenge to mitochondria that have to supply energy and maintain redox balance. Our previous data in db/db mice unveiled a significant redox imbalance in heart cells under combined hyperglycemia (HG) and beta adrenergic stimulation (via isoproterenol, ISO), leading to cardiomyocyte dysfunction. Herein, we address the role of palmitate (Palm) upon the adverse effects of HG+ISO on diabetic cardiomyocyte contractility and intracellular redox status. The ISO (10nM) response of WT vs db/db myocytes subjected to 5mM and 30mM glucose, in the absence and presence of 0.4mM (WT) and 0.8mM (db/db) Palm, was examined comparatively with respect to: i) fractional sarcomere shortening (FS) and Ca2+ transients, and ii) the intracellular status of NADH, reduced glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Both WT and db/db myocytes exhibited a significant increase in ISO response with Palm under 5mM glucose: FS increased by 320% and 323% in WT and db/db, p<0.01 vs 193% and 178%, respectively, no Palm. Under HG, FS was similarly enhanced in WT with Palm (372% vs 181% with no Palm, p<0.01). Diabetic myocytes showed lower contractility in HG+ISO (94%, p<0.01 vs WT) with Palm enhancing the ISO response to 380%. Under every condition, Palm strongly decreased ROS (15- to 60-fold) and significantly increased GSH (20% to 40%) in both WT and db/db. NADH was significantly increased in WT (40% to 50%) but decreased with db/db (30% to 35%). These findings reveal that Palm enhances contractility of db/db myocytes via reduction of the intracellular redox environment, thus overcoming the adverse effects of HG under ISO stimulation.
SU‐GG‐T‐526: Clinical Implementation of a Novel Frameless and Maskless Stereotactic Radiosurgery Treatment

Purpose: To develop and implement the workflow of a novel frameless and maskless stereotactic radiosurgerytreatment at the University of San Diego, California, including patient simulation, treatment planning, and treatment delivery. The procedure involves minimal head immobilization and continuous monitoring of the patient with surface imaging.Method and Materials: A head immobilization device made of an expandable foam is used for maximum comfort and minimal immobilization of the patient's head. During treatment, the patient's motion is continuously monitored with a surface‐imaging system that provides motion detection in 6 degrees of freedom. Based on motion information, the treatment is interrupted if motion thresholds are exceeded. End‐to‐end tests were performed to develop an optimal workflow for the treatment. The procedure development included providing instructions for patient compliance, simulation, treatment planning,imaging, and treatment delivery. The workflow was implemented and used to treat the first seven patients. Results: An optimal workflow was developed and implemented. Our first seven patients have been treated with the developed procedure. Some changes are planned based on our initial experience. Conclusion: We have successfully developed the workflow of a frameless and maskless stereotactic radiosurgery procedure. Pre‐planning for the process is important but adjustments are necessary based on actual clinical experience with the procedure. Clinical experience will be discussed as it becomes available.
Sexual dimorphism and lack of seasonal changes in vocal control regions of the white-crowned sparrow brain

Abstract The volumes of brain regions involved in vocal control were measured in adult female white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys nuttali) captured in the summer, and in captive males held on long-day or short-day photoperiods. There is a large sex difference in the volume of two nuclei, the caudal nucleus of the hyperstriatum ventrale (HVc) and the robust nucleus of the archistriatum (RA), which correlates with a large sex difference in singing behavior. There were no differences in the size of HVc and RA in adult males held on summer or winter photoperiods, even though the ‘summer’ males had high androgen levels and were singing, whereas the ‘winter’ males had regressed testes and were not singing. The data bear on hypotheses concerning the relationship between size of brain nuclei and song learning.
Zinc(II) complexes with fluorinated monodentate aryloxide and alkoxide ligands

Abstract The monomeric and dimeric Zn(II) aryloxide complexes {K(18C6)}2[Zn(OArF)4], 1a, {K(18C6)}[KZn(OArF)4], 1b, {K(18C6)}2[Zn(OAr′)4], 2a, {K(18C6)}2[Zn2(OArF)6], 3, including a heterobimetallic Zn–Tl complex [Tl2Zn(OArF)4], 4, and the first homoleptic, mononuclear Zn(II) alkoxide complex {K(18C6)}[Zn(OCPhMeF2)3], have been prepared and characterized by 1H, 13C{1H}, 19F NMR spectroscopy as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction, including one alternative crystal structure {K(18C6)}2[Zn(OAr′)4]·toluene, 2b, from different recrystallization conditions. A detailed structural comparison to other Zn aryloxide and alkoxide complexes in the literature is presented which shows the same general pattern of increased Zn–O bond lengths with fluorinated ligands compared to very similar structures in non-fluorinated analogs. Compound 4 also exhibits Tl⋯arene bonding in the solid state.
What fish biologists should know about bivalve shells

Abstract Similarities between shell and otolith growth patterns are numerous. Both have been shown to have subdaily and daily increments, fortnightly variations, and annual patterns. Some of the less obvious common features include the production of irregular microgrowth patterns at low temperature, increased transparency at high temperature, reduced increment clarity in field to laboratory transferred individuals, and uncoupling between somatic growth and growth of the calcified structure. A principal difference between shells and otoliths is that while microgrowth increments are found in bivalve larvae, presence of internal daily increments has not been verified for any species. Applications of shell and otolith growth patterns have also been similar. Both have been used to reconstruct the effect of environmental and ontogenetic events after they have taken place and to obtain age data critical for estimating growth rate, recruitment, and survivorship. Recent evidence suggests that growth in these calcified structures has the potential to provide information on physiological processes. Evidence is provided for bivalves that respiration rates could potentially be predicted from shell growth rates.
Update in Pulmonary Medicine

This Update addresses important disorders and clinical questions that are relevant not just to pulmonary subspecialists but also to a broad group of internists. The Update covers interstitial lung ...
A new power supply for superconductive magnetic energy storage system

A power supply for a superconductive magnetic energy storage system is presented. It permits fast independent regulation of the active and reactive power. The power supply was built with several units connected in parallel. Each unit consists of a 24-pulse bridge converter, thyristor-switched tap-changing transformer, and thyristor-switched capacitor bank. System operation was analyzed by computer simulation, and a feasible system realization is shown. A superconductive magnetic energy storage system with the proposed power supply has the capability of leveling the load variation, damping the low-frequency oscillation, and improving the transient stability in the power system. This power supply can be built with commercially available components using well-proven technologies. >
A Continuous Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerator for Use with Mechanical Coolers

Sub-kelvin refrigeration is an increasingly vital technology for space missions. Future missions are pushing the development of refrigerators with high cooling power, low operating temperature, and, as always, low mass. In this paper we report on the development of an adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator (ADR) which can produce continuous cooling at temperatures of 50 mK or lower, with a cooling power goal of 10 μW. The design uses multiple stages to cascade heat from a continuously-cooled stage up to a heat sink. The serial arrangement makes it possible to add stages to extend the operating range to lower temperature, or to raise the heat rejection temperature. Compared to conventional single-shot ADRs, this system achieves higher cooling power per unit mass and higher efficiency. The ADR is being designed to operate with a heat sink as warm as 10–12 K to make it compatible with a wide variety of mechanical coolers as part of a versatile, cryogen-free low temperature cooling system. A two-stage system has been constructed and a proof-of-principle demonstration was conducted at 100 mK. Details of the design and test results, as well as the direction of future work, are discussed.