cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prospective, randomized comparison of high-frequency oscillation and conventional ventilation in candidates for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Abstract Objective : To compare the safety and efficacy of high-frequency oscillation (HFO) with conventional ventilation in the treatment of neonates with respiratory failure. Design : We conducted a multicenter, prospective, randomized trial. Patients were stratified according to pulmonary diagnosis and then were randomly selected for conventional ventilation or HFO. A balanced crossover design offered patients who met criteria of treatment failure a trial of the alternative mode of ventilation. Setting : Four tertiary, level 3 neonatal intensive care units accepting regional referrals for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Patients : Neonates were eligible for enrollment if their gestational age was >34 weeks, their birth weight was ≥2 kg, they were 0.50 and a mean airway pressure >0.98 kPa (10 cm H 2 O) to support adequate oxygenation, and they required a peak inspiratory pressure >2.9 kPa (30 cm H 2 O) and a rate >40 breaths per minute to support adequate ventilation. Exclusion criteria were lethal congenital anomalies, profound shock, need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and failure to obtain consent. Main results : Of 79 patients studied, 40 were assigned to conventional ventilation and 39 to HFO. Neonates randomly assigned to HFO required higher peak pressure (3.8 ± 0.5 vs 3.3 ± 0.8 kPa, 39 ± 5 vs 34 ± 8 cm H 2 O; p = 0.004) and more often met extracorporeal membrane oxygenation criteria (67% vs 40%; p = 0.03) at study entry than did those given conventional ventilation. Twenty- four patients (60%) assigned to conventional ventilation met treatment failure criteria compared with 17 (44%) of those assigned to HFO (not significant). Of the 24 patients in whom conventional ventilation failed, 15 (63%) responded to HFO; 4 (23%) of the 17 in whom HFO failed responded to conventional ventilation ( p = 0.03). There were no differences between the two groups with respect to outcome, need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or complications. Conclusions : We conclude that HFO is a safe and effective rescue technique in the treatment of neonates with respiratory failure in whom conventional ventilation fails. (J Pediatr 1994;124:447-54)
Overview of the atmospheric model evaluation tool (AMET) v1.1 for evaluating meteorological and air quality models

This paper describes the details of the Atmospheric Model Evaluation Tool (AMET) v1.1 created by scientists in the Atmospheric Modeling and Analysis Division (AMAD) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). AMET was first developed to evaluate the performance of the 5th Generation Mesoscale Model (MM5) and the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) meteorological model output and was later extended to include capabilities for evaluating output data from the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model as well. AMET is designed to leverage several open-source software packages that are used in combination to 1) pair the modeled and observed values in time and space, 2) store these paired datasets in an easily accessible and searchable database and 3) access and analyze these data using a statistical package. Through this process, AMET is able to provide a convenient method for evaluating meteorological and air quality model predictions. The use of a searchable, relational database allows the entire dataset to be quickly subset into only those data that are of the most interest for the current analysis, a process that is often tedious and time consuming without the use of a database. In addition to common summary statistics (e.g. RMSE, bias, and correlation), several of the many analysis features available in AMET include scatter plots, time series plots, box plot and spatial plots as part of operational model evaluation. Additionally, several unique analysis functions are also available in AMET, and the system provides a framework within which users may extend the current functionality for their own custom analyses. While AMET was designed to work specifically with MM5, WRF and CMAQ model output, it could easily be modified to work with output data from other meteorological and air quality models.
Prediction of eddy current probe sensitivity for the sizing of case depth in ferrous components

The state-of-the-art eddy current techniques employ encircling coils for the nondestructive measurement of case depth in bearing components. The encircling coil technique measures bulk case depth properties in a test specimen. This approach lacks the necessary spatial resolution to detect local variations in case depth. A better approach to image case depth would be to scan a rotating test specimen with an eddy current probe, thus achieving the desired spatial resolution and 100 percent inspection. In this paper, the feasibility of employing two types of eddy current probes (absolute coil shielded pencil probe, and an absolute coil U-core probe) to measure case depth in induction hardened bearing components is theoretically studied using axisymmetric and two-dimensional finite element analysis techniques. The range of optimum probe excitation frequencies for higher detection sensitivity has been theoretically selected for the U-core probe.
College students' conceptions of probability

Students in an introductory statistics class were surveyed regarding their views about probability. The students were asked to assign some probabilities and give explanations for their assignments. Results from the surveys indicate that students were generally confused about the classical, frequency, and subjective notions of probabilities. Although the students were able to solve stylized classical probability problems, they were apt to assume that experimental outcomes were equally likely even when this assumption was inappropriate. In addition, the students were not comfortable specifying probabilities using the frequency and subjective views. This article discusses how this confusion about the interpretation of probability affects the teaching of an introductory statistics class and provides some activities helpful for teaching the various probability viewpoints.
Focal reducer/CCD detector system for the McDonald 2.1-m telescope

A focal reducer which converts the f/13.5 primary Cassegrain beam of the McDonald 2.1 m telescope to f/3.0 is described. The resulting plate scale is 30 microns/arcsec, which is a good match to the resolution of typical CCDs for seeing conditions of about 1 arcsec. The present system uses a SID501 RCA CCD with 30-micron pixels; however, a TI 800 x 800 CCD with 15-micron pixels and other low-noise, small pixel devices will be used eventually. The focal reducer uses primarily reflective optics to provide good sensitivity down to the atmospheric cutoff at 3100A.
Eliminating chronic thumb sucking by preventing a covarying response

Abstract Thumb sucking in childhood frequently accompanies such other behaviors as holding or manipulating favored objects. This study evaluated the effects on thumb sucking of preventing doll holding in a five-year-old girk who chronically sucked her thumb while holding a doll. A withdrawal (ABAB) experimental design revealed that preventing doll holding eliminated thumb sucking. The results of the study show that preventing a covariant can be an effective, efficient method of controlling thumb sucking.
Development of a Microfluidic Injection and Perfusion Device for Single Cell Study

The cell membrane, composed primarily of proteins and lipids, is a selectively permeable lipid bilayer in the scale of 10 nm or so. Molecules permeating through cell membranes play critical roles in the applications of drug delivery, cell therapy, and cryopreservation. Cryopreservation and banking of cells, such as umbilical cord bloods, female eggs, etc., are critical to facilitate practical and effective in vitro fertilization (IVF). The determination of molecule transport properties of cells, such as water and cryoprotectants (CPAs), is indispensable for developing optimal conditions for cryopreserving them. On the other hand, injection of material of interests, such as sperms and DNA segments, to female eggs or blastocysts, so-called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique, are playing important roles on IVF and advanced gene knock-out. In this study, a novel micro-nano-fluidic system that allows perfusion and injection in nano-liter scale has been developed and fabricated by soft lithographic methods. A single cell in the microfluidic system is able to be trapped on site and then either be perfused by various solutions or injected with plain solutions or solutions with genetic materials. Our ongoing study will demonstrate that the micro-nano-fluidic system allows us to: 1) confine cells in a channel; 2) deliver drugs by perfusing the cell; 3) monitor osmotic behaviors of the cell by replacing its extracellular environment; and 4) perform ICSI with sperms or genetic materials.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Bacterial cellulose-based membrane-like biodegradable composites using cross-linked and noncross-linked polyvinyl alcohol

Bacterial cellulose (BC)-based membrane-like biodegradable composites were produced by immersing wet BC pellicles in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution. The BC content in the BC–PVA composites can be adjusted by varying the concentration of PVA solution. Chemical cross-linking of PVA was carried out using glutaraldehyde to increase the mechanical properties of the composites as well as to make the PVA partially to highly water insoluble. Examination by scanning electron microscopy indicated that the PVA not only penetrated the BC network, but also filled the pores within the BC pellicle. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that acetal linkages could be formed in the BC–PVA composites by a cross-linking reaction. Sol–gel results indicated that cross-linking reaction increasingly made PVA insoluble in water resulting in higher gel (cross-linked fraction) content in the PVA. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction results showed decreased crystallinity in cross-linked BC and PVA, as expected. It was also found that crystal size was smaller in PVA after cross-linking. The BC–PVA composites had excellent tensile properties and cross-linking increased these properties further. Thermogravimetric analysis showed higher thermal stability for BC–PVA composites compared to PVA. The cross-linked specimens, especially the highly cross-linked ones, showed even higher thermal stability. The methods developed in this study make it possible to control the PVA content in the composites as well as the cross-linking level of PVA. These composites could be good candidates for replacing traditional non-biodegradable plastics.
Hair sheep blood, citrated or defibrinated, fulfills all requirements of blood agar for diagnostic microbiology laboratory tests.

Background Blood agar is used for the identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing of many bacterial pathogens. In the developing world, microbiologists use human blood agar because of the high cost and inhospitable conditions for raising wool sheep or horses to supply blood. Many pathogens either fail to grow entirely or exhibit morphologies and hemolytic patterns on human blood agar that confound colony recognition. Furthermore, human blood can be hazardous to handle due to HIV and hepatitis [1], [2]. This study investigated whether blood from hair sheep, a hardy, low-maintenance variety of sheep adapted for hot climates, was suitable for routine clinical microbiology studies. Methods and Findings Hair sheep blood obtained by jugular venipuncture was anticoagulated by either manual defibrination or collection in human blood bank bags containing citrate-phosphate-dextrose. Trypticase soy 5% blood agar was made from both forms of hair sheep blood and commercial defibrinated wool sheep blood. Growth characteristics, colony morphologies, and hemolytic patterns of selected human pathogens, including several streptococcal species, were evaluated. Specialized identification tests, including CAMP test, reverse CAMP test, and satellite colony formation with Haemophilus influenzae and Abiotrophia defectiva were also performed. Mueller-Hinton blood agar plates prepared from the three blood types were compared in antibiotic susceptibility tests by disk diffusion and E-test. Conclusions The results of all studies showed that blood agar prepared from citrated hair sheep blood is suitable for microbiological tests used in routine identification and susceptibility profiling of human pathogens. The validation of citrated hair sheep blood eliminates the labor-intensive and equipment-requiring process of manual defibrination. Use of hair sheep blood, in lieu of human blood currently used by many developing world laboratories and as an alternative to cost-prohibitive commercial sheep blood, offers the opportunity to dramatically improve the safety and accuracy of laboratory diagnosis of pathogenic bacteria in resource-poor countries.
A semiautomated electron backscatter diffraction technique for extracting reliable twin statistics

A framework has been developed for extracting reliable twin statistics from a deformed microstructure using crystallographic twin identification techniques with spatially correlated electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) data. The key features of this analysis are the use of the mathematical definition of twin relationships, the inclination of the common K1 plane at a twin boundary, and the correct identification of the parent orientation in a parent/twin pair. Methods for identifying the parent in a parent/twin pair will be briefly discussed and compared. Twin area fractions are then categorized by operative twin systems, number of active twin variants in each system, and corrected twin widths. These statistics are reported here for α-zirconium samples deformed in quasi-static four-point bend beams and in a 100 m/s Taylor cylinder impact test. Analysis of the statistics also begins to reveal the roles that deformation rate and relative orientation of the boundary conditions to the material’s symmetry axes play in determining the twinning activity that accommodates the imposed boundary conditions. These improved twin statistics can help quantify the deformation processes in materials that deform by twinning as well as serve to provide better validation of proposed models of the deformation processes.
Hydrogen-induced vacancies in the iron lattice

Recent work on the statistical mechanics of vacancy-interstitial interactions has predicted that such interactions may lead to the formation of much higher vacancy concentrations in metals than are observed in the interstitial-free materials. One principal effect of an increased vacancy concentration is of course a concomitant increase in the diffusivity of lattice atoms migrating by a vacancy exchange process. In this context, Gavriljuk et al. have studied the effect of H-induced excess vacancies on the formation of dislocation loops in Fe-based FCC alloys (stainless steel). The authors considered that the process of hydrogenation produced a large abundance of vacancies which became unstable after the H was removed and which then collect and collapse to form dislocation loops. The purpose of the present contribution is to discuss the validity of these conclusions and to consider other implications of the interactions between vacancies and H-atoms in the Fe lattice.
Effects of university characteristics on scientists’ interactions with the private sector: an exploratory assessment

This paper estimates the effect of select university characteristics on the propensity of individual scientists to interact with private sector companies. The academic prestige of an institution has a direct negative effect on scientists’ interactions with the private sector, while the level of industrial R&D expenditures has a direct positive effect on such interactions. Institutional characteristics also moderate the effect of some individual-level variables such as tenure status, grant activity, involvement with students and disciplinary effects.
Open-Book Examinations for Assessing Higher Cognitive Abilities [Educator's Corner]

An open-book exam permits the examinees to consult some selected reference sources or materials in the course of answering the exam questions. If the expected benefits of open-book exams are to accrue, the instructors preparing the exam questions must first learn to take advantage of the format. In an open-book exam, the constraints on the depth and length of problems can be less severe, because the reference material serves as a repository of information, thereby relaxing the cognitive demands on the examinee. Here, the examinee's primary task involves only the planning and integration of the solutions of subproblems that are already available in the reference material. The examinee is thus called upon to perform tasks requiring higher level cognitive abilities. It is concluded that a transition from closed-book to open-book exams may require an adaptation period, both for the examiners and the examinees.
Quality-tier competition and optimal pricing

Abstract Existing research on quality-tier competition (e.g., competition between national brands and private label brands) has focused on a descriptive analysis of asymmetric switching between brands due to price changes. This article focuses on the normative implications of quality-tier competition by developing a conceptual framework to investigate optimal pricing decisions. We discuss the implementation of the framework and the managerial insights obtained from its application.
Self-concepts before and after survival training.

A group of adolescent boys enrolled in an Outward Bound School summer camp served as subjects. The stated purpose of the camp is to build physical stamina and to push each individual to his physical limit. Self-concept measures and a semantic differential were administered before training began and again, one month later, at the conclusion of the experience. The hypothesis of this study stated in effect that changes in feelings about self-worth and competence would take place as a function of a rather vigorous experience. For the most part, the hypothesis has been upheld. Overall changes in the self-concept did take place in the appropriate direction and discrepancies between the self and the ideal-self were reduced. Changes were general rather than specific and were related to the initial level of self-evaluation.
Late Angiographic Follow-Up Review of Surgically Treated Aneurysms

Object. This study was undertaken to evaluate the long-term angiographic outcome of surgically treated aneurysms, which is unknown. Specifically, the incidence of recurrent aneurysms, the fate of residual necks, and the de novo formation of aneurysms were evaluated. Methods. One hundred two patients (80 females and 22 males; mean age 49 years; range 12–78 years) harboring a total of 167 aneurysms underwent late follow-up angiography; 160 aneurysms were surgically treated. Late angiographic follow-up review was obtained at a mean of 4.4 ± 1.6 years postsurgery (range 2.6–9.7 years). Late follow-up angiography revealed two recurrent aneurysms (1.5%) of 135 clipped aneurysms without residua. Of 12 aneurysms with known residua, there were eight “dog-ear” residua, of which two (25%) enlarged. One hemorrhage was noted, yielding a hemorrhage risk of 1.9% per year. A second subgroup with broad-based residua revealed dramatic regrowth in three of four cases. Eight de novo aneurysms were found in six patients, for ...
Characterization of the Phosphate Starvation-Induced Glycerol-3-phosphate permease Gene Family in Arabidopsis

Phosphate (Pi) deficiency is one of the leading causes of loss in crop productivity. Plants respond to Pi deficiency by increasing Pi acquisition and remobilization involving organic and inorganic Pi transporters. Here, we report the functional characterization of a putative organic Pi transporter, Glycerol-3-phosphate permease (G3Pp) family, comprising five members (AtG3Pp1 to -5) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). AtG3Pp1 and AtG3Pp2 showed 24-and 3-fold induction, respectively, in the roots of Pi-deprived seedlings, whereas Pi deficiency-mediated induction of AtG3Pp3 and -4 was evident in both roots and shoots. Furthermore, promoter-β-glucuronidase (GUS) fusion transgenics were generated for AtG3Pp2 to -5 for elucidation of their in planta role in Pi homeostasis. During Pi starvation, there was a strong expression of the reporter gene driven by AtG3Pp4 promoter in the roots, shoots, anthers, and siliques, whereas GUS expression was specific either to the roots (AtG3Pp3) or to stamens and siliques (AtG3Pp5) in other promoter-GUS fusion transgenics. Quantification of reporter gene activities further substantiated differential responses of AtG3Pp family members to Pi deprivation. A distinct pattern of reporter gene expression exhibited by AtG3Pp3 and AtG3Pp5 during early stages of germination also substantiated their potential roles during seedling ontogeny. Furthermore, an AtG3Pp4 knockdown mutant exhibited accentuated total lateral root lengths under +phosphorus and −phosphorus conditions compared with the wild type. Several Pi starvation-induced genes involved in root development and/or Pi homeostasis were up-regulated in the mutant. A 9-fold induction of AtG3Pp3 in the mutant provided some evidence for a lack of functional redundancy in the gene family. These results thus reflect differential roles of members of the G3Pp family in the maintenance of Pi homeostasis.
Properties of spatial cross-periodograms using fixed-domain asymptotics

Cross-periodograms can be used to study a multivariate spatial process observed on a lattice. For spatial data, it is often appropriate to study asymptotic properties of statistical procedures under fixed-domain asymptotics in which the number of observations increases in a fixed region while shrinking distances between neighboring observations. Using fixed-domain asymptotics, we prove relative asymptotic unbiasedness and relative consistency of a smoothed cross-periodogram after appropriate filtering of the data. In addition, we show that smoothed cross-periodograms are asymptotically normal when the process is stationary multivariate Gaussian with appropriate assumptions on high-frequency behavior of the spectral density.
Combined modality staging of prostate carcinoma and its utility in predicting pathologic stage and postoperative prostate specific antigen failure

Abstract Objectives This study was performed to predict the factors that can optimize preoperative staging for clinically localized prostate cancer patients. Methods Logistic and Cox regression multivariable analyses were performed on 480 surgically-managed prostate cancer patients to evaluate the ability of clinical stage, prostate specific antigen (PSA), biopsy Gleason sum, percent positive biopsies, and endorectal coil magnetic resonance imaging (erMRI) results to predict for pathologic established extracapsular extension (ECE), seminal vesicle invasion (SVI), and time to postoperative PSA failure. Results The characteristics of clinically organ-confined prostate cancer patients at high risk (>67%) for postoperative PSA failure within 3 years include: (A) PSA >20 ng/mL; (B) Biopsy Gleason sum ≥8; or (C) erMRI positive for extraprostatic disease and intermediate risk disease. For patients at intermediate risk (ie, either a PSA 4 to 10 ng/mL and biopsy Gleason sum 5 to 7; or a PSA > 10 to 20 ng/mL and biopsy Gleason sum 2 to 7), despite 100% positive biopsies, 50% of patients had pathologic organ-confined disease. However, in the subset of intermediate-risk patients with a positive erMRI for either ECE or SVI and at least 50% positive biopsies, all had extraprostatic disease and failed biochemically by 47 months postoperatively. Intermediate-risk patients with Conclusions Combined modality staging using the PSA, biopsy Gleason sum, percent positive biopsies, and endorectal coil MRI findings in select patients can predict pathologic stage and postoperative PSA failure. Therefore, this combined modality staging may optimize patient selection for phase 3 trials examining the role of neoadjuvant androgen ablative therapy for patients with clinically localized disease.
AMERICAN WESTS: PREFACE TO A GEOGRAPHICAL INTERPRETATION

ABSTRACT Geographers might make a very significant contribution to the interpretation of the American West and of the American nation by a systematic investigation of the West as a set of dynamic regions. The outline offered suggests a focus upon four categories of regional features (population, circulation, political areas, and culture) to be examined as complexes changing through four recognizable stages (nuclear, regional, regional-national, metropolitan-national) from initial European colonization to the present with projections into the future.
A New Psychosocial Screening Instrument for Use With Cancer Patients

The authors performed a principal components factor analysis on the 18-item Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), a new brief screening inventory. The factor analysis, in which four factors were specified, is consistent with findings in a previous community sample. The study sample consisted of 1,543 cancer patients who completed the full BSI as part of their entry into care at a regional cancer center. The reliability of the BSI-18 was determined based on the calculation of the internal consistency, mean item scores, and correlations with the total score of the BSI. In addition, sensitivity and specificity was calculated to determine the ability of the BSI-18 to discriminate positive and negative cases. The BSI-18 is a shortened version of the BSI that can serve as a brief psychological screening instrument. The BSI-18 can be incorporated into outpatient clinics to prospectively and rapidly identify cancer patients with elevated levels of distress who are in need of clinical interventions. Early identification of distress with appropriate interventions can reduce distress, enhance quality of life, and decrease health care costs.
Effect of indomethacin on glomerular permselectivity and hemodynamics in nephrotoxic serum nephritis

Effect of indomethacin on glomerular permselectivity and hemodynamics in nephrotoxic serum nephritis. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of prostaglandin synthesis inhibition on glomerular hemodynamics in nephrotoxic serum nephritis and to elucidate the mechanisms by which prostaglandin synthesis inhibition reduces proteinuria in nephritic rats. Dextran sieving studies were performed before and after intravenous administration of indomethacin to control rats and to nephritic rats with heavy proteinuria. Indomethacin did not significantly alter mean arterial pressure, glomerular filtration rate or proteinuria in control rats nor were significant changes in dextran sieving observed. By contrast, in nephritic rats indomethacin significantly reduced glomerular filtration rate (2.58± 0.50 vs. 1.39±0.27 ml/min, P
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as a biomedical research tool

Abstract Biological and biomedical applications of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy have recently begun to receive increasing attention. FTIR spectroscopy is gaining popularity as a biomedical technique due to its applicability to study intact complex systems with reasonable sensitivity, and the recognition of its potential to study molecular level events. Recent advances in experimental and data processing techniques have made analysis of biomedical systems feasible.
Interaction of a group A Streptococcus within human plasma results in assembly of a surface plasminogen activator that contributes to occupancy of surface plasmin-binding structures

Group A streptococcal isolate 187061 incubated in human plasma or serum reconstituted with fibrinogen but not plasminogen-depleted plasma or serum alone acquired a surface plasminogen activator activity. Assembly of the surface plasminogen activator was inhibited by the presence of neutralizing antibodies to streptokinase. Once assembled, the bacterial-associated plasminogen activator could generate plasmin when incubated in human plasminogen, plasmin or serum which could bind to bacterial surface plasmin-binding structures despite the presence of host physiological inhibitors. These studies provide evidence that the pathways by which group A isolates interact with human plasmin(ogen) are potentially linked and may provide a mechanism for bacteria to acquire host enzymatic activity efficiently in the infected host.
Telomerase activity and proliferation index in aggressive mature B-cell lymphoma: comparison to germinal center phenotypic markers

Cell proliferation may be evaluated by various methods, including Ki-67 immunohistochemistry and measures of telomerase activity. Both methods would theoretically show comparable increases in a given case. To evaluate the relationship between these 2 markers of proliferation in aggressive mature B-cell lymphomas, 48 cases were studied. The study group included 5 cases of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL); 6 cases of Burkitt's/Burkitt's-like lymphoma (BL); 9 cases of follicular lymphoma, grade 3 (FLC); and 28 cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLC). Telomerase activity was measured as total product generated (TPG) units, and TPG results for the aforementioned cases were compared to the TPG results for 10 cases of reactive follicular hyperplasia. An overlap in TPG scores between reactive cases and lymphoma cases was found. Significant differences in both log TPG (P = 0.0443) and Ki-67 (P = 0.0006) were seen in the different lymphoma types. A positive correlation between Ki-67 percentage and TPG score was identified in FLC (r = 0.9281; P = 0.0003), but a poor correlation between these 2 indicators was seen in the other lymphoma types. Cluster analysis identified distinct patterns for MCL, FLC, and BL, but heterogeneous patterns for DLC. Because increases in both Ki-67 proliferation and telomerase activity are reported in normal germinal centers (GCs), these tests were also evaluated for usefulness as markers of a GC cell phenotype. Among the FLC and DLC cases, features of a GC phenotype significantly correlated with increased Ki-67 percentage (P = 0.0152), but not with increased log TPG. An elevated log TPG correlated with CD10 expression, and elevated Ki-67 percentage correlated with both CD10 and BCL-6 expression. TPG level and Ki-67 percentage did not correlate with the presence of t(14;18) or BCL-2 protein expression. Although the proliferation patterns were fairly distinctive for MCL, FLC, and BL, these studies show that markers of cell proliferation do not by themselves,identify distinct subtypes of large cell lymphomas. With the exception of FLC, the tumors exhibited poor correlation between telomerase activity and Ki-67 proliferation index. These tests did show some correlation with expression of GC cell phenotypic markers, however.
Oxidation Kinetics of Oil Shale Semicokes: Reactivity as a Function of Pyrolysis Temperature and Shale Origin

As an alternative fossil fuel garnering attention in the wake of unstable crude oil prices, oil shale faces several obstacles before its seemingly imminent commercialization. One of the largest environmental stumbling blocks to its widespread use is the primary byproduct of oil extraction processes: semicoke. With the majority of semicoke disposed of in open landfills, this waste stream poses a threat to the environment, and its disposal may well represent a waste of a potentially useable byproduct. Previous studies show that oil shale from Estonia, China, and the United States, pyrolyzed at 500 and 1000 °C at a rate of 20 °C min–1, yield semicokes with relatively high organic char contents and high surface areas. To determine how shale origin and pyrolysis temperature impact the activation energy of oil shale semicoke combustion, we investigate the oxidation kinetics of oil shale semicokes pyrolyzed at these two temperatures. Activation energies in air are in the range of 108–130 kJ mol–1 for the semicok...
BladeCenter chassis management

The IBM eServerTM BladeCenter® system allows compute, network, and storage components to operate under a common chassis management scheme. It offers a new approach to solving many systems management issues surrounding the integration of power, packaging, cooling, media peripherals, and cabling of multiple compute servers, network switches, and storage into one highly redundant package. In the BladeCenter design, these functions are integrated into the chassis, allowing the costs of each shared component to be amortized across the entire chassis. At the heart of the system is the management module hardware and firmware that provides chassis management for all components, thereby removing the cost and complexity of having to manage each component independently.
Estimates and Implications of Skate Consumption in the Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf Ecosystem

Abstract Skates (Rajidae) currently comprise a prominent part of the northeast U.S. Continental Shelf fish community. As part of an effort to add ecological considerations into stock assessments, we evaluate the consumptive demand of the skate species in the northeast U.S. Continental Shelf ecosystem. Using food habits data and abundance indices from bottom trawl surveys, we calculate the per capita consumption, total scaled (by population size) consumption, and total consumptive removals of select prey by seven species of skates. We also sum these estimates for all seven skates and compare this consumptive demand with broader ecosystem biomass fluxes. Our results demonstrate that estimates of skate abundance have a notable impact on total consumptive removals. Total consumption by all skates is a small biomass flux relative to the total system, yet removals of certain prey by skates can be at or exceed the magnitude of fisheries for those prey species. We discuss how future stock assessments can incorpor...
Drowning in Inequalities Swimming and Social Justice

The authors argue that age, sex, and racial differentials in swimming participation are conditioned by the availability of swimming infrastructure and the principle of social exclusivity that limit...
Metabolism of the mutagenic environmental pollutant, 6-nitrobenzo[a]pyrene: Metabolic activation via ring oxidation

Abstract Metabolism of 6-nitrobenzo[a]pyrene by rat liver microsomes yielded 1- and 3-hydroxy-6-nitrobenzo[a]pyrene, 6-nitrobenzo[a]pyrene-1,9- and -3,9-hydroquinone and benzo[a]pyrene-3,6-quinone. The monohydroxylated metabolites were more mutagenic than 6-nitrobenzo[a]pyrene in a Salmonella typhimurium / microsome reversion assay. These results indicate that ring hydroxylation is involved in the metabolic activation of this nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon.
Marijuana, immunity and infection

The influence of marijuana cannabinoids on immune function has been examined extensively over the last 25 yr. Various experimental models have been used employing drug-abusing human subjects, experimental animals exposed to marijuana smoke or injected with cannabinoids, and in vitro models employing immune cell cultures treated with various cannabinoids. For the most part, these studies suggest that cannabinoids modulate the function of T and B lymphocytes as well as NK cells and macrophages. In addition to studies examining cannabinoid effects on immune cell function, other reports have documented that these substances modulate host resistance to various infectious agents. Viruses such as herpes simplex virus and murine retrovirus have been studied as well as bacterial agents such as members of the genera Staphylococcus, Listeria, Treponema, and Legionella. These studies suggest that cannabinoids modulate host resistance, especially the secondary immune response. Finally, a third major area of host immunity and cannabinoids is that involving drug effects on the cytokine network. Employing in vivo and in vitro models, it has been determined that cannabinoids modulate the production and function of acute phase and immune cytokines as well as modulate the activity of network cells such as macrophages and T helper cells, Th1 and Th2. These results are intriguing and demonstrate that under certain conditions, cannabinoids can be immunomodulatory and enhance the disease process. However, more studies are needed to determine both the health risk of marijuana abuse and the role of the cannabinoid receptor/ligand system in immune regulation and homeostasis.
Enhancing Cloud Mobile 3D display gaming user experience by asymmetric graphics rendering

With the arrival of auto-stereoscopic 3D displays for mobile devices, and emergence of more 3D content, there is much anticipation for 3D mobile multimedia experiences, including 3D display gaming. Simultaneously, with the emergence of cloud computing, more mobile applications are being developed to take advantage of the elastic cloud resources. In this paper, we explore the possibility of developing Cloud-based 3D Mobile Gaming, where the 3D video rendering and encoding is performed on cloud servers, with the resulting 3D video streamed over wireless networks to mobile devices with 3D displays for a true 3D mobile gaming experience. However, with the significantly higher bit rate requirement for 3D video, ensuring user experience may be a challenge, both in terms of 3D video quality and network delay (response time), considering the bandwidth constraints and fluctuations of wireless networks. In this paper, we propose a new asymmetric graphics rendering approach which can significantly reduce the video encoding bit rate needed for a certain video quality, thereby making it easier to transmit the video over wireless network. However, since asymmetric rendering may also impair the graphics quality, we need to be able to understand and measure its impact. We conduct subjective tests to study and model the impairments due to asymmetric rendering and network delay, thereby developing a user experience model for cloud based mobile 3D display gaming. By conducting subsequent subjective tests, we prove the correctness of the impairment functions and the resulting user experience model. We also conduct experiments using real 4G-LTE network profile. Experimental results show that by making use of the user experience model, it is possible to set appropriate graphics rendering parameters according to network constraints, such that the user experience can be maintained to a high level.
Evaluation of genetic variation in the daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) using AFLP markers

The daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) is one of the most economically important ornamental plant species in commerce. Interestingly, it is also one of the most heavily bred crops during the past 60 years. Since the American Hemerocallis Society began acting as the official registry of daylily cultivars in 1947, more than 40 000 registrations have been processed. In order to determine the effects of intensive breeding on cultivar development, and to study relationships among different species, genetic variation in the daylily was estimated using AFLP markers. Nineteen primary genotypes (species and early cultivars) and 100 modern cultivars from different time periods were evaluated using 152 unambiguous bands (average 79% polymorphism rate) derived from three AFLP primer combinations. Overall, pairwise similarity estimates between entries ranged between 0.618 and 0.926 (average=0.800). When comparing cultivar groups from different time periods (1940–1998), genetic similarity was initially increased, compared to the primary diploid genotypes, remained constant from 1940 to 1980, and then steadily increased as breeding efforts intensified and hybridizers began focusing on a limited tetraploid germplasm pool derived by colchicine conversion. Among modern (1991–1998) daylily cultivars, genetic similarity has increased by approximately 10% compared to the primary genotypes. These data were also used to evaluate recent taxonomic classifications among daylily species which, with a few minor exceptions, were generally supported by the AFLP data.
Increased estrogen receptor binding in amygdala correlates with facilitation of feminine sexual behavior induced by olfactory bulbectomy

Abstract In this experiment we tested the hypothesis that the potentiation of feminine sexual behavior following olfactory bulb removal in female rats would be associated with increased ovarian steroid receptor binding in brain. Ovariectomized adult female rats underwent either bilateral olfactory bulb removal (BOB) or a sham operation and were exposed to 100% estradiol (E 2 ) in silastic capsules for 4 or 6 h. Following behavior testing, either cell nuclear estrogen receptor levels were measured in amygdala, hypothalamus, preoptic area and pituitary, or cytosol progestin receptors levels were determined in cortex, preoptic area and hypothalamus. After 6 h E 2 exposure, BOB females showed increasing lordosis responding with increasing progesterone (P) doses, at levels significantly higher than those of sham-operated rats. After 4 h E 2 exposure bulbectomized rats showed both a facilitation of lordosis and elevated estrogen receptor levels in amygdala. Sham-operates showed neither response to the 4 h E 2 stimulus. For both BOB and sham groups, progestin receptors were induced after 6 h E 2 exposure, but were uninduced after 4 h E 2 exposure. Additional rats were exposed to 5% E 2 for 24 or 48 h, followed by P. Lordosis was potentiated in BOB rats at 24 h; sham-operates showed high levels of lordosis only after 48 h of 5% E 2 exposure. Proceptivity was enhanced in BOB rats after both 24 and 48h of 5% E 2 exposure. In contrast, proceptivity was rarely observed in sham-operates, or in either group after 4 or 6 h E 2 exposure. We propose that increased estrogen receptor binding in the amygdala may provide a biochemical basis for the increased estrogen sensitiity found in olfactory bulbectomized female rats.
A mouse Fcγ-Fcε protein that inhibits mast cells through activation of FcγRIIB, SH2 domain–containing inositol phosphatase 1, and SH2 domain–containing protein tyrosine phosphatases

Background A human Fcγ-Fce fusion protein (GE2) designed to inhibit FceRI signaling by coaggregating FceRI with the inhibitory receptor FcγRIIB has been shown to inhibit mast cell activation and block cutaneous anaphylaxis. A critical issue remained as to whether the mechanism of GE2 inhibition is competition for IgE binding or inhibitory signaling through FcγRIIB. Objective Our aim was to define the in vitro and in vivo mechanism of action of a mouse homolog of GE2 (mGE) and to assess the potential of human GE2 (hGE2) for therapeutic administration. Methods The in vitro activity of mGE on mediator release and signaling pathways was characterized in IgE-sensitized bone marrow–derived mast cells (BMMCs). The in vivo activity of mGE was examined in mouse passive cutaneous and passive systemic anaphylaxis models, and the therapeutic activity of hGE2 was evaluated in Ascaris suum –sensitized cynomolgus monkeys. Results mGE inhibited release of histamine and cytokines by BMMCs from wild-type mice but not by BMMCs from FcγRIIB-deficient mice. In mice mGE blocked IgE-dependent anaphylaxis mediated by mast cells with sustained efficacy. In BMMCs mGE decreased spleen tyrosine kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 phosphorylation and induced FcγRIIB phosphorylation and the subsequent recruitment of SH2 domain–containing inositol polyphosphate 5′ phosphatase (SHIP) 1 and SH2 domain–containing protein tyrosine phosphatase (SHP) 1/2 phosphatases. When administered therapeutically, hGE2 protected sensitized monkeys from local anaphylaxis for 3 weeks. Conclusion mGE-mediated inhibition of mast cell activation is associated with inhibitory signaling through FcγRIIB that results from activation of SHIP-1 and SHP-1/2 phosphatases.
Effects of Long-Term Tai Chi Practice on Balance and H-Reflex Characteristics

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of long-term Tai Chi practice on postural balance and H-reflex. Sixteen healthy volunteers, eight with three or more years of experience in Tai Chi training (Tai Chi Group-TCG), and eight with no experience in Tai Chi training (Control Group-CG) participated in the study. Postural sways were measured under four experimental conditions: (1) Standing still with eyes open (EO); (2) Standing still with eyes closed (EC); (3) Standing and turning head to left and right with eyes open (EOT); and (4) Standing and turning head to left and right with eyes closed (ECT). Paired reflex depression (PRD) of the soleus muscle was measured under two conditions: supine and standing. Less significant postural sway was observed in the TCG than in the CG under four conditions including EO, EC, EOT, and ECT (p < 0.01). The TCG demonstrated 14.1%, 30.6%, 33.3% and 22.7% less postural sway, respectively. Significant PRD change from a supine to standing position was observed between TCG and CG (p < 0.05). A significant correlation between PRD change (from supine to standing) and years of Tai Chi practice was observed (r = 0.80, p < 0.05). The findings of this study support the positive effects of Tai Chi exercise on balance control under different conditions. Long-term Tai Chi exercisers also demonstrated different reflex modulation from a supine to standing position, and long-term Tai Chi practice may lead to a change of PRD modulation as neuroadaptation.
P04.61. Do infectious disease (ID) physicians use cranberry for prevention of urinary tract infections (UTI)

Methods In a 2010 survey of 1000 ID physicians, we presented a case vignette about prevention of uncomplicated UTIs. “Ms. Smith is a 23 y.o. female who presents with a history of recurrent bacterial UTIs. In the past, she has self-treated with antibiotics at the first sign of infection; however she is now interested in preventing future occurrences. Previous work up has revealed no predisposing factors.”We also presented a research summary of an article demonstrating evidence of efficacy of cranberry extract for UTI prevention.
Arsenic Exposure Perturbs Epithelial-Mesenchymal Cell Transition and Gene Expression In a Collagen Gel Assay

Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid and environmental contaminant. Arsenic exposure in drinking water is reported to cause cancer of the liver, kidneys, lung, bladder, and skin as well as birth defects, including neural tube, facial, and vasculogenic defects. The early embryonic period most sensitive to arsenic includes a variety of cellular processes. One key cellular process is epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) where epithelial sheets develop into three-dimensional structures. An embryonic prototype of EMT is found in the atrioventricular (AV) canal of the developing heart, where endothelia differentiate to form heart valves. Effects of arsenic on this cellular process were examined by collagen gel invasion assay (EMT assay) using explanted AV canals from chicken embryo hearts. AV canals treated with 12.5-500 ppb arsenic showed a loss of mesenchyme at 12.5 ppb, and mesenchyme formation was completely inhibited at 500 ppb. Altered gene expression in arsenic-treated explants was investigated by microarray analysis. Genes whose expression was altered consistently at exposure levels of 10, 25, and 100 ppb were identified, and results showed that 25 ppb in vitro was particularly effective. Three hundred and eighty two genes were significantly altered at this exposure level. Cytoscape analysis of the microarray data using the chicken interactome identified four clusters of altered genes based on published relationships and pathways. This analysis identified cytoskeleton and cell adhesion-related genes whose disruption is consistent with an altered ability to undergo EMT. These studies show that EMT is sensitive to arsenic and that an interactome-based approach can be useful in identifying targets.