cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Visually-evoked 3-5 Hz membrane potential oscillations reduce the responsiveness of visual cortex neurons in awake behaving mice

Low-frequency membrane potential (Vm) oscillations were once thought to only occur in sleeping and anesthetized states. Recently, low-frequency Vm oscillations have been described in inactive awake animals, but it is unclear whether they shape sensory processing in neurons and whether they occur during active awake behavioral states. To answer these questions, we performed two-photon guided whole-cell Vm recordings from primary visual cortex layer 2/3 excitatory and inhibitory neurons in awake mice during passive visual stimulation and performance of visual and auditory discrimination tasks. We recorded stereotyped 3–5 Hz Vm oscillations where the Vm baseline hyperpolarized as the Vm underwent high amplitude rhythmic fluctuations lasting 1–2 s in duration. When 3–5 Hz Vm oscillations coincided with visual cues, excitatory neuron responses to preferred cues were significantly reduced. Despite this disruption to sensory processing, visual cues were critical for evoking 3–5 Hz Vm oscillations when animals performed discrimination tasks and passively viewed drifting grating stimuli. Using pupillometry and animal locomotive speed as indicators of arousal, we found that 3–5 Hz oscillations were not restricted to unaroused states and that they occurred equally in aroused and unaroused states. Therefore, low-frequency Vm oscillations play a role in shaping sensory processing in visual cortical neurons, even during active wakefulness and decision making. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT A neuron9s membrane potential (Vm) strongly shapes how information is processed in sensory cortices of awake animals. Yet, very little is known about how low-frequency Vm oscillations influence sensory processing and whether they occur in aroused awake animals. By performing two-photon guided whole-cell recordings from layer 2/3 excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the visual cortex of awake behaving animals, we found visually evoked stereotyped 3–5 Hz Vm oscillations that disrupt excitatory responsiveness to visual stimuli. Moreover, these oscillations occurred when animals were in high and low arousal states as measured by animal speed and pupillometry. These findings show, for the first time, that low-frequency Vm oscillations can significantly modulate sensory signal processing, even in awake active animals.
Geospace system responses to the St. Patrick's Day storms in 2013 and 2015

This special collection includes 31 research papers investigating geospace system responses to the geomagnetic storms during the St. Patrick's Days of 17 March 2013 and 2015. It covers observation, data assimilation and modeling aspects of the storm-time phenomena and their associated physical processes. The ionosphere and thermosphere as well as their coupling to the magnetosphere are clearly the main subject areas addressed. This collection provides a comprehensive picture of the geospace response to these two major storms. We provide some highlights of these studies in six specific areas: (1) global and magnetosphere/plasmasphere perspectives, (2) high-latitude responses; (3) subauroral and mid- latitude processes; (4) effects of prompt penetration electric fields and disturbance dynamo electric fields; (5) effects of neutral dynamics and perturbation; and (6) storm effects on plasma bubbles and irregularities. We also discuss areas of future challenges and the ways to move forward in advancing our understanding of the geospace storm time behavior and space weather effects.
Constructing the External World.

In this issue of Neuron, Pluta et al. (2017) find a novel map of external space in primary somatosensory cortex, generated by multi-whisker interactions during active touch.
Global cancer pain management: a systematic review comparing trials in Africa, Europe and North America.

Aim: Despite the rise in cancer survivorship, few reviews have examined the quality of studies of cancer pain management and practices around the globe. With a void in trials spanning multiple geographical settings, this review evaluates the quality of cancer trials across three continents. Materials & methods: A literature review and search of established databases was conducted to identify eligible studies. The Cochrane method, the Jadad Score and a cancer pain-specific ad hoc tool were used to evaluate quality of studies. Results: Eighteen studies representing a total of 4693 individuals were included in the review. Study quality correlated positively with study sample size and palliative care index. Trials in all three continents were prone to use opioids for pain management, whereas trials in Europe and North America utilized other adjuvant therapies such as antidepressants and steroids. Conclusion: This review underscores the need for better multidimensional quality assessment tools for cancer pain ...
Diagnosing centrally located pulmonary embolisms in the emergency department using point-of-care ultrasound.

Abstract Objective The study objective was to investigate the combined accuracy of right heart strain on focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on compression ultrasound (CUS) for identification of centrally located pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosed on computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). Methods This was a prospective observational study using a convenience sample of patients undergoing CTPA in the emergency department (ED) for evaluation of PE. Patients received a FOCUS looking for right heart strain (McConnell's sign, septal flattening, right ventricular enlargement or tricuspid annular plane systolic ejection (TAPSE) Results There were 199 patients enrolled in the study, with 46/199 (23.1%) positive for a PE. Of these, 20/46 (43.5%) PE's were located centrally. Of those with a PE, 20/46 (43.5%) had an associated DVT identified on bedside ultrasound. Among patients with a proximal PE, 18/20 (90.0%) had evidence of right heart strain and the combination of lower extremity CUS and FOCUS was 100% sensitive. Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound was much lower for peripherally located PEs. Conclusions Emergency physician-performed bedside ultrasound may be sufficient to exclude the presence of centrally located PE, as the sensitivity in this study was 100%. Additionally, several patients with PE may qualify for early anticoagulation when DVT is identified, and further research in indicated to determine whether these patients ultimately require CTPA given identical treatment algorithms in the absence of RV strain or biomarker elevation.
Missing the Mark: A New Form of Honorary Authorship Motivated by Desires for Inclusion

As scientific teams in academia have become increasingly large, interdisciplinary, and diverse, more attention has been paid to honorary authorship (i.e., giving authorship to those not making a significant contribution). Our study examined whether honorary authorship occurs because of the desire to include all or many team members. Interviews with project principal investigators (n = 6) and early-career project members (n = 6) from 6 interdisciplinary environmental science research teams revealed that principal investigators frequently employed inclusion-motivated honorary authorship but that this practice had some negative impacts on early-career team members with less power and status, thereby undermining true inclusion of those from underrepresented groups. We believe our findings are of import not only for environmental scientists, but also for scholars who are interested in issues of authorship decision-making regardless of disciplinary affiliation.
Adenovirus Vaccines in the U.S. Military

Acute respiratory disease (ARD) due to adenoviruses caused significant morbidity in military training populations. Since 1971 ARD has been controlled by the use of live, enteric-coated, adenovirus (ADV) types 4 and 7 vaccines. This immunization program overcame significant problems in vaccine development. Due to a production delay, military training posts stopped ADV vaccine administration in spring 1994. The delivery of ADV vaccine resumed in late February 1995, but another production delay is anticipated. A generation of military medical people have not been exposed to the significant morbidity caused by adenoviruses and are unaware of the effectiveness of the ADV vaccine. ARD morbidity before ADV vaccines, the ADV vaccine development program, and current issues regarding the control of ARD due to adenoviruses in the military are discussed.
Detection of Y-90 extravasation by bremsstrahlung imaging for patients undergoing Yttrium-90-ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin) therapy

2019 Objectives: Extravasation of therapeutic Yttrium-90-Ibritumomab Tiuxetan (Zevalin®) can cause significant injury. Detection of extravasated Y-90 using a gamma camera for patients undergoing Zevalin therapy is a challenge due to the inherent low efficiency of bremsstrahlung imaging – Y-90 is a pure beta emitter – and the interference of prompt and scattered photons from In-111 that is still present in the body at the time of Y-90 injection. We developed a methodology to image the bremsstrahlung radiation from superficial Y-90 in the presence of In-111 and evaluated it using phantoms. Methods: Phantoms were constructed to contain Y-90 and In-111 with activity levels and with a geometry approximating conditions of a patient being scanned for evaluation of a possible extravasation in the antecubital fossa. Imaging was performed using an ADAC Forte camera equipped with MEGP and HEGP collimators. Results: The contrast developed between the patch representing the extravasated solution and the background was comparable for MEGP and HEGP collimators. With MEGP collimators and 5 minute acquisitions, a patch containing 8.3 MBq (220 μCi) distributed over an elliptical area of 7 x 11 cm was clearly discernable. Conclusions: With our experimental arrangement, the lower limit of detection is approximately 8 MBq. We calculate that an extravasation of this muchY-90 would result in an absorbed dose of 2.5 Gy to the skin and subcutaneous tissue which is close to the threshold for skin damage. This technique is therefore sensitive enough to be of use in the clinic when extravasation of Y-90 is suspected.
The X-ray Chirp of a Compact Black Hole Binary: A Phase Template for the Gravitational Wave Inspiral

The gravitational waves (GWs) from a binary black hole with masses $$10^4\lesssim M\lesssim 10^7\mathrm{M_\odot }$$ can be detected with the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) once their orbital frequency exceeds 10 $$^{-4}$$ –10 $$^{-5}$$ Hz. The binary separation at this stage is $$a=O(100)R_{\mathrm{g}}$$ (gravitational radius), and the orbital speed is $$v/c=O(0.1)$$ . I argue that at this stage, the binary will be producing bright electromagnetic (EM) radiation via gas bound to the individual BHs. Both BHs will have their own photospheres in X-ray and possibly also in optical bands. Relativistic Doppler modulations and lensing effects will inevitably imprint periodic variability in the EM light-curve, tracking the phase of the orbital motion, and serving as a template for the GW inspiral waveform. Advanced localization of the source by LISA weeks to months prior to merger will enable a measurement of this EM chirp by wide-field X-ray or optical instruments. A comparison of the phases of the GW and EM chirp signals will help break degeneracies between system parameters, and probe a fractional difference difference $$\Delta v$$ in the propagation speed of photons and gravitons as low as $$\Delta v/c \approx 10^{-17}$$ .
Validating and Adapting the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) for STEM Courses at an HBCU

This study investigated the validity and reliability of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) for minority students enrolled in STEM courses at a historically black college/uni...
Deep Convolutional Neural Networks for Automated Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment Using 3D Brain MRI

We consider the automated diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in 3D structural MRI brain scans. We develop an efficient deep convolutional neural network (CNN) based classifier by analyzing 3D brain MRI. The proposed model extracts features from the MRI scans and learns significant information related to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). We perform motion correction, non-uniform intensity normalization, Talairach transform, intensity normalization, and skull-stripping in the raw MRI scans. After that several 2D slices are generated, and center patch is cropped from the slices before passing them to the CNN classifier. Besides, we demonstrate ways to improve the performance of a CNN classifier for AD and MCI diagnosis. We conduct experiments using Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) dataset for classification of the AD, MCI and CN (normal/healthy controls) to evaluate the proposed model. The proposed model achieves 94.97% accuracy for AD/CN classification and 91.98% accuracy for AD/MCI classification outperforming baseline models and several competing methods from other studies.
Multiscale Nature of Thixotropy and Rheological Hysteresis in Attractive Colloidal Suspensions under Shear

Colloids with short range attractions self-assemble into sample-spanning structures, whose dynamic nature results in a thermokinematic memory of the deformation history, also referred to as "thixotropy." Here, we study the origins of the thixotropic effect in these time- and rate-dependent materials by investigating hysteresis across different length scales: from particle-level local measurements of coordination number (microscale), to the appearance of density and velocity fluctuations (mesoscale), and up to the shear stress response to an imposed deformation (macroscale). The characteristic time constants at each scale become progressively shorter, and hysteretic effects become more significant as we increase the strength of the interparticle attraction. There are also strong correlations between the thixotropic effects we observe at each scale.
Dynamics and Predictability of Hemispheric-Scale Multidecadal Climate Variability in an Observationally Constrained Mechanistic Model

AbstractThis paper addresses the dynamics of internal hemispheric-scale multidecadal climate variability by postulating an energy-balance (EBM) model comprising two deep-ocean oscillators in the At...
The effect of extent of resection on outcomes in patients with limited stage small cell lung cancer

Abstract Background There is poor understanding of the comparative effectiveness of lobar and sublobar resections for limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We analyzed the National Cancer Database to examine the outcomes of patients undergoing wedge resection (WR), segmentectomy (SR), and lobectomy (LB) for limited-stage SCLC. Methods Patients with cT1-2N0M0 SCLC (2004-2015) who underwent definitive surgery were identified and stratified by extent of resection: WR, SR, or LB. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) and secondary outcomes were margin-positive resection (>R0) and pathologic nodal upstaging. Results A total 1948 patients met study criteria: 619 (32%) underwent WR, 96 (5%) SR, and 1233 (63%) LB. Patients receiving LB were more likely to be younger, have fewer comorbidities, and be privately insured. The unadjusted 5-year OS of WR, SR, and LB patients was 31% (95% confidence interval [CI], 27-35), 35% (95% CI, 25-49), and 45% (95% CI, 42-49), respectively. In a multivariable Cox model, WR was associated with worse OS (hazard ratio, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.31-1.79) and SR similar OS (hazard ratio, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.87-1.67) compared with LB. SR was associated with similar survival compared with LB in a propensity score–matched multivariable analysis as well. WR was also associated with greater odds of >R0 resection compared with LB. Conclusions In this study, patients with limited-stage SCLC undergoing WR experienced worse survival compared with those undergoing LB; survival was similar between segmentectomy and LB.
Independent translation of ORFs in dicistronic operons, synthetic building blocks for polycistronic chloroplast gene expression

We designed a dicistronic plastid marker system that relies on the plastid's ability to translate polycistronic mRNAs. The identification of transplastomic clones is based on selection for antibiotic resistance encoded in the first open reading frame (ORF) and accumulation of the reporter gene product in tobacco chloroplasts encoded in the second ORF. The antibiotic resistance gene may encode spectinomycin or kanamycin resistance based on the expression of aadA or neo genes, respectively. The reporter gene used in the study is the green fluorescent protein (GFP). The mRNA level depends on the 5'-untranslated region of the first ORF. The protein output depends on the strengths of the ribosome binding, and is proportional with the level of translatable mRNA. Because the dicistronic mRNA is not processed, we could show that protein output from the second ORF is independent from the first ORF. High-level GFP accumulation from the second ORF facilitates identification of transplastomic events under ultraviolet light. Expression of multiple proteins from an unprocessed mRNA is an experimental design that enables predictable protein output from polycistronic mRNAs, expanding the toolkit of plant synthetic biology.
Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Screening Practices in a Midwest Urban Safety-Net Healthcare System

Although colorectal cancer screening (CRC) using stool-based test is well-studied, evidence on fecal immunochemical test (FIT) patterns in a safety-net healthcare system utilizing opportunistic screening is limited. We studied the FIT completion rates and adenoma detection rate (ADR) of positive FIT-colonoscopy (FIT-C) in an urban safety-net system. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional chart review on individuals ≥ 50 years who underwent CRC screening using FIT or screening colonoscopy, 09/01/2017–08/30/2018. Demographic differences in FIT completion were studied; ADR of FIT-C was compared to that of screening colonoscopy. Among 13,427 individuals with FIT ordered, 7248 (54%) completed the stool test and 230 (48%) followed up a positive FIT with colonoscopy. Increasing age (OR 1.01, CI 1.01–1.02), non-Hispanic Blacks (OR 0.87, CI 0.80–0.95, p = 0.002), current smokers (OR 0.84, CI 0.77–0.92, p < 0.0001), those with Medicaid (OR 0.86, CI 0.77–0.96, p = 0.006), commercial insurance (OR 0.85, CI 0.78–0.94, p = 0.002), CCI score ≥ 3 (OR 0.82, CI 0.74–0.91, p < 0.0001), orders by family medicine providers (OR 0.87, CI 0.81–0.94, p < 0.0001) were associated with lower completion of stool test. Individuals from low median household income cities had lower follow-up of positive FIT, OR 0.43, CI 0.21–0.86, p = 0.017. ADR of FIT-C was higher than that of screening colonoscopy. Adherence to CRC screening is low in safety-net systems employing opportunistic screening. Understanding demographic differences may allow providers to formulate targeted strategies in high-risk vulnerable groups.
Making Preparation Practical: Reducing Aspiring Administrator Time to Competence Through Five Types of Leaderly Thinking

California faces an increasing shortage of well-prepared, competent school leaders. These future instructional leaders will be required to play critical roles to assure the success of the schools they will lead. San Diego State University, in collaboration with three partner school districts in the region, developed the five types of leaderly thinking model to represent a leader’s integration and application of the broad and disparate knowledge required to successfully lead a school. The model was designed to scaffold the design of administrative credential courses that accurately reflect the realities of school leadership. In doing so, the partners intend to provide candidates with experiences that reflect a leader’s true work and, through the authentic, practice-based learning experience, reduce the new administrator’s time to competence. This article presents the five types of thinking and highlights the implementation of this model into the preparation program. Additionally, it provides ideas to guide the model’s application in school district-based professional development applications.
Maternal separation with neonatal pain influences later-life fear conditioning and somatosenation in male and female rats.

Early life adversity, including that which occurs in a medical setting, has been increasingly shown to have lasting consequences on both physical and mental health. In order to understand the lasti...
A Pyramidal Lattice Frame: Pathways to Inversion

This paper considers the load–deflection behavior of a pyramid-like, shallow lattice structure. It consists of four beams that join at a central apex and when subject to a lateral load, it exhibits...
Activity Engagement after Cancer in Community-Based Survivors.

This paper discusses the activity engagement in a sample of cancer survivors (n = 25) seeking community-based support. A modified version of the Activity Card Sort (ACSm) was used to measure activity engagement after cancer. On average, participants reported a 27% reduction in activity engagement since their cancer diagnosis. Findings provide direction for continued study of the needs of survivors in community-based cancer care and generate ideas on occupational therapy's unique role in community-based survivorship.
Coal Liquefaction Kinetics

Coal liquefaction reactions include several types which are related to the thermal or degradation reactions of the coal itself or to subsequent reactions of the coal fragments. When coal liquefaction is conducted in a liquid phase, i.e., in the presence of a solvent, dissolution is usually considered an essential first step. While kinetic evaluation for individual reactions is possible for chemical models, the same is not true for coal. Generally, kinetic models and data for coal liquefaction must be considered as composites of many reactions occurring. This is a consequence of the complex nature of coal and the many thermal and catalytic pathways involved in the liquefaction process. Kinetic data have been obtained for all of the main routes to liquid products from solid coal; namely, pyrolysis, hydrogenation and dissolution. Mechanisms for these processes have been formulated based on kinetic studies and the reaction orders and activation energies obtained. It is interesting to note that the activation energies have been found to be similar for all these processes and fall in the range of 30–50 Kcal/mole regardless of the reaction order assumed by the researchers.
Baculovirus-mediated expression of the human vitamin D receptor. Functional characterization, vitamin D response element interactions, and evidence for a receptor auxiliary factor.

A baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) was used to overproduce the full-length human vitamin D receptor (hVDR) in Spodoptera frugiperda ovarian cells. hVDR was expressed to a level of 0.5% of the total soluble protein in this system. Western analysis demonstrated that the baculovirus-generated protein had electrophoretic and immunologic properties equivalent to those of hVDR expressed in mammalian cells. The BEVS-derived receptor displayed specificity and high affinity (apparent Kd = 0.7 nM) for the 1,25(OH)2D3 ligand. Recombinant hVDR generated a specific protein-DNA complex with a duplex oligomer containing a vitamin D-responsive element (VDRE) in gel mobility shift assays. The intensity of the VDR.VDRE complex was not affected by 1,25(OH)2D3. However, the complex exhibited increased mobility in the presence of hormone, possibly the result of a 1,25(OH)2D3-dependent conformational change. A nuclear extract obtained from CV-1 cells markedly enhanced the intensity of this VDR.VDRE complex and produced an additional distinct VDR-dependent complex, thus implicating a role for nuclear auxiliary factors in multiple high affinity VDR.VDRE interactions. Finally, methylation interference studies defined the guanine residues contacted when the putative VDR-auxiliary factor complex associates with the rat osteocalcin VDRE; specifically, all of the GC base pairs in the sequence GGGTGAATGAGGACA. Therefore, these results show that the BEV system elicits high level expression of hVDR with critical functional characteristics being preserved.
Mountain-block recharge, present and past, in the eastern Española Basin, New Mexico, USA

Noble gas recharge temperatures (NGTs) and radiocarbon ages were determined for 43 groundwater samples collected in the eastern Espanola Basin, New Mexico (USA), to identify mountain-block recharge in waters <10 thousand years (ka) old and to evaluate possible changes in mountain-block recharge over the past ∼35 ka. For Holocene samples from the southeastern area, NGTs are dominantly 2–4° cooler than the measured water-table temperature near the mountain front. Computed minimum mountain-block recharge fractions are dominantly 0.2–0.5, consistent with previous large mountain-block recharge estimates. NGTs do not display the distinct low during the last glacial maximum observed in other paleorecharge studies; samples recharged 15–25 ka ago are on average only 1.3° cooler than Holocene samples. Instead, samples with the coldest NGTs were recharged 25–35 ka ago. A proposed explanation is that higher precipitation rates during the last glacial maximum resulted in a lower mean recharge elevation for the basin, essentially buffering the effect of the lower mean annual air temperature and producing NGTs similar to the Holocene. In the period preceding the last glacial maximum, precipitation rates more like today’s resulted in Holocene-like mountain-block recharge fractions, producing a mean NGT ∼5° cooler than the Holocene, as expected.
Single-Center Experience Comparing the Application of Small-Caliber versus Large-Caliber Arterial Access Closure in a Consecutive Series of Patients

Abstract Purpose To compare the closure of ≤ 8-F versus 9-F to 12-F femoral access using the 8-F Angio-Seal VIP device (St. Jude Medical, Inc, St. Paul, Minnesota). Materials and Methods In this investigator-initiated, retrospective analysis, a consecutive series of 137 patients (n = 92 male patients [67.2%]; overall mean age, 71.0 y ± 9.8) was evaluated. Common femoral artery access was performed in all patients, and either unfractionated heparin or bivalirudin was used for anticoagulation. Access site complications were defined as follows: type 0, no bleeding; type 1, no actionable bleeding; type 2, actionable bleeding. Results The 8-F Angio-Seal VIP device was used for closure of ≤ 8-F femoral access in 76 patients (55.5%) and for 9-F to 12-F femoral access in 61 patients (44.5%). Access site complications were observed after 8-F Angio-Seal deployment in 11 patients (8.0%) (≤ 8 F, n=5 [6.6%]; 9–12 F, n=6 [9.8%]; P = .54). Comparing ≤ 8-F with 9-F to 12-F femoral access, type 1 complications were observed in 3 and 6 patients ( P = .19) and type 2 complications were observed in 2 and 0 patients ( P = .50), respectively. All type 1 complications were managed by applying external compression. Type 2 complications (n = 2 pseudoaneurysms) were treated with thrombin injection in 1 patient and secondary percutaneous intervention in 1 patient. Conclusions Use of the 8-F Angio-Seal for the closure of > 8-F femoral access is safe and effective. Complication rates when using the 8-F Angio-Seal for closure of ≤ 8-F and 9-F to 12-F femoral access are comparable.
Uncertainties in Sampled Data Systems

The contributions of this paper are threefold. We first explore the differences in uncertainty representations and control designs between continuous time systems and discrete time systems, particularly the high frequency interpretation does not work for discrete time systems. It is shown that uncertainties appeared in sampled data systems may be highly structured, however they do not fall into any category which is currently available in the literature. Secondly, we define a measure on these uncertainties which confines a neighborhood to the nominal model in terms of frequency content, and then we propose a control design method which guarantees the stability of the closed loop system in the face of uncertainties. Last, we consider a generalization of a classical continuous time approach in representing the multiplicative uncertainty to sampled data systems by using a slightly modified sampler and present a method to calculate a frequency bound on the uncertainty in sampled data systems.
Spontaneous activation of JNK-1 and PI-3 kinase can be induced in lupus-like chronic GVHD in the P->F1 model

Abnormalities in intracellular signaling pathways have been described in human SLE however, it is not clear whether they are primary, predisposing events or secondary to SLE expression. To address this question, we used a murine model of SLE (chronic P->F1 GVHD) and compared the function of a broad range of intracellular signaling pathways. In this model, SLE-like disease is induced in normal F1 mice by injection of parental CD4+ T cells and is mediated predominantly by Th2 cytokines. In contrast, acute GVHD is a cell-mediated anti-host response induced by CD4 and CD8 donor T cells and both Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Spleen cell lysates from control and GVHD mice (day 10 and 21) were immunoprecipitated with antibodies to Raf-1, ERK-1, JNK-1, p38 MAPK and PI-3 kinase and the function of the precipitated kinases determined using a specific substrate for each kinase. Raf-1 and ERK1 were selectively increased in acute GVHD (2-fold) only, whereas JNK-1 and PI-3 kinases were increased in both acute and chronic GVHD. This increase was approximately two fold greater for acute vs. chronic GVHD mice for both kinases. p38 MAPK was not increased over control in either form of GVHD and may reflect the earlier peak of IL-2 (day 3) in this model. The data suggest that Raf-1 and ERK-1 may be important in CD8 driven cell mediated immune responses whereas JNK-1 and PI-3 kinase signaling may be important in CD4 driven antibody mediated immune response. Studies are under way using purified T cell subsets to confirm this hypothesis. However these data support the idea that the signaling abnormalities reported in human SLE may be secondary to a continuous immune activation rather than indicative of a primary predisposing event.
A multivariate rank sum test for network simulation validation

A primary goal of any verification and validation process should be to enhance both the correctness of a simulation and the confidence placed in its results. One challenge is to develop a process that is at the same time feasible and compatible with an organization's needs, and can be applied to both existing simulations as well as new ones. Multivariate methods can be used to test the hypothesis of agreement between simulated predictions and empirical observations. This paper describes a statistical test useful for the validation of simulations of battlefield communications networks. The method employs a multivariate nonparametric rank sum test with the aid of a computer-intensive randomization procedure to assess the significance of the defined test statistic. For illustrative purposes, the validation procedure is applied to a simulation that was developed to duplicate a configuration tested, in which "messages" were passed over a communications network using the combination of the Tactical Fire Direction System (TACFIRE) protocol and Single-Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) Combat Net Radios (CNR). The purpose of this research is to strengthen the link between experimentation and simulation, both of which should be utilized in evaluating communications systems' measures of performance (MOP). >
Mothers’ cognitive state talk during shared book reading and children’s later false belief understanding

Abstract Mothers’ cognitive state talk was assessed during shared book reading with 50 3- to 5-year-olds in relation to children’s false belief understanding six months later. Mothers’ cognitive state talk was assessed using three hierarchically related variables: (1) mothers’ total use of cognitive state vocabulary (2) mothers’ complement syntax using the verb think and (3) mothers’ complement syntax that directly contrasted thought and reality (i.e., contrastives). There were significant correlations between mothers’ cognitive state vocabulary and contrastives, and children’s later false belief understanding. However, after controlling for children's age, receptive vocabulary, and false belief understanding at Time 1, only mothers’ contrastives significantly predicted children’s Time 2 false belief understanding.
Simulation as an integrator in an undergraduate biological engineering curriculum

A novel multifaceted elective course in Biological Engineering is described, along with the experience in its instruction and development over 14 years. The course introduces modeling and simulation to solve biological/biomedical problems to students with a background in transport processes but with no prior experience in modeling. The critical elements needed to introduce such modeling to less experienced students are discussed, such as simplifying a problem for problem formulation, case studies that build a clear bridge to their preparation in fundamentals, and extracting important details from a simulation. The question of a black box versus a white box approach to presenting simulations is addressed. Active learning practices such as think-pair-share and distributed learning are introduced as enablers for this course. Student motivation has been increased by making the course student-centered with the students themselves selecting and executing the modeling projects. The authors describe how the same course can serve many purposes in a curriculum, including the introduction of a state-of-the-art design tool, extending fundamental knowledge to solve realistic problems, enhancing the fundamentals, introducing teamwork, written and oral communication, and design concepts. Although we have discussed the course in the context of biological/biomedical engineering, it can also be extended to other engineering curricula such as Mechanical and Chemical Engineering. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 21: 717–727, 2013
Dietary Fiber Sources Lower Blood Cholesterol In C57BL/6 Mice

Five sources of dietary fiber were compared for their effect on blood and liver cholesterol. The effects of soybean fiber, rice bran (full fat), oat bran, barley bran and mixed bran on total blood cholesterol concentrations and liver cholesterol concentrations were measured in beef-fed C57BL/6 male mice. Each diet contained cooked beef, beef tallow, corn starch and 7% dietary fiber from one of the five fiber sources. A control group consumed a fiber-free diet. Dietary cholesterol was provided by the beef and beef tallow only. The experimental diets were fed for 3 wk; blood and liver were collected when the mice were 18 wk old. The liver cholesterol concentration in the rice bran-fed group was the lowest of the six diet groups and was significantly different than concentrations in the oat bran-fed group and the barley bran-fed group (P less than 0.05). The oat bran, mixed bran, and barley bran did not significantly lower blood cholesterol in the mice. Both the soybean fiber and rice bran diet groups had significantly lower total blood cholesterol than did the fiber-free controls (P less than 0.05). The soybean fiber group also had significantly lower blood cholesterol than the mixed-bran group.
Estimating the seismic displacement of friction pendulum isolators based on non‐linear response history analysis

A procedure for developing equations that estimate the isolator displacement due to strong ground motion is applied to buildings isolated with the friction pendulum system. The resulting design equations, based on rigorous non-linear analysis, offer an alternative to the iterative equivalent-linear methods used by current U.S. building codes. The governing equations of the system are reduced to a form such that the median normalized displacement of the system due to an ensemble of ground motions is found to depend on only the isolation period—a function of the curvature of the isolator—and the friction force at incipient slip normalized by peak ground velocity. The normalization is effective in minimizing the dispersion of the normalized displacement for an ensemble of ground motions, implying that the median normalized displacement is a reliable estimate of response. The design equations reflect the significant (20 to 38%) increase in displacement when the excitation includes two lateral components of ground motion instead of just one component. Equivalent-linear methods are shown to underestimate by up to 30% the exact median displacement determined by non-linear response history analysis for one component of ground motion, and building codes include at most a 4.4% increase for a second component. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inward Rectification of TWIK-1 Two-Pore Domain K+ Channels

Mammalian two-pore domain K+ channels (K2P) mediate background K+ conductance and play an important role in regulation of cellular excitability and electrolyte homeostasis. TWIK-1 (also known as K2P1), the first cloned mammalian K2P channel, is highly expressed in the brain, kidney, and heart. They contribute to a large passive K+ conductance in rat hippocampal astrocytes, conduct inward leak Na+ currents in human cardiac myocytes under pathological hypokalemia, and regulate phosphate and water transport in mouse proximal tubule and medullary collecting duct, respectively. TWIK-1 K+ channels were first characterized in Xenopus oocytes and defined as weakly inward rectifying K+ channels. However, whether TWIK-1 K+ channels show inward rectification is contradictory, as several reports indicate that TWIK-1 K+ channels do not exhibit weakly inward rectification when expressed in mammalian cells and Xenopus oocytes. Here we report that TWIK-1 K+ channels heterologusly expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells show weakly inward rectification in physiological K+ gradients. Such a rectification is caused by voltage-dependent blockade of intracellular blockers rather than rapid fast inactivation, as intracellular blockers bind to TWIK-1-specific sites in the inner pore of TWIK-1 K+ channels. These results improve current understandings of the function of TWIK-1 K+ channels as well as their contributions to cellular behaviors.
Effects of extroversion and neuroticism on learning and memory: a test of Eysenck's theory of individual differences in arousal

Forty Ohio University female undergraduates were classified as stable extroverts, neurotic extroverts, stable introverts, and neurotic introverts, as measured by the Eysenck Personality Inventory. Subjects were asked to learn four paired-associate lists-two forms of both simple and difficult lists. The dependent variables were errors in the learning of the lists to criterion and recall scores at short-term (15 second) and long-term (15 minute) recall intervals. The hypothesized interactions were not significant. Explanations for the negative findings involved the methodology and the questionable applicability of Eysenck's biologically based personality dimensions for defining individual differences in learning and recall.
Sawtooth contrast sensitivity: effects of mean illuminance and low temporal frequencies.

Abstract Temporal contrast sensitivity was measured for mirror-image sawtooth (rapid-on and rapid-off) and sine waveforms for a 1.8 deg foveal target. In one experiment, contrast sensitivity was measured for 2–26 Hz stimuli at target mean illuminance levels of 5–1260 td. At 5 td, contrast sensitivity functions for sawtooth and sine waveforms, expressed in terms of the Fourier fundamental amplitude, are equivalent. At higher light levels, sawtooth sensitivity increasingly exceeds sine sensitivity and rapid-off (decremental) sawtooths show progressively greater sensitivity than rapid-on (incremental) sawtooths. This pattern of results was obtained for two color-normal observers and for a deuteranopic observer. In a second experiment, sawtooth and sine sensitivity was tested at 500 td with an extended low-frequency range, to 0.5 Hz. Rapid-off and rapid-on sensitivities declined only slightly at low temporal frequencies in contrast with sine sensitivity. To interpret our data, we evaluate two single-pathway models (last-stage asymmetric detector and compressive response-intensity nonlinearity) and a dual-pathway model in which incremental and decremental waveforms are detected by separate ON and OFF visual mechanisms.
A YAG laser technique to facilitate removal of posterior chamber intraocular lenses from the capsular bag.

Abstract A technique is presented which facilitates repositioning or removal of a decentered capsular bagfixated posterior chamber intraocular lens. The anterior lens capsule in front of the encapsulated haptic loop is disrupted with the YAG laser. This frees the loop from the capsular bag so a dialing maneuver will not stress the posterior capsule or zonule.
Two ribonuclease H activities from the murine myeloma, MOPC-21.

Abstract Two distinct enzymatic activities capable of degrading the RNA strand of an RNA · DNA hybrid have been isolated from the murine myeloma, MOPC-21. These activities can be distinguished by their respective chromatographic and sedimentation properties as well as pH optima and divalent cation requirements.
Grain size-dependent electrical properties of rutile (TiO2)

Abstract The electrical behavior of Sn-doped nanocrystalline and microcrystalline TiO 2 has been studied by DC conductivity measurements and impedance spectroscopy. Specimens were hot pressed from powders synthesized by a solution chemical method, resulting in highly dense, 100% rutile with an average grain size of ∼50 nm. Results indicate that nanocrystalline TiO 2 has enhanced conductivity relative to microcrystalline TiO 2 , and a lower specific grain boundary resistivity. The activation energy for conduction in air of both nanocrystalline and microcrystalline TiO 2 is lower than values obtained from the literature for polycrystalline and single crystal rutile. Furthermore, conductivity measurements over a range of oxygen partial pressures indicate that the conductivity of nanocrystalline and microcrystalline TiO 2 exhibits a P O 2 -independent regime that is unique compared to past studies of polycrystalline and single crystal rutile.
Monitoring blood coagulation with magnetoelastic sensors

The determination of blood coagulation time is an essential part of monitoring therapeutic anticoagulants. Standard methodologies for the measurement of blood clotting time require dedicated personnel and involve blood sampling procedures. A new method based on magnetoelastic sensors has been employed for the monitoring of blood coagulation. The ribbon-like magnetoelastic sensor oscillates at a fundamental frequency, which shifts linearly in response to applied mass loads or a fixed mass load of changing elasticity. The magnetoelastic sensors emit magnetic flux, which can be detected by a remotely located pick-up coil, so that no direct physical connections are required. During blood coagulation, the viscosity of blood changes due to the formation of a soft fibrin clot. In turn, this change in viscosity shifts the characteristic resonance frequency of the magnetoelastic sensor enabling real-time continuous monitoring of this biological event. By monitoring the signal output as a function of time, a distinct blood clotting profile can be seen. The relatively low cost of the magnetoelastic ribbons enables their use as disposable sensors. This, along with the reduced volume of blood required, make the magnetoelastic sensors well suited for at-home and point-of-care testing devices.
Augmentation of obturator retention by extension into the nasal aperture: a clinical report.

Obtaining adequate obturator retention in edentulous maxillectomy patients with unfavorable defects is a treatment challenge. Although denture adhesive is an important aid in these patients, it cannot be relied upon to retain an obturator for a large defect without some mechanical assistance. It may be necessary to engage available retentive areas that are not ordinarily used with favorable defects. An area that is commonly available to augment retention of an obturator in both unilateral and bilateral maxillectomy patients is the nasal aperture space. Engagement of this space with an extension from the obturator is sometimes necessary to help retain the obturator.1-4 Obtaining an impression of the nasal aperture space in a conventional obturator impression is problematic because of the significant difference in the path of insertion that is necessary to engage the space when compared with the path of insertion of a conventional obturator without an extension. Although obturator extension into the nasal aperture is mentioned in the literature,1-4 there are no reports describing the difficulty and methodology of incorporating the extension into the prosthesis. This report describes a method of extending an obturator into the nasal aperture space to augment retention.
Pyrazole as an antidote for ethylene glycol poisoning

Abstract Pyrazole, a potent alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor, given ip to mice in a single dose of 300 mg/kg increased the LD50 of orally administered ethylene glycol from 12 ml/kg to 22 ml/kg. This finding lends significant indirect support to the idea that a portion of the toxicity of ethylene glycol is due to metabolism of the parent compound to more toxic products via alcohol dehydrogenase.
Pathways, Kinetics, and Mechanisms for 2-Dodecyl-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene Pyrolysis

We pyrolyzed 2-dodecyl-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene (DDPh) in batch microreactors. The reaction conditions included neat pyrolyses between 375−450 °C for times of 15−240 min and also pyrolyses in benzene at 400 °C and 90 min but at different initial DDPh concentrations ranging from 0.0095 to 0.238 mol/L. The disappearance of DDPh followed first-order kinetics, and the global first-order rate constant had Arrhenius parameters of (log10 A (s-1) = 13.6 ± 2.8 and E (kcal/mol) = 54.5 ± 9.1, where the uncertainties are the 95% confidence intervals. The decomposition of DDPh can be described by a reaction network that possesses four parallel primary pathways. The major primary path, which involves dehydrogenation, leads to 2-dodecylphenanthrene. The other three primary paths involve C−C bond cleavage, and they lead to 2-methyl-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene plus undecene, to 2-vinyl-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene plus decane, and to numerous minor products. Important secondary and tertiary reactions include the rapid reduction ...
Extreme members and group polarization

Participants rated their opinion about the decriminalization of marijuana on a 1 to 9 scale and then discussed the issue in three‐person groups. Group members who used more extreme ends of the scale to rate their opinion talked more and took more turns. Groups did polarize on their consensual opinion from the mean of individuals' pre‐group opinions. Groups containing a more extreme member did not polarize more than groups not containing an extreme member. No differences in polarization were found between groups in which members were in consensus coming into the discussion and groups containing a minority and majority opinion.