cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Case conference: Conflict in a case of frigidity☆

Abstract The case of a 24-year-old woman initially presenting frigidity as her only problem, is traced from beginning to end of treatment. It developed that crucial factors contributing to the problem were fears of the expression of her own anger and the anger of others, and misconceptions concerning the role of wife and mother. The interconnections of the various areas of disturbance and the resulting therapeutic measures are discussed.
Post-rhizotomy periodontal atrophy.

This report details the experience of two people who suffered a unique type of periodontal atrophy following trigeminal sensory rhizotomy. The cause is unknown but it may be the result of unintentional self-mutilation. J Periodontol 1995; 66:301–302.
How much should we care about changing income inequality in the course of economic growth

Abstract This paper asks how much we should care about changes in Lorenz curves and standard inequality measures when economic growth takes place. I conclude that these changes are of some importance but that other aspects of inequality and poverty are more important.
Behavioral comparisons of the stereoisomers of tetrahydrocannabinols.

Abstract The potencies of (−)- trans -Δ9-THC, (+)- trans -Δ9-THC, (+)- cis -Δ9-THC, (−)- trans -Δ8-THC and (+)- trans -Δ8-THC were compared in several different species. (−)- trans -Δ9-THC was 100 times more potent than (+)- trans -Δ9-THC in depressing schedule-controlled responding in monkeys. The (+)- trans isomers were less effective than their corresponding (−)- trans isomers in the dog static-ataxia test, but potency ratios could not be determined due to a lack of dose-responsiveness of the (+)- trans isomers. However, it appeared that their potency differed by at least ten fold. The potency of (+)- cis -Δ9-THC in the dog static-ataxia test was comparable to that of (+)- trans -Δ9-THC. The hypothermia in mice produced by the (−) isomers of trans -Δ9-THC and trans -Δ8-THC were 9.1 and 30.4 times greater than that produced by their respective (+)-isomers. Also, the potency ratio of the (+)- and (−)- trans -Δ9-THC was 5.6 as measured by depression of spontaneous activity in mice. The magnitude of the potency ratios of the THC stereo-isomers is dependent upon the species and the pharmacological test used.
The biogeochemistry of nitrous oxide in permanently ice-covered lakes of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica

This manuscript presents an overview of published work on nitrous oxide in the permanently ice-covered lakes of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. One of these lakes contains the highest concentration of nitrous oxide reported for natural aquatic systems (> 500 000% with respect to the global average mixing ratio in air). Recent data on nitrous oxide from the major lakes in this region of Antarctica are used to draw general conclusions regarding sources and sinks for this gas within the liquid water column, and to estimate exchanges with the atmosphere. Nitrous oxide maxima are usually found in regions where oxygen concentrations and redox potentials are decreasing (i.e. where high gradients exist); nitrous oxide is virtually absent in anoxic, and very low redox zones. These trends, together with positive relationships between apparent oxygen utilization (AOU) and apparent nitrous oxide production (ANP) indicate that nitrous oxide is primarily a product of nitrification; experiments showed that denitrification is a sink for this gas in anoxic water. ANP/AOU ratios are several orders of magnitude higher than that for the ocean. Yield ratios for nitrous oxide [ANP/(NO2+ NO3-)] averaged 4.2% (i.e. 1 atom of N appears in nitrous oxide for every 24 atoms appearing in oxidized N), greatly exceeding existing reports for pelagic systems, being similar to that from reduced sediments. Production and consumption rates, computed with a one-dimensional diffusion model, ranged from 0 to 5.3 nM-N d-l and 0-2.7 nM-N d-l, respectively. Rates were usually greatest in the region of largest oxygen and inorganic nitrogen gradients. Turnover times averaged 2917 and 1277 years for production and consumption which is in the range of the mixing times for the lakes. Areal flux from the lakes to the atmosphere (6.17 gN m-2 y-l) is several hundred times greater than areal fluxes reported for oceanic systems. Owing to the relatively small combined surface area of these lakes, absolute atmospheric transfer (1.2 X 105 gN y-l) is only a small fraction of annual global emission.
Implementation-independent model of an instruction set architecture using VHDL

A novel methodology is presented which allows the creation of implementation-independent functional models of systems. The methodology uses the VHSIC (very high speed integrated circuit) hardware description language (VHDL) which leads to the possibility of creating a unified design environment supporting system modeling at various stages of the design process. The motivation for the methodology was to assist in the analysis and specification of the WM computer architecture. An implementation-independent model of the WM architecture is provided which is intended as a first step in the development of an implementation. Additionally, architectural performance measures can be extracted from simulations using the model. The model can also serve as an architectural specification for the WM computer. >
Drosophila Central Nervous System Glia

Molecular genetic approaches in small model organisms like Drosophila have helped to elucidate fundamental principles of neuronal cell biology. Much less is understood about glial cells, although interest in using invertebrate preparations to define their in vivo functions has increased significantly in recent years. This review focuses on our current understanding of the three major neuron-associated glial cell types found in the Drosophila central nervous system (CNS)-astrocytes, cortex glia, and ensheathing glia. Together, these cells act like mammalian astrocytes: they surround neuronal cell bodies and proximal neurites, are coupled to the vasculature, and associate closely with synapses. Exciting recent work has shown essential roles for these CNS glial cells in neural circuit formation, function, plasticity, and pathology. As we gain a more firm molecular and cellular understanding of how Drosophila CNS glial cells interact with neurons, it is becoming clear they share significant molecular and functional attributes with mammalian astrocytes.
Evaluation of the in Vitro Production of Interferon γ and Other Lymphokines in Uremic Patients

It has been suggested that a deficient immune response can be responsible at least partially for the high risk of infections and neoplasia in uremic patients. Since interferon (IF") is critical to the immune response, we have evaluated the in vitro production of IFN-y and other lymphokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) drawn from patients with end-stage renal disease and appropriate controls. We have correlated production of lymphokines by these cells with proliferative response to different mitogens. It was found that the secretion of IFN-y in response to all three mitogens was elevated in these patients compared with the control group. This elevation was significant with both phytohemagglutin and staphylococcal enterotoxin A, but not with Con A. No significant difference was observed in production of lymphotoxins, IL-2, and leukocyte migration inhibition responses. In contrast the proliferative response appeared diminished in the PBMC of uremic patients. We concluded that defective lymphokine generation is not a major immunological problem in patients with end-stage renal disease. Indeed, they appear to release excess amount of IFN-y which is known to be a macrophage-activating factor. It is suggested that high IFN-y activity could enhance the secretion of IL-1 or endogenous pyrogen and result in development of febrile reactions in dialysis patients. 0 1987 Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine. Despite many recent advances, infection (1) and neoplasia (2) continue to be the major threats to patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing maintenance hemodi- alysis. Previous studies have suggested that impaired cellular immune response, nonspe- cific uremic toxins and malnutrition may be at least partially responsible for the increased risks of both infection and malignancy. Most of the immunologic studies performed to date have relied on measurements of lymphocyte
Atrazine Retention and Degradation in the Vadose Zone at a Till Plain Site in Central Indiana

The vadose zone was examined as an environmental compartment where significant quantities of atrazine and its degradation compounds may be stored and transformed. The vadose zone was targeted because regional studies in the White River Basin indicated a large discrepancy between the mass of atrazine applied to fields and the amount of the pesticide and its degradation compounds that are measured in ground and surface water. A study site was established in a rotationally cropped field in the till plain of central Indiana. Data were gathered during the 1994 growing season to characterize the site hydrogeology and the distribution of atrazine, desethylatrazine, deisopropylatrazine, didealkylatrazine and hydroxyatrazine in runoff, pore water, and ground water. The data indicated that atrazine and its degradation compounds were transported from land surface to a depth of 1.5 m within 60 days of application, but were undetected in the saturated zone at nearby monitoring wells. A numerical model was developed, based on the field data, to provide information about processes that could retain and degrade atrazine in the vadose zone. Simulations indicated that evapotranspiration is responsible for surface directed soil-moisture flow during much of the growing season. This process causes retention and degradation of atrazine in the vadose zone. Increased residence time in the vadose zone leads to nearly complete transformation of atrazine and its degradation products to unquantified degradation compounds. As a result of macropore flow, small quantities of atrazine and its degradation compounds may reach the saturated zone.
HEAVY DUTY TRUCK RIDE-COMFORT ANALYSIS BY COMPUTER SIMULATION

The vibration and ride–comfort of some heavy duty trucks was analyzed by the simple model developed by finite element method. Ride–comfort of heavy duly trucks is significantly influenced by bending vibration of the frame, so the frame was modeled by a BAR element having a number or different cross sections, so a separate model as a rigid body was established. For non–linear components such as mounting rubber, tyre, leaf spring, the best data from specific areas of vibration were selected for inputting into the model and corrections were added to the model. For modeling check, frequency response of consolidating several kinds of component models was calculated in the initials stage of the system model. Each component model was consolidated with the frame model to obtain the system model. From this system model calculation results of frequency response and PSD response were obtained for making comparison will actual test and were found to be sufficient to make qualitative evaluation of ride–comfort. Consequently this simulation method was used in design stages, such as development or cab–suspension and improvement or ride–comfort of tractor pulling trailer.
Autoregulatory Control of Smooth Muscle Myosin Light Chain Kinase Promoter by Notch Signaling

Smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase (SM-MLCK) is the key enzyme responsible for phosphorylation of regulatory myosin light chain (MLC20), resulting in actin-myosin cross-bridging and force generation in vascular smooth muscle required for physiological vasoreactivity and blood pressure control. In this study, we investigated the combinatorial role of myocardin/serum response factor (SRF) and Notch signaling in the transcriptional regulation of MLCK gene expression. Promoter reporter analyses in rat A10 smooth muscle cells revealed a bimodal pattern of MLCK promoter activity and gene expression upon stimulation with constitutively active Notch1 in presence of myocardin or by Jagged1 ligand stimulation. An initial Notch1-induced increase in MLCK transcription was followed by loss in promoter sensitivity, which could be restored with further Notch1 dose escalation. Real-time PCR analyses revealed that endogenous levels of Hairy Related Transcription (HRT) factor 2 (HRT2) peaked concurrently with inhibitory concentrations of Notch1. Forced expression of HRT2 demonstrated simultaneous repression of both myocardin- and Notch1-induced MLCK promoter activity. HRT2-mediated repression was further confirmed by HRT2 truncations and siHRT2 treatments that rescued MLCK promoter activity and gene expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies revealed both Jagged1 ligand- and Notch1-enhanced myocardin/SRF complex formation at the promoter CArG element. In contrast, heightened levels of HRT2 concomitantly disrupted myocardin/SRF and Notch transcription complex formation at respective CArG and CSL binding elements. Taken together, SM-MLCK promoter activity appears highly sensitive to the relative levels of Notch1 signaling, HRT2, and myocardin. These findings identify a novel Notch-dependent HRT2 autoregulatory circuit coordinating transcriptional regulation of SM-MLCK.
Column Research Council Symposium on Metal Compression Members: Strength of Welded Aluminum Columns

Welding heat-treated or cold-worked aluminum alloys causes partial annealing of the material in the vicinity of the welds so that the strength of the material near the welds is lower than the stren...
Nonlinear Guided Waves for Continuous Material Microstructure State Awareness

This paper summarizes the characteristics of nonlinear ultrasonic guided waves and demonstrates the use of the nondispersive fundamental shear horizontal wave mode to generate a third harmonic that is sensitive to plastic strain and fatigue. Experimental results for an aluminum alloy plate are presented within the context of the current understanding of nonlinear guided waves. Due to the sensitive nature of higher harmonic measurements, instrumentation nonlinearities are discussed. In two different sets of experiments, the third harmonic generation is shown to be dependent upon (i) the plastic strain and (ii) the number of fatigue cycles. Thus, higher harmonic generation can provide material state awareness throughout the service life, especially before a macroscale crack initiates.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Effects of High-Definition and Conventional tDCS on Response Inhibition

Abstract Background Response inhibition is a critical executive function, enabling the adaptive control of behavior in a changing environment. The inferior frontal cortex (IFC) is considered to be critical for response inhibition, leading researchers to develop transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) montages attempting to target the IFC and improve inhibitory performance. However, conventional tDCS montages produce diffuse current through the brain, making it difficult to establish causality between stimulation of any one given brain region and resulting behavioral changes. Recently, high-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) methods have been developed to target brain regions with increased focality relative to conventional tDCS. Objective Remarkably few studies have utilized HD-tDCS to improve cognitive task performance, however, and no study has directly compared the behavioral effects of HD-tDCS to conventional tDCS. Methods In the present study, participants received either HD-tDCS or conventional tDCS to the IFC during performance of a response inhibition task (stop-signal task, SST) or a control task (choice reaction time task, CRT). A third group of participants completed the same behavioral protocols, but received tDCS to a control site (mid-occipital cortex). Post-stimulation improvement in SST performance was analyzed as a function of tDCS group and the task performed during stimulation using both conventional and Bayesian parameter estimation analyses. Results Bayesian estimation of the effects of HD- and conventional tDCS to IFC relative to control site stimulation demonstrated enhanced response inhibition for both conditions. No improvements were found after control task (CRT) training in any tDCS condition. Conclusion Results support the use of both HD- and conventional tDCS to the IFC for improving response inhibition, providing empirical evidence that HD-tDCS can be used to facilitate performance on an executive function task.
Genome Sequence of Streptomyces aureofaciens ATCC Strain 10762.

ABSTRACT Streptomyces aureofaciens is a Gram-positive actinomycete that produces the antibiotics tetracycline and chlortetracycline. Here, we report the assembly and initial annotation of the draft genome sequence of S. aureofaciens ATCC strain 10762.
The Assignment of Expenditure Responsibilities to the Local Government Level

The assignment of functions and resulting expenditure responsibilities is often considered the first “pillar” or building block of fiscal decentralization reform. The question of expenditure assignment encompasses the policy decision what functions and expenditure responsibilities are to be assigned to each level of government. The design of local government finance mechanisms (that is, the determination of revenue assignments, intergovernmental transfers, and subnational borrowing) in the absence of a clear expenditure assignment would be like putting the cart before the horse.
Reimagining Medical Education at “Faculdade de Medicina da Universidad de Sao Paulo”

I recently had the privilege to discuss medical education reform with the Dean and other senior administrators, basic science and clinical faculty members involved with medical education, and a number of medical students from Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo (FMUSP). I learned that the new curriculum at FMUSP aims to enhance ntegration by means of adopting an organ and systems-based approach to teaching during the preclinical years followed by a predominantly clinical focus during the final years. I also was pleased to learn that there is a strong desire, among faculty and students, to make the preclinical instruction more interactive and engaging rather than relying predominantly on lecture-based teaching.[...]
Translocator protein ligands based on N-methyl-(quinolin-4-yl)oxypropanamides with properties suitable for PET radioligand development.

Abstract Modifications to an N-methyl-(quinolin-4-yl)oxypropanamide scaffold were explored to discover leads for developing new radioligands for PET imaging of brain TSPO (translocator protein), a biomarker of neuroinflammation. Whereas contraction of the quinolinyl portion of the scaffold or cyclization of the tertiary amido group abolished high TSPO affinity, insertion of an extra nitrogen atom into the 2-arylquinolinyl portion was effective in retaining sub-nanomolar affinity for rat TSPO, while also decreasing lipophilicity to within the moderate range deemed preferable for a PET radioligand. Replacement of a phenyl group on the amido nitrogen with an isopropyl group was similarly effective. Among others, compound 20 (N-methyl-N-phenyl-2-[2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,8-naphthyridin-4-yloxy]propanamide) appears especially appealing for PET radioligand development, based on high selectivity and high affinity (Ki = 0.5 nM) for rat TSPO, moderate lipophilicity (logD = 2.48), and demonstrated amenability to labeling with carbon-11.
Development of a Parallel-FET Linearization Technique for High Efficiency GaN Power Amplifiers

We demonstrate the design of a linear and high efficient power amplifier (PA) by using different gate bias voltages for parallelly combined Gallium Nitride (GaN) high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). The experimental results show that the linearized PA achieves the gain flatness of 0.3 dB over a 35 dB power range and has a measured sharp output power at 1 dB compression point (P1dB) of 38.5 dBm, less than 2 dB below the saturated power (PSAT). The measured adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR) of the proposed linearized PA shows up to 8 dB improvements over the PA biased ~ class A (47% $I_{\mathrm {dss}}$ )
Carotid endarterectomy. Relationship of outcome to early restenosis.

Abstract The results following carotid endarterectomy were prospectively evaluated in 134 patients (145 sides) by repeat ultrasonic duplex scanning and clinical evaluation extending for a period of 4 years. There were 107 men and 27 women in the study group. The perioperative stroke rate was 1.3% and the mortality rate, 0.7%. There were 9 late deaths, of which two were stroke related (1.4%). Focal symptoms occurred in 12 patients on the ipsilateral side, six of which were strokes (one lacunar). The remaining symptoms developed in the presence of moderate degrees of carotid stenosis (
Environmental drivers of carry-over effects in a pond-breeding amphibian

Breeding animals confront a complex environment when deciding where to oviposit, and this decision may depend on fine-scale variation in environmental conditions that have the potential to affect not only embryos but also subsequent larvae. I evaluated the influences of two variables, light and temperature, at oviposition sites of Wood Frogs (Rana sylvatica LeConte, 1825). First, in four ponds varying in canopy cover, I moved a subset of egg masses from the original oviposition site to an alternative site in the same pond and monitored embryos until hatching commenced. I found that embryos in the alternative site experienced delays in hatching a mean of 2.5 days. Second, in each of the four ponds, I placed hatchlings from the two sites in enclosures throughout the pond. After 2 weeks, larval performance was assessed with respect to development and growth. Larvae from the alternative oviposition site gained less mass (on average, 15% less) and developed more slowly (up to two Gosner stages) than larvae fro...
Structured Reporting of Multiphasic CT for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Effect on Staging and Suitability for Transplant.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether use of a standardized radiology report template would improve the ability of liver transplant surgeons to diagnose stage T2 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and determine patient suitability to undergo orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). MATERIALS AND METHODS. In this retrospective study, a standardized template was devised, and its use was mandated for reporting of liver CT findings for patients with cirrhosis and HCC. Two surgeons analyzed 200 reports (100 before and 100 after template implementation) for descriptions of cirrhosis, portal hypertension, lesion enhancement characteristics, tumor thrombus, portal and superior mesenteric vein patency, and Organ Procurement Transplantation Network (OPTN) class. Ability to determine Milan criteria and surgeon satisfaction were also assessed. Data obtained before and after template implementation were statistically analyzed using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test. RESULTS. Template implementation increase...
Experimental Characterization of the Dependence of UWB Personal Area Networks Channels on Body Mass Index

Due to the short range of wireless Personal Area Networks (PANs), user proximity-induced effects have been identified as a critical issue. The development and performance simulation of PANs will therefore require an accurate channel model that considers the effects of the human body, in particular, various body sizes. This paper presents details of an extensive measurement campaign for wireless PAN Ultrawideband (UWB) multi-antenna propagation channels. The measurements were done in an anechoic chamber environment using a 1 × 4 Single- Input-Multiple-Output (SIMO) array channel sounding system operating in the 2-10 GHz frequency band. Using a total of 60 test subjects, we determine the Body Mass Index (BMI) dependence of channel parameters such as mean path gain, shadowing gain and delay spread. We find that in particular, PAN channel parameters of test subjects with BMI > 30 show considerable differences to those of subjects with typical BMI.
Rethinking Networking for "Five Computers"

T. J. Watson's apocryphal statement about there being a market for only "five computers" has, in a sense, come true with the rise of cloud computing and the dominance of a handful of "mega-computers" in terms of Internet traffic volume. However, network protocols and operation over the Internet have, for the most part, remained wedded to the old world, with individual hosts operating autonomously. We argue that this is suboptimal and that the time has come to revisit networking in the world of "five computers." We consider various networking functions, including specifically congestion control and network diagnosis, and provide an indication of the potential benefits of a new coordinated approach and sketch out an approach to realizing these benefits.
Rapid detection of Escherichia coli in beverages using genetically engineered bacteriophage T7

Foodborne illness due to bacterial contamination is a significant issue impacting public health that demands new technology which is practical to implement by food industry. Detection of bacteria in food products and production facilities is a crucial strategy supporting food safety assessments. Bacteriophages were investigated as a tool for bacterial detection due to their ability to infect specific strain of host bacteria in order to improve sensitivity, specificity, and rapidity of bacterial detection. The results of this investigation reveal a novel method for rapid detection. The method employs a genetically engineered bacteriophage, phage T7-ALP, which expresses alkaline phosphatase. Upon infection of Escherichia coli, overexpression of alkaline phosphatase provides an opportunity for rapid sensitive detection of a signal indicative of bacterial presence in model beverage samples as low as 100 bacteria per gram. The method employs a fluorescent precipitated substrate, ELF-97, as a substrate for alkaline phosphatase activity coupled with fluorescence imaging and image analysis allowing single-cell imaging results in high detection sensitivity. The method is easily completed within less than 6 h enabling it to be deployed within most large industrial food processing facilities that have routine 8-h operational shifts.
Epigenetic Changes in Gliomas

Epigenetic alterations have been fundamentally implicated in the pathobiology of several malignancies including gliomas. Such changes involve tumor specific promoter methylation, histone modifications, and changes in microRNA. Several such recently reported alterations have also been seen to highly correlate with outcome highlighting their clinical significance, including the following: Promoter methylation of MGMT correlates with improved survival in glioblastoma patients who receive chemoradiation therapy and in anaplastic glioma patients treated with radiation alone as frontline therapy. A glioma CpG island methylator phenotype (G-CIMP) confers better survival to patients with the proneural subtype of glioblastoma. Mutations of IDH1 are commonly seen as early events in low grade and anaplastic gliomas and are also associated with a hypermethylator phenotype. Mutations of H3F3A which encodes the histone variant H3.3 have been reported in pediatric high grade gliomas which in turn have been linked to reduction in the histone H3 lysine trimethylation mark (H3K27me3) and possibly DNA hypomethylation as mechanisms for activated gene expression. Lastly, altered expression of several microRNA has been implicated in glioma biology. These findings point to a rapidly expanding recognition of the critical role of epigenetic changes in gliomagenesis and pathobiology. This in turn has given rise to clinical trials that either utilize epigenetic alterations as prognostic markers for patient stratification or in attempts at therapeutic targeting of epigenetic states of gliomas. However, much remains to be learned about the complex interplay between various epigenetic factors in glioma cells and their influence on genetic alterations; such insights will provide a foundation for therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating epigenetic factors to target high and low grade gliomas.
Critical Hypomagnesemia and Seizure Induced by Chronic Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Background: Chronic use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may lead to severe hypomagnesemia, although it is a rare side effect. Hypomagnesemia related to PPIs use less reported compared to other side effects. Critically low magnesium level may lead to fatal seizure activity, which could lead to death if went undiagnosed. Case presentation: This is a report of a 49 yearold female with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) presented to our emergency department with a seizure activity and critically low magnesium level (< 0.5 mg/dL). Initially the patient was hemodynamically unstable, required intubation, and admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU). After further management in MICU, patient stabilized and transferred to the inpatient regular medical floor. Most of the potential common causes of her low magnesium level were thoroughly investigated and ruled out except for PPIs use (as she was a chronic user). The patient was advised to discontinue her PPIs and to use alternative medications because of lifethreatening side effect "hypomagnesemia"and based on the riskbenefit balance (as the risk overweight the benefits in this situation). No further hypomagnesemic episodes reported after the second admission to the ICU unit when PPIs were discontinued completely. Conclusion: Although PPIs use is beneficial for patients with GERD especially those with gastritis, but may lead to lifethreatening hypomagnesemia in rare occasions. Physicians should be aware of this side effect in all patients with chronic PPIs use. In addition, we recommend that patients who developed this rare side effec need to use alternative medications to prevent recurrence an fatal consequences. Further research is needed to determine the incidence and the association between the development of hypomagnesemia and the use of different types of gastric acid suppressants.
Cytokine Storm Syndrome as a Manifestation of Primary HIV Infection

HIV infection triggers an inflammatory response that manifests as acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) in most individuals infected by HIV. While this syndrome is usually self-limited, primary HIV infection sometimes triggers a fulminant inflammatory process consistent with cytokine storm syndrome (CSS). Many of the key findings of CSS including fever, splenomegaly, and cytopenias are routinely observed in ARS, suggesting CSS may be underrecognized in the setting of acute HIV infection. Unlike other CSS scenarios, ARS-associated CSS generally responds well to HIV-targeted therapies. Advanced HIV infection is also associated with CSS, although typically this involves additional infectious insults. Occasionally, HIV therapy results in rapid recovery of the immune response that evolves into CSS.
The Satellites of M-Series X-ray Lines

Four satellites of the diagram line $M{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1}$ have been measured in the range of atomic numbers from U (92) to Yb (70). Two of these satellites have not been reported previously. Three satellites of the diagram line $M\ensuremath{\beta}$ have been measured in the range of atomic numbers from U (92) to Gd (64). Two of these satellites have not been reported previously. Superposition of the semi-Moseley graphs for the satellites of $M{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1}$ and $M\ensuremath{\beta}$, gives rise to the suggestion that perhaps both x-ray lines are modified by the same optical lines. All these observed satellites obey the "Moseley" law,---the data giving a straight line within experimental error. The semi-Moseley graph of the satellite $M{\ensuremath{\beta}}^{\mathrm{ii}}$ shows a significant break at atomic number 70. The satellites of $M{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1}$ vanish at Er (68), coincident with the splitting of the $M{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1}$ line into three components at this place, i.e. at atomic number 68. The range of values of $\frac{\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\nu}}{R}$, between satellite and parent line, is from 0.1 to 2.0, in agreement with the results of previous workers, for the satellites of $K$ and of $L$ series lines. A peculiar continuous spectrum accompanies the satellites of $M{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1}$ and $M\ensuremath{\beta}$ for the elements U (92) and Th (90).
Model-free Learning for Safety-critical Control Systems: A Reference Governor Approach

This paper describes a learning-based approach to operating safety-critical control systems. A reference governor is an add-on scheme used to guard the nominal system against violation of pre-specified constraints by modifying set-point commands. A learning algorithm is developed in this paper to evolve the reference governor parametrization to gradually improve its performance in terms of response speed. In particular, the learning algorithm does not rely on an explicit model of the control system, i.e., it is model-free, and guarantees constraint satisfaction for all time, both during and after learning. The approach is applied to a case study of ground vehicle rollover avoidance to illustrate its functionality and characteristics.
A Human Right to Work & US Elections

Recent headlines in the United States tell the story of surging suicide rates, the runaway cost of higher education, chronic unemployment among certain sectors of society, and a dearth of skilled workers needed to fill thousands of “middle skill” jobs. Couple that with rising childhood poverty rates in many parts of the U.S., and we can see why Timothy Egan might be right that a “grand and unifying" plan is needed to attack income inequality and job loss among working families. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt planted the seeds for just such a plan when he proposed an economic bill of rights. In his “four freedoms” address he made it clear that “freedom from want” is as fundamental to human dignity as our right to speak, to worship, and to be secure in our homes and persons. Yet economic insecurity and income inequality are on the rise. And as FDR noted “People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made.” Ensuring an adequate standard of living and employment opportunities for all is not just a human rights issue, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is the issue that connects disaffected voters across the political spectrum in the 2016 election. The solutions are within our reach. Many ideas have been offered in the same months as the eye catching headlines noted above: investment in our failing infrastructure which can lead to job creation, targeted technical and apprenticeship training, subsidized work programs for the underemployed, and trade policies that actually protect working families. And there is much to be learned from other countries’ experiences as well, such as Germany’s national vocational training program and Australia’s HELP program (repayment of student loans through a tax once a graduate’s income reaches a certain level).The “epic changes” that Egan refers to as taking hold in the past century -- Social Security & Medicare, the Civil Rights & Voting Rights Acts, the Clean Air & Clean Water Acts -- were once considered "pie-in-the-sky" ideas as well (not to mention the Affordable Care Act). In an election season where the unifying theme is economic security, the time may be right for a national policy that recognizes the right of every person to work and live with dignity.
Tipping the Scales With Zebrafish to Understand Adaptive Tumor Immunity

The future of improved immunotherapy against cancer depends on an in-depth understanding of the dynamic interactions between the immune system and tumors. Over the past two decades, the zebrafish has served as a valuable model system to provide fresh insights into both the development of the immune system and the etiologies of many different cancers. This well-established foundation of knowledge combined with the imaging and genetic capacities of the zebrafish provides a new frontier in cancer immunology research. In this review, we provide an overview of the development of the zebrafish immune system along with a side-by-side comparison of its human counterpart. We then introduce components of the adaptive immune system with a focus on their roles in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of teleosts. In addition, we summarize zebrafish models developed for the study of cancer and adaptive immunity along with other available tools and technology afforded by this experimental system. Finally, we discuss some recent research conducted using the zebrafish to investigate adaptive immune cell-tumor interactions. Without a doubt, the zebrafish will arise as one of the driving forces to help expand the knowledge of tumor immunity and facilitate the development of improved anti-cancer immunotherapy in the foreseeable future.
A sliding cost function algorithm for blind deconvolution

A new method for blind equalization is proposed which changes the cost function of the equalizer as the convergence proceeds. Motivation for this idea is given by tests of the new "uniform optimum" O/sub /spl infin///sup 2/ cost function for blind equalization proposed in Satorius and Mulligan (1993), comparing it to the more familiar O/sub 4//sup 2/ Godard-like cost. The new cost achieves better asymptotic performance than O/sub 4//sup 2/ for communications data, but has a zero tracking ability measure, this being an example of the tracking/accuracy compromise of adaptive algorithms. This suggests the use of a sliding cost function algorithm which monitors the convergence state of the equalizer. The sliding cost function algorithm is developed as a "maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimate of the blind gradient" method for blind equalization which assumes the the data fit a generalized Gaussian distribution model. The model parameters are updated at each iteration, and the algorithm adapts its cost function so as to have good tracking ability while converging, and optimal steady state performance at convergence.
Autonomous parvovirus DNA replication requires topoisomerase I and its activity is increased during infection.

Abstract Topoisomerases I and II (topo I and topo II) are nuclear enzymes functioning to resolve DNA topological problems during replication, transcription, and other DNA processes. We tested the effects of camptothecin and VP16, specific inhibitors of topo I and II, respectively, on the DNA replication of parvoviruses LuIII and H-1 and found that viral DNA synthesis was suppressed by camptothecin but not by VP16. Transcription of H-1 virus was measured by a nuclear runoff assay and showed no inhibition by camptothecin. Interestingly, topo I in the LuIII virus-infected cell nuclear extract appears to have more activity for covalently binding to viral DNA than that in mock-infected cell nuclear extracts. Our data suggested that this activity was not due to an increased transcription of the topo I gene or to greater amounts of topo I.
Introduction to Parkinson's and Huntington's Disease

Publisher Summary Disorders of the basal ganglia such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease, have received extensive empirical and theoretical attention with respect to experimental therapeutic interventions. Levodopa pharmacotherapy, the mainstay treatment for Parkinson's disease in combination with carbidopa, produces dramatic benefit to patients with this disease. The problem, however, is that the benefits of levodopa therapy diminish five to ten years following its initiation. As the disease progresses, patients require increasing doses of levodopa. Thus although levodopa in many respects can be considered a “miracle” drug, its limitations require that novel therapeutic strategies be established. Some of these strategies, such as pallidotomy or deep brain stimulation, rely on lesioning or disrupting select regions of “downstream” basal ganglia circuitry, which have become overactive as a consequence of nigrostriatal degeneration. Pathologically, Huntington's disease is characterized by a loss of medium spiny neurons within the caudate nucleus and putamen. As a result of the degeneration of these perikarya, which use gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) as well as a variety of neuropeptides as neurotransmitters, there is a loss of inhibitory innervation to the globus pallidus and substantia nigra pars reticulata, effectively disrupting basal ganglia circuitry.
Modeling and performance evaluation of collision resolution algorithms for LonWorks control networks

The predictive p-persistent carrier sense multiple access (p-persistent CSMA) algorithm is studied, using analytical models, simulations, and physical experiments. The algorithm is used for managing access of devices to a shared channel in networked control applications such as the local operating networks (LonWorks). The key to its success is an adjustment of a time window during which ready packets are transmitted. A Markov-chain based analytical model for the algorithm is developed, as well as an OPNET-based simulation of the model. Predictions of the analytical model and simulation are compared to experimental data collected from a network of six SMART I/O ADR112-F units connected though TP/FT-10 channel
Image analysis by information decomposition and synthesis

The authors compare the image analysis capability using the linear Gaussian pyramid and nonlinear morphological pyramid image decomposition/synthesis techniques, with emphasis on image enhancement. In the experiments, the authors used the weakening strategy of the 'between band correlation then synthesis' approach to remove two types of noise: the unstructured noise (e.g., the random sparkle noise) and the structured noise (e.g., the high-frequency imaging artifact) from an image which has been decomposed either by morphological pyramid or Gaussian pyramid techniques. White sparkle noise was successfully removed by the morphological pyramid band decomposition/synthesis approach based on an opening operation with a flat 3*3 cross structure element. In contrast, the Gaussian pyramid approach with 5*5 Gaussian kernel was not entirely successful in removing the same noise. A similar result was obtained when using both approaches for removing the structured noise. >
Gas6 receptors Axl, Sky and Mer enhance platelet activation and regulate thrombotic responses

Summary. Gas6 (encoded by growth arrest-specific gene 6) is a vitamin-K dependent protein highly homologous to coagulation protein S that is secreted from platelet α-granules and has recently been demonstrated to participate in platelet thrombus formation. The current study evaluated the contribution of each of the three known Gas6 receptors (Axl, Sky and Mer) in human and mouse platelet function. Flow cytometry analyses confirmed that all three receptors are present on both human and mouse platelets. Pre-incubation of human platelets with either an anti-Gas6 antibody or blocking antibodies to Sky or Mer inhibited platelet aggregation and degranulation responses to both ADP and the PAR-1 activating peptide, SFLLRN, by more than 80%. In contrast, a stimulatory anti-Axl antibody increased activation responses to these agonists, suggesting a potentiating role for Gas6 in platelet activation. Moreover, in a mouse model of thrombosis, administration of Gas6 or Sky blocking antibodies resulted in a decrease in thrombus weight similar to clopidogrel but, unlike clopidogrel, produced no increase in template bleeding. Thus, Gas6 enhances platelet degranulation and aggregation responses through its known receptors, promoting platelet activation and mediating thrombus formation such that its inhibition prevents thrombosis without increasing bleeding.
Studies on the mechanisms of renin release from rat kidney slices: calcium, sodium and metabolic inhibition

1. The coincident release of renin and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) from rat renal cortical tissue slices was studied during calcium depletion, metabolic inhibition, and with the addition of ouabain (1 m M) to the incubation medium. 2. The results indicate that although LDH accumulated in the medium during incubation, the pattern was dissimilar to that of renin. Ouabain significantly inhibited renin release in calcium containing medium, but had no effect on LDH release. Renin release was potentiated in calcium ‘free’ media, while calcium depletion reduced the release of LDH. 3. The addition of potassium cyanide (2 m M) significantly inhibited the release of renin from these tissue slices. Cyanide was ineffective, however, when administered in calcium ‘free’ medium. 4. At reduced incubation temperatures (5 °C) the release of both renin and LDH were significantly reduced. 5. Medium sodium depletion caused a significant inhibition of renin release. The simultaneous removal of calcium from the medium did not restore renin release to control levels. 6. These results are not consistent with the hypothesis that spontaneous renin release during calcium depletion and metabolic inhibition is a result of cell enlargement and increased membrane permeability. On the other hand, the in vitro release of renin during these experiments appeared to be inversely related to the intracellular concentration of calcium.
Tracking People with a 360-Degree Lidar

Advances in lidar technology, in particular 360-degreelidar sensors, create new opportunities to augment andimprove traditional surveillance systems. This paperdescribes an initial challenge to use a single stationary360-degree lidar sensor to detect and track people movingthroughout a scene in real-time. The depicted approachfocuses on overcoming three primary challenges inherentin any lidar tracker: classification and matching errorsbetween multiple human targets, segmentation errorsbetween humans and fixed objects in the scene, andsegmentation errors between targets that are very closetogether.
Thermal Fluctuations Limit the Adhesive Strength of Compliant Solids

For compliant solids, the stress required to separate an interface (its adhesive strength) appears to be much lower than that calculated by computing intersurface interactions. We explore the hypothesis that the adhesive strength is limited in value by thermal fluctuations. In a simple model of an interface, molecules bridging the two surfaces are represented by linear entropic springs. Asymptotic and numerical analyses are carried out to evaluate the adhesive strength and effective work of adhesion. For stiff materials, adhesive strength is found to be equal to the intrinsic strength—the maximum value of intersurface stress computed ignoring fluctuations. For compliant materials, adhesive strength is significantly reduced and is on the order of the elastic modulus. The effective work of adhesion agrees with the intrinsic work of adhesion for stiff materials and can decay slowly with increasing compliance.
Distribution of mercury in East Pacific sediments

Abstract Fifty-seven sediments from the East Pacific have been analyzed for Hg. All high Hg-value are found on the crest of the East Pacific Rise. Either volcanic or absorption processes could explain this distribution pattern.
Narrative Coherence in Online Stories Told by Members of the Adoption Triad

Two hundred ninety-eight online narratives told by adoptive parents, adoptees, and birth mothers were rated for their narrative coherence, which consisted of five dimensions: sequential organization, orientation, causal explanation, congruence of affect with content, and sense-making. Overall, mean ratings across all adoption triad members suggested more incoherence than coherence, but relative differences were found among triad members. Adoptive parents scored the highest on sequential organization, orientation, and causal explanation. Birth mothers scored the highest on congruence of affect with content. Narrative coherence has been systematically correlated in the literature with psychological adjustment, and the implications of the study are discussed for their insights into how well adoption triad members have adjusted to the challenges associated with adoption.