cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of inositol signaling in the control of apoptosis

Inositol signaling reactions are very broad in scope affecting many cellular functions. In this report we describe experiments showing that two distinct parts of this system play pivotal roles in an important cellular event, namely apoptosis. Apoptosis is important for organ development and also for controlling cell survival after various stresses which include DNA damage and other proapoptotic stimuli such as tumor necrosis factor α. We show that the inositol phosphate InsP6 or one of its pyrophosphate metabolites determines the extent of apoptosis following tumor necrosis factor α treatment whereby increased cellular levels of InsP6 protect from apoptosis and decreased levels promote it. Cellular levels of InsP6 are determined by the activity of 5/6-kinase since this is the rate limiting enzyme in production of the highly phosphorylated inositol phosphates including InsP6. A lipid inositol metabolite PtdIns5P is also critical in regulating the activity of p53-dependent apoptosis. This phospholipid is formed in cells by the action of type I 4-phosphatase on PtdIns(4,5)P2. PtdIns5P stabilizes p53 by promoting its acetylation in complex with the nuclear factor ING2. Upon genotoxic stress type I 4-phosphatase migrates to the nucleus where it catalyzes the formation of PtdIns5P to stabilize p53 and increase apoptosis.
The role of acid‐volatile sulfide and interstitial water metal concentrations in determining bioavailability of cadmium and nickel from contaminated sediments to the marine polychaete Neanthes arenaceodentata

This study investigated the influence of acid-volatile sulfide (AVS) and interstitial water (IW) metal concentrations on bioavailability and toxicity of Cd and Ni to an infaunal sediment-ingesting marine worm, Neanthes arenaceodentata. Ten-d exposures were conducted with sediments, contaminated primarily with Cd and Ni, from Foundry Cove (Hudson River, NY), and with uncontaminated sediments spiked with Cd or Ni. Molar ratios of simultaneously extracted metal (SEM)/AVS ranged from 1.0, sediments were either lethal or worms did not burrow. Mortality of worms in Foundry Cove sediments was ≤20%, and worms burrowed in all these sediments. However, IW contained <1.0 TU (Ni + Cd) in all Foundry Cove sediments except one (IWTU = 1.69). Metal concentrations in worms generally increased with increases in sediment metal concentration, SEM/AVS molar ratio, and IW metal concentration. The presence of metal in worms from sediments with SEM/AVS ratios <1.0 may be evidence of release of Cd or Ni from oxidized metal sulfide (a result of burrowing), uptake of metal from ingested sediment, or adsorption to body surfaces. These results support the hypothesis that when the concentration of AVS in sediments exceeds that of divalent metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn) sediments will not be acutely toxic. However, a greater number of sediments was correctly predicted to be nontoxic when interstitial water metal concentration of <1.0 TU was used.
Current aspects of basin analysis

Abstract Current research in basin analysis focuses on interdisciplinary integration of geodynamics, mathematical and physical modelling, and sedimentary geology. These efforts are organized into a research framework emphasizing basin formation, nature of the basin fill, maturation (diagenesis) of the basin fill, and timing of events. Research in geodynamics permits development of a proposed classification of sedimentary basins in which basin types are discriminated according to nature of the plate margin, basin position on or within a tectonic plate, nature of the crust, and geodynamic models or known process of formation. A summary of current research developments on sedimentary basin-fills focuses on the interdisciplinary solutions developed to understanding carbonate distribution through time, origin of black shales, sea-level history, and global sedimentary cycles. Maturation of basin fills requires an understanding of both thermodynamic aspects of mineral phase changes, and changing character of the chemistry of flow of water through porous sediments during basin evolution. Summary case histories from the Illinois Basin and the Appalachian Basin illustrate these approaches.
“I Have Been Given the Power to Teach. The Children Understand Me Very Well.” The Social and Academic Impact of Deaf Teacher Training in Kenya

Kenya has 41 Deaf schools that serve children from Class 1 through secondary school. These schools are all characterised by the fact that they have very few teachers who are fluent in Kenyan sign language. In order to meet the needs of schools and to provide employment opportunities for Deaf Kenyan adults, a small non-governmental organisation identified Deaf secondary school students for training. They received two years of teacher training free of charge. Most have since been awarded teaching contracts by the Kenyan Teacher Service Commission or local school boards. This article reports on results from a preliminary study of the social and academic impacts of this innovation. Results indicate that Deaf teachers are inspirational in the classroom, represent a significant resource for their school communities and are preferred by Deaf students. A follow-up study on the relative learning gains of Deaf students when taught by Deaf teachers is planned once relevant data are available.
Particle removal by electrostatic and dielectrophoretic forces for dust control during lunar exploration missions

Particle removal during lunar exploration activities is of prime importance for the success of robotic and human exploration of the moon. We report on our efforts to use electrostatic and dielectrophoretic forces to develop a dust removal technology that prevents the accumulation of dust on solar panels and removes dust adhering to those surfaces. Testing of several prototypes showed solar shield output above 90% of the initial potentials after dust clearing.
A convenient method to prepare emulsified polyacrylate nanoparticles from for drug delivery applications

We describe a method to obtain purified, polyacrylate nanoparticles in a homogeneous powdered form that can be readily reconstituted in aqueous media for in vivo applications. Polyacrylate-based nanoparticles can be easily prepared by emulsion polymerization using a 7:3 mixture of butyl acrylate and styrene in water containing sodium dodecyl sulfate as a surfactant and potassium persulfate as a water-soluble radical initiator. The resulting emulsions contain nanoparticles measuring 40-50 nm in diameter with uniform morphology, and can be purified by centrifugation and dialysis to remove larger coagulants as well as residual surfactant and monomers associated with toxicity. These purified emulsions can be lyophilized in the presence of maltose (a non-toxic cryoprotectant) to provide a homogeneous dried powder, which can be reconstituted as an emulsion by addition of an aqueous diluent. Dynamic light scattering and microbiological experiments were carried out on the reconstituted nanoparticles. This procedure allows for ready preparation of nanoparticle emulsions for drug delivery applications.
Modified Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation (GLUE) Methodology for Considering the Subjectivity of Likelihood Measure Selection

The generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) methodology has been widely used in many areas as an effective and general strategy for model calibration and uncertainty estimation associated with complex models. The application of GLUE requires a formal definition of a likelihood measure. However, it has been recognized that the choice of a likelihood measure is inherently subjective. This, in turn, introduces a new kind of uncertainty—the uncertainty owing to the lack of knowledge in choosing the true likelihood measure in the GLUE methodology. This study proposes a practical framework to address this uncertainty by using multiple likelihood measures, analogous to considering multiple expert opinions. The final uncertainty probability estimates are then obtained by combining the estimates from individual likelihood measures based on probability theory.
In-vivo mitral annuloplasty ring transducer: Implications for implantation and annular downsizing

Mitral annuloplasty has been a keystone to the success of mitral valve repair in functional mitral regurgitation. Understanding the complex interplay between annular-ring stresses and left ventricular function has significant implications for patient-ring selection, repair failure, and patient safety. A step towards assessing these challenges is developing a transducer that can be implanted in the exact method as commercially available rings and can quantify multidirectional ring loading. An annuloplasty ring transducer was developed to measure stresses at eight locations on both the in-plane and out-of-plane surfaces of an annuloplasty ring's titanium core. The transducer was implanted in an ovine subject using 10 sutures at near symmetric locations. At implantation, the ring was observed to undersize the mitral annulus. The flaccid annulus exerted both compressive (-) and tensile stresses (+) on the ring ranging from -3.17 to 5.34 MPa. At baseline hemodynamics, stresses cyclically changed and peaked near mid-systole. Mean changes in cyclic stress from ventricular diastole to mid-systole ranged from -0.61 to 0.46 MPa (in-plane direction) and from -0.49 to 1.13 MPa (out-of-plane direction). Results demonstrate the variability in ring stresses that can be introduced during implantation and the cyclic contraction of the mitral annulus. Ring stresses at implantation were approximately 4 magnitudes larger than the cyclic changes in stress throughout the cardiac cycle. These methods will be extended to ring transducers of differing size and geometry. Upon additional investigation, these data will contribute to improved knowledge of annulus-ring stresses, LV function, and the safer development of mitral repair techniques.
Impact of sentinel lymphadenectomy on survival in a murine model of melanoma.

Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy—also termed sentinel lymphadenectomy (SL)—has become a standard of care for patients with primary invasive cutaneous melanoma. This technique has been shown to provide accurate information about the disease status of the regional lymph node basins at risk for metastasis, provide prognostic information, and provide durable regional lymph node control. The potential survival benefit afforded to patients undergoing SL is controversial. Central to this controversy is whether metastasis to regional lymph nodes occurs independent of or prior to widespread hematogenous dissemination. A related area of uncertainty is whether tumor cells residing within regional lymph nodes have increased metastatic potential. We have used a murine model of primary invasive cutaneous melanoma based on injection of B16-BL6 melanoma cells into the pinna to address two questions: (1) does SL plus wide excision of the primary tumor result in a survival advantage over wide excision alone; and (2) do melanoma cells growing within lymph nodes produce a higher incidence of hematogenous metastases than do cells growing at the primary tumor site? We found that SL significantly improved the survival of mice with small primary tumors. We found no difference in the incidence of lung metastases produced by B16-BL6 melanoma cells growing exclusively within regional lymph nodes and cells growing within the pinna.
Should invasive airway management be done in the field

Traumatic injuries result in more years of productive life lost than any other disease and represent the main cause of death among young people. Despite the public health importance of trauma, there have been few advances in early resuscitative care over the past several decades. In this issue,
Leibniz on Natural Teleology and the Laws of Optics

This essay examines one of the cornerstones of Leibniz’s defense of teleology within the order of nature. The first section explores Leibniz’s contributions to the study of geometrical optics, and argues that his “Most Determined Path Principle” or “MDPP” allows him to bring to the fore philosophical issues concerning the legitimacy of teleological explanations by addressing two technical objections raised by Cartesians to non-mechanistic derivations of the laws of optics. The second section argues that, by drawing on laws such as the MDPP, Leibniz is able to introduce a thin notion of teleology that gives him the resources to respond to the most pressing charges of his day against teleological explanations within natural philosophy. Finally, the third section argues that contemporary philosophers have been overly hasty in their dismissal of Leibniz’s account of natural teleology, and indeed that their own generally thin conceptions of teleology have left them with few well-motivated resources for resisting his elegant position.
Still Bay and Howiesons Poort Foraging Strategies: Recent Research and Models of Culture Change

The Still Bay (SB) and Howiesons Poort (HP) industries, endemic to southern Africa and dating to approximately 72–59 ka, have received a great deal of archaeological attention by virtue of their striking patterns of technology and their close association with some of the earliest unambiguously symbolic objects found in southern Africa. This paper reviews recent literature concerning SB and HP lithic assemblages, faunal remains, paleoenvironmental contexts, and chronological information. It argues that SB biface-dominated technology was designed to be multifunctional and to economize lithic raw material, a strategy well-suited to foragers moving frequently across a wide range of ecological zones in which access to resources and prey encounters were unpredictable. In contrast, HP blade-based tools, using backed blades as modular components in compound weapons, were efficient and reliable hunting weapons designed for specific tasks. More costly and difficult to maintain, HP technology resulted from the targeting of known, localized, and seasonal resources through planned logistical forays. We argue that these complicated patterns of innovation represent separate cultural responses to environmental instability during Marine Isotope Stage 4 and demographic pressures in southern Africa at this time. Against the backdrop of environmental and demographic shifts, the emergence of these innovative tools and associated symbolic objects reflects distinct but quintessentially modern cultural behaviors ethnographically associated with risk reduction, reciprocity, and information sharing.
Have I really met timing? - validating primetime timing reports with SPICE

At sign-off everybody is wondering about how good the accuracy of the static timing analysis timing reports generated with primetime/sup /spl reg// really is. Errors can be introduced by STA setup, interconnect modeling, library characterization etc. The claims that path timing calculated by primetime usually is within a few percent of spice don't help to ease your uncertainty. When the signal integrity features were introduced to primetime there was also a feature added that was hardly announced: primetime can write out timing paths for simulation with spice that can be used to validate the timing numbers calculated by primetime. By comparing the numbers calculated by primetime to a simulation with spice for selected paths the designers can verify the timing and build up confidence or identify errors. This paper will describe a validation flow for primetime timing reports that is based on extraction of the spice paths, starting the spice simulation, parsing the simulation results, and creating a report comparing primetime and spice timing. All these steps are done inside the TCL environment of primetime. It will describe this flow, what is needed for the spice simulation, how it can be set up, what can go wrong, and what kind of problems in the STA can be identified.
Tumor progression-related transmembrane protein aspartate-β-hydroxylase is a target for immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background & Aims Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor survival rate due to recurrent intrahepatic metastases and lack of effective adjuvant therapy. Aspartate-β-hydroxylase (ASPH) is an attractive cellular target since it is a highly conserved transmembrane protein overexpressed in both murine and human HCC tumors, and promotes a malignant phenotype as characterized by enhanced tumor cell migration and invasion. Methods Dendritic cells (DCs), expanded and isolated from the spleen, were incubated with a cytokine cocktail to optimize IL-12 secretion and co-stimulatory molecule expression, then subsequently loaded with ASPH protein for immunization. Mice were injected with syngeneic BNL HCC tumor cells followed by subcutaneous inoculation with 5–10×10 5 ASPH loaded DCs using a prophylactic and therapeutic experimental approach. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were characterized, and their role in producing anti-tumor effects determined. The immunogenicity of ASPH protein with respect to activating antigen specific CD4+ T cells derived from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was also explored. Results We found that immunotherapy with ASPH-loaded DCs suppressed and delayed established HCC and tumor growth when administered prophylactically. Ex-vivo re-stimulation experiments and in vivo depletion studies demonstrated that both CD4+ and CD8+ cells contributed to anti-tumor effects. Using PBMCs derived from healthy volunteers and HCC patients, we showed that ASPH stimulation led to significant development of antigen-specific CD4+ T-cells. Conclusions Immunization with ASPH-loaded DCs has substantial anti-tumor effects which could reduce the risk of HCC recurrence.
IMAGING DISEASES OF THE PEDIATRIC ESOPHAGUS

Numerous conditions can affect the pediatric esophagus and it is essential that physicians caring for children are familiar with the radiographic evaluation of esophageal disorders. Diseases include congenital conditions such as esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula, congenital esophageal stenosis, foregut duplication cyst, esophageal bronchus, vascular rings, and pulmonary sling, inflammatory conditions such as eosinophilic esophagitis and epidermolysis bullosa, traumatic conditions such as ingested foreign body and iatrogenic esophageal injury, neoplasms such as leiomyoma, carcinoma, and lymphoma, infectious conditions such as herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus and Candida esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux and achalasia (1). The radiographic assessment of these conditions typically begins with an esophogram, which utilizes fluoroscopy and an ingested contrast agent. In the most recent issue of Peadiatrics Today, Kljucevsek (2) provide a review of the pediatric esophogram and offer a useful overCommentary
Massachusetts Live Vaccination Protects Against a Novel Infectious Bronchitis Virus S1 Genotype DMV/5642/06

Abstract Four infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) isolates were recovered from commercial broiler chicken flocks located on the Delmarva Peninsula (east coast of the United States) in the spring of 2006. Sequence analysis of the S1 subunit of the spike glycoprotein gene showed the four isolates were highly related to each other (≥99.6% nucleotide identity; ≥98.9% amino acid identity). Basic local alignment search tool analysis indicated the highest S1 amino acid identity of isolate DMV/5642/06, typical of the four Delmarva (DMV) isolates, was to CA/1737/04, an isolate obtained from broilers in California in 2004. A pathogenicity study conducted, using two-week-old commercial broilers, showed that DMV/5642/06 caused respiratory but not renal (kidney) disease. A vaccination–challenge study in three-week-old specific-pathogen-free leghorn chickens demonstrated that a commercial live attenuated IBV vaccine containing the Massachusetts strain conferred protection against challenge with DMV/5642/06 based on virus...
India's Military Intervention in East Pakistan, 1971–1972

India's military intervention in East Pakistan was an instance of the clear use of force for the achievement of limited political and security objectives. Indian policymakers' responses to the events in Pakistan were spread over a specific period of time and their decisions can be viewed in a series of distinct phases. The totality of actions involved diplomatic maneuvering in global, regional, and subcontinental geopolitical contexts. There were, in Indian perceptions, easily identified internal and external dimensions to the situation within East Pakistan such as to create potential threats to the Indian state, its territoriality, self-images, and international status in real and symbolic terms. The eventual settlement indicated a flexibility for action and achievement not ordinarily attributed to Indian capability.
Automated Fast Initial Guess in Digital Image Correlation

A challenging task that has hampered the fully automatic processing of the digital image correlation (DIC) technique is the initial guess when large deformation and rotation are present. In this paper, a robust scheme combining the concepts of a scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) algorithm and an improved random sample consensus (iRANSAC) algorithm is employed to conduct an automated fast initial guess for the DIC technique. The scale-invariant feature transform algorithm can detect a certain number of matching points from two images even though the corresponding deformation and rotation are large or the images have periodic and identical patterns. After removing the wrong matches with the improved random sample consensus algorithm, the three pairs of closest and non-collinear matching points serve for the purpose of initial guess calculation. The validity of the technique is demonstrated by both computer simulation and real experiment.
3D electric impedance tomography reconstruction on multi-core computing platforms

This manuscript presents results relative to the optimization of 3D impedance tomography reconstruction algorithms for execution on multi-core computing platforms. Speed-ups obtainable by the use of modern computing architectures and by an optimized implementation allow the use of much finer FEM meshes in the forward model, leading ultimately to a better image quality.
Interactive behaviors of ethnic minority mothers and their premature infants.

Objective To compare the interactive behaviors of American Indian mothers and their premature infants with those of African American mothers and their premature infants.
Dissociating motor cortex from the motor

During closed-loop control of a brain-computer interface, neurons in the primary motor cortex can be intensely active even though the subject may be making no detectable movement or muscle contraction. How can neural activity in the primary motor cortex become dissociated from the movements and muscles of the native limb that it normally controls? Here we examine circumstances in which motor cortex activity is known to dissociate from movement--including mental imagery, visuo-motor dissociation and instructed delay. Many such motor cortex neurons may be related to muscle activity only indirectly. Furthermore, the integration of thousands of synaptic inputs by individual α-motoneurons means that under certain circumstances even cortico-motoneuronal cells, which make monosynaptic connections to α-motoneurons, can become dissociated from muscle activity. The natural ability of motor cortex neurons under voluntarily control to become dissociated from bodily movement may underlie the utility of this cortical area for controlling brain-computer interfaces.
Photophysiological acclimation of Phaeocystis antarctica Karsten under light limitation

Primary production models and pigment algorithms for remote optical systems including satellites, moorings, or drifters depend on an improved understanding of the relationship between spectral light absorption, pigments, and photosynthesis for species of phytoplankton that are widespread and numerically abundant. Cultures of colonial Phaeocystis antarctica, a prymnesiophyte that can dominate the phytoplankton community in the Southern Ocean, were grown under blue light at seven different levels ranging from 14 to 542 mmol quanta m 22 s 21 at 48C under nutrient-replete conditions. Chlorophyll-specific absorption ( ) at 436 nm increased linearly from 0.03 to 0.11 m 2 a* ph mg chlorophyll a 21 with increasing light intensities. This variability is attributed to pigment packaging effects and pigmentation. The 2.5-fold range in the values of (676 nm) demonstrates significant pigment packaging effects a* ph due to the intracellular pigment content, single cell diameter within the colony, and thylakoid stacking. Quantum yield for growth (fm) varied 30-fold, ranging from 0.003 to 0.09 mol carbon fixed (mol quanta absorbed) 21 . Under low light conditions, the relatively high fm and high (l) may enable Phaeocystis to accumulate a seed population a* ph to initiate blooms at the beginning of spring when light levels are low, mixed layers are deep, and sea ice is still significant. These aspects of its photophysiology may contribute to the ecological success of Phaeocystis in polar regions.
Unclassed Animated Choropleth Maps

Abstract The potential of unclassed animated choropleth maps as a solution to false patterns of geographic change arising from data classification is investigated. Old concerns about unclassed choropleth maps may be mitigated through map interactivity that offers four advantages over traditional data legends, and previous insights from testing static choropleth maps do not necessarily translate to animated cartography. Data from user testing revealed unclassed animated choropleth maps neither help nor hurt the ability of map readers to understand patterns of geographic change. However, the unclassed map (1) appeared 'less jumpy' to participants and was perceived to run at a slower pace (despite running at the same number of frames per second), and (2) subtle geographic shifts (e.g., seasonal unemployment cycles) were more readily noticed on the unclassed maps. Preliminary results also suggest classed data emphasise stability over time – while their unclassed counterparts improve our ability to see changes...
Collaborative learning through practices of group cognition

While there is evidence that collaborative learning consists largely of group-level practices, there has been little analysis and description of these processes as such; learning has generally been studied at the individual unit of analysis. Our research, in contrast, focuses on describing the interactional small-group practices that take place in learning contexts. This paper considers these practices and how they work together to form the foundation for effective collaborative learning activities. It analyzes collaborative learning activities in a paradigmatic CSCL setting to discuss such small-group practices as: resolving cognitive conflict, pursuing inquiry, maintaining a group problem space and coordinating multiple modes of reasoning. These have broad implications for foundational issues of temporality, indexicality and group cognition.
Resonance on the web: web dynamics and revisitation patterns

The Web is a dynamic, ever-changing collection of information accessed in a dynamic way. This paper explores the relationship between Web page content change (obtained from an hourly crawl of over 40K pages) and people's revisitation to those pages (collected via a large scale log analysis of 2.3M users). We identify the relationship, or resonance, between revisitation behavior and the amount and type of changes on those pages. By coupling our large scale log analysis with a complementary user study we explore the intent behind the revisitation behavior we observed. Using the notion of resonance to identify the likely content of interest, we describe a number of ways interaction with changing and revisited information can be better supported. We illustrate how understanding the association between change and revisitation might improve browser, crawler, and search engine design, and present a specific example of how knowledge of both can enable relevant content to be highlighted.
Medication Therapy Management Goes Hi-Tech: Implementing Automated Software Improves Pharmacy Efficiency

BACKGROUND With the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services mandate that all Medicare Part D benefit sponsors must offer members a medication therapy management program, pharmacists were facing new challenges of data collecting using software applications that had limited use for the new program. OBJECTIVE Health Net pharmacists initiated an automated software application to increase the efficiency of the medication therapy management program, the integrity of the member profiles, and the ability to provide accurate reporting of drug-related issues. METHODS Pharmacists were integral contributors to the automated software program; they developed the clinical algorithms, screen layout and transitions, and program functionality. Together with a programming company-Cognizant Technology Solutions-they created a web-based software application to accommodate an increasing number of eligible members and ensure accuracy of the information; they also performed testing of the final product. RESULTS The new program includes member demographics and qualifying parameters that are uploaded monthly. All drug-related problems are now displayed and updated automatically by the software application. Assessment questions are answered and saved within the software, and reporting functions allow for quick and accurate results. Consequently, the number of drug regimen reviews and drug problems identified has increased by more than 300%. CONCLUSION The automated software application is capable of maintaining and updating medication claims, sending and receiving faxes to physicians and pharmacies, and allows for documentation of patient-specific freeform text. Each profile is extensive and allows the pharmacist to get all necessary information from a single source.
Mating Success in the Polyandrous Social Wasp Vespula maculifrons

The mating decisions made by social insect males and females profoundly affect the structure of colonies and populations. However, few studies have used experimental approaches to understand mating behavior and mate choice in social insect taxa. This study investigated mating success in the polyandrous social wasp Vespula maculifrons. Mating trials were designed to test predictions that characteristics of body size and colony-of-origin would affect mating success. We first investigated if size differences existed among individuals and found that males from different colonies differed significantly in the size of nine morphological traits. However, male trait size was not significantly associated with male mating success. In contrast, females from different colonies differed significantly in only six of the nine measured traits, and four of these traits were associated with successful mating behaviors. Specifically, the correlated traits of gaster length, third tergum length, antennal length, and total length were positively associated with female mating success. Thus, long females experience mating advantages over females that are short. We also found that males and females from one particular colony displayed significantly greater mating activity than individuals from other colonies. Thus, the colony from which individuals originate plays an important role in determining mating success. Finally, our experiments failed to detect any evidence of nestmate avoidance during the mating trials. Overall, our data suggest that social insect reproductives may experience differential mating success based on their phenotype or developmental environment.
Contemporary Surgical Indications and Referral Trends in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: A 10-Year Review.

Abstract Background Revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) represents nearly 15% of all hip arthroplasty procedures in the United States and is projected to increase. The purpose of our study was to summarize the contemporary indications for revision THA surgery at a tertiary referral medical center. We also sought to identify the indications for early and late revision surgery and define the prevalence of outside institution referral for revision THA. Methods Using our institution's arthroplasty registry, we identified a retrospective cohort of 870 consecutive patients who underwent revision THA at our hospital from 2004 to 2014. Records were reviewed to collect data on patient's primary and revision THA procedures, and the interval between primary THA and revision surgery was determined. Results Aseptic loosening (31.3%), osteolysis (21.8%), and instability (21.4%) were the overall most common indications for revision THA and the most common indications for revision surgery within 5 years of primary THA. Aseptic loosening and osteolysis were the most common indications for revision greater than 5 years from primary THA. Only 16.4% of revised hips had their index arthroplasty performed at our hospital, whereas 83.6% were referred to our institution. Conclusions Aseptic loosening, osteolysis, and instability remain the most common contemporary indications for revision THA in an era of alternative bearings and modular components. Most of our revisions were referred from outside institutions, which highlights the transfer of a large portion of the revision THA burden to tertiary referral centers, a pattern that could be exacerbated under future bundled payment models.
The Role of Central and Enteric Nervous Systems in the Control of the Retrograde Giant Contraction.

Background/aims The role of the enteric (ENS) and central (CNS) nervous systems in the control of the retrograde giant contraction (RGC) associated with vomiting is unknown. Methods The effects of myotomy or mesenteric nerve transection (MNT) on apomorphine-induced emesis were investigated in 18 chronically instrumented dogs. Results Neither surgery affected the RGC orad of the surgical site or the velocity of the RGC over the entire small intestine. Myotomy blocked the RGC for 17 ± 5 cm aborad of the myotomy, and the velocity of the RGC from 100 to 70 cm from the pylorus slowed (18.1 ± 3.0 to 9.0 ± 0.8 cm/sec) such that the RGC orad and aborad of the myotomy occurred simultaneously. After MNT, the RGC was unchanged up to 66 ± 6 cm from the pylorus, and the sequence of the RGC across the denervated intestine was unaltered. The velocity of the RGC from 100 to 70 cm from the pylorus increased from 12.8 ± 1.6 to 196 ± 116 cm/sec. After myotomy or MNT, the percent occurrence and magnitude of the RGC across the intestine 100 to 70 cm from the pylorus decreased. Conclusions The CNS activates the RGC 10 to 20 cm aborad of its innervation of the intestine and controls the RGC sequence. On the other hand, the ENS plays a role in initiation and generation of the RGC.
Foreward: Advertising and the Law

This foreword to a special issue of the Buffalo Law Review provides an overview of seven articles addressing the intersection of advertising and law. The special issue stems from a November 2009 conference held at the University at Buffalo Law School. The foreword examines the particular difficulties in characterizing the relationship between advertisers, consumers, and the law. Advertisers promulgate certain symbolic meanings designed to induce consumption. Sometimes these meanings are contested through legal means yet consumers can only participate in advertising's regulatory apparatus indirectly. This results in a dynamic between advertiser and consumer that is difficult to define yet ubiquitous in our lives and critical to proposals for legal reform. The articles described offer important new evidence and modes of analysis for understanding this dynamic.
Disorders of Puberty

Puberty should not be considered as a single event but rather a process in which the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis develops from the infantile stage to maturity. This is just one part of the continuum of reproductive function that begins during fetal life and ends in senescence. The age of puberty is, in large degree, determined by genetic factors as 50–80 % of pubertal timing is determined by genetic factors but environmental factors can alter this target. The increasing prevalence of obesity has been one factor postulated to decrease the age of menarche in recent years.
Transfer functions for the seismic research observatory seismograph system

Transfer functions are given for all basic elements of the Seismic Research Observatory (SRO) seismograph system. These include the seismometer, response shaping filters, and anti-alias filters. With these transfer functions the amplitude and phase responses can be calculated at any frequency by the evaluation of a ratio of polynomials in s = iω . Amplitude and phase response plots and impulse responses are given for the most important overall transfer functions. In addition, long- and short-period group delays have been calculated by numerical differentation of phase responses. In the long-period case a simple polynomial approximation to the group delay is given as an aid in interpretation of data. The transfer functions are exact and follow from the integral design of the system.
Characterization of chromatin accessibility with a transposome hypersensitive sites sequencing (THS-seq) assay

Chromatin accessibility captures in vivo protein-chromosome binding status, and is considered an informative proxy for protein-DNA interactions. DNase I and Tn5 transposase assays require thousands to millions of fresh cells for comprehensive chromatin mapping. Applying Tn5 tagmentation to hundreds of cells results in sparse chromatin maps. We present a transposome hypersensitive sites sequencing assay for highly sensitive characterization of chromatin accessibility. Linear amplification of accessible DNA ends with in vitro transcription, coupled with an engineered Tn5 super-mutant, demonstrates improved sensitivity on limited input materials, and accessibility of small regions near distal enhancers, compared with ATAC-seq.
Technical note: An improved approach to determining background aerosol concentrations with PILS sampling on aircraft

Abstract Particle-into-Liquid Samplers (PILS) have become a standard aerosol collection technique, and are widely used in both ground and aircraft measurements in conjunction with off-line ion chromatography (IC) measurements. Accurate and precise background samples are essential to account for gas-phase components not efficiently removed and any interference in the instrument lines, collection vials or off-line analysis procedures. For aircraft sampling with PILS, backgrounds are typically taken with in-line filters to remove particles prior to sample collection once or twice per flight with more numerous backgrounds taken on the ground. Here, we use data collected during the Front Range Air Pollution and Photochemistry Experiment (FRAPPE) to demonstrate that not only are multiple background filter samples are essential to attain a representative background, but that the chemical background signals do not follow the Gaussian statistics typically assumed. Instead, the background signals for all chemical components analyzed from 137 background samples (taken from ∼78 total sampling hours over 18 flights) follow a log-normal distribution, meaning that the typical approaches of averaging background samples and/or assuming a Gaussian distribution cause an over-estimation of background samples – and thus an underestimation of sample concentrations. Our approach of deriving backgrounds from the peak of the log-normal distribution results in detection limits of 0.25, 0.32, 3.9, 0.17, 0.75 and 0.57 μg m −3 for sub-micron aerosol nitrate (NO 3 − ), nitrite (NO 2 − ), ammonium (NH 4 + ), sulfate (SO 4 2− ), potassium (K + ) and calcium (Ca 2+ ), respectively. The difference in backgrounds calculated from assuming a Gaussian distribution versus a log-normal distribution were most extreme for NH 4 + , resulting in a background that was 1.58× that determined from fitting a log-normal distribution.
O2-S3.03 Duration of recent sexual partnerships in sexually active men and women

Background The duration of partnerships and partner change rates contribute to STI transmission. Additionally, concurrent partnerships and short gaps between partnerships may be associated with STI spread. Few studies have examined the duration of sexual partnerships at the national level. We examined the duration of recent sexual partnerships reported by sexually active men and women in the US. Methods Data were from a national survey of reproductive age men and women in the US 7470 men and women reported having an opposite-sex partner in the past year and reported on their recent sex partners (up to three). Duration of partnerships was measured in months; partnerships where respondents reported only having sex once were coded as 1-month in duration. Respondents indicated whether or not the partner was a current sex partner. Bivariate analyses examined duration of partnerships (mean) by demographics. Data were analysed separately for men and women. A subset of unmarried respondents was also examined. Results Findings were similar for the entire sample and for those who were unmarried. Duration of most recent partnership was longer for women as compared to men, but men reported longer 2nd and 3rd most recent partnerships than women. Adolescents had the shortest duration for all three partnerships and were least likely to report that the partner was a current sex partner. There was no difference in duration of partnerships by race with the exception of black men having a shorter duration most recent partnership than other men. More black men but fewer black women reported that their most recent partner was a current partner as compared to other groups. However, black and Hispanic men were more likely to indicate that their second recent partnership was also current. For most recent and 2nd recent partnerships, married men and women reported the longest duration. For most recent partnership, unmarried men and all women with less than a high school education had a longer duration than their counterparts. There were no differences in whether the partner was current by education. Conclusions Adolescents and black men had the shortest partnerships. Black women did not differ from white or Hispanic women in the duration of their partnerships. Men and women with short partnerships, overlapping and non-overlapping, may play a key role in the transmission of STIs.
Near Time-Optimal Waypoint Tracking Algorithm for a 3-DOF Model Helicopter

In this paper, we present a novel approach for solving near time optimal way point tracking problems. The proposed algorithm is applied to a 3-DOF nonlinear model helicopter developed at the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University. This model helicopter is developed as an experimental test bed to explore nonlinear flight guidance and control techniques for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). We propose a two degree of freedom way point guidance algorithm, where the outer loop generates near time optimal trajectories for the helicopter’s pitch and yaw motion using a standard bang singular bang type control, and a suitably designed inner loop position tracks the reference. The novelty of our work lies in the design of the outer loop reference generator.
Methamphetamine alters microglial immune function through P2X7R signaling

Purinoceptors have emerged as mediators of chronic inflammation and neurodegenerative processes. The ionotropic purinoceptor P2X7 (P2X7R) is known to modulate proinflammatory signaling and integrate neuronal-glial circuits. Evidence of P2X7R involvement in neurodegeneration, chronic pain, and chronic inflammation suggests that purinergic signaling plays a major role in microglial activation during neuroinflammation. In this study, we investigated the effects of methamphetamine (METH) on microglial P2X7R. ESdMs were used to evaluate changes in METH-induced P2X7R gene expression via Taqman PCR and protein expression via western blot analysis. Migration and phagocytosis assays were used to evaluate functional changes in ESdMs in response to METH treatment. METH-induced proinflammatory cytokine production following siRNA silencing of P2X7R in ESdMs measured P2X7R-dependent functional changes. In vivo expression of P2X7R and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was visualized in an escalating METH dose mouse model via immunohistochemical analysis. Stimulation of ESdMs with METH for 48 h significantly increased P2X7R mRNA (*p < 0.0336) and protein expression (*p < 0.022). Further analysis of P2X7R protein in cellular fractionations revealed increases in membrane P2X7R (*p < 0.05) but decreased cytoplasmic expression after 48 h METH treatment, suggesting protein mobilization from the cytoplasm to the membrane which occurs upon microglial stimulation with METH. Forty-eight hour METH treatment increased microglial migration towards Fractalkine (CX3CL1) compared to control (****p < 0.0001). Migration toward CX3CL1 was confirmed to be P2X7R-dependent through the use of A 438079, a P2X7R-competitive antagonist, which reversed the METH effects (****p < 0.0001). Similarly, 48 h METH treatment increased microglial phagocytosis compared to control (****p < 0.0001), and pretreatment of P2X7R antagonist reduced METH-induced phagocytosis (****p < 0.0001). Silencing the microglial P2X7R decreased TNF-α (*p < 0.0363) and IL-10 production after 48 h of METH treatment. Additionally, our studies demonstrate increased P2X7R and decreased TH expression in the striata of escalating dose METH animal model compared to controls. This study sheds new light on the functional role of P2X7R in the regulation of microglial effector functions during substance abuse. Our findings suggest that P2X7R plays an important role in METH-induced microglial activation responses. P2X7R antagonists may thus constitute a novel target of therapeutic utility in neuroinflammatory conditions by regulating pathologically activated glial cells in stimulant abuse.
Analysis of results of typhoid and paratyphoid surveillance in Kaiyang,2008-2010

Objective To ascertain the prevalence of typhoid and paratyphoid fever in Kaiyang and explore risk factors for both in order to provide a basis for targeted comprehensive control measures.Methods Six towns in Kaiyang with a higher incidence of typhoid and paratyphoid fever were selected,and a system was established to monitor bacteria causing typhoid and paratyphoid fever.Cases of fevers were registered and blood was collected for pathogen detection.Monitoring took place from May 2008 to August 2010.Results Blood samples were collected from 8 529 patients among 112 503 registered cases of fevers.Of these patients,92 tested positive,including 1 case of typhoid fever and 91 cases of paratyphoid fever.Patients were mainly ages 10 to 40,and farmers accounted for 69.57% of confirmed cases.Of the patients,52.17% had a temperature of 37.5-38.0 ℃.Many patients had multiple subjective symptoms.Conclusion The prevalent strain in Kaiyang was mainly Paratyphoid A.Enhancing surveillance of people with typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever,early detection,and timely treatment of patients are crucial to prevention and control of typhoid and paratyphoid fevers.