cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activation of Murine Mononuclear Phagocytes for Destroying Tumor Cells: Analysis of Effector Mechanisms and Development

Over the past decade, the original concept of macrophage activation as development of the ability to destroy facultative or obligate intracellular parasites has been broadened to include the destruction of tumor cells (1). Macrophages from sites of infection with such intracellular parasites, when cocultivated with tumor cells, efficiently destroy the tumor cells over several days (1). This form of cytolysis, which has been termed macrophage-mediated tumor cytotoxicity, has generally been found to be selective for tumor cells, to depend upon cell-to-cell contact, and to be independent of either exogenous recognition factors or soluble lytic substances (2,3). In the past two years, it has become apparent that macrophages can also be activated for destroying tumor cells in another, quite distinct circumstance — the lysis of antibody-coated tumor targets (antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity or ADCC) (4,5). Considerable evidence has been amassed that activation of macrophages is an important host defense against the development and spread of neoplasms in vivo (1–3).
On controllability and system constraints of the linear models of proton exchange membrane and solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract In this paper we first show that the linear models of proton exchange membrane (polymer electrolyte membrane, PEM) and solid oxide (SO) fuel cells, commonly used in power and energy literature, are not controllable. The source of uncontrollability is the equation for pressure of the water vapor that is only affected by the fuel cell current, which in fact is a disturbance in this system and cannot be controlled by the given model inputs: inlet molar flow rates of hydrogen and oxygen. Being uncontrollable these models are not good candidates for studying control of dynamic processes in PEM and SO fuel cells. However, due to their simplicity, they can be used in hybrid configurations with other energy producing devices such as photovoltaic (solar) cells, wind turbine, micro gas turbine, battery (ultra capacitor) to demonstrate some other phenomena, but not for control purposes unless the hybrid models formed in such hybrid configurations are controllable. Testing controllability of such hybrid models is mandatory. Secondly, we introduce some algebraic constraints that follow from the model dynamics and the Nernst open-loop fuel cell voltage formula. These constraints must be satisfied in simulation of considered fuel cell modes, for example, via MATLAB/Simulink or any other computer software package.
Urban Lightning: Current Research, Methods, and the Geographical Perspective

This review of urban lightning research begins with a description of cloud-toground flash data and some of the conditioning practices related to their use. Urban lightning studies from the United States and internationally are then examined to distill findings as well as to compare and contrast the modes of inquiry among the meteorologists, climatologists, engineers, and geographers who study lightning. In summary, these investigations convey how urban heating, building-induced surface friction, aerosols, and specificities such as local physiography and synoptic setting are intertwined causal mechanisms underlying urban flash modification. A tension among methodological approaches in these studies circumscribes how questions are posed, and how findings are valued and ultimately synthesized. Flash research tends to follow either a descriptive phenomenological approach or a foundational approach in which prediction and mechanism are paramount. Selecting the spatial extent of an urban lightning study and the methods to assess the statistical embeddedness of flash counts within thunderstorms events are two other methodological points of contention. Cityto-city comparisons and integrated analysis of aerosols, precipitation, and flashes over multiple scales are important directions for future research.
Congenital absence of the portal vein with an intrahepatic inferior vena cava branch showing hepatopetal flow.

Congenital absence of the portal vein (CAPV), known as Abernethy malformation, is a rare malformation and is more common in females. We present a case of a woman with CAPV and a coexisting intrahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) branch showing hepatopetal flow, which to our knowledge has not been reported in the medical literature.
Are there current-sheet-like structures in the Earth's magnetotail as in the solar wind - results and implications from high time resolution magnetic field measurements by Cluster

Recent studies of solar wind MHD turbulence show that current-sheet-like structures are common in the so- lar wind and they are a significant source of solar wind MHD turbulence intermittency. While numerical simulations have suggested that such structures can arise from non-linear in- teractions of MHD turbulence, a recent study by Borovsky (2006), upon analyzing one year worth of ACE data, sug- gests that these structures may represent the magnetic walls of flux tubes that separate solar wind plasma into distinct bundles and these flux tubes are relic structures originating from boundaries of supergranules on the surface of the Sun. In this work, we examine whether there are such structures in the Earth's magnetotail, an environment vastly different from the solar wind. We use high time resolution magnetic field data of the FGM instrument onboard Cluster C1 space- craft. The orbits of Cluster traverse through both the solar wind and the Earth's magnetosheath and magnetotail. This makes its dataset ideal for studying differences between solar wind MHD turbulence and that inside the Earth's magneto- sphere. For comparison, we also perform the same analysis when Cluster C1 is in the solar wind. Using a data anal- ysis procedure first introduced in Li (2007, 2008), we find that current-sheet-like structures can be clearly identified in the solar wind. However, similar structures do not exist in- side the Earth's magnetotail. This result can be naturally ex- plained if these structures have a solar origin as proposed by Borovsky (2006). With such a scenario, current analysis of solar wind MHD turbulence needs to be improved to include the effects due to these curent-sheet-like structures.
Morphogenesis of the C. elegans hermaphrodite uterus

We have undertaken electron micrographic reconstruction of the Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodite uterus and determined the correspondence between cells defined by their lineage history and differentiated cell types. In this organ, many cells do not move during morphogenesis and the cell lineage may function to put cells where they are needed. Differentiated uterine cell types include the toroidal ut cells that make structural epithelium, and specialized utse and uv cells that make the connection between the uterus and the vulva. A cell fate decision in which the anchor cell (AC) induces adjacent ventral uterine intermediate precursor cells to adopt the pi fate, rather than the ground state rho, has profound consequences for terminal differentiation: all pi progeny are directly involved in making the uterine-vulval connection whereas all rho progeny contribute to ut toroids or the uterine-spermathecal valve. In addition to specifying certain uterine cell fates, the AC also induces the vulva. Its multiple inductions thereby function to coordinate the connection of an internal to an external epithelium. The AC induces the pi cells and ultimately fuses with a subset of their progeny. This is an example of reciprocal cell-cell interaction that can be studied at single cell resolution. The AC is thus a transitory cell type that plays a pivotal role in organizing the morphogenesis of the uterine-vulval connection.
Genomic organization, expression, and function of bitter taste receptors (T2R) in mouse and rat.

Mammalian type 2 taste receptors (T2R) are a family of G protein-coupled receptors that mediate bitter signals in taste cells. In the present study, we compared the genomic organization of rodent T...
History-aware Self-Scheduling

Scheduling parallel loops, i.e., the way iterations are mapped on to different processors, plays a critical role in the efficient execution of programs, particularly of supercomputing applications, on multiprocessor systems. In applications where the problem dimension (and hence execution time) is dependent on run-time data, loop iterations also tend to be of variable length - this variability affects both sequential and parallel loops and in particular nested loops and it is quite prevalent in sparse matrix solvers. In this paper, we propose a (execution) historyaware self-scheduling approach of irregular parallel loops on heterogeneous multiprocessor systems. First, the proposed method computes the chunk size, i.e., the amount of work allocated to a processor at each scheduling step, based on the variance in workload distribution across the iteration space. Second, it fine tunes the chunk size based on the execution history of the loop, wherein the workload of an iteration is determined at run-time based on the statistical deviation of workload estimates of previously executed iterations from their corresponding actual workloads. We evaluate our techniques using a set of kernels (extracted from industry-strength SPEC OMPM 2001 benchmark) with uneven workload distributions. The results show that our technique performs 5% - 18% better than the existing schemes.
Design of a fast chromaticity jump in RHIC

During transition crossing in the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), chromaticities have to change sign. This sign change is partially accomplished by the /spl gamma//sub t/ quadrupole jump; however, the resulting chromaticity jump is only /spl Delta//spl xi//sub x/ = 2.1 in the horizontal and /spl Delta//spl xi//sub y/ = 2.4 in the vertical plane. To increase the jump height, a dedicated chromaticity jump scheme has been designed, consisting of fast power supplies connected to six sextupoles per ring, which is capable of providing a chromaticity jump of /spl Delta//spl xi/ = 6.
Emotional influences on locomotor behavior

Emotional responses to appetitive and aversive stimuli motivate approach and avoidance behaviors essential for survival. The purpose of the current study was to determine the impact of specific emotional stimuli on forward, approach-oriented locomotion. Steady state walking was assessed while participants walked toward pictures varying in emotional content (erotic, happy people, attack, mutilation, contamination, and neutral). Step length and step velocity were calculated for the first two steps following picture onset. Exposure to the mutilation and contamination pictures shortened the lengths of step one and step two compared to the erotic pictures. Additionally, step velocity was greater during exposure to the erotic pictures compared to (1) the contamination and mutilation pictures for step one and (2) all other picture categories for step two. These findings suggest that locomotion is facilitated when walking toward approach-oriented emotional stimuli but compromised when walking toward aversive emotional stimuli. The data extend our understanding of fundamental interactions among motivational orientations, emotional reactions, and resultant actions. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Sociological Perspectives on Urban China From Familiar Territories to Complex Terrains

This article provides an integrated review of sociological perspectives and research on seven areas of inquiry regarding change and continuity in urban China over the past two decades or so. We begin with an assessment of the sociological literature on stratification and inequality in light of the state-market debate and its extensions. Then we evaluate the research on social networks as a resilient resource that can influence social stratification and social change. Next we examine the more interdisciplinary research on migration and migrant labor, highlighting its sociological insights. This is followed by a critical look at housing studies that have revealed a new residential landscape in the Chinese city. Then we present our take on the scholarly contributions to urban consumption, followed by a presentation and appraisal of studies of changing urban governance that have focused on the danwei and community. Our final review focus is the critical work on different forms of mobilization and resistance in response to tensions and conflicts from uneven reform and market transition. Following this extended albeit selective review of the rich and diverse literatures, we offer an overall assessment of their dominant themes, disciplinary weights, and diverse approaches. Finally, we advocate for more theorization, comparison, and integration as ways of advancing both sociological and interdisciplinary research on urban China.
Classification of gene expression levels using activator and repressor motifs

Gene expression levels are influenced significantly by the presence or absence of cis-regulatory elements or motifs. This paper presents classification systems in which the occurrences of both activator and repressor motifs constitute important inputs in predicting whether a gene will be up-regulated, down-regulated, or neither (neutral). We have experimented with several approaches for classification using these input data, and best performance was obtained using Support Vector Machine (SVM) models with linear kernels and a hierarchical structure. On Saccharomyces cerevisiae data, this approach yielded 71% accuracy (on test data) for 3-category classification.
The null space property for sparse recovery from multiple measurement vectors

Abstract We prove a null space property for the uniqueness of the sparse solution vectors recovered from a minimization in l p quasi-norm subject to multiple systems of linear equations, where p ∈ ( 0 , 1 ] . Furthermore, we show that the null space property is equivalent to the null space property for the standard l p minimization subject to a single linear system. This answers the questions raised in Foucart and Gribonval (2010) [17] .
Expenditures in caring for patients with dementia who live at home.

OBJECTIVES. Given the national interest in progressive dementia, we estimated expenditures incurred in caring for dementia patients who live at home. METHODS. Primary caregivers of 264 patients from a university-based memory disorders clinic were interviewed at baseline and asked to keep service use diaries for 6 months; 141 caregivers who returned the diaries are the focus of this report. We examined both formal and informal services (distinguished by whether money was exchanged) and associated expenditures. RESULTS. Neither caregivers returning diaries nor their patients differed at baseline from those not returning diaries and their patients. Expenditures incurred over 6 months were extensive for both formal ($6986) and informal ($786) services. Out-of-pocket expenditures were high (e.g., in-home companion or sitter, adult day care, visiting nurse). Multivariable analyses indicated that patients with more severe symptoms of dementia and families with higher incomes reported significantly higher expendi...
A numerical study of flow and thermal fields in tilted Rayleigh–Bénard convection

Abstract Convection in enclosures heated from below can affect crystals grown from melts. Experiments designed to study such convection can be influenced by small tilts of the experimental system with respect to gravity. Because of the additional body force, tilting can mask flow transition points, making comparisons with stability studies difficult. In this study, the classic Rayleigh–Benard problem is re-examined numerically with the addition of various tilt angles in cubical enclosures of liquid tin (Pr = 0.008). The results presented are applied to experiments which measure both molecular diffusivities as well as convection in the melt.
Bisphenol A and Related Compounds in Dental Materials

CONTEXT: Dental sealants and composite filling materials containing bisphenol A (BPA) derivatives are increasingly used in childhood dentistry. Evidence is accumulating that BPA and some BPA derivatives can pose health risks attributable to their endocrine-disrupting, estrogenic properties. OBJECTIVES: To systematically compile and critically evaluate the literature characterizing BPA content of dental materials; to assess BPA exposures from dental materials and potential health risks; and to develop evidence-based guidance for reducing BPA exposures while promoting oral health. METHODS: The extant toxicological literature and material safety data sheets were used as data sources. RESULTS: BPA is released from dental resins through salivary enzymatic hydrolysis of BPA derivatives, and BPA is detectable in saliva for up to 3 hours after resin placement. The quantity and duration of systemic BPA absorption is not clear from the available data. Dental products containing the bisphenol A derivative glycidyl dimethacrylate (bis-GMA) are less likely to be hydrolyzed to BPA and have less estrogenicity than those containing bisphenol A dimethacrylate (bis-DMA). Most other BPA derivatives used in dental materials have not been evaluated for estrogenicity. BPA exposure can be reduced by cleaning and rinsing surfaces of sealants and composites immediately after placement. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the proven benefits of resin-based dental materials and the brevity of BPA exposure, we recommend continued use with strict adherence to precautionary application techniques. Use of these materials should be minimized during pregnancy whenever possible. Manufacturers should be required to report complete information on the chemical composition of dental products and encouraged to develop materials with less estrogenic potential.
Identification and Modification of the Uridine-binding Site of the UDP-GalNAc (GlcNAc) Pyrophosphorylase

UDP-GalNAc pyrophosphorylase (UDP-GalNAcPP; AGX1) catalyzes the synthesis of UDP-GalNAc from UTP and GalNAc-1-P. The 475-amino acid protein (57 kDa protein) also synthesizes UDP-GlcNAc at about 25% the rate of UDP-GalNAc. The cDNA for this enzyme, termed AGX1, was cloned in Escherichia coli, and expressed as an active enzyme that cross-reacted with antiserum against the original pig liver UDP-HexNAcPP. In the present study, we incubated recombinant AGX1 with N(3)-UDP-[(32)P]GlcNAc and N(3)-UDP-[(32)P]GalNAc probes to label the nucleotide-binding site. Proteolytic digestions of the labeled enzyme and analysis of the resulting peptides indicated that both photoprobes cross-linked to one 24-amino acid peptide located between residues Val(216) and Glu(240). Four amino acids in this peptide were found to be highly conserved among closely related enzymes, and each of these was individually modified to alanine. Mutation of Gly(222) to Ala in the peptide almost completely eliminated UDP-GlcNAc and UDP-GalNAc synthesis, while mutation of Gly(224) to Ala, almost completely eliminated UDP-GalNAc synthesis, but UDP-GlcNAc was only diminished by 50%. Both of these mutations also resulted in almost complete loss of the ability of the mutated proteins to cross-link N(3)-UDP-[(32)P]GlcNAc or N(3)-UDP-[(32)P]GalNAc. On the other hand, mutations of either Pro(220) or Tyr(227) to Ala did not greatly affect enzymatic activity, although there was some reduction in the ability of these proteins to cross-link the photoaffinity probes. We also mutated Gly(111) to Ala since this amino acid was reported to be necessary for catalysis (Mio, T., Yabe, T., Arisawa, M., and Yamada-Okabe, H. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 14392-14397). The Gly(111) to Ala mutant lost all enzymatic activity, but interestingly enough, this mutant protein still cross-linked the radioactive N(3)-UDP-GlcNAc although not nearly as well as the wild type. On the other hand, mutation of Arg(115) to Ala had no affect on enzymatic activity although it also reduced the amount of cross-linking of N(3)-UDP-[(32)P]GlcNAc. These studies help to define essential amino acids at or near the nucleotide-binding site and the catalytic site, as well as peptides involved in binding and catalysis.
Modern Uses of Electron Microscopy for Detection of Viruses

Summary: Electron microscopy, considered by some to be an old technique, is still on the forefront of both clinical viral diagnoses and viral ultrastructure and pathogenesis studies. In the diagnostic setting, it is particularly valuable in the surveillance of emerging diseases and potential bioterrorism viruses. In the research arena, modalities such as immunoelectron microscopy, cryo-electron microscopy, and electron tomography have demonstrated how viral structural components fit together, attach to cells, assimilate during replication, and associate with the cellular machinery during replication and egression. These studies provide information for treatment and vaccine strategies.
The Twin Children of Auschwitz–Birkenau: Conference on Nazi Medicine/Research: Genes and DZ Twinning; IVF Versus Spontaneous Twinning; Gender Identity Disorder; Royal Protector: Danish and Australian Twin Registries/Human Interest: MZ Twin Co-Principals; Twin Loss at Sandy Hook; Twin Documentaries; New Twin and Twin-Like Reunions; Prominent Twins’ Passing

The twin children who survived the Holocaust and the horrific medical experiments conducted by Nazi doctors are sometimes overlooked in the relevant literature. This topic and more were discussed as part of an annual conference hosted by students from Yeshiva University's Medical Ethics Society in October 2012. A selective summary of this meeting is followed by summaries of recent twin studies concerning genetic influences on twinning, in vitro fertilization versus spontaneous twin pregnancies, gender identity disorder, and royal support for twin registries. Several human interest stories are also worth noting. They include identical twin school principals, twin loss at Sandy Hook Elementary School, timely twin documentaries, new twin and twin-like reunions, and the passing of two prominent twins.
Morphogenesis in hydra: I. Peduncle and basal disc formation at the distal end of regenerating hydra after exposure to colchicine

The regenerative ability of hydra has been frequently demonstrated since Trembley (1744) first witnessed the regeneration of a hydranth from the proximal half of an excised animal. Under normal conditions, the hypostome and tentacles always regenerate from the distal cut end, and proximal structures, the peduncle and basal disc, from the proximal cut end. This pattern of regeneration reflects the rigid polarity of hydra. Normal polarity and regeneration can be altered, however, by several techniques. Various graft combinations induce distal structures from regions destined to produce peduncle (Wetzel, 1898; King, 1903; Browne, 1909; Koelitz, 1911; Mutz, 1930; Burnett, 1961). An interspecific graft between the peduncle region of Hydra oligactis and the distal end of Hydra pirardi can result in the production of tentacles at the proximal end of the peduncle, which normally would form a base, and the inversion of polarity (Burnett, 1961).
The Effect of Relative Performance Information Under Different Incentive Schemes on Performance in a Production Task

Using social comparison theory as the theoretical framework, this study investigates whether relative performance information (RPI) motivates workers in a real-effort task and whether the effects vary under piece-rate, quota-based, and budget-based incentive schemes. An experiment was conducted using a 2 (RPI: yes or no) by 3 (incentive scheme: piece-rate contract, quota-based contract, or budget-based contract) between-subjects factorial design using 135 student participants assuming the role of production workers. Results revealed a strong and consistently positive effect on task performance of providing relative performance information across the three incentive schemes. Regarding the motivational value of the incentive scheme, the results revealed that participants operating under the quota-based contract significantly outperformed those operating under the budget-based and the piece-rate contract. The interaction between RPI and incentive scheme was insignificant. Results also revealed that the performance enhancing value of RPI was most pronounced for participants in the bottom third of the performance distribution. This study provides empirical evidence on the value of configuring a firm’s management accounting system to provide workers with frequent relative performance information.
RAPID EVOLUTION IN CLARKIA

Several diploid species of Clarkia (Onagraceae) have very limited areas of distribution (Lewis and Lewis, 1955). Most of these grow adjacent to or are surrounded by other closely related species that resemble them so closely that they would ordinarily be regarded as conspecific. Specific status is accorded to them because of reproductive isolation coupled with at least one consistent difference in external morphology. This pattern recurs with sufficient constancy to suggest that the various examples have a common explanation, with similar factors operating in each instance. This pattern suggests to us a rapid shift of the adaptive mode, such as Simpson (1944) termed quantum evolution, at the diploid specific level. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate this process by a consideration of the mode of origin of a narrow serpentine endemic, Clarkia franciscana Lewis and Raven (1958).
Saari, with no Apologies

Deanna Haunsperger (dhaunspe @carleton.edu; Carleton College, Northfield, MN 55057) received her BA from Simpson College and in 1991 her PhD from Northwestern University. She taught for three years at St. Olaf College before arriving at Carleton, where she is now an Associate Professor of Mathematics. She was co-Editor of Math Horizons from 1999 to 2003, and she has directed the Carleton Summer Mathematics Program for women since 1995. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family.
Purified human poliomyelitis virus; infectivity for cynomolgus monkeys.

SummaryHuman poliomyelitis virus in the form of infected monkey cord was purified by methanol precipitation at low temperatures. Titration by intracerebral inoculation in cynomolgus monkeys indicated no appreciable loss in activity of the virus during the purification procedure. It was shown that purified virus was infective for cynomolgus monkeys when administered by the oral route.
Pit Initiation on Partially Amorphous Alloys with Solute-Lean Nanocrystals

The good global pitting resistance of amorphous Al90Fe5Gd5 in 0.6 M NaCl solution is maintained upon partial devitrification to form solute lean crystals in an amorphous matrix. The focus of this paper is to distinguish whether this can be explained by decreased pit initiation or hindered pit growth and stabilization. The metastable pitting properties of Al90Fe5Gd5 were investigated at the nanometer (nm) and micrometer (μm) scales. The fully amorphous alloy, versions of the alloy containing a high volume fraction of isolated 5-15 nm diameter Al-rich crystals embedded within the amorphous matrix, and versions containing ~500 nm transitional phases in a remaining amorphous-nanocrystalline matrix were compared to a fully crystallized condition and pure polycrystalline Al. Nanocrystals and transitional phases embedded in an amorphous Al-Fe-Gd matrix do not promote pit initiation at the nm-scale in NaCl solution under the same electrochemical conditions where the bulk equivalent of Al-rich f.c.c. nanocrystals do initiate sub-μm sized pits. The number and size of sub-micrometer pit initiation events is similar for the fully amorphous and amorphous-nanocrystalline alloys under the same conditions.
Predictors of Dysgeusia in Patients With Oropharyngeal Cancer Treated With Chemotherapy and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

Objective(s) Dysgeusia is a significant factor reducing quality of life and worsening dysphagia in patients receiving chemoradiation therapy for head and neck cancer. The factors affecting dysgeusia severity are uncertain. We investigated the effects on patient-reported dysgeusia of doses to the oral cavity, salivary output (required to dissolve food particles), and patient-reported xerostomia. Methods and Materials Seventy-three patients with stage III to IV oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) (N=73) receiving definitive intensity modulated radiation therapy concurrently with chemotherapy participated in a prospective, longitudinal study of quality of life (QOL), including assessment of patient-reported gustatory function by taste-related questions from the Head and Neck QOL instrument (HNQOL) and the University of Washington Head and Neck-related QOL instrument (UWQOL), before therapy and periodically after treatment. At these intervals, patients also completed a validated xerostomia-specific questionnaire (XQ) and underwent unstimulated and stimulated major salivary gland flow rate measurements. Results At 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment, dysgeusia improved over time: severe dysgeusia was reported by 50%, 40%, 22%, and 23% of patients, respectively. Significant associations were found between patient-reported severe dysgeusia and radiation dose to the oral cavity ( P =.005) and tongue ( P =.019); normal tissue complication probability for severe dysgeusia at 3 months showed mean oral cavity D 50 doses 53 Gy and 57 Gy in the HNQOL and WUQOL questionnaires, respectively, with curve slope ( m ) of 0.41. Measured salivary output was not statistically significantly correlated with severe taste dysfunction, whereas patient-reported XQ summary scores and xerostomia while eating scores were correlated with severe dysgeusia in the UWQOL tool ( P =.04). Conclusions Taste impairment is significantly correlated with mean radiation dose to the oral cavity. Patient-reported xerostomia, but not salivary output, was correlated with severe dysgeusia in 1 of the 2 QOL questionnaires. Reduction in oral cavity doses is likely to improve dysgeusia.
The Economics of Digital TV’s Future

Market economics sets are a useful indeed inescapable, hurdle that new technologies must overcome-technological innovation by itself can’t assure commercial success. HDTV’s future has yet to identify or create a level of consumer demand that justifies the level of investment program producers and delivery systems will have to undertake. Investments currently are defensively-driven, to prevent market-position losses should consumer demand appear. Globally, arguments for HDTV seem even less-developed than in advanced economies. In the interim, government regulation and armtwisting worldwide is acting as a powerful driver, though whether historically HDTV will benefit from such efforts (as computers once did) or lose (as nuclear power has) remains uncertain. The government’s role won’t disappear, despite talk of “deregulation”; academics should spend more time examining producer and delivery-system alliances, their effects on competition, and their ultimate provision of HDTV as an economical surrogate to analog for global consumers
Microdosimetry. Elements of Stochastic Transport Theory

So far, in this book, we have been mostly concerned with calculation of macroscopic characteristics of radiation fields, such as dose distributions on a spatial scale on the order of ∼ 1 mm. However, absorbed dose does not always serve as a good predictor of biological effects of radiation, including the outcome of a radiation treatment.
The secret life of 1{n: A journey far beyond the decimal point

The decimal expansions of the numbers 1{n (such as 1{3 0:3333:::, 1{7 0:142857:::) are most often viewed as tools for approximating quantities to a desired degree of accuracy. The aim of this exposition is to show how these modest expressions in fact deserve have much more to oer, particularly in the case when the expansions are innitely long. First we discuss how simply asking about the period (that is, the length of the repeating sequence of digits) of the decimal expansion of 1{n naturally leads to more sophisticated ideas from elementary number theory, as well as to unsolved mathematical problems. Then we describe a surprising theorem of K. Girstmair showing that the digits of the decimal expansion of 1{p, for certain primes p, secretly contain deep facts that have long delighted algebraic number theorists.
Leptin Therapy in Women with Hypothalamic Amenorrhea

Hypothalamic amenorrhea is caused by dysfunction of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis associated with chronic energy deficiency from excessive exercise, psychological stress, or insufficient nutritional intake. In addition to amenorrhea, these women are also noted to have abnormalities in other neuroendocrine axes (e.g., cortisol excess, decreased thyroid hormones, growth hormone resistance), low bone turnover and bone mineral density, and low lymphocyte counts. Hypoleptinemia in these women has been proposed to signal a state of energy deficiency and set off these energy-conserving processes. In the context of two clinical trials studying the effects of recombinant leptin in women with HA, leptin administration in replacement doses has been shown to restore reproductive function, decrease cortisol levels, increase triiodothyronine levels, increase insulin-growth factor-1 levels, improve bone mineral density, and increase CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell counts. If circulating leptin reaches supraphysiological levels in response to leptin administration, loss of weight and fat mass ensues; this is reversible however by decreasing the dose to achieve physiological levels. The potential use of leptin in HA needs to be further studied.
Review of Physical Activity Benefits and Potential Considerations for Individuals with Surgical Fusion of Spine for Scoliosis

Evidence-based recommendations for physical activity following spinal fusion surgeries for idiopathic scoliosis are limited, specifically in the adolescent population. Individuals with scoliosis treated operatively or non-operatively have been reported to participate in less than 1-3 days/week of even mildly strenuous physical exercises. Over 40% of individuals with scoliosis returned to sports at a level lower than pre-operative participation levels or did not return at all post spinal fusion. It is particularly important for human movement specialists, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers and kinesiologists to assist these individuals effectively transition to and maintain engagement in physical activity. This review provides a snapshot of common considerations and potential factors influencing individuals with spinal-fusion for scoliosis to participate in safe physical activity.
Atopic Dermatitis in Animals and People: An Update and Comparative Review

Atopic dermatitis is an extremely common, pruritic, and frustrating disease to treat in both people and animals. Atopic dermatitis is multifactorial and results from complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Much progress has been done in recent years in terms of understanding the complex pathogenesis of this clinical syndrome and the identification of new treatments. As we learn more about it, we appreciate the striking similarities that exist in the clinical manifestations of this disease across species. Both in animals and people, atopic disease is becoming increasingly common and important similarities exist in terms of immunologic aberrations and the propensity for allergic sensitization. The purpose of this review is to highlight the most recent views on atopic dermatitis in both domestic species and in people emphasizing the similarities and the differences. A comparative approach can be beneficial in understanding the natural course of this disease and the variable response to existing therapies.
Neural network solution for finite-horizon H-infinity state feedback control of nonlinear systems

In this paper, neural networks are used to approximately solve the finite-horizon optimal H ∞ state feedback control problem. The method is based on solving a related Hamilton-Jacobi-Isaacs equation of the corresponding finite-horizon zero-sum game. The neural network approximates the corresponding game value function on a certain domain of the state-space and results in a control computed as the output of a neural network. It is shown that the neural network approximation converges uniformly to the game-value function and the resulting controller provides closed-loop stability and bounded L 2 gain. The result is a nearly exact H ∞ feedback controller with time-varying coefficients that is solved a priori offline. The results of this paper are applied to the Rotational/Translational Actuator benchmark nonlinear control problem.
Use of Non-Pharmacological Pain Treatment Modalities Among Veterans with Chronic Pain: Results from a Cross-Sectional Survey

Despite strong evidence for the effectiveness of non-pharmacological pain treatment modalities (NPMs), little is known about the prevalence or correlates of NPM use. This study examined rates and correlates of NPM use in a sample of veterans who served during recent conflicts. We examined rates and demographic and clinical correlates of self-reported NPM use (operationalized as psychological/behavioral therapies, exercise/movement therapies, and manual therapies). We calculated descriptive statistics and examined bivariate associations and multivariable associations using logistic regression. Participants were 460 veterans endorsing pain lasting ≥ 3 months who completed the baseline survey of the Women Veterans Cohort Study (response rate 7.7%. Outcome was self-reported use of NPMs in the past 12 months. Veterans were 33.76 years old (SD = 10.72), 56.3% female, and 80.2% White. Regarding NPM use, 22.6% reported using psychological/behavioral, 50.9% used exercise/movement and 51.7% used manual therapies. Veterans with a college degree (vs. no degree; OR = 2.51, 95% CI = 1.46, 4.30, p = 0.001) or those with worse mental health symptoms (OR = 2.88, 95% CI = 2.11, 3.93, p < 0.001) were more likely to use psychological/behavioral therapies. Veterans who were female (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.43, 0.93, p = 0.02) or who used non-opioid pain medications (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.146, 2.84, p = 0.009) were more likely to use exercise/movement therapies. Veterans who were non-White (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.5, 0.94, p = 0.03), with greater educational attainment (OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.42, 3.15, p < 0.001), or who used non-opioid pain medication (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.09, 2.68, p = 0.02) were more likely to use manual therapies. Results identified demographic and clinical characteristics among different NPMs, which may indicate differences in veteran treatment preferences or provider referral patterns. Further study of provider referral patterns and veteran treatment preferences is needed to inform interventions to increase NPM utilization. Research is also need to identify demographic and clinical correlates of clinical outcomes related to NPM use.
Persecution, Platonism, and the Virulence of Metaphysics

The history of Christianity affords ample opportunities for reflection on the nature of religious persecution. Christians endured it from the Roman state, fellow Christians, Jews, and pagan adversaries. In turn, Christians inflected it upon pagans, Jews, and heretics. Certainly, as moralists and as critics of Christianity, Hume and Gibbon occupied themselves with the phenomenon of religious persecution, particularly when Christians were the agents. They viewed it as eighteenth-century secular-oriented skeptics, disdainful of religious enthusiasm and in a vein of virtual rational incomprehensibility. Cruelty, fanaticism, arrogance were all elements that composed the mentality of religious fanatics. Hume wrote graphically of the religious persecution in sixteenth-century England and France that was a grisly feature of the Protestant-Catholic rupture of Christendom. Gibbon wove many twists and turns of Christian persecution into his narrative—it was a persistent, recurring element in his treatment of religion. The history of religion and the history of persecution seemed to be inexorably interwoven. His attention, however, was focused primarily on the unfolding of the history of Christian persecution: it is the Christian religion that triumphs over pagan Rome and imposes itself on the Western world.
Isolation, Expansion, and Adipogenic Induction of CD34+CD31+ Endothelial Cells from Human Omental and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue

Obesity is accompanied by an extensive remodeling of adipose tissue primarily via adipocyte hypertrophy. Extreme adipocyte growth results in a poor response to insulin, local hypoxia, and inflammation. By stimulating the differentiation of functional white adipocytes from progenitors, radical hypertrophy of the adipocyte population can be prevented and, consequently, the metabolic health of adipose tissue can be improved along with a reduction of inflammation. Also, by stimulating a differentiation of beige/brown adipocytes, the total body energy expenditure can be increased, resulting in weight loss. This approach could prevent the development of obesity co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This paper describes the isolation, expansion, and differentiation of white and beige adipocytes from a subset of human adipose tissue endothelial cells that co-express the CD31 and CD34 markers. The method is relatively cheap and is not labor-intensive. It requires access to human adipose tissue and the subcutaneous depot is suitable for sampling. For this protocol, fresh adipose tissue samples from morbidly obese subjects [body mass index (BMI) >35] are collected during bariatric surgery procedures. Using a sequential immunoseparation from the stromal vascular fraction, enough cells are produced from as little as 2-3 g of fat. These cells can be expanded in culture over 10-14 days, can be cryopreserved, and retain their adipogenic properties with passaging up to passage 5-6. The cells are treated for 14 days with an adipogenic cocktail using a combination of human insulin and the PPARγ agonist-rosiglitazone. This methodology can be used for obtaining proof of concept experiments on molecular mechanisms that drive adipogenic responses in adipose endothelial cells, or for screening new drugs that can enhance the adipogenic response directed either towards white or beige/brown adipocyte differentiation. Using small subcutaneous biopsies, this methodology can be used to screen out non-responder subjects for clinical trials aimed to stimulate beige/brown and white adipocytes for the treatment of obesity and co-morbidities.
External Validation of Equations that Use Demographic and Anthropometric Measurements to Predict Percent Body Fat

Objective Numerous equation to predict percent body fat using demographics and anthropometrics have been published but external validation of these equations is limited. The objective of this study was to validate published equations that use anthropometrics for prediction of percent body fat using external data. Methods Data were from the Visceral Fat, Metabolic Rate, and Coronary Heart Disease Risk I (VIM I) Study and the Fels Longitudinal Study (Fels). VIM I was conducted in a subset of subjects from the CARDIA study and included black and white adults 28-40 years (n = 392). Fels consisted of white participants 8-88 years (n = 1,044). Percent body fat assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in these two studies was compared to results calculated using 13 equations from Stevens et al. and nine other published equations. Results In general, the Stevens equations performed better than equations from other studies. For example, equation "I" in women in VIM I, Fels adults, and Fels youth, R2 estimates were 0.765, 0.757 and 0.789, respectively. In men the estimates were 0.702 in VIM I, 0.822 in Fels adults and 0.905 in Fels youth. None of the results from the nine published equations showed R2 this high in corresponding groups. Conclusions Our results indicate that several of the Stevens equations have external validity superior to that of nine other published equations among varying age groups, genders and races.
Vibration of fresh concrete understood through the paradigm of granular physics

Abstract Fresh concrete is often cited as an example of a yield-stress fluid, typically being modeled as a Bingham material. We describe how this is an incomplete understanding to rationalize simple but important flow behaviors. As a motivating phenomenon, we consider the practice of vibrating fresh concrete during placement to induce flow and remove air voids. It is demonstrated that a simple yield-stress fluid (an aqueous polymer microgel particle suspension, Carbopol) cannot recreate the phenomenon, falsifying the hypothesis that traditional yield-stress fluid models embody the key physics. However, a granular hard-particle suspension (millimetric glass beads in silicone oil) does recreate the phenomenon. We use shear rheology to further show that concrete displays noticeable granular physics as indicated by vibration-induced loss of the yield stress, consistent with the granular constitutive model of Hanotin et al. (2015). These results have implications for understanding the unseen phenomenon of air bubbles rising in concrete.
ADTU-04 Faecal calprotectin in PSC-IBD: a novel marker of cholangitis

Introduction Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the bile ducts leading to fibrosis and end stage liver disease. A lack of robust non-invasive biomarkers has been hindering disease monitoring and development of optimal therapies. We have previously noted that the high levels of faecal calprotectin (fcal) seen in PSC-IBD patients belie the mild or quiescent intestinal inflammation. An unsupervised proteomics study identified biliary calprotectin as a potential biomarker. Here, we test the hypothesis that fcal is a marker of biliary injury in PSC. Methods We analysed paired endoscopic activity data (UCEIS) and fcal results of patients with PSC-IBD (n=20) or UC (n=20) who underwent colitis surveillance in the context of a colitis surveillance pilot study. Relevant clinical data was recorded prospectively. Recruiting consecutive patients attending for ERCP (n=6) allowed for the concomitant testing of biliary and faecal calprotectin. Results As expected, fcal strongly correlated with severity of mucosal injury (UCEIS) in UC [r=0.82, 95% CI(0.58, 0.92), p 150 had a higher risk of colitis relapse in 12 months [HR=7.6, 95% CI(1.8, 33.6)] in comparison to those with fcal 150 was associated instead with a higher risk of cholangitis associated complications (need for antibiotics or stent insertion), HR=6.5, 95% CI(1.3, 33.9). Strikingly, biliary calprotectin concentration showed a strong correlation with fcal concentration (r=0.90, p=0.04). Interestingly, immunostaining of biliary brushings for calprotectin demonstrated positive staining in cholangiocytes as well as neutrophils and macrophages. Conclusion In patients with PSC-IBD and quiescent colitis the identification of a raised fcal is likely to herald complications of inflammation in the bile ducts rather than the colon. In this setting, fcal may be a valuable prognostic biomarker of cholangitis. Additionally, our data suggest that in PSC, the source of raised fcal may also be the damaged biliary epithelium.
Rewiring the Drosophila Brain With Genetic Manipulations in Neural Lineages

Neurons originate from neural stem cells and then synapse with stereotyped partners to form neuronal circuits. Recent findings indicate that several molecular mechanisms generating neuronal identity can rewire neuronal connectivity in the Drosophila brain when genetically manipulated. In this review, I discuss how mechanisms generating neuronal identity could activate molecular pathways essential for circuit formation and function. Next, I propose that the central complex of Drosophila, an ancient and highly conserved brain region essential for locomotor control and navigation, is an excellent model system to further explore mechanisms linking circuit development to circuit function.