cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for widespread afferents to barrington's nucleus, a brainstem region rich in corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons

Supraspinal afferents to the pontine micturition center, Barrington's nucleus, were investigated in the rat by visualization of the retrograde tracer, cholera-toxin subunit B, in neurons following iontophoretic injection into Barrington's nucleus. Tissue sections from five rats with injections primarily localized in Barrington's nucleus revealed numerous retrogradely labeled neurons throughout all rostrocaudal levels of the periaqueductal gray (particularly its ventrolateral division), in the lateral hypothalamic area (particularly medial to the fornix), and in the medial preoptic nucleus. Retrogradely labeled neurons were also consistently found in the nucleus of the solitary tract, in the vicinity of the lateral reticular nucleus, nucleus paragigantocellularis, parabrachial nucleus, Kolliker-Fuse nucleus, cuneiform nucleus, raphe nucleus and zona incerta. In the hypothalamus, in addition to the perifornical region, retrogradely labeled neurons were found in all cases in the tuberomammillary nucleus, premammillary nucleus, dorsal hypothalamic area, ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, and the paraventricular nucleus. At more rostral levels, in addition to the medial preoptic area, retrogradely labeled neurons were seen in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and in a region just lateral to the supraoptic nucleus near the medial amygdaloid nucleus. Retrogradely labeled neurons were also observed in the motor, insular, and infralimbic cortices. Injections of anterograde tracers (cholera-toxin subunit B or Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin) into the Kolliker-Fuse nucleus, the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray, lateral hypothalamic area, or medial preoptic area, resulted in fiber labeling within Barrington's nucleus, confirming the retrograde tracing studies. As previously reported, numerous neurons in Barrington's nucleus were immunoreactive for corticotropin-releasing hormone. Double-labeling studies revealed afferent fibers from the periaqueductal gray and lateral hypothalamic area overlapping the corticotropin-releasing hormone-immunoreactive neurons of Barrington's nucleus, and in some cases anterogradely labeled fibers with varcosities appeared to target these neurons. The present results suggest that Barrington's nucleus in the rat receives neuronal inputs from brainstem nuclei as well as from forebrain limbic structures including hypothalamic nuclei, the medial preoptic nucleus, and cortical areas involved in fluid balance or blood pressure regulation. In light of the role of Barrington's nucleus in micturition, the integration of these various inputs may be important for co-ordinating urinary function with fluid and cardiovascular homeostasis. Additionally, as neurons in Barrington's nucleus are immunoreactive for the stress-related neurohormone, corticotropin-releasing hormone, these diverse inputs may regulate stress-related functions of this nucleus.
A digital hyperspectral LWIR model for studying landmine-soil interactions

Under a current Army Research Office Multi-University Research Initiative, Georgia Tech has engaged in the development of detailed environmental models for studying the impact of various soil and environmental processes on landmine signatures. Under this effort, several landmine and false target physics based models have been developed; these models cover the three general cases for landmines: buried, flush-buried, and surface landmines. Each model was developed in concert with a corresponding soil model; specifically, a detailed thermal model of a landmine was incorporated within a correspondingly detailed thermal model of the soil. These models incorporate high spatial resolution (≤ 5.5 cm), three-dimensional heat transfer mechanisms, and environmental influences (i.e., meteorological information, subsurface processes) into the signature computations. This paper will present a detailed description of the models, the environmental processes currently incorporated and example signature results for both LWIR broadband and hyperspectral sensors. The representation of various soil processes in the models will also be included in the discussion.
Morphology of instability of the wetting tips of eutectic SnBi, eutectic SnPb, and pure Sn on Cu

The Pb-based solder used in microelectronics industry is becoming an environmental issue. To understand the wetting behavior of solders with and without Pb, we have studied the surface morphology and wetting reaction of eutectic SnBi, eutectic SnPb, and pure Sn on Cu through the measurements of wetting angle change and wetting tip stability by SEM and EDX. The wetting angle remains constant after the initial spread, but the eutectic SnPb/Cu continues to react and forms a reaction band in front of the solder edge as well as intermetallic compounds at the interface. For eutectic SnBi/Cu, there is no reaction at the wetting tip, and the wetting angle does not change much; however, the interfacial reaction between eutectic SnBi and Cu forms intermetallic compounds at the solder joint; the wetting tip is not in a static equilibrium. A rough surface and edge was observed on the eutectic SnBi/Cu joint, but the eutectic SnPb/Cu has a smoother surface and edge.
Effects of atrazine on embryonic development of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and Xenopus laevis

Abstract Atrazine is currently the most widely used herbicide in the U.S. Its effects on embryonic development of Xenopus and fathead minnows was analyzed in this study. Embryos were exposed to one of five different exposures: atrazine (0, 20, or 250 μg/L) or ethynyl estradiol (EE2) (1 or 100 μg/L), all containing 0.025% acetone:methanol. Fish and frogs were exposed immediately after fertilization until no later than 180h in development. At all concentrations, atrazine did not significantly affect timing of development, muscle contractions, embryonic length, yolk diameter, or mortality. Atrazine-exposed frogs and fish, however, did exhibit altered morphology. EE2 did not affect timing of development or muscle contractions of frogs and fish. EE2-exposed fish did have larger yolk diameters than the others exposed to atrazine, possibly indicating slower uptake of nutrients from the yolk sac. However, EE2-exposed frogs had no significantly altered timing of development, muscle contractions, embryonic length, ...
Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D and risk of premenstrual syndrome in a prospective cohort study

Moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects 8–20 percent of premenopausal women. Previous studies suggest that high dietary vitamin D intake may reduce risk. However, vitamin D status is influenced by both dietary vitamin D intake and sunlight exposure and the association of vitamin D status with PMS remains unclear. We assessed the relation of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), total calcium and parathyroid hormone levels with risk of PMS and specific menstrual symptoms in a case–control study nested within the prospective Nurses’ Health Study II. Cases were 401 women free from PMS at baseline who developed PMS during follow-up (1991–2005). Controls were women not experiencing PMS (1991–2005), matched 1:1 with cases on age and other factors. Timed luteal phase blood samples were collected between 1996 and 1999 from cases and controls. We used conditional logistic regression to model the relation of 25OHD levels with risk of PMS and individual menstrual symptoms. In analyses of all cases and controls, 25OHD levels were not associated with risk of PMS. However, results differed when the timing of blood collection vs. PMS diagnosis was considered. Among cases who had already been diagnosed with PMS at the time of blood collection (n = 279), 25OHD levels were positively associated with PMS, with each 10 nmol/L change in 25OHD associated with a 13% higher risk. Among cases who developed PMS after blood collection (n = 123), 25OHD levels were unrelated to risk of PMS overall, but inversely related to risk of specific menstrual symptoms. For example, each 10 nmol/L increase was associated with a significant 21% lower risk of breast tenderness (P = 0.02). Total calcium or parathyroid hormone levels were unrelated to PMS. 25OHD levels were not associated with overall risk of PMS. The positive association observed among women already experiencing PMS at the time of 25OHD measurement is likely due to confounding by indication related to use of dietary supplements to treat menstrual symptoms. Results from prospective analyses, which were less likely influenced by this bias, suggest that higher 25OHD levels may be inversely related to the development of specific menstrual symptoms.
X‐RAY STUDIES OF CRYSTALLINE SUBSTANCES IN GLASSES*

X-ray diffraction methods may be used not only to determine the atomic arrangements in the vitreous state, but also to detect the substances responsible for color, opalescence, or opacity, and to establish the existence of selective molecular orientation in surface films. By such methods it has been shown that a solid solution of cadmium sulfide and cadmium selenide is responsible for the color of certain ruby glasses. Similarly, the opacity of certain annealed soda-lime-silica-fluoride opal glasses has been attributed either to quartz or to cristobalite, depending on the thermal history; if alumina is added to these glasses, tridymite appears after a similar heat treatment. Chromic oxide has been found to crystallize from certain enamel glasses but not cobalto-cobaltic oxide. No detectable selective molecular orientation occurs in the surface layers of the resinous films used in certain safety glasses.
Enhancement of NSLS sextupoles using permanent magnets

The recent upgrade of the NSLS X-Ray Ring energy from 2.584 to 2.8 GeV requires defocusing sextupole fields beyond the operating limits of the present sextupole magnets. We have demonstrated that the required fields can be achieved by addition of permanent magnets to counteract the saturation in the magnet poles. Magnetic measurements on a NSLS sextupole agree with fields predicted by Radia.
The pharmacology of synapses formed by identified corticocollicular neurons in primary cultures of rat visual cortex

Primary cultures of neurons from the visual cortex of 7-10-d-old Long Evans rats were used to study the pharmacology of synaptic transmission. Dissociated cells were grown either in mass cultures, which contained 8000-10,000 neurons, or in miniature island cultures of 50-100 cells. Prior to dissociation, cells in layer V of visual cortex that project to the superior colliculus were labeled in vivo by retrograde transport of fluorescent latex microspheres-a permanent fluorescent marker. After 2 d to 8 weeks in culture, labeled neurons were identified by epifluorescent illumination, and electrophysiological recordings were obtained from a labeled cell and, simultaneously, from a nearby unlabeled neuron in the same field of view. The 2 neurons were stimulated sequentially by current injection and the pharmacology of evoked postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) was investigated. In mass cultures, relatively few pairs of neurons from which we recorded were synaptically connected, although nearly every cell exhibited abundant spontaneous EPSPs and IPSPs. Neurons grown on island cultures generally did not exhibit spontaneous synaptic activity; however, stimulation of one of the cells in a pair frequently elicited a short-latency PSP in the follower neuron. Retrogradely labeled corticocollicular neurons produced only excitatory PSPs in follower cells, while unlabeled neurons were either excitatory or inhibitory. Three antagonists of excitatory amino acid receptors, kynurenic acid, piperidine dicarboxylic acid, and gamma-D-glutamylglycine, completely blocked EPSPs produced by labeled corticocollicular neurons, as well as EPSPs produced by nearly all of the unlabeled excitatory cells. We have previously shown that these compounds block both N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type and non-NMDA receptors on cultured cortical neurons (Huettner and Baughman, 1986). The specific NMDA receptor antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV) did not alter short-latency EPSPs recorded in 1 mM Mg2+, but did reduce longer-latency EPSPs polysynaptic activity. Since responses mediated by the NMDA receptor are known to be antagonized by Mg2+ (Mayer and Westbrook, 1985), we perfused cultures with Mg2+-free medium and found that the falling phase of some monosynaptic EPSPs was prolonged. Addition of APV to Mg2+-free medium reduced the duration of the falling phase of EPSPs such that they returned to the time course obtained in 1 mM Mg2+.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Serological evidence of past hepatitis B infection in liver donor and hepatitis B infection in liver allograft

The presence of hepatitis B surface and core antibodies (anti-HBs and anti-HBc) in a liver donor without hepatitis B surface antigen is taken to indicate resolution of hepatitis B and is not considered to contraindicate donation. We report a liver transplant recipient who developed hepatitis B after such a donation. It seems that hepatitis B virus can reside in the liver of a patient who has seemingly recovered from his disease. We recommend avoidance of liver transplants from donors who are positive for anti-HBs and anti-HBc.
Mitochondrial 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) is essential for the synthesis of progesterone by corpora lutea: An hypothesis

In mouse ovaries, the enzyme 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) is distributed between microsomes and mitochondria. Throughout the follicular phase of the estrous cycle, the HSD activity in microsomes is predominant; whereas, after LH stimulation, HSD activity during the luteal phase is highest in the mitochondria. The current study examined whether or not LH stimulation always results in an increase in mitochondrial HSD activity. This was accomplished by measuring the HSD activity in microsomal and mitochondrial fractions from ovaries of pregnant mice. These animals have two peaks of LH during gestation, and one peak of LH after parturition. It was found that mitochondrial HSD activity was highest after each peak of LH. It is proposed that mitochondrial HSD is essential for the synthesis of high levels of progesterone. The increase in HSD activity in mitochondria after LH stimulation occurs because: 1) LH initiates the simultaneous synthesis of HSD and the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc); and, 2) HSD and P450scc bind together to form a complex, which becomes inserted into the inner membrane of the mitochondria. High levels of progesterone are synthesized by mitochondrial HSD because: 1) the requisite NAD+ cofactor for progesterone synthesis is provided directly by the mitochondria, rather than indirectly via the rate limiting malate-aspartate shuttle; and, 2) the end-product inhibition of P450scc by pregnenolone is eliminated because pregnenolone is converted to progesterone.
Ventricular pacing-induced loss of contractile function and development of epicardial inflammation

Perturbations in the normal sequence of ventricular activation can create regions of early and late activation, leading to dysynchronous contraction and areas of dyskinesis. Dyskinesis occurs across the left ventricular (LV) wall, and its presence may have important consequences on cardiac structure and function in normal and failing hearts. Acutely, dyskinesis can trigger inflammation and, in the long term (6 wk and above), leads to LV remodeling. The mechanisms that trigger these changes are unknown. To gain further insight, we used a canine model to evaluate transumural changes in myocardial function and inflammation induced by epicardial LV pacing. The results indicate that 4 h of LV suprathreshold pacing resulted in a 30% local loss of endocardial thickening. Assessment of neutrophil infiltration showed a significant approximately fivefold increase in myeloperoxidase activity in the epicardium versus the midwall/endocardium. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity increased ∼2 fold in the epicardium and ROS generation increased ∼2.5-fold compared with the midwall/endocardium. To determine the effects that electrical current alone has on these end points, a group of animals was subjected to subthreshold pacing. Significant increases were observed only in epicardial myeloperoxidase levels. Thus, the results indicate that transmural dyskinesis induced by suprathreshold epicardial LV activation triggers a localized epicardial inflammatory response, whereas subthreshold stimulation appears to solely induce the trapping of leucocytes. Suprathreshold pacing also induces a loss of endocardial function. These results may have important implications as to the nature of the mechanisms that trigger the inflammatory response and possibly long-term remodeling in the setting of dysynchrony.
Virus-Mimetic Cytoplasm-Cleavable Magnetic/Silica Nanoclusters for Enhanced Gene Delivery to Mesenchymal Stem Cells†

It does get in: Phage is made of DNA as a core and protein as a coat, and it can transfer DNA into host cells with high efficiency. Phage-mimetic gene transfer to hard-to-transfect mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was achieved using virus-mimetic magnetic silica nanoclusters (VMSNCs). The VMSNCs bear MSC-homing phage-borne protein on the surface and encapsulate DNA inside, promoting the transfer of DNA into MSCs.
Variational Inference over Combinatorial Spaces

Since the discovery of sophisticated fully polynomial randomized algorithms for a range of #P problems [1, 2, 3], theoretical work on approximate inference in combinatorial spaces has focused on Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Despite their strong theoretical guarantees, the slow running time of many of these randomized algorithms and the restrictive assumptions on the potentials have hindered the applicability of these algorithms to machine learning. Because of this, in applications to combinatorial spaces simple exact models are often preferred to more complex models that require approximate inference [4]. Variational inference would appear to provide an appealing alternative, given the success of variational methods for graphical models [5]; unfortunately, however, it is not obvious how to develop variational approximations for combinatorial objects such as matchings, partial orders, plane partitions and sequence alignments. We propose a new framework that extends variational inference to a wide range of combinatorial spaces. Our method is based on a simple assumption: the existence of a tractable measure factorization, which we show holds in many examples. Simulations on a range of matching models show that the algorithm is more general and empirically faster than a popular fully polynomial randomized algorithm. We also apply the framework to the problem of multiple alignment of protein sequences, obtaining state-of-the-art results on the BAliBASE dataset [6].
Ulnar-sided wrist pain. Part I: anatomy and physical examination

Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a common complaint, and it presents a diagnostic challenge for hand surgeons and radiologists. The complex anatomy of this region, combined with the small size of structures and subtle imaging findings, compound this problem. A thorough understanding of ulnar-sided wrist anatomy and a systematic clinical examination of this region are essential in arriving at an accurate diagnosis. In part I of this review, ulnar-sided wrist anatomy and clinical examination are discussed for a more comprehensive understanding of ulnar-sided wrist pain.
Effects of Modality Change on Health Related Quality of Life

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring renal replacement have impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and there is general consensus that HRQoL improves with successful transplant and evidence of improvement with frequent hemodialysis. This study reports changes in HRQoL associated with changes in treatment modality to daily hemodialysis (DHD) and transplant among patients requiring renal replacement. This cohort study had assessments at baseline and 6-month following modality change. Subjects were nondiabetic individuals receiving conventional hemodialysis who (a) remained on conventional hemodialysis (n = 13), (b) changed to daily hemodialysis (DHD) (n = 10), or (c) received a living donor transplant (n = 20). Thirty-four healthy controls were assessed once for comparison. HRQoL was measured using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Instrument. The Physical Functioning and Physical Composite Scale scores were primary outcomes. Transplantation resulted in significant improvements in six of eight generic scales and the physical composite scale (PCS). Those changing to DHD had significant improvements in Physical Function and PCS scales. Those remaining on dialysis remained lower than controls on all scales except for Vitality; the transplant group remained lower than controls only on the Vitality and General Health scales. Transplant resulted in significant improvements in four of the seven disease-specific scales (symptoms, effects, and burden of kidney disease, work). DHD resulted in improvements in the effects of kidney disease. Modality change to transplant results in significant improvement in HRQoL, achieving levels similar to controls. Change to daily hemodialysis improves only select HRQoL domains and remains low in disease-specific domains.
Mathematics Motivation and Achievement as Predictors of High School Students' Guessing and Help-Seeking with Instructional Software

The study was conducted to investigate the relation of adolescent students' mathematics motivation and achievement to their appropriate help-seeking and inappropriate guessing behaviour while using instructional software. High school students (n = 90) completed brief assessments of mathematics motivation and then worked with software for geometry instruction. Students' actions with the software were machine-classified to identify instances of appropriate help-seeking and inappropriate guessing. Mathematics teachers provided information about students' achievement (high, average or at risk of failing math class). Results indicated that students with low math self-concept were most likely to engage in inappropriate guessing behaviour. Students with low math achievement were most likely to engage in appropriate help-seeking while working with the software.
Breast-Feeding Rates at an Inner-City Pediatric Practice

Objective To determine rates of breast-feeding in the first 2 months of life at an inner-city pediatric practice.Methods Using retrospective chart reviews, we examined all visits through 2 months of age for infants seen from April 1, 2007, to June 29, 2007, at the Pediatric Practice of Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, which serves a low-income urban population. Rates of breast-feeding were analyzed by visit number and by infant age category.Results We reviewed all 557 visits occurring between birth and 2 months of age for all 223 eligible infants. At visit 1 (median age 5 days), the rates of exclusive and any breast-feeding were 22.0% and 40.8%, respectively. By visit 3 (median age 43 days), the rates of exclusive and any breast-feeding were 10.6% and 24.5%, respectively.Conclusions These inner-city breast-feeding rates are substantially below reported regional and national rates. Barriers to implementing urgently needed interventions are discussed.
CD30 Overexpression Enhances Negative Selection in the Thymus and Mediates Programmed Cell Death Via a Bcl-2-Sensitive Pathway

The biological function of CD30 in the thymus has been only partially elucidated, although recent data indicate that it may be involved in negative selection. Because CD30 is expressed only by a small subpopulation of medullary thymocytes, we generated transgenic (Tg) mice overexpressing CD30 in T lymphocytes to further address its role in T cell development. CD30 Tg mice have normal thymic size with a normal number and subset distribution of thymocytes. In vitro, in the absence of CD30 ligation, thymocytes of CD30 Tg mice have normal survival and responses to apoptotic stimuli such as radiation, dexamethasone, and Fas. However, in contrast to controls, CD30 Tg thymocytes are induced to undergo programmed cell death (PCD) upon cross-linking of CD30, and the simultaneous engagement of TCR and CD30 results in a synergistic increase in thymic PCD. CD30-mediated PCD requires caspase 1 and caspase 3, is not associated with the activation of NF-kappaB or c-Jun, but is totally prevented by Bcl-2. Furthermore, CD30 overexpression enhances the deletion of CD4+/CD8+ thymocytes induced by staphylococcal enterotoxin B superantigen and specific peptide. These findings suggest that CD30 may act as a costimulatory molecule in thymic negative selection.
Fabrication and Characterization of Fused Microfiber Resonators

We fabricate a 2.6-mm-diameter loop resonator from a tapered, step-index silica fiber of thickness ~7.2 mum. The resonator has a coupling region that is fused with a CO2 laser for reducing structural instabilities and improving the overall stability of the device. We experimentally demonstrate optical resonances with a Q-factor ges25 000 at a free-spectral range of 0.19 nm.
Photonic time-delay beam-forming architectures using polarization switching arrays

Photonic time delay line (PTDL) architectures have been proposed for transmit/receive mode antenna applications. These architectures are based on two dimensional pixelated optical arrays that act as optical polarization switching elements. Such elements can be nematic liquid crystal (NLC) arrays, ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) arrays, and magneto-optic arrays. Optical delay lines can be formed using either free space or solid optics propagation, as well as non-polarization maintaining fiber propagation for the case of long time delays. In this paper, various optical array based optical beamformer architectures are presented and compared. These different architectures are based on Thompson polarization beamsplitters, and polarizing cube beamsplitters, for both transmissive and reflective geometries. A novel ternary time delay architecture is also introduced that can give 3N different time delay settings. In addition, a novel wavelength multiplexing architecture using a single channel dispersive fiber PTDL in cascade with multichannel PTDL is proposed for further hardware size and weight reduction.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
EVALUATION AND VALIDATION OF AUTOMATED IN-VEHICLE DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM FOR DEVELOPING ROADWAY ALIGNMENTS

The Highway Safety Information System (HSIS) sponsored by FHWA includes crash and roadway inventory data from nine states for conducting safety studies. Whereas the initial choice of participating states was based on the presence of key roadway inventory variables, only two of those states currently have horizontal curvature data, and the data are limited. Given the known relationship between roadway curvature and safety, an objective of recent HSIS research was to improve on the available curvature data. A new algorithm makes use of in-vehicle data collected at highway speeds for the development of roadway alignments. Analysis of the algorithm focused on both consistency and accuracy. By using the Connecticut Department of Transportation's automatic road analyzer vehicle, repeated runs were made in both directions on each route selected for the consistency analysis. For the accuracy analysis, horizontal alignments were determined on the basis of survey data collected at the same locations. In general, th...
The Effect of Antibiotic and Steroid Therapy in Whipple's Disease

Whipple's disease (intestinal lipodys­ trophy), from the time of its first descrip­ tion in 1907/ was considered, universally, to be a fatal disease that could be diagnosed only by laparotomy or at autopsy until about 1950. Such concepts are now known to be erroneous. The rapidly growing literature, during the preceding 10 years, clearly in­ dicates a renewed interest in this unusual pathologic entity. This is largely due to the ease of diagnosis once suspected, to new research techniques, especially peroral small bowel biopsy and electron microscopy, and to the gratifying response to appropriate treatment. Recent reviews by Gross,2 Eng­ land,3 and HoW emphasize the inconsistent therapeutical effect of adrenocorticosteroids and antibiotics and leave one uncertain as to which of these agents was responsible for the recovery observed. Although clinical remission after treatment has been reported in a number of patients, the period of follow­ up has been too brief to justify the conclu­ sion that complete recovery had taken place. In fact, entirely normal tissue obtained by small bowel biopsy after therapy has been reported in only 3 eases. 4 - 6 The purpose of this report is to review our experience in the treatment of this disease with steroids and antibiotics, to show the extent of the clinical, biochemical, radiologic, and histo­ logic remission observed in our patients and finally to present data whieh would allow one to form an opinion as to which of these agents was responsible for recovery.
Amicable pairs in parallel: nifty assignment

This assignment is meant to expose students learning C++ in CS1 to some basic ideas in parallel programming. Not only is this an interesting glimpse into an advanced field of computer science, but it also encourages students to begin thinking about what types of problems can be solved in parallel. To complete the assignment requires knowledge of basic branching and looping constructs---in particular, the for loop---as well as knowledge of basic array manipulation. No knowledge of parallel programming concepts is required; details are hidden by using OpenMP. By giving the assignment immediately after introducing arrays, it may help reinforce basic array concepts in addition to providing exposure to concepts of parallel programming.
[An analysis of the cardiovascular action of levo-epinephrine and levo-nor-epinephrine].

(1952). An Analysis of the Cardiovascular Action of Levo-Epinephrine and Levo-Nor-Epinephrine. Archives Internationales de Physiologie: Vol. 60, No. 4, pp. 421-440.
Dectin-1 in the control of Th2-type T cell responses

Dendritic cells (DCs) are major antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that can induce and control host immune responses. DCs express pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which can translate external and internal triggers into different types of T cell responses. The types of CD4+ T cell responses elicited by DCs (e.g., Th1, Th2, Th17, Th21, Th22 and regulatory T cells (Tregs)) are associated with either host immunity or inflammatory diseases, including allergic diseases and autoimmune diseases. In particular, the pathogenic functions of Th2-type T cells in allergic immune disorders have been well documented, although Th2-type T cell responses are crucial for immunity against certain parasite infections. Recent evidence also indicates that the inflammatory Th2 signatures in cancers, including breast and pancreatic cancers, are highly associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients. It is thus important to find cellular/molecular targets expressed in DCs that control such inflammatory Th2-type T cell responses. In a recent paper published in The Journal of Immunology, we demonstrated that Dectin-1 expressed on the two major human DC subsets, myeloid DCs (mDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), has opposing roles in the control of Th2-type CD4+ T cell responses. Dectin-1 expressed on mDCs decreases Th2-type CD4+ T cell responses, while Dectin-1 expressed on pDCs favors Th2-type CD4+ T cell responses. This finding expands our understanding of the roles of DCs and Dectin-1 expressed on DCs in the pathogenesis of Th2-associated diseases and in host immunity to microbial infections and cancers.
Identification of aeroelastic parameters for helicopter tail rotor limit cycle oscillation monitoring

The aeroelastic parameters of helicopter main rotor and tail rotor are required in the monitoring and evaluation of rotor aeroservoelastic instability incidents such as limit cycle oscillations. Ho...
Modelling coarticulation

An outline is presented of the hypothesis underlying a speaker-centroid-based representation of vowels. The representation suggest parallels across different sources of variation, including speaker category, and segmental and suprasegmental contexts. In all cases, the author first locates the origin of the vowel space at the speaker centroid. Individual vowels are represented by a vector of orientation theta and magnitude r. Across the sources of variation outlined above, the angle of orientation seems to remain fairly stable. Context- or speaker-independent variants in vowel formants rest on modification by a single factor across the entire system of r. The speaker-centroid based representation is thus potentially very powerful. >
Stress Responses in Pallid Sturgeon Following Three Simulated Hatchery Stressors

AbstractBecause sturgeon populations are in critical decline, many species are artificially propagated in hatcheries with the goal of increasing wild stocks. Capture, transport, handling, confinement, and environmental fluctuations are just a few of the possible stressors Pallid Sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus can be exposed to in conservation hatcheries. The objectives of the present study were to elucidate the effects of acute exposure to high ammonia concentrations, low dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations, and crowding on stress responses in Pallid Sturgeon, quantified by changes in plasma cortisol and glucose. Exposure to un-ionized ammonia-nitrogen concentrations of 0.6 mg/L for 24 h resulted in no significant (P > 0.05) change in plasma cortisol concentrations, suggesting these fish do not perceive the buildup of toxins. Exposure to 2 mg/L DO over a 0.5-h period resulted in a significant (P 0.0...
Religious categories and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine: Attitudes, intentions, and behaviors regarding vaccination:

The human papillomavirus virus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to cervical cancer in women. Two vaccines of Gardasil and Cervarix are being marketed in the United States to pr...
Thermal Performance of ATLAS Laser Thermal Control System Demonstration Unit

The second Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite mission currently planned by National Aeronautics and Space Administration will measure global ice topography and canopy height using the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System {ATLAS). The ATLAS comprises two lasers; but only one will be used at a time. Each laser will generate between 125 watts and 250 watts of heat, and each laser has its own optimal operating temperature that must be maintained within plus or minus 1 degree Centigrade accuracy by the Laser Thermal Control System (LTCS) consisting of a constant conductance heat pipe (CCHP), a loop heat pipe (LHP) and a radiator. The heat generated by the laser is acquired by the CCHP and transferred to the LHP, which delivers the heat to the radiator for ultimate rejection. The radiator can be exposed to temperatures between minus 71 degrees Centigrade and minus 93 degrees Centigrade. The two lasers can have different operating temperatures varying between plus 15 degrees Centigrade and plus 30 degrees Centigrade, and their operating temperatures are not known while the LTCS is being designed and built. Major challenges of the LTCS include: 1) A single thermal control system must maintain the ATLAS at 15 degrees Centigrade with 250 watts heat load and minus 71 degrees Centigrade radiator sink temperature, and maintain the ATLAS at plus 30 degrees Centigrade with 125 watts heat load and minus 93 degrees Centigrade radiator sink temperature. Furthermore, the LTCS must be qualification tested to maintain the ATLAS between plus 10 degrees Centigrade and plus 35 degrees Centigrade. 2) The LTCS must be shut down to ensure that the ATLAS can be maintained above its lowest desirable temperature of minus 2 degrees Centigrade during the survival mode. No software control algorithm for LTCS can be activated during survival and only thermostats can be used. 3) The radiator must be kept above minus 65 degrees Centigrade to prevent ammonia from freezing using no more than 135 watts of heater power. 4) The LHP reservoir control heater power is limited to 15 watts with a 70 percent duty cycle. 5) The voltage of the power supply can vary between 26 volts direct current and 34 volts direct current during the spacecraft lifetime. A design analysis shows that a single LTCS can satisfy these requirements. However, shutdown of· the LHP is particularly challenging and the shutdown heater must be wired in series with two reservoir thermostats and two CCHP thermostats at different set points. An LTCS demonstration unit has been tested to verify these performance characteristics experimentally prior to proceeding to the final LTCS design and fabrication. Test results showed that the LHP shutdown scheme would be able to shut down the LHP as designed and the reservoir control heater can maintain the ATLAS mass simulator within the plus or minus 1 degrees Centigrade accuracy under various combinations of the heat load, sink temperature, and power supply voltage.
Comparative Efficacy of Four Insect Predators of the Bollworm and Tobacco Budworm

The comparative efficacy of 4 predators against 3 different stages of the cotton bollworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), or the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.), was studied in the laboratory. The species studied were Chrysopa carnea Stephens, Geocoris punctipes (Say), Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer), and Podisus maculiventris (Say). Two of these predators were also evaluated for control of the tobacco budworm on cotton in field cages. Under limited searching requirements, C. maculata was generally the most efficient predator of Heliothis eggs and 1st stage larvae. However, when the 1st stage predators were compared, C. carnea was the most efficient predator on 1st instars. Third stage nymphs and adults of P. maculiventris were the most efficient predators of the 3rdstage larvae. Under expanded searching requirements, C. carnea larvae were the most efficient of the immature stages of predators on Heliothis eggs and 1st instars. As adults, C. maculata were the most efficient predators on eggs while G. punctipes were the most effective predators on 1st stage larvae. Third instars and adults of P. maculiventris consumed more 3rd instars of Heliothis than the other predators studied. Releases of C. carnea and P. maculiventris at rates of 100,000/acre in field cages resulted in substantial reductions in the number of tobacco budworm larvae. The reductions effected by C. carnea were more evident in the egg and small larva numbers while the reductions attributed to P. maculiventris occurred mainly when the tobacco budworm larvae were larger.
Lymphocytic Factors in Cellular Hypersensitivity

Two cell types, lymphocytes and macrophages, are involved in cellular hypersensitivity reactions. While some direct cell-to-cell interaction cannot be excluded, it is now clear that chemicals produced by the lymphocytes account for most facets of the cellular “collaboration.” Studies of these mediators have progressed to the point where delayed hypersensitivity can be substantially reconstituted in vitro.
Development and validation of the super-short form of the Elemental Psychopathy Assessment

Abstract Purpose Current measures of psychopathy are limited in a number of ways, including length, administration methods, and reliance on history of antisocial behavior. Both the full and short forms of the Elemental Psychopathy Assessment (EPA) have demonstrated convergent validity and strong relations to other psychopathy measures and external criteria empirically associated with psychopathy. Methods In order to create an even briefer version of the EPA-SF, the EPA was administered to two separate undergraduate samples (n = 907 and n = 787) and a smaller sample of male prison inmates (n = 77) along with widely used measures of psychopathy and measures of Big Five personality traits and antisocial behavior. Results Eighteen items (one per EPA subscale) were chosen to comprise the final “super-short” form. Exploratory factor analyses performed at the item level showed a three-factor solution (Antagonism, Disinhibition, and Emotional Stability). The factor scales and total score of the EPA super-short form demonstrated strong relations to other psychopathy measures and external criteria associated with psychopathy. Conclusions The EPA super-short form could be a promising alternative to other psychopathy measures currently used in criminology due to its brevity and basis in an empirically validated personality model.
Reducing The Risk Of Stroke In Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation With Direct Oral Anticoagulants. Is One Of These Not Like The Others

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and increases risk of stroke by nearly 5-fold. While warfarin has been employed successfully to reduce the risk of stroke in these patients, there are a number of challenges with therapy. These include the need for therapeutic monitoring due to variability in patient response, frequent dose adjustments, numerous drug-drug, drug-food, and drug-disease interactions, and a heightened risk of thrombosis and bleeding due to these issues. Current guidelines recommend that the vitamin K antagonists (VKA) or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) should be used for thromboprophylaxis in patients with nonvalvular AF at risk for stroke or systemic embolic events. The DOACs include the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran and the direct factor Xa inhibitors rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban. In clinical trials these agents consistently demonstrated a reduction in the risks of hemorrhagic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage compared to VKA. Clinicians now must decide if there are meaningful differences between these agents in order to prescribe the best agent for an individual patient. Therefore, it is critical for clinicians to go beyond information provided in manuscript abstracts, and gain an understanding of the similarities and differences in clinical trial design, patient enrollment, and statistical analysis.
Does U.S. Law Permit a Ban on Entry into the United States Based on Religion

On December 7, 2015, U.S. Presidential hopeful Donald Trump issued a Press Release in which he called for “a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what is going on.” His statement triggered much controversy, including denouncements from legal scholars who contend the ban would violate U.S. constitutional and international law. This short article considers whether his proposal to ban persons from entering the United States based on their actual or perceived religion violates U.S. constitutional, statutory, or international law. It also considers some of the practical implications of implementing such a proposal.The article begins with an examination of U.S. constitutional law as the “Supreme Law of the Land.” On the one hand, constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and equal protection may be violated by the proposed ban. On the other hand, the standing doctrine and the plenary power doctrine in the context of immigration suggest that the president has extensive power to limit immigration. Second, the article will examine whether the proposal violates the nondiscrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). In this regard, section 202(a)(1) of the INA, which bans discrimination in the issuance of immigrant visas on a variety of grounds including “race, sex, nationality, place of birth and place of residence,” does not expressly ban discrimination based on religion. Third, the article will consider the United States’ obligations under international treaties that ban discrimination based on religion, including the United Nations Charter, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. In addition, there are customary international law obligations that prohibit religious discrimination that may apply, such as those reflected in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the American Declaration on the Rights and Duties of Man. However, these international law obligations also have territorial and other limitations on their application, which must be carefully examined to determine their applicability. Finally, the article considers practical problems with the implementation of the proposal. Such problems include how a U.S. immigration official would determine whether an applicant for entry is Muslim and how the United States would investigate an applicant’s background and attribute a religion to that person in case of doubt.
ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction after Penetrating Thoracic Trauma.

Abstract Background ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may complicate penetrating thoracic trauma. Case Report This report describes a 42-year-old man who sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the left chest. Electrocardiogram showed ST elevation in the inferior leads. Emergent catheterization was not recommended and conservative management was initiated. Cardiac catheterization 4 days later showed no perturbation of the coronary arteries, neither atherosclerotic nor traumatic. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? This case is unusual because it demonstrates a STEMI with no detectable plaque rupture or gunshot pellets on coronary catheterization. The decision to aggressively manage these patients with early coronary angiography depends on the hemodynamic status of the patient, their cardiac risk factors, and their ability to tolerate ischemic insult. In asymptomatic hemodynamically stable patients, conservative medical management should be considered. Myocardial infarction is a complication after penetrating thoracic trauma and should be considered in initial evaluation.
Relative and Absolute Deprivation’s Relationship With Violent Crime in the United States: Testing an Interaction Effect Between Income Inequality and Disadvantage

Relative deprivation and absolute deprivation both have effects on crime. Although these two concepts are often treated as separate, some scholarship has suggested that the two may be complementary. The current study assesses whether the effects of relative and absolute deprivation interact statistically in their effect on violent crime by testing an interaction effect between income inequality and disadvantage. Using data from U.S. counties, hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) regression models show that there is a significant interaction between relative and absolute deprivation predicting violent crime rates. The plot of this interaction shows that when absolute deprivation is high, there is less violence in high inequality counties than in counties with medium levels of inequality. The implication of this finding is discussed.
Hsp90 inhibitors as senolytic drugs to extend healthy aging.

Aging is characterized by progressive decay of biological systems and although it is not considered a disease, it is one of the main risk factors for chronic diseases and many types of cancers. The...