cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decision trees for optimizing the minimum detectable concentration of radioxenon detectors

Abstract We present a novel application of machine learning techniques to optimize the design of a radiation detection system. A decision tree-based algorithm is described which greedily optimizes partitioning of energy depositions based on a minimum detectable concentration metric – appropriate for radiation measurement. We apply this method to the task of optimizing sensitivity to radioxenon decays in the presence of a high rate of radon-progeny backgrounds (i.e., assuming no physical radon removal by traditional gas separation techniques). Assuming other backgrounds are negligible, and considering sensitivity to each xenon isotope separately (neglecting interference between isotopes), we find that, in general, high resolution readout and high spatial segmentation yield little additional capability to discriminate against radon backgrounds compared to simpler detector designs.
Genetic diversity of axon degenerative mechanisms in models of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common form of neurodegenerative movement disorder, associated with profound loss of dopaminergic neurons from the basal ganglia. Though loss of dopaminergic neuron cell bodies from the substantia nigra pars compacta is a well-studied feature, atrophy and loss of their axons within the nigrostriatal tract is also emerging as an early event in disease progression. Genes that drive the Wallerian degeneration, like Sterile alpha and toll/interleukin-1 receptor motif containing (Sarm1), are excellent candidates for driving this axon degeneration, given similarities in the morphology of axon degeneration after axotomy and in PD. In the present study we assessed whether Sarm1 contributes to loss of dopaminergic projections in mouse models of PD. In Sarm1 deficient mice, we observed a significant delay in the degeneration of severed dopaminergic axons distal to a 6-OHDA lesion of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) in the nigrostriatal tract, and an accompanying rescue of morphological, biochemical and behavioural phenotypes. However, we observed no difference compared to controls when striatal terminals were lesioned with 6-OHDA to induce a dying back form of neurodegeneration. Likewise, when PD phenotypes were induced using AAV-induced alpha-synuclein overexpression, we observed similar modest loss of dopaminergic terminals in Sarm1 knockouts and controls. Our data argues that axon degeneration after MFB lesion is Sarm1-dependent, but that other models for PD do not require Sarm1, or that Sarm1 acts with other redundant genetic pathways. This work adds to a growing body of evidence indicating Sarm1 contributes to some, but not all types of neurodegeneration, and supports the notion that while axon degeneration in many context appears morphologically similar, a diversity of axon degeneration programs exist.
EEG-fNIRS Combined Neuroimaging Study on PD patients performing UPDRS Motor Tasks (P5.8-020)

Objective: To investigate the extent to which functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG) can be concomitantly used to quantify motor dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients versus neurotypical controls (NTC). Background: Objective and efficient measures to quantify the symptoms of PD are lacking. We developed a system of synchronized brain neuroimaging consisting of fNIRS and EEG to study the changes in brain activity while PD patients and controls performed a set of motor tasks. Design/Methods: 9 PD patients and 9 NTC participants performed motor tasks including finger tapping, hand flipping, arm movement, and foot stomping on both left and right sides while fNIRS and EEG were recorded from the area covering the motor cortex of both hemispheres. Each task was performed for 5 trials, each consists of 10-seconds of activity followed by 10-seconds of rest. Oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) obtained from the fNIRS signal, and power spectral density (PSD) of EEG in the frequency bands of Theta [4–7 Hz], Alpha [8–15 Hz], and Beta [16–30 Hz] were used for further analysis. Support vector machine (SVM) was used to distinguish PD from NTC group. 60% of the data was used for training and the rest for testing the classifier. Three different feature sets have been used: Only fNIRS data, Only EEG data, and Hybrid fNIRS and EEG data. Results: 12 different SVM classifiers were trained and tested for each set, and the SVM with radial kernel function and small margins resulted in the optimum results. The accuracy of distinguishing PD and NTC groups was 81.23%, 92.79%, and 93.27% for fNIRS only, EEG only, and hybrid modalities, respectively. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study demonstrate the feasibility of objectively distinguishing PD and control based on brain activity, and could be beneficial in the diagnosis of PD and quantification of symptoms. Validation in larger groups is needed. Disclosure: Dr. Abtahi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shahriari has nothing to disclose. Dr. Saikia has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cay has nothing to disclose. Dr. Akbar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mankodiya has nothing to disclose.
Electrical Brain Stimulation for Epilepsy and Emerging Applications.

SUMMARY Electrical brain stimulation is an established therapy for movement disorders, epilepsy, obsessive compulsive disorder, and a potential therapy for many other neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Despite significant progress and FDA approvals, there remain significant clinical gaps that can be addressed with next generation systems. Integrating wearable sensors and implantable brain devices with off-the-body computing resources (smart phones and cloud resources) opens a new vista for dense behavioral and physiological signal tracking coupled with adaptive stimulation therapy that should have applications for a range of brain and mind disorders. Here, we briefly review some history and current electrical brain stimulation applications for epilepsy, deep brain stimulation and responsive neurostimulation, and emerging applications for next generation devices and systems.
Weight Loss Interventions for Hispanic Women in the United States: A Systematic Review.

Background Obesity rates in Hispanic women residing in the United States (U.S.) are disproportionately high, increasing the risk of obesity-related disease and mortality. The effectiveness of interventions targeting weight loss in this population remains largely unknown. Purpose The purpose of this review was to systematically evaluate the evidence related to the effectiveness of weight loss interventions conducted among U.S. Hispanic women and provide guidance for future research. Methods Bibliographic databases (n = 10, from each database's inception to July 2, 2019) were searched using the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies with weight change outcomes were included. Results were described in a narrative synthesis. Results 5,423 articles were assessed for eligibility based on inclusion criteria; 15 studies were included in the final review. Nine trials were RCTs and six were quasi-experimental studies; all but six were pilot studies. Most studies recruited overweight or obese women with no existing medical conditions and did not follow participants beyond the intervention. All trials were delivered in-person. Intervention strategies and content and weight change outcomes were highly variable. Conclusions RCTs with statistically powered sample sizes are needed to robustly test the effects of weight loss interventions in this population.
Highly flexible all-solid-state microsupercapacitors for on chip applications using a transfer-free fabrication process

Abstract Recent research efforts in flexible electronics focus on developing lightweight, thin, and flexible micro scale supercapacitor devices integratable on a chip as power source devices. The key requirements for such devices are high performance, 2D form factor, and compatibility with thin-chip technology. We report the fabrication of an ultra-thin flexible microsupercapacitor (fMSC) based on a highly aligned horizontal array of carbon nanotube (HACNT) sheet with in-plane interdigitated configuration using a facile, single-step and scalable fabrication process. The devices exhibited, excellent flexibility under various bending states, and outstanding bending durability up to 10,000 cycles under bending angle of 180°. A representative fMSC with resolution of 40 μm showed a high peak energy density of 54 mWh cm−3. It was observed that the electrolyte deposition technique (drop-cast vs. spin-coating) affects the performance of fMSC devices. Drop-cast devices showed a higher specific capacitance (almost double) compared to spin-coated devices, but at the expense of flexibility. To demonstrate on-board integration, an array of these fMSCs was used as an energy storage unit in a vibrational energy-harvesting device, powered by a piezoelectric disk. This work demonstrates the potential of HACNT sheet based fMSCs with spin-coat electrolytes as ultra-thin microsupercapacitor devices for portable and wearable electronics.
Parental investment and sexual selection

There is a tendency among biologists studying social behavior to regard the adult sex ratio as an independent variable to which the species reacts with appropriate adaptations. D. Lack often interprets social behavior as an adaptation in part to an unbalanced (or balanced) sex ratio, and J. Verner has summarized other instances of this tendency. The only mechanism that will generate differential mortality independent of sexual differences clearly related to parental investment and sexual selection is the chromosomal mechanism, applied especially to humans and other mammals: the unguarded X chromosome of the male is presumed to predispose him to higher mortality. Each offspring can be viewed as an investment independent of other offspring, increasing investment in one offspring tending to decrease investment in others. Species can be classified according to the relative parental investment of the sexes in their young. In the vast majority of species, the male's only contribution to the survival of his offspring is his sex cells.
Shape‐Memory Alloys

Shape-memory alloys (SMAs) when deformed can produce strains as high as 8%. Heating results in a phase transformation and associated recovery of all the accumulated strain, a phenomenon known as shape-memory. This strain recovery can occur against large forces, resulting in their use as actuators. Associated with this behavior is the superelastic or pseudoelastic effect (SE) wherein large and completely recoverable strains are generated mechanically rather than thermally. Whereas the alloys are primarily nonferrous, some ferrous alloys also exhibit shape memory. Applications of SMAs include those as tubes and valves in piping systems for power plants, ships, and the petroleum industry; use as explosive bolts in the aerospace and construction industry; as packaging devices for electronic materials; and as dental materials, prosthetics, and biomedical devices. Shape-memory alloys may be found in sensors in automobiles, in consumer products, and generally in smart materials and adaptive structures. Keywords: Shape-memory; superelasticity; pseudoelasticity; smart materials; actuator materials; martensitic transformations
Magnetic properties of La 2 Cu 1 − x M x O 4 with M =Zn and Ni

The temperature (1.8\ensuremath{\le}T\ensuremath{\le}400 K) and concentration (0\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.10) dependence of the magnetization and magnetic susceptibility of ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathit{M}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ with M=Zn and Ni have been measured. The results are compared with the recent measurements of the concentration (0\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.10) dependence of the muon spin rotation of ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Zn}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$. The antiferromagnetic order present in ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$, which is very sensitive to the introduction of impurities which create mobile holes (such as Sr substitution of the La site), is much less sensitive to impurities which do not create mobile holes in the ${\mathrm{CuO}}_{2}$ planes. The Ne\ifmmode\acute\else\textasciiacute\fi{}el temperature ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{N}}$ is depressed rapidly with Zn doping and the width of the peak in the susceptibility increases with x, and thus the peak becomes less well defined. The depression of ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{N}}$ in Ni-doped ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$ and the increase in the width of the susceptibility peak are less rapid compared to those in the Zn-doped material. We also study the influence of doping on the metamagnetic behavior which is concomitant with the antiferromagnetism in these systems.
Potential IR Observations of the Solar Corona

We examine the potential for observations of the solar corona using forbidden lines in the near infrared.
Microvascular pathology and vascular basement membrane components in Alzheimer's disease.

Several factors have highlighted the vasculature in Alzheimer's disease (AD): Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is common, amyloid fibrils emanate from the vascular basement membrane (VBM), and similar forms of β-amyloid are found in vascular and parenchymal amyloid accumulations. The present article discusses the presence of microvascular pathology in AD. Microangiopathy, in addition to neurofibrillary tangles, senile plaques, and CAA, is a common pathologic hallmark of AD. VBM components are associated with amyloid plaques, and nonamyloidotic alterations of the VBM occur in brain regions susceptible to AD lesions. Also, intra-VBM perivascular cells (traditionally called pericytes), a subset of which share the immunophenotype of microglia and other mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS) cells, have been implicated in vascular alterations and cerebrovascular amyloid deposition. Perivascular and parenchymal MPS cells have access to several sources of the β-amyloid protein precursor, including platelets, circulating white cells, and neurons. MPS cells would thus be ideally situated to uptake and process the precursor, and deposit β-amyloid in a fashion analogous to that seen in other forms of systemic and cerebral amyloidoses.
Dynamic Analysis to Evaluate Viscoelastic Passive Damping Augmentation for the Space Shuttle Remote Manipulator System

The effectiveness of constrained viscoelastic layer damping treatment designs is evaluated separately as passive control measures for low frequency joint dominated modes and higher frequency boom flexure dominated modes using a NASTRAN finite element analysis. Passive damping augmentation is proposed which is based on a constrained viscoelastic layer damping treatment applied to the surface of the manipulators's flexible booms. It is pointed out that even the joint compliance dominated modes can be damped to some degree through appropriate design of the treatment.
Data at our fingertips, myths in our minds: recent grain price jumps as the ‘perfect storm’

The onset of the grain price spikes in late 2007 heralded a heated discussion among economists and policy makers on the source of the problem and appropriate policy responses. The subsequent rounds of price surges hit landless poor consumers hard, and transferred billions of dollars from them to landowners worldwide. Economists offered a list of highly plausible explanations for the recent jumps in grain price levels. Key findings included the large harvest shortfalls caused by climate change, energy prices, and fertilizer prices, as well as demand increases due to the large and persistent annual income increases in India and China. Several declared various combinations of the above factors to be a ‘perfect storm’ in grain markets. In fact little more than a quick series of online searches easily reveals that only the last is plausible as a major cause of recent grain price jumps. In particular there was no major global grain production shortfall. On the other hand biofuels mandates, relatively neglected in many studies, introduced a new source of grain demand that tightened markets and drove up prices. The disconnect between economic analysis and easily verified facts is a disturbing feature of recent economic analyses of grain markets.
Influence of Subject Response Style Effects on Retrospective Measures

Recent attempts to reduce internal invalidity in studies employing pretest/posttest self-report in dices of improvement have included the refinement of methodologies employing retrospective reports of pre-treatment states. The present study investigated the operation of social desirability and impression management response bias on such retrospective measures. The results do not support the hypothesis of greater bias on retrospective measurement and, in fact, are in a direction that might suggest an in terpretation of reduced bias on such measures. The results also continue to support superior validity of retrospective over traditional pretest/posttest in dices of improvement following treatment.
Massive Dirac neutrinos and the SN1987A signal

Abstract We present results of calculations which incorporate the effect of massive Dirac neutrinos in numerical models for the cooling of the neutron star associated with SN1987A. In the Weinberg-Salam standard model, minimally extended to include Dirac neutrino masses, the production of sterile (positive helicity) neutrinos via neutral-current neutrino-nucleon scattering proceeds at a rate that significantly affects the energetics of cooling. We determine the expected number of events, total energy in neutrinos and the burst duration for both Kamiokande II and Irvine-Michigan-Brookhaven detectors. Due to an increase in the cooling rate caused by sterile neutrinos, we find that for m ν μ,τ = m ν μ 2 +m ν τ 2 ⩾14 keV , the expected neutrino burst is shortened to a duration that is inconsistent with the observations reported by both detectors. The calculations incorporate the feedback effects of the cooling due to sterile neutrinos in a self-consistent manner and the mass limit obtained is found to be largely insensitive to the equation of state used.
The effects of cannibalism on Amazonian poison frog egg and tadpole deposition and survivorship in Heliconia axil pools

This study investigated the influence of cannibalism on egg and larval mortality, and on the deposition strategies of adults, in a tropical anuran breeding in very small leaf axil pools. Patterns of egg and tadpole deposition and mortality in the Amazonian poison frog, Dendrobates ventrimaculatus, were monitored in rainforest near Pompeya in Sucumbios Province, Ecuador. Oviposition and tadpole deposition typically ocurred in leaf axils of Heliconia plants. Pools typically received more than one oviposition. Egg survivorship was low, and significantly lower when eggs were deposited in pools with large tadpoles, indicating that cannibalism is an important source of mortality. Tadpole survivorship was also associated with the presence of other tadpoles: most pools ended with only one surviving tadpole, regardless of the number of tadpoles deposited in the pool. Egg deposition was signifcantly less likely for pools that had a tadpole in them, suggesting that adults can detect the presence of tadpoles and avoid ovipositing in pools that contain them. This hypothesis was tested with a series of pool choice experiments, which revealed that D. ventrimaculatus avoid placing either eggs or tadpoles into a pool which contains a large tadpole. Several hypotheses which could explain multiple deposition in this species are discussed.
The acetylcholinesterase of Bungarus fasciatus venom.

Acetylcholinesterase from Bungarus fasciatus venom has been prepared free of electrophoretically or immunologically detectable contaminating proteins. A specific activity of 270 mmol acetylcholine hydrolysed per h per mg was observed for the homogenous enzyme. A molecular weight of 126000 as determined by sedimentation and diffusion, has been found. The enzyme is split into two apparently equal-sized subunits by 8M urea—1 M NaCl. Active-site measurements revealed two active sites per enzyme molecule. The enzyme exhibited substrate inhibition and had a Km of 141.7 μM for acetylcholine. The enzyme was not inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride.
The calculation of critical points of fluid mixtures-effect of improved pure component critical point representation

Abstract The poor representation of mixture critical volumes by cubic equations of state is well known and has been widely attributed to the fact that the pure component critical compressibility calculated from the equation of state (designated as ζ ci ) is, in general, not equal to the experimental critical compressibility (designated as Z ci expt ) of most fluids. This work examines the behavior of two and three-constant cubic equations of state in the critical region and demonstrates that simply setting ζ ci equal to Z ci expt does not necessarily lead to more accurate prediction of mixture critical points. The improvement in the pure component critical point representation creates the necessity for an additional mixing rule which is not inherent in the usual mixing rules for the equation of state constants. The critical region behavior of two cubic equations of state was studied in this work. These equations, namely the Peng-Robinson and the Teja-Patel, were chosen as representative of two and three-constant equations of state.
Partial amino acid sequences of botulinum neurotoxins types B and E.

Abstract Clostridium botulinum type E neurotoxin, a single-chain protein of M r 147,000, was purified and subjected to amino acid sequencing. The same was done for single-chain botulinum type B neurotoxin ( M r 152,000), and for the heavy and light chains ( M r 104,000 and 51,000 respectively) derived from type B by limited trypsin digestion. Twelve to eighteen residues were identified and the following conclusions were drawn: (1) The light chain of the nicked (dichain) type B is derived from the N-terminal one-third of the single-chain (unnicked) parent neurotoxin; (2) sequence homologies are present between single-chain types B and E and the light chain of the nicked type A [ J. J. Schmidt, V. Sathyamoorthy, and B. R. DasGupta (1984) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 119 , 900–904 ]; (3) the N-terminal regions of the heavy chains of types A and B have some structural similarity; and (4) activation of type B neurotoxin cannot involve removal of amino acids or peptides from the N terminus.
Classification of upper limb motions in stroke using high density surface EMG

Myoelectric pattern recognition techniques have been developed to infer user's intention of performing different functional movements, which can be used to provide volitional control of assisted devices for people with disabilities. The pattern recognition based myoelectric control systems have rarely been designed for stroke survivors. Aiming at developing such a system for stroke rehabilitation, this study assessed the myoelectric control information remained in the affected limb of stroke survivors using high density surface electromyogram (EMG) recording and pattern recognition techniques. The experimental results from 3 stroke subjects indicate that high accuracies (92.42% ± 5.51%) can be achieved in classification of 20 different intended movements of the affected limb. This study confirms that substantial motor control command can be extracted from paretic muscles of stroke survivors, potentially facilitating their rehabilitation.
Motivational Interviewing: Addressing Ambivalence to Improve Medication Adherence in Patients with Bipolar Disorder

Poor adherence to psychotropic medication is a significant issue for patients with bipolar disorder. The effectiveness of medication treatment is limited by high rates of medication non-adherence among this population. Motivational Interviewing is an evidence-based intervention that has been efficacious in promoting behavioral health regimens and treatment recommendations, including medication adherence. By using a patient-centered approach, Motivational Interviewing has been shown to enhance patients' insight and attitudes toward treatment. This article aims to describe to mental health nurses how to use Motivational Interviewing with bipolar patients to address ambivalence and improve adherence to psychotropic medication regimens.
Measurement of photonic band structure in a two-dimensional periodic dielectric array.

The photonic band structure in a two-dimensional dielectric array is investigated using the coherent microwave transient spectroscopy (COMITS) technique. The array consists of alumina-ceramic rods arranged in a regular square lattice. The dispersion relation for electromagnetic waves in this photonic crystal is determined directly using the phase sensitivity of COMITS. The experimental results are compared to theoretical predictions obtained using the plane-wave expansion technique. Configurations with the electric field parallel and perpendicular to the axis of the rods are investigated.
The effects of ellagic acid and 13-cis-retinoic acid on N-nitrosobenzylmethylamine-induced esophageal tumorigenesis in rats

Ellagic acid (EA) and 13-cis-retinoic acid (CRA), both alone and in combination, were tested for their ability to inhibit N-nitrosobenzylmethylamine-induced tumors in the rat esophagus. Groups of male rats were fed AIN-76A diet containing EA (4 g/kg), CRA (240 mg/kg), or a combination of EA and CRA (4 g/kg and 240 mg/kg), respectively, for 25 weeks. Two weeks after initiation of the diets, NBMA (0.5 mg/kg per injection) was administered s.c. once weekly for 15 weeks. After 25 weeks on the diets, the animals were necropsied. The incidence of esophageal tumors was 97-100% in all NBMA-treated groups. The multiplicity of tumors in NBMA-treated groups was reduced significantly by EA (60%), but not by CRA, or by EA + CRA. These results demonstrate that EA and CRA do not act synergistically to inhibit NBMA-induced esophageal tumorigenesis.
Long-Term Antioxidant Intervention Improves Myocardial Microvascular Function in Experimental Hypertension

Hypertension increases oxidative stress, which can impair myocardial microvascular function and integrity. However, it is yet unclear whether long-term antioxidant intervention in early hypertension would preserve myocardial perfusion and vascular permeability responses to challenge. Pigs were studied after 12 weeks of renovascular hypertension without (n=8) or with daily supplementation of antioxidants (100 IU/kg vitamin E and 1 g vitamin C, n=6), and compared with normal controls (n=7). Myocardial perfusion and microvascular permeability were measured in vivo by electron beam computed tomography before and after 2 cardiac challenges (intravenous adenosine and dobutamine). Basal left ventricular muscle mass was also obtained. Mean arterial pressure was significantly increased in both groups of hypertensive animals (without and with antioxidants, 123+/-9 and 126+/-4 mm Hg, respectively, versus normal, 101+/-4 mm Hg; both P<0.05), but muscle mass was not different among the groups. The impaired myocardial perfusion response to adenosine observed in hypertensives (normal, +51+/-14%; P<0.05 versus baseline; hypertension, +14+/-15%; P=0.3 versus baseline) was preserved in hypertensive pigs that received antioxidants (+44+/-15%; P=0.01 compared with baseline). Long-term antioxidant intervention also preserved subendocardial microvascular permeability responses in hypertension. On the other hand, antioxidant intervention had little effect on the hypertension-induced myocardial vascular dysfunction observed in response to dobutamine. This study demonstrates that the impaired myocardial perfusion and permeability responses to increased cardiac demand in early hypertension are significantly improved by long-term antioxidant intervention. These results support the involvement of oxidative stress in myocardial vascular dysfunction in hypertension and suggest a role for antioxidant strategies to preserve the myocardial microvasculature.
Remarkable redox equilibria in fused salts

Summary Recent findings have revolutionized the interpretation of oxidation-reduction processes occurring in fused nitrates. These are the first known solvent media where the superoxide species O2−, normally considered a transient free radical, can coexist indefinitely in equilibrium with O2, O22− and NO2−. In contradistinction, the oxide ion O2−, hitherto considered a mainstay of molten nitrate chemistry, is quantitatively oxidized by NO3− to peroxide (O22−) and superoxide (O2−). These, rather than the nitronium ion NO2+, account for the remarkable oxidizing power and reactivity observed in molten nitrates. Indeed, any Lux-Flood dissociation of the type NO3−=NO2++O2−, is conspicuous by its absence. The oxygen electrode and the polarographic “water wave” are accounted for by the processes O2+e=O2− and NO3−+H2O+2e=NO2−+2 OH−.
Targeting tumors with LIGHT to generate metastasis-clearing immunity

Metastatic diseases cause the majority of morbidity and mortality of cancer patients. Established tumors form both physical and immunological barriers to limit immune detection and destruction. Current immunotherapy of vaccination and adoptive transfer shows limited effect at least in part due to the existing barriers in the tumors and depending on the knowledge of tumor antigens. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily (TNFSF) member 14 (TNFSF14) LIGHT interacts with stromal cells, dendritic cells (DCs), NK cells, naive and activated T cells and tumor cells inside the tumor tissues via its two functional receptors, HVEM and lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTbetaR). Targeting tumor tissues with LIGHT leads to augmentation of priming, recruitment, and retention of effector cells at tumor sites, directly or indirectly, to induce strong anti-tumor immunity to inhibit the growth of primary tumors as well as eradicate metastases. Intratumor treatment would break tumor barriers and allow strong immunity against various tumors without defining tumor antigens. This review summarizes recent findings to support that LIGHT is a promising candidate for an effective cancer immunotherapy.
Radiation-induced arteritis

Injuries to human vessels in various anatomic sites exposed to therapeutic doses of radiation have shown a remarkably consistent pattern including the following findings: (1) subendothelial connective tissue proliferation; (2) disruption of the elastic lamina; (3) accumulation of intimal and subintimal fibrinoid substances; (4) degeneration of smooth muscle; (5) dense fibrosis of the adventitia; (6) aggregates of foamy histiocytes in the damaged wall; and (7) obliteration of vasa vasorum, z,3 The mechanism of delayed radiation injury of vessels has been hypothesized as endothelial cell damage and the resultant destruction of the microcirculation. 4 In smaller arteries or arterioles, less than 100 ixm, delayed postradiation changes consist of subendothelial fibrosis, subendothelial foam cells, hyaline medial change, and adventitial fibrosis. Obliteration of the arteriolar lumen is observed in advanced cases. In medium-sized arteries, 100-500/xm, accumulation of foam ceils in the subendothelial and
The world of smart healable materials

Abstract This review will present a comprehensive view of the field of stimuli-responsive healable materials. It will begin with an examination of the healing of polymeric materials, briefly discussing the conventional techniques for repair and maintenance of composite materials. It will continue with a detailed analysis of the various systems that have been proposed and investigated over the past two decades, with particular emphasis on work published in the past two years. These systems will be introduced according to the particular stimulus responsible for initiation of healing to occur, moving from mechanical damage to heat, electricity, electromagnetic field, ballistic impact, and light. This discussion will cover the work done in the early days of healable materials, and will include current trends and potential future directions.
Effects of oligomerization on the epitopes of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope glycoproteins.

To understand the differential expression of epitopes on monomeric and oligomeric forms of the envelope glycoproteins, nine human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were derived from the cells of human immunodeficiency virus-infected subjects by selection with soluble oligomeric gp140 (o.140). These nine mAbs and 12 human mAbs selected with V3 peptides, viral lysates, and rgp120, specific for the V2, V3, C5, CD4-binding domain (CD4bd), and gp41, were tested in a binding assay to compare the exposure of these regions on monomeric gp120 or gp41 and on o.140. None of the 21 mAbs were oligomer specific. However, mAbs to V3 and CD4bd were "oligomer sensitive," whereas mAbs to V2 and the distal epitope of C5 tended to be "monomer sensitive" (i.e., to react better with the oligomer or monomer, respectively). The majority of anti-gp41 mAbs reacted similarly with monomer and oligomer. Although the uncleaved o.140 used in this study differs from the cleaved gp120/41 oligomer found on the native virus particle, these results suggest that new epitopes are not introduced by oligomerization of viral envelope proteins, that such oligomer-specific epitopes, if they exist, are not highly immunogenic, and/or that they are not efficiently selected using soluble o.140.
Internal thermal feedback in four&#8211;poles especially in transistors

Thermal-electric interaction or "internal thermal feedback" occurs in temperature dependent devices and four-poles at low frequencies, if the thermal time constants are small. An electrical equivalent circuit which describes this thermal effect is generally derived and applied to transistors in common base and common emitter configuration. It consists of current sources and of resistance-inductance circuits which can be directly related to the thermal equivalent circuit of the device. It is shown that this thermal feedback should not be neglected in the measurement of high-frequency transistors, in the design of dc or video amplifiers and voltage or current regulators. Some measurements are reported and discussed. For instance, a strong frequency dependence of some four-pole parameters, especially of the forward trans-conductance y 21 and the short circuit output admittance y 22e of high frequency transistors was found at frequencies below 1 Mc. These effects can be explained by the new equivalent circuit. Possible application of this thermal-electric interaction may include the realization of large low Q inductances for low frequency integrated circuitry, and perhaps the investigation of pinch-in and second breakdown effects. It appears that the low frequency noise figure of transistors may also be affected by this effect.
Determination of243Am in244Cm by gamma spectroscopy

Gamma spectroscopy with a high resolution Ge(Li) detector is used to determine243Am by its 74.7-keV gamma transition in solutions containing much higher specific activities of other actinides and fission products. As little as 100 ppm of243Am relative to244Cm can be determined. A relative standard deviation of 1.4% was obtained for routine samples. The method is well suited for analytical control of curium process steps because of its simplicity, speed, and reliability.
An in situ X-ray diffraction study of precipitation from a supersaturated solid solution: The γ' precipitate in a Ni-12.5% Si alloy

An in situ X-ray diffraction study of the precipitation reaction of a supersaturated solid solution single crystal of Ni-12.5 at.% Al alloy was performed for moderately high temperatures. The diffusion-control coarsening model of Lifshitz and Slyozov is used to interpret the results of measuring the rate constants determined from the growth of the average particle size and volume fraction of the {gamma}{prime} phase precipitate as derived from the line width and integrated intensity of the superlattice reflection, respectively. Both the diffusion coefficient and the interfacial energy between the matrix and precipitates were experimentally determined for temperatures in the range of 550-700C. The interfacial energies are reasonable when compared with literature values and they seem to indicate a decrease with increasing temperature. The diffusion coefficients yield consistent yet lower values when compared to results for Ni-self diffusion in single crystals, and to polycrystalline measurements of Al diffusion in Ni at comparable temperatures. An enhanced diffusion is observed at 550C and possible explanations are offered. In addition, the coarsening rate was measured to be different for two crystallographic directions at the same temperature. This difference is suggested to be related to the precipitate morphology change from sphere to cuboid evidenced in manymore » Ni-base alloys.« less
Reduction of an Electrochemistry-Based Li-Ion Battery Model via Quasi-Linearization and Padé Approximation

This paper examines an electrochemistry-based lithium-ion battery model developed by Doyle, Fuller, and Newman. The paper makes this model more tractable and conducive to control design by making two main contributions to the literature. First, we adaptively solve the model's algebraic equations using quasi-linearization. This improves the model's execution speed compared to solving the algebraic equations via optimization. Second, we reduce the model's order by deriving a family of analytic Pade approximations to the model's spherical diffusion equations. The paper carefully compares these Pade approximations to other published methods for reducing spherical diffusion equations. Finally, the paper concludes with battery simulations showing the significant impact of the proposed model reduction approach on the battery model's overall accuracy and simulation speed.
Psychophysical evidence for losses in rod sensitivity in the aging visual system

Abstract Rod sensitivity was measured with a criterion-free psychophysical method at 10 deg in the horizontal meridian of the nasal field of the left eye on 26 young (mean age, 24.1 yr) and 14 older (mean age 72.6 yr) observers in good ocular health. A 1 deg, 90 msec stimulus was delivered by means of a free-viewing optical system under computer control. Stimulus wavelengths were chosen to have either significant (406 nm) or minimal (560 nm) absorption by the older lens. After correction for senile miosis and lens density, 0.39 log unit higher thresholds for the older observers remained and are interpreted as being due to neural factors. Copyright © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd
Can Donors With Prior Hepatitis Be Safely Used for Heart Transplantation

Background Heart transplantation represents a significant life-saving and increased quality-of-life intervention for patients with refractory cardiac failure. Successful transplantation requires continuous immunosuppression to avoid immune rejection. Unfortunately, persistent viral infections in donors may be transmitted to recipients in the process of heart transplantation. With the severe shortage of available organs and significant waiting list mortality there is a rationale for considering use of organs from donors with evidence of prior hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C infection. Methods Published literature articles were searched using Medline, PaperChase and further review of references in relevant articles on issues related to hepatitis B and hepatitis C and heart transplantation. Results Donor and recipient testing for hepatitis B and hepatitis C is important for relative risk assessment. Nucleic acid testing for hepatitis B DNA and hepatitis C RNA represent emerging technologies, which may add valuable information to traditional serologic testing. Conclusions Heart transplant recipient risk may be modified by vaccination against hepatitis B before transplantation. There is currently no available vaccine for hepatitis C. Recently described effective treatments for hepatitis B and hepatitis C provide further rationale for reconsideration of using hearts from donors with evidence of hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C infection.
The incidence of gastro-jejunal ulcer following gastroenterostomy

The above cases have been presented in detail so as to give a complete clinical picture of each case and one can note that of the 13 cases we are reporting, five were operated upon in hospitals in or around New York and eight were operated upon at Bellevue Hospital, and of the 13 cases no two patients were operated upon by the same surgeon. From the review of our cases we feel that any conclusions drawn as to the percentage of gastro-jejunal ulcers developing after gastroenterostomy is most inaccurate unless the patient has been followed for a 10-year period, and also seen at frequent intervals, with repeated X-ray examinations. A follow-up letter in stomach cases is not only inaccurate but misleading and instead of being a help usually presents false information. It is seen that three of our cases that came to operation developed their symptoms of a marginal ulcer after seven years, one being ten and a half years following gastroenterostomy.
On the Obligation of Physicians to Treat AIDS: Is There a Historical Basis?

This study examines the historical bases of what physicians ought to do as well as what they actually have done with regard to the treatment of diseases such as AIDS, which put them at risk for their lives. The earliest explicit statement of what ought to be done goes back only to 1847, when the American Medical Association was founded. However, this statement conflicts with a 75-year-old assertion that physicians have a right to choose whom they will serve. The conflict is compounded by the suspicion that both stated principles were based, at least in part, on socioeconomic considerations rather than moral imperatives. Of what physicians have actually done over the last 2,400 years, little more can definitely be said than that many have not tried to escape mortal risk while others have done so. Thus it is difficult to employ history as a basis for claiming that physicians have an obligation to treat AIDS.
Barbiturate dependence in mice: effects of propranolol on the withdrawal syndrome.

SummaryC57BL/6J mice were made physically dependent on phenobarbital by means of a powdered diet mixed with the drug. During withdrawal, propranolol was found to reduce the frequency of seizures, while no effect was seen on other signs of withdrawal from barbiturates. Propranolol appears to be an effective anticonvulsant with respect to withdrawal-induced seizures.
Role of laryngeal afferents in cough.

Abstract The superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) is the main source of laryngeal afferent activity. A clear respiratory modulation can be noted when recording from the peripheral cut end of this nerve in several mammalian species. This modulation is due to three types of sensory endings: cold, pressure and ‘drive’ receptors. Although respiratory-modulated receptors play an important role in the function of the upper airway, they are not generally viewed as a primary factor in the elicitation of cough. Other more likely candidates for this role are thought to be the so-called ‘irritant’ endings. These are receptors that do not discharge in close association with the breathing cycle, but are usually silent or randomly active in control conditions. However, they are promptly recruited when the laryngeal mucosa is exposed to mechanical and/or chemical irritation. In fact, these receptors respond to well recognized tussigenic stimuli and are therefore thought to provide the triggering mechanisms for the cough reflex from the larynx. Endings with similar characteristics are also found in the most proximal areas of the tracheo-bronchial tree. On the basis of their response to irritants, these receptors are identified under the common denomination of ‘irritant receptors’. However, within this category of endings we find a wide range of distinctive characteristics, be this in terms of responsiveness to water solutions of various osmolarity and composition or to particular responses to substances produced within the body (autacoids) or experimentally administered.
Diagenesis in Upper Miocene Sandstones, Louisiana Gulf Coast: ABSTRACT

Study of diagenesis in upper Miocene sandstones of coastal Louisiana documents depth-related cementation and geochemical changes of primary detrital mineralogy. Samples were collected from depths of 8,000-20,000 ft (2,600-6,500 m) in an area roughly corresponding to the upper Miocene depocenter in the Terrebonne trough of southeast Louisiana. Sandstones are primarily subarkoses and sublitharenites with minor amounts of feldspathic litharenites and lithic arkoses. Plagioclase feldspar (oligoclase/andesine composition) composes approximately 60% of the detrital feldspar. Dominant rock fragments are siltstone or mudstone, silicified volcanic rock, and chert. Authigenic minerals and cements occur in the following order: dolomite, chlorite grain coats, albite overgrowths on plagioclase and K-feldspar, quartz, calcite, kaolinite, and ankerite. Calcite composition remains nearly constant with depth, but ankerite composition differs both with depth and within individual samples. In general, the mineralogy and order of cements resemble that of the lower Tertiary sandstones of the Texas Gulf Coast; however, in the upper Miocene, the volume of each cement is much less and the depth of first occurrence is greater. Feldspars have reacted substantially with pore fluids. With increasing depth, feldspar becomes more sodic because of albitization and dissolution of calcic plagioclase. At approximately 20,000 ft, 75% of the plagioclase is nearly pure albite. Alteration of K-feldspar is not common above 17,000 ft; below 17,000 ft occurrences are rare because of dissolution. End_of_Article - Last_Page 257------------
Vitamin a determinations in human blood —an evaluation of methodologies

Spectrophotometric and fluorimetric measurements are evaluated for the determination of vitamin A in blood plasma with and without fractionation by alumina column chromatography. Results for forty-one human plasma samples indicate that the two approaches applied without the alumina separation step can be adequate for broad population surveys when properly controlled, but that the separation step is necessary to avoid interferences when reliable results are required for individual samples, especially for vitamin A levels below 0.2 μg ml-1. Both procedures give highly reliable results when preceded by alumina column chromatography.
The impact of diffuse illumination on iris recognition

Iris illumination typically causes specular highlighting both within the pupil and iris. This lighting variation is intended to be masked in the preprocessing stage. By removing or reducing these specular highlights, it is thought that a more accurate template could be made, improving the matching results. In an attempt to reduce these specular highlights we propose a diffuse illumination system. To determine if iris recognition performance is enhanced by this diffuse illumination system, we examine whether specular highlights were reduced within the pupil and iris, as well as analyze matching results obtained by several iris algorithms.
Alterations in chemokine expression following Theiler's virus infection and restraint stress

Restraint stress (RS) applied to mice during acute infection with Theiler's virus causes corticosterone-induced immunosuppression. This effect was further investigated by measuring chemokine changes in the spleen and central nervous system (CNS) using an RNase Protection Assay. mRNAs for lymphotactin (Ltn), interferon-induced protein-10 (IP-10), MIP-1 beta, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and TCA-3 were detected in the spleen at day 2 pi, but not in the brain of CBA mice infected with Theiler's virus. Ltn, IP-10 and RANTES were elevated in both the spleen and the brain at day 7 pi, and were significantly decreased by RS in the brain. RS also resulted in decreased inflammation within the CNS.