cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Temperature Behavior of Pulse Propagation and Relaxation in Worms, Nerves and Gels.

The effect of temperature on pulse propagation in biological systems has been an important field of research. Environmental temperature not only affects a host of physiological processes e.g. in poikilotherms but also provides an experimental means to investigate the thermodynamic phenomenology of nerves and muscle. In the present work, the temperature dependence of blood vessel pulsation velocity and frequency was studied in the annelid Lumbriculus variegatus. The pulse velocity was found to vary linearily between 0°C and 30°C. In contrast, the pulse frequency increased non-linearly in the same temperature range. A heat block ultimately resulted in complete cessation of vessel pulsations at 37.2±2.7°C (lowest: 33°C, highest: 43°C). However, quick cooling of the animal led to restoration of regularly propagating pulses. This experimentally observed phenomenology of pulse propagation and frequency is interpreted without any assumptions about molecules in the excitable membrane (e.g. ion channels) or their temperature-dependent behaviour. By following Einstein’s approach to thermodynamics and diffusion, a relation between relaxation time τ and compressibility κ of the excitable medium is derived that can be tested experimentally (for κT ∼ κS). Without fitting parameters this theory predicts the temperature dependence of the limiting (i.e. highest) pulse frequency in good agreement with experimental data. The thermodynamic approach presented herein is neither limited to temperature nor to worms nor to living systems. It describes the coupling between pulse propagation and relaxation equally well in nerves and gels. The inherent consistency and universality of the concept underline its potential to explain the dependence of pulse propagation and relaxation on any thermodynamic observable.
Simulation of human movement: applications using OpenSim

Computer simulations are playing an increasingly important role in solving complex engineering problems, and have the potential to revolutionize experimentally-based medical decision making and treatment design. Experiments alone provide important but limited understanding of movement dynamics. Although we can measure some quantities, such as muscle activities and ground reaction forces, responsible for a movement, simulations complement these measurements with estimates of other important variables, such as muscle and joint forces. Simulations also allow us to establish cause-and-effect relationships giving insights into muscle function. Perhaps the most exciting feature of simulations is the potential to perform “what if” studies to test hypotheses, predict functional outcomes, and identify emergent behaviors. This paper highlights applications using OpenSim, including projects which: minimize measures of an unreasonable simulation; identify new movements as an athletic training tool to reduce injury risk, and establish relationships among posture, muscle forces, and ground reaction forces. © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Peer-review under responsibility of John McPhee and Jozsef Kovecses
On subseries convergence inF-spaces

In this note, we show that a series, Σx n , in a complete linear metric space with a basis is subseries convergent if and only if it is weakly subseries convergent.
Mixed-effects logistic approach for association following linkage scan for complex disorders.

Summary An association study to identify possible causal single nucleotide polymorphisms following linkage scanning is a popular approach for the genetic dissection of complex disorders. However, in association studies cases and controls are assumed to be independent, i.e., genetically unrelated. Choosing a single affected individual per family is statistically inefficient and leads to a loss of power. On the other hand, because of the relatedness of family members, using affected family members and unrelated normal controls directly leads to false-positive results in association studies. In this paper we propose a new approach using mixed-model logistic regression, in which associations are performed using family members and unrelated controls. Thus, the important genetic information can be obtained from family members while retaining high statistical power. To examine the properties of this new approach we developed an efficient algorithm, to simulate environmental risk factors and the genotypes at both the disease locus and a marker locus with and without linkage disequilibrium (LD) in families. Extensive simulation studies showed that our approach can effectively control the type-I error probability. Our approach is better than family-based designs such as TDT, because it allows the use of unrelated cases and controls and uses all of the affected members for whom DNA samples are possibly already available. Our approach also allows the inclusion of covariates such as age and smoking status. Power analysis showed that our method has higher statistical power than recent likelihood ratio-based methods when environmental factors contribute to disease susceptibility, which is true for most complex human disorders. Our method can be further extended to accommodate more complex pedigree structures.
Regulatory dissociation of Tctex-1 light chain from dynein complex is essential for the apical delivery of rhodopsin.

Post-Golgi to apical surface delivery in polarized epithelial cells requires the cytoplasmic dynein motor complex. However, the nature of dynein–cargo interactions and their underlying regulation are largely unknown. Previous studies have shown that the apical surface targeting of rhodopsin requires the dynein light chain, Tctex-1, which binds directly to both dynein intermediate chain (IC) and rhodopsin. In this report, we show that the S82E mutant of Tctex-1, which mimics Tctex-1 phosphorylated at serine 82, has a reduced affinity for dynein IC but not for rhodopsin. Velocity sedimentation experiments further suggest that S82E is not incorporated into the dynein complex. The dominant-negative effect of S82E causes rhodopsin mislocalization in polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. The S82A mutant, which mimics dephosphorylated Tctex-1, can be incorporated into dynein complex but is impaired in its release. Expression of S82A also causes disruption of the apical localization of rhodopsin in MDCK cells. Taken together, these results suggest that the dynein complex disassembles to release cargo due to the specific phosphorylation of Tctex-1 at the S82 residue and that this process is critical for the apical delivery of membrane cargoes.
Caspases in Huntington’s Disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant condition, resulting from a mutation in huntingtin (htt). Htt is a novel protein, and its normal function is at present not well understood. Nuclear translocation of mutant htt in vitro up-regulates expression of the cell death gene caspase-1. We have demonstrated in a transgenic HD mouse model that caspase-1 and caspase-3 are transcriptionally up-regulated and activated. Underscoring the relevancy of these findings, recent results suggest that caspase-1 is activated in brains of humans with HD. Caspase activation results in the proteolytic cleavage of key cellular targets, including htt, leading to cell dysfunction. Caspase activation leading to cell dysfunction and death correlates with disease progression. In HD-transgenic mice, caspase inhibition resulted in a delayed onset of symptoms, a slowed progression, and prolonged survival. Caspase inhibition is a therapeutic strategy that merits evaluation in humans with HD.
A Molecular Analysis of Mutations at the Complex dumpy Locus in Drosophila melanogaster

The Drosophila dumpy gene consists of seventy eight coding exons and encodes a huge extracellular matrix protein containing large numbers of epidermal growth factor-like (EGF) modules and a novel module called dumpy (DPY). A molecular analysis of forty five mutations in the dumpy gene of Drosophila melanogaster was carried out. Mutations in this gene affect three phenotypes: wing shape, thoracic cuticular defects, and lethality. Most of the mutations were chemically induced in a single dumpy allele and were analyzed using a nuclease that cleaves single base pair mismatches in reannealed duplexes followed by dHPLC. Additionally, several spontaneous mutations were analyzed. Virtually all of the chemically induced mutations, except for several in a single exon, either generate nonsense codons or lesions that result in downstream stop codons in the reading frame. The remaining chemically induced mutations remove splice sites in the nascent dumpy message. We propose that the vast majority of nonsense mutations that affect all three basic dumpy phenotypes are in constitutive exons, whereas nonsense mutants that remove only one or two of the basic functions are in alternatively spliced exons. Evolutionary comparisons of the dumpy gene from seven Drosophila species show strong conservation of the 5′ ends of exons where mutants with partial dumpy function are found. In addition, reverse transcription PCR analyses reveal transcripts in which exons marked by nonsense mutations with partial dumpy function are absent.
The clinical significance of fat clearance lymph node harvest for invasive rectal adenocarcinoma following neoadjuvant therapy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the application of fat clearance in cases of rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiation. METHODS: All patients who underwent proctectomy (R0 resection) from 1998 to 2007 were included. N1 and N2 stages were regarded as N+ stage. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-seven patients were identified, including 157 patients in the neoadjuvant group and 80 patients in the nonneoadjuvant group. In both groups, patients were assigned to receive the traditional method of harvesting lymph nodes, or the fat clearance method. Before July 2001, the patients received the traditional method, and after July 2001, they received exclusively the fat clearance method. In the nonneoadjuvant group, there was no significant difference in the number of positive lymph nodes (0.5 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.0 +/- 0.3, P = 0.235), N stage (P = 0.265), or patients with N+ stage (7/31 vs. 16/49, P = 0.332) between the two methods, even though the total lymph node harvest was significantly increased by use of the fat clearance method (9.6 +/- 1.3 vs. 27.6 +/- 2.5, P < 0.001). In contrast, the total lymph node retrieval (5.2 +/- 0.6 vs. 20.4 +/- 1.2, P < 0.001), number of positive lymph nodes (0.4 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.2 +/- 0.3, P = 0.007), N stage (P = 0.005), and patients with N+ stage (6/51 vs. 34/106, P = 0.006) were all increased by fat clearance in the neoadjuvant group. Moreover, the number of patients with N+ stage was stratified by T stage level (T0-T4) to eliminate the background bias, and the results were confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of the fat clearance technique significantly influences lymph node staging in patients with rectal cancer following neoadjuvant chemoradiation. These findings suggest that fat clearance may represent a useful tool in all patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy; a more generalized application in colorectal carcinoma specimens remains controversial and warrants further investigation.
Effect of Rock Trenching Vibrations on Nearby Structures

Trenching to install deep gravity sewers and drains in medium-to high-strength rock requires large and heavy rock trenchers that produce high levels of vibrations that may affect the structural integrity of nearby utilities and buildings. Although not every vibration causes damage, owners often believe that their structures have been harmed by rock excavation. The resulting disputes can waste a great deal of time and money. In an effort to reduce structural damage and associated disputes, this paper provides guidelines for the safe distance between rock trenchers and nearby buildings and underground structures. Vibration data at different distances from the trencher centerline were collected from five trenching projects in Northwest Ohio. The data analysis suggests a moderate relationship between the vibration level and the distance from the source of vibration. In addition, the risk of damage to nearby structures dissipates significantly and quickly as the distance from the point of excavation increases. Rock trenching should not take place closer than 1.50 m for buried structures and 1.00 m for residential buildings. Beyond this safe distance, damage to nearby structures should not take place.
Murine lung cancer induces generalized T-cell exhaustion

Abstract Background Cancer is known to modulate tumor-specific immune responses by establishing a microenvironment that leads to the upregulation of T-cell inhibitory receptors, resulting in the progressive loss of function and eventual death of tumor-specific T-cells. However, the ability of cancer to impact the functionality of the immune system on a systemic level is much less well characterized. Because cancer is known to predispose patients to infectious complications including sepsis, we hypothesized that the presence of cancer alters pathogen-directed immune responses on a systemic level. Materials and methods We assessed systemic T-cell coinhibitory receptor expression, cytokine production, and apoptosis in mice with established subcutaneous lung cancer tumors and in unmanipulated mice without cancer. Results Results indicated that the frequencies of programmed death-1-positive, B and T lymphocyte attenuator-positive, and 2B4 + cells in both the CD4 + and CD8 + T-cell compartments were increased in mice with localized cancer relative to non-cancer controls, and the frequencies of both CD4 + and CD8 + T-cells expressing multiple different inhibitory receptors were increased in cancer animals relative to non-cancer controls. Additionally, 2B4 + CD8 + T-cells in cancer mice exhibited reduced interleukin-2 and interferon-γ, whereas B and T lymphocyte attenuator-positive CD8 + T-cells in cancer mice exhibited reduced interleukin-2 and tumor necrosis factor. Conversely, CD4 + T-cells in cancer animals demonstrated an increase in the frequency of annexin V + apoptotic cells. Conclusions Taken together, these data suggest that the presence of cancer induces systemic T-cell exhaustion and generalized immune suppression.
Comparative studies of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and octadecyl (C18) as sorbents in passive sampling devices for biomimetic uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from soils

To avoid overestimating the risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), research is needed to evaluate the bioavailable portion of PAHs in the environment. However, limited PSDs were developed for a terrestrial soil system. In this study, two sorbents, octadecyl (C18) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), were individually evaluated as sorbents in passive sampling devices (PSDs) as biomimetic samplers to assess the uptake of PAHs from soil. C18-PSDs were an excellent biomimetic tool for PAHs with a low molecular weight in complex exposure conditions with different soil types, types of PAHs, aging periods, and initial PAH concentrations in soil. The utility of MWNT-PSDs was limited by extraction efficiencies of PAHs from MWNTs. However, when compared to C18-PSDs, they had higher adsorption capacities and were less expensive. This study provides data regarding useful techniques that can be used in risk assessment to assess the bioavailability of PAHs in soil.
Small-fiber neuropathy.

Small-fiber neuropathy is a common disorder. It is often "idiopathic" and typically presents with painful feet in patients over the age of 60. Autoimmune mechanisms are often suspected, but rarely identified. Known causes of small-fiber neuropathy include diabetes mellitus, amyloidosis, toxins, and inherited sensory and autonomic neuropathies. Occasionally, small-fiber neuropathy is diffuse or multifocal. Depending on the type of small-fiber neuropathy, autonomic dysfunction can be significant or subclinical. Diagnosis is made on the basis of the clinical features, normal nerve conduction studies, and abnormal specialized tests of small-fiber function. These specialized studies include assessment of epidermal nerve fiber density as well as sudomotor, quantitative sensory, and cardiovagal testing. The sensitivities of these tests range from 59-88%. Each has certain advantages and disadvantages, and the tests may be complementary. Unless an underlying disease is identified, treatment is usually directed toward alleviation of neuropathic pain.
Metabolism of iodinated high density lipoprotein subunits in the rat III. Comparison of the removal rate of different subunits from the circulation

Abstract A comparison of the t 1 2 of in vivo and in vitro labeled rat high density lipoprotein showed that they behave metabolically alike. It was shown that labeling of high density lipoprotein with 125I in vitro, and with [14C leucine in vivo, results in a similar distribution of label among the subunits of the apolipoprotein. The rates of degradation of the various subunits of high density lipoprotein of rats were studied. After injection of radioiodinated high density lipoprotein, the distribution of radioactivity in the subunits of high density lipoprotein was determined; it was found to be unchanged between 1 and 48 h after injection. This indicates that the various subunits of high density lipoprotein have similar rates of removal. When the t 1 2 of these subunits was measured, a rather similar half life of 8.5–11.5 h was found. A fast and a slow component were shown to be present in the turnover curve of in vivo labeled very low density lipoprotein. The fast component had a t 1 2 less than 1 h while the slow component had a t 1 2 of 10–12 h. After injection of radioiodinated high density lipoprotein, radioactivity appeared in some of the subunits of very low density lipoprotein. Assuming a common pool for these subunits of very low and high density lipoproteins, these data would suggest that these very low density lipoprotein subunits have a slower rate of removal than the other subunits of very low density lipoprotein.
The Viscoelastic Standard Nonlinear Solid Model: Predicting the Response of the Lumbar Intervertebral Disk to Low-Frequency Vibrations

Due to the mathematical complexity of current musculoskeletal spine models, there is a need for computationally efficient models of the intervertebral disk (IVD). The aim of this study is to develop a mathematical model that will adequately describe the motion of the IVD under axial cyclic loading as well as maintain computational efficiency for use in future musculoskeletal spine models. Several studies have successfully modeled the creep characteristics of the IVD using the three-parameter viscoelastic standard linear solid (SLS) model. However, when the SLS model is subjected to cyclic loading, it underestimates the load relaxation, the cyclic modulus, and the hysteresis of the human lumbar IVD. A viscoelastic standard nonlinear solid (SNS) model was used to predict the response of the human lumbar IVD subjected to low-frequency vibration. Nonlinear behavior of the SNS model was simulated by a strain-dependent elastic modulus on the SLS model. Parameters of the SNS model were estimated from experimental load deformation and stress-relaxation curves obtained from the literature. The SNS model was able to predict the cyclic modulus of the IVD at frequencies of 0.01 Hz, 0.1 Hz, and 1 Hz. Furthermore, the SNS model was able to quantitatively predict the load relaxation at a frequency of 0.01 Hz. However, model performance was unsatisfactory when predicting load relaxation and hysteresis at higher frequencies (0.1 Hz and 1 Hz). The SLS model of the lumbar IVD may require strain-dependent elastic and viscous behavior to represent the dynamic response to compressive strain.
Econometric forecasts: evaluation and revision

(1983). Econometric forecasts: evaluation and revision. Applied Economics: Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 187-201.
Evaluation of tidal marsh restoration: Comparison of selected macroinvertebrate populations on a restored impounded valley marsh and an unimpounded valley marsh within the same salt marsh system in Connecticut, USA

Macroinvertebrates were examined on an impounded valley marsh in Stonington, Connecticut, that has changed from aTypha-dominated system to one with typical salt-marsh vegetation during 13 years following the reintroduction of tidal exchange. Animal populations on this restored impounded marsh were evaluated by comparing them with populations on a nearby unimpounded valley marsh of roughly the same size. Populations of the high marsh snail,Melampus bidentatus Say, were quantitatively sampled along transects that extended from the water-marsh edge to the upland; those of the ribbed mussel,Geukensia demissa Dillwyn, were sampled in low marsh areas on transects along the banks of creeks and mosquito ditches. The occurrence of other marsh invertebrates also was documented, but their abundance was not measured. The mean density ofMelampus was 332±39.6 SE/m2 on the restored impounded marsh and 712±56.0 SE/m2 on the unimpounded marsh. However, since snails were larger on the restored impounded marsh, the difference in snail biomass was less pronounced than the difference in snail density. MeanMelampus biomass was 4.96±0.52 SE g dry wt/m2 on the restored impounded marsh and 6.96±0.52 SE g dry wt/m2 on the unimpounded marsh. On the two marshes, snail density and biomass varied in relation to plant cover and other factors. The density and biomass ofGeukensia at the edge of the marsh were comparable on the restored impounded and unimpounded marshes. Mean mussel densities ranged from 80 to 240/m2 and mean mussel biomass varied from 24.8–64.8 g dry wt/m2 in different low marsh areas. In contrast, below the impoundment dike, meanGeukensia density was 1100±96.4 SE/m2 and meanGeukensia biomass was 303.6±33.28 SE g dry wt/m2. A consideration of all available evidence leads to the conclusion that the impounded marsh is in an advanced phase of restoration.
Micromembrane-enhanced capillary evaporation

Abstract Micromembrane-enhanced evaporating surfaces were developed to enhance capillary evaporation heat transfer coefficient ( HTC ) and critical heat flux ( CHF ). Micromembranes made of sintered single-layer copper mesh screen were diffusion bonded on microchannels to effectively promote capillary pressure and reduce flow resistance. Compared with mono-porous evaporating surfaces such as microchannels and copper woven mesh laminates in the same thickness under the similar working conditions, CHF was substantially increased by 83% and 198%, respectively, because of the separation of the capillary pressure generation and fluid transport process that was enabled by the micromembrane. The major features such as “M” -shaped capillary evaporation heat transfer curves and the associated heat transfer regions were identified. Oscillating flows induced by the bubble growth and collapse as well as the capillary flows induced by the receding menisci were observed and believed to play imperative roles in enhancing the heat transfer by inducing advections and improving evaporation and nucleate boiling.
Rapid estrogenic regulation of extracellular signal- regulated kinase 1/2 signaling in cerebellar granule cells involves a G protein- and protein kinase A-dependent mechanism and intracellular activation of protein phosphatase 2A.

In neonatal rat cerebellar neurons, 17β-estradiol (E2) rapidly stimulates ERK1/2 phosphorylation through a membrane-associated receptor. Here the mechanism of rapid E2-induced ERK1/2 signaling in primary cultured granule cells was investigated in more detail. The results of these studies show that E2 and ICI182,780, a steroidal antagonist of estrogen receptor transactivation, rapidly increased ERK signaling with a time course similar to the transient activation induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF). However, EGF receptor (EGFR) autophosphorylation was not increased by E2, and blockade of EGFR tyrosine kinase activity did not abrogate the rapid actions of E2. The involvement of Src-tyrosine kinase activity was demonstrated by detection of increased c-Src phosphorylation in response to E2 and by blockade of E2-induced ERK1/2 activation by inhibition of Src-family tyrosine kinase activity. Inhibition of Gαi signaling or protein kinase A (PKA) activity blocked the ability of ICI182,780 to rapidly stimulate...
Financial services consumption behavior across Hispanic American consumers

Abstract This study creates a generalized framework to explain Hispanic financial asset consumption behavior, and then develops and tests four research hypotheses derived from this framework. The findings demonstrate that Hispanic consumer choices of financial products generate investment portfolios that differ markedly from their non-Hispanic White (NHW) counterparts. In particular, Hispanic portfolios reflect a clear preference for near-term savings, favoring liquidity and low investment risk at the expense of higher yielding assets, and Hispanic investors demonstrate a strong affinity for insurance products, perhaps using these investments to fund intergenerational transfer of wealth over time. Less prevalent in Hispanic families' investment portfolios is significant investment in financial assets offering relatively high returns, such as common stock, mutual funds, brokerage accounts, and corporate bonds. This leads Hispanic households to exhibit investment balances that are significantly smaller than their NHW counterparts and accumulate wealth at a far slower pace over time.
The character of power output from utility-scale photovoltaic systems

Power produced by utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems has fluctuations on both short and long time scales. Power spectral density (PSD) analysis provides information on the character of these power fluctuations. Examination of the correlation and step size of the power output between several PV sites within a multi-site system allows assessment of geographic diversification for addressing intermittency. Both techniques provide insight into the characteristics of firm power and/or demand response required to accommodate large-scale PV deployment.
Automatic retinal blood flow calculation using spectral domain optical coherence tomography

Optical Doppler tomography (ODT) is a branch of optical coherence tomography (OCT) that can measure the speed of a blood flow by measuring the Doppler shift impinged on the probing sample light by the moving blood cells. However, the measured speed of blood flow is a function of the Doppler angle, which needs to be determined in order to calculate the absolute velocity of the blood flow inside a vessel. We developed a technique that can extract the Doppler angle from the 3D data measured with spectral-domain OCT, which needs to extract the lateral and depth coordinates of a vessel in each measured ODT and OCT image. The lateral coordinates and the diameter of a blood vessel were first extracted in each OCT structural image by using the technique of blood vessel shadowgram, a technique first developed by us for enhancing the retinal blood vessel contrast in the en face view of the 3D OCT. The depth coordinate of a vessel was then determined by using a circular averaging filter moving in the depth direction along the axis passing through the vessel center in the ODT image. The Doppler angle was then calculated from the extracted coordinates of the blood vessel. The technique was applied in blood flow measurements in retinal blood vessels, which has potential impact on the study and diagnosis of blinding diseases like glaucoma.
Frequency dependence of electric field modulation of fibroblast protein synthesis

The effect of electric current on protein biosynthesis in mammalian fibroblasts was investigated with neonatal bovine fibroblast-populated collagen matrices. The field strength dependence of electric field modulation of proline incorporation into extracellular and intracellular protein was measured over a frequency range from 0.1 to 1000 hertz. A frequency- and amplitude-dependent reduction in the rate of incorporation was observed. In tissues containing cells aligned either parallel or perpendicular to the electric field, this response was dependent on the orientation of the cells relative to the direction of the applied electric field. This study demonstrates that currents of physiological strength can stimulate alterations in biosynthesis and thereby may influence tissue growth, remodeling, and repair.
The safety and efficacy of sublingual and oral immunotherapy for milk allergy.

Background Oral immunotherapy (OIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) are potential therapies for food allergy, but the optimal method of administration, mechanism of action, and duration of response remain unknown. Objective We sought to explore the safety and efficacy of OIT and SLIT for the treatment of cow's milk (CM) allergy. Methods We randomized children with CM allergy to SLIT alone or SLIT followed by OIT. After screening double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges and initial SLIT escalation, subjects either continued SLIT escalation to 7 mg daily or began OIT to either 1000 mg (the OITB group) or 2000 mg (the OITA group) of milk protein. They were challenged with 8 g of milk protein after 12 and 60 weeks of maintenance. If they passed the 60-week challenge, therapy was withdrawn, with challenges repeated 1 and 6 weeks later. Mechanistic correlates included end point titration skin prick testing and measurement of CM-specific IgE and IgG 4 levels, basophil histamine release, constitutive CD63 expression, CD203c expression, and intracellular spleen tyrosine kinase levels. Results Thirty subjects with CM allergy aged 6 to 17 years were enrolled. After therapy, 1 of 10 subjects in the SLIT group, 6 of 10 subjects in the SLIT/OITB group, and 8 of 10 subjects in the OITA group passed the 8-g challenge ( P = .002, SLIT vs OIT). After avoidance, 6 of 15 subjects (3 of 6 subjects in the OITB group and 3 of 8 subjects in the OITA group) regained reactivity, 2 after only 1 week. Although the overall reaction rate was similar, systemic reactions were more common during OIT than during SLIT. By the end of therapy, titrated CM skin prick test results and CD63 and CD203c expression decreased and CM-specific IgG 4 levels increased in all groups, whereas CM-specific IgE and spontaneous histamine release values decreased in only the OIT group. Conclusion OIT was more efficacious for desensitization to CM than SLIT alone but was accompanied by more systemic side effects. Clinical desensitization was lost in some cases within 1 week off therapy.
Chronic nicotine interactions with clozapine and risperidone and attentional function in rats

Although antipsychotic drugs are therapeutically effective in attenuating the hallmark symptoms of schizophrenia, these improvements do not return most patients to normative standards of cognitive function. Thus, complementary drug treatment may be needed to treat the attentional deficits of schizophrenia as well as to counteract the potential attentional impairments caused by some antipsychotic drugs. Nicotine, a drug commonly self-administered by a great majority of individuals with schizophrenia, has been shown to significantly improve cognitive function in some studies. The current study was conducted to determine the interactive effects of the atypical antipsychotic drugs clozapine and risperidone with chronic nicotine administration on attentional performance. Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (N=35) were trained to perform an attentional task using an operant visual signal detection task. After training, rats were infused with a dose of 5 mg/kg/day (s.c.) nicotine base (n=18) or saline (n=17) for 28 consecutive days via osmotic pump. In Exp. 1, while being administered chronic nicotine or saline, rats were given acute doses of clozapine (0, 0.625, 1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg, s.c.) and were tested for attentional function. In Exp. 2, while on chronic nicotine or saline, other rats were challenged with acute doses of risperidone (0, 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg, s.c.) and were tested for attentional function. Results showed that acute administration of clozapine caused a significant dose-dependent impairment in choice accuracy (percent hit) in animals treated with chronic saline. Chronic nicotine treatment itself lowered accuracy, but attenuated further declines with acute clozapine treatment. Acute administration of risperidone at high dose significantly reduced performance (percent correct rejection) in chronically saline-treated rats, but in a similar fashion as in Exp. 1, chronic nicotine lowered accuracy but attenuated further impairment with acute risperidone. In summary, atypical antipsychotic drugs clozapine and risperidone significantly impaired choice accuracy in the visual signal detection task. Clozapine was more detrimental than risperidone but the adverse effects of both clozapine and risperidone on attentional performance were masked in rats chronically treated with nicotine.
Low-mass high-performance deployable optical baffle for CubeSats

An optical moon baffle for stray light attenuation was developed for use on ExoplanetSat, a 3U CubeSat being developed jointly by MIT and Draper Laboratory which aims to detect transiting exoplanets via precision photometry. This paper will discuss the optical and mechanical design of the baffle, as well as the optical performance as demonstrated through the test of a prototype. The baffle collapses to fit into a small volume around ExoplanetSat's lens and deploys on orbit to a full length of 12 cm. The baffle is capable of attenuating moonlight by a factor of 105 at a lunar exclusion angle of 30 degrees.
When Accurate Beliefs Lead to Better Lie Detection1

This study tested the hypothesis that people with accurate beliefs about the cues that predict deception are better at detecting deception only when those beliefs are cognitively available and activated. To test the hypothesis, participants viewed video fragments of people who were being either honest or dishonest. A questionnaire assessed participants' beliefs about the cues involved in deception, and activation of participants' belief cues was accomplished by manipulating suspicion. The results provided support for the hypothesis, where participants whose beliefs were activated and had accurate beliefs were better at detecting deception compared to other participants. Gender differences were also found, where lies communicated by women were more accurately detected than were lies communicated by men.
Shot peening to prevent the corrosion cracking of austenitic stainless steels

Rockwell International and Metal Improvement Company have conducted a joint test program to develop shot peening as a technique for preventing corrosion cracking in austenitic stainless steels. Initial laboratory-scale tests demonstrated the feasibility of preventing stress corrosion cracking by shot peening to impose compressive stresses on the surface of the work pieces. Conventional U-bend test specimens, when peened, survived 1000 h tests in the boiling 42 pct magnesium chloride stress corrosion test. Unpeened reference specimens commonly fractured within one or two hours in this test. Component tests were conducted to demonstrate the practicality of the peening process for sizes and shapes that typify components in a reactor piping system. Pipe sections and cold worked, hexagonal tubes were tested. In all components, unpeened sections developed stress corrosion cracks within a few hours in the magnesium chloride test; in contrast, the shot peened surfaces survived hundreds of hours. It was discovered at Rockwell International that intergranular corrosion can be prevented in austenitic stainless steels by severe shot peening prior to exposure to sensitizing temperatures. For this purpose, the surfaces must be severely cold worked by the shot peening to break up surface grains and grain boundaries. Two nondestructive testing techniques show promise as methods for measuring the stresses or cold work imparted on the surface of the work piece by peening. In one method, eddy currents are used to measure differences in electrical properties induced by cold working of metals. Another is a magnetic technique which measures the changes in magnetic properties due to the transformation of austenite to ferrite by cold working.
The origin of homochirality in amino acids and sugars on prebiotic earth

Abstract For life to start on earth and elsewhere, it is critical that the building blocks—amino acids and sugars—be in predominant homochiral form. Over the past century the origin of terrestrial prebiotic homochirality has been the subject of many speculations. In this Letter I summarize the experimental evidence for ways in which some meteoritic components could have led to the dominance of l amino acids and d sugars on earth, and the most likely way in which the original chiral excesses in the meteorites were formed.
A comparison of the development of spatial conceptual abilities of students from two cultures

Efforts are underway to determine if there are any ways unique to Navajo thinking and thus to the way that they might learn. Studies have shown a consistent lag in achievement levels for Native Americans. The purpose of this investigation was to examine spatial thinking abilities of sixth and tenth grade students from 2 locales—a school on the Navajo Reservation and schools in Mesa, Arizona. A battery of 10 Piagetian-type tasks were administered individually to the subjects. A chi-square one sample procedure was used to test for significant differences between subsamples at each grade level. Significant differences were detected for two of the tasks at the sixth grade level, and one task at the tenth grade level. The overall findings of this study support the contention that there were no substantial time delays or advances in the development of selected spatial abilities of Navajo sixth and tenth grade students compared to those of parallel non-American Indian students. The concern of modifying instruction in science courses in order to adapt them to supposed 'different' spatial structures possessed by Navajo students appears to be unfounded.
Not all (bile acids) who wander are lost: the first report of a patient with an isolated NTCP defect.

The modern post-genome sequencing era is becoming increasingly replete with genetic assignments for disease. Often in relation to liver, the findings can be complex, necessitating evaluations of very large datasets to deliver insights to the molecular mechanisms. However, there also are times when a single patient yields significant new insights to physiology and disease. Such an example is the recent work by a multicenter group of talented Dutch investigators in the current issue of HEPATOLOGY1. These investigators pursued the unexpected clinical finding of very high plasma bile acid levels in a child without apparent liver disease, ultimately leading to the identification of a new condition affecting hepatic transport and enterohepatic cycling of bile acids.
Refinement Methodology for Ada

This paper presents Refinement Methodology (RM) for the design of Ada® programs. The methodology combines stepwise refinement and the information hiding principle. The steps of the methodology are explained and illustrated by an example. A part of the methodology is a collection of rules by which procedures acquire parameters (called first and second rules for parameters).
Dying to be Screened: Exploring the Unequal Burden of Head and Neck Cancer in Health Provider Shortage Areas

Multiple factors contribute to disparities in head and neck cancer prevalence across the sociodemographic spectrum, including a lack of screening efforts in mostly underserved minority communities. African Americans and other ethnic minorities are at greater risk for late-stage diagnoses due to the lack of routine screenings and examinations. Advanced stage diagnosis profoundly limits treatment options, disease recovery, and survivorship. Differential access to care is frequently cited as contributing to delayed diagnosis in minority patients. Access to care is a complex concept that includes not only insurance status but also the equitable spatial distribution of health-care services. Recognizing this complexity, we explored the distribution of head and neck cancer cases seen at Grady Health System from 2010 to 2012 in order to identify geographic trends in disease prevalence compared to the distribution of oral health-care providers at the zip code level. We identified 53 cases of head and neck cancer spread across 36 zip codes primarily in the metropolitan Atlanta region. Geographic information systems analysis showed a spatial mismatch: increased disease prevalence and provider shortage in the mostly minority zip codes, and decreased disease prevalence and greater provider presence in the majority zip codes.
Characterization of dentures

Abstract 1. This process of characterizing dentures is founded upon the principles of (a) Adapting laminations of Colorblend resins in the flask so there will be a life-like blending of those colors exposed on the labial and buccal surfaces of the oral tissues. (b) Embedding color fast fibers in the laminations to simulate veins, and hence reproduce the startling realistic appearance so characteristic of healthy oral tissues. 2. The process allows the dentist to construct a denture whose intrinsic worth to the patient sets a high economic value. 3. The colors of the powders and fibers provide innumerable cross blendings to produce any shade indicated or desired. 4. One of the notable advantages of this process is that finishing and polishing, subsequent adjustments, or relining cannot change the characterization. 5. Dentures made by this process permit their anatomic development after processing. 6. The colors of natural tissue can be reproduced so faithfully that partial dentures are no longer a cosmetic problem.
Automatic Hard Thresholding for Sparse Signal Reconstruction from Nde Measurements

We propose an automatic hard thresholding (AHT) method for sparse‐signal reconstruction. The measurements follow an underdetermined linear model, where the regression‐coefficient vector is modeled as a superposition of an unknown deterministic sparse‐signal component and a zero‐mean white Gaussian component with unknown variance. Our method demands no prior knowledge about signal sparsity. Our AHT scheme approximately maximizes a generalized maximum likelihood (GML) criterion, providing an approximate GML estimate of the signal sparsity level and an empirical Bayesian estimate of the regression coefficients. We apply the proposed method to reconstruct images from sparse computerized tomography projections and compare it with existing approaches.
Environmental Effects on Fatigue Crack Initiation in 2.25 Cr-1 Mo Steel and 316L Stainless Steel

Blunt notch fatigue crack initiation tests for Type A387 2.25 Cr-1 Mo steel and 316L stainless steel were performed in air at room temperature, in silicone oil at room temperature, in V-131B coal process solvent at 100°C, and in chlorine-modified V-131B coal process solvent at 100°C. For both steels the most damaging environment was room temperature air. The number of cycles to initiate a crack were almost identical in the coal process solvent and the silicone oil for the Type A-387 steel. These two environments resulted in the longest crack initiation lifetime for the Type A-387 steel. The crack initiation lifetime for the Type A-387 steel in the chlorine modified V-131 B coal process solvent was roughly a factor of five less than the lifetime in the silicone oil and the unmodified coal process solvent. The crack initiation lifetime for the Type A-387 steel in room temperature air was a factor of 30 less than the lifetime in the silicone oil or the unmodified coal process solvent. The improvement of the crack initiation lifetime for the Type A-387 steel in the unmodified coal process solvent and the silicone oil is attributed to protection of the material from embrittlement from room temperature air. The decrease in crack initiation lifetime in the chlorine modified coal process solvent indicates that chlorine can be an active embrittling agent in the coal process solvent. The crack initiation lifetime for 316L stainless steel was longest in the silicone oil. The lifetime decreased somewhat in the unmodified coal process solvent with a further decrease for the chlorine modified coal solvent. The crack initiation lifetime in air was an order of magnitude lower than the lifetime in the silicone oil. The silicone oil and the coal process solvent apparently protected the 316L stainless from the embrittlement in air. However, the coal process solvent is not entirely inert as in the case of Type A-387 steel. The chlorine is an active embrittling agent for the 316L stainless steel in the coal process solvent.
Anterior and anterior-inferior shoulder instability: Treatment by glenoid labrum reconstruction and a modified capsular shift procedure.

An anterior glenoid labrum reconstruction in conjunction with a modified anterior-inferior capsular shift is described and was performed in 64 patients (69 shoulders) with traumatic anterior or anterior-inferior glenohumeral instability. Sixty-three operations were performed for recurrent dislocation and six for recurrent subluxation. The patients in this study were extremely active in sports, with the majority of Tegner ratings exceeding 7.0. Fifty-six patients with 61 operated shoulders were available for clinical follow-up at an average of 36 months (range 28 to 78 months). With rating scales from the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, pain improved from an average of 3.1 to an average of 4.4, stability improved from 1.1 to 4.5, and function improved from 2.5 to 3.8. Postoperative average ranges of motion were 180° of forward elevation, 72° of external rotation with the arm at the side, 92° of external rotation with the arm at 90° of abduction, and 90° of internal rotation with the arm at 90° of abduction. Ninety-five percent of the patients were satisfied with the procedure. Five patients suffered a recurrent dislocation, four from significant trauma. One additional patient experienced an episode of subluxation early in the recovery period. According to the criteria of Rowe, 90% had excellent or good results.
Types produce types—Especially fathers☆

Abstract Employing a larger sample and a more stringent statistical criterion, this study replicated an attempt by T. G. Grandy and R. F. Stahmann ( Journal of Vocational Behavior , 1974 , 5 , 231–239.) to test Holland's hypothesis that parents' personality types foster similar offspring personality development. The relationships between paternal and offspring personality types were consonant with the findings of Grandy and Stahmann but the role of maternal personalities remained unclear. An explanation was offered that fathers' personality types carry more weight in the development of offspring types.
Lymphoid organogenesis in the intestine

Lymphoid organogenesis is dependent upon a series of intricate cellular interactions involving adhesion molecules, chemokines, and cytokines that generate fully compartmentalized lymphoid structures. Development of organized lymphoid structures in the intestine begins prenatally and continues through adulthood, with constant adaptations to changes in the luminal flora. While much is known about the mechanisms that govern the development of macroscopic intestinal lymphoid structures (mesenteric lymph node and Peyer's patches), the organogenesis of the microscopic lymphoid tissues (including cryptopatches and isolated lymphoid follicles) is an emerging field. This review examines the current state of knowledge about organogenesis of the known types of organized lymphoid tissue in the intestine and identifies unique and common features in the development of each of the structures discussed.