cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mononuclear Phagocyte-Derived Microparticulate Caspase-1 Induces Pulmonary Vascular Endothelial Cell Injury

Lung endothelial cell apoptosis and injury occurs throughout all stages of acute lung injury (ALI/ARDS) and impacts disease progression. Lung endothelial injury has traditionally been focused on the role of neutrophil trafficking to lung vascular integrin receptors induced by proinflammatory cytokine expression. Although much is known about the pathogenesis of cell injury and death in ALI/ARDS, gaps remain in our knowledge; as a result of which there is currently no effective pharmacologic therapy. Enzymes known as caspases are essential for completion of the apoptotic program and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We hypothesized that caspase-1 may serve as a key regulator of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell (HPMVEC) apoptosis in ALI/ARDS. Our recent experiments confirm that microparticles released from stimulated monocytic cells (THP1) induce lung endothelial cell apoptosis. Microparticles pretreated with the caspase-1 inhibitor, YVAD, or pan-caspase inhibitor, ZVAD, were unable to induce cell death of HPMVEC, suggesting the role of caspase-1 or its substrate in the induction of HPMVEC cell death. Neither un-induced microparticles (control) nor direct treatment with LPS induced apoptosis of HPMVEC. Further experiments showed that caspase-1 uptake into HPMVEC and the induction of HPMVEC apoptosis was facilitated by caspase-1 interactions with microparticulate vesicles. Altering vesicle integrity completely abrogated apoptosis of HPMVEC suggesting an encapsulation requirement for target cell uptake of active caspase-1. Taken together, we confirm that microparticle centered caspase-1 can play a regulator role in endothelial cell injury.
Ecological Aspects of Rodent Communities in Agrarian Ecosystems of Moldova

The transformations of anthropogenic ecosystems in the last decades provoked significant structural-functional changes in rodent communities, as well as modification of dominance status of some wide spread species. In the 80s the dominant species were those from genus Apodemus, with 63%, of which A. sylvaticus and A. uralensis had the abundance of 55%, being constant on the agricultural fields. The genus Mus species had the abundance of 25% and were the main species on agricultural fields. M. musculus was more frequent and more abundant (15%). After 2000 the abundance of some rodent species increased (A. agrarius, M. spicilegus) and of other species decreased (A. sylvaticus, A. uralensis M. musculus). In the last years abundance decreasing of M. spicilegus was registered. The Microtus vole population is in depression phase its abundance decreasing from about 20% in 2006 to 3% in 2009 and is still low. A. sylvaticus is the most prosperous species among rodents, being dominant and constant in the republic ecosystems.
Lynchburg Foundry: The Ductile Dilemma

Two castings plants produce ductile iron return as a by-product of the manufacturing process. The two plants, Lynchburg and Archer Creek, can use all of their by-products in the production of subsequent castings. A third plant, Radford, makes cast-iron pipe. It produces only about 12% iron return (versus 40% to 50% for the other two plants) and could use more. As the iron return used in the pipe plant substitutes for high-cost pig iron, it appears that a transfer could be worthwhile because, in the castings plants, the iron return substitutes for a lower-cost mix of pig iron and steel scrap. Thus, the central issue in the case is whether ductile iron return should be transferred from the Lynchburg and Archer Creek castings plants to the Radford pipe plant. The economic analysis shows that there is a substantial savings to the company if the iron return is transferred. The question, however, is, at what price? This is really a question of how to divide the company's savings among the three plants, each of which is a cost center. Related to this question are a number of other questions: the effect on plant performance; the effect on decisions to discontinue, modernize, or expand the plants; the effect on castings and pipe prices; and the effect on plant management's morale and performance. At present, 3,500 tons of ductile iron return are being transferred from Lynchburg to Radford because the pieces are too large to be remelted at Lynchburg economically. Radford pays freight, but no other cost is charged to Radford. This is more than half of the potential 6,000 tons of iron return that is feasible to transfer. Another issue to consider is whether this iron return, which cannot be used at Lynchburg, should have the same transfer price as the iron return that Lynchburg can use.
Matching Ambitions to Resources: Paying for CFSP in an Era of Fiscal Restraint

The ability of the EU to play a larger role in global security will be impacted by the sovereign debt crisis and a long-term demographic shift that will force increased spending on an aging population from a reduced tax base. Those factors mean that defense spending is likely to continue to fall and that EU member state militaries will have to meet expectations with fewer resources. Although pooling and sharing of assets has some potential to fill the gap between resources and ambitions, the savings are often more difficult to realize than anticipated. European militaries will need to adjust spending within defense budgets, shifting resources away from personnel and focusing more on procurement and operations.
Parasitism and Utilization of Imported Cabbageworm Pupae by Pteromalus puparum (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

Pteromalus puparum (L.) parasitized 64.1 and 32.5% of imported cabbageworm, Artogeia rapae (L.), pupae collected from pesticide-free cabbage field plots in 1983 and 1984, respectively, in southwestern Virginia. Parasitism was most pronounced in the latter part of the season. In commercial cabbage fields, 67.2% of overwintering pupae were parasitized. High percentages of parasites successfully emerged as adults, indicating efficient host utilization. Most parasite mortality within the host occurred in the larval stage; mean adult parasite emergence per host for 1983 and 1984 was 52.3, with a 1:1 sex ratio. However, variability of male parasites per host was double that of females. Females weighed twice as much as males, suggesting a compensation of number for size. P. puparum did not parasitize either host sex discriminately, and equal numbers of male and female parasites emerged from both host sexes. Laboratory studies suggest that host/parasite ratios and length of host/parasite exposure time are important considerations for laboratory rearing of P. puparum . Suboptimal conditions result in unparasitized and mutilated hosts.
Abstract 2898: Inhibition of heat shock protein 90 through HSP990 causes cell cycle arrest, growth inhibition, and apoptosis in glioblastoma tumors

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Heat shock protein (HSP) 90 is a molecular chaperone that modulates stability of several client proteins, many of which are key regulators of signaling pathways in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The potential for simultaneously targeting multiple effectors makes HSP90 an appealing therapeutic target. Here, we evaluated the biological activity of HSP990, a novel HSP90 inhibitor (Novartis Pharma AG) in a panel of adult glioma primary xenograft lines (n=15). HSP990 treatment resulted in a dose-dependent growth inhibition with IC50 values in the low nM range in each of the primary lines. HSP990 caused G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis-induction within 72 hours of treatment. In addition, treatment with HSP990 resulted in up-regulation of HSP70, and decrease in activity of client proteins AKT, CDC2, CDC25C and activation of caspase 8 and 3, in tested cell lines. A range of sensitivity based on EGFR status was observed. EGFR-amplified cells showed depletion of client proteins and growth inhibition at lower dose of HSP990 (10nM) than wildtype EGFR cells (30nM). Furthermore, neurosphere formation assays revealed that HSP990 was effective against the growth of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) in 6 tested glioblastoma xenograft lines (IC50 less than 10nM).These results suggest that that both cell cycle effects and induction of apoptosis are mechanisms governing HSP990 activity against glioblastoma. Further studies are warranted to characterize the mechanisms by which HSP990 exerts its anti-glioma effects which in turn may provide valuable insights in developing HSP990 as a novel personalized GBM treatment based on specific molecular signatures. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2898. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2898
Rapid characterization of pindone and valone by ion trap mass spectrometry

Objective:To establish a method for the simultaneous characterization of pindone and valone by ion trap mass spectrometry(IT/MS).Methods:After the rodenticide baits were extracted by acetone,the MS/MS cracking was performed by direct injections.Qualitative detection was carried out by the principle of mass spectrometry analysis of three qualitative ions.Results:The MS/MS fragment ions had good characteristics and stability,the cracking ways to the parent ions and fragment ions were clear.Qualitative ion pairs were m/z 229→172 and m/z229→145 for pindone,and m/z 229→145 and m/z229→187 for valone.The optimizing MS/MS cracking conditions for pindone and valone were proposed,and their cracking mechanisms were elucidated.Conclusion:This developed method is simple,accurate and reliable.
Liver microsomal epoxide hydrase: activation, inhibition, and immunological properties of the purified enzyme.

Two modifiers of microsomal epoxide hydrase activity, metyrapone and cyclohexene oxide, are shown to exert differential effects on the catalytic activity of the purified enzyme from rat liver. The effects of these modifiers on rates of metabolism are dependent on the substrate studied. Metyrapone (6 mM) increases the rate of hydration of octene 1,2-oxide and benzo[a]anthracene 5,6-oxide by 210% and 40%, respectively, does not affect the rate of benzo[a]pyrene 4,5-oxide metabolism, and inhibits the rate of benzo[a]pyrene 11,12-oxide and dibenzo[a,h]-anthracene 5,6-oxide hydration by approximately 60%. At low concentrations (60-120 µM), cyclohexene oxide has no effect on the rate of metabolism of octene 1,2-oxide or benzo[a]anthracene 5,6-oxide, inhibits the rate of hydration of benzo[a]pyrene 4,5-oxide by 40%, and inhibits the rate of benzo[a]pyrene 11,12-oxide and dibenzo[a,h]-anthracene 5,6-oxide metabolism by 80%. Cyclohexene oxide is a competitive inhibitor of the metabolism of octene 1,2-oxide and is a noncompetitive inhibitor of benzo[a]pyrene 11,12-oxide metabolism. Anti-rat epoxide hydrase gamma globulin produced in goat, sheep, donkey, and rabbit forms an immunoprecipitate with rat liver epoxide hydrase but the immunoprecipitated enzyme retains full catalytic activity. Antibody produced in the goat appears to differentiate two sets of antigenic determinants in the rat enzyme. Antibody against rat liver epoxide hydrase does not cross-react with microsomal preparations of the enzyme from rabbit or human liver and shows poor cross-reactivity with guinea pig and hamster liver epoxide hydrase. These results indicate the presence of different forms of hepatic epoxide hydrase in several species and suggest that rat liver microsomal epoxide hydrase contains multiple regulatory sites. However, the possible existence of more than one form of the enzyme in rat liver cannot be excluded at the present time.
Cath-a-cyst: A New Urinary Catheter

Abstract A new disposable catheter assembly using the advantages of the Foley catheter, filiform and followers is presented. This new system obviates emergency urologic consultation or further trauma to a patient with a difficult urethra to catheterize.
Searching for FAST Pulsars

We outline the pulsar search capabilities of the AOFTM, describe results from recent searches, and discuss future plans.
Can spherical eukaryotic microalgae cells be treated as optically homogeneous

This study aims to answer the question of whether spherical unicellular photoautotrophic eukaryotic microalgae cells, consisting of various intracellular compartments with their respective optical properties, can be modeled as homogeneous spheres with some effective complex index of refraction. The spectral radiation characteristics in the photosynthetically active region of a spherical heterogeneous microalgae cell, representative of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and consisting of spherical compartments corresponding to the cell wall, cytoplasm, chloroplast, nucleus, and mitochondria, were estimated using the superposition T-matrix method. The effects of the presence of intracellular lipids and/or starch accumulation caused by stresses, such as nitrogen limitation, were explored. Predictions by the T-matrix method were qualitatively and quantitatively consistent with experimental measurements for various microalgae species. The volume-equivalent homogeneous sphere approximation with volume-averaged effective complex index of refraction gave accurate estimates of the spectral (i) absorption and (ii) scattering cross sections of the heterogeneous cells under both nitrogen-replete and nitrogen-limited conditions. In addition, the effect of a strongly refracting cell wall, representative of Chlorella vulgaris, was investigated. In this case, for the purpose of predicting their integral radiation characteristics, the microalgae should be represented as a coated sphere with a coating corresponding to the cell wall and a homogeneous core with volume-averaged complex index of refraction for the rest of the cell. However, both homogeneous sphere and coated sphere approximations predicted strong resonances in the scattering phase function and spectral backscattering cross section that were not observed in that of the heterogeneous cells.
Conclusion: The Gulf Paradox

Over the decade and a half since the turn of the millennium, the Gulf States have evolved into regional powers with international reach. The chapters in this book have illustrated the scope and scale of the new linkages binding the GCC states to a global order that itself is in a state of flux following the world financial crisis of 2007–2008. Using their substantive energy resources and capital accumulation as leverage, Qatar, the UAE, and even Saudi Arabia became more active in global issues. The emergence of the Gulf States as visible global actors predated the Arab Spring, but accelerated and acquired a potent new dimension once the initial shock of the upheaval had subsided. As a result, the Gulf States led the regional response to the pressures triggered by the political upheaval in a display of ‘hard’ power that went far beyond the projection of ‘soft’ and ‘smart’ power prior to 2011.
Simbrain 3.0

Simbrain 3.0 is a software package for neural network design and analysis, which emphasizes flexibility (arbitrarily complex networks can be built using a suite of basic components) and a visually rich, intuitive interface. These features support both students and professionals. Students can study all of the major classes of neural networks in a familiar graphical setting, and can easily modify simulations, experimenting with networks and immediately seeing the results of their interventions. With the 3.0 release, Simbrain supports models on the order of thousands of neurons and a million synapses. This allows the same features that support education to support research professionals, who can now use the tool to quickly design, run, and analyze the behavior of large, highly customizable simulations.
Scaling the Brain and Its Connections

The mammalian neocortex varies over five orders of magnitude and undergoes so many changes that the brains of a shrew and a whale appear qualitatively very different. Here I summarize the variety of ways in which a large neocortex differs from a small one, including convolutedness, the number of areas, white matter volume and neuron density. I then show how from these empirical relationships it is possible to distill two fundamental connectivity laws that the mammalian cortex conforms to. The first of these laws is that the number of synapses per neuron increases with brain size proportionally with the number of neurons in an area, which allows an invariant level of intra-area connectivity across brains. The second is that the number of areas to which an area connects increases proportionally with the total number of areas, which allows an invariant level of area-area connectivity across brains. Finally, I describe how these two principles, together with a volume-optimality hypothesis, allows one to explain how the neocortex changes with brain size.
Experimental Design and Analysis for Process Improvement Part 1: Basics

The first four chapters of this book provide tools for bringing a process to physical stability and then characterizing its behavior. The question of what to do if the resulting picture of the process is not to one’s liking remains. This chapter and the next present tools for addressing this issue. That is, Chaps. 5 and 6 concern statistical methods that support intelligent process experimentation and can provide guidance in improvement efforts.
On-Chip Interconnects and Repeaters Based on NiSi Nanowires

In this paper, a novel method is proposed for building future nanoelectronic on-chip interconnects and repeaters using the newly invented nickel silicide (NiSi) nanowires. NiSi nanowires not only offer supreme interconnect performances but also open up the possibility of integrating both active devices and high-performance interconnects in a single nanoscale building block. Thus, it is particularly useful in the integration of interconnects and repeaters. Our analyses show that this interconnect/repeater solution will operate in higher speed, compared with copper and carbon nanotube. This new interconnect/repeater technology is very promising for next-generation of nanoscale ICs.
Two-dimensional SVD for event detection in dynamic functional brain networks

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in analyzing functional connectivity networks estimated from neuroimaging technologies using graph theory. Previous studies of the functional brain networks have focused on extracting static or time-independent networks to describe the long-term behavior of brain activity. In this paper, we propose a dynamic functional brain network tracking and summarization approach to describe the time-varying evolution of connectivity patterns in functional brain activity. The proposed approach is based on two-dimensional SVD of the three-mode tensor representation of dynamic graphs. First, the event intervals are identified based on the change in the reconstruction error in the lower dimensional space and then the activity in the event intervals are summarized. The proposed method is evaluated for characterizing time-varying network dynamics from event-related potential (ERP) data indexing the well-known error-related negativity (ERN) component related to cognitive control.
Potential for Low-Pathogenic Avian H7 Influenza A Viruses To Replicate and Cause Disease in a Mammalian Model.

ABSTRACT H7 subtype influenza A viruses are widely distributed and have been responsible for human infections and numerous outbreaks in poultry with significant impact. Despite this, the disease-causing potential of the precursor low-pathogenic (LP) H7 viruses from the wild bird reservoir has not been investigated. Our objective was to assess the disease-causing potential of 30 LP H7 viruses isolated from wild avian species in the United States and Canada using the DBA/2J mouse model. Without prior mammalian adaptation, the majority of viruses, 27 (90%), caused mortality in mice. Of these, 17 (56.7%) caused 100% mortality and 24 were of pathogenicity similar to that of A/Anhui/1/2013 (H7N9), which is highly pathogenic in mice. Viruses of duck origin were more pathogenic than those of shorebird origin, as 13 of 18 (72.2%) duck origin viruses caused 100% mortality while 4 of 12 (33.3%) shorebird origin viruses caused 100% mortality, despite there being no difference in mean lung viral titers between the groups. Replication beyond the respiratory tract was also evident, particularly in the heart and brain. Of the 16 viruses studied for fecal shedding, 11 were detected in fecal samples. These viruses exhibited a strong preference for avian-type α2,3-linked sialic acids; however, binding to mammalian-type α2,6-linked sialic acids was also detected. These findings indicate that LP avian H7 influenza A viruses are able to infect and cause disease in mammals without prior adaptation and therefore pose a potential public health risk. IMPORTANCE Low-pathogenic (LP) avian H7 influenza A viruses are widely distributed in the avian reservoir and are the precursors of numerous outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in commercial poultry farms. However, unlike highly pathogenic H7 viruses, the disease-causing potential of LP H7 viruses from the wild bird reservoir has not been investigated. To address this, we studied 30 LP avian H7 viruses isolated from wild avian species in the United States and Canada using the DBA/2J mouse model. Surprisingly, the majority of these viruses, 90%, caused mortality in mice without prior mammalian adaptation, and 56.7% caused 100% mortality. There was also evidence of spread beyond the respiratory tract and fecal shedding. Therefore, the disease-causing potential of LP avian H7 influenza A viruses in mammals may be underestimated, and these viruses therefore pose a potential public health risk.
Hierarchy Stability Moderates the Effect of Status on Stress and Performance in Humans

High social status reduces stress responses in numerous species, but the stress-buffering effect of status may dissipate or even reverse during times of hierarchical instability. In an experimental test of this hypothesis, 118 participants (57.3% female) were randomly assigned to a high- or low-status position in a stable or unstable hierarchy and were then exposed to a social-evaluative stressor (a mock job interview). High status in a stable hierarchy buffered stress responses and improved interview performance, but high status in an unstable hierarchy boosted stress responses and did not lead to better performance. This general pattern of effects was observed across endocrine (cortisol and testosterone), psychological (feeling in control), and behavioral (competence, dominance, and warmth) responses to the stressor. The joint influence of status and hierarchy stability on interview performance was explained by feelings of control and testosterone reactivity. Greater feelings of control predicted enhanced interview performance, whereas increased testosterone reactivity predicted worse performance. These results provide direct causal evidence that high status confers adaptive benefits for stress reduction and performance only when the social hierarchy is stable. When the hierarchy is unstable, high status actually exacerbates stress responses.
Magnetic investigations of phase transitions, exchange interactions, and magnetic ground state in nanosheets of β-Co(OH)2.

Detailed investigations of the magnetic properties of the layered system β-Co(OH)2 are presented. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy of the sample show it to consist of hexagonal nanosheets with thickness ≈30 nm and width ~100 nm-200 nm. Analysis of its measured magnetization (M) as a function of temperature (T = 2 K to 300 K) and magnetic field (H up to 90 kOe) yields a Neel temperature T N = 9.2 K. This lower T N = 9.2 K, compared to T N = 11.6 K reported for bulk β-Co(OH)2, is due to finite-size effects. Analysis of the data for T > T N shows that the M versus T data does not quite fit the Curie-Weiss law since both the Curie constant C and Weiss temperature θ have noticeable temperature dependence. This temperature dependence is interpreted to be due to the effect of spin-orbit coupling, yielding a low-temperature effective spin S = 1/2 ground state with magnetic moment µ = 4.745 µ B and g = 5.479. For T T N to the high temperature series for S = 1/2 XY model yields the in-plane ferromagnetic exchange constant J 1/k B = (1.8 ± 0.2) K for Co2+ ions, with the interplane exchange constant J 2/k B ≃ -0.2 K determined from the magnitude of T N. The temperature dependence of H C1 and H C2 is presented and discussed.
Book review: Knowledge Negotiation Edited by Rod Moyse and Mark Elsom-Cook (Academic Press, 1992)

This book deals with communication processes between students and intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) that iteratively adjust the content and manner of presentation. The book is somewhat of a sequel to the book "Guided Discovery Tutoring" edited by Elsom-Cook in 1990. Knowledge negotiation is seen as necessary for guided discovery. Knowledge negotiation encompasses the processing of the dialog between the system as guide and the student as explorer while both pursue their agendas. The editors have selected authors from Europe and Canada to explore different facets of the concept of knowledge negotiation. The book takes a deeper look at some issues of knowledge communication between student and tutoring systems from Wenger [1987], viewing the issue as negotiation processes, both implicit and explicit. A pervasive goal of the prototype and preprototype educational systems described is to design human-machine interfaces that do not treat people autocratically.
Seven Myths of Executive Compensation

Executive compensation has become one of the most contentious topics in corporate governance. However, public perception about executive pay suffers from many misconceptions. These include the notions that:1. The ratio of CEO-to-average-worker pay is a useful statistic:2. Compensation consultants cause pay to be too high:3. It is easy to tell whether a compensation package encourages “excessive” risk taking:4. Performance metrics and targets tie directly to the corporate strategy:5. Discretionary bonuses should be eliminated:6. Proxy advisory firms know how to evaluation compensation contracts:7. The numbers in the financial statements for executive options accurately capture their cost and value:We examine these myths in close detail and explain why they are false. Problems of excessive compensation and poorly structured contracts will not be remedied by artificial changes and congressional mandates. Why don’t experts rely on the research to arrive at informed and fact-based solutions?Topics, Issues and Controversies in Corporate Governance and Leadership: The Closer Look series is a collection of short case studies through which we explore topics, issues, and controversies in corporate governance. In each study, we take a targeted look at a specific issue that is relevant to the current debate on governance and explain why it is so important. Larcker and Tayan are co-authors of the book Corporate Governance Matters, and A Real Look at Real World Corporate Governance.
The Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Emergence in Systems Applied to Symbol Emergence in Robots

A conceptual model for emergence with downward causation is developed. In addition, the necessary and sufficient conditions are identified for a phenomenon to be considered emergent in a complex system. It is then applied to symbol emergence in robots. This paper is motivated by the usefulness of emergence to explain a wide variety of phenomena in systems, and cognition in natural and artificial creatures. Downward causation is shown to be a critical requirement for potentially emergent phenomena to be considered actually emergent. Models of emergence with and without downward causation are described and how weak emergence can include downward causation. A process flow is developed for distinguishing emergence from nonemergence based upon the application of reductionism and detection of downward causation. Examples are shown for applying the necessary and sufficient conditions to filter out actually emergent phenomena from nonemergent ones. Finally, this approach for detecting emergence is applied to complex projects and symbol emergence in robots.
Train PhD students to be thinkers not just specialists

Many doctoral curricula aim to produce narrowly focused researchers rather than critical thinkers. That can and must change, says Gundula Bosch. Many doctoral curricula aim to produce narrowly focused researchers rather than critical thinkers. That can and must change, says Gundula Bosch.
Quarter Century Management of Chronic Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in a Solitary Kidney with a Ureteral Stent.

Background: The ureteral stent provides a conduit for urinary drainage from the kidney to the bladder and is integral to contemporary urologic practice. A ureteral stent is often utilized in acute conditions to prevent or overcome obstruction; however, in nonsurgical patients, because of disease or preference, a ureteral stent may be used as a last resort for long-term management of a stricture in lieu of a nephrostomy tube. This case highlights a patient whose chronic ureteral obstruction has been managed with an indwelling ureteral stent for 25 years; remarkably, stent exchanges are currently required only every 2 years. Case Presentation: A 33-year-old man initially presented with a solitary left kidney and a ureteropelvic junction obstruction. The patient's right kidney was nonfunctioning since childhood because of a presumed ureteropelvic junction obstruction with grade IV hydronephrosis. The patient underwent two failed open repairs of the left kidney in the 1980s, resulting in a totally intrarenal, constricted renal pelvis; an endopyelotomy in 1992 also failed and required angioembolizaton of a segmental renal vessel. The patient refused any further surgical procedures and thus has been managed exclusively with a 7/14F × 28 cm endopyelotomy stent (Boston Scientific®) for 25 years; the interval between stent changes was slowly expanded until they are now being done at 2-year intervals. The patient has not developed recurrent urinary tract infections, stent colic, or stent encrustation. Conclusion: Patients who require chronic indwelling ureteral stents are rare. In this situation, with careful monitoring, the interval between stent exchanges was extended to 2 years, thereby precluding a chronic nephrostomy tube.
Maximization of Functionals in Hω[a, b] and Perfect Ω-Splines

Our goal in this chapter is to introduce the reader to the notion of perfect ω-splines as extremal functions of linear integral functional. We also give a comprehensive list of various properties of ω-splines used in our arguments.
Defining undergraduate research in computer science: a survey of computer science faculty

What are the objectives of undergraduate research by computer science students: to prepare select students for graduate school or to enhance the undergraduate experience? What should be the criteria for classifying a student's work as "undergraduate research?" To address these questions, a comprehensive questionnaire was developed and distributed to faculty at the SIGCSE Technical Symposium, 2008 and the CCSC Central Plains conference, 2008. This paper presents key results from analyzing the responses to many of the questions that were included in the questionnaire. The study comprises a large body of useful information for the academic computer science community in evaluating existing implementations of undergraduate research and as a guide in developing new programs.
Considerations in Monitoring and Controlling Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Pharmaceutical manufacturing is by definition a complex activity and is perhaps one of the most thoroughly studied activities from this perspective in product development (Hickey and Ganderton 2010).
Reproductive tests of diazinon on bobwhite quail

Diazinon was fed at sublethal levels to reproductively active bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). Thirty pairs were given constant concentrations (0, 35, 50, 72, 104, or 150 ppm) for 3 weeks (Constant group). Another 30 pairs(Pair-fed group) were matched to these by body weights and were fed the amounts of untreated food consumed by corresponding Constant pairs to evaluate the effect of food deprivation. To mimic environmental degradation, a group of 30 pairs (Decreasing group) was initially given diazinon at the same concentrations as the Constant group; the concentration was decreased geometrically every 3 days to yield a 50 percent reduction in 15 days. Following 3 weeks of exposure to the experimental diets, pairs were maintained for an additional 3 weeks on untreated food to measure the birds' recovery. Food consumption, egg production, and hatchability were recorded for each pair. Individually hatched chicks were banded and kept for 2 weeks to monitor their survival. Food consumption was negatively dose-related above 35 ppm in the Constant and Decreasing groups. The only reproductive parameter affected was egg production. Production declined as the dose was increased above 35 ppm in the Constant and Decreasing groups. Egg laying was reduced more in the Constant than in the Decreasing pairs. The egg-laying rate of the Constant and Pair-fed groups differed; this difference was reflected by a threshold corresponding to 72 ppm in the Pair-fed group as opposed to 35 ppm in the Constant group. Residual effects of prior treatment on food consumption and egg production were observed in the Constant and Pair-fed pairs during the posttreatment period, but the Decreasing pairs were not influenced by prior treatment. The magnitude of effects related to the dose was not as great during the posttreatment period as during the treatment period and represented the recovery from diazinon effects over the span of the posttreatment period. The schedule of doses for the Decreasing group ameliorated the deleterious effects of diazinon, whereas the dosing schedule for the Constant group yielded a small overestimation of hazard to wildlife.
Modular system for probabilistic fracture mechanics analysis of embrittled reactor pressure vessels in the Grizzly code

Abstract In light water reactor (LWR) nuclear power plants, the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) plays an essential safety role, and its integrity must be ensured during a variety of transient loading conditions. These can include off-normal conditions such as a pressurized thermal shock (PTS), as well as transients encountered during normal startup, shutdown, and testing of the reactor. Exposure to irradiation and elevated temperatures embrittles the RPV’s steel over time, making it increasingly susceptible to failure due to propagation of fractures that could initiate at the locations of flaws introduced during the manufacturing process. As long-term operation scenarios are being considered for LWRs in the United States, it is important to have a flexible simulation tool that can be used to perform probabilistic evaluations of RPV integrity under a wide variety of conditions and incorporate improved predictive models of RPV steel embrittlement. The Grizzly code is being developed to meet these needs. This paper describes Grizzly’s modular architecture, provides results of benchmarking studies of various components of Grizzly, and demonstrates the application of Grizzly on a model that includes plume effects that are difficult to represent in other codes being used in current practice.
Role of Surgery in Combination with Immunotherapy

Improvements in systemic immunotherapy are changing the treatment of patients with advanced melanoma and many other tumors. Surgeons may be increasingly called on to manage isolated sites of immunorefractory disease or to provide palliative surgery as a bridge to systemic therapy. Here, the authors describe the biologic rationale for using surgery in patients with immunorefractory disease, provide background on the evolving role of metastasectomy for advanced melanoma, and summarize data on the use of neoadjuvant immunotherapy. Finally, the authors discuss the direction of clinical research in this rapidly evolving field.
Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer: A Primer for the Radiologist.

Vascularized lymph node transfer preoperative imaging for lymphedema requires an understanding of imaging acquisition techniques and reconstruction parameters that differ from those used in routine...
Eco-Labels: Modeling the Consumer Side

The theoretical literature analyzing eco-label programs has focused mainly on how intricate interactions between firms, eco-label certifiers, and regulators shape these programs’ economic and envir...
3,3'-Diindolylmethane Enhances Tumor Regression After Radiation Through Protecting Normal Cells to Modulate Antitumor Immunity.

Abstract Purpose Preclinical and clinical data indicate that radiation therapy acts as an immune modifier, having both immune-stimulatory and immunosuppressive effects on the tumor-immune microenvironment (TIME). 3.3’-diindolylmethane (DIM) sensitizes tumor cells to radiation and protects mice from lethal doses of total body irradiation. We hypothesize that protecting nontumoral cells from the adverse effects of radiation treatment (RT) may help to correct immunosuppression resulting from radiation. Methods and Materials We generated tumor graft models using immune-competent and immune-deficient mouse strains. Narrow-beamed radiation was targeted to tumor sites using shielding. Tumor regression was monitored after DIM and RT versus RT alone. The effects of DIM on the efficacy of RT were assessed using immunohistochemistry staining and gene expression profiling. Complete blood counts, clonogenic cell survival assays, and global gene expression profiling of cultured cells were performed to study DIM’s radioprotective effects on normal cells. Results DIM enhanced tumor regression after RT in immune-competent but not immune-deficient mice. Data indicated that DIM increased intratumoral immune cells after RT, contributing to enhanced immunologic responses such as adhesion and antigen processing. DIM protected normal cells from radiation-induced immediate injuries in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptomic profiling of cultured cells showed that DIM treatment mildly increased expression of some genes that are normally induced after radiation, such as genes involved in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Conclusions In this study, using cultured cells and preclinical breast cancer models, we show that DIM protects normal cells from radiation-induced immediate cellular injury and combination treatment of DIM and radiation potentiates antitumor immune responses and enhances the efficacy of RT.
Molecular iodine interactions with metal substrates: Towards the understanding of iodine interactions in the environment following a nuclear accident

Abstract In order to evaluate the potential impacts to the public from radioiodine in a nuclear event, it is vital to expand our understanding of the interaction of molecular iodine with various surfaces. There are many potential surfaces that iodine could interact with in and around a nuclear facility, including stainless steel. This study, carried out at ambient temperature, pressure and humidity, demonstrates the highly adsorptive nature of molecular iodine on two types of austenitic stainless steel, SS304L and SS316L. By using a novel approach which combines inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) with surface energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) there is evidence of the formation of metal iodides that have not previously been verified or quantified. Samples exposed to gaseous molecular iodine formed an iodine containing corrosion product visible by scanning electron microcopy (SEM). Evaluation of the metals in the corrosion region using EDS was compared to a water leach of the same samples analyzed using ICP-OES. The combination of techniques provides indication of metal iodide formation with minor stainless-steel constituents including: NiI2, MnI2 and CrI2.
Unsafe Workplaces, Injured Employees, and the Bizarre Bifurcation of Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act

A particularly pernicious constriction of the scope of protection available under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act has occurred with respect to injured employees. Employees who complain about workplace safety and health issues are within the ambit of Section 7, protected against employer retaliation for having complained. Meanwhile, however, employees injured by those same workplace safety and health hazards, and who consequently exercise their state workers compensation law statutory rights to claim workers compensation monetary and medical care benefits, are not protected by Section 7. If the employer retaliates against the injured employee for claiming state workers compensation benefits, the employee's protections against such retaliation are under state workers compensation law, but not under the federal National Labor Relations Act. This undue constriction of Section 7's umbrella has fractured the practical and jurisprudential coherence of Section 7. Furthermore, this bizarre bifurcation has spawned atomistic progeny wholly antithetical to the spirit and purpose of Section 7. Perhaps most egregiously, the National Labor Relations Board now considers employees filing individual sexual harassment complaints with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to have acted individually, and thus not within Section 7's concerted, protected activities. This essay will critically analyze the genesis and evolution (mutation) of this bizarre bifurcation of Section 7 in this context, and will propose avenues for rectification.
Analyzing Bad Leadership Through a Critical Leadership Theory Lens

Critical leadership theory asserts that there is an abundance of leaders deemed bad because they aim for goals that do not support human flourishing. These bad leaders’ goals may be unethical and harmful, or they may be simply misinformed and misaligned with the benefits the organization purports to generate. Critical leadership theory offers perspectives often missing from hegemonic leadership educational programs that contribute to the development of the bad leaders that exist.
Thermal Control of Tubular Composite Structures in Space Environment

Thermal control of spacecraft tubular composites is discussed. The equations used to calculate orbital temperatures are presented with a description of the design techniques which limit temperature excursions and associated distortions. Laminate fiber orientation is related to heat transfer characteristics, and it is shown that orientations selected to yield high axial strength and least thermal deformations will generally lead to excessive fin effect heat losses. A perforation procedure is proposed to eliminate in plane deflections in a space environment independently of laminate construction. The lamination sequence may then he optimized to meet strength and heat loss requirements.
Abstract 19283: Incremental Prognostic Value of Discordant Amino Terminal Pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide Compared to B-type Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Stable Patients with Heart Failure

Background: Pro B-type natriuretic peptide is cleaved into amino terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). NT-proBNP has a longer half life than BNP (25-70 vs. 13-20 min, respectively) and, unlike BNP, is biologically inactive. The prognostic significance of discordant NT-proBNP compared to BNP levels is unknown in patients with heart failure. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that higher a higher difference in NT-proBNP to BNP levels predicts all-cause mortality after adjustment for traditional cardiac risk factors and NT-proBNP or BNP levels. Methods: We measured the difference between baseline NT-proBNP and BNP levels in 508 sequential stable patients with a history of heart failure who were undergoing elective coronary angiography without acute coronary syndrome, with 5-year follow-up of all-cause mortality. NT-proBNP (Roche), BNP (Abbott), and troponin (hs-cTnT, Roche 5th gen) were measured. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated by MDRD equation. Results: In our study cohort (mean age 67±11 years, 63% male, 36% diabetic, median NT-proBNP 1025 pg/mL and median BNP 306 pg/mL) the median NT-proBNP-BNP difference was 677 pg/mL (interquartile range 227-1915 pg/mL) and 166 subjects died over 5-years. High NT-proBNP-BNP was associated with a 4.5-fold increase in 5-year mortality risk (Quartile 4 versus 1: Hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] 3.45 [2.78-7.44], p Conclusions: A higher discrepancy in NT-proBNP to BNP provided independent and incremental prognostic value for mortality prediction beyond their individual levels in chronic heart failure. These findings support the hypothesis that chronic cleavage and impaired clearance of natriuretic peptides is maladaptive in heart failure.
On the localization genus of a space

Let X be a connected nilpotent CW-complex of finite type over Z. If Y is another nilpotent CW-complex such that the localizations Y (p) and X (p) are homotopy equivalent for each prime p, it does not necessarily follow that Y is homotopy equivalent to X; nor does it follow that Y must have finite type. Define the extended genus of X to be the set of homotopy types [Y] of nilpotent CW-spaces Y which are locally homotopy equivalent to X at each prime.1 Define the Mislin genus of X, denoted g(X), to be the subset of the extended genus consisting of those [Y]s of finite type. This paper deals with the extended genus and the Mislin genus of a space. In many interesting cases the Mislin genus is finite as the following result of Wilkerson, [16], shows.
The electron microscopy of developing bacteriophage; growth of T4 in liquid culture.

Abstract A series of electron micrographs portray steps seen in the development of T 4 bacteriophage particles within infected colon bacilli growing in liquid media. These show rupturing cells, the early appearance of bacteriophage as particles with nearly empty heads, the globular and fibrous fine structure of the extruded bacterial protoplasm and instances of practically complete conversion of cellular contents into bacteriophage.
Hydrogen exchange as a probe of the dynamic structure of DNA. II. Effects of base composition and destabilizing salts.

Abstract In this paper it is shown that the rate of exchange-out of hydrogens involved in internucleotide hydrogen bonding is essentially independent of DNA base composition for a number of bacterial and mammalian DNA's ranging from 31 to 72 mole % G + C. It is also shown that the exchange rate is unaffected by the addition of destabilizing salts, to the point at which the melting temperature of the DNA is lowered to within ~ 20 deg. C of the experimental temperature. (In fact, high concentrations of sodium perchlorate, sodium trichloroacetate and sodium trifluoroacetate slow exchange to the same extent as comparable concentrations of NaCl.) At this temperature some of the hydrogens start to shift into an immeasurably fast kinetic class (or classes), while the remaining measurable hydrogens continue to exchange at the control rate. The fraction of hydrogens lost from the measurable exchange curves appears to correlate rather well with the extent of melting of the DNA sample under the exchange conditions. These results, together with those of the preceding paper and other data from the literature, show that there are at least two locally-open conformations which occur with measurable frequency in native DNA at temperatures below Tm. One, which is formed non-co-operatively and with low energy of activation and therefore dominates exchange at temperatures far below Tm, is the protonated or deprotonated “propped” form described previously. In this form it is suggested that internucleotide hydrogen-bond breakage occurs without unstacking of adjacent bases. The other form is a co-operative, high energy of activation local melting which dominates exchange at temperatures close to Tm. This open conformation is characterized by both hydrogen-bond breakage and unstacking of adjacent bases. It is proposed that it is the restacking step in the closure of this high energy open form which is slowed by destabilizing salts, thus explaining the lack of effect of these agents on that fraction of the exchange that proceeds via the low energy propped conformation.