cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correlation between biomarkers of exposure, effect and potential harm in the urine of electronic cigarette users

Objectives To determine if urinary biomarkers of effect and potential harm are elevated in electronic cigarette users compared with non-smokers and if elevation correlates with increased concentrations of metals in urine. Study design and setting This was a cross-sectional study of biomarkers of exposure, effect and potential harm in urine from non-smokers (n=20), electronic cigarette users (n=20) and cigarette smokers (n=13). Participant’s screening and urine collection were performed at the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and biomarker analysis and metal analysis were performed at the University of California, Riverside. Results Metallothionein was significantly elevated in the electronic cigarette group (3761±3932 pg/mg) compared with the non-smokers (1129±1294 pg/mg, p=0.05). 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine) was significantly elevated in electronic cigarette users (442.8±300.7 ng/mg) versus non-smokers (221.6±157.8 ng/mg, p=0.01). 8-Isoprostane showed a significant increase in electronic cigarette users (750.8±433 pg/mg) versus non-smokers (411.2±287.4 pg/mg, p=0.03). Linear regression analysis in the electronic cigarette group showed a significant correlation between cotinine and total metal concentration; total metal concentration and metallothionein; cotinine and oxidative DNA damage; and total metal concentration and oxidative DNA damage. Zinc was significantly elevated in the electronic cigarette users (584.5±826.6 µg/g) compared with non-smokers (413.6±233.7 µg/g, p=0.03). Linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation between urinary zinc concentration and 8-OHdG in the electronic cigarette users. Conclusions This study is the first to investigate biomarkers of potential harm and effect in electronic cigarette users and to show a linkage to metal exposure. The biomarker levels in electronic cigarette users were similar to (and not lower than) cigarette smokers. In electronic cigarette users, there was a link to elevated total metal exposure and oxidative DNA damage. Specifically, our results demonstrate that zinc concentration was correlated to oxidative DNA damage.
PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway and Its Blockade in Patients with Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Large-Cell Lymphomas

Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) is currently the most extensively studied inhibitory checkpoint molecule. Many malignant neoplasms express the PD-1 ligands, PD-L1, and/or PD-L2, which bind to PD-1 on T cells and induce T cell “exhaustion.” By doing so, the malignant cells escape from an antitumor immune response (immune evasion). Blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway releases T cells from the inhibitory effects exerted by tumor cells and restores a T cell-mediated antitumor immune response. Here, we focus on understanding the immune biology of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in large-cell lymphomas, including classic Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL), diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL), and the current status of PD-1 blockade immunotherapy in treating patients with these lymphomas. PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and PD-1 inhibitors have been widely tested in patients with a variety of lymphomas. Nivolumab and pembrolizumab have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating patients with some types of relapsed or refractory (R/R) lymphomas. The highest response rate has been achieved in patients with CHL, due to a high frequency of genetic alterations of 9p24.1 and high expression of PD-1 ligands. The frequency of alterations of chromosome 9p24.1 and expression of PD-L1/PD-L1 in DLBCL (except some specific subtypes) is low; therefore, it is not recommended to treat unselected DLBCL patients with PD-1 inhibitors. Studies have shown a high frequency of PD-L1 expression in ALCL, especially in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)+ type. Several cases reports have described a dramatic and durable response to PD-1 blockade in patients with R/R ALCL, suggesting that patients with R/R ALCL may be potential candidates for PD-1 blockade immunotherapy. Understanding the immune biology of lymphoid neoplasms has helped us identify the specific lymphoma types that are vulnerable to PD-1 inhibitors, such as CHL, and specific subtypes of DLBCL. However, our knowledge of many other lymphomas, including ALCL, in this area is still very limited and the future of PD-1 inhibitors in treating those lymphomas remains unclear.
Decreased cytotoxic T cells and TCR clonality in organ transplant recipients with squamous cell carcinoma.

T-cell landscape differences between cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) tumors in immune competent (SCC in IC) and immunocompromised organ transplant recipients (TSCC in OTR) are unclear. We developed an analytical method to define tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) phenotype in cSCC from immune competent and immune suppressed patients using single-cell TCR sequencing and gene expression data. TSCC exhibits reduced proportions of cytotoxic and naive TILs and similar numbers of regulatory TILs. Fewer, more heterogeneous TCR clonotypes are observed in TIL from OTR. Most TCR sequences for top ten clonotypes correspond to known antigens, while 24% correspond to putative neoantigens. OTR show increased cSCC events over 12 months possibly due to reduced cytotoxic T-cells. Our novel method of barcoding CD8+ T-cells is the first providing gene expression and TCR sequences in cSCC. Knowledge regarding putative antigens recognized by TCRs with phenotypic function of T-cells bearing those TCRs could facilitate personalized cSCC treatments.
997-P: Testing a Novel Infusion Set for Extended Wear Duration

This was a randomized double blinded study of a novel infusion set with and without heparin, hypothesizing that small doses of heparin would decrease thrombosis and subcutaneous inflammation. The MiniMed™ Quick-set™ infusion set was modified with a new tubing connector from current P-Cap. The P-Cap was modified to contain a foam (F) or a foam with heparin (F+H) connector. Visibly the sets appeared identical. Each participant wore two F and two F + H sets for 7 days or until set failure. The order of infusion set wear was randomly assigned. Infusion set failure was determined by unexplained hyperglycemia >250mg/dL with a failed correction dose, ketones >0.6mmol/L, evidence of infection, occlusion alarms, or adhesive failure. Infused set survival was compared to similar published 1-week studies using standard Quick-sets. There were 20 participants (mean age 29.5±8 years). Each set was worn 40 times. Length of wear and causes of failure are shown below. Length of wear was not different between the F and F+H groups, but both had improved length of wear compared to historical Quick-sets (p There was no difference in overall duration of wear between the F and F+H groups. Both infusion set groups intended for extended wear had significantly better survival than the historical Quick-Set™ group. Further studies are planned with the F group. Disclosure B.A. Buckingham: Advisory Panel; Self; ConvaTec Inc., Medtronic. Research Support; Self; Beta Bionics, Inc., Dexcom, Inc., Insulet Corporation, Medtronic, Tandem Diabetes Care. T. Marcal: None. L. Hoffman: None. G. Musolino: None. L. Ekhlaspour: None. G. Zhang: None. S. Chattaraj: Employee; Self; Medtronic. Funding Medtronic Diabetes
Type I Collagen Signaling Regulates Opposing Fibrotic Pathways through α2β1 Integrin.

Fibrosis is characterized by fibroblast activation, leading to matrix remodeling culminating in a stiff, type I collagen–rich fibrotic matrix. Alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) apoptosis is also a maj...
Towards a Performative Turn in Intercultural Communication

To engage the contributions of Performance Studies for the study of culture and communication, this article offers an initial exploration of a performative turn in intercultural communication. Usin...
Management of Cryosols

The key land uses in Antarctica are establishment of scientific bases and tourism. These activities have had localized impacts in terms of petroleum spills and release of toxic chemicals.
The Activation of Molecular Oxygen by Transition Metal Complexes

Publisher Summary Interest in the binding and activation of dioxygen began with the reevaluation of an inconsistent interpretation o f the epr of cobalt(II)- dioxygen adducts which led to their formulation as an ionically bound superoxide ion. The reanalysis led to a molecular orbital description of the bonding, referred to as the spin pairing model. This model affords a range of partial charge on oxygen ranging from near zero to near -1. The stronger the ligand field of the groups attached to cobalt, the more negative the charge on oxygen. This work led to a study of the influence of metal complexation on the basicity and reactivity of dioxygen. The concepts of increased basicity and increased radical reactivity lead to an understanding o f the mechanism of the cobalt catalyzed oxidation of phenol to benzoquinone by O 2 .
Carbon Electrodes for K-Ion Batteries

We for the first time report electrochemical potassium insertion in graphite in a nonaqueous electrolyte, which can exhibit a high reversible capacity of 273 mAh/g. Ex situ XRD studies confirm that KC36, KC24, and KC8 sequentially form upon potassiation, whereas depotassiation recovers graphite through phase transformations in an opposite sequence. Graphite shows moderate rate capability and relatively fast capacity fading. To improve the performance of carbon K-ion anodes, we synthesized a nongraphitic soft carbon that exhibits cyclability and rate capability much superior to that of graphite. This work may open up a new paradigm toward rechargeable K-ion batteries.
Implementation of a software configuration environment

This paper demonstrates the techniques used and experiences gained while implementing a new system development process. The objective of the new process was to structure the system development environment to reflect standard software life cycle management methodologies, so that the reliability of the product can be increased while reducing management costs. Although a need to change the software process was felt for a while, the involvement with the development of IEEE software engineering standards provided the additional momentum to initiate the change. Throughout the change process, these standards were used effectively as selling tools to management as well as planning and training guides. The transition was made from the existing software development environment structured around the software features to one structured around the life cycle process and management of changes. >
The Quagga Mussel Crisis at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada (U.S.A.)

Parks are cornerstones of conservation; and non-native invasive species drive extensive changes to biological diversity in parks. Knowing this, national park staff at Lake Mead National Recreation Area in the southwestern United States had a program in place for early detection of the non-native, invasive quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis). Upon finding the mussel in January 2007, managers moved quickly to access funding and the best available science to implement a response. Managers considered four options--doing nothing, closing the park, restricting movement on the lakes, and educating and enforcing park visitors--and decided to focus on education and enforcing existing laws. Nonetheless, quagga spread throughout the park and soon began to appear throughout the western United States. I examined why efforts to control the expansion failed and determined the general lessons to be learned from this case. Concentrating human visitation on the lakes through land-use zoning opened a pathway for invasion, reduced management options, and led to the rapid spread of quagga. To reconcile competing mandates to protect nature and provide recreation, zoning in parks has become a common practice worldwide. It reduces stress on some areas of a park by restricting and thus concentrating human activity in particular areas. Concentrating the human activity in one area does three things: cements pathways that repeatedly import and export vectors of non-native invasive species; creates the disturbed area necessary to enable non-native invasive species to gain a foothold; and, establishes a source of invasions that, without appropriate controls, can quickly spread to a park's wilderness areas.
The relationship between children's coping styles and psychological interventions for cold pressor pain

This study examined the hypothesis that matching pain management interventions to children's preferred coping methods would increase pain tolerance and decrease self-reported pain during the cold pressor pain paradigm. Children aged 8-10 years were classified as 'attenders' (focusing on the stimulus) or 'distractors' (focusing away from the stimulus) based upon their spontaneous coping responses during a baseline exposure to the cold pressor. Children were then randomly assigned to 1 of 3 intervention conditions (sensory focusing, imagery, or no intervention) and completed the cold pressor procedure again 2 weeks later. A significant interaction was found between coping style and intervention. Children who were classified as distractors demonstrated greater tolerance when taught to use imagery techniques (a 'matched' intervention). Although pain ratings tended to be lower for distractors using imagery, the significant interaction resulted from an increase in ratings for the distractors using sensory focusing (i.e., a 'mismatched' intervention). Results suggest that, for distractors, interventions that are consistent with natural coping methods are most effective in enhancing abilities to cope with pain, while a mismatched intervention reduces coping abilities. The findings also suggest further study regarding how to provide effective pain intervention with attenders, since neither intervention enhanced coping in this group.
Language and Run-Time Support for Network Parallel Computing

Network parallel computing is the use of diverse computing resources interconnected by general purpose networks to run parallel applications. This paper describes NetFx, an extension of the Fx compiler system which uses the Fx model of task parallelism to distribute and manage computations across the sequential and parallel machines of a network. A central problem in network parallel computing is that the compiler is presented with a heterogeneous and dynamic target. Our approach is based on a novel run-time system that presents a simple communication interface to the compiler, yet uses compiler knowledge to customize communication between tasks executing over the network. The run-time system is designed to support complete applications developed with different compilers and parallel program generators. It presents a standard communication interface for point-to-point transfer of distributed data sets between tasks. This allows the compiler to be portable, and enables communication generation without knowledge of exactly how the tasks will be mapped at run-time and what low level communication primitives will be used. The compiler also generates a set of custom routines, called address computation functions, to translate between different data distributions. The run-time system performs the actual communication using a mix of generic and custom address computation functions depending on run-time parameters like the type and number of nodes assigned to the communicating tasks and the data distributions of the variables being communicated. This mechanism enables the run-time system to exploit compile-time optimizations, and enables the compiler to manage foreign tasks that use non-standard data distributions. We outline several important applications of network parallel computing and describe the NetFx programming model and run-time system.
United Breaks Guitars

When social media propagate a complaint about poor customer service, an international media event ensues. How do viral videos spread and what can firms do about them? This case dissects an incident in which a disgruntled customer used YouTube and Twitter to spread a music video detailing United's mishandling of his $3500 guitar and the company's subsequent refusal to compensate him. The song was called "United Breaks Guitars." Within one week it received 3 million views and mainstream news coverage followed, with CNN, The Wall Street Journal, BBC, the CBS Morning Show, and many other print and electronic outlets picking up on the story. The mechanics of viral propagation are uncovered and the limited opportunities for response by the firm are revealed. The case supports the notion of the Internet as an insurgent medium, better at attack than at defense.
Enhanced single photon emission from quantum dots coupled to localized surface plasmons

The coupling between excitons and localized surface plasmons in two-level systems can lead to enhanced spontaneous emission and was studied using site-controlled InGaN quantum dots. The dynamics and the Purcell effect were measured and analyzed.
Epigenetic and molecular signatures of cord blood CD34(+) cells treated with histone deacetylase inhibitors.

Background and Objectives Epigenetic modifications tightly regulate the gene expression and cellular function of haematopoietic stem cells. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) alter the gene expression profile of cord blood (CB) CD34+ cells by controlling the genes involved in chromatin modification, thereby influencing the self-renewal, maintenance and expansion of haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Materials and Methods The class I and II HDACIs, valproic acid and scriptaid, were utilized to expand CB-CD34+ cells ex vivo. The gene profiling was performed on HSPC using Illumina microarray, GeneGO MetaCore™ and Ingenuity pathway analyses. The molecular analyses were performed using Q-PCR and Western blotting. Results Each HDACI treatment of CB-CD34+ cells created unique epigenetic and molecular signatures that governed chromatin modification required for cellular and functional behaviour of stem cells. GeneGO MetaCore™ and Ingenuity pathway analyses established the molecular understanding of epigenetically regulated HSPCs in the presence of scriptaid and VPA that revealed different network(s) of potential regulators during erythropoiesis. VPA induced transcriptional activation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GCR) and an increase in the intracellular signalling of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) required during stress erythropoiesis. Canonical Wnt signalling and many epigenetically regulated chromatin remodellers were significantly influenced so as to establish maintenance and regulation of HSPC. Conclusion Treatment with Individual HDACIs has demonstrated significantly unique epigenetic and molecular signatures of CB-HSPC. This study identifies potential key regulators of HSPC and gives insights into the clinically important processes of HSPC expansion and haematopoietic lineage development for transplantation purposes.
Rates of profit as correlated sums of random variables

Abstract Profit realization is the dominant feature of market-based economic systems, determining their dynamics to a large extent. Rather than attaining an equilibrium, profit rates vary widely across firms, and the variation persists over time. Differing definitions of profit result in differing empirical distributions. To study the statistical properties of profit rates, I used data from a publicly available database for the US Economy for 2009–2010 (Risk Management Association). For each of three profit rate measures, the sample space consists of 771 points. Each point represents aggregate data from a small number of US manufacturing firms of similar size and type (NAICS code of principal product). When comparing the empirical distributions of profit rates, significant ‘heavy tails’ were observed, corresponding principally to a number of firms with larger profit rates than would be expected from simple models. An apparently novel correlated sum of random variables statistical model was used to model the data. In the case of operating and net profit rates, a number of firms show negative profits (losses), ruling out simple gamma or lognormal distributions as complete models for these data.
Innovative Configurations of Large Scale Heat Pipes

A large-scale heat pipe is one of many possible solutions to the modern day problem of quickly dissipating high amounts of concentrated heat. While heat pipes are a proven technology, little research has been directed at large-scale heat pipe systems. Two configurations of large-scale heat pipes are investigated in this study. The two configurations examined were a 2’ × 2’ heat spreader plate (a type of heat pipe) and an innovative heat pipe system that combines traditional heat pipes and heat spreader plates. The heat spreader plate, when tested, quickly becomes isothermal and works as a traditional heat pipe. This demonstrates the ability of this large-scale heat pipe configuration to work effectively to spread out high amounts of deposited heat. The experimentation on the innovative heat pipe system gave similar results, showing that the configuration works as a traditional heat pipe.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Preliminary effects of fire and mechanical fuel treatments on the abundance of small mammals in the mixed-conifer forest of the Sierra Nevada

Many western conifer forests were historically affected by frequent, low- to mixed-severity fires. A legacy of fire suppression, logging, grazing and other factors has created current forest habitats that do not reflect historical conditions. The increasing size, severity, and costs of catastrophic forest wildfires are now focusing wildland management and research towards proactive fuel treatments designed to reduce fire hazards across landscapes. As part of the National Fire and Fire Surrogate (FFS) study, we researched the effects of three fuel treatments on small mammal populations within Sierra Nevada mixed-conifer forests. Twelve mixed-conifer stands were selected randomly from a set of available stands. Each stand was assigned to one of four treatment groups: controls, prescribed fire only, mechanical only, and mechanical plus fire combined. Abundance of California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi), long-eared chipmunks (Tamias quadrimaculatus), brush mice (Peromyscus boylii), and deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) were monitored both pre- and post-treatment. Only the deer mouse had a significant treatment effect. Deer mice abundance significantly increased from pre- to post-treatment within fire only and mechanical plus fire treatments, and declined within mechanical only treatments. All four species had a significant effect of year, with higher overall abundance in the post-treatment period. In addition to the experimental analysis, models containing stand-level covariates of vegetation and fuel characteristics were examined and compared using model selection procedures. The models only improved upon the experimental analysis for the brush mouse. Brush mice were found to have a positive association with stand-level canopy cover. Our results suggest that burning had a positive effect on deer mice and that mechanical only treatments had a negative effect. For the other three species, the dominant effect of year suggests that other, more regional factors may have affected abundance. Possible explanations included an increase in precipitation from pre- to post-treatment, a major cone crop in 2002, and a major decline in gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) occurrence. For the brush mouse, an evaluation of trap locations within stands indicates that this species was associated with dense clumps of tan oak (Lithocarpus densiflorus) or riparian areas. Leaving areas of dense low vegetation cover may benefit this species where fuel reduction treatments are implemented. Our study only documented the immediate impacts of fuel treatments and more research is needed to determine if our results will persist through time.
Precursor product relationship between intracytoplasmic A particle and murine mammary tumor virus core proteins established by tryptic peptide analysis.

Abstract The polypeptide pattern of intracytoplasmic A particles, isolated from mammary tumors of ICRC mice, displayed a prominant doublet of about 75,000 molecular weight (Ap75) and a lesser band of 42,000 molecular weight (Ap42). A particle proteins were analyzed by tryptic fingerprint mapping and compared to similarly treated core proteins (p10, p14, p23, and p28) of murine mammary tumor virus (MuMTV) purified from the milk of ICRC mice. Comparison of the peptide maps showed that almost all the major spots of the MuMTV core proteins could be located within the map of Ap75, and that Ap42 contained peptides of only p28 and p14. Since tryptic peptide maps of MuMTV core proteins have been shown to be strain-specific markers, we conclude that the A particles present in mammary tumors of ICRC mice are coded for by the same genes that code for the virions present in the milk of these mice.
Correlations between changes in electrical parameters and changes in cell elongation rates in gavistimulated roots

Abstract The earliest changes in growth rate following the gravistimulation of roots occur in a special group of cells between the meristem and the elongating region of the root. This zone is called the postomitotic isodiametric growth (PIG) zone and consists of cells which have ceased dividing and are expanding isodiametrically. Upon gravistimulation cells along the upper side of the PIG zone begin elongating rapidly and this accounts for much of the early growth asymmetry. There is rapid (
Variations in epidural catheter manufacture: implications for bending and stiffness.

Background and Objectives There is no formal evaluation method used to relate epidural catheter design and manufacture to clinical outcomes, such as subarachnoid or intravascular catheter placement. We analyzed catheter bending stiffness to determine the range of stiffness of catheters commonly used. We hypothesized that catheter material has a greater influence on stiffness than does cross-sectional shape. Methods We determined the elastic modulus by axial load testing and the area moment of inertia using calibrated microscopic measurements of cross-sectional geometry for 6 different catheter types, including 2 types of wire styletted catheters. We calculated bending stiffness as the product of the elastic modulus and the area moment of inertia. Results Catheters had similar area moments of inertia, but markedly different elastic moduli. Nylon and polyurethane catheters had the same bending stiffness, which was twice as high as that of coil reinforced catheters (P Conclusions Catheters currently available establish the range of bending stiffness that should not be exceeded, only optimized to clinical outcome. Clinical studies are needed to correlate the incidence of unintentional intravascular or subarachnoid catheter placement or migration and bending stiffness. Catheter technology improvements may enhance safety and increase the likelihood of successful catheter insertion, maintenance, and removal. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2003;28:37-42.
Molecular Dynamics Study of Cermide:POPC mixtures

Ceramide (Cer) is the simplest lipid in the biologically important class of glycosphingolipids. Ceramide is an important signaling molecule and a major component of the strateum corneum layer in the skin. In order to begin to understand the biophysical properties of ceramide, we have carried out a Molecular Dynamics simulations of mixtures of hydrated 16:0-ceramide:POPC lipid bilayers at temperatures 323K and 368K. These simulations consist of 5%,10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% Cer in POPC bilayers. We computed electron densities and order parameters to investigate the structural properties of these mixtures. We compared our simulation results with the experimental phase diagrams of Cer:POPC mixtures.
Platelet and Plasma Fibrinogens Are Identical Gene Products

Human platelet fibrinogen has been shown to be indistinguishable from plasma fibrinogen by a variety of criteria, including subunit composition and cross-linking characteristics as judged by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electro phoresis, quantitative amino terminal analysis of fibrin, and the amino acid compositions of fibrinopeptides released from platelet and plasma fibrinogens is products of the same gene or genes.
Ode: a self-guided, scenario-based learning environment for object-oriented design principles

ODE: A SELF-GUIDED, SCENARIO-BASED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR OBJECT-ORIENTED DESIGN PRINCIPLES Scott P. Robertson,* John M. Carroll,* Robert L. Mack, Mary Beth Rosson,* Sherman R. Alpert, Jurgen Koenemann-Belliveau” IBM Research T. J. Watson Research Center 30 Saw Mill River Road Hawthorne, NY 10532 Internet:
Photoperiod and melatonin affect testicular growth in the marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris)

Edmonds KE, Stetson MH. Photoperiod and melatonin affect testicular growth in the marsh rice rat (Orgzonys palustris). J. Pineal Res. 1994: 17: 86–93. ©Munksgaard 1994 Abstract Reproduction in rice rats is subject to photoperiodic control and the pineal gland mediates this effect. We examined the effects of the pineal gland hormone melatonin on testicular weight when administered via implants, injections, and infusions. Testicular weight was modified by photoperiod and the size of the melatonin implant. Twenty-millimeter implants suppressed testicular weight in rice rats housed on 12- and 16-hr photoperiods, while those housed on a 14-hr photoperiod were more sensitive to melatonin; in these animals 10- and 20-mm implants inhibited testicular weight. Melatonin implants also prevented rice rats from responding to a change in photoperiod with the appropriate alteration of testicular growth. Melatonin injections inhibited testicular growth when administered before lights out on LD 14: 10, but not on LD 16: 8. Morning injections had no effect on either photoperiod. Finally, 12-hr duration melatonin infusions inhibited testicular growth in pinealectomized rice rats on LD 16: 8, while 6-hr duration infusions were without effect. These data show that the pineal, through the secretion of melatonin, is a phototransducing organ intimately involved in testicular growth in rice rats.
Influence on Eye Color of Feeding Diffusible Substances to Drosophila melanogaster.

SummaryThe hormone-like v+ and cn+ substances concerned in the development of eye colors in Drosophila produce their characteristic reactions when administered with the food of test larvae. In this way they are comparable with certain hormones of the vertebrates, for example, thyroxin.
Computation certification as a service in the cloud

This paper proposes a new form of Security as a Service (SECaaS) that allows untrusted, mostly serial computations in untrusted computing environments to be independently and efficiently validated by trusted, commodity clouds. This addresses the longstanding problem of safely executing high assurance computations on untrusted hosts. Untrusted computations are instrumented with a check pointing mechanism that yields a proof of computation integrity as the computation progresses. This proof can be validated by a trusted cloud to ensure that the computation was carried out faithfully. Cloud parallelism and replication is leveraged to validate the proof efficiently even when the original computation is not parallel zed. This affords a means of high-assurance, serial computation on cloud-aware, mobile devices that mix resource-rich but untrusted hardware with trusted but comparatively resource-impoverished hardware components. An implementation for Java and Hadoop MapReduce demonstrates that the approach is effective for commodity VMs, clouds, and software.
270 x 436 HgCdTe FPA module for the Rosetta VIRTIS-H and -M instruments

This paper will describe a 270 X 436 HgCdTe FPA/module that was developed for the Visible and Infrared Thermal Imaging Spectrometer (VIRTIS) H and M instruments. Raytheon Infrared Operations was selected by Officine Galileo and the Observatorie de Paris, Meudon to design, fabricate and deliver 4 flight modules for the VIRTIS H and M spectrometers.
Functional organization of crayfish abdominal ganglia. III. Swimmeret motor neurons

Swimmerets are limbs on several segments of the crayfish abdomen that are used for forward swimming and other behaviors. We present evidence that the functional modules demonstrated previously in physiological experiments are reflected in the morphological disposition of swimmeret motor neurons. The single nerve that innervates each swimmeret divides into two branches that separately contain the axons of power-stroke and return-stroke motor neurons. We used Co(++) or biocytin to backfill the entire pool of neurons that innervated a swimmeret, or functional subsets whose axons occurred in particular branches. Each filled cell body extended a single neurite that projected first to the Lateral Neuropil (LN), and there branched to form dendritic structures and its axon. All the motor neurons that innervated one swimmeret had cell bodies located in the ganglion from which their axons emerged, and the cell bodies of all but two of these neurons were located ipsilateral to their swimmeret. Counts of cell bodies filled from selected peripheral branches revealed about 35 power-stroke motor neurons and 35 return-stroke motor neurons. The cell bodies of these two types were segregated into different clusters within the ganglion, but both types sent their neurites into the ipsilateral LN and had their principle branches in this neuropil. We saw no significant differences in the numbers or distributions of these motor neurons in ganglia A2 through A5. These anatomical features are consistent with the physiological evidence that each swimmeret is controlled by its own neural module, which drives the alternating bursts of impulses in power-stroke and return-stroke motor neurons. We propose that the LN is the site of the synaptic circuit that generates this pattern.
Spider monkeys (Ateles sp.) as animal models for atherosclerosis research.

Abstract Spider monkeys ( Ateles sp. ) were evaluated for their usefulness in research on atherosclerosis. These animals became only slightly hypercholesterolemic (increase from control serum cholesterol concentrations of about 200 mg/100 ml to about 290 mg/100 ml) when fed diets containing 1 mg of cholesterol/kcal (diets shown previously to produce marked hypercholesterolemia in most species of nonhuman primates). Both control and experimental monkeys had aortic fatty streaks and occasional lesions of the major branches of the coronary arteries. Cholesterol feeding for up to 48 months exacrebated the lesions only slightly. Biochemically, the atherosclerotic lesions of spider monkeys, as compared with other primates, have relatively less cholesterol ester and markedly more phospholipid.
SDN-controlled topology-reconfigurable optical mobile fronthaul architecture for bidirectional CoMP and low latency inter-cell D2D in the 5G mobile era.

We demonstrate the first SDN-controlled optical topology-reconfigurable mobile fronthaul (MFH) architecture for bidirectional coordinated multipoint (CoMP) and low latency inter-cell device-to-device (D2D) connectivity in the 5G mobile networking era. SDN-based OpenFlow control is used to dynamically instantiate the CoMP and inter-cell D2D features as match/action combinations in control plane flow tables of software-defined optical and electrical switching elements. Dynamic re-configurability is thereby introduced into the optical MFH topology, while maintaining back-compatibility with legacy fiber deployments. 10Gb/s peak rates with <7μs back-to-back transmission latency and 29.6dB total power budget are experimentally demonstrated, confirming the attractiveness of the new approach for optical MFH of future 5G mobile systems.
Incorporating real-world projects in teaching computer science courses

Research has shown students are more motivated and more likely to perform active learning when working on real-world projects that have societal impact. The Computer Science Department at Middle Tennessee State University has embarked on the task of incorporating real-world projects into multiple courses across the curriculum. This paper describes the real world project collection process and a management framework being developed to collect and track the usage of real-world projects for Computer Science courses. It discusses pilot courses that used real-world projects in teaching various computing subjects, as well as lessons learned from these pilot studies.
Abo blood group in relation to hypernephroma

The correlation of blood groups in adenocarcinoma of the kidney is attempted in 125 cases. It appears that there is an inherited element in the susceptibility or protection against the hypernephroma according to blood groups.
Genetic Determinants of Arterial Calcification Associated With Atherosclerosis

Increasing research interest has focused on arterial calcification in the setting of atherosclerosis. Many features of atherosclerosis-related calcification provide useful clinical information. For example, calcium mineral deposits frequently form in atherosclerotic plaque, and intimal arterial calcification can be used as a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis; also, calcium deposits are readily and noninvasively quantified, which is useful because greater amounts of coronary calcification predict a higher risk of myocardial infarction and death. Several mechanisms leading to calcification associated with atherosclerosis have been proposed; however, no direct testing of proposed mechanisms has yet been reported. Studies in genetically altered animals and in humans have shed light on potential genetic determinants, which in turn could form the basis for a more comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting calcification within plaque and the associated pathobiologic implications. We review proposed molecular and cellular mechanisms of atherosclerosis-associated arterial calcification, summarize genetic influences, and suggest areas in which further investigation is needed. Understanding the molecular and genetic determinants of specific structural plaque components such as calcification can provide a solid foundation for the development of novel therapeutic approaches to favorably alter plaque structure and minimize vulnerability to arterial rupture.
Automation for underwater mine recognition: current trends and future strategy

The purpose of this paper is to define the vision and future strategy for advancing the use of automation in underwater mine recognition. The technical portion of this strategy is founded on the principle of adapting the automation in situ based on a highly variable environment / context and the occasional availability of the human operator. To frame this strategy, a survey of past and current algorithm development for underwater mine recognition is presented and includes a detailed description on adaptive algorithms. This discussion is motivated by illustrating the extreme variability in the underwater environment and that performance estimation techniques are now emerging that are capable of quantifying these variations in situ. It is the in situ linkage of performance estimation with adaptive recognition that forms one of the key technological enablers of this future strategy. The non-technical portion of this strategy is centered on enabling an effective human-machine team. Enabling this teaming relationship involves both gaining trust and establishing an overall support system that is amenable to such human-machine interactions. Aspects of trust include both individual trust and institutional trust, and a path for gaining both is discussed. Overall aspects of the support system are highlighted and include standards for data and interoperability, network-centric software architectures, and issues in proliferating knowledge that is learned in situ by multiple distributed algorithms. This paper concludes with an articulation of several important and timely research questions concerning automation for underwater mine recognition.
Reliability of graded exercise testing after traumatic brain injury: submaximal and peak responses.

Mossberg KA, Greene BP: Reliability of graded exercise testing after traumatic brain injury: Submaximal and peak responses. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2005; 84:492-500. Objective: To assess the reliability of the submaximal and peak responses to a treadmill graded exercise test in individuals recovering from traumatic brain injury. Design: A total of 15 individuals (11 men, 4 women; 28.5 ′ 9.2 yrs) with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury admitted into a postacute residential treatment center 10 ′ 7 mos after injury performed two treadmill graded exercise tests separated by 4-8 days. Heart rate, oxygen consumption (in milliliters per minute per kilogram), minute ventilation (in liters per minute), and respiratory exchange ratio (carbon dioxide output/oxygen consumption) were continuously monitored at 1-min intervals. Submaximal and peak values were analyzed for absolute level of agreement using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: The submaximal intraclass correlation coefficient values for all variables between minutes 3 and 7 ranged from 0.80 to 0.93. Submaximal intraclass correlation coefficients before and in the subsequent minutes were less than optimal for heart rate and minute ventilation. Lower intensity workloads elicited slightly better agreement than higher intensity workloads. The peak response intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.77 (heart rate) to 0.92 (oxygen consumption). Conclusion: Despite the presence of other co-morbidities, subjects recovering from traumatic brain injury provided consistent individual responses, allowing for reliable assessments of cardiorespiratory conditioning programs. Assessments of ambulatory efficiency, endurance, and aerobic fitness adaptations as a result of treatment for persons with traumatic brain injury should include analyses of submaximal responses to graded exercise.
The connections of the retinal on and off pathways to the lateral geniculate nucleus of the monkey

Abstract This study examined the manner in which the On and Off systems originating in the retina make their connections with the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the rhesus monkey. 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (APB) was either infused or injected into the vitreous chamber of the eye to block the On channel while the response properties of LGN cells were assessed. APB in concentrations of 50—600 μm effectively blocked On-center cell responses in the LGN. The responses of Off-center cells were not affected significantly, although some cells showed a brief period of response increment following APB infusion while other cells showed a small response decrement. The sustained component of the response of On-center cells was blocked more effectively, more quickly and at lower concentrations than was the transient component of the response. Parvocellular cells were blocked at lower concentrations and for longer time periods than were magnocellular cells. Both the center and the surround responses of On-center cells were blocked by APB. The center and the surround responses of Off-center cells were not affected differentially by APB administration. Blue On-center cell responses were also blocked by APB. These results suggest that in the monkey the On and Off channels originating the retina remain functionally separated at the level of the LGN.
Usefulness of minimum clinically important difference for assessing patients with subaxial degenerative cervical spine disease: statistical versus substantial clinical benefit

The measurement of the therapeutic outcome of cervical spine surgeries commonly relies on four main patient reported outcomes (PROs): Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and Short Form-36 (SF-36) Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) Component Summary. However, the clinical impact of such scores and how they could effectively measure therapeutic efficacy remains unclear. In this context, the concept of minimum clinically important difference (MCID) is developing into the standard by which to evaluate treatments, patient satisfaction and cost-effectiveness. Eighty-eight consecutive patients undergoing surgery for subaxial degenerative cervical spine disease were selected from a prospective blinded database. PROs (NDI, PCS, MCS and VAS) were collected preoperatively, and together with blinded Surgeon Ratings (SR) at 3 months and 6 months post-surgery. Four anchor-based approaches were used to calculate different MCIDs. Three anchors (VAS, HTI (Health Transition Item of the SF-36) and SR) were used to evaluate surgery outcome. The best clinically and statistically relevant MCID was chosen. On average, all patients presented with a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001) postoperatively for NDI (27.42 to 19.42), PCS (33.02 to 42.03), MCS (44 to 50.74) and VAS (2.85 to 1.93). The four MCID anchor-based approaches yielded a range of values for each PRO: 2.23–16.59 for PCS, 0.11–16.27 for MCS and 2.72–12.08 for NDI. When compared to the VAS and HTI anchors, the area under the ROC curve was greater for SR. This finding suggests that SR may be a more reliable anchor for MCID calculation. The MDC (minimum detectable change) approach together with the SR anchor appears to be the most appropriate MCID method. It offers the greatest area under the ROC curve (threshold above the 95 % CI), and the choice of the anchor did not significantly affect this result. MCID values for this dataset were 5.6 for PCS, 5.12 for MCS and 2.41 for NDI.
Near-haploid B lymphoblastic leukemia with an apparent hyperdiploid karyotype: the critical role of SNP analysis in establishing proper diagnosis

Molecular genetic analysis is indispensible in both classification and prognostication of hematopoietic malignancies. The evolution of genetic analysis from conventional cytogenetics to novel genomic technologies has increased our ability to detect subtle and nonconventional mutations in leukemia and lymphoma. Near haploidy, a subtype of hypodiploidy, is a rare entity that carries a particularly poor prognosis in B lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Near-haploid B-ALL usually quickly evolves by doubling of the chromosome number, creating confusion with the prognostically favorable hyperdiploid B-ALL subtype. Here, we describe a case of B-ALL in which single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray analysis was used to identify a hyperdiploid clone that had evolved from a presumptive, near-haploid clone. By conventional methods, this clone may have been easily misinterpreted as a common hyperdiploid clone. Given the extreme prognostic differences of the two clones, this distinction is especially critical to accurately guide therapy. In this case report and brief review, we discuss the role of SNP microarray analysis in the diagnosis and proper subclassification of B-ALL as well as its potential in the identification of genetic therapeutic targets.