cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Assessment of Natural Killer Cell Responses during Chronic Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Accumulating evidence suggests that natural killer (NK) cells may have an important role in HIV-1 disease pathogenesis; however, in vivo studies are lacking. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection of cats provides a valuable model to study NK cell function in vivo. The immune response against Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is well characterized, allowing its use as an innate immune probe. We have previously shown that locally delivered IL-15 can improve Lm clearance in FIV-infected animals, and this correlated with an increase in NK cell number. In the present study, chronically FIV-infected and SPF-control cats were challenged with Lm by unilateral subcutaneous injection next to the footpad and then treated with 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU). The Lm draining and contralateral control lymph nodes were evaluated for NK, NKT, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell number, proliferation, apoptosis, and NK cell function. Listeria monocytogenes burden was also assessed in both control and Lm draining lymph nodes. NK, NKT, CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells in the Lm-challenged lymph node of FIV-infected cats did not increase in number. In addition, after Lm challenge, NK cells from FIV-infected cats did not increase their proliferation rate, apoptosis was elevated, and perforin expression was not upregulated when compared to SPF-control cats. The failure of the NK cell response against Lm challenge in the draining lymph node of FIV-infected cats correlates with the delayed control and clearance of this opportunistic bacterial pathogen.
Variation in management based on type of choledochal cyst

The management of 23 patients treated for choledochal cysts at the Oregon Health Sciences University between 1969 and 1990 is reviewed. The median age was 27 years, with a range from 1 month to 90 years. Seventy-eight percent of patients presented with abdominal pain, and 35% were jaundiced. Three patients presented with cholangitis, two with cyst rupture, and one with recurrent pancreatitis. Nine patients had had previous biliary surgery. The diagnosis was made in all patients with ultrasound and/or cholangiography. Fifteen patients (65%) had type I cysts, 2 had a type II cyst, 5 (22%) had type III cysts, and 1 had a type IV cyst. Stones were present in four (17%) cysts, and all excised cysts were benign. Seventeen patients with type I and II choledochal cysts had complete cyst excision and choledochoenterostomy. Four of five patients with type III cysts had endoscopic cyst incision and drainage, while the fifth patient had transduodenal cyst excision and sphincteroplasty. The patient with a type IV cyst had extrahepatic cyst excision and choledochojejunostomy. There were no operative deaths. Two postoperative complications occurred: cholangitis and a prolonged ileus. All patients had resolution of their pain and jaundice. Two patients had late cholangitis. Cyst excision and choledochojejunostomy are the treatment of choice for types I and II choledochal cysts. Extrahepatic cyst excision and choledochojejunostomy may be adequate treatment for type IV cysts. Endoscopic incision and drainage is appropriate for selected patients with type III cysts.
Activity of anti-lipopolysaccharide human IgM monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Staphylococcus aureus polymicrobic cellulitis

Abstract A lethal animal model of polymicrobial cellulitis was established to investigate whether human monoclonal antibodies (MAb), specifically reactive with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antigens of Pseudomonas aeruginosa , would be protective in infections involving multiple pathogens. Subcutaneous injection of Staphylococcus aureus or P. aeruginosa alone led to infection characterized by proliferation of both bacteria in the skin and low mortality (≤40%). The combination of the two bacteria resulted in rapid dissemination of P. aeruginosa from the skin to the spleen and 100% mortality. Treatment with as little as 1·0 μg anti-LPS MAb per mouse resulted in mortality of 40–60%, and 10·0 μg of MAb conferred nearly complete protection (mortality ≤10%). These results suggest that immunotherapy with anti-LPS MAbs may have value as an adjunct in therapy of life-threatening polymicrobic infection involving P. aeruginosa .
On the formation of bonds in tricalcium silicate pastes as observed by scanning electron microscopy

We report on the development of the microstructure of an assemblage of grains of wet C 3 S observed under environmental conditions that approach the native wet environment inside a volume of paste. Attention is drawn to the relation of hydration product between grains and to the surfaces of individual grains
Concentration‐dependent stimulation and inhibition of growth cone behavior and neurite elongation by protein kinase inhibitors KT5926 and K‐252a

We examined the concentration- and time-dependent effects of two related protein kinase inhibitors, KT5926 and K-252a, on neurite formation and nerve growth cone migration of chick embryo sensory neurons. The effects of these drugs on neurite formation over an 18-h period were dissimilar. KT5926 stimulated neurite formation at concentrations between 100 and 500 nM and inhibited neurite formation at 5 μM. K-252a had no stimulatory effects on neurite formation, and it inhibited neurite formation at concentrations above 50 nM. This difference may occur because K-252a inhibits activation of the nerve growth factor receptor trk A, while KT5926 does not inhibit trk A. Both drugs, however, had similar immediate effects on growth cone migration. Growth cone migration and lamellipodial spreading were rapidly stimulated by 500 nM concentrations of KT5926 and K-252a. At 2 μM levels of either drug, growth cone spreading was still stimulated, but growth cone migration was inhibited by both drugs. These results show that changes in protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation can rapidly regulate the cellular machinery that is responsible for driving growth cone migration and neurite elongation. The different effects of 2 μM concentrations of either KT5926 or K-252a on growth cone spreading versus migration suggests that the actin-dependent protrusive motility of the growth cone leading margin is regulated differently by changes in protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation than the cytoskeletal mechanism that drives neurite elongation. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 33: 161–171, 1997
Making it at the margins: The criminalization of Nicaraguan women's labor under structural reform

Abstract With the introduction of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) initiative in 1999, the World Bank claimed it had moved away from its heavily criticized one-size-fits-all policy approach toward more comprehensive, country-authored plans adapted to the domestic context. Unfortunately, the policies differ little from previous reform packages, prioritizing macroeconomic growth and lumping the poor into a single category. This is especially problematic for women, who represent a subordinated group in society and thus experience poverty differently than men. This article explores women's responses to the problematic insertion of the PRSP in Nicaragua, a highly indebted poor country in its fourteenth year of structural reform. The interviews and experiences presented here show that imposition of these policies in Nicaragua without regard for the specific country context has had two major impacts. First, it further entrenches women into traditional gender roles, increasing their dependence on men. ...
Experimental and Monte Carlo dosimetric characterization of a 1 cm 103Pd brachytherapy source

Abstract Purpose To determine the in-air azimuthal anisotropy and in-water dose distribution for the 1 cm length of a new elongated 103 Pd brachytherapy source through both experimental measurements and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. Measured and MC-calculated dose distributions were used to determine the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group No. 43 (TG-43) dosimetry parameters for this source. Methods and Materials The in-air azimuthal anisotropy of the source was measured with a NaI scintillation detector and was simulated with the MCNP5 radiation transport code. Measured and MC results were normalized to their respective mean values and then compared. The source dose distribution was determined from measurements with LiF:Mg,Ti thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) microcubes and MC simulations. TG-43 dosimetry parameters for the source, including the dose-rate constant, Λ , two-dimensional anisotropy function, F ( r , θ ), and line-source radial dose function, g L ( r ), were determined from the TLD measurements and MC simulations. Results NaI scintillation detector measurements and MC simulations of the in-air azimuthal anisotropy of the source showed that ≥95% of the normalized values for each source were within 1.2% of the mean value. TLD measurements and MC simulations of Λ , F ( r , θ ), and g L ( r ) agreed to within the associated uncertainties. Conclusions This new 103 Pd source exhibits a high level of azimuthal symmetry as indicated by the measured and MC-calculated results for the in-air azimuthal anisotropy. TG-43 dosimetry parameters for the source were determined through TLD measurements and MC simulations.
Morphologically Normal-Appearing Mammary Epithelial Cells Obtained from High-Risk Women Exhibit Methylation Silencing of INK4a/ARF

Purpose: p16(INK4a) has been appreciated as a key regulator of cell cycle progression and senescence. Cultured human mammary epithelial cells that lack p16(INK4a) activity have been shown to exhibit premalignant phenotypes, such as telomeric dysfunction, centrosomal dysfunction, a sustained stress response, and, most recently, a dysregulation of chromatin remodeling and DNA methylation. These data suggest that cells that lack p16(INK4a) activity would be at high risk for breast cancer development and may exhibit an increased frequency of DNA methylation events in early cancer. Experimental Design: To test this hypothesis, the frequencies of INK4a/ARF promoter hypermethylation, as well as four additional selected loci, were tested in the initial random periareolar fine needle aspiration samples from 86 asymptomatic women at high risk for development of breast cancer, stratified using the Masood cytology index. Results: INK4a/ARF promoter hypermethylation was observed throughout all early stages of intraepithelial neoplasia and, importantly, in morphologically normal-appearing mammary epithelial cells; 29 of 86 subjects showed INK4a/ARF promoter hypermethylation in at least one breast. Importantly, INK4a/ARF promoter hypermethylation was not associated with atypia, and the frequency of hypermethylation did not increase with increasing Masood cytology score. The frequency of INK4a/ARF promoter hypermethylation was associated with the combined frequency of promoter hypermethylation of retinoic acid receptor-β2, estrogen receptor-α, and breast cancer-associated 1 genes ( P = 0.001). Conclusions: Because INK4a/ARF promoter hypermethylation does not increase with age but increases with the frequency of other methylation events, we predict that INK4a/ARF promoter hypermethylation may serve as a marker of global methylation dysregulation.
A study of the formation, purification and application as a SWNT growth catalyst of the nanocluster [HxPMo12O40⊂H4Mo72Fe30(O2CMe)15O254(H2O)98]

The synthetic conditions for the isolation of the iron-molybdenum nanocluster FeMoC [HxPMo12O40 [subset]H4Mo72Fe30(O2CMe)15O254(H2O)98], along with its application as a catalyst precursor for VLS growth of SWNTs have been studied. As-prepared FeMoC is contaminated with the Keplerate cage [H4Mo72Fe30(O2CMe)15O254(H2O)98] without the Keggin [HxPMo12O40]n- template, however, isolation of pure FeMoC may be accomplished by Soxhlet extraction with EtOH. The resulting EtOH solvate is consistent with the replacement of the water ligands coordinated to Fe being substituted by EtOH. FeMoC-EtOH has been characterized by IR, UV-vis spectroscopy, MS, XPS and 31P NMR. The solid-state 31P NMR spectrum for FeMoC-EtOH (delta-5.3 ppm) suggests little effect of the paramagnetic Fe3+ centers in the Keplerate cage on the Keggin ion's phosphorous. The high chemical shift anisotropy, and calculated T1 (35 ms) and T2 (8 ms) values are consistent with a weak magnetic interaction between the Keggin ion's phosphorus symmetrically located within the Keplerate cage. Increasing the FeCl2 concentration and decreasing the pH of the reaction mixture optimizes the yield of FeMoC. The solubility and stability of FeMoC in H2O and MeOH-H2O is investigated. The TGA of FeMoC-EtOH under air, Ar and H2 (in combination with XPS) shows that upon thermolysis the resulting Fe : Mo ratio is highly dependent on the reaction atmosphere: thermolysis in air results in significant loss of volatile molybdenum components. Pure FeMoC-EtOH is found to be essentially inactive as a pre-catalyst for the VLS growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) irrespective of the substrate or reaction conditions. However, reaction of FeMoC with pyrazine (pyz) results in the formation of aggregates that are found to be active catalysts for the growth of SWNTs. Activation of FeMoC may also be accomplished by the addition of excess iron. The observation of prior work's reported growth of SWNTs from FeMoC is discussed with respect to these results.
Can We Can Spam? A Comparison of National Spam Regulations

This paper compares the legal frameworks for spam in a set of five jurisdictions, the United States, the European Union, Australia, Singapore, and China, selected to be representative on the level of development (advanced and developing economies) and the per capita incidence of spam (high and low). Specific provisions of these national laws, such as definitions of spam, protections if any for commercial speech, prohibited and permitted categories, penalties, enforcement mechanisms, etc. are compared based on legal documents and court judgments. In conjunction with data on the prevalence of spam originating from that country, we evaluate the effectiveness of the national spam regulations.
Links between physical abuse in childhood and child neglect among adolescent mothers

Abstract Children born to the youngest mothers are at substantial risk for neglect. Neglect is multiply determined, but a maternal childhood history of maltreatment is an especially influential parenting determinant. This study investigated the etiology of neglect among very young mothers (
Ageing and the self-reference effect in memory.

The present study investigates potential age differences in the self-reference effect. Young and older adults incidentally encoded adjectives by deciding whether the adjective described them, described another person (Experiments 1 & 2), was a trait they found desirable (Experiment 3), or was presented in upper case. Like young adults, older adults exhibited superior recognition for self-referenced items relative to the items encoded with the alternate orienting tasks, but self-referencing did not restore their memory to the level of young adults. Furthermore, the self-reference effect was more limited for older adults. Amount of cognitive resource influenced how much older adults benefit from self-referencing, and older adults appeared to extend the strategy less flexibly than young adults. Self-referencing improves older adults’ memory, but its benefits are circumscribed despite the social and personally relevant nature of the task.
Dynamical Properties and Design Analysis for Nonvolatile Memristor Memories

Novel nonvolatile universal memory technology is essential for providing required storage for nanocomputing. As a potential contender for the next-generation memory, the recently found "the missing fourth circuit element," memristor, has drawn a great deal of research interests. In this paper, by starting from basic memristor device equations, we develop a comprehensive set of properties and design equations for memristor based memories. Our analyses are specifically targeting key electrical memristor device characteristics relevant to memory operations. Using our derived properties, we investigate the design of read and write circuits and analyze important data integrity and noise-tolerance is sues.
The microvascular frontal-subcortical syndrome of aging

Many features of aging suggest dysfunction in both frontal and subcortical regions. Connections between the two areas form a series of pathways that critically influence various aspects of cognition, motor control, affect, and as recently discovered, normal urinary function. Age-related changes in the structure and integrity of these circuits may be associated with cognitive impairment, mood disorders, loss of balance, falls, and urinary dysfunction. In addition, cardiovascular risk factors in elderly people are associated with the development of cerebral microangiopathic changes in both the periventricular white matter and basal ganglia. These lesions are common, usually unsuspected, and were previously believed to be clinically innocuous. However, increasing evidence supports a role for these lesions as a cause for both dysfunction in frontal-subcortical systems, and many clinical features of aging that account for substantial disability. Because this form of cerebrovascular disease is potentially preventable, interventions that address risk factors for the development of cerebral microangiopathy may go a long way in preventing disability for the next generation of elderly persons.
The Cultural Politics of Everyday Discourse: The Case of “Male Chauvinist”

The spread of the term “male chauvinist,” coined in the United States around 1934, reveals the crucial work done in a social movement — in this case the second wave of American feminism — by what we call “everyday activists.” Everyday activists may not interact with the world of formal politics, but they take actions in their own lives to redress injustices that a contemporary social movement has made salient. The interplay between organized and everyday activists creates an evolutionary dynamic of “organized activist variation” and “everyday activist selection.” Organized activists in tightly-knit and protected enclaves (such as those in the American Communist Party in the 1930s or the feminist movement in the late 1960s) produce a cornucopia of counter-hegemonic concepts. Everyday activists then select the concepts they will use, primarily for the purpose of persuasion, in everyday talk.
Evaluation of the SEI Using a Multilayer Spectroscopic Ellipsometry Model

A multilayer spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) model has been developed to characterize SEI formation. The model, which consists of two Cauchy layers, is constructed with an inner layer meant to model primarily inorganic compounds adjacent to an electrode and an outer layer which mirrors polymeric, organic constituents on the exterior of the SEI. Comparison of 1:1 EC:EMC and 1:4 EC:EMC with 1.0 M LiPF₆ shows distinct differences in the two modeled layers. The data suggest that the thickness of both layers change over a wide potential range. These changes have been linked with other reports on the growth of the SEI.
Quantitative assessment of cell adhesion molecule gene expression in endomyocardial biopsy specimens from cardiac transplant recipients using competitive polymerase chain reaction.

BACKGROUND Adhesion of leukocytes to vascular endothelium is an early step in cardiac allograft rejection leading to migration of lymphocytes into parenchymal tissues. Cell adhesion molecule (CAM) protein expression appears to increase as a result of rejection. The relationship of CAM gene expression to rejection is less well defined. The goal of this study was to define cell adhesion molecule gene expression in relation to the presence of acute cellular rejection in endomyocardial biopsies from cardiac transplant recipients. METHODS To quantitatively assess intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin gene expression, we developed a competitive PCR system using nonhomologous DNA fragments (MIMICs) with complementary sequences to CAM gene-specific primers as internal standards. MIMIC fragments with known concentrations were mixed in serial dilutions with constant amounts of cDNA from the biopsy specimens and amplified with common primers under the same polymerase chain reaction conditions. The relative CAM cDNA concentrations were determined by comparing the density of MIMIC to target cDNA bands on agarose gel. ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin mRNA concentrations were analyzed from 38 cardiac transplant biopsies divided into 3 groups according to ISHLT rejection grade: group 1-grade 0 (n=13); group 2-grade 1A or 1B (n=13); group 3-grade 3A (n=12). Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (a constitutive gene) was quantified in the same way as CAMs to normalize the relative levels of CAMs. RESULTS The results expressed as mean (1x10(-3) pM) (+/-SEM) in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, were: ICAM-1; 5+/-1; 57+/-4*; 64+/-13*, VCAM-1; 0.8+/-0.1; 6+/-1**; 9+/-1*, E-selectin; 0.4+/-0.2; 0.8+/-0.2; 0.4+/-0.1 (*P<0.001 versus group 1; **P<0.01 versus group 1). CONCLUSIONS ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 gene expression was increased during rejection in endomyocardial biopsy specimens. Competitive polymerase chain reaction can be used to quantitatively assess gene expression in biopsy specimens from patients.
Enhanced auditory menu cues improve dual task performance and are preferred with in-vehicle technologies

Auditory display research for driving has mainly focused on collision warning signals, and recent studies on auditory in-vehicle information presentation have examined only a limited range of tasks (e.g., cell phone operation tasks or verbal tasks such as reading digit strings). The present study used a dual task paradigm to evaluate a plausible scenario in which users navigated a song list. We applied enhanced auditory menu navigation cues, including spearcons (i.e., compressed speech) and a spindex (i.e., a speech index that used brief audio cues to communicate the user's position in a long menu list). Twenty-four undergraduates navigated through an alphabetized song list of 150 song titles---rendered as an auditory menu---while they concurrently played a simple, perceptual-motor, ball-catching game. The menu was presented with text-to-speech (TTS) alone, TTS plus one of three types of enhanced auditory cues, or no sound at all. Both performance of the primary task (success rate of the game) and the secondary task (menu search time) were better with the auditory menus than with no sound. Subjective workload scores (NASA TLX) and user preferences favored the enhanced auditory cue types. Results are discussed in terms of multiple resources theory and practical IVT design applications.
Assessment and treatment of cognitive deficits in brain-damaged individuals.

Rehabilitation professionals are recognizing the need for greater emphasis on treating cognitive as well as physical deficits in brain-damaged individuals. This review discusses recent advances in the development of treatments for patients with cognitive deficits secondary to brain damage. The review will focus upon treatments developed for problems with attention and vigilance, memory, language and reading abilities, visuoperceptual functioning, and driving skills. An overview of the treatment process presents the role of assessment and case conceptualization, patient and family education, application of rehabilitation interventions, and approaches to promoting recovery generalization and maintenance of relearned abilities.
Noninvasive detection of glucose in porcine eyes

In this study, we have measured the Raman spectra of near-physiological-level glucose in the aqueous humor of intact, ex vivo porcine eyes. We inject the glucose solutions into the eyes, control the concentration, and measure the Raman spectra using a compact spectroscopic system with a laser excitation wavelength at 785 nm. The reason for using this fiber-based system is to test the feasibility of the Raman method for a practical noninvasive glucose measurement in the future. We believe that a small, portable system like ours may be made sufficiently affordable and convenient for patient use. Our preliminary data also show that the sensitivity of the system is almost adequate, since we can detect the glucose at near-physiological concentrations in the anterior chamber of the eye in the presence of the other eye components.
Neither a borrower nor a lender be: the relative importance of debt and SES for mental health among older adults.

Objective:This study examines the impact of indebtedness on depressive symptomatology, anxiety, and anger. Method: We use data from a two-wave panel study of adults in Miami-Dade County. The analyt...
The Bell Canada CRISP project a case study of migration of information systems infrastructure for strategic positioning

Corporate Revenue Information System Plan (CRISP), which represents an important phase in an effort to rebuild the information systems infrastructure at Bell is discussed. This undertaking is expected to have far-reaching effects on the organization today and its ability to compete in the future. Currently, no part of the project has actually been implemented, so a detailed evaluation is not yet possible. However, the process followed is described as a model of how to manage decisions to invest in strategic infrastructure. >
The Structure of Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors for Common Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders in Men and Women

Background: Patterns of comorbidity suggest that the common psychiatric and substance use syndromes may be divisible into 2 broad groups of internalizing and externalizing disorders. We do not know how genetic and environmental risk factors contribute to this pattern of comorbidity or whether the etiologic structure of these groups differ in men and women. Methods: Lifetime diagnoses for 10 psychiatric syndromes were obtained at a personal interview in more than 5600 members of male-male and female-female twin pairs ascertained from a population-based registry. Multivariate twin modeling was performed using the program Mx. Results: We first fit models to the following 7 syndromes: major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, phobia, alcohol dependence, drug abuse/dependence, adult antisocial behavior, and conduct disorder. The full model, which could be constrained to equality in male and female subjects, identified 2 genetic factors. The first had strongest loadings on alcohol dependence, drug abuse/dependence, adult antisocial behavior, and conduct disorder; the second, on major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and phobia. Alcohol dependence and drug abuse/dependence had substantial disorder-specific genetic risk factors. Shared environmental factors were most pronounced for conduct disorder and adult antisocial behavior. No clear internalizing/externalizing structure was seen for the unique environmental common factors. We then fit models to 5 internalizing syndromes. The full model, which could also be constrained to equality in men and women, revealed one genetic factor loading most heavily on major depression and generalized anxiety disorder and another loading most strongly on animal and situational phobia. Conclusions: The underlying structure of the genetic and environmental risk factors for the common psychiatric and drug abuse disorders in men and women is very similar. Genetic risk factors predispose to 2 broad groups of internalizing and externalizing disorders. Within the internalizing disorders, 2 genetic factors are seen that predispose to disorders dominated by anxious-misery and fear. Substance use disorders have disorder-specific genetic risks. The externalizing disorders of conduct disorder and adult antisocial behavior are significantly influenced by the shared environment. The pattern of lifetime comorbidity of common psychiatric and substance use disorders results largely from the effects of genetic risk factors. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2003;60:929-937
CO2 enhanced oil recovery and storage using a gravity-enhanced process

Abstract CO2 flooding offers a means to recover significant amounts of oil while simultaneously sequestering CO2. Recent methods for CO2 geological storage have focused on CO2 injection into deep brine aquifers, or by water-alternating-gas (WAG) injection in a miscible gas flooding process using vertical wells. There is significant uncertainty in the amount of CO2 that can be stored using these methods owing to reservoir heterogeneity and variations in reservoir/fluid parameters. It would be useful therefore to have a more robust process that can also increase both CO2 storage and oil recovery in a symbiotic relationship, where increased storage leads to greater oil recovery. This paper considers an alternative process that maximizes both storage and oil recovery simultaneously using only horizontal wells in a gravity-enhanced miscible process. A reduced-order model (ROM) is developed to consider a wide range of reservoir heterogeneities and fluid properties. Monte-Carlo simulations using the ROM show that achieving very high storage and oil recovery is possible using the gravity-enhanced process and that the approach is very robust. For example, after 2.0 moveable pore volumes injected (MPVI), probabilistic forecasts show that CO2 storage efficiency across two standard deviations ranges from about 81% to 93%, indicating that nearly all of the available pore space (excluding immobile water) at the end of injection is occupied by CO2. Oil recoveries after 2.0 MPVI varied from 79% to 93% of the original mass of oil-in-place (OOIP). These storage and recovery efficiencies are significantly greater than any process reported to date. Response functions developed can also be used to estimate the maximum amount of stored CO2 and corresponding oil recoveries for a wide range of reservoir and fluid properties. Such estimates are critical for regional and national assessment of CO2 storage potential.
Krüppel-like Factor 4 activates HBG gene expression in primary erythroid cells.

The SP1/Kruppel-like Factor (SP1/KLF) family of transcription factors plays a role in diverse cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation and control of gene transcription. The discovery of KLF1 (EKLF), a key regulator of HBB (β-globin) gene expression, expanded our understanding of the role of KLFs in erythropoiesis. In this study, we investigated a mechanism of HBG (γ-globin) regulation by KLF4. siRNA-mediated gene silencing and enforced expression of KLF4 in K562 cells substantiated the ability of KLF4 to positively regulate endogenous HBG gene transcription. The physiological significance of this finding was confirmed in primary erythroid cells, where KLF4 knockdown at day 11 significantly attenuated HBG mRNA levels and enforced expression at day 28 stimulated the silenced HBG genes. In vitro binding characterization using the γ-CACCC and β-CACCC probes demonstrated KLF4 preferentially binds the endogenous γ-CACCC, while CREB binding protein (CREBBP) binding was not selective. Co-immunoprecipitation studies confirmed protein-protein interaction between KLF4 and CREBBP. Furthermore, sequential chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed co-localization of both factors in the γ-CACCC region. Subsequent luciferase reporter studies demonstrated that KLF4 trans-activated HBG promoter activity and that CREBBP enforced expression resulted in gene repression. Our data supports a model of antagonistic interaction of KLF4/CREBBP trans-factors in HBG regulation.
Design of a modular chip for a reconfigurable artificial neural network

This paper describes the design of the IBM fabricated basic neural unit (BNU) which can be used as a building block for a general-purpose reconfigurable artificial neural network (GRANNet). As a first step, a fully reconfigurable 2-BNU VLSI circuit is designed, implemented and tested. The hardware and software requirements of this implementation are presented. This paper also examines the issue of topological reconfigurability. >
Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, and Physical Victimization during Military Service across Age Cohorts of Women Veterans.

Abstract Objectives Exposure to sexual and physical trauma during military service is associated with adverse mental and physical health outcomes. Little is known about their prevalence and impact in women veterans across age cohorts. Methods Data from a 2013 national online survey of women veterans was used to examine associations between age and trauma during military service, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, and physical victimization. Analyses were conducted using logistic regression, adjusting for service duration and demographic factors. In secondary analyses, the moderating role of age in the relationship between trauma and self-reported health was examined. Results The sample included 781 women veterans. Compared with the oldest age group (≥65), all except the youngest age group had consistently higher odds of reporting trauma during military service. These differences were most pronounced in women aged 45 to 54 years (sexual assault odds ratio [OR], 3.81 [95% CI, 2.77–6.71]; sexual harassment, OR, 3.99 [95% CI, 2.25–7.08]; and physical victimization, OR, 5.72 [95% CI, 3.32–9.85]). The association between trauma during military service and self-reported health status also varied by age group, with the strongest negative impact observed among women aged 45 to 54 and 55 to 64. Conclusions Compared with other age groups, women in midlife were the most likely to report trauma during military service, and these experiences were associated with greater negative impact on their self-reported health. Providers should be aware that trauma during military service may be particularly problematic for the cohort of women currently in midlife, who represent the largest proportion of women who use Department of Veterans Affairs health care.
Serum folate: a pharmacodynamic biomarker of intracellular nitrosylcobalamin activity following intravenous administration in dogs.

Background/Aim: Cobalamin and folate are interdependent co-factors of the methionine synthase pathway. This study evaluated the effect of intravenously-administered nitrosylcobalamin (NO-Cbl), a vitamin B12 analog, on serum folate concentrations in healthy dogs. Materials and Methods: Four dogs received a 10-mg/kg, 20-mg/kg and 40-mg/kg intravenous bolus dose of NO-Cbl, with a 14-day washout period between doses. Blood samples were collected at baseline and post-dosing, and serum cobalamin and folate concentrations were measured. Results: For each dose, serum cobalamin concentrations were inversely correlated with serum folate concentrations. Spearman rank correlation co-efficient values were −0.976 (10 mg/kg, p<0.0096), and −1.0 (20 mg/kg, p<0.008; 40 mg/kg, p<0.0046). Conclusion: Cellular uptake of NO-Cbl, following intravenous administration exerted a biological effect on folate, similar to that previously described for other vitamin B12 analogs. Serum folate concentration may serve as a pharmacodynamic biomarker of intracellular nitrosylcobalamin activity following intravenous administration.
Surgical management of aneurysmal bone cyst of the vertebral column.

Three cases of aneurysmal bone cyst of the spine, each involving two segments or more, have been reported. Two of the patients who had had an open biopsy without excision of the tumor were not relieved of their symptoms. One of these (Case 3) had received 3,850 r following the biopsy. Each of the three patients, after adequate surgical procedures, was well when last seen.
An Instrument to Measure Dental Students’ Communication Skills With Patients in Six Specific Circumstances: An Exploratory Factor Analysis

The aim of this study was to explore the internal structure of an instrument assessing dental students' confidence in their ability to communicate with patients in six specific circumstances (anxious, in pain, etc.) using exploratory factor analysis. In a Communication in the Dental Health Care Setting course at a U.S. dental school, second-year dental students in two years (2013 and 2014) responded to the six items on a survey instrument. Of the total 123 students, 122 fully completed the instrument, for a response rate of 99%. Analysis of the results identified a unidimensional scale with regards to patient-specific communication self-efficacy and explained 74% of the total variance. The scale had good internal consistency reflected by high Cronbach's alpha (α=0.929, 95% CI [0.907, 0.947]). These findings suggest the instrument may be a useful tool in assessing the development of patient communication skills in second-year dental students following a course in communication. Further exploration utilizing confirmatory analysis, determining predictive validity, and assessing convergent and discriminant evidence is warranted.
Convergence or Divergence in the Evolution of (Criminal) Rights? A Case Study of the Multiple Incoherencies of the Presumption of Innocence

The presumption of innocence, while almost universally endorsed in different legal systems, is given diverse and often conflicting interpretations in different jurisdictions. These impact everything from pre-trial procedures to the trial itself (and its treatment by the press). Even if we select the most promising versions of the presumption, they turn out to be either incoherent, tautologous, or completely at odds with existing investigative practices.
Electrochemical studies on photoactive semiconductor Organic/Inorganic hybrid interface consisting of a poly tris[4-(2-Thienyl)phenyl]amine and CdS nanoparticles

Abstract An organic/inorganic interface (OII) assembly was created with poly(tris(4-(2-Thienyl)phenyl)amine) (PTTPA) and amorphous CdS nanoparticles by an occlusion-electrodeposition (OE) method. The C 3 -symmetric monomer, tris(4-(2-Thienyl)phenyl)amine (TTPA), was chosen with the assumption that it would form a branched polymeric network suitable for efficient nanoparticle occlusion The assembly was subjected to photoelectrochemical investigation in aqueous electrolytes containing either acetate, nitrate or phosphate counter-anions. The measured photoactivities of the OII suggest that a p - n junction was formed, in part, because of the narrow band bap of CdS. Results also suggest that a hybrid sub-band formed at the interface as the result of alignment of the energy bands of PTTPA and CdS. Furthermore, O 2 played an important role in charge separation and transfer processes. We explain the photoactivity of the OII assembly with reference to measured properties including electron affinity, work function and hole/electron barrier heights. The aqueous nano-system was moderately stable, as indicated by the reproducibility of its photoactivity. Thus, OE was an effective method for creating this photoactive OII assembly.
Crystallographic Characteristics and p-Type to n-Type Transition in Epitaxial NiO Thin Film

We were able to systematically control crystallographic characteristics and electrical properties of nickel oxide epitaxial thin films integrated with cubic yttria-stabilized zirconia (c-YSZ)-buffered silicon(001) substrates. The NiO epilayers were grown under several oxygen partial pressures by pulsed laser deposition. The out-of-plane orientation of the NiO layers showed an interesting behavior where it changed from ⟨111⟩ at lower pressures (7 × 10–6 Torr) to ⟨100⟩ at higher pressures (5 × 10–2 Torr). This observation was attributed to the nature of surface termination and templating effect of the c-YSZ{100} platform at different pressures. With the use of θ–2θ and φ scans of X-ray diffraction, the epitaxial alignment across the NiO/c-YSZ interface was determined to be {111}NiO|||{100}c-YSZ and ⟨110⟩NiO||⟨100⟩c-YSZ for the heterostructure grown under a low pressure and {100}NiO||{100}c-YSZ and ⟨100⟩NiO||⟨100⟩c-YSZ for the heterostructure grown under a high oxygen pressure. Our high-resolution TEM studie...
Theology and the Reconfiguration of Difference

The previous chapter explores the manner in which Aquinas’s anthropocentrism and conservationism have been appropriated in contemporary Catholic thought. I suggest there that the magisterial teachings of the Catholic Church continue to maintain the ethics grounded in Aquinas’s theology, albeit at times ambiguously so. In this chapter I seek to contribute to a perspective, already delineated by careful thinkers, that honors a traditional differentiation between humans and animals and at the same time avoids viewing the nonhuman creation strictly in terms of utility.
Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: Screening, Surveillance, and Management

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a growing problem with a rapidly rising incidence. Risk factors include gastroesophageal reflux disease, central obesity, and smoking. The prognosis of EAC remains poor because it is usually diagnosed late, and many efforts have been made to improve prevention, early detection, and treatment. Acid suppression, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and statins may play a role in chemoprevention. Screening for Barrett's esophagus (BE), the only known precursor lesion of EAC, is indicated for individuals with increased risk. Endoscopic surveillance of patients with BE likely improves overall outcomes. Endoscopic ablation and resection is highly effective for treating dysplastic BE and early EAC, whereas esophagectomy is indicated for patients with locally advanced disease. This review covers epidemiology, staging, screening, and prevention of EAC as well as endoscopic and surgical management.
Connecting Neutral and Cationic Pathways in Nickel-Catalyzed Insertion of Benzaldehyde into a C-H Bond of Acetonitrile

Nickel catalysts supported by diethylamine- or aza-crown ether-containing aminophosphinite (NCOP) pincer ligands catalyze the insertion of benzaldehyde into a C–H bond of acetonitrile. The catalytic activity of neutral (NCOP)Ni(OtBu) and cationic [(NCOP)Ni(NCCH3)]+ are starkly different. The neutral tert-butoxide precatalysts are active without any added base and give good yields of product after 24 h, while the cationic precatalysts require a base cocatalyst and still operate much more slowly (120 h in typical runs). A series of in situ spectroscopic studies identified several intermediates, including a nickel cyanoalkoxide complex that was observed in all of the reactions regardless of the choice of precatalyst. Reaction monitoring also revealed that the neutral tert-butoxide precatalysts decompose to form the cationic acetonitrile complex during catalysis; this deactivation involves alkoxide abstraction and can be hastened by the addition of lithium salts. While the deactivated cationic species is inac...
The Effect of Physical Activity on Children With ADHD: A Quantitative Review of the Literature

Research on the effects of physical activity on children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is promising, yet no attempt has been made to integrate current findings using meta-analytic t...
Neonatal Encephalopathy in Calves Presented to a University Hospital.

Background While studies have examined bovine dystocia in relation to calf survival, little has been published regarding perinatal morbidity and treatment of newborn calves beyond failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI). Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is a clinical syndrome commonly diagnosed in infants and foals but is poorly described in calves. Hypothesis/Objectives To identify risk factors for development of NE in calves and factors predictive of survival. Animals Neonatal calves presented to a University hospital over a 10-year period. Methods Retrospective cohort study (2005–2015). Medical records of all neonatal calves presented to the hospital were examined, and cases of NE were identified. Data pertaining to demographics, dam parity, labor, treatment, and outcome were collected and analyzed with univariate and multivariate statistics. Results Of 200 calves in the final analysis, 58 (29%; 95% CI: 22.8–35.8%) were classified as NE and 142 calves as non-NE. In univariate analysis, factors significantly associated with diagnosis of NE included male sex, presence of dystocia, abnormal position in the birth canal, and prolonged labor. In the multivariate model, only orientation of the calf in the birth canal remained significant (OR 2.14; 95% CI: 1.02–4.49; P = 0.044). Overall survival of calves with NE was good (45/58; 77.6%; 95% CI: 64.7–87.5); dam parity and being a twin was significantly associated with nonsurvival. Conclusions Calves born after dystocia, especially if malpresented, should be closely monitored for nursing behavior within the first 24 hours of life. Prognosis for survival is good, but supportive care might be required for several days.
Novel bio-nanocomposite hybrids made from polylactide/nanoclay nanocomposites and short flax fibers:

This article aims to formulations and properties of novel hybrid biomaterials containing unique four-phase combinations of polylactide (PLA), nanoclays, flax fibers, and coupling agents. A PLA-graf...
Comparative Morbidity of Cubital Tunnel Surgeries: A Prospective Cohort Study

Purpose Randomized controlled trials have not identified a superior surgical approach to cubital tunnel syndrome surgery. This study evaluates the early morbidity of open in situ decompression and transposition. Methods This prospective cohort study enrolled 125 adult patients indicated for cubital tunnel surgery at a tertiary institution. Exclusion criteria included preoperative use of narcotics and concurrent elbow procedures. In situ decompressions (n = 47) and ulnar nerve transpositions (n = 78) were performed. Data were collected by independent clinicians at 3 postoperative intervals: 1 to 3 weeks, 4 to 8 weeks, and longer than 8 weeks. Postoperative data quantified surgical morbidity: visual analog scale (0–10) surgical site pain, narcotic consumption, patient-reported disability (Levine-Katz, Patient-Reported Elbow Evaluation [PREE] scores). Olecranon paresthesia and wound complications (hematoma, drainage, infection) were recorded. Results No preoperative differences in age, sex, or the presence of pain existed between the surgical groups. Surgical site pain was not significantly different at any time. Following transposition, a significantly greater percentage of patients were using narcotics at 4 to 8 weeks after surgery and the average total morphine equivalents consumed per patient was significantly greater. Both Levine-Katz and PREE scores indicated greater disability at 1 to 3 and 4 to 8 weeks after transposition, but this significant difference resolved by final follow-up. Olecranon paresthesias occurred after both procedures but were significantly less frequent at 4 to 8 weeks and longer than 8 weeks after decompression. Twelve hematomas occurred following transposition (15%) with 1 requiring operative debridement and 5 hematomas resolved with nonsurgical treatment after in situ decompression (11%). Conclusions Ulnar nerve transposition imparts greater surgical morbidity than decompression with greater narcotic consumption, more patient-reported disability up to 8 weeks after surgery, and more persistent olecranon paresthesia. However, most differences in surgical morbidity are transient with resolution after 8 weeks following surgery. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic II.
Memory efficient low-rank non-linear subspace tracking

The task of low-rank subspace tracking is of paramount importance for feature extraction over streaming data. Considering the broad range of applications in which the data fail to adhere to a linear model, the present work proposes a nonlinear subspace tracking algorithm. The proposed algorithm can effectively learn and track an evolving non-linear subspace in an online fashion. The notion of non-linearity is accommodated via exploitation of kernel-induced mappings, whose computational as well as memory requirements, if untreated, will impose scalability issues in large datasets. This issue is addressed by imposing a predefined affordable budget on the number of data vectors to be stored, preventing computational and memory growth of the algorithm, while enabling the tracking of possibly evolving subspaces. Numerical tests corroborate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm on synthetic as well as real datasets.