cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CB1 positive allosteric modulation attenuates Δ9-THC withdrawal and NSAID-induced gastric inflammation

Abstract Recently, multiple compounds have been synthesized that target the allosteric binding site(s) of CB1. These CB1 positive allosteric modulators may capture the benefits of cannabinoid receptor activation without unwanted psychoactive effects, such as sedation. For example, ZCZ011 blocks neuropathic pain, absent the catalepsy, sedation, and hypothermia caused by CB1 orthosteric modulators, including Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The primary goal of the present study was to evaluate the potential of ZCZ011 to attenuate somatic signs of cannabinoid withdrawal in mice. Mice were repeatedly administered THC (10 mg/kg, s.c.) or vehicle, and withdrawal was either precipitated using the CB1 antagonist rimonabant (3 mg/kg, i.p.) or elicited spontaneously via THC abstinence. ZCZ011 (≥10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly attenuated somatic signs of withdrawal, including head twitches and paw tremors, but had no effect on locomotor activity or conditioned place preference. We next tested the antiulcerogenic properties of CB1 positive allosteric modulation. Mice were fasted for 22 h, administered ZCZ011, and gastric hemorrhages were induced with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac sodium (100 mg/kg, p.o.). ZCZ011 alone had no effect on gastric ulceration, but ZCZ011 (≥10 mg/kg) blocked ulcer formation when combined with a subthreshold MAGL inhibitor (JZL184; 1 mg/kg, i.p.). Thus, CB1 positive allosteric modulation is a novel approach to treat cannabinoid dependence and gastric inflammation.
Improving LSPR sensing performance using multilayered composition graded Ag-Cu nanotriangle arrays.

Patterned nanotriangle arrays with composition graded and multilayered Ag–Cu were fabricated by a co-deposition and nanosphere lithography process. With the increase of the number of layers or constructing a continuum graded layer, the index sensitivity of the resulting nanotriangles kept on increasing, indicating that the graded boundaries can improve plasmon resonance sensing.
Perceptions of Change after a Trauma and Perceived Posttraumatic Growth: A Prospective Examination

Recent research has distinguished between actual posttraumatic growth (PTG) and perceived PTG. We used a prospective research design to measure both actual and perceived PTG in an attempt to replicate and extend previous findings. We examined college students (N = 64) who experienced a traumatic event between the start (Time 1) and end (Time 2) of a semester. We included three measures of change from pre- to post-trauma: (1) Actual PTG (change scores in measures of PTG domains), (2) perceived general growth (Time 2 ratings of functioning at Time 1 subtracted from actual ratings given at Time 1), and (3) perceived PTG (self-reports of PTG on the posttraumatic growth inventory). The results revealed perceived general growth and actual PTG were significantly correlated, suggesting that participants’ perceptions of change were accurate. However, perceived PTG was not significantly related to either actual PTG or perceived general growth. Further, increases in actual PTG and perceived general growth were significantly related to decreases in distress and unrelated to coping. By contrast, higher levels of perceived PTG were significantly related to increases in distress and higher levels of avoidance coping. Our results suggest perceived PTG may be more of a coping process than an accurate recall of posttraumatic change.
Biogeochemical drivers of changing hypoxia in the California Current Ecosystem

Abstract Recent observations have revealed significant fluctuations in near-shore hypoxia in the California Current Ecosystem (CCE). These fluctuations have been linked to changes in the biogeochemical properties (e.g. oxygen and nutrient contents) of the oceanic source waters of the California Current upwelling, and projections suggest the potential for decreased oxygen and increased nutrients in the source water under climate change. We examine both the separate and combined influences of these projected changes through a sequence of perturbation experiments using a regional coupled ocean dynamics/biogeochemistry (BGC) model of the CCE. The direct effect of a projected 5 % decline in source water oxygen is to expand the hypoxic area by 12.5 % in winter to 22.5 % in summer. This exceeds the impact of a + 0.5 % nitrate enrichment of source waters, which expands the hypoxic area by 6.5 % to 12 % via stimulation of nearshore Net Primary Productivity (NPP), increased organic matter export, and subsequent enhanced remineralization and dissolved oxygen (DO) consumption at depth. The combined effect of these perturbations consistently surpasses the sum of the individual impacts, leading to 20 % to 32 % more hypoxic area. The combined biogeochemical impact greatly exceeds the response resulting from a 10 % strengthening in upwelling-favorable winds ( + 1 % in hypoxic area) or the decreased oxygen solubility associated with a 2 ∘ C ocean warming ( + 3 % ). These results emphasize the importance of improved constraints on dynamic biogeochemical changes projected along the boundaries of shelf ecosystems. While such changes are often viewed as secondary impacts of climate change relative to local warming or stratification changes, they may prove dominant drivers of coastal ecosystem change.
Determining optimal first-order focal lengths of zoom lenses through Monte Carlo simulations

Choosing first-order group focal lengths for complex zoom lenses is a problem with too many variables to have a simple analytical solution. Furthermore, the group power balance has a large impact on performance, but there isn’t a well-known way to quickly determine the potential design performance of a given power grouping. This often leads to the choice of poor starting points increasing both the difficulty of the design process and the time to find a solution. To solve this problem (e.g. for a four-group zoom lens) a Monte Carlo like program has been written that first randomly chooses group focal lengths, finds first-order solutions, and checks for zoom group collisions. Then if a solution is valid it creates a lens design which is quickly optimized and evaluated for performance with real ray tracing using CODE V. The program keeps track of all solutions and is then able to automatically sort and identify power groupings with strong performance, simplifying the overall design process. Data collected by the program can also be used to sort solutions for minimum diameter, minimum length, and other design parameters.
Near-Field Ranging Using Dual Mode Magnetic Induction

We propose a novel method of ranging by using an antenna’s common and difference mode utilizing magnetic induction (MI). Localization through MI has several practical advantages such as its resilience to multipath and its straightforward implementation. We do this through a modified near-field MI implementation, using a pair of loop antennas which generate common and difference modes. Analytical analysis shows that these generated modes have unique dependencies on distance; therefore, we show that by only measuring the field strength, the range can be accurately estimated without prior calibration. This unique feature arises because the common and difference modes have similar characteristics within the same propagation medium. The proposed method is implemented in the very low frequency spectrum at 6 kHz, which has minimal attenuation and larger penetration depth. The feasibility of the presented approach has been verified through analytical, numerical and experimental results where 20% higher accuracy is obtained compared to the conventional single mode MI approach. Moreover, this methodology overcomes several conventional MI limitations such as the difficulty in obtaining proper calibrations, complex computations, and sensitivity to conductive media. Therefore, our modified MI approach enables ranging in applications such as those in mining safety characterized by lossy propagation channels.
Initiation of Post-Transplant Vaccination Among Allogeneic and Autologous HCT Recipients: A Single Center, Retrospective Quality Improvement Assessment

Introduction Given the significant morbidity from infection after HCT, guidelines have recommended re-vaccination starting at 6 to 12 months post-tx. Guideline adherence, however, has been varied across institutions. Objectives We report on a quality improvement initiative at our BMT center aimed at identifying differences in re-vaccination between allogeneic (alloSCT) and autologous (ASCT) HCT pts. Methods We performed an analysis of alloSCT pts at our institution from 2015 to 2017 and ASCT pts from 2017; analysis was done in February 2019. Pts were included in the study if they were alive 12 months post-tx and had not had another HCT after the tx of analysis. Charts were reviewed for administration of PCV13, Tdap or DTaP, HiB, inactivated polio, Hep B, Hep A, and meningococcal vaccines. Initiation of re-vaccination was defined as starting at least three separate vaccination series. The percentage of pts initiated on re-vaccination and the median time to vaccine initiation were compared using the Fisher's exact test and the Mann-Whitney U test, respectively. Incidence of chronic GVHD, use of rituximab within one year post-tx, and CAR-T therapy were evaluated by chart review. Incidence of acute GvHD was collected from The Mount Sinai Acute GvHD International Consortium. Results Among HCT pts in 2017, significantly more alloSCT pts were initiated on re-vaccination series than ASCT pts (67.5% vs 37.5%; p = 0.0007), although there was no difference in the median time to vaccine initiation among pts who were initiated (Table 1). Among all pts in the cohort, there were no differences in vaccine initiation based on a history of acute or chronic GVHD in alloSCT pts, nor based on post-tx rituximab use in all pts (Table 1). Seven pts subsequently underwent CAR-T therapy, only one of whom started re-vaccination. Conclusion This quality initiative demonstrated that our re-vaccination initiation timing was within guideline recommendations for the majority of alloSCT patients. Our study suggests that ASCT pts may have stronger barriers to re-vaccination, such as maintenance therapies or the presence of outside practitioners. We are now using this assessment to standardize the re-vaccination efforts at our BMT center. Potential barriers to re-vaccination should be further evaluated, including the effect of post-tx treatments such as CAR-T therapy.
Using Machine Learning to Estimate Utilization and Throughput for OpenCL-Based Matrix-Vector Multiplication (MVM)

OpenCL is a framework for writing programs that execute across heterogeneous platforms, including FPGAs. OpenCL allows users to write standardized C-like code for the host as well as for the hardware accelerators, thus reducing the programming challenge for FPGAs. Hardware descriptions can be written in OpenCL using different memory access and data partitioning strategies. Matrix-Vector Multiplication (MVM) is the critical computational bottleneck for many System of Linear Equations (SLEs) solvers. The MVM OpenCL kernel can be optimized by varying several design parameters in the OpenCL description, improving hardware performance. To effectively explore the design space, logic synthesis is performed after each iteration of setting design parameters to determine their impact on design area and performance. However, each of these synthesis runs can take multiple hours. Hence, manual design space exploration for a large number of designs is prohibitive. To address this challenge, a prediction of FPGA utilization and throughput can significantly reduce the design time. This paper presents a machine learning-based approach to estimating FPGA utilization and throughput for a given set of design parameter values. It also presents an optimized MVM implementation obtained after compiling, synthesizing, and executing over 100 designs. The Random Forest machine learning algorithm estimates the result and for 175 designs, the average error is. 0098%,. 0012%,. 0039%,. 0414%, and 123.21% for estimating Look-up Tables (LUTs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), memory bits, RAM blocks and throughput (GFLOPs) respectively.
Does demand lead supply? Gentrifiers and developers in the sequence of gentrification, New York City 2009–2016:

Consumption-side theorists of gentrification examine the flow of middle-class White people into previously working-class neighbourhoods and argue that their demand for housing stimulates gentrifica...
Online support information for students with disabilities in colleges and universities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid shift to remote instruction. This may have caused particular challenges for students with disabilities. Objective We aimed to describe the availability of remote instruction and counseling resources on the disability/accessibility websites of colleges and universities in the greater New York City area. At the time this study was conducted, this region was the global COVID-19 epicenter. Methods All colleges/universities in the New York City metropolitan area were identified using Petersen’s online search guide. Descriptive information (institution’s name, size, and location) was recorded. The disability/accessibility pages of websites were located and examined for remote instructional resources for both educators and for students, a way to make an appointment with the counseling center (phone number and/or email address), and a link to the counseling center. Descriptive statistics were recorded (percentages of small, medium, large size institutions, mean, median, range and standard deviations of enrollments, and number and percentage of institutions that provided online accessibility resources) and one-sided Chi square tests were conducted to test the relationship between school size and the availability of resources. Results 17% of the colleges/universities had no link to disability/accessibility services on their websites. Of the remaining 127 institutions, few made the aforementioned resources available on the disability/accessibility page. The most prevalent resource observed was providing students with remote instruction assistance. The association between school size and the aforementioned resources was not statistically significant. Conclusion Making information available to students with disabilities is a fundamental part of accessibility in higher education. Doing so is all the more necessary given the challenges wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, challenges which are likely to continue for years to come.
Bioelectronics with graphene nanostructures

Bioelectronic devices enable fundamental physiological and electrophysiological research, healthcare monitoring, and advanced therapeutics. To meet the demanding device requirements imposed by biomedical applications, graphene-based electronics offer a promising alternative to conventional bioelectronic device materials in an all-carbon platform. Continued advancements in graphene nanostructure synthesis and micro-fabrication techniques allow novel device architectures with vastly tunable physiochemical properties. Here, we highlight recent advances in graphene nanostructure-based bioelectronics. We distinguish between various material geometries and discuss their effect on device performance. Furthermore, we emphasize the continued development of fundamental relationships between 3D device geometries and material properties to allow next-generation bioelectronics for biosensing, electrophysiological recordings, and stimulation.
OAB-054: Single-cell RNA-sequencing identifies immune biomarkers of response to immunotherapy in patients with high-risk Smoldering Myeloma

Background Patients with Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM) are typically observed until progression, but early treatment of high-risk patients may improve outcomes. Clinical and genomic biomarkers can be used to identify SMM patients at high risk of progression, however parallel profiling of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) may further improve prediction models. Methods Here, we performed single-cell RNA-sequencing on CD138- immune cells from 40 samples of 14 patients enrolled in a Phase II trial of Elotuzumab, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone, in patients with high-risk SMM (E-PRISM) to develop biomarkers for optimal patient selection and monitoring of response to treatment. Specifically, we profiled 33 bone marrow (BM) samples collected at baseline (n=11), cycle 9, Day 1 (C9D1, n=13) and EOT (n=9), and 7 peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples collected at baseline (n=4) and C9D1 (n=3). Results We found that higher abundance of mature B-cells, Th17 cells and GZMK+ T and NK cells and lower abundance of hematopoietic progenitor cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells are associated with significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) in SMM patients under treatment. This signal can be summarized by how normal-like the patients’ immune composition is at baseline, whereby patients whose immune composition is normal-like have significantly shorter PFS (p=0.031). This model suggests that at least some of the compositional changes observed in disease reflect the immune system’s capacity to react successfully to the immune challenge posed by the tumor, which we termed immune reactivity. Baseline immune reactivity may help to identify patients who will benefit the most from early treatment. Furthermore, we found that the expansion of tissue-resident NK cells and exhausted GZMK+ CD8+ T-cells at C9D1 of treatment is associated with significantly shorter PFS (p=0.039), suggesting that these immune biomarkers may help to monitor response to immunotherapy. Lastly, we found that patients would be classified the same way in terms of our immune biomarkers, had we assayed their peripheral blood instead of their bone marrow, suggesting that minimally invasive immune profiling for prognostication and monitoring may be feasible. Conclusion We used single-cell RNA-sequencing to profile the immune microenvironment of patients with high-risk SMM in a Phase II trial of Elotuzumab, Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone and developed immune biomarkers of response to treatment. Our study may usher in a next generation of clinical assays that assess both tumor biology and immune state, as well as common clinical biomarkers, in the marrow or blood, to accurately predict who may benefit from early treatment, monitor response and improve patient outcomes.
Sequences That Flank Subdominant and Cryptic Epitopes Influence the Proteolytic Generation of MHC Class I-Presented Peptides

The proteasome has been shown to make the proper C-terminal cleavage for the generation of several immunodominant class I-presented peptides whereas aminopeptidases generate their proper N termini. In this study, we show that these two distinct proteolytic processes are also involved in generating a subdominant OVA peptide KVVRFDKL (K-L). Moreover, proteasome inhibitors did not enhance the presentation of any K-L construct, suggesting that destruction of this peptide by proteasomes, if any, does not limit its presentation. We have further examined in intact cells the influence of residues flanking this epitope on these proteolytic processes. When the N-terminal flanking residues of K-L are fused to an immunodominant OVA peptide SIINFEKL (S-L), the presentation of S-L is reduced as compared with a construct with its natural flanking sequence and was not inhibited (or enhanced) by proteasome inhibitors. Similarly, a reduction in presentation was observed when the C-terminal flanking residues of the subdominant epitope were attached to S-L. A detailed analysis revealed that the Pro at the P1′ position of K-L was responsible for this reduction, and presentation of these C-terminally extended constructs was sensitive to proteasome inhibitor. The study suggests that both the N- and C-terminal flanks of the subdominant peptide are suboptimal for Ag presentation. Moreover, three of four C-terminal residues that flank other subdominant or cryptic epitopes in OVA reduced the presentation of S-L. Therefore, the residues that flank the C termini of several subdominant and cryptic epitopes are often suboptimal for cleavage and may contribute to the phenomenon of immunodominance.
Genotypic expression at different ages: I. Prolificacy traits of sheep.

ABSTRACT: Genetic parameters for prolificacytraits for Columbia (COLU), Polypay (POLY), Ram-bouillet (RAMB), and Targhee (TARG) breeds ofsheep were estimated with REML using animalmodels. Traits were number of live births (LAB),litter size at birth (LSB) andweaning (LSW), andlitter weight weaned (LWW). Numbers ofobserva-tions ranged from 5,140 to 7,095 for prolificacy traitsand from 5,101 to 8,973 for litter weight weaned forthe four breeds. For single-trait analyses, ewes wereclassified as young (1 yr old), middle-aged (2 and 3 yrold), orolder (> 3 yr old). After single-trait analyses,three-trait analyses were done for each characteristicwith traits defined by age class. Generally, heritabilityestimates from single-trait analyses were low andranged from .01 to .17 for LAB and LSB and from .00to .10 for LSW. Heritability estimates obtained forLWW ranged from low to moderate (.00 to .25) andwere less for older ewes. Heritability estimates fromthe three-trait analyses were generally similar toestimates from single-trait analyses. Heritabilities forLAB and LSB were similar, and, for three-traitanalyses, they ranged across age groups from .07 to.13 for COLU, .13 to .16 for POLY, .10 to .16 forRAMB, and .01 to .16 for TARG. Estimates for LSWfrom three-trait analyses ranged from .07 to .12 forCOLU, .04 to .09 for POLY, .01 to .11 for RAMB, and.03 to .11 for TARG. For LWW, heritabilities rangedfrom .00 to .21 for COLU, .05 to .08 for POLY, .12 to.15 for RAMB, and .18 to .29 for TARG. Geneticcorrelations for LAB, LSB and LSW among age-defined traits ranged from .25 to 1.00. Geneticcorrelations for LAB and LSB between young andmiddle and between young and older age classes wereless than .80 in COLU, POLY, and RAMB breeds.Only genetic correlations between middle and olderage classes for these breeds were greater than .80. ForTARG, genetic correlations among all age classes weregreater than .80 (.88 to 1.00) for those traits. Allgenetic correlations among ages for LSW were greaterthan .80 for POLY and TARG. For RAMB, only thecorrelation between young and older age classes forLSW was less than .80 (.45). None was greater than.80 for COLU. For LWW, genetic correlations amongall age classes in POLY and RAMB were greater than.80 (.82 to 1.00). For COLU, genetic correlationbetween young and middle was low (.07), betweenyoung and older was high (.88), andbetween middleand older classes was moderately high (.54). ForTARG, genetic correlations were .49, .65, and .98 foryoung-middle, young-older, and middle-older ageclasses, respectively. Results indicate that moreprogress could be made in selection programs forprolificacy traits in some sheep breeds by consideringage of ewe as a part of the trait rather than by simplyadjusting for ages of ewes.Key Words: Heritability, Genetics, Breeds, Genotypes
Routine Screening Endoscopy before Bariatric Surgery: Is It Necessary?

Background: Routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) prior to bariatric surgery has not been consistently shown to change the management of the patient. A study was performed to estimate the proportion of patients undergoing bariatric surgery evaluation who had abnormal findings on preoperative EGD that resulted in alteration of management and, second, to evaluate potential risk factors for occurrence of abnormal findings on the EGD. Methods: An observational, retrospective study in which all 232 patients who were cleared to undergo bariatric surgery and who underwent preoperative EGD between 2006 and 2013 were included at a single tertiary dedicated bariatric center for weight loss management. Abnormal findings on screening EGD and medical or surgical management alteration based on the EGD findings were reviewed. Results: Abnormal findings on screening EGD were found in 143 patients (61.6%). Thirty-five patients had medical management altered (15.1%), while four patients (1.7%) had surgical management altered. Being aged >55 years and the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease were associated with occurrence of an abnormal finding on screening EGD. Conclusions: While abnormalities on preoperative EGD are often found in patients undergoing bariatric surgery evaluation, rarely do the findings change surgical management. Alternative methods for screening for common GI conditions should be considered in appropriate patients.
Impressions of Our Solar System

The Planets . By Dava Sobel . Viking, New York, 2005. 284 pp. $24.95, C$35. ISBN 0-670-03446-0. Fourth Estate, London. £15. ISBN 1-85702-850-3. In this impressionistic tour of the solar system, the best-selling author emphasizes cultural and historical perspectives on the planets rather than science.
Instabilities and pattern formation of coupled nonlinear fields: classical and quantum signatures

This paper studies the coupled light-atom dynamics when the atoms have been laser cooled. Numerical analysis of the nonlinear evolution shows structure formation for both blue and red detuning, and the appearance of spatially periodic patterns in the presence of optical feedback. Some recent experiments with laser cooled atoms have initiated studies of self-focusing in cold vapors. This paper discusses recent progress towards observing these effects.
Implementing algorithms for convolution on arrays of adders

The authors consider the problem of developing VLSI signal processors for computing convolutions. Convolutions can be efficiently computed by VLSI processors that consist of arrays of adders when they are stated in terms of matrices with elements consisting of only 1, 0, or -1. Unfortunately, when stated in matrix form the published algorithms have matrices with elements other than 1, 0, or -1. The authors explore why this occurs and show how it can be prevented when an algorithm is developed. If this fails, they propose a technique for addressing this problem that consists of replacing each such matrix by the product of two or more matrices whose elements are 1, 0, or -1. >
Subsidiarity and the Reform of the Welfare of the Nation State

The principle of subsidiarity holds that matters of social management ought to be handled by the smallest and least centralised authority whenever possible because those closest to a problem are more likely to understand and be well situated relationally to deal with the issue effectively. This idea is a central guiding principle in the corpus of papal social encyclicals, and yet it is strangely neglected in much writing on Catholic social thought. As we face the mounting pathologies of the modern welfare state and seek meaningful reforms rooted in love of neighbour, the principle of subsidiarity (an idea with deep roots in Christian thought in and beyond the Catholic Church) can and should function as a guidepost for a new direction in the provision of social welfare and charity. Subsidiarity must take its place alongside the principle of solidarity at the center of serious reflection on social ethics and social structure, since it offers crucial guidance for our understanding of the role of the state, the family, the individual, the church, educational institutions, and the enterprising economy.
Heritability of heat tolerance in winter and spring wheat

Cell membranes are the site for many biological activities of the plant and play a key role in heat-induced damage to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). This study evaluated the genetic variability of wheat using two assays of heat tolerance, and estimated their heritability by parent-offspring regression, parent-offspring correlation, and realized heritability using F 3 plants and their F 4 progeny means. One assay of heat tolerance was membrane thermal stability (MTS) which measures electrolyte leakage from leaf tissue after exposure to high temperature. Heat injury was also assessed by quantifying the reduction of triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) to formazan by mitochondrial dehydrogenase respiratory enzymes in heat-stressed seedlings. Results from the two assays were highly associated (r = 0.62, n = 14, P < 0.05). Parent-offspring regression and correlation heritability was intermediate to high (0.50-0.65) for TTC and relatively low (0.32-0.38) for MTS. Realized heritability, based on 15% selection intensity, was intermediate to high (0.49-0.64) for TTC and low to intermediate (0.27-0.47) for MTS. The high heritability of TTC warrants good progress from selection in early generations. The relatively lower heritability of MTS suggests the use of multiple replications during selection to limit environmental effects.
Dust emissions created by low-level rotary-winged aircraft flight over desert surfaces.

Abstract There is a dearth of information on dust emissions from sources that are unique to U.S. Department of Defense testing and training activities. Dust emissions of PM 10 and PM 2.5 from low-level rotary-winged aircraft travelling (rotor-blade ≈7 m above ground level) over two types of desert surfaces (i.e., relatively undisturbed desert pavement and disturbed desert soil surface) were characterized at the Yuma Proving Ground (Yuma, AZ) in May 2007. Fugitive emissions are created by the shear stress of the outflow of high speed air created by the rotor-blade. The strength of the emissions was observed to scale primarily as a function of forward travel speed of the aircraft. Speed affects dust emissions in two ways: 1) as speed increases, peak shear stress at the soil surface was observed to decline proportionally, and 2) as the helicopter's forward speed increases its residence time over any location on the surface diminishes, so the time the downward rotor-generated flow is acting upon that surface must also decrease. The state of the surface over which the travel occurs also affects the scale of the emissions. The disturbed desert test surface produced approximately an order of magnitude greater emission than the undisturbed surface. Based on the measured emission rates for the test aircraft and the established scaling relationships, a rotary-winged aircraft similar to the test aircraft traveling 30 km h −1 over the disturbed surface would need to travel 4 km to produce emissions equivalent to one kilometer of travel by a light wheeled military vehicle also traveling at 30 km h −1 on an unpaved road. As rotary-winged aircraft activity is substantially less than that of off-road vehicle military testing and training activities it is likely that this source is small compared to emissions created by ground-based vehicle movements.
The use of mixed venous blood gas determinations in traumatic shock

A series of 10 seriously injured patients requiring resuscitation and definitive operative control of hemorrhage was studied. Simultaneous arterial and mixed venous blood gases were measured sequentially throughout the resuscitative and operative periods. Improvement of the mixed venous oxygen saturation was associated with survival. In this study, mixed venous oxygen saturations were valuable predictors of survival and were a helpful parameter to monitor during the resuscitative, operative, and immediate postoperative periods.
Fermentative Production of L-Glutamic-γ-Semialdehyde and Its Chemical Conversion into L-Tryptophan

Proline auxotrophs, which were induced from an i -prolific-producing strain of Brevibacterium flavum by indirect suppression mutation, accumulated L-glutamic-γ-semialdehyde (GSA) in the fermentative broth. The addition of sulfite salts to the culture medium, when bacteria were exponentially growing, improved the accumulation of GSA from 2.3 to a maximum of 13.2 mg/ml. The direct use of GSA in the fermentative broth for the chemical synthesis of L-tryptophan was studied. The yield of L-tryptophan was 48% on the basis of GSA in the reaction mixture.
Hypothalamic and Pituitary Sites of Action of Oxytocin to Alter Prolactin Secretion in the Rat

To determine whether oxytocin (OT) could alter the release of PRL and other hormones from the anterior pituitary gland, the effects of OT were examined in two in vitro and two in vivo test systems. Cells dispersed from anterior pituitary glands of intact adult male rats were incubated in medium containing OT at doses of 10(-8), 10(-7), 10(-6), and 10(-5) M in two trials. OT stimulated PRL release 1.5-fold (P less than 0.01) and 2- to 3-fold (P less than 0.001) above control levels at 10(-8) and 10(-7) M doses, respectively, thus indicating a dose-dependent relationship. Higher doses did not produce a further elevation above that obtained with 10(-7) M OT. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) caused a slight decrease in PRL release from dispersed cells while TRH produced a small (25%), significant, but nondose-related increase in PRL release. Hemipituitary glands from adult male rats, incubated with 10(-6) and 10(-5) M OT, released twice as much PRL (P less than 0.01) into the medium as paired controls, but 10(-7) M OT was ineffective. The iv injection of 1 or 10 micrograms OT into conscious male rats elevated plasma PRL by 50% (P less than 0.05) or 500% (P less than 0.001), respectively, above basal values at 5 min only. Vehicle or 0.1 microgram OT were without effect. When 0.1 microgram OT was microinjected into the third ventricle (3V) of conscious male rats, it paradoxically reduced plasma PRL by 40% at 30 min (P less than 0.05), whereas 1 microgram OT significantly lowered PRL at 5-60 min, with the maximum suppression (60%, P less than 0.001) occurring at 30 min. These latter findings may indicate that an ultrashort loop feedback mechanism exists whereby exogenous OT decreases hypothalamic OT secretion, thereby reducing the OT stimulus for PRL release. The specificity of the OT effect on PRL was attested to by the failure of OT to alter significantly FSH, LH, and TSH in each system. GH was unchanged except that 3V-injected OT (1 microgram only) elevated (P less than 0.001) plasma GH at 15-30 min. These results support the view that OT acts directly on the cells of the anterior pituitary gland at low to high doses to release PRL specifically and in a dose-related fashion. In contrast, 3V injection of OT reduces PRL secretion, thereby suggesting that OT may decrease its own neurosecretion by ultrashort loop feedback and thus reduce an OT stimulus for PRL release.
Combustion of Boron Nano-Particles in Ethanol Spray Flame

Biofuels such as ethanol have lower energy density than conventional petroleum-based fuels, and therefore enhancing its energy density via addition of high-energy density components is an attractive option. Boron is an attractive fuel additive because it has among the highest volumetric heating value among potentially suitable additives. The present study deals with an experimental investigation of boron combustion in an ethanol spray flame. A constant low particle loading density of boron nanoparticles (60nm SMD), around 1% (by weight) of the liquid fuel flow rate, has been used. Though it has high energetic potential, the combustion process of boron is retarded by the initial presence of the oxide coating the particle surface. In the present study, measurements have been made of the emission of intermediate sub-oxide like BO2 using spectroscopy and imaging with interference filters. The effect of boron on the hydrocarbon combustion has also been studied by examining the heat release and product mole fractions. In addition, particle characterization has been carried out to know the size, surface structure/composition of the injected boron nano powders using XRD, XPS and TEM. A preliminary investigation has also been performed on the burnt particle collected from the exhaust structure using XRD. The chemiluminescence and spectroscopic signatures indicate that boron combustion is facilitated and that hydrocarbon combustion is enhanced. The particle analysis shows differences in the imaged and spectroscopic characteristics of the unburnt and burnt nano-particles reflecting the particle-combustion processes.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Open boundary conditions for a parabolic system

We make a detailed study of the derivation and analysis of open boundary conditions for a model parabolic system. The model is chosen to display many of the features of the boundary condition problem for the linearized compressible Navier-Stokes equations at low Mach number. We examine a number of different constructions, suggesting some which are novel. We also discuss the possible construction of a convergent sequence of approximations. Proofs of well-posedness and the outline of an error analysis are also given.
On neural circuits and cognition

Those of us trying to deal with the interfaces between human brain function and mind often wonder what it is we can communicate to our colleagues dealing with related issues but from different perspectives. We are all seeking principles of function, core ideas that help us understand how the nervous system accomplishes its goals. Ideally, those of us working at the level of human cognition might help define the problem for neuroscientists, mathematicians, and engineers. By studying issues from a cognitive view, tempered perhaps with an evolutionary perspective, we may be in a position to define the type of neural unit and organizational logic that is essential in the brain’s capacity to enable perceptual and cognitive activities. In the following, a current major assumption in neuroscience is challenged, the idea that a larger brain with more cells is responsible for the greater computational capacity of the human being. Consider Passingham’s main conclusion to his fascinating book, The Human Primate (1981). Relatively simple changes in the genetic control of growth can have far-reaching effects on form. The human brain differs from the chimpanzee brain in its extreme development of cortical structures, in particular the cerebellar cortex and the association areas of the neocortex. But the proportions of the different areas are predictable from the rules governing the construction of primate brains of differing size.. . . Furthermore there appears to be a basic uniformity in the number and types of cells used in the building of the different neocortical areas; and the human brain follows the general pattern for mammals. Even in the case of the two speech areas we believe we can detect regions in the monkey brain which are alike in their basic cellular organization. The evolution of the human brain appears to have been characterized more by an expansion of existing areas than any more radical reconstructions.
Upwind-Downwind Ratio of Radar Return Calculated from Facet Size Statistics of a Wind-Disturbed Water Surface

A wind tunnel with water as a lower surface has been used to obtain experimental data on the statistical distributions of facet size in relationship to wind velocity, facet slope, and flatness tolerance. Flatness tolerance is defined as one-tenth of the radar wavelength. Using the above experimental data, calculations are presented which, for the first time, relate the upwind-to-downwind ratio of radar return with radar beam depression angle for various wind velocities and radar wavelengths. Comparison with available sea-clutter measurements are made. It is concluded that the concept of facet size in relationship to flatness tolerance and slope distribution is useful for describing a rough surface from which radar waves are reflected.
Engel's inequality for Bell numbers

Abstract K. Engel has conjectured that the average number of blocks in a partition of an n -set is a concave function of n . The average in question is a quotient of two Bell numbers less 1, and we prove Engel's conjecture for all n sufficiently large by an extension of the Moser-Wyman asymptotic formula for the Bell numbers. We also give a general theorem which specializes to an inequality about Bell numbers less complex than Engel's, in the fewer terms of the asymptotic expansion are needed to verify it for all sufficiently large n .
Abstract 3231: Chronic nicotine stimulates lung adenocarcinoma in vivo and in vitro via modulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor regulated excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission characteristic of nicotine addiction

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Nicotine addiction is characterized by changes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain to increase the production of excitatory neurotransmitters noradrenaline/adrenaline while reducing inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). We tested the hypothesis that nAChR-regulated neurotransmitters regulate lung adenocarcinoma (AC) and that nAChR changes in AC cells analogous to nicotine addiction in the brain contribute to the development and progression of this cancer. Mice carrying xenografts of the human AC cell line NCI-H322 received no treatment or were given nicotine in the drinking water for 30 days with and without intraperitoneal injections of GABA. Xenograft sizes were measured. Noradrenaline and adrenaline in serum and cAMP in blood cells and tumor cells were measured by immunoassays. Protein expression of α7nAChR, α4β2nAChR, p-CREB, p-ERK1/2, glutamate decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) and GABA in xenografts were analyzed by Western blotting. Nicotine increased xenograft sizes and upregulated receptor protein of both nAChRs in xenografts while increasing noradrenaline, adrenaline and cAMP in the blood. Xenograft expression of GAD65 and GABA were suppressed by nicotine while p-CREB, p-ERK and cAMP were induced. GABA reversed all these effects of nicotine. In vitro exposure of AC cells for 7 days to nicotine upregulated and sensitized the α7nAChR, resulting in a significant increase in noradrenaline/adrenaline production in response to agonist and enhancement of its cAMP-dependent signaling responses. At the same time, the α4nAChR was desensitized by chronic nicotine causing a significant reduction in GABA production. Nicotine-induced predominance of stimulatory noradrenaline and deficiency in inhibitory GABA in AC cells analogues to the nicotine addicted brain may therefore contribute to the development and progression of AC in smokers and GABA may be useful for the marker-guided prevention and adjuvant therapy of AC. Supported by a grant from the National Lung Cancer Partnership and LUNGevity Foundation. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3231.
More monitoring can induce less effort

Abstract If an agent's compensation decreases sharply for observed shirking rates above a critical level, shirking may increase the more information the principal has about the agent. Furthermore, monitoring decisions may be deliberately assigned to poorly informed principals. Compensation methods that disregard some information may be optimal. Signals about the agent may reduce the expected profits of the principal.
Variation in Immune Response to Brucella abortus Depending on Route of Administration

SummaryRabbits develop agglutinins for Brucella abortus following intravenous injections but fail to do so after sizeable doses are introduced into the stomach.
Evidence for DNA adducts in rat liver after adminstration of N-nitrosopyrrolidine

Abstract Liver DNA isolated from rats given N-nitrosopyrrolidine contained amounts of an unidentified fluorescent adduct which were dose dependent. The adduct formed gradually over the first 12 hr after administration and was slowly removed from the DNA in vivo . Fluorescence and chromatographic properties of the adduct suggested the compound was a substituted guanine; also, the putative adduct was readily removed from DNA by neutral thermal hydrolysis, as are 3-alkyladenines and 7-alkylguanines. Evidence was also obtained for the formation of 7-methylguanine in liver DNA of N-nitrosopyrrolidine-treated rats; however, N-nitrosopyrrolidine was not the methyl source for this alkylated guanine.
Ab Initio Study of Screw Dislocations in Mo and Ta: A New Picture of Plasticity in bcc Transition Metals

We report the first ab initio density-functional study of $〈111〉$ screw dislocation cores in the bcc transition metals Mo and Ta. Our results suggest a new picture of bcc plasticity with symmetric and compact dislocation cores, contrary to the presently accepted picture based on continuum and interatomic potentials. Core energy scales in this new picture are in much better agreement with the Peierls energy barriers to dislocation motion suggested by experiments.
Stability and Bias of Yield Evaluations for Holstein Bulls in Artificial-Insemination Service

Holstein bull predicted transmitting abilities (PTA) for milk, fat, and protein yields were compared for January 1995 and May 2000, the beginning and end of the 1995 genetic base definition. Overall, PTA for the 14,012 artificial insemination (AI) bulls born in 1980 or later were stable for mean but varied slightly more than expected based on increase in data. As expected, changes were larger for bulls with lower initial reliability (accuracy) and greater increases in reliability over the 5.3 yr. For the 540 bulls in active AI service during 1995, mean PTA changes were near 0 (-8 kg for milk, -1.3 kg for fat, and -0.5 kg for protein). Bulls in the top decile for PTA milk, fat, and protein declined 47, 2.2, and 2.2 kg, respectively, but that bias was not evident for bulls that had been progeny tested by major AI organizations (sampling code S). The standard deviation for change in PTA milk for top decile bulls was 191 kg; expected standard deviation was 140 kg. Consideration of only bulls with a sampling code of S removed the excess variation, which indicates that bulls from other sampling programs are the source of bias and lack of stability. Bulls with a sampling code other than S appeared to have an initial PTA that was biased, largely because of an inflated estimate of daughter performance. The hypothesis that inflated means of parent PTA produce inflated early PTA of bulls was not corroborated. Stability of the genetic base and unbiasedness of PTA was demonstrated for bulls with a sampling code of S, but concern continues for bulls with other sampling codes. Because much of the bias in PTA for those bulls is expected to be the result of preferential management of early daughters, improvement of the evaluation system to remove that bias will be difficult.
Communication patterns for the most serious poison center calls

Context. The communication demands faced by specialists in poison information (SPI) are unique in the health-care context. Objectives. (1) To describe SPI communication patterns for the highest risk poison exposure calls using cluster analysis, and (2) to describe variation in communication patterns or clusters. Methods. A sample of 1 year of poison exposure calls to a regional poison control center with SPIs’ perceived severity rating of major or moderate perceived was collected. Digital voice recordings were linked with medical records and were coded using the Roter Interaction Analysis System. Descriptive analyses were applied, and cluster-analytic techniques were used to assess variation in call communication and factors associated with that variation. Results. Cases were described, and four communication styles were identified. The informational cluster represents calls with relatively high levels of SPI clinical information and caller questions. The Facilitative cluster represents calls with a patte...