cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Base-line and postthermal injury plasma histamine in rats

Although plasma histamine concentration has been reported to increase after thermal injury in the rat to as much as 100-fold over normal human plasma levels, the pathophysiological significance and relevance to human disease is questionable. Lack of confidence in the rat as a model of histamine-mediated disease is based on reports that normal rat base-line plasma histamine concentration exceeds that of human plasma by 20- to 70-fold. The present study confirms that high concentrations of histamine (20-68.9 ng/ml) are found in rat plasma obtained in an uncontrolled manner; but concentrations are lower (1.17 +/- 0.49 ng/ml) or undetectable in a sensitive radioenzymatic assay when sampling technique and plasma isolation are controlled. The primary cause for falsely elevated values for plasma histamine concentration appeared to be due to manipulation of the rat. Plasma histamine concentration increased within 1 min after thermal injury and the increase was proportional to extent of surface area injured. In contrast to the finding of a single time-related peak of plasma histamine concentration after partial-thickness burn, a biphasic elevation was found after full-thickness injury. Thus the data indicate that normal rat plasma histamine concentration is similar to that of the human and below the reported threshold for modulation of a variety of immune responses. Furthermore, the data support a role for histamine and other mast-cell mediators in the local and systemic responses to injury.
Protection and Reactivation of Cardioglobulin-A by High Energy Phosphate Compounds

The biological activity of cardioglobulin-A can be destroyed enzymatically by a short equilibration with homogenates prepared from a wide variety of tissues. Blood plasma alone also contains a cardioglobulin-A inactivating system which is stimulated by the removal or dilution of an unidentified small molecule normally present in the plasma. Inactivation of cardioglobulin-A can be prevented by the addition of certain high energy phosphate compounds, notably ATP, ADP or CP. Furthermore, the biological activity of inactivated cardioglobulin-A can frequently be restored by addition of CP. When the whole cardioglobulin system acts on the frog heart, cardioglobulin-A activity is gradually depleted. This is associated with a loss of protein-bound phosphorus from a component of the mixture. Activity can be restored by addition of CP. It has been proposed that the action of the cardioglobulin system involves the release of bound cardioglobulin-C calcium. A possible role of cardioglobulin-A may be to provide, through a ∼ P linkage, the energy for the release of this calcium.
Morphometric study on the sudanophilic lesions of arterial intima in young adults

Sudanophilic lesions (SL) of the aortic intima and right coronary artery (RCA) in 129 and 113 cases respectively were calculated by image analyses. The age ranged from 15 to 34. The probability-of-occurrence-map of aortic SL was higher at the area around the orifices of the arterial branching sites and at the posterior wall of the aorta, lower at the lateral wall and least in the ventrical wall. The prevalence of SL occurred in the RCA was lower which was also less in severity and showed a positive correlation with the lesion developed at the aortic intima.
Increased Ratio ofbcl-2/baxExpression Is Associated with Bovine Leukemia Virus-Induced Leukemogenesis in Cattle

To further investigate the molecular basis underlying the dysregulation of B cell homeostasis associated with bovine leukemia virus disease progression in cattle, bovine bax was cDNA cloned and sequenced. The predicted amino acid sequence of bovine Bax revealed a 192-amino-acid protein having extensive identity with the human (97%), murine (93%), and rat (94%) homologues. Because the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax is believed to predetermine the susceptibility to a given apoptotic stimulus, the relative expression of the genes encoding these oncoproteins was evaluated in cattle naturally infected with BLV. In BLV-infected cattle an increase in the ratios of bcl-2/bax mRNA and protein expression correlated with advancing stages of disease. These findings suggest that in addition to the maintenance of BLV-associated hematopoietic malignancies, the reciprocal expression of Bcl-2/Bax may modulate the induction of B cell expansion typical of BLV disease progression.
Evaluation of CdZnTe detectors using crystals grown by the modified vertical bridgman technique

The results of our newest depth sensing coplanar grid CdZnTe detectors will be discussed. These detectors, which utilize the third generation coplanar anode design, were fabricated by Baltic Scientific Instruments, Ltd., using crystals acquired from Yinnel Tech, Inc., having dimensions of 1.5 cmtimes1.5 cmtimes0.9 cm and 1.5 cmtimes1.5 cmtimes0.95 cm. Employing various compensation techniques, an energy resolution of about 1.7% FWHM was achieved for 662 keV gamma rays. The muetaue for these crystals were measured and were found to be nonsymmetric for opposite electron drift directions. A study of the spectroscopic performance of CdZnTe for reduced temperature was implemented and we observed severely degraded performance for temperatures below -20 degC
Geosynthetic subgrade stabilization – Field testing and design method calibration

Abstract Geogrids and geotextiles are used routinely to stabilize weak subgrade soils during road construction. Typical subgrade stabilization applications are temporary haul roads or unpaved low-volume roads, but can also include paved roads built on poorer foundation materials. Full-scale test sections were constructed, trafficked and monitored to compare the relative operational performance of geosynthetics used as subgrade stabilization, as well as determine which material properties were most related to performance. Unpaved test sections were constructed using twelve geosynthetics consisting of a variety of geogrids and geotextiles. Multiple control test sections were also built to evaluate the effect that subgrade strength, base course thickness, and/or presence of the geosynthetic had on performance. Even though the geotextile materials used during this study showed good performance as subgrade stabilization, material properties associated with their performance was difficult to establish due to the limited number of test sections and lack of relevant tests to properly characterize these types of materials for this application. Using longitudinal rut as the primary indicator of performance, it was determined through a linear regression analysis that the stiffness of the geogrid junctions in the cross-machine direction correlated best with performance in this application and under these conditions. Using this knowledge, the design equation associated with the Giroud–Han method was calibrated to make geogrid junction stiffness in the cross-machine direction the primary property of the geosynthetic, thereby replacing geogrid aperture stability modulus. The calibration and verification of this method is described herein.
The Effects of Peripheral and Central High Insulin on Brain Insulin Signaling and Amyloid-β in Young and Old APP/PS1 Mice.

Hyperinsulinemia is a risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer9s disease (AD). In vitro experiments describe potential connections between insulin, insulin signaling, and amyloid-β (Aβ), but in vivo experiments are needed to validate these relationships under physiological conditions. First, we performed hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps with concurrent hippocampal microdialysis in young, awake, behaving APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice. Both a postprandial and supraphysiological insulin clamp significantly increased interstitial fluid (ISF) and plasma Aβ compared with controls. We could detect no increase in brain, ISF, or CSF insulin or brain insulin signaling in response to peripheral hyperinsulinemia, despite detecting increased signaling in the muscle. Next, we delivered insulin directly into the hippocampus of young APP/PS1 mice via reverse microdialysis. Brain tissue insulin and insulin signaling was dose-dependently increased, but ISF Aβ was unchanged by central insulin administration. Finally, to determine whether peripheral and central high insulin has differential effects in the presence of significant amyloid pathology, we repeated these experiments in older APP/PS1 mice with significant amyloid plaque burden. Postprandial insulin clamps increased ISF and plasma Aβ, whereas direct delivery of insulin to the hippocampus significantly increased tissue insulin and insulin signaling, with no effect on Aβ in old mice. These results suggest that the brain is still responsive to insulin in the presence of amyloid pathology but increased insulin signaling does not acutely modulate Aβ in vivo before or after the onset of amyloid pathology. Peripheral hyperinsulinemia modestly increases ISF and plasma Aβ in young and old mice, independent of neuronal insulin signaling. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The transportation of insulin from blood to brain is a saturable process relevant to understanding the link between hyperinsulinemia and AD. In vitro experiments have found direct connections between high insulin and extracellular Aβ, but these mechanisms presume that peripheral high insulin elevates brain insulin significantly. We found that physiological hyperinsulinemia in awake, behaving mice does not increase CNS insulin to an appreciable level yet modestly increases extracellular Aβ. We also found that the brain of aged APP/PS1 mice was not insulin resistant, contrary to the current state of the literature. These results further elucidate the relationship between insulin, the brain, and AD and its conflicting roles as both a risk factor and potential treatment.
Selected life-extending interventions reduce arterial CXCL10 and macrophage colony-stimulating factor in aged mouse arteries

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the industrialized world. Aging is the most predictive risk factor for CVD and is associated with arterial inflammation which contributes to increased CVD risk. Although age-related arterial inflammation has been described in both humans and animals, only a limited number of inflammatory mediators, cytokines and chemokines have been identified. In this investigation we sought to determine whether lifespan extending interventions, including crowded litter early life nutrient deprivation (CL), traditional lifelong caloric restriction (CR) and lifelong Rapamycin treatment (Rap) would attenuate age-related arterial inflammation using multi analyte profiling. Aortas from Young (4-6months), Old (22months), Old CL, Old CR and Old Rap mice were homogenized and cytokine concentrations were assessed using Luminex Multi Analyte Profiling. Chemokines involved in immune cell recruitment, such as CCL2, CXCL9, CXCL10, GMCSF and MCSF, were increased in Old vs. Young (p<0.05). The age-related increase of CXCL10 was prevented by CR (p<0.05 vs. Old). MSCF concentrations were lower in aortas of Rap treated mice (p<0.05 vs. Old). Interleukins (IL), IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-10, were also greater in Old vs. Young mice (p<0.05). These data demonstrate selected lifespan extending interventions can prevent or limit age-related increases in selected aortic chemokines.
Are you watching me? Interacting effects of fear of negative evaluation and social context on cognitive performance

Socially anxious individuals exhibit cognitive performance impairments; it is unclear whether this is due to trait differences in abilities or effects of the experimental context. This study sought...
Elevated pre-transplant C-reactive protein identifies a high-risk subgroup in multiple myeloma patients undergoing delayed autologous stem cell transplantation

The significance of elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) prior to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in multiple myeloma (MM) has not been studied. We analyzed 1111 MM patients who underwent ASCT at Mayo Clinic from 2007 to 2015. A total of 840 patients (76%) received early ASCT (⩽12 months from diagnosis) and 271 patients (24%) received delayed ASCT (>12 months from diagnosis). Elevated CRP (> upper normal limit (8 mg/L)) was seen in 14% and 22% of patients undergoing early and delayed ASCT, respectively (P=0.003). There was no correlation of CRP with pre-transplant response, bone marrow plasma cell percentage or labeling index. Patients with an elevated CRP had a higher likelihood of having circulating plasma cells prior to ASCT (33 vs 19%; P<0.001). In the early ASCT cohort, the median overall survival (OS) in patients with normal and elevated CRP was not reached and 91 months respectively (P=0.011). In the delayed ASCT cohort, the median OS in respective groups were 73 and 30 months respectively (P<0.001), with elevated CRP being an independent prognostic marker on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-3.8; P=0.045). Elevated pre-transplant CRP identifies a high-risk population especially in patients undergoing delayed ASCT and should be incorporated in the pre-transplant evaluation.
Moisés Poblete Troncoso y la primera Historia del movimiento obrero latinoamericano (1946)

espanolEl libro El movimiento obrero latinoamericano del intelectual y abogado chileno Moises Poblete Troncoso puede ser considerado la primera investigacion historica que busco abordar de manera conjunta la evolucion del sindicalismo continental. Publicado en 1946 por el Fondo de Cultura Economica, el ano 2016 se cumplieron 70 anos de su aparicion. El objetivo del presente articulo es conocer el contexto de su publicacion y las razones que motivaron a Poblete a dar forma a una obra pionera, la que marco los estudios sobre el sindicalismo latinoamericano. EnglishThe book The Latin-American Labor Movement of the intellectual and lawyer Chilean Moises Poblete Troncoso can be considered the first historical research that seeks to jointly address the evolution of continental trade unionism. Published in 1946 by the Fondo de Cultura Economica, the year 2016 marked the 70th anniversary of its appearance. The objective of this article is to know the context of its publication and the reasons that motivated Poblete to give shape to a pioneering work, which marked the studies on Latin-American trade unionism.
Frankfort Franks: Finding the Legislative History of Kentucky Statutes

It is not possible to do the same sort of legislative history of a Kentucky law that one does for a federal statute because the Kentucky legislature does not publish legislative debates or committee reports - the basic materials of a true legislative history. Nonetheless, there are a few measures that a researcher can take to better understand a legislative enactment. This article provides a simple step-by-step method for researching the limited legislative history of Kentucky statutes.
Recorded Use of Water for Air Conditioning

Since 1933 the number of air conditioning installations in the United States has increased approximately 1400 percent, while horse power has increased 250 percent from the end of 1932 to the end of 1936. This is an amazing growth, yet the trend of air conditioning sales continues more steeply upward than in any past year. As a result the problems arising out of the use of city water by air conditioning installations have been growing steadily more serious in cities all over the country. Surveys made by the air conditioning manufacturers indicate that about 40 percent of all air conditioning installations depend upon local city water supplies for their cooling. This being so, it is easily seen that the question of water available for such use will sooner or later become a serious problem. Let me illustrate: the General Electric Company's engineers estimate that one horse power of air conditioning using water at 75 degrees temperature will consume approximately a hundred gallons of water per minute. On this basis the present water-using air conditioning equipment of the country running at maximum capacity has a potential demand of more than seven hundred billion gallons of water annually, or more than the combined pumpage of New York and Chicago in 1936. While the figures given are naturally a great deal higher than any actual demand which will accrue from the present equipment, they do tend to demonstrate the immense volume of water susceptible to use for air conditioning, and point out the definite need for a survey of the actual situation in every individual community and the probable effect of air conditioning demand upon the local water supply. In many communities the demand for water for air conditioning use has already become a serious one, either in the community as a whole
Sampling and Proximate Analysis

Considerable information about a food sample can be gained through a general analysis of its main components—moisture, crude fat, crude protein, ash, and crude fiber. The determination of the percentages of these components is termed a proximate analysis. In some cases, a proximate analysis may be all that is required and the more sophisticated instrumental methods discussed in Chapter 3 may be unnecessary. For example, a proximate analysis is usually sufficient to establish the general category of foodstuff to which a particular sample belongs and the similarity of a particular food sample to materials previously reported in the literature.
Stress, Immunity and Dendritic Cells in Cancer

The literature on stress and immunity clearly demonstrates that stress exposure modifies certain aspects of immune function. While stressful experiences and stress-associated molecules have well-documented effects on the activity of lymphocytes, stress exposure may disrupt processes that occur earlier in the immune response. Stress-induced alterations in immune function may, in part, result from changes in the development and/or function of cells involved in the initiation of the response, namely dendritic cells. Although the literature is relatively limited, the findings suggest that stress-associated hormones and neuropeptides can modulate maturation and migration of dendritic cells. The present chapter concentrates on stress-related alterations in dendritic cell function and the potential relevance of psychological factors to the progression of cancer and to the effectiveness of therapeutic treatments.
Forcing Variable: The Tectonic System

Chapter 5 describes the tectonic system and its influence on landscape. It is noted that without tectonic activity the Earth would be without topographic expression. Tectonic activity is the builder, the fire, that helps to build elevation. A distinction is made between the passive eastern North American continental margin and the active western continental margin. Subduction zone characteristics and their relationship with landscape are described including the trench, accretionary prism, forearc basin, volcanic arc, Benioff zone, and suture zone. Tectonic processes including underplating and tectonic accretion are described, both of which add volume to an existing tectonic plate. The concept of a hot spot is introduced.
Interleukin-33 Contributes Toward Loss of Tolerance by Promoting B-Cell-Activating Factor of the Tumor-Necrosis-Factor Family (BAFF)-Dependent Autoantibody Production

Breaking tolerance is a key event leading to autoimmunity, but the exact mechanisms responsible for this remain uncertain. Here we show that the alarmin IL-33 is able to drive the generation of autoantibodies through induction of the B cell survival factor BAFF. A temporary, short-term increase in IL-33 results in a primary (IgM) response to self-antigens. This transient DNA-specific autoantibody response was dependent on the induction of BAFF. Notably, radiation resistant cells and not myeloid cells, such as neutrophils or dendritic cells were the major source of BAFF and were critical in driving the autoantibody response. Chronic exposure to IL-33 elicited dramatic increases in BAFF levels and resulted in elevated numbers of B and T follicular helper cells as well as germinal center formation. We also observed class-switching from an IgM to an IgG DNA-specific autoantibody response. Collectively, the results provide novel insights into a potential mechanism for breaking immune-tolerance via IL-33-mediated induction of BAFF.
An updated approach to incremental nerve sparing for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Objectives To update the algorithm for performing incremental nerve sparing (NS) using our multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI)-based nomogram. Patients and methods We applied the coefficients of the nomogram to the observations extracted from our population of patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy between February 2014 and October 2015 and who received preoperative mpMRI. The information considered were PSA level, highest side-specific biopsy Gleason grade group, highest ipsilateral percentage core involvement with the highest Gleason grade group, and extracapsular extension (ECE) on mpMRI. The nomogram-derived probability [P (%)], after internal validation, was used as the independent variable on a classification tree to identify the most significant thresholds for ECE prediction. Incremental NS was performed as follows: Grade 1 NS: intrafascial dissection between the peri-prostatic veins and the pseudocapsule of the prostate; Grade 2 NS: inter-fascial dissection along the peri-venous plane; Grade 3 NS: inter-fascial dissection through the outer compartment of the lateral prostatic fascia; Grade 4 NS: extrafascial dissection. Results Data from 561 patients were considered, and 829 prostatic lobes with biopsy-documented tumour were analysed. Overall, 142 lobes presented ECE that was focal in 27 (19%) cases. The classification tree identified four risk categories. In the low- [P (%) ≤10], intermediate- [P (%) 10-21], high [P (%) 21-73] and very-high-risk [P(%) >73] groups, the ECE rates were 3.3%, 16%, 61.6% and 90%, respectively. Amongst those, ECE was focal in 41.7%, 31.7%, 7.9% and 0%, respectively. Conclusion We suggest that Grade 1 NS (intrafascial) should be performed in the low-risk group. The inter-fascial approach, namely grades 2 and 3 NS, should be performed in the intermediate- and high-risk categories, respectively. Grade 4 NS (extrafascial) should be performed in the very-high-risk group. The current algorithm yields a better accuracy than the previous one; however, prospective validation is warranted.
A Natural Language Thesaurus for the Humanities: The Need for a Database Search Aid

Database searching presents special difficulties for humanists because many subjects may be covered, many synonyms may be used to describe a single concept, and terms may vary in precision. Databases may be searched by using controlled vocabularies, free-text (natural language) terms, or a combination of both. A significant cause of recall failure in a free-text search is the inability of the searcher to think of all the terms an author may have used. The current study was undertaken to determine the potential value to humanists of a thesaurus integrating free-text terms from the humanities and social sciences. In the first part of the study, a sample of common-noun subject headings from the "Humanities Index" was analyzed to determine how many have at least quasi-synonymous terms. The subject headings were compared to terms in "The Contemporary Thesaurus of Social Science Terms and Synonyms: A Guide for Natural Language Computer Searching" to determine the overlap of terminology between the humanities an...
Direct bioelectrocatalysis by redox enzymes immobilized in electrostatically condensed oppositely charged polyelectrolyte electrode coatings

The immobilization of enzymes on an electrode surface is critical in preserving enzyme activity and providing a sufficient electron transfer pathway for bioelectrocatalysis. Here, we present a novel single-step, cross-linker free immobilization for direct bioelectrocatalysis using an ionic strength induced phase inversion of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. Cationic poly-guanidinyl-propyl-methacrylate (pGPMA, PG) and anionic inorganic polyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate (P6) were used to make an electrostatically condensed phase (PGP6). A mixture of PGP6 and laccase (LAC) from Tramates versicolor or HRP (HRP) from Armoracia rusticana were deposited on the electrode surface and were submerged in DI water to form white porous electrode coatings. Each electrode showed a current generation corresponding to the respective substrates via direct bioelectrocatalysis.
Determination of urinary iodine by catalytic spectrophotometry using discrete chemical analyzer

Objective To establish a method for quantitative detection of urine iodine by catalytic spectrophotometry using discrete chemical analyzer. Methods After digestion of urine samples, discrete chemical analyzer was used to control the reaction temperature and time, determine the iodine content, which replaced the urine iodine arsenic cerium catalytic spectrophotometry (standard method) after sample digestion in the testing process, and the linear range, detection limit, precision and accuracy of the method were tested. The method was used to detect the urine iodine and the results were compared with the standard method. Results The urinary iodine was in a linear range of 0-1 000 μg/L, correlation coefficient r=- 0.999 7. The detection limit of the method was 4.5 μg/L. Precision: the relative standard deviation (RSD) of urine iodine samples with high, medium, and low concentrations were all 0.05). Conclusion Catalytic spectrophotometry using discrete chemical analyzer is succeessfully established, this method is simple, rapid, accurate and easy to operate. Key words: Urine; Iodine; Discrete chemistry analyzer; Catalytic photometry
Cardinality Constrained Multilinear Sets

The problem of minimizing a multilinear function of binary variables is a well-studied NP-hard problem. The set of solutions of the standard linearization of this problem is called the multilinear set, and many valid inequalities for its convex hull are available in the literature. Motivated by a machine learning application, we study a cardinality constrained version of this problem with upper and lower bounds on the number of nonzero variables. We call the set of solutions of the standard linearization of this problem a cardinality constrained multilinear set, and give a complete polyhedral description of its convex hull when the multilinear terms in the problem have a nested structure.
Greater Social Engagement and Greater Gray Matter Microstructural Integrity in Brain Regions Relevant to Dementia

Objective Social engagement (SE) may protect against cognitive decline in older adults. We estimate associations of SE with gray matter (GM) microstructure in regions of interest (ROI) relevant to social cognition, among community-dwelling older adults. Method Cross-sectional analysis of 293 Health ABC study participants who underwent 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion tensor and free from cognitive impairment was conducted. Linear regression models tested associations between SE index (marital status, not living alone, social activities, work, and volunteering) and mean diffusivity (MD) of GM ROIs, adjusted for age, race, gender, and education. Hearing and activities of daily living (ADL) difficulties were tested as confounders. Effect modification by gender was tested with interaction terms and stratification by gender. Results Higher SE was significantly related to lower MD (greater GM microstructural integrity) (shown as standardized estimate [p-value]) in left middle frontal gyrus-orbital part: -.168 (.005), left caudate nucleus: -.141 (.02), left temporal pole-middle temporal gyrus: -.136 (.03), right middle frontal gyrus: -.160 (.006), right superior frontal gyrus-orbital part: -.187 (.002), and right middle frontal gyrus-orbital part: -.124 (.04), when adjusted for demographic attributes. Associations were robust to adjustments for hearing or ADL difficulty. There was significant effect modification by gender for some ROIs, with associations only for females. Discussion SE is related to greater microstructural integrity of specific GM regions relevant to social cognition, that have described roles in dementia. SE may therefore be a useful preventive mechanism against loss of GM integrity in older adults.
The Effects of ESRB Ratings on Video Game Sales (2015)

For decades now, controversy has raged over the effects that violent video games have on the cultural norms of society as well as the impact that they have on criminal behavior. While a large number of games display gory scenes and showcase adult-oriented material, others have been developed with more child-like themes in mind. The popularity of each classification of games likely has much to tell us about the values and interests that individuals within a given society hold. Several studies have attempted to determine the overall correlations between the degree of violence in video games and the negative externalities it presents in regards to crime rates. However, very little has been done in regards to how such violent and mature themes impact the popularity of video games. The current paper contributes to this ongoing literature by observing the effects that ESRB ratings have on driving the sales of the top 100 best-selling games for 2015. As it turns out, these ratings seem to be pretty insignificant in affecting overall sales. While limited in scope, this research should at least provide a starting point for considering how such themes impact the wide-spread appeal of video games.
Lung Denervation for Advanced COPD: Basics and Beyond

This review highlights lung denervation procedure as a potential bronchoscopic treatment for patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To date, clinical studies of bronchoscopic TLD for patients with COPD proved feasibility, demonstrated a good safety profile, established a therapeutic dose of energy, and identified a potential effectiveness outcome. The AIRFLOW-2, multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled, double-blinded trial showed fewer respiratory adverse events, including hospitalization for COPD exacerbation in patients treated with TLD. TLD of the parasympathetic airway nerves appears to be safe and shows favorable clinical outcomes in patients with advanced COPD. Results of the ongoing clinical trial and long-term follow-up of previously treated patients will provide more information on the efficacy and durability of TLD in the management of this challenging group of patient.
An Array Abstraction to Amortize Reasoning About Parallel Client Code

Data abstraction is important for enabling the automated modular verification of a large class of parallel programs even in the presence of manifest sharing during parallel execution. Though sharing is difficult to avoid when parallel execution is used to gain performance improvements, formal verification of such code still must be modular. The Open image in new window abstraction introduced in this paper supports modular verification by allowing frame conditions to be dispatched only once and then be reused by multiple clients, thus amortizing the verification cost. The approach achieves this objective by introducing a non-interference contract that enables the preservation of desirable performance characteristics of traditional arrays such as constant-time access to elements. Illustrative divide-and-conquer client code using this abstraction is contrasted with similar client code that uses a traditional array. The utility of the Open image in new window in a language with clean semantics is demonstrated by comparing the two clients in terms of the feasibility and tractability of modular verification. The repeated verification of software is expensive, so it should be avoided. Modularization (such as by introducing additional data abstractions) makes it possible to avoid expensive re-verification of entire client programs when only minor changes are made.
High-Throughput, Multimode Spectroscopy Using Cross-Dispersive Serpentine Integrated Grating Arrays

We demonstrate a high-resolution, crossed-dispersion integrated photonic spectrometer capable of high-etendue, multimode operation. The first experimental single-mode design achieves record performance per volume with 1.5 GHz resolution and 13 THz band-width in a 0.5 mm2 footprint.
Spruce Budworm and the Forest

The spruce budworm is a defoliator of boreal forests in North America and can cause major impacts to spruce and balsam fir, which are important tree species in the logging industry. While most years the spruce budworm density is low and little harm comes to these trees, periodically throughout history large outbreaks of the spruce budworms occurred. These outbreaks caused major losses to the trees and to economic industries tied to the trees. As a result, the spruce budworm is one of the most well-studied—empirically and theoretically—ecological systems. Here, we introduce and explore the spruce budworm system. In our examination of the spruce budworm, we begin with a simple model describing the budworm dynamics alone. Our analysis and simulation of even the simple model demonstrates the complicated dynamics it can produce, as a function of a parameter that depends on the health and size of the forest. We then expand the system to include the forest as a variable itself and include feedbacks with the spruce budworm. We extend our analyses and simulation for this more complete system.
A Note on Inequalities

In this note, it is shown that backward induction gives an equality for the arithmetic-geometric mean inequality.
Blind equalization by alternating minimization for applications to mobile communications

Fast fading channels in a modern digital mobile communication environment call for fast channel identification and equalization. Alternating minimization is proposed as a general framework to accomplish joint data estimation and channel identification. Under this framework, a cost function is minimized through alternating two minimization steps which turn out to be data estimation and channel identification, and algorithms derived from this scheme is guaranteed to be convergent. These two minimization steps can be implemented using many previously proposed sequence estimation and channel identification methods (such as the Viterbi and LMS algorithms) as well as many optimization methods. A simple blind equalization algorithm is derived based on the steepest descent method. This algorithm degenerates into a simple sequence estimator if the channel response is known. The computational complexity is at most linear with channel memory, yet simulation shows that the blind algorithm suffers only 3 to 5 dB SNR loss when compared with the Viterbi algorithm with known channel response.
Cooperative write-behind data buffering for MPI i/o

Many large-scale production parallel programs often run for a very long time and require data checkpoint periodically to save the state of the computation for program restart and/or tracing the progress. Such a write-only pattern has become a dominant part of an application’s I/O workload and implies the importance of its optimization. Existing approaches for write-behind data buffering at both file system and MPI I/O levels have been proposed, but challenges still exist for efficient design to maintain data consistency among distributed buffers. To address this problem, we propose a buffering scheme that coordinates the compute processes to achieve the consistency control. Different from other earlier work, our design can be applied to files opened in read-write mode and handle the patterns with mixed MPI collective and independent I/O calls. Performance evaluation using BTIO and FLASH IO benchmarks is presented, which shows a significant improvement over the method without buffering.
Understanding a Minimal DNA-Segregating Machine

Reconstitution of a plasmid spindle shows how three components together accomplish the task of DNA segregation.
Transient, Unexplained, and Psychogenic Visual Loss in Children

Some children have visual disturbances that occur in the absence of, or are out of proportion to, their objective ophthalmological findings. These symptoms reflect a wide range of processes that may be benign or a sign of neurological, systemic, or psychiatric disease. This chapter deals with the neuro-ophthalmologic detection of organic and psychogenic disorders that may manifest as transient or unexplained visual loss of the same episodic visual disturbances that occur in childhood, but several formidable problems confront the physician who is trying to reach the correct diagnosis. The descriptions of episodic visual disturbances and hallucinations in children are less complex in detail than those of the adult population because children have limited vocabulary and limited experiential basis of sensory phenomenon to draw upon.
Attachment and reactivity of tin-cobalt and tin-molybdenumcomplexes in Y zeolites and MCM-41

Summary Novel attachment techniques for bimetallic organometallic species in large-pore zeolites are described. The intrazeolite surface chemistry and thermal stability of Me3SnCo(CO)4 in NaY and H6Y zeolite (H45Na10Al55Si137O384) were studied with X-ray absorption spectroscopy (Sn, Co edge EXAFS) and in-situ FTIRKPD-MS techniques. In the NaY host, the complex decomposes at about 160oc by loss of CO ligands and cleavage of the Sn-Co bond. Sn-Co bimetallic cluster species containing only a few atoms appear to form above that temperature. The acidic H6Y host can interact with the Me3Sn moiety of the bimetallic complex. IR and EXAFS data indicate attachment of the complex to the zeolite framework already at room temperature, while the Sn-Co bond seems to remain stable up to at least 90°c. These results are compared and contrasted with the reactions of Me3SnMo(CO)3Cp in the new mesoporous host MCM-41. Attachment of the latter complex to the MCM walls is observed, but due to the striking stability of this complex, cluster formation occurs after removal of the CO ligands only at very high temperature.
Role of Fcγ receptors in nigral cell injury induced by Parkinson disease immunoglobulin injection into mouse substantia nigra

Immune/inflammatory factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Immunoglobulin G (IgG) from patients with PD can induce injury of dopaminergic neurons following stereotaxic injection into rat substantia nigra (SN). The PD IgG can be demonstrated in vitro to activate microglia via the Fcgamma receptor (Fcgamma R) and induce dopaminergic cell injury. To confirm the involvement of microglia and their Fcgamma R in IgG-induced lesions of SN in vivo we analyzed the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cell loss in SN par compacta (SNpc) in mice lacking Fcgamma receptors (Fcgamma R(-/-)) and wild type (Fcgamma R(+/+)). At 1 day after stereotaxic injection of PD IgG into the SN of Fcgamma R(+/+) mice there was a 27% increase in the number of CD11b-positive microglial cells and no significant loss of TH-positive cells. At 14 days after the stereotaxic injection, the number of microglial cells was increased by 42%, accompanied by a 40% loss of TH-positive neurons in the SNpc. PD IgG injection in Fcgamma R(-/-) mice resulted in no significant increase of microglia and no loss of TH-positive cells in the SNpc at any time point. The injection of F(ab')(2) fragments of PD IgG was able to induce TH-positive neuronal loss in the SNpc only when the injected animals raised antibodies against the injected human IgG fragments, which confirmed the importance of the Fcgamma R in microglial activation and nigral injury.
The Active Core in a Triazole Peptide Dual-Site Antagonist of HIV-1 gp120

In an effort to identify broadly active inhibitors of HIV-1 entry into host cells, we had previously reported a family of dodecamer triazole-peptide conjugates with nanomolar affinity for viral surface protein gp120. This class of peptides exhibits potent antiviral activity and the capacity to simultaneously inhibit interaction of viral envelope protein with both CD4 and co-receptor. In the current investigation, we used minimization of structural complexity of the lead triazole inhibitor HNG-156 (peptide 1) in order to explore the limits of the pharmacophore that enables dual antagonism and to improve opportunities for peptidomimetic design. Truncations of both carboxyl- and amino-terminal residues of the initial 12 amino acid residues of peptide 1 were found to have minimal effect on both affinity and antiviral activity. In contrast, the central triazole Pro-Trp cluster at residues 6 and 7 with ferrocenyl-triazole-Pro (Ftp) was found to be critical for bioactivity. Amino terminal residues distal to the central triazole Pro-Trp sequence tolerated decreasing degrees of side chain variation upon approaching the central cluster. A peptide fragment containing residues 3-7 (Asn-Asn-Ile-Ftp-Trp) exhibited substantial direct binding affinity, antiviral potency, dual receptor site antagonism and induction of gp120 structuring, all properties defining the functional signature of the parent compound 1. This active core contains a stereochemically specific hydrophobic triazole-Pro-Trp cluster, with a short N-terminal peptide extension providing groups for potential main chain and side chain hydrogen binding. The results of this work argue that the pharmacophore for dual antagonism is structurally limited, enhancing the potential to develop minimized peptidomimetic HIV-1 entry inhibitors that simultaneously suppress binding of envelope protein to both of its host cell receptors. The results also argue that the target epitope on gp120 is relatively small, pointing to a localized allosteric inhibition site in the HIV-1 envelope that could be targeted for small-molecule inhibitor discovery.
A 24mm 2 Quad-Band Single-Chip GSM Radio with Transmitter Calibration in 90nm Digital CMOS

The RF transceiver is built on the Digital RF Processor (DRP) technology. The ADPLL-based transmitter uses a polar architecture with all-digital PM-FM and AM paths. The receiver uses a discrete-time architecture in which the RF signal is directly sampled and processed using analog and DSP techniques. A 26 MHz digitally controlled crystal oscillator (DCXO) generates frequency reference (FREF) and has a means of high-frequency dithering to minimize the effects of coupling from digitally controlled PA driver (DPA) to DCXO by de-sensitizing its slicing buffer.
Synthesis and structure of two lithium terphenyls and a “halide rich” terphenyl lithium species

Abstract The syntheses and characterization of two new terphenyl iodides 2,6-(2,3,4,5,6-Me5C6)2C6H3I ( Ar Pmp 2 I ) and 2 , 6 - ( 3 , 5 - Bu 2 t C 6 H 3 ) 2 C 6 H 3 I ( Ar Dbp 2 I ) are described. Treatment of these with LiBun or LiBut afforded their lithium salts [ Ar Pmp 2 Li ] 2 (2), Ar Dbp 2 { Li ( OEt 2 ) } 2 I (3), and [ Ar Dbp 2 Li ] 2 (4), which were spectroscopically characterized. The X-ray crystal structures of 2 and the “halide-rich” species 3 as well as that of the previously known [2,6-(2,6-Me2C6H3)2C6H3Li]2 (i.e. [ Ar Xyl 2 Li ] 2 , 1) were determined. The structures of both 1 and 2 are dimers in which the lithiums bridge the ipso carbons of the central aryl ring of each terphenyl ligand and also interact with the ipso carbons of the flanking aryl rings. The structure of 3 is a rare example of a structurally characterized “halide rich” organolithium complex and has a monomeric arrangement in which two ether-coordinated lithiums are bridged by an ipso-carbon of the central aryl ring as well as an iodine atom.
Morphogenesis of mouse mammary epithelial cells growing within collagen gels: ultrastructural and immunocytochemical characterization

Mammary epithelial cells from adult virgin mice have been cultured within collagen gels in totally serum-free medium containing either epidermal growth factor or the mammogenic hormones, progesterone and prolactin, or prolactin alone. The cellular organization, differentiation and cell-type composition of the colonies from the three culture conditions were assessed by transmission electron microscopy and light-microscope immunocytochemistry. The epithelial cells form branching duct-like structures and, when exposed to mammogenic hormones, assume a secretory morphology (including casein micelles) similar to that seen in the early to mid-pregnant mouse.
Enthalpies of formation for organosulfur compounds: Atomization energy and hypohomodesmotic reaction schemes via ab initio composite methods

Abstract Hypohomodesmotic reaction schemes, as described by Wheeler et al. [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 131 (2009) 2547] for the determination of enthalpies of formation (ΔHf,298) for hydrocarbons, have been extended to include sulfur. The impact of hypohomodesmotic schemes, in comparison to the atomization energy approach, upon the determination of enthalpies of formation for organosulfur compounds has been assessed. The gas phase ΔHf,298 of 43 organosulfur compounds have been calculated using the correlation consistent Composite Approach (ccCA), Gaussian-3 (G3), and Gaussian-4 (G4) methodologies using proposed hypohomodesmotic reaction mechanisms and an atomization energy approach. Effects of method and basis set combinations for these schemes have also been assessed.
Number and distribution of neurons in leech segmental ganglia

The number of neurons and their distribution were determined for specific segmental ganglia from the nerve cord of four different species of leech. Quantitative data were obtained by using computer-aided techniques for the analysis of nerve structure from serially sectioned or whole-mounted tissue. The species studied were Hirudo medicinalis, Macrobdella decora, Haemopis marmorata (family Hirudinidae), and Haementeria ghilianii (family Glossophoniidae). Two sets of ganglia were studied in each species: middle ganglia (9, 10, and 11) and sex ganglia (5 and 6). The middle ganglia, as well as the rest of the 21 segmental ganglia, except 5 and 6, are thought to be quite similar. The sex ganglia are associated with the sexual organs and appear to have more neurons. The data reported here indicate that: a) the number of neurons in a specified ganglion varies by one to two percent from animal to animal of a given species; b) the middle ganglia of a particular leech each have approximately the same number of neurons, with a variation also within two percent; c) the middle ganglia of Hirudo, Macrobdella, and Haemopis have nearly the same number of neurons (about 400), but those of Haementeria have some 20 fewer (about 380); d) the sex ganglia of Hirudo, Macrobdella, and Haemopis have a few hundred more neurons than their middle ganglia, with the exact number varying according to the species, but the sex ganglia in Haementeria have only about 20 more neurons than their middle ganglia; e) the distribution of neuronal somata among glial packets is not symmetric about the midsaggital plane of the animal, and the number of somata in each packet is variable; and f) the geometry of the glial packets is generally invariant, but occasionally packets are found in abnormal positions.
The physics of superplastic deformation

Abstract Superplasticity is an important mode of deformation in metallic alloys with very small grain sizes (usually less than 10 μm). In general, high elongations are observed over a rather limited range of intermediate strain rates and there is a decrease in the superplastic effect at both high and low strain rates. The major experimental observations in superplastic metals are summarized and the physical mechanisms of flow are discussed with reference to the behavior at high, intermediate and low strain rates, respectively. Superplastic-like behavior has been reported recently in some ceramics but the experimental evidence suggests that the mechanism of flow in these materials in not the as in metals.