cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Response-driven imaging biomarkers for predicting radiation necrosis of the brain.

Radiation necrosis is an uncommon but severe adverse effect of brain radiation therapy (RT). Current predictive models based on radiation dose have limited accuracy. We aimed to identify early individual response biomarkers based upon diffusion tensor (DT) imaging and incorporated them into a response model for prediction of radiation necrosis. Twenty-nine patients with glioblastoma received six weeks of intensity modulated RT and concurrent temozolomide. Patients underwent DT-MRI scans before treatment, at three weeks during RT, and one, three, and six months after RT. Cases with radiation necrosis were classified based on generalized equivalent uniform dose (gEUD) of whole brain and DT index early changes in the corpus callosum and its substructures. Significant covariates were used to develop normal tissue complication probability models using binary logistic regression. Seven patients developed radiation necrosis. Percentage changes of radial diffusivity (RD) in the splenium at three weeks during RT and at six months after RT differed significantly between the patients with and without necrosis (p = 0.05 and p = 0.01). Percentage change of RD at three weeks during RT in the 30 Gy dose–volume of the splenium and brain gEUD combined yielded the best-fit logistic regression model. Our findings indicate that early individual response during the course of RT, assessed by radial diffusivity, has the potential to aid the prediction of delayed radiation necrosis, which could provide guidance in dose-escalation trials.
The Abuse of Older Men: Implications for Social Work

Abstract The abuse of older men is a rather invisible social problem that requires attention in social work education, research, and practice. Although all older men are potential victims of abuse, there are certain groups that are especially vulnerable. Based on a growing body of professional literature on the challenges of working with and for men in general, and older men in particular, it can be concluded that social work efforts are necessary to draw public attention to the problem of abused older men, to inculcate social work education with necessary material, and to ensure that social work practitioners are aware, motivated, and trained to provide effective work with abused older men (as well as those who would abuse them). It is believed that professional concern for and attention to abused older men should be no more, but certainly no less, than that given to older abused women.
The influence of age at exposure to PBBs on birth outcomes

Abstract The determination of critical windows of susceptibility to environmental chemical exposures and health has become a major public health focus. This study examined the association between early age at exposure to polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and subsequent birth weight and gestational length in offspring among females. The study population consisted of 1111 births that occurred among 560 women enrolled in the Michigan PBB Cohort from 1975 to 1994. Maternal age at exposure was categorized into three groups:
ADSA Presidential Report

It has truly been an honor to serve as president of ADSA this past year. It was a real pleasure to have worked alongside so many smart, hard-working, and caring ADSA members who generously volunteered their time to serve on the ADSA Board of Directors and ADSA committees, and work on various other activities. Additionally, ADSA and FASS staff provided the continuity and professional service to support, facilitate, and guide us all year. Hence, I am happy to report on some of the highlights of our past year. Overall, some new initiatives were undertaken that will strengthen ADSA’s future and we made some noteworthy accomplishments that continue to reinforce ADSA’s vision as the society for science, education, and service to the dairy industry.
High concordance between marker profiles of 22 human leukemia-lymphoma cell lines tested with the same monoclonal antibodies before and during the second international workshop on human differentiation antigens.

Our laboratory participated in the Second International Workshop and Conference on Human Leucocyte Differentiation Antigens. In this international study the reactivity profiles of monoclonal antibodies were analyzed on normal and malignant hematopoietic cells. The Workshop was divided into three categories: the T-cell, B-cell and myelomonocytic cell studies. We blindly tested 159 coded monoclonal antibodies of the panel for the T-cell study on 22 permanently established leukemia cell lines. The monoclonal antibodies were provided by the Workshop Committee and their reactivity with the target cells was visualized by standardized indirect immunofluorescence. After decoding it was recognized that 11 monoclonal antibodies had been examined on these cell lines prior to the Workshop. The reactivity of these 11 monoclonal antibodies was analyzed and compared with the earlier results. From a total of 217 paired tests done blindly in the Workshop study and prior to the Workshop, 191 tests (88%) did not show significantly different data. The possible reasons for discrepancies include nonspecific Fc-receptor-binding on some cell lines and a relatively nonspecific reactivity of some monoclonal antibodies.
Three-Dimensional Sheaf of Ultrasound Planes Reconstruction (SOUPR) of Ablated Volumes

This paper presents an algorithm for 3-D reconstruction of tumor ablations using ultrasound shear wave imaging with electrode vibration elastography. Radio-frequency ultrasound data frames are acquired over imaging planes that form a subset of a sheaf of planes sharing a common axis of intersection. Shear wave velocity is estimated separately on each imaging plane using a piecewise linear function fitting technique with a fast optimization routine. An interpolation algorithm then computes velocity maps on a fine grid over a set of C-planes that are perpendicular to the axis of the sheaf. A full 3-D rendering of the ablation can then be created from this stack of C-planes; hence the name "Sheaf Of Ultrasound Planes Reconstruction" or SOUPR. The algorithm is evaluated through numerical simulations and also using data acquired from a tissue mimicking phantom. Reconstruction quality is gauged using contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio measurements and changes in quality from using increasing number of planes in the sheaf are quantified. The highest contrast of 5 dB is seen between the stiffest and softest regions of the phantom. Under certain idealizing assumptions on the true shape of the ablation, good reconstruction quality while maintaining fast processing rate can be obtained with as few as six imaging planes suggesting that the method is suited for parsimonious data acquisitions with very few sparsely chosen imaging planes.
Resistive effects in thin electrochemical cells: Digital simulations of current and potential steps in thin layer electrochemical cells

Summary A digital simulation technique has been used to treat electrochemical reactions in thin layer electrochemical cells in which non-uniform current densities will result because of high electrolyte resistance Calculations have been applied to chronopotentiometric, chronoamperometric, and chronocoulometric experiments. Current densities and potentials as a function of the electrode length are given for a variety of conditions.
Substance Abuse Risk Factors Affecting the Hispanic Population in the United States

According to the United States census report, the Hispanic population is the number one minority and ethnic group in the United States. Risk factors most commonly associated with the substance-abusing Hispanic population are related to community, family, school, and individual/peer influences. The bulk of research concerning substance abuse risk factors among the Hispanic population focused on the Hispanic population in Texas, Arizona, New York, California, and Florida. There is limited information discussed about Hispanics and substance use/abuse in North Carolina. This limitation may pose threats to the effectiveness of model programs being replicated and generalizability due to differences in culture. Research is needed in the study of Hispanic substance use/abuse in rural areas of the country.
The Spin Temperature and 21 cm Brightness of the Intergalactic Medium in the Pre-Reionization era

We use numerical hydrodynamical simulations of early structure formation in a ΛCDM universe to investigate the spin temperature and 21 cm brightness of the diffuse intergalactic medium (IGM) prior to the epoch of cosmic reionization, at z 20. In the absence of any radiative heating, collisions between neutral hydrogen atoms can efficiently decouple the spin temperature from the CMB only in dense minihalos and filaments. Shock-heated gas shines in emission, surrounded by cooler gas visible in absorption. In the case of a warm, mostly neutral IGM, produced here by X-ray emission from an early miniquasar, the 21 cm signal is strongly enhanced. Even slightly overdense filaments now shine in emission against the CMB, possibly allowing future radio arrays to probe the distribution of neutral hydrogen before reionization.
Effect of the psychoactive metabolite of marijuana, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol(THC), on the synthesis of tumor necrosis factor by human large granular lymphocytes

The natural killer cell (NK)/3polymorphonuclear neutrophil axis has recently been identified to be important in early defense against the opportunistic fungi, Candida albicans. Repression of this system is therefore likely to contribute to susceptibility to opportunistic infections. delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an active constituent of marijuana, has been reported to be immunosuppressive at concentrations that exceed attainable plasma levels. In this report, we examine the possibility that human large granular lymphocytes (LGL) can be immunosuppressed by exposure to THC at physiologically relevant concentrations and probed two functions associated with LGL, i.e., cytokine production and tumoricidal activity. We find that these low levels of THC inhibit tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) induction from LGL by C. albicans and are dependent upon THC dose (0.005-5.0 micrograms/ml) and length of exposure (0.05-3.0 hr). Northern blot analysis indicates that the downregulation of TNF production from LGL by THC resides at the mRNA level. Moreover, exposure of LGL to physiological THC concentrations (0.01-2.0 micrograms/ml) diminishes their cytolytic activity against K562 tumor cells.
A lunar density model consistent with topographic, gravitational, librational, and seismic data

A series of models of the lunar interior are derived from topographic, gravitational, librational, and seismic data. The librational parameters and low-degree gravity harmonics result primarily from surface height variations and only secondarily from lateral density variations. The moon departs from isostasy, even for the low-degree harmonics, with a maximum superisostatic stress of 200 bars under the major mascon basins. The mean crustal thicknesses under different physiographic regions are: mascons, 30–35 km; irregular maria, 50–60 km; and highlands, 90–110 km. A possible composition consistent with our model is an anorthositic crust, underlain by a predominantly forsterite upper mantle which grades into a refractory rich lower mantle surrounding a pyrrhotite core.
Understanding mesh-based peer-to-peer streaming

A common approach to peer-to-peer (P2P) streaming is to form a tree-based overlay coupled with push content delivery. This approach cannot effectively utilize the outgoing bandwidth of participating peers, and therefore it is not self-scaling. In contrast, swarm-like content delivery mechanisms exhibit the self-scaling property but incorporating them into live P2P streaming applications are challenging for two reasons: (i) in-time requirement of content delivery and (ii) the limited availability of future content.In this paper, we examine the key design issues and tradeoffs in incorporating swarm-like content delivery into mesh-based P2P streaming of live content. We show how overlay properties and the global pattern of content delivery could lead to the bandwidth and content bottlenecks among peers, respectively. Leveraging an organized view of the overlay, we present a global pattern for streaming content over a mesh-based overlay that can effectively utilize the outgoing bandwidth of most participating peers. We conduct ns simulation to explore the impact of overlay properties on the global pattern of content delivery and thus delivered quality to individual peers. In particular, we show that for a given scenario, there is a sweet range for peer degree in the overlay that maximizes delivered quality to individual peers with minimum buffer requirement at each peer.
Forces and stresses in an electromagnetic field

IN MANY engineering problems, it is required to calculate the forces on dielectric and magnetic materials when they are placed in an electromagnetic field. Quite often, it is also desirable to know the force density (the distribution of the forces over the entire volume and the surface) of the material. Methods of calculating the forces and the force densities are given in many books on electromagnetic theory. The treatment of the problem generally leads the reader to believe that the solution to the problem is known and that the equations given are correct. However, if one investigates the equations given in different literatures, one finds that they differ considerably and they give completely different force densities. The author failed to find in the literature a single paper which discusses all the different methods and which points out the most important differences among the theories. The author also found that the differences among the theories are generally not well known to engineers. It is for this reason that this paper is written. Typical questions discussed are as follows: 1. How do the forces originate? 2. Where are they located? 3. Is there any shear force acting on the material? 4. After a ferromagnetic material is saturated, is there any further increase in force as a result of an increase in the field intensity?
Stabilization of the No-Motion State of a Horizontal Fluid Layer Heated From Below With Joule Heating

Using linear stability theory and numerical simulations, we demonstrate that the critical Rayleigh number for bifurcation from the no-motion (conduction) state to the motion state in the Rayleigh-Benard problem of an infinite fluid layer heated from below with Joule heating and cooled from above can be significantly increased through the use of feedback control strategies effecting small perturbations in the boundary data. The bottom of the layer is heated by a network of heaters whose power supply is modulated in proportion to the deviations of the temperatures at various locations in the fluid from the conductive, no-motion temperatures. Similar control strategies can also be used to induce complicated, time-dependent flows at relatively low Rayleigh numbers. 17 refs., 6 figs.
Sdr Input Power Estimation Algorithms

The General Dynamics (GD) S-Band software defined radio (SDR) in the Space Communications and Navigation (SCAN) Testbed on the International Space Station (ISS) provides experimenters an opportunity to develop and demonstrate experimental waveforms in space. The SDR has an analog and a digital automatic gain control (AGC) and the response of the AGCs to changes in SDR input power and temperature was characterized prior to the launch and installation of the SCAN Testbed on the ISS. The AGCs were used to estimate the SDR input power and SNR of the received signal and the characterization results showed a nonlinear response to SDR input power and temperature. In order to estimate the SDR input from the AGCs, three algorithms were developed and implemented on the ground software of the SCAN Testbed. The algorithms include a linear straight line estimator, which used the digital AGC and the temperature to estimate the SDR input power over a narrower section of the SDR input power range. There is a linear adaptive filter algorithm that uses both AGCs and the temperature to estimate the SDR input power over a wide input power range. Finally, an algorithm that uses neural networks was designed to estimate the input power over a wide range. This paper describes the algorithms in detail and their associated performance in estimating the SDR input power.
Parallel algorithm for solving Kepler’s equation on Graphics Processing Units: Application to analysis of Doppler exoplanet searches

Abstract We present the results of a highly parallel Kepler equation solver using the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) on a commercial nVidia GeForce 280GTX and the “Compute Unified Device Architecture” (CUDA) programming environment. We apply this to evaluate a goodness-of-fit statistic (e.g., χ 2 ) for Doppler observations of stars potentially harboring multiple planetary companions (assuming negligible planet–planet interactions). Given the high-dimensionality of the model parameter space (at least five dimensions per planet), a global search is extremely computationally demanding. We expect that the underlying Kepler solver and model evaluator will be combined with a wide variety of more sophisticated algorithms to provide efficient global search, parameter estimation, model comparison, and adaptive experimental design for radial velocity and/or astrometric planet searches. We tested multiple implementations using single precision, double precision, pairs of single precision, and mixed precision arithmetic. We find that the vast majority of computations can be performed using single precision arithmetic, with selective use of compensated summation for increased precision. However, standard single precision is not adequate for calculating the mean anomaly from the time of observation and orbital period when evaluating the goodness-of-fit for real planetary systems and observational data sets. Using all double precision, our GPU code outperforms a similar code using a modern CPU by a factor of over 60. Using mixed precision, our GPU code provides a speed-up factor of over 600, when evaluating n sys > 1024 models planetary systems each containing n pl = 4 planets and assuming n obs = 256 observations of each system. We conclude that modern GPUs also offer a powerful tool for repeatedly evaluating Kepler’s equation and a goodness-of-fit statistic for orbital models when presented with a large parameter space.
Numerical modeling of 3D turbulent free surface flow in natural waterways

Abstract We develop a numerical model capable of simulating three-dimensional, turbulent free surface flows in natural waterways. Free surface motion is captured by coupling the two-phase level set method and the sharp-interface curvilinear immersed boundary (CURVIB) method of Kang et al. [1] . The model solves the three-dimensional, incompressible, unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and continuity equations in generalized curvilinear coordinates using a fractional step method extended to handle multiphase flows. Turbulence is modeled by a two-equation RANS model implemented in the context of the CURVIB method. The accuracy of the level set method is verified by applying it to simulate two- and three-dimensional sloshing problems, and the potential of the model for simulating real life, turbulent free surface flows is demonstrated by applying it to carry out RANS simulation of flow past rock structures in a laboratory flume and flow in a field scale meandering channel. The simulations show that the method is able to accurately predict water surface elevation over complex hydraulic structures and bathymetry, and capture the transition between subcritical and supercritical flows without any special treatment.
Two hundred ninety-four consecutive facial fractures in an urban trauma center: lessons learned.

Background: The treatment of facial trauma is associated with a myriad of potential complications. This may be compounded by the relative lack of compliance seen in the patient population within an urban trauma center and by the requisite involvement of residents in this care. Methods: This study retrospectively evaluated 189 patients with a total of 294 separate fractures treated over a 3.5-year period. Results: The overall rate of complications was 7.8 percent. Conclusions: The experience at a high-volume level I trauma center with residents as the primary physicians has confirmed that facial trauma surgery may be undertaken with an acceptably low complication rate. Numerous technical factors were thought to be responsible for this, including the use of miniplates for treatment in the majority of mandibular fractures, overcorrection of orbital volume in fractures involving the globe, and the use of a transconjunctival incision with a lateral canthotomy for access to the lower eyelid structures.
Flow maldistribution in packed beds: A comparison of measurements with predictions

Experimental measurements are reported on flow maldistribution in packed beds containing side streams and deliberately created spatially nonuniform resistance to flow. The actual experimental technique involved the determination of the velocity field of the gas stream exiting the column through the use of a hot wire anemometer. The experimental measurements were compared with predictions based on the numerical solution of the differential vectorial form of the Ergun equation and reasonable agreement was obtained. Both the measurements and the analysis confirmed the existence of preferential flow in the vicinity of the walls even for uniformly packed beds.
The Relationship Between Depression and Other Psychosocial Problems in a Sample of Adolescent Pregnancy Termination Patients

At-risk adolescents experience troubling levels of depression but there is a dearth of research related to the levels of depression and associated psychosocial problems experienced by adolescent abortion patients. The relationship between depression and 16 other psychosocial life problems is examined in a sample of adolescent pregnancy termination patients. Using the Multidimensional Adolescent Assessment Scale (MAAS), depression and related psychosocial problems are assessed in a sample of 120 U.S. abortion patients ages 14–21. In general, patients scoring above the clinical cutscore for depression also reported higher levels of psychosocial problems in the other areas. Depression was significantly associated with problems with self-esteem, stress, guilt and confused thinking. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
A Microfluidic Approach and Enhancement Towards a Colorimetric Enzyme-Linked-Immunosorbant-Assay for Diagnostic Detection of Infectious Diseases

Accounting for more than 13 million deaths a year, infectious diseases have become the world’s biggest killer of children and young adults worldwide [1]. Diagnostic tools and technologies are vital towards identifying the presence and treatment of these diseases. Detection methods have commonly relied on DNA using polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR), however antibody methods have become popular due to growing trends in technology and detection sensitivity. ImmPORT Therapeutics, a leading group in generating infectious disease proteome microarrays, has developed multiplex systems for comprehensive analysis of immune responses to multiple infectious diseases [2]. Current microarray handling however requires conventional lab-bench methods that require whole-day processes and large amounts of user-handling confined to laboratory settings. Miniaturization of laboratory processes would provide numerous advantages in terms of cost, time, portability and multistage automation in addition to what is already offered. The proposed microfluidic device is a colorimetric enzyme-linked-immunosorbant assay (ELISA) for antibody detection of infectious agents that draws on ImmPORT Therapeutics technology with a purpose of decreasing reagent volumes and times potentially unattainable through conventional methods.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Adult male-offspring play interactions within a captive group of Orang-utans (Pongo pygmaeus)

A family of four Sumatran Orang-utans was studied for three months under captive conditions. Thirty discrete playful interactions between a 19-year-old male and his four-year-old male offspring were analyzed from films and notes. Ten behaviors occurred in a typical play-bout, the most frequent of which were hand contact and mouth contact. Developmental studies of the motor patterns involved in orang-utan social behavior are greatly needed, as the orang is the least understood of the great apes.
72. A role for beta 2-adrenergic receptor signaling in the exercise-induced re-distribution of Th cells within an asthmatic lung

Moderate aerobic exercise has been documented to modify the immune system, specifically, by mediating a re-distribution of Th cells in vivo. In addition, it is well-established that exercise generates the soluble Beta 2-adrenergic receptor (B2-AR) agonist, epinephrine, in which Th cells can respond by their expression of B2-AR. Studies using a luciferase reporter for OVA-specific Th cells in an OVA-sensitized/challenged allergic asthma mouse model have shown a reduction in OVA-specific Th cell migration into the lungs when exercised, subsequently reducing asthma pathogenesis. In addition, investigations looking at lung-homing chemokine receptor presence on the surface of Th cells (CCR4 and CCR8) by flow cytometry revealed no difference between exercised and sedentary asthmatic mice. However, transmigration experiments demonstrated that exercised Th cell chemokine receptors, CCR4 and CCR8, are less functional than their sedentary counterparts. These data suggest exercised Th cells are less responsive to lung-homing chemokine gradients created by an asthmatic lung. Furthermore, studies using B2-AR−/− Th cells transferred to OVA sensitized/challenged recipient mice, showed a loss in exercise-mediated chemokine receptor desensitization in transmigration assays comparing exercised and sedentary B2-AR−/− Th cells. These studies demonstrate that moderate aerobic exercise training can alter Th cell migration into the asthmatic lung by modifying chemokine receptor function. Additionally, the data suggests a role for B2-AR signaling in mediating this exercise-induced chemokine receptor loss of function.
Elevations of creatine kinase in patients treated with imatinib mesylate (Gleevec

Imatinib mesylate is used with increasing frequency and duration for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), and other neoplastic conditions. Although muscular complaints are common, elevations of creatine kinase (CK) are listed as <1% in the product label. We describe here a case of rhabdomyolysis likely related to imatinib as well as the results of a prospective evaluation of CK levels in a cohort of patients on imatinib for CML or GIST. We found a high prevalence of CK abnormalities in this group and believe that CKs should be monitored during therapy with imatinib.
Conditioning Models of Anxiety

A critical examination is made of some behavioristic conceptualizations and treatments of chronic anxiety which are mostly based on a classically-conditioned fear model. A new model is proposed wherein it is assumed that tonic emotional states such as anxiety are more based on instrumental conditioning. This model has been successfully tested in experiments with monkeys. Questions remain about the relevance of this model with regard to the natural actual life etiology of these disorders.
Catheter-based antegrade intracoronary viral gene delivery with coronary venous blockade.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous antegrade myocardial gene transfer (PAMGT). A consistent and safe technique for in vivo gene transfer is required for clinic...
Measurement and reduction of quadrupole injection oscillations in the Fermilab Antiproton Accumulator

We have utilized a quadrupole pickup in the Fermilab Antiproton Accumulator to reduce quadrupole injection oscillations of 8.9-GeV reverse protons injected from the Main Ring onto the Accumulator extraction orbit. Quadrupole oscillations of the injected beam at (2q-1)f/sub 0/ due to lattice-function mismatch between the beam transfer line and the Accumulator were measured by the pickup. Minimization was accomplished by varying the strength of quadrupoles in the beamline. Comparison of the quadrupole oscillation data with a beamline model allowed empirical estimation of the matching lattice functions of the line.
A quantitative anharmonic analysis of the amide A band in α‐helical poly(L‐alanine)

Polarized ir spectra of oriented films ofa-helical poly(L-alanine) (a-PLA) have been obtained as a function of residual solvent dichloroacetic acid (DCA). The amide A, B, II, and V regions exhibit multiple bands whose structure depends on the residual DCA content, and those associated with the aI-PLA structure have been identified. A calculation of the relevant cubic anharmonic force constants indicates that, contrary to previous assignments, the overtone of amide II(A) is in Fermi resonance with the NH stretch fundamental, whose unperturbed frequency we now find to be at 3314 cm 21 , significantly higher than the previously suggested 3279 cm 21 . The presence of a structure in addition to the standardaI-PLA is indicated by our analysis. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopoly 49: 195-207, 1999
Cooperative learning in an undergraduate computer science curriculum

As a discipline, computer science has seen many dramatic changes. The content of the curriculum has for the most part kept pace with these changes. However the pedagogy has changed very little. Most computer science instruction uses the lecture method as the exclusive means of teaching the fundamentals of the material and out-of-class programming assignments to ensure appropriate programming skills are developed. In most cases, students learn to write short programs from scratch, by themselves. Compare this with the real world where programs are thousands or millions of lines long, are often extensively modified and maintained rather than merely constructed, are manipulated in a tool-rich environment, where work is almost always a team effort, and where the form of a solution has profound impact on future cost and performance. This clearly illustrates the problem. There is a serious mismatch between what is taught, how it is taught, and the emphasis it receives on one hand and what the consumers of the education actually need on the other. The University of Virginia began an ambitious undergraduate computer science curriculum revision in 1992. We discuss how we incorporated a cooperative learning environment into our new curriculum.
Histamine Production in Soy Extended Tuna Salads

Histamine production in tuna salads extended with textured soy protein (TSP) was evaluated. Salads were inoculated with five known histamine-producing bacteria and held at 8°C, 24°C, and 37°C for up to 48 hr. Addition of 30% TSP to tuna salads resulted in higher initial pH and favorable growth conditions for microorganisms and histidine decarboxylase activity. Addition of 15% TSP provided an initial pH for maximal enzyme and histamine production but somewhat slower microbial growth. Tuna salad extended with either 15% or 30% TSP developed toxic levels of histamine (>50 mg/l00 g) when held at either 24° or 37°C for 6 hr. Nonextended tuna salads did not develop toxic levels of histamine even when inoculated with known histamine-producing bacteria and held at 24° or 37°C for 48 hr.
Deaf and hard-of-hearing musicians: Crafting a narrative strategy

The topic of deafness has been studied in the field of music education; however, this work largely reflects hearing world perspectives. The author of this study, a music educator who identifies as ...
Interactive Learning in the Classroom: Is Student Response Method Related to Performance?

This study examined three methods of responding to in-class multiple-choice concept questions in an Introduction to Psychology course. Specifically, this study compared exam performance and student reactions using three methods of responding to concept questions: (a) a technology-based network system, (b) hand-held flashcards, and (c) hand raising. All students had positive reactions to the use of concept questions, but students using the technology-based system had the most positive reactions. However, type of response method was not related to exam performance.
Sex differences in hypothalamic astrocyte response to estradiol stimulation

Background: Reproductive functions controlled by the hypothalamus are highly sexually differentiated. One of the most dramatic differences involves estrogen positive feedback, which leads to ovulation. A crucial feature of this positive feedback is the ability of estradiol to facilitate progesterone synthesis in female hypothalamic astrocytes. Conversely, estradiol fails to elevate hypothalamic progesterone levels in male rodents, which lack the estrogen positive feedback-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. To determine whether hypothalamic astrocytes are sexually differentiated, we examined the cellular responses of female and male astrocytes to estradiol stimulation. Methods: Primary adult hypothalamic astrocyte cultures were established from wild type rats and mice, estrogen receptor-a knockout (ERKO) mice, and four core genotype (FCG) mice, with the sex determining region of the Y chromosome (Sry) deleted and inserted into an autosome. Astrocytes were analyzed for Sry expression with reverse transcription PCR. Responses to estradiol stimulation were tested by measuring free cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca 2+ ]i) with fluo-4 AM, and progesterone synthesis with column chromatography and radioimmunoassay. Membrane estrogen receptor-a (mERa) levels were examined using surface biotinylation and western blotting. Results: Estradiol stimulated both [Ca 2+ ]i release and progesterone synthesis in hypothalamic astrocytes from adult female mice. Male astrocytes had a significantly elevated [Ca 2+ ]i response but it was significantly lower than in females, and progesterone synthesis was not enhanced. Surface biotinylation demonstrated mERa in both female and male astrocytes, but only in female astrocytes did estradiol treatment increase insertion of the receptor into the membrane, a necessary step for maximal [Ca 2+ ]i release. Regardless of the chromosomal sex, estradiol facilitated progesterone synthesis in astrocytes from mice with ovaries (XX and XY - ), but not in mice with testes (XY - Sry and XXSry). Conclusions: Astrocytes are sexually differentiated, and in adulthood reflect the actions of sex steroids during development. The response of hypothalamic astrocytes to estradiol stimulation was determined by the presence or absence of ovaries, regardless of chromosomal sex. The trafficking of mERa in female, but not male, astrocytes further suggests that cell signaling mechanisms are sexually differentiated. Background Sex differences affect the physiological function of both gonadal and non-gonadal cellular systems. When gene expression was studied by microarray in a large number of mice, 55 to 72% of active genes showed sexual dimorphism in the liver, fat and muscle, and 13% of genes were sexually dimorphic in the brain [1]. These sex
Ovarian influences on female development: Revolutionary or evolutionary?

The Fitch & Denenberg target article focuses almost exclusively on short gestation mammals, which differ substantially from long-gestation mammals in the timing and type of hormonal contribution to their sexual differentiation. Conclusions regarding the role of ovaries in female sexual differentiation may accordingly apply to only a limited number of species. Specific criticisms of the organizational effects of hormones stem from an incomplete reading of the original literature. The mechanisms proposed in this target article reflect an extension of the principle of hormonal organization, not a revolutionary restructuring.
Teaching evidence-based practice on foot

Come along to watch some clinical teachers in action: 1. A hospital physician rounding with the team’s medical students examines a middle aged woman with upper extremity deep vein thrombosis. After the bedside visit, the attending asks aloud about the frequency of underlying diseases associated with this condition, admits aloud he doesn’t know the answer, and records the question concisely in his PDA.1 After rounds, the attending invites the students along as he finds and appraises evidence about this topic and “thinks aloud” about how he’ll use this knowledge in planning further testing. 2. An attending physician and 2 learners examine a patient with new onset congestive heart failure. After teaching how to hear a subtle S3 gallop with the stethoscope’s bell, the physician explains the accuracy and precision of this finding as a test for heart failure and provides a reference for further learning.2 3. After starting emergent therapy for a patient’s thyroid storm, an attending physician guides the team through the quantitative results of prognostic studies of this condition. The team then discusses how to use this evidence in counselling the patient.3 These teaching moments share 4 important features. Firstly, notice that the teaching is actually happening, despite the several barriers and disincentives clinical teachers face.4,5 Secondly, the teaching happens “on foot”—that is, during the course of busy clinical work, rather than off site.6 Thirdly, while not exclusively so, these episodes involve teaching-in-context at the bedside.7,8,9,10 This essay examines a fourth shared feature, the use of evidence from clinical care research. In all 3 episodes, the attending made conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of either the process of evidence-based learning or its yield.11 The subtle but important variations in how this was done can be described as …
Mining contiguous sequential patterns from web logs

Finding Contiguous Sequential Patterns (CSP) is an important problem in Web usage mining. In this paper we propose a new data structure, UpDown Tree, for CSP mining. An UpDown Tree combines suffix tree and prefix tree for efficient storage of all the sequences that contain a given item. The special structure of UpDown Tree ensures efficient detection of CSPs. Experiments show that UpDown Tree improves CSP mining in terms of both time and memory usage comparing to previous approaches.
EFFECTS OF SECONDARY AIR ON GLOBAL HYDROCARBON CONSUMPTION RATES IN ENGINE EXHAUST GAS

ABSTRACT The temperature required to obtain total hydrocarbon consumption within the exhaust port and manifold of an engine, which is operated with secondary air dilution during a cold–start, were computationally investigated using detailed chemistry and thermodynamic properties. Constant pressure calculations were carried out over ranges of equivalence ratio and dilution levels representative of an engine cold-start. The calculations were performed using both iso-octane and n-heptane as surrogate fuels. It was found that the temperature required to obtain total hydrocarbon consumption on a 100 ms timescale is in the 950 to 1000 K range for all pressures, secondary air dilution levels, and fuel types investigated. The dilution levels should be such that the overall O2/HC ratio in the exhaust gas is greater than 2 in order to achieve HC consumption at the lowest possible temperature. Thus, the biggest challenge for secondary air systems is being able to mix the air with the exhaust gas without decreasing t...
Antiproliferative withanolides from the Solanaceae: A structure–activity study

As part of our search for bioactive compounds from plant biodiversity, 29 with- anolides were recently isolated from three members of the Solanaceae: Physalis longifolia, Vassobia breviflora, and Withania somnifera. Six derivatives were prepared from these natu- rally occurring withanolides. All compounds were evaluated for in vitro antiproliferative activity against an array of cell lines (melanoma cell lines (B16F10, SKMEL28); human head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) cell lines (JMAR, MDA1986, DR081-1); breast cancer cell line (Hs578T), and non-malignant human cell line (MRC5)). This led to the discovery of 15 withanolides, with IC 50 values in the range of 0.067−17.4 μM, including withaferin A, withaferin A 4,27-diacetate, 27-O-glucopyranosylwithaferin A, withalongolide H, withalongolide C, withalongolide A, withalongolide A 4,27-diacetate, withalongolide A 4,19,27-triacetate, withalongolide B, withalongolide B 4-acetate, withalongolide B 4,19-diacetate, withalongolide D, withalongolide E, withalongolide G, and 2,3-dihydrowith- aferin A 3-O-sulfate. In order to update the growing literature on withanolides and their activ- ities, we summarized the distribution, structural types, and antiproliferative activities for all published withanolides to date. The structure-activity relationship analysis (SARA) con- firmed the importance of the presence of a Δ 2 -1-oxo-functionality in ring A, a 5β,6β-epoxy or 5α-chloro-6β-hydroxy grouping in ring B, and nine-carbon side chain with a lactone moi- ety for cytotoxic activity. Conversely, the SARA indicated that the -OH or -OR groups at C-4, 7, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 27, and 28 were not contributors to the observed antiproliferative activity within the systems analyzed.
Urban Underrepresentation in the U.S. Senate

Urban scholars have paid little or no attention to ramifications of the way the U.S. Senate is structured. Because of the Connecticut Compromise, the 26 smallest states with less than 18% of the U....
Feedback control of blood pressure evaluations by a simple mechanical device

Reducing the venous return in proportion to the blood pressure (BP) can prevent abnormal elevations of the latter. The possibility of applying this principle is examined for either permanent or acute control of a high BP. An implantable extravascular device based on this principle was applied in four dogs. One animal survived up to the 12th day and another was sacrificed in the 6th week. An external intravascular version was applied in four dogs. After setting the average BP to around 100 mm Hg, the device mitigated a metaraminol-induced BP elevation from about 240 to about 150 mm Hg without reducing BP when the hypertensive stimulus subsided. >
Current Strategies for Management of Influenza in the Elderly Population

Influenza virus remains among the most important pathogens infecting elderly people. Vaccination is the most cost-effective strategy to reduce morbidity and mortality due to influenza. For persons who are not vaccinated or for whom vaccines fail to prevent influenza, there are 2 classes of efficacious drugs for treatment or chemoprophylaxis: M2 channel inhibitors and neuraminidase inhibitors. Effective treatment, however, must commence within 48 h of the onset of symptoms, which can create problems for patients who wait to see whether their symptoms worsen or improve. Older adults who have relocated to the congregate housing environments of assisted living and long-term care facilities deserve special consideration, because influenza exposure risks are different for this group. Strategies for control of influenza must combine preventive approaches, such as vaccination, educational approaches, and the introduction of policies that allow health care professionals anticipate, identify, and efficiently respond to influenza outbreaks.
WHERE ARE ALL THE BOYS

We explore the gender gap in college completion among Blacks and Whites. Using the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988, we examine how early school achievement and educational expectations affect attainment by following a nationally representative sample of youths from 1988 (approximately age fourteen) to 2000 (approximately age twenty-six). The odds of attaining an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree among Black women are greater than the odds among White men after controlling for family socioeconomic status. However, the difference between Black men and White men is additionally dependent on differences in middle school and high school achievement and in high school sequencing.
Simulation of late Cenozoic South American flat-slab subduction using geodynamic models with data assimilation

Abstract The formation mechanisms of flat slabs in South America remain unclear. To quantitatively evaluate the earlier proposed mechanisms, we simulate the post-100 Ma subduction history below South America using 4-D geodynamic models by progressively incorporating plate kinematics, seafloor ages and key tectonic features including the buoyant oceanic crust, continental cratons, oceanic plateaus (i.e. the inferred Inca plateau, subducting Nazca Ridge and Juan Fernandez Ridge), as well as deformable trench profiles according to recent geological reconstructions. We find that, in the absence of an overriding plate and subducting buoyancy features, the seafloor age affects slab dip angle by controlling the slab's mechanical strength (i.e., the resistance to bending) and negative buoyancy (integrated positive density anomaly that enhances bending). Our models show that slab strength dominates its buoyancy at age >30 Ma and the opposite for younger ages. The existence of a thick overriding plate reduces the slab dip by increasing dynamic suction, and individual cratonic roots further lead to along-trench variations of dip angle reduction. While dynamic suction from the overriding plate generates a permanent reduction of the long-wavelength slab dip angle, it is the final addition of subducting oceanic plateau and aseismic ridges that produces the transient and localized flat-slabs as observed. These results suggest that all mechanisms except the buoyancy features affect the slab dip only at large spatial scales. Our best-fit model with all the above tectonic features included provides a good match to both the upper mantle Benioff zones and the temporal evolution of volcanic arcs since the mid-Miocene. The imperfect match of the Peruvian flat-slab is likely associated with the uncertain 3-D configuration of the Amazonian craton.
Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization on Cotton Under Boll Weevil Attack in North Carolina

Square, bloom, and boll production of cotton increased as nitrogen fertilization was increased from 35 to 105 lb per acre. More boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, were attracted to the more heavily fertilized cotton, and greater numbers of squares and bolls were damaged by weevils. However, the percentage of damaged fruits did not vary significantly. Consequently, both yield and weevil damage increased as nitrogen fertilization was increased.
Observations on Simultaneous Quadratic Equations

(1928). Observations on Simultaneous Quadratic Equations. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 35, No. 7, pp. 337-346.
Memory-based Adaptive System Control with an example of Double Inverted Pendulum.

m0 Mass of the moving cart m1 Mass of the weight attached at the end of the rst pendulum m2 Mass of the weight attached at the end of the second pendulum L1 Length of the rst pendulum L2 Length of the second pendulum x Position of the moving cart 1 Angle deviation of the rst pendulum from the vertical axis 2 Angle deviation of the second pendulum from the vertical axis _ x Velocity of the cart _ 1 Angular velocity of the rst pendulum _ 2 Angular velocity of the second pendulum