cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Stromal Progenitor and ILC2 Niche Promotes Eosinophilia in Skeletal Muscle

Chronic muscle inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a lethal muscle disorder attributed to dystrophin gene mutations. However, the function and regulation of eosinophilia, an unappreciated facet of type II innate immunity in dystrophic muscle, remain poorly understood. Here, we report the novel observation that group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are present in skeletal muscle and are the principal regulators of muscle eosinophilia during muscular dystrophy. Eosinophils were elevated in DMD patients and dystrophic mice, along with the major eosinophil survival factor, interleukin-5 (IL-5). ILC2s were present in healthy skeletal muscle, were activated and expanded in number during muscular dystrophy in mice, and were the sole source of IL-5. Muscle ILC2s were expanded by IL-33, which was upregulated in dystrophic muscle and was predominantly produced by fibro/adipogenic progenitor cells (FAPs). Exogenous IL-33 also promoted muscle eosinophilia, which was further augmented by combined treatment with IL-2 complex (IL-2c). The deletion of ILC2s in dystrophic mice prevented eosinophilia and mitigated the IL-33/IL-2c-mediated increase of muscle eosinophils and IL-5 expression. Our findings establish that interactions between FAPs and ILC2s regulate type II innate immunity in dystrophic muscle and promote muscle eosinophilia during muscular dystrophy.
P113 Parental Correlates of Preschoolers’ Physical Activity

Background In combination with healthy eating, physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle that can help prevent a range of chronic diseases among children. As role models and gatekeepers, parents can influence children's eating and physical activity behaviors through healthy practices, helping and teaching children to make healthy choices for themselves that will last a lifetime. Objective To investigate the associations between demographic characteristics, parental feeding practices, and child physical activity in preschool-age children. Study Design, Setting, Participants Participants of this cross-sectional study included parents (n = 273) of preschool-age children ages 3 to 5 years, recruited from early childhood education centers (n = 24). Measurable Outcome/Analysis Independent variables (IVs) included parent and child demographics, parent weight status, feeding practices, parent role modeling, home meal preparation, and child fruit and vegetable consumption. Binary dependent variables (DVs) included participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and participation in physical activity for more than 60 minutes a day (TPA). Logistic regression models determined associations between IVs and DVs. Results The participant's married status (OR = 3.625, CI = 3.609-3.641), child weight (OR = 2.920, CI = 2.905-2.935), and less spousal meal preparation (OR = 0.450, CI = 0.448-0.451) were associated with MVPA. On the other hand, lower parent weight (OR = 0.366, CI = 0.364-0.368), less food restriction (OR = 0.509, CI = 0.508-0.511), and more food monitoring (OR = 1.618, CI = 1.615-1.622) were associated with TPA. Conclusion Overall, the results suggest that parent characteristics and feeding practices are associated with child physical activity. Addressing this interconnectedness between eating and physical activity will allow families and providers to better understand how to promote healthy behaviors in children.
Solid–electrolyte-interphase design in constrained ensemble for solid-state batteries

Solid-state-batteries (SSBs) represent one of the most promising directions in the energy-storage field. The development of SSBs, however, is currently limited by the complex [electro-]chemical reactions that inevitably occur at the interface of solid-state electrolyte (SSE) particles. Moreover, given the material complexity of such systems, there is no straightforward methodology for addressing these interface instabilities. In this work, a combined high-throughput ab initio computation and machine learning approach is used to study and design solid-state solid–electrolyte-interphase (SEI) with tunable electrochemical stabilities using our unique constrained ensemble description. Machine learning reveals that the ability of a solid-state SEI to be stabilized by the mechanical constriction effect is a nonconvex and nonlinear, but deterministic none-the-less, function of composition. The power of this approach is demonstrated using the interface of glass and ceramic sulfide families of solid-electrolytes. Finally, it is experimentally verified that the designed interfaces, in fact, decompose and electrochemically passivate based on our predictions.
Critical Issues in the Science of Reading: Striving for a Wide-Angle View in Research:

This report reflects a panel presentation and discussion at the 2020 Literacy Research Conference focused on the science of reading (SoR). Each panelist presents a summary of the presentation and i...
Revisiting 3D ResNets for Video Recognition

A recent work from Bello shows that training and scaling strategies may be more significant than model architectures for visual recognition. This short note studies effective training and scaling strategies for video recognition models. We propose a simple scaling strategy for 3D ResNets, in combination with improved training strategies and minor architectural changes. The resulting models, termed 3D ResNet-RS, attain competitive performance of 81.0 on Kinetics-400 and 83.8 on Kinetics-600 without pre-training. When pre-trained on a large Web Video Text dataset, our best model achieves 83.5 and 84.3 on Kinetics-400 and Kinetics-600. The proposed scaling rule is further evaluated in a self-supervised setup using contrastive learning, demonstrating improved performance. Code is available at: this https URL.
A Review of “Ecotourism, NGOs and Development”

Ecotourism, NGOs and Development follows Butcher's previous text, The Moralisation of Tourism: Sun, Sand and… Saving the World (Butcher 2003), which explored the growth of extraneous moral concerns...
Age at deafening affects the stability of learned song in adult male zebra finches.

Male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) master the imitation of a song model 80–90 d after hatching and retain it with little change for the rest of their lives. Acquisition and maintenance of this imitation require intact hearing. A previous report showed that male zebra finches deafened as adults start to lose some of the acoustic and temporal features of their song a few weeks after deafening and that by 16 weeks the learned song is severely degraded (Nordeen and Nordeen, 1992). However, this previous study noted no correlation between the age at deafening and the subsequent timing and extent of song loss. We deafened adult male zebra finches ranging in age from 81 d to 6 years. The song of birds deafened at the younger ages (81–175 d) deteriorated severely after a few weeks, and within that age bracket, the older the bird was at deafening, the longer it took for this degradation to occur and the slower the subsequent process of song deterioration. The song of birds deafened at 2 years and older showed little change during the first 51 weeks after deafening but was grossly altered by 100 weeks. We suggest (1) that this age effect could be independent of experience or (2) that each time a bird sings, a little bit of learning—motor engrainment—occurs, adding to memory duration in a cumulative manner.
The loosely-synchronous transfer mode

This paper overviews the novel Loosely-synchronous Transfer Mode (LTM). In LTM, the network signals sources about its current status, that is, destinations to which frames are being currently routed and quality of service that is being provided. By using the signals, sources schedule frame transmissions to occur when the network is delivering the most adequate service. The Synchronous Protocol Stack (SPS) builds on LTM to deliver synchronization signals from LTM upwards to applications. SPS can use any current transport protocol with no changes and, additionally, enhance it with real time and capabilities made possible through LTM.
Time-Delayed Converter-Reshuffling: An Efficient and Secure Power Delivery Architecture

In this letter, a time-delayed converter-reshuffling (CoRe) technique is proposed as a countermeasure against machine learning based differential power analysis (DPA) attacks where the attacker can synchronize the sampling frequency with the operating frequency of the device under attack. The proposed time-delayed CoRe technique exploits the distributed nature of multiphase switched capacitor voltage converters where half of the converter stages are delayed to eliminate the risk of having zero power trace entropy (PTE) under machine learning based DPA attacks. A high PTE value is maintained (above 3.2 for a 64-phase time-delayed CoRe technique) regardless of the phase difference between the attacker’s sampling rate and the operating frequency. In addition, the minimum PTE value of the proposed time-delayed CoRe technique is enhanced from zero to $ \sim 3$ by inserting a certain time-delay to half of the converter stages.
Contraceptive Attitudes and Practices: A Comparison of Nonpregnant College Females and Those with Problem Pregnancies.

The premarital contraceptive attitudes and practices of college females with problem pregnancies were compared with those of sexually active nonpregnant college females. Secondary study purposes included the following: 1) determining the relationship between contraceptive attitudes and practices; 2) comparing these relationships between the 2 groups; and 3) measuring additional selected variables with regard to the sexual and contraceptive behavior of the subjects. Study subjects were selected from a large midwestern university. Data were collected from the pregnant subjects when they received abortion counseling at the campus health service. The age of each group of subjects ranged from 18-23 years. There were 20 white and 3 black subjects in each group. There were no significant differences in Premarital Contraceptive Attitude scores between the 2 groups. Both groups reflected a high degree of favorableness toward the use of contraception during premarital sexual intercourse. There were significant differences in the effectiveness of contraceptive practices between the 2 groups with the nonpregnant group exhibiting a considerably higher level of contraceptive effectiveness. Ineffective contraceptive practices were a major contributing factor to the occurrence of problem pregnancies. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups for age at 1st intercourse. 22 of the pregnant females had experienced unprotected intercourse in the past 6 months; only 9 of the nonpregnant females had done so.
Geppetto: an environment for the efficient control and transmission of digital puppetry

An evolution of remote control puppetry systems is presented. These systems have been designed to provide high quality trainer to trainee communication in game scenarios containing multiple digital puppets with interaction occurring over long haul networks. The design requirements were to support dynamic switching of control between multiple puppets; suspension of disbelief when communicating through puppets; sensitivity to network bandwidth requirements; and as an affordable tool for professional interactive trainers (Interactors). The resulting system uses a novel pose blending solution guided by a scaled down desktop range motion capture controller as well as traditional button devices running on an standard game computer. This work incorporates aspects of motion capture, digital puppet design and rigging, game engines, networking, interactive performance, control devices and training.
Racial Differences in the Survival of Childhood B-Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Pediatric Oncology Group Study

PURPOSE: We conducted a historic cohort study to test the hypothesis that, after adjustment for biologic factors, African-American (AA) children and Spanish surname (SS) children with newly diagnosed B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia had lower survival than did comparable white children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1981 to 1994, 4,061 white, 518 AA, and 507 SS children aged 1 to 20 years were treated on three successive Pediatric Oncology Group multicenter randomized clinical trials. RESULTS: AA and SS patients were more likely to have adverse prognostic features at diagnosis and lower survival than were white patients. The 5-year cumulative survival rates were (probability ± SE) 81.9% ± 0.6%, 68.6% ± 2.1%, and 74.9% ± 2.0% for white, AA, and SS children, respectively. Adjusting for age, leukocyte count, sex, era of treatment, and leukemia blast cell ploidy, we found that AA children had a 42% excess mortality rate compared with white children (proportional hazards ratio [PHR] = 1.42; 95% confidence...
A new insertion sequence, IS121, is found on the Mu dI1 (Ap lac) bacteriophage and the Escherichia coli K-12 chromosome.

Abstract We have discovered a new insertion sequence, now designated IS121, as a component of the Mu dI1 (Ap lac) phage. This sequence is 1.2 kilobases long and contains single recognition sites for the HincII, Bg1II, and HindIII restriction endonucleases. IS121 is present in at least three copies in the chromosome of several Escherichia coli K-12 strains. When present in the nonconjugative plasmid pBR322, IS121 can mediate cointegrate formation with an F' lac plasmid and transfer of pBR322 sequences to suitable recipients. IS121 is also capable of precise or nearly precise excision. As part of the study of IS121, we have determined the physical structure of the Mu dI1 (Ap lac) phage and established an extensive restriction endonuclease map of this phage. A revised schema for the formation of the Mu dI1 (Ap lac) phage is presented.
The absorption efficiency and respiration rate of the Florida lancelet, Branchiostoma floridae.

Abstract The present study investigates some aspects of the digestive biology and physiological energetics of the Florida lancelet, Branchiostoma floridae . Florida lancelets are able to remove 47.2–56.9% of the energy from a diet of mixed algae. The respiration rate is 0.100 mL O 2 (STPD) h − 1 g − 1 (wet), which estimates a metabolic rate of 0.248 J h − 1 , at an average body mass of 0.125 g (wet). Published values of the chlorophyll a concentration in its natural habitat indicate that a 125 mg lancelet would need to filter 0.018–0.031 L h − 1 to remove sufficient food to support its resting metabolism. The filtration rate of lancelets has been reported as 0.138 L h − 1 , indicating that the actual filtration rate is 4–7 times greater than the filtration rate needed to meet resting metabolic demands. It appears that lancelets have the potential to be raised in aquaculture, because their absorption efficiency and respiration rate are comparable to suspension-feeding invertebrates that have been successfully aquacultured.
Influence of large doses of ascorbic acid on performance, plasma calcium, bone characteristics, and eggshell quality in broilers and Leghorn hens.

Four experiments were conducted using broilers (Experiments 1 and 2) or White Leghorn hens (Experiments 3 and 4) to determine the effects of large doses of dietary ascorbic acid on performance, plasma concentration of total and ionic calcium, bone characteristics, and eggshell quality. A total of 564 male broilers were fed diets containing ascorbic acid (ranging from 0 to 3,000 ppm) from 3 to 7 wk of age. Weight gain and feed conversion were measured, and blood plasma was analyzed for total and ionic calcium. Leg bones (femur, tibia, and metatarsus) were analyzed for bone mineral content, density, and breaking strength. In Experiments 3 and 4, a total of 484 Leghorn hens were fed diets containing ascorbic acid (ranging from 0 to 3,000 ppm) for 4 wk. Egg weight and specific gravity were determined, and plasma and tibiae were analyzed as in Experiments 1 and 2. Results of the broiler experiment (Experiment 2) indicated that plasma ionic calcium was significantly increased (P < .05) in ascorbic-acid-treated birds. Among leg bones examined, femur strength was improved by 16% in birds fed 2,000 ppm of ascorbic acid (Experiment 2). Other bone characteristics were not affected. In the layer experiments (Experiments 3 and 4), egg weight increased up to 5% and egg specific gravity was improved in hens fed 2,000 or 3,000 ppm of ascorbic acid, which also had increased calcium in the blood. Results suggest that large doses of ascorbic acid in the diet influence calcium metabolism, affecting bone and eggshell mineralization in chickens.
Laboratory Simulation of Arched Magnetic Flux Rope Eruptions in the Solar Atmosphere

Dramatic eruption of an arched magnetic flux rope in a large ambient plasma has been studied in a laboratory experiment that simulates coronal loops. The eruption is initiated by laser generated plasma flows from the footpoints of the rope that significantly modify the magnetic-field topology and link the magnetic-field lines of the rope with the ambient plasma. Following this event, the flux rope erupts by releasing its plasma into the background. The resulting impulse excites intense magnetosonic waves that transfer energy to the ambient plasma and subsequently decay.
Crystallinity in chemically crosslinked low density polyethylenes: 1. Structural and fusion studies

Abstract The level of extractables, crystallinity, unit cell parameters and other structural information have been obtained for low density polyethylene crosslinked using weight fractions of dicumyl peroxide from 0.9 to 6.8%. Since the presence of the extractable fraction influences the overall structure as well as the crystallization and melting behaviour studies have been carried out of the gel and sol fractions in addition to the as-crosslinked polymers. Evidence suggests that when crystallized above 100°C the sol fraction of the as-crosslinked polymer either self-crystallizes or selectively crystallizes with the most linear section of the gel network.
Nickel release from earrings purchased in the United States: the San Francisco earring study.

Background Nickel sensitization is frequent among US patients with dermatitis and in the general population. In Europe, decreasing prevalences of nickel sensitization are observed as a result of the European Union Nickel Directive. However, no directive exists in the United States. Objectives We sought to examine nickel release from inexpensive earrings and discuss possible methods of reducing nickel exposure among consumers. Methods A total of 34 different stores and artists were visited. A total of 277 earrings were purchased and examined with the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test. Results DMG-positive earrings were identified from local artists (69%) and tourist stores (42.9%) but also chain stores targeting young (24.1%) and mature (1.7%) women. No correlation between price and outcome of DMG testing was identified. Limitations Our study does not reflect buying trends in the United States. Pretreatment of earrings with artificial sweat was not performed and the DMG may lead to both false-positive and false–negative results. Conclusions Nickel exposure from inexpensive earrings is frequent in the United States. A regulatory governmental intervention may be warranted.
Coverage for composite event detection in wireless sensor networks

A wireless sensor network can detect single (or atomic) events or composite events. Since sensors are battery powered and in general, it is hard to recharge them, energy management is always an important issue. In this paper, we study the SCED problem; given a wireless sensor network deployed for watching a composite event x1, x2, … , xM, design a sensor scheduling mechanism such that the set of active sensors ensure the coverage and connectivity conditions and WSN lifetime is maximized. Network lifetime is organized in rounds. Each round has two phases: initialization and data collection. In the initialization phase, the goal is to choose a set of active sensors as sensing nodes or relay nodes such that to achieve both coverage and connectivity requirements. Sensors which are not chosen to be active go to sleep to save energy. In the data collection phase, active sensors perform sensing and data relaying. When another round begins, a new set of active sensors are determined. Two solutions are proposed for the SCED problem, a grid-based distributed algorithm and a localized algorithm. We analyze their performance through simulations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intussusception in children: evidence-based diagnosis and treatment

Keywords Intussusception.Infantsandchildren.Enema.BowelobstructionIntroduction and goals of imagingIntussusception is an invagination of the bowel into itself,usually involving both small and large bowel. The moreproximal bowel that herniates into more distal bowel iscalled the intussusceptum and bowel that contains it is calledthe intussuscipiens. It is an emergent condition where delayin diagnosis is common, which may lead to bowelperforation, obstruction, and necrosis. Most cases in infantsand young children are ‘idiopathic’ in that the etiology of theintussusception is due to hypertrophied lymphoid tissue inthe terminal ileum which results in ileocolic intussusception.The goal of initial bowel imaging is early detection (orexclusion)ofintussusceptiontoenableenemareductionoftheintussusception.Additionalimagingstudiesmaybeperformedto further characterize indeterminate results, possible leadpoints,incompletereduction,andrecurrenceofintussusception.EpidemiologyIntussusception is second only to pyloric stenosis as a causeof obstruction in children; it is the most common cause ofsmall bowel obstruction in children and occurs in at least 56children/100,000/year in the USA [1]. Viruses are associ-ated with intussusception, particularly adenovirus [1].Intussusception occurs most commonly in infants aged 5–9 months (67% occur by age 1 year) [2]. The classic triad ofcolicky abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody stools ispresent in less than 25% children [3–5]. Delay in diagnosisand treatment is not uncommon, making enema reductionless successful, bowel resection more likely, and death dueto bowel ischemia possible [2, 6–8]. There were 323intussusception-associated deaths in American infantsreported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) between1979 and 1997.Abdominal radiographsThe presence of a curvilinear mass within the course of thecolon (the crescent sign), particularly in the transversecolon just beyond the hepatic flexure, is a nearly patho-gnomonic sign of intussusception. The absence of bowelgas in the ascending colon is one of the most specific signsof intussusception on radiographs [9]. However, abdominalradiographs have low sensitivity (45%) and therefore arenot recommended to diagnose intussuception.The increasing role of ultrasoundIntussusception can be reliably diagnosed when a ‘donut’,‘target’ or ‘pseudokidney’ sign is seen with sonography[10–13].The optimal US technique in this population iswell described and includes the use of a linear transducer[11–15]. US also plays a role in the evaluation ofreducibility of the intussusception, the presence of apathologic lead point (PLP) mass, intussusception limitedto small bowel, the diagnosis or exclusion of residual
The use of multiscale systems biology approaches to facilitate understanding of complex control systems for airway protection.

Airway protection is a critically important function that prevents/limits the intrusion of foreign material into the pulmonary tree. A host of different behaviors participate in this process. The control, coordination, and execution of these behaviors is a complex process that has recently received increased attention. Data from human clinical and animal studies support the concept of a coordinated neural control system that governs the appropriate expression and sequencing of airway protective behaviors. Our current knowledge of the proposed neural control network for breathing, cough, swallow and other airway protective behaviors indicates that it is a highly complex system that can ‘rewire’ (reconfigure) itself to perform several different functions. Computational modeling and simulation have been used as tools to investigate this system. The results of modeling efforts have yielded motor output patterns of upper airway and respiratory muscles that are very similar to those recorded in vivo. Regulation and coordination of multiple different airway protective behaviors have been successfully simulated. Outcomes of simulation efforts support the hypothesis that computational modeling of airway protection can yield important testable hypotheses regarding brainstem neural network functions and organization. Modeling of complex systems can be challenging but the open availability of straight-forward computational tools is likely to result in increased implementation of modeling and simulation as adjuncts to traditional methods of investigation of the control of the upper airway.
Petroleum hydrocarbon toxicity studies. VIII. Animal and human response to vapors of "140 degrees Flash Aliphatic Solvent".

Abstract The suggested hygienic standard for human inhalation of “140° Flash Aliphatic Solvent”, based upon the results of inhalation studies with rats and dogs and upon the sensory response of human subjects is 0.23 mg/liter (37 ppm), the highest vapor level obtained at ambient temperature. Inhalation by rats of concentrations of vaporaerosol in excess of 1.9 mg/liter for 8 hr caused irritation of the extremities and slight loss of coordination but no deaths. During the 8-hr inhalation of essentially saturated vapor (0.21 mg/liter, 33 ppm) at 25°C, one beagle had transitory lacrimation but no other signs of distress. Four cats that inhaled saturated vapor and perhaps some aerosol for 6 hr showed no signs indicative of central nervous system effect. Following inhalation of a concentration of 0.23 mg/liter (37 ppm), 5 days/week, 6 hr/day for 72 and 73 days, respectively, body weights of rats and dogs were not affected nor were there any hematological, biochemical, or histopathological abnormalities discovered. This concentration, which represents air approximately saturated with the vapor at room temperature, was considered the no-ill-effect level for both species. The odor threshold, as determined by a sniff test involving six human subjects, was approximately 0.004 mg/liter (0.6 ppm). During a 15-min period in approximately saturated vapor at room temperature the only evidence of discomfort was mild, nonpersistent irritation in one of six human subjects.
Orthodromic Tachycardia Initiation Dependent on 1:2 Atrioventricular Conduction in the Presence of a Left Lateral Bypass Tract

This report describes a patient who presented with atrial fibrillation associated with a rapid ventricular response (270 bpm) and wide QRS complexes. At the time of electrophysiology study, a left lateral bypass tract with both anterograde and retrograde conduction was demonstrated. Orthodromic tachycardia with atrial premature impulses was initiated and was dependent on two ventricular responses to one atrial impulse. Intravenous procainamide administration had little effect on anterograde or retrograde conduction in the accessory pathway; however, it prevented orthodromic tachycardia initiation with atrial premature impulses by prolonging atrial muscle refractoriness.
A Field Analysis of System-level Effects of Soft Errors Occurring in Microprocessors used in Information Systems

Soft errors due to alpha and cosmic particles are a growing reliability threat to information systems. In this work, a methodology is developed to analyze the effects of single event upsets (SEU) and obtain FIT rates for commercial microprocessors in live information systems. Our methodology is based on data collected from error logs and error traces of the information systems present globally in the field. We also compare the system effects of errors that are suspected to be due to SEUs as compared with non-SEU errors. Soft errors are further localized within specific microprocessor resources with the assistance of the machine check architecture. The analyzed field data represents a world-wide population of microprocessors installed in the field. In total, several thousands systems and thirty-six months of field data were analyzed. The methodology used in carrying out this field analysis is discussed in detail and results are presented.
Reduced photoreceptor death and improved retinal function during retinal degeneration in mice lacking innate immunity adaptor protein MyD88

The injury inflammatory response mediated by the innate immune system is an important contributor to neurodegeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) and retina. A major branch of the innate immune system is regulated by the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which are receptors for endogenous damage associated molecules released from injured cells as well as pathogen-derived molecules, and interleukin-1 receptors (IL-1R), which are activated by IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-18 cytokines. TLRs and IL-1R are expressed on immune and non-immune cell types and act as first responders to cell damage, which results in tissue repair, or inflammation and apoptosis. Both TLR and IL-1R require the adaptor protein myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) for signaling. Although inflammation is implicated in neuronal death in the retina, the role of MyD88-dependent TLR and IL-1R signaling in retinal degeneration is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of MyD88-mediated signaling in neuronal degeneration in the retinal degeneration 1 (rd1) mouse model, which exhibits a phenotype of rapid photoreceptor death and inflammation. To generate rd1 mice lacking the MyD88 gene, rd1 were bred with MyD88 knockout mice (MyD88(-/-)) for several generations to produce rd1/MyD88(+/+) and rd1/MyD88(-/-) genotypes. Chemokine mRNA expression levels were analyzed by qRT-PCR, and recruitment of activated microglia was quantified by immunodetection of the IBA-1 protein. Retinal outer nuclear layer cell counts were performed to quantify photoreceptor degeneration, and retinal function was assessed using electroretinograms (ERG). Our results revealed that retinal expression of Ccl2, Ccl4, Ccl7 and Cxcl10 was reduced by 2 to 8-fold in rd1/MyD88(-/-) mice compared with rd1/MyD88(+/+) mice (p<0.05), which coincided with attenuated microglial activation, higher numbers of photoreceptors and higher retina responses to photopic and scotopic stimuli. At later ages, rd1/MyD88(-/-) had reduced chemokine expression and higher photopic responses but no change in microglial recruitment compared with rd1 mice with functional MyD88. In conclusion, lack of MyD88-mediated signaling increased photoreceptor survival and retina function in rd1 mice, which implicates MyD88-mediated innate immunity pathways as an important pathogenic factor during retinal degeneration.
A new two-dimensional position sensitive proportional counter

Abstract A new scheme for two dimensional position encoding has been devised for position sensitive proportional counters (PSPC). The method involves charge division at the cathode of the detector, similar to the “wedge and strip” approach. The intrinsic spacial resolution of the encoding scheme suggests the possibility of applying this scheme to other two-dimensional detectors, such as micro-channel plates or photodiodes.
Buckling and initial post-buckling behavior of clamped shallow spherical sandwich shells

Abstract This paper presents the development of a set of nonlinear differential equations that are suitable for the analysis of the buckling and initial post-buckling behavior of thin shallow spherical sandwich shells under axisymmetrical loads. The boundary value problems associated with the axisymmetrical, asymmetrical and initial post-buckling behaviors for clamped shallow spherical sandwich shells under certain axisymmetrical loads are developed also. Finally, numerical results of the buckling and initial post-buckling behavior of the clamped shallow spherical sandwich shell under pressures that are distributed uniformly over the entire reference surface of the shell are studied for face sheets of the same material and equal thicknesses. The numerical results show that the buckling and initial post-buckling behavior for the sandwich cap is very similar to that for the classical homogeneous cap.
Formation of vibrationally excited hydrogen molecules on a graphite surface

Abstract We study the recombination of hydrogen atoms on graphite grains in the limits of strong and weak interactions using a trajectory procedure. In the limit of strong gas–surface interaction dominated by chemisorption energies, the total reaction cross-section is 0.375 A 2 and the vibrational energies of H 2 (g) distribute between v =0 and 3. When the interaction is a Van der Waals type, σ is found to be as large as 17.4 A 2 and in this weak interaction limit, most of the reaction exothermicity is carried away by the vibrational motion of H 2 (g) producing strong excitation.
The relationship of cognitive style to the derivation of information requirements

The failure of information systems stems not from activities during their implementation but usually because of poor planning in the early stages of systems development (Bostrom and Heinen, 1977; DeBrabander and Thiers, 1984; Robey and Markus, 1984).
DNA-induced conformational changes are the basis for cooperative dimerization by the DNA binding domain of the retinoid X receptor

Dimerization of the DNA-binding domains of nuclear hormone receptors occurs in a manner that is highly cooperative with DNA binding. We have investigated the molecular basis for this cooperativity through an NMR study of the interaction between the monomeric DNA-binding domain (DBD) of the retinoid-X-receptor (RXR) and a single DNA half-site. Major changes were observed in the chemical shifts of the backbone resonances and in the pattern of medium-range nuclear Overhauser enhancement connectivities of the RXR upon binding to DNA, indicating that the DNA induces conformational changes in the monomer. Binding to DNA induces and stabilizes the structure in a region of the second zinc binding domain that forms the dimerization interface when RXR binds as a dimer to a direct repeat recognition element. These studies provide direct experimental evidence that DNA-induced protein conformational changes constitute the molecular basis for cooperative enhancement of dimer formation and DNA binding by the nuclear hormone receptor DBDs. In contrast to the localized folding induced in the dimerization interface, DNA binding leads to unfolding of the C-terminal helix found in the free RXR DBD. Unwinding of this helix may facilitate homodimer formation by maximizing interactions between the two DNA-bound RXR domains.
Improved fixed-width confidence intervals for the largest normal mean

Fixed-width confidence Intervals for the largest normal mean which are based on Stein's two-stage sampling procedure have been developed by Chen and Dudewicz ( 1976 ), These intervals are constructed using the generalized sample mean proposed in Stein (1945). It is shown that a larger confidence coefficient results if rhe generalized sample mean is replaced by the usual sample mean of all the observations. In addition, a modest reduction in the expected total sample size is obtained along with a simplified calculation procedure. The method of analysis is based on the work of Ruben ( 1962 ) and should have similar applications in studying the relationship of generalized sample means and overall simple means in ether two-stage procedures.
Times of Life and Timing in Developmental Psychology

For the many aspects of psychological time, there are many approaches to understanding, including cultural theories, psychological studies, philosophical analyses and mathematical models. A useful approach is to assume that there are many kinds of psychological time in coexistence, and to distinguish their different cultural and meaning-based contexts, as do Yamada and Kato (2006). From a different perspective, Rudolph (2006) presents rigorous mathematical models of psychological time, in the hope that psychologists will apply them as ways to gain insights into experience and change. This discussion enjoins some qualities of time, attention and ambivalence (Rudolph’s themes) to properties of dialectical structures (Hood, 1995), with fluctuation as a source of individuality within the spiraling cycles of reversible time proposed by Yamada and Kato. Fluctuations at a border, especially a fractal border, may show the way in which a present experience contains traces of the past and constructions of the futur...
Handedness not a function of birth order.

IT has been suggested1 on the basis of a survey of 648 university students (95 left handed = 14.7%) that handedness is a function of birth order and that left handedness may be caused by neurological insults associated with prenatal or birth trauma. I here report a similar survey of 974 university students (141 left handed =14.5%).
ATE Project: Community College Alice 2 to Alice 3

This panel presentation will include an overview of an NSF-sponsored project designed to provide professional development workshops for community college faculty and develop curricular materials for Alice 3 in community college courses. In addition, the project included a mentor plan for community college faculty who desire to take on leadership roles in Alice programming training and support "for community college faculty by community college faculty." Co-PIs from each of the three participating community colleges in diverse (urban, rural, and Appalachian) regions will report on curricular development and evaluative results at their own campus.
Clonal Immortalized Human Glial Cell Lines Support Varying Levels of JC Virus Infection due to Differences in Cellular Gene Expression

JC virus (JCV) is a ubiquitous human polyomavirus that causes the demyelinating disease Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). JCV replicates in limited cell types in culture, predominantly in human glial cells. Following introduction of a replication defective SV40 mutant that expressed large T protein into a heterogeneous culture of human fetal brain cells, multiple phenotypes became immortalized (SVG cells). A subset of SVG cells could support JCV replication. In the current study, clonal cell lines were selected from the original SVG cell culture. The 5F4 clone showed low levels of viral growth. The 10B1 clone was highly permissive for JCV DNA replication and gene expression and supported persistent and stable JCV infection over months in culture. Microarray analysis revealed that viral infection did not significantly change gene expression in these cells. More resistant 5F4 cells expressed high levels of transcription factors known to inhibit JCV transcription. Interestingly, 5F4 cells expressed high levels of RNA of markers of radial glia and 10B1 cells had high expression of markers of immature glial cells and activation of transcription regulators important for stem/progenitor cell self-renewal. These SVG-derived clonal cell lines provide a biologically relevant model to investigate cell type differences in JCV host range and pathogenesis, as well as neural development. Several transcription regulators were identified which may be targets for therapeutic modulation of expression to abrogate JCV replication in PML patients. Additionally, these clonal cell lines can provide a consistent culture platform for testing therapies against JCV infection of the central nervous system.
BOUNDARY EFFECTS ON RESPONSE OF POLYETHYLENE PIPE UNDER SIMULATED LIVE LOAD

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the deflection response of polyethylene pipes when loaded near their ends. Tests were conducted on pipes loaded at the center and near their ends to simulate loading of a vehicle at the center of a roadway and on the shoulder. The tests were performed on 900-mm (36-in.) and 1200-mm (48-in.) diameter polyethylene pipes with 610-mm (2 ft) cover and a variety of backfills. Loads were applied through a 93 025-mm2 (1-ft2) plate that provides very severe loading conditions. At high contact stresses, the load test plate punched into the soil cover so that the crown of the pipe was subjected to stresses in excess of those that would have occurred if the soil surface were paved or stabilized or a less severe loading condition better representing a truck tire had been used. At contact stresses equivalent to moderate highway tire pressures, pipe deflections are slightly higher near the ends of the pipes than at the center. Except for low-density till, the percent deflection...
Chorionic villus sampling and the risk of adverse outcome in patients undergoing multifetal pregnancy reduction

Objective The objective of the study was to determine whether patients undergoing chorionic villus sampling (CVS) prior to MPR are at increased risk for adverse outcome compared to those who did not. Study Design We retrospectively identified multifetal pregnancy reduction (MPR) patients from an established database. Maternal demographic data were collected. Outcomes including complete pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks' gestation, gestational age at delivery, and birthweight were analyzed. Results There was no significant difference in pregnancy loss between the 2 groups (CVS [4%] vs no CVS [7%], P = .098). When stratified by finishing number, there was a significantly lower loss rate in the singleton CVS group (2% vs 9%, P = .025) and no significant difference in reduced twins. There was no significant difference in the average gestational age of delivery or birthweight. Conclusion CVS prior to MPR does not increase the risk of pregnancy loss. Our data suggest that CVS prior to singleton reduction may decrease the risk of adverse outcome.
Effect of GABA on the processing of interaural time differences in nucleus laminaris neurons in the chick

Neurons in the avian nucleus laminaris (NL) are the first to receive binaural information and are presumed to play a role in encoding interaural time differences (ITD). NL not only receives excitatory projections from the ipsi- and contralateral nucleus magnocellularis, but also receives inhibitory (GABAergic) input. This study investigates how GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) influences ITD coding in NL. Intracellular responses of chick NL neurons were studied in a brain slice preparation. Both excitatory inputs to NL were electrically activated and the delay between trains of bilateral stimuli (simulated-interaural time difference [s-ITD]) was varied. The resulting s-ITD functions were recorded in the presence of 0-75 microM GABA. The discharge rate of NL neurons varied with s-ITD. Cells responded maximally using s-ITDs at which the peak of the ipsi- and contralateral excitatory postsynaptic potentials occurred simultaneously (favourable s-ITD). At unfavourable s-ITDs, the discharge rates usually fell below unilateral levels. GABA had contrary effects on the s-ITD functions depending on the drug concentration. A low GABA dose enhanced excitability at favourable s-ITD, but not at unfavourable s-ITDs. In contrast, higher GABA concentrations diminished excitability. Moderate GABA concentrations had no consistent effect. These results suggest that the GABAergic input to NL will either increase or decrease the excitability of the NL neuron depending on the degree to which this GABAergic input is activated. A gain control hypothesis is presented in which the GABAergic input makes ITD processing in NL independent of the stimulus intensity by adjusting the excitability of NL neurons.
Peer 2 peer: efficacy of a course-based peer education intervention to increase physical activity among college students.

Abstract There are few physical activity (PA) interventions in higher education, and they have been only minimally effective. Objective: To determine if a course-based, peer education intervention was associated with increases in PA and physical fitness. Participants: Participants were 178 students enrolled in a personal health class during the 2007–2008 academic year. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used to assess the effect of the intervention. Repeated measures analysis of covariance was employed to test the impact of the intervention on students’ PA, body composition, waist-to-hip ratio, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and muscular strength. Results: Women in the treatment group classified as “Inactive” at baseline increased PA, whereas “Inactive” control women had reductions in PA. Women in the treatment group who were “Active” at baseline reduced their waist-to-hip ratio and increased flexibility. There were no differences by treatment group among men. Conclusions: The intervention was...
Action spectra for the initiation of bioluminescent flashing activity in males of twilight-active firefly Photinus scintillans (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

Abstract The action spectra [S(λ)-functions] for the initiation of bioluminescent flashing were determined in males of twilight-active firefly Photinus scintillans, using horizontal and vertical beams of spectral lights to simulate closed and open space in nature, respectively. The peak of the S(λ)-function in the horizontal beams was in the long (yellow, Fig. 3) and that for the vertical in the short (near-u.v. and blue, Fig. 5) wavelength region. It is concluded that both short and long wavelength visual receptors mediate the initiation of flashing behavior in males of those fireflies which restrict their flashing to twilight-hours. Furthermore under dim illumination conditions as in a closed space, the long wavelength receptor dominate the behavioral response, while in an open space with bright illumination conditions, the short wavelength receptors dominate.
The international standards for neurological classification of spinal cord injury: relationship between S4-5 dermatome testing and anorectal testing

The international standards for neurological classification of spinal cord injury: relationship between S4-5 dermatome testing and anorectal testing
Illness uncertainty, partner caregiver burden and support, and relationship satisfaction in fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis patients.

Objective Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by uncertainty in diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. This study assessed the role of uncertainty of illness in relationship satisfaction in patients with FMS and osteoarthritis (OA). Methods A total of 51 patients with FMS responded to self-report instruments assessing their uncertainty about their illness, functional ability, average pain, and relationship satisfaction. Their partners independently reported on their sense of caregiver burden and their supportiveness toward the patients. Thirty-two patients with OA and their partners served as a control group. Results Patients' functional ability and pain were related to partner caregiver burden. Partner caregiver burden was related to lower levels of partner supportiveness for the FMS dyads, but not for the OA dyads. Relationship satisfaction of patients with FMS was related to their higher levels of uncertainty of illness in interaction with their functional disability and pain and their partners' supportiveness. Under high levels of uncertainty of illness, low levels of partner supportiveness were related to lower patient relationship satisfaction, whereas low levels of uncertainty of illness were significant interacting variables in the OA sample. Conclusion The results suggest that uncertainty of illness is a prominent feature affecting patients with FMS in their relationships with their partners. Suggestions for additional research to explore the role of uncertainty of illness in social relationships are presented, and the therapeutic implications for patient/partner relationships are explored.