cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Validation of Image-Based Method for Extraction of Coronary Morphometry

An accurate analysis of the spatial distribution of blood flow in any organ must be based on detailed morphometry (diameters, lengths, vessel numbers, and branching pattern) of the organ vasculature. Despite the significance of detailed morphometric data, there is relative scarcity of data on 3D vascular anatomy. One of the major reasons is that the process of morphometric data collection is labor intensive. The objective of this study is to validate a novel segmentation algorithm for semi-automation of morphometric data extraction. The utility of the method is demonstrated in porcine coronary arteries imaged by computerized tomography (CT). The coronary arteries of five porcine hearts were injected with a contrast-enhancing polymer. The coronary arterial tree proximal to 1 mm was extracted from the 3D CT images. By determining the centerlines of the extracted vessels, the vessel radii and lengths were identified for various vessel segments. The extraction algorithm described in this paper is based on a topological analysis of a vector field generated by normal vectors of the extracted vessel wall. With this approach, special focus is placed on achieving the highest accuracy of the measured values. To validate the algorithm, the results were compared to optical measurements of the main trunk of the coronary arteries with microscopy. The agreement was found to be excellent with a root mean square deviation between computed vessel diameters and optical measurements of 0.16 mm (<10% of the mean value) and an average deviation of 0.08 mm. The utility and future applications of the proposed method to speed up morphometric measurements of vascular trees are discussed.
Recent Developments in the Surgical Management of Rectal Carcinoma.

The introduction of the circular stapler has made sphincter-sparing resection of middle to lower rectal cancer considerably easier and safer for most surgeons. Fewer patients today require abdominoperiheal resection and a permanent abdominal stoma. Most studies suggest that local recurrence and survival rates have not been adversely affected by the trend toward sphincter preservation as long as an adequate resection can be accomplished. I Just what represents an acceptably wide resection remains debatable, but most would agree that a distal margin of 2 cm is adequate for most cases. A less well accepted or less widely known concept is the importance of a sharp dissection of the entire mesorectum in patients with potentially curable middle to lower rectal cancers. The British, particularly Heald et al, 2,3 have led the way in stressing the great importance of the mesorectum in rectal cancer. Their careful pathologic studies have clearly shown that lymphatic spread, although rarely beyond 1 to 2 cm intramurally, can be up to 5 cm distal in the mesorectum. The conventional blunt mobilization of the posterior rectum is discouraged for fear that tumor lymphatics or veins could be torn, or that the tumor itself could be inadvertently exposed. Sharp dissection would reasonably be expected to be less traumatic. Heald has stressed his conviction that distal spread of rectal
Assessing Project Delivery for Sustainable, High-Performance Buildings Through Mixed Methods

Project delivery processes that describe contractual agreements among project participants, timing their activities and levels of involvement have long been subjects for construction management research. Dominated by quantitative methods, this research topic requires large sample sizes mainly due to the extensive number of potential variables arising from the project-based nature of construction. The recent and growing trend in the industry towards sustainable and high-performance building construction introduces added complexities in the project delivery process and challenges research due to the limited population of completed environmentally sustainable buildings. This study presents a combined use of quantitative and qualitative methods, also called mixed methods, as a useful way to respond to the research challenges. This research first quantitatively selects important variables of project delivery from a sample of sustainable, high-performance office buildings (N = 40) and then tests those variables...
The saturation and isomerization of dietary fatty acids and the respiratory properties of rat heart mitochondria

Weanling rats were fed semi-purified diets containing 15% by weight of either corn oil, a high oleic acid safflower oil, lard or hydrogenated soybean oil. Significant changes in the fatty acid composition of heart mitochondrial preparations were induced by these dietary fats. Despite these changes in membrane composition, no effects on the respiratory properties of the mitochondria were observed. These results suggest that mitochondrial membranes adapt to changes in dietary fatty acids in a way which prevents changes in their functional properties.
Dirac constraint quantization of a dilatonic model of gravitational collapse

We present an anomaly-free Dirac constraint quantization of the string-inspired dilatonic gravity (the CGHS model) in an open 2-dimensional spacetime. We show that the quantum theory has the same degrees of freedom as the classical theory; namely, all the modes of the scalar field on an auxiliary flat background, supplemented by a single additional variable corresponding to the primordial component of the black hole mass. The functional Heisenberg equations of motion for these dynamical variables and their canonical conjugates are linear, and they have exactly the same form as the corresponding classical equations. A canonical transformation brings us back to the physical geometry and induces its quantization.
ECOLOGICAL AND EVOLUTIONARY IMPLICATIONS OF ENERGY AND PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS OF AVIAN FRUGIVORES EATING SUGARY DIETS

To assess how the high-sugar/low-protein content of fruit diets affects digestive function and nutrition of frugivorous birds, I compared intake, passage rate, sugar utilization, protein requirements, and mass changes of cedar waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum), American robins (Turdus migratorius), and wood thrushes (Hylocichla mustelina) fed synthetic diets simulating the range of sugar (6.6%, 12.4%, and 22.0% solutes) and protein (4.5%, 3.0%, and 1.5% of dry matter) content of bird-dispersed fruits. The dietary emphasis on sugary fruits by cedar waxwings suggests the potential for digestive and physiological specializations to this food type. All birds increased volumetric food intake and passage rates as sugar concentration declined. Birds completely (22.0%-12.4% sugar solute concentration) or incompletely (12.4%-6.6% sugar solute concentration) compensated for dietary dilution. Cedar waxwings consumed each diet at higher rates than did thrushes, as they do when eating sugary fruits, demonstrating that interspecific differences in ingestion rates of sugary fruits are a consequence of nutrient composition, rather than seed bulk or secondary compounds of fruits. Passage rate was not responsible for interspecific differences in short-term food intake rate, implicating gut morphology as the key functional feature limiting intake. Most sugary fruits are nutritionally deficient in apparent protein for thrushes but are nutritionally adequate in protein for cedar waxwings because of this species' relatively high intake rates and low protein requirements. The digestive systems of frugivorous birds respond flexibly to dietary sugar concentration, but protein content of fruits can present a nutritional limitation, potentially influencing the proportions of fruit and animal foods in birds' diets.
Renal Prostaglandins, Renin Release, and Renal Hemodynamic Function in High Renin States

Renal prostaglandins play a role in the control of renin release during chronic sodium depletion, during the acute phase of renovascular hypertension and in experimental low output heart failure in conscious dogs. However, with marked inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system, the adrenergic nervous system and the renal prostaglandins, PRA was still 17 times normal during chronic sodium depletion. After blockade of the adrenergic nervous system and the renal prostaglandins, PRA was 10 times normal during the acute phase of one-kidney renovascular hypertension. These findings demonstrate that other important mechanisms, possibly both the renal vascular receptor (so-called baroreceptor) and the macula densa, were involved. Both PGI2 and PGD2 given intrarenally increased renin release in both filtering and nonfiltering kidneys, but PGI2 was more potent than PGD2. Available evidence favors a role for PGI2 and it seems likely that the site of action is on the JG cells. Indomethacin produced a profound drop in...
Asymptotic theory for curve-crossing analysis

Abstract We consider asymptotic properties of curve-crossing counts of linear processes and nonlinear time series by curves. Central limit theorems are obtained for curve-crossing counts of short-range dependent processes. For the long-range dependence case, the asymptotic distributions are shown to be either multiple Wiener–Ito integrals or integrals with respect to stable Levy processes, depending on the heaviness of tails of the underlying processes.
Isolation and identification of 5,7-dimethoxyisoflavone, an inhibitor of Aspergillus flavus from peanuts.

An inhibitor of Aspergillus flavus has been isolated from peanuts and identified as 5,7-dimethoxyisoflavone. Authentic 5,7-dimethoxyisoflavone, synthesized from benzyl-2-hydroxy-4,6 dimethoxyphenyl (3), and the isolated compound display identical ultraviolet spectra in methanol, in methanol+sodium methoxide, and in methanol+AlCl3; similar behavior in solvent extraction, column chromatography, TLC, and fungal inhibition.
Application of supercritical fluid extraction of biological tissue samples for the determination of polychlorinated organics

Abstract The use of supercritical carbon dioxide as an extraction medium in the determination of polychlorinated organics was investigated. The extraction procedure was found to be highly efficient and reproducible.
Labor pains [employment game]

The Internet is changing the way the employment game is played. Employers and job seekers connect in various ways, both public and private. Traditionally, employers publicly advertise positions, while privately, much hiring happens through social networking. In 2005, more than half of all hiring in a surveyed group of employers came from the Web, split among corporate Web sites and career boards. Much contracting is conducted through the intermediary of staffing agencies. Staffing agencies serve two roles: information brokers and legal shields. Employees expect a long-term relationship, career growth, and social definition. Contractors, on the other hand, must manage their own marketing and continuing education. In a strange way, these contractors had greater long-term income security, as the ceaseless social networking left them far better prepared to handle transitions.
STIMULATED SCATTERING OF PICOSECOND OPTICAL PULSES IN THE PRESENCE OF SELF-FOCUSING

We have studied, for various states of polarization for the input beam, the properties of the backward-going wave generated by stimulated light scattering when 25-ps-long laser pulses are focused into CS2. For the case of a circularly polarized input wave, the backward-going wave is generated by stimulated Rayleigh-wing scattering (SRWS). However, for the case of a linearly polarized input beam, strong filamentation occurs and the backward-going wave appears to be generated by stimulated librational scattering (SLS).
Beyond Failure: Potentially Mitigating Failed Author Searches in the Online Library Catalog Through the Use of Linked Data

Linked data stores house vetted content that can supplement the information available through online library catalogs, potentially mitigating failed author searches if information about the author exists in linked data formats. In this case study, a total of 689 failed author index queries from a large Midwestern academic library's online library catalog were re-run in seven linked data sources (Open Library, DBpedia, Freebase, New York Times Linked Open Data, NNDB, Virtual International Authorities File, and the Library of Congress Name Authorities), with 534 (78 percent) of the failed catalog queries yielding at least one hit in one of the repositories. Over half of the failed online library catalog queries examined were incorrectly formulated (n = 369), implying that some searchers of online library catalogs are unclear about the mechanics of left-anchored searching in author indexes. As a first step in becoming part of the linked data information ecosystem, librarians should consider providing access ...
FDB: a high-performance fault-tolerant switching fabric for ATM switching systems

The authors propose a unified scheme to enhance both the fault-tolerance and the performance of the delta network for asynchronous-transfer-mode (ATM) switching systems. In this scheme, the number of the input/output links in each switching element (SE) is doubled, compared to that used in the delta network, to widen the path between two stages. Buffer modules are also added to the SEs to serve as a reservoir to store the conflicting packets which would be lost otherwise. With the link placement algorithm introduced, the resulting fault-tolerant double-link buffered (FDB) network not only preserves the self-routing property of the delta network, but also is 1-fault tolerant. Since packets will not be lost within the network and the routing path is uniquely set, regardless of the existence of a faulty SE/link, the order of the packets is preserved. The addition of the buffer modules and links is shown to be an effective way to increase the throughput of the network. The FDB network is highly modular, with high performance. In addition, the order of packets is preserved. >
Dissolution of peripheral arterial thrombi by ultrasound.

BACKGROUNDWe have previously shown that continuous-wave ultrasound can rapidly dissolve human thrombi in vitro, with 99% of all residual particles measuring less than 10 microns in diameter. To assess the effects of pulsed-wave ultrasound energy on whole blood clots, 1) in vitro studies were preformed to assess precisely the rates of clot disruption and to quantify particulate size, and 2) in vivo studies were performed to assess the efficacy and safety of catheter-delivered ultrasound for intra-arterial thrombus dissolution.METHODS AND RESULTSIn vitro, we studied 50 samples of human whole blood clots and using an 89-cm-long wire probe, applied pulse-wave energies from 8 to 23 W. The corresponding peak-to-peak tip displacement range was 63.5 - 102 microns. We studied arterial thrombosis in vivo in 21 canine superficial femoral arteries. To produce an acute thrombosis, 200 units of thrombin followed by 2 ml of 72-hour-old autologous clot were injected into a 5-7-cm segment of femoral artery and left to coa...
Optimization of silver nanoparticles for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy of structurally diverse analytes using visible and near-infrared excitation

Several experimental parameters affecting surface enhanced Raman (SER) signals using 488, 785 and 1064 nm excitation for eight diverse analytes are reported. Citrate reduced silver colloids having average diameters ranging from 40 ± 10 to 100 ± 20 nm were synthesized. The nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and absorbance spectrophotometry before and after inducing nanoparticle aggregation with 0.99% v/v 0.5 M magnesium chloride. The nanoparticle aggregates and SERS signal were stable between 30 and 90 minutes after inducing aggregation. For the analytes 4-mercaptopyridine, 4-methylthiobenzoic acid and the dipeptide phenylalanine–cysteine using all three excitation wavelengths, the highest surface area adjusted SER signal was obtained using 70 ± 20 nm nanoparticles, which generated 290 ± 40 nm aggregates with the addition of magnesium chloride. The decrease in the SER signal using non-optimum colloids was 12 to 42% using 488 nm excitation and larger decreases in signal, up to 92%, were observed using near infrared excitation wavelengths. In contrast, pyridine, benzoic acid, and phenylalanine required 220 ± 30 nm aggregates for the highest SER signal with 785 or 1064 nm excitation, but larger aggregates (290 ± 40 nm) were required with 488 nm excitation. The optimum experimental conditions measured with the small molecule analytes held for a 10 amino acid peptide and hemoglobin. Reproducible SERS measurements with 2 to 9% RSD have been obtained by considering nanoparticle size, aggregation conditions, excitation wavelength and the nature of the analyte–silver interaction.
Military Aircraft Electromagnetic Compatibility: Release to Service Testing in the United Kingdom, Past, Present and Future

Release to service (RTS) Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing of military aircraft in the United Kingdom (UK), can be traced back as far as 1932 concerning the effect of engine interference on an aircraft's communication systems. However, it was interference seen to aircraft weapons and electrical systems during operations from aircraft carriers in the 1960s that resulted in the significant expansion of the EMC assessment and test capabilities by QinetiQ (and its predecessor organizations) at Boscombe Down, and Farnborough, and by aircraft prime contractors. This paper describes the evolution of EMC test methods and facilities used to assess UK military aircraft from the 1960s, to the present and into the future, taking into account the advances in avionics technology and the associated challenges in assessing their suitability for RTS.
Susceptibility and serologic response of healthy adults to reinfection with Cryptosporidium parvum.

Healthy adults are susceptible to infection with small numbers of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, resulting in self-limited infection. We investigated if infection of humans with C. parvum is protective 1 year after primary exposure. At 1 year after a primary challenge with 30 to 106 oocysts, 19 healthy immunocompetent adults were rechallenged with 500 oocysts and monitored for the development of infection and/or illness. Oocyst excretion was quantitated by direct immunofluorescence with a C. parvum-specific monoclonal antibody, and anti-C. parvum antibodies in serum were detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Fewer subjects shed oocysts after the second exposure (3 of 19; 16%) than after the first exposure (12 of 19; 63%) (P < 0.005). Although the rates of diarrhea were comparable after each of the two exposures, the clinical severity as determined by the mean number of unformed stools passed was lower after reexposure (11.25 versus 8.62; P < 0.05). The number of anti-Cryptosporidium immunoglobulin G and A seroconversions increased after secondary exposure. However, the C. parvum serum antibody response did not correlate with the presence or absence of infection.
Alpha-tocopherol supplementation decreases the oxidative susceptibility of LDL in renal failure patients on dialysis therapy.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) who have undergone dialysis treatment. The oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) appears to be a crucial step in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The increased oxidative stress and attendant increased oxidizability of lipoproteins, such as LDL could contribute to the accelerated atherosclerosis in dialysis patients. Since alpha-tocopherol (AT) is the major antioxidant in LDL, the aim of the present study was to test the effectiveness of RRR-AT supplementation (800 I.U. per day) for 12 weeks on the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation. The study subjects comprised patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD), and age and sex matched controls (C). Plasma fatty acids, lipoproteins and AT levels were measured in these subjects before and after supplementation. Also, LDL AT and oxidizability was studied. LDL was isolated by ultracentrifugation at baseline and after 12 weeks of supplementation, and subjected to a 5-h time course of copper catalyzed oxidation. Oxidation was measured by the formation of conjugated dienes (CD) and lipid peroxides (LP). Supplementation with AT did not alter the plasma lipid or lipoprotein profile of these subjects. Plasma lipid-standardized AT and LDL AT concentrations were not different among the groups at baseline. AT supplementation significantly increased plasma lipid-standardized AT (C=150%, HD=149%, PD=217%, P<0.001) and LDL AT concentrations (C=94%, HD=94%, PD=135%, P<0.003). AT enrichment of LDL resulted in a significant prolongation in conjugated diene lag phase in all groups (C=34%, HD=21%, PD=54%, P<0.02). Lipid peroxide lag phase was also increased significantly in C (27%,) and PD (40%) groups after AT supplementation (P<0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between plasma lipid standardized AT and lag phase (r=0. 54, P=0.0003). Overall, AT decreased the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation in patients with chronic renal failure but the benefit appears to be greater in patients on PD. Therefore, AT supplementation may also provide a measure of protection against CAD in patients with chronic renal failure on dialysis therapy.
Hog Industry Structure and the Stringency of Environmental Regulation

The paper develops a comparative statics model of long-run industry equilibrium in the presence of size-based environmental regulation stringency and applies the model to the U.S. hog industry. The economic model shows that when size-based environmental stringency is also size biased, large farms downsize, expand, or do neither depending on how environmental stringency shifts their marginal production cost relative to their average cost. Empirical testing using data from the top-ten hog-producing states suggests that environmental regulation stringency has limited impact on small farms and leads to a reduction in the number of large farms. Results cannot reject positive size bias at the farm level due to the stringency of environmental regulation.
Current perspectives of electrical remodeling and its therapeutic implications.

Electrical remodeling involves alterations in the electrophysiologic milieu of myocardium in various disease states, such as ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure, atrial tachyarrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, and infarction that are associated with cardiac arrhythmias. Although research in this area dates back to early part of the 19th century, we still lack the exact knowledge of ionic remodeling, the role of various genes and channel proteins, and their relevance for the newer antiarrhythmic therapies. Structural remodeling may also have an impact on the electrical remodeling process, although differences in both structural and electrical remodeling are associated with different disease states. Various electrophysiologic, cellular, and structural alterations, including anisotropic conduction, increased intracellular calcium levels, and gap junction remodeling predispose to increased dispersion of action potential duration and refractoriness. This constitutes a favorable substrate for early and late af...
Noise thermometers for hostile environments: a theoretical evaluation

The theory of the operation of noise thermometers in hostile environments is described. The unknown parameters of the measurement system are identified and analytical and experimental efforts required for application of noise thermometers for temperature measurements in hostile environments such as nuclear reactors are delineated. >
A deliberative architecture for AUV control

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are an increasingly important tool for oceanographic research demonstrating their capabilities to sample the water column in depths far beyond what humans are capable of visiting, and doing so routinely and cost-effectively. However, control of these platforms to date has relied on fixed sequences for execution of pre-planned actions limiting their effectiveness for measuring dynamic and episodic ocean phenomenon. In this paper we present an agent architecture developed to overcome this limitation through on-board planning using Constraint- based Reasoning. Preliminary versions of the architecture have been integrated and tested in simulation and at sea.
Topiramate for Binge-Eating Disorder Associated with Obesity

Objective:To review the use of topiramate for the treatment of binge-eating disorder (BED) associated with obesity.Data Sources:MEDLINE (1966–July 2006) and the Cochrane Database (2006, issue 3) were used to conduct an English-language literature search. Key search terms included eating disorder, binge-eating, and topiramate. Bibliographies of identified articles were examined for additional references.Data Synthesis:BED is characterized by excessive food intake with lack of control during eating episodes, but without subsequent compensatory weight loss mechanisms, and is often associated with obesity and psychiatric disorders. Evidence suggests that topiramate may have mood-stabilizing properties and cause decreased appetite and weight. One case series, 1 case report, 2 open-label studies, and 1 placebo-controlled trial have described the use of topiramate for BED associated with obesity. Doses ranging from 50 to 1400 mg/day were stated to be effective in these reports. Adverse reactions included paresth...
An Assessment of Early Platelet Activity in Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Middle Cerebral Artery Thrombosis in the Cat

There is increasing evidence that platelets play a key role in the development of arterial occlusive lesions and in the tissue response to them. Direct evidence for a platelet contribution in experimental vascular occlusive stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage was sought. Platelet counts were done on jugular blood before and after production of the vascular lesion. Craniectomy had little or no effect but occlusion or puncture of the middle cerebral artery invariably produced a prompt and striking fall in the platelet count of venous blood draining the affected side. Some implications of this observation are discussed.
Direct interaction of Gas11 with microtubules: Implications for the dynein regulatory complex

We previously described the Trypanin family of cytoskeleton-associated proteins that have been implicated in dynein regulation [Hill et al., J Biol Chem2000; 275(50):39369–39378; Hutchings et al., J Cell Biol2002;156(5):867–877; Rupp and Porter, J Cell Biol2003;162(1):47–57]. Trypanin from T. brucei is part of an evolutionarily conserved dynein regulatory system that is required for regulation of flagellar beat. In C. reinhardtii, the trypanin homologue (PF2) is part of an axonemal ‘dynein regulatory complex’ (DRC) that functions as a reversible inhibitor of axonemal dynein [Piperno et al., J Cell Biol1992;118(6):1455–1463; Gardner et al., J Cell Biol1994;127(5):1311–1325]. The DRC consists of an estimated seven polypeptides that are tightly associated with axonemal microtubules. Association with the axoneme is critical for DRC function, but the mechanism by which it attaches to the microtubule lattice is completely unknown. We demonstrate that Gas11, the mammalian trypanin/PF2 homologue, associates with microtubules in vitro and in vivo. Deletion analyses identified a novel microtubule-binding domain (GMAD) and a distinct region (IMAD) that attenuates Gas11-microtubule interactions. Using single-particle binding assays, we demonstrate that Gas11 directly binds microtubules and that the IMAD attenuates the interaction between GMAD and the microtubule. IMAD is able to function in either a cis- or trans-orientation with GMAD. The discovery that Gas11 provides a direct linkage to microtubules provides new mechanistic insight into the structural features of the dynein-regulatory complex. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Outcome of a second two-stage reimplantation for periprosthetic knee infection.

Recurrent or persistent infection after two-stage exchange arthroplasty for previously infected total knee replacement is a challenging clinical situation. We asked whether a second two-stage procedure could eradicate the infection and preserve knee function. We evaluated 18 selected patients with failed two-stage total knee arthroplasty implantation treated with a second two-stage reimplantation between 1999 and 2005. Failure of treatment was defined as recurrence or persistence of infection. The minimum followup was 24 months (mean, 40 months; range, 24–83 months). Recurrent or persistent infection was diagnosed in four of 18 patients, two of whom were successfully treated with a third two-stage exchange arthroplasty. Knee Society score questionnaires administered at the last followup showed an average Knee Society knee score of 73 points (range, 24–100 points) and an average functional score of 49 points (range, 20–90 points). The data suggest repeat two-stage exchange arthroplasty is a reasonable option for eradicating periprosthetic infection, relieving pain, and achieving a satisfactory level of function for some patients. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
IL-12 Rapidly Alters the Functional Profile of Tumor-Associated and Tumor-Infiltrating Macrophages In Vitro and In Vivo

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a major role in promoting tumor growth and metastasis and in suppressing the antitumor immune response. Despite the immunosuppressive environment created by the tumor and enforced by tumor-associated macrophages, treatment of tumor-bearing mice with IL-12 induces tumor regression associated with appearance of activated NK cells and activated tumor-specific CTLs. We therefore tested the hypothesis that IL-12 treatment could alter the function of these tumor-associated suppressor macrophages. Analysis of tumor-infiltrating macrophages and distal TAMs revealed that IL-12, both in vivo and in vitro, induced a rapid (<90 min) reduction of tumor supportive macrophage activities (IL-10, MCP-1, migration inhibitory factor, and TGFbeta production) and a concomitant increase in proinflammatory and proimmunogenic activities (TNF-alpha, IL-15, and IL-18 production). Similar shifts in functional phenotype were induced by IL-12 in tumor-infiltrating macrophages isolated from the primary tumor mass and in TAMs isolated from lung containing metastases, spleen, and peritoneal cavity. Therefore, although TAMs display a strongly polarized immunosuppressive functional profile, they retain the ability to change their functional profile to proinflammatory activities given the appropriate stimulus. The ability of IL-12 to initiate this functional conversion may contribute to early amplification of the subsequent destructive antitumor immune response.
Nonhemolytic, Nonmotile Gram-Positive Rods Indicative of Bacillus anthracis

We report a 40-year-old female patient who was admitted to the hospital because of a left ovarian mass torsion. A nonhemolytic, nonmotile Bacillus, suspicious of Bacillus anthracis, was isolated from a blood culture. We discuss the evaluation that led to the final identification of the bacterium as B. megaterium.
Travel Time Reliability Using the Hasofer-Lind-Rackwitz-Fiessler Algorithm and Kernel Density Estimation

Travel time reliability has emerged as an indicator of roadway performance. Estimation of travel time distribution is an important starting input for measuring travel time reliability. This study used kernel density estimation to estimate travel time distribution. The Hasofer-Lind-Rackwitz-Fiessler algorithm, widely used in the field of reliability engineering, was used in this work to compute the reliability index of a system based on its previous performance. The computing procedure for travel time reliability of corridors on a freeway was introduced, then network travel time reliability was developed. Given probability distributions estimated by the kernel density estimation technique and an anticipated travel time from travelers, the two equations of corridor and network travel time reliability can be used to address the question, "How reliable is my perceived travel time?" The definition of travel time reliability was in the sense of on-time performance, and this study was conducted from the perspect...
Reading Cue-Utilization by Low-Achieving College Freshmen.

Recent research has questioned the role of graphic analysis (decoding) in reading. In this study the utilization of graphic cues by low-achieving college freshmen is described in its relationship to syntactic and semantic factors. Cue utilization was evidenced by varying probabilities of correcting word substitutes across levels of these three dimensions. The results indicate that use of graphics is associated with syntactic and semantic characteristics of the substitutes. There was also evidence that use of graphic and grammatical cues varies with difficulty of the passage. These results confirm multiple use of linguistic cues as described by Goodman.
UCP3 Regulates Cardiac Efficiency and Mitochondrial Coupling in High Fat–Fed Mice but Not in Leptin-Deficient Mice

These studies investigate the role of uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) in cardiac energy metabolism, cardiac O2 consumption (MVO2), cardiac efficiency (CE), and mitochondrial uncoupling in high fat (HF)–fed or leptin-deficient mice. UCP3KO and wild-type (WT) mice were fed normal chow or HF diets for 10 weeks. Substrate utilization rates, MVO2, CE, and mitochondrial uncoupling were measured in perfused working hearts and saponin-permeabilized cardiac fibers, respectively. Similar analyses were performed in hearts of ob/ob mice lacking UCP3 (U3OB mice). HF increased cardiac UCP3 protein. However, fatty acid (FA) oxidation rates were similarly increased by HF diet in WT and UCP3KO mice. By contrast, MVO2 increased in WT, but not in UCP3KO with HF, leading to increased CE in UCP3KO mice. Consistent with increased CE, mitochondrial coupling was increased in the hearts of HF-fed UCP3KO mice. Unexpectedly, UCP3 deletion in ob/ob mice reduced FA oxidation but had no effect on MVO2 or CE. In addition, FA-induced mitochondrial uncoupling was similarly enhanced in U3OB compared with ob/ob hearts and was associated with elevated mitochondrial thioesterase-1 protein content. These studies show that although UCP3 may mediate mitochondrial uncoupling and reduced CE after HF feeding, it does not mediate uncoupling in leptin-deficient states.
Assessment of self-explaining effect in a large enrolment General Chemistry course

Self-explaining refers to the generation of inferences about causal connections between objects and events for one’s own consumption. Self-explaining is amongst the practices of science deemed essential for scientific competence; therefore, a valued learning outcome in itself. Nonetheless, generation of authentic explanations is seldom promoted in college science instruction. This work examined the effect of engagement in self-explaining on conceptual understanding of chemistry. Learning and performance tasks were completed individually in the classroom ecology of a large-enrolment General Chemistry course in the US. The study spanned a period of five semesters including pilot-tests and replications. The self-explaining intervention followed a multi-condition comparison design that used performance on a post-test to assess learning. Students were randomly assigned to the following conditions: reviewing a correct explanation, explaining correct or incorrect answers, explaining agreement with answers produced by others, and explaining their own answers. A cohort of students who underwent standard instruction with no intervention and had prepared for formal examination served as reference. The self-explaining cohorts performed better than the reference group, and in one case was the difference statistically significant. Findings suggest that self-explaining activities support students’ conceptual understanding at least as much as instruction. This study contributes evidence for the self-explaining effect and the ICAP hypothesis in a discipline where no evidence is available. Furthermore, it adds to the relatively little work in self-explaining that has explored naturalistic learning environments. This work supports the incorporation of self-explaining activities in the repertoire of instructional practices for General Chemistry
The Ghost in the MP3

The MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Layer III standard, more commonly referred to as MP3, has become a nearly ubiquitous digital audio file format. First published in 1993 [1], this codec implements a lossy compression algorithm based on a perceptual model of human hearing. Listening tests, primarily designed by and for western-european men, and using the music they liked, were used to refine the encoder. These tests determined which sounds were perceptually important and which could be erased or altered, ostensibly without being noticed. What are these lost sounds? Are they sounds which human ears can not hear in their original contexts due to our perceptual limitations, or are they simply encoding detritus? It is commonly accepted that MP3's create audible artifacts such as pre-echo [2], but what does the music which this codec deletes sound like? In the work presented here, techniques are considered and developed to recover these lost sounds, the ghosts in the MP3, and reformulate these sounds as art.
Adjacent-Level Hypermobility and Instrumented-Level Fatigue Loosening With Titanium and PEEK Rods for a Pedicle Screw System: An In Vitro Study

Adjacent-level disease is a common iatrogenic complication seen among patients undergoing spinal fusion for low back pain. This is attributed to the postsurgical differences in stiffness between the spinal levels, which result in abnormal forces, stress shielding, and hypermobility at the adjacent levels. In addition, as most patients undergoing these surgeries are osteoporotic, screw loosening at the index level is a complication that commonly accompanies adjacent-level disease. Recent studies indicate that a rod with lower rigidity than that of titanium may help to overcome these detrimental effects at the adjacent level. The present study was conducted in vitro using 12 L1-S1 specimens divided into groups of six, with each group instrumented with either titanium rods or PEEK (polyetheretherketone) rods. The test protocol included subjecting intact specimens to pure moments of 10 Nm in extension and flexion using an FS20 Biomechanical Spine Test System (Applied Test Systems) followed by hybrid moments on the instrumented specimens to achieve the same L1-S1 motion as that of the intact specimens. During the protocol's later phase, the L4-L5 units from each specimen were segmented for cyclic loading followed by postfatigue kinematic analysis to highlight the differences in motion pre- and postfatigue. The objectives included the in vitro comparison of (1) the adjacent-level motion before and after instrumentation with PEEK and titanium rods and (2) the pre- and postfatigue motion at the instrumented level with PEEK and titanium rods. The results showed that the adjacent levels above the instrumentation caused increased flexion and extension with both PEEK and titanium rods. The postfatigue kinematic data showed that the motion at the instrumented level (L4-L5) increased significantly in both flexion and extension compared to prefatigue motion in titanium groups. However, there was no significant difference in motion between the pre- and postfatigue data in the PEEK group.
Effect of Surface Modification on Thermoplastic Fusion Bonding for 3-D Microfluidics

In this work we have characterized the effect of surface modification, using plasma treatment, on the bond strength of thermoplastic fusion bonding. We have investigated the effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic surface treatments, for COC (cyclic olefin copolymers), on the bond strength and we show that the hydrophilic surface treatment increases the bond strength whereas; hydrophobic surface treatment significantly lowers the bond strength. The results of this work are of immediate relevance to plastic micromachining techniques for biochip applications and point-of-care systems.
General Systems Methodology as Language

One of the main points of the last chapter was the impossibility of removing all traces of a knowing subject (and the history of the subject and the state of the subject at the time of knowing). Closely related to this is the importance of themes which affect this knowing indirectly in that they pertain more properly to the cultural group and to the times in which the more localized acts of knowing take place. Recognition of this importance has come from many sources and perspectives.
Chapter 25 – Reactive Oxygen Species and Antioxidant Therapeutic Approaches

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the evidence for the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the pathogenesis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and discusses the molecular mechanisms (cell signaling and gene expression) and pathophysiological consequences of increased ROS release in these conditions. Moreover, it also highlights the antioxidant mechanisms in place to protect against the damaging effects of ROS. ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) can also be generated intracellularly from several sources such as mitochondrial respiration, the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase system, and xanthine/xanthine oxidase (XO). However, the primary ROS generating system is NADPH oxidase, a complex enzyme system that is present in phagocytes and epithelial cells. Oxygen species, such as superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical are highly reactive, and when generated close to cell membranes they oxidize membrane phospholipids (lipid peroxidation), a process which may continue as a chain reaction. Thus, a single hydroxyl radical can result in the formation of many molecules of lipid hydroperoxides in the cell membrane. There is now increasing evidence that ROS generation plays a major pathophysiological role in asthma and COPD, and it is important for the severity of these conditions. ROS generation through endogenous mechanisms or exogenous cigarette smoke/environmental oxidants is critical to the inflammatory response through activation of redox-sensitive transcription factors and pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. A variety of oxidants, free radicals, and aldehydes are implicated in the pathogenesis of COPD, therefore it is possible that the therapeutic administration of multiple antioxidants will be effective in the treatment of COPD. Finally, the chapter explores possible therapeutic approaches that involve the use of a variety of antioxidants.
Shedding light on economic opportunity: skin tone and job quality during the Great Recession

ABSTRACTA significant body of literature suggests that skin-tone segmentation is a salient characteristic of inter-group economic inequality in the United States. Yet, empirical investigations of this social phenomenon and its impact on labour-market outcomes for worker’s in the United States remains limited or focused on the impact of skin tone on wages. This article examines whether or not phenotypic variability in skin tone among workers influenced levels of job quality experienced during the recessionary era (2007–2012). Data from the Puerto Ricans and the Impact of the Great Recession Survey were used to estimate a Poisson Regression with Endogenous Treatment Effects to consider the impact that variations in skin tone have on levels of job quality experienced by workers. Findings suggest evidence of skin-tone labour-market segmentation, as workers with darker skin shades experienced lower levels of job quality than those workers with lighter skin tones within and across larger racial and ethnic group...
Abstract 1941: Distinct roles of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) isoforms in skin cancer

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA The c-Jun-N-terminal kinases (JNKs), are activated by stress, growth factors and cytokines, and are encoded by three separate genes (JNK 1, 2, and 3), with 10 total isoforms. Our published data has demonstrated that off-target effects on JNK signaling by BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) are important for the induction of cutaneous squamous carcinoma (cuSCC). Overexpression of JNK2, has been found to promote transformation of keratinocytes, also suggesting an important role of JNK signaling pathway in promoting tumor development. However, it is still unclear how different JNK isoforms, especially ubiquitously expressed JNK1 and JNK2, really function in skin cancer. To delineate the specific roles of JNK1 and JNK2, we expressed C116S mutants, which rendered them insensitive to the pan-JNK inhibitor JNK-IN-8, without affecting their activity. Wild-type and mutant JNK1 and JNK2 were transduced into cuSCC (SRB1) and keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell lines and application of JNK-IN-8 enabled chemical-genetic dissection of JNK1 and JNK2 activity. JNK-IN-8 significantly attenuated UV-induced apoptosis by 80-90% in SRB1 and HaCat cells overexpressing WT JNK1, WT JNK2 or C116S JNK2 mutant compared to vehicle control while having only a slight effect (0-10%) on cells overexpressing C116S JNK1 mutant, suggesting JNK1 is the key player in UV- induced apoptosis. This difference served as the basis for a gene expression profiling study in which we identified differentially expressed genes regulated by JNK1 vs. JNK2. We also showed that the Leucine-zipper and sterile-α motif kinase (ZAK), which is a MAP3K, is an important upstream activator of JNK-mediated UV-induced apoptosis in skin cancer. To probe how ZAK activates JNK signaling, we knocked down ZAK in SRB1 and HaCaT cells with lentiviral shRNA. Following UV exposure, we found that both JNK1 and JNK2 activation occurred with JNK1 activity peaking within 6 hours and JNK2 activity sustained over 24 hours. In ZAK knockdown cells, JNK1 activation was selectively suppressed, suggesting that ZAK preferentially activates JNK1 in this context. In conclusion, our results indicate that JNK signaling pathway, part of which is regulated by ZAK, plays a critical role in skin cancer. JNK1 and JNK2 exert opposing influences that center on the regulation of apoptosis and cell proliferation in skin cancer. Citation Format: Lili Du, Tinghu Zhang, Tamer Kaoud, Nathanael Gray, Kevin Dalby, Kenneth Y. Tsai. Distinct roles of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) isoforms in skin cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1941. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1941
Addressing the Recreational Sports Needs of Students with Physical Disabilities

Recreational sports programs have historically been planned to meet the needs of traditional-aged students, residing on or near campus. Recent research has indicated that nontraditional students utilize campus programs differently than do traditional students. Little research has been done, however, concerning the needs of students with disabilities. As the number of these students on the college campus continues to increase, recreational sports personnel will come under increasing pressure to meet their needs. Through in-depth interviews, sixteen students with disabilities shared their perceptions of what influenced their campus recreational sports participation. Because only a few students have ever participated in a campus sponsored recreation program, much of the interview focus was on constraints. Three major themes emerged from the data: interest and awareness; perceived acceptance by peers; and opportunity. These themes are discussed and implications for future recreational sports planning identified.