cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
UNUSUAL SEROUS RETINAL DETACHMENT IN A PATIENT WITH WALDENSTROM MACROGLOBULINEMIA: A CASE REPORT.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE To report an unusual appearance of severe bilateral serous detachments in a patient with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. METHODS A case report of a Fifty-six-year-old female patient with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. RESULTS A patient with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia presented with serous retinal detachments at the time of diagnosis with Waldenstrom. The patient's IgM levels remained abnormally elevated in the initial stages of her disease course, leading to dramatic ocular findings and images on optical coherence tomography. Chemotherapy was initiated and IgM levels slowly declined, with some improvement in macular fluid as IgM normalized. CONCLUSION Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia may lead to dramatic retinal pathology if IgM levels remain elevated. Prompt chemotherapy and reduction of immunoglobulin levels should be undertaken to preserve retinal architecture.
How Robust Is a D2D-Based Messaging Service?

Motivated by the massive and increasing number of online messaging service users, the idea of utilizing short-range device-to-device (D2D) communication has been adapted to the access of instant messaging services on-the-go, introducing a D2D-based messaging service (D2D-Msg) paradigm that promises higher data rate and longer battery life. The quality of message dissemination in such a new paradigm, however, remains largely unknown due to the open nature of the D2D environment. To address this, we define a node survival probability that captures the impact of random and targeted node failures due to the open wireless environment. Further, we define a secondary infection rate R&#8727; that measures how fast message propagates initially, and leverage a framework based on probability generating function to analyze R&#8727; under random and targeted failures. Numerical results show that the D2D-Msg is more robust against random failure, the targeted node failure favors communication graph with narrow degree distribution, and R&#8727; is proportional to the ratio between the number of message-receiving users to all users, which is a good metric for quantifying the D2D-Msg's robustness.
Step Tracking with Goals Increases Children's Weight Loss in Behavioral Intervention

Abstract Background: This study examined the influence of step goals with pedometers to improve children's weight loss, physical activity, and psychosocial health during obesity treatment. Methods: Overweight and obese children ages 8–17 years (n = 105) participated in a 10-week family-based weight management intervention, including physical activity, nutrition, and behavioral modification. A quasi-experimental design was used to group eight cohorts into three conditions: no pedometer (n = 24), pedometer only (n = 25), and pedometer with step goals (i.e., 500 steps/day weekly increase above baseline; n = 56). Height and weight were measured at baseline and week 10 and used to calculate BMI. Analysis of covariance was performed to examine difference by condition for change in weight, BMI, and BMI z-score, controlling for age and baseline value. Differences in steps per day and psychosocial health were compared between the two pedometer conditions. Results: Participants were 12.4 ± 2.5 years of age, includi...
Functionalizing soy protein nano-aggregates with pH-shifting and mano-thermo-sonication.

Abstract Plant protein-mediated nano-delivery systems have gained increasing attention in the food and pharmaceutical industries in recent years. Several physical and chemical methods for improving the functional properties of plant proteins with respect to the native forms have been proposed. This study presents a new approach, which combines pH-shifting and mano-thermo-sonication (MTS) to produce soy protein nano-aggregates with significantly improved functional properties. Soy-protein isolate (SPI) was treated with pH-shifting at pH 12 or in combination with MTS and high-pressure homogenization (HPH). Response Surface Methodology was used to find the optimal conditions (50 °C, 200 kPa, and 60 s) for the MTS. The combination of pH-shifting and MTS resulted in spherical SPI aggregates of the smallest size, 27.1 ± 1 nm, as shown by transmission electron microscopy. The SPI nanoaggregates were used to prepare oil-in-water nanoemulsions with canola oil, which exhibited good stability over 21 days at 4 °C. In addition, the pH 12-MTS samples had resulted in the highest protein solubility, lowest turbidity, free sulfhydryl and disulfide bonds, surface hydrophobicity, antioxidant activity, and rheological and emulsifying properties than the other samples.
In-situ interfacial quality assessment of Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing components using ultrasonic NDE

Abstract Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing (UAM) is a layer-by-layer solid-state fusion process that bonds thin metal foils on top of a base substrate by using ultrasonic vibrations. In this study, longitudinal mode ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) was used to assess the bond quality of UAM components. An interfacial spring model was developed to predict wave propagation through layered media, and the results verified by finite element simulation. Two independent interfacial stiffness coefficients are required to model the experimentally observed principal signals, one for the base/build interface ( η 1 ) and one for the rest of the layers in the UAM stack ( η ). An inversion model was proposed to estimate η 1 and η from experimental signals. Sensitivity analysis shows that the inversion is robust even with random variations introduced into the simulated signals. With sufficiently large number of layers, it was demonstrated that a Floquet wave homogenization using the inverted interfacial spring stiffness accurately predicts the experimentally observed phase velocities. In-situ layer by layer bond quality inversion results were presented for three components of varying quality. The results of this study pave the way for utilizing ultrasonic NDE to measure the quality of UAM interface layers both in-situ and offline.
The Role of Intestinal Stem Cells in Epithelial Regeneration Following Radiation-Induced Gut Injury

Intestinal epithelial cells show remarkable plasticity in regenerating the epithelium following radiation injury. In this review, we explore the regenerative capacity and mechanisms of various populations of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) in response to ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation targets mitotic cells that include “active” ISCs and progenitor cells. Lineage-tracing experiments showed that several different cell types identified by a single or combination of markers are capable of regenerating the epithelium, confirming that ISCs exhibit a high degree of plasticity. However, the identities of the contributing cells marked by various markers require further validation. Following radiation injury, quiescent and/or radioresistant cells become active stem cells to regenerate the epithelium. Looking forward, understanding the mechanisms by which ISCs govern tissue regeneration is crucial to determine therapeutic approaches to promote intestinal epithelial regeneration following injury.
Construct validity of the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10)

AbstractPurpose: We aimed to evaluate the construct validity of the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) by determining its dimensionality, rating scale integrity, item-person match, precision and relationship with the degree of airway invasion and functional oral intake.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients’ EAT-10 scores. We used the Rasch rating scale model. We investigated correlations between the EAT-10 and scores on the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS).Results: The median score of the EAT-10 from 127 patients was 16 of 40 (range 0–40). Confirmatory factor analysis supported unidimensionality. The 5-point rating scale categories met published criteria. Two items misfit the Rasch model and two other items displayed differential item functioning. Rasch person reliability was 0.79. Our patient cohort was divided into three person-strata. Correlations between the EAT-10 and the PAS and FOIS were weak to moderate in strength (respectively: r = 0.26...
Characteristics Associated with Induction of Labor and Delivery Route Among Primiparous Women with Term Deliveries in the Listening to Mothers III Study

Abstract Background: Induction of labor (IOL) is increasingly common in the United States, yet characteristics associated with IOL among primiparous women delivering at term are not well understood. Materials and Methods: Data from the Listening to Mothers III study, a survey of women aged 18–45 with singleton deliveries in U.S. hospitals in 2011–2012, were utilized. Weighted logistic regression models examined predictors of IOL among 924 primiparous women with term deliveries. Associations of maternal characteristics with delivery route (cesarean and vaginal delivery) were examined among primiparous women induced at term. Results: Four hundred twenty-three (45.8%) primiparous women with term deliveries underwent IOL; subjective reasons were reported by 53% of induced women. Women who were married (odds ratios [OR] = 1.8, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.2–2.9), felt pressure from a provider for IOL (OR = 3.5, 95% CI 2.0–6.2), and whose provider was concerned about the size of the baby (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1....
Advancement of antiangiogenic and vascular disrupting agents combined with radiation.

Technologic advances in therapeutic radiation targeting and delivery have led to improved tumor cure and reduced normal tissue toxicity. While further progress in these areas is probable, it is evident that significant improvements in the therapeutic ratio may result from alterations in the biologic response of tumors and normal tissues to ionizing radiation. By selectively enhancing the lethality of radiation by targeting unique aspects of tumors, improved local control may be achieved without increasing normal tissue toxicity. One area of ongoing research has focused on identifying potential targets specific to tumors that may be manipulated to enhance the response to ionizing radiation. These agents are diverse in their origin, action, and efficacy. Agents that target the established or proliferating vasculature of a tumor are one class of such agents. Agents that target tumor vasculature can be further classified as antiangiogenic agents, that primarily inhibit the formation of new blood vessels, and vascular disrupting agents (VDAs), that target established tumor vasculature. For the purpose of this chapter, antiangiogenic and VDAs will be discussed separately, however, several compounds have been found to exhibit both antiangiogenic and vascular disrupting properties.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of lateral diffusion of drugs in human skin

Abstract This study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze lateral diffusion of drugs in dermatomed human skin. Lateral diffusion of calcein and methylene blue dyes in skin was investigated using confocal laser microscopy, calcein imaging, and histology studies. In in vitro permeation studies, two linear microdialysis probes were inserted into the dermis of untreated, poly lacto-glycolic acid microneedle-treated, and ablative laser-treated skin such that one was in the center of the diffusion area and the other was parallel, at 8 mm from the central probe. Skin was mounted on Franz cells, sandwiched between donor containing diclofenac sodium solution and receptor containing phosphate buffered saline, pH 7.4. Qualitative techniques revealed faster lateral diffusion of the dyes in microneedle-treated skin than laser-treated skin. Rate of drug diffusion in the central probe in the microneedle-treated skin (11.8 ± 2.5 μg/h) was significantly higher than untreated and laser-treated skin (p
Hearing and the Ear

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the working of ear. To simplify the analysis of the functioning of the human auditory system, it is conventional and useful to divide it anatomically into a number of subsystems. The most peripheral of these subsystems—the external ear—includes not only the acoustic effects of the external auditory meatus (ear canal) but also the diffraction and shadowing produced by the head and the pinna (auricle). The middle ear comprises the tympanic membrane (drum membrane), three small bones (the ossicles—malleus, incus, and stapes), and associated cavities, ligaments, and muscles. It serves to transform the vibrations induced in the tympanic membrane by sound waves into the displacements of the stapes footplate. A lockage of the ear canal and an interruption or fixation of the ossicular motions produce conductive hearing losses. The inner ear or cochlea is a spiral fluid-filled tube or cavity in the temporal bone. he chapter describes the characteristics of auditory behavior, The properties of the external ear and functioning of the middle ear, and transduction mechanism.
Carbon Dynamics and Pools in Major Forest Biomes of the World

Forests covered an estimated area of 3,952 million hectare in 2005, or about 30% of the world’s land area, and contained an estimated 283 Pg C in biomass, 38 Pg C in dead wood and 317 Pg C in litter and soils to 30-cm depth (FAO 2006). Through natural processes described in Chapter 2, C continuously enters and leaves the forest ecosystems. Natural habitat conditions, determined by factors such as temperature, moisture availability and frequency of disturbance, influence the C budget of a forest ecosystem. The major global forest biomes are the boreal, temperate and tropical forest biomes. Biomes are broad vegetation types defined by climate, life-form and ecophysiology (Woodward et al. 2004). As the climatic and environmental variables differ widely among biomes, the C dynamics and pools must be discussed separately for major global forest biomes. Otherwise, the biogeophysical processes in boreal, temperate and tropical forests influence the climate more immediately than does the C cycle (Bonan 2008). In particular, the negative climate forcing through C sequestration can be diminished or enhanced through biogeophysical feedbacks such as evaporative cooling, albedo changes, and changes in surface roughness, and the feedbacks differ among boreal, temperate and tropical forests.
Pancreatic exocrine secretion in steers infused postruminally with casein and cornstarch.

Our objective was to evaluate the effect of postruminal protein infusion on pancreatic exocrine secretions. One Holstein, two crossbred, and five Angus steers (305 ± 5 kg) with pancreatic pouch-duodenal re- entrant cannulas and abomasal infusion catheters were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square. All steers were abomasally infused with 1,050 g/d of raw cornstarch with treatments of 0, 60, 120, or 180 g/d of sodium casein suspended in water to yield 6,000 g/d of infusate daily. Steers were limit-fed (1.5 × NEm; 12 equal por- tions daily) a 90% corn silage, 10% supplement diet formulated to contain 12.5% CP. Periods consisted of 3 d of adaptation to infusion ,7do ffull infusion ,1do f collection, and 7 d of rest. Pancreatic juice was collected in 30-min fractions continuously for 6 h. Total juice secreted and the pH of individual fractions were re- corded, a 10% subsample was retained to form a com-
Learning arbiter and combiner trees from partitioned data for scaling machine learning

Knowledge discovery in databases has become an increasingly important research topic with the advent of wide area network computing. One of the crucial problems we study in this paper is how to scale machine learning algorithms, that typically are designed to deal with main memory based datasets, to efficiently learn from large distributed databases. We have explored an approach called meta-learning that is related to the traditional approaches of data reduction commonly employed in distributed query processing systems. Here we seek efficient means to learn how to combine a number of base classifiers, which are learned from subsets of the data, so that we scale efficiently to larger learning problems, and boost the accuracy of the constituent classifiers if possible. In this paper we compare the arbiter tree strategy to a new but related approach called the combiner tree strategy.
Abstract 4675: B-cell and T-cell repertoire sequencing enables somatic hypermutation and minimal residual disease assessment

The study of complex immunological diseases has progressed through recent developments that enable the sequencing of the immune repertoire. Using this approach, the interrogation of disease progression is facilitated through analysis of millions of V(D)J combinations from both B-cell antibodies and T-cell Receptors (TCR). One major challenge of immune repertoire sequencing is to capture the structural and sequence complexities of antibody and TCR genes. We have developed and optimized a method for accurate sequencing of full-length immune gene repertoires of B-cells and T-cells. RNA extracted from PBMCs were used to generate immune sequencing libraries in duplicate from a single patient. Using a unique barcoding scheme specifically designed to discretely barcode each mRNA molecule with a unique molecule index (UMI), PCR copies of each mRNA fragment can be collapsed into a single consensus sequence, improving accuracy through the resolution of PCR bias and sequencing errors. Utilization of the UMIs enabled absolute quantification of input RNA molecules and accurate ranking of the antibody/TCR clone abundance. This approach was also applied to the analysis of tumor samples for abundance of expanded clones through clustering based on V gene, J gene and CDR3 similarity and ranking by mRNA abundance. The use of isotype-specific primers (IgM, IgD, IgG, IgA and IgE) enabled measurement of the heavy chain isotype proportions within the samples. Full-length heavy chain antibody sequences generated using this method were aligned to germline genes from reference databases, enabling quantitation of the mutation level of each antibody sequence, providing information on the overall maturity and mutational profile of the sample repertoire. Additionally, this approach was capable of detecting minimal residual diseases by sensitive quantification of TCR rearrangement. This novel method allows for exhaustive somatic mutation profiling across complete V, D and J segments and full isotype information analysis. The information obtained enables the possibility for synthesis and expression of complete antibody chains and T-cell receptor chains for downstream immunological assays. Citation Format: Chen Song, Pingfang Liu, Andrew Barry, Eileen T. Dimalanta, Fiona J. Stewart, Salvatore Russello, Theodore B. Davis. B-cell and T-cell repertoire sequencing enables somatic hypermutation and minimal residual disease assessment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4675.
Advertising, “Addiction,” And The Denial Of True Choice

Many scholars question the constitutional validity of an advertising ban on tobacco products. There is also no question that some people seem to think that such a ban would constitute desirable public policy. However, there are several serious questions concerning both the costs and the benefits to be expected from any such restriction. This chapter attempts to compare the claims made for cigarette advertising bans by anti-smoking enthusiasts with the available economic evidence. A close look at the problem reveals several clear conclusions. First, the impact of advertising on consumers has been shown to be marginal and minor; cigarette advertising seems to have little, if any, effect on cigarette consumption. Second, cigarette advertising has not been shown to have a significant influence on smoking by young people. Third, cigarette advertising is a firm-specific phenomenon, which companies invest in for the purposes of competition, particularly in attempting to draw away existing market share from other companies and for promoting loyalty to their own brands. Fourth, the international evidence on smoking ad bans indicates that they have little, if any, effect on levels of cigarette consumption. Fifth, the U.S. Supreme Court has extended the protection of the First Amendment to “commercial speech” in a series of decisions, and any reversal of this trend would lead to a grave Constitutional crisis; and sixth, there is no meaningful link between advertising and cigarette “addiction.”
Sodium–Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor–Associated Prolonged Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Type 2 Diabetes: A Case Report and Literature Review

Sodium–glucose cotransporters (SGLTs) are present in the kidney, gut, and heart. SGLT2 mediates kidney glucose reabsorption predominately through the proximal convoluted tubule. Thus, SGLT2 inhibitors, a novel class of antihyperglycemic medications, enhance glucose excretion in the urine and effectively lower glucose levels in the circulation (1). Because SGLT2 receptors work in a glucose-dependent manner, a higher glycemic load increases the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors and potentiates glucose lowering irrespective of insulin action. Furthermore, due to the high sodium gradient across the membrane of the proximal convoluted tubule, glucose is actively transported with sodium by the SGLT2 receptor into the tubular cells and is later passively reabsorbed (2–4). In addition to their role in diabetes, SGLT2 inhibitors have recently been linked to weight loss and blood pressure reduction, thought to be due to osmotic diuresis (5). More importantly, SGLT2 inhibitors have been shown to improve cardiovascular (CV) physiology and reduce both CV events and all-cause mortality independent of glucose lowering (6–8). SGLT2 inhibitors increase glucosuria, making the urinary tract a favorable medium for bacterial and fungal growth and, in turn, increasing the incidence of both geni- tourinary and vaginal yeast infections (9). Hypoglycemia is fairly uncommon with these drugs (4). Drug-drug interactions are rarely reported with SGLT2 inhibitors; therefore, the doses of such medications need not be altered when used with other hypoglycemic agents (4,10). A recent meta-analysis exploring the potential interference of SGLT2 inhibitors with calcium and phosphate concentrations in the blood showed no increase in the risk of bone fracture in patients with type 2 diabetes (11). However, with regard to the adverse events observed with the SGLT2 inhibitors, euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious and life-threatening complication with plasma glucose <200 mg/dL, is probably the most worrisome (12). Canagliflozin was …
Video Content Analysis of the 2018 Sulawesi Tsunami, Indonesia: Impact at Palu Bay

Water surface disturbances at two locations were captured by two separate witness videos few minutes before the Sulawesi tsunami hit the Palu City, Indonesia on Sep 28, 2018. One of these videos shows top-view of both locations with surface disturbances. The other video shows the side-view of one of the locations with surface disturbance (also recorded in the top-view video), as a fast-moving bore (broken wave with splash). This work performs a Video Content Analysis (VCA) to locate these surface disturbances and to give a rough estimate of the wave characteristic and evolution when the videos were recorded. For the top-view video, VCA was done on a single frame that depicts two observable areas of tsunami generation with a pair of tall sharp-crested waves (unbroken waves). Width of the wave fronts and height of the tall sharp-crested waves are determined using this selected frame. For the side-view video, a sequence of video frames were used to determine the splash height, wave speed and acceleration of the fast-moving bore. In addition, our work points out some similar wave characteristics between the tall sharp-crested waves observed in the videos and waves generated by a submarine landslide lab experiment from the literature. Using simple tools, e.g., Google Earth for three-dimension measurement and satellite view and basic geometrical optics methods, we give a rough estimate of the wave size, velocity and acceleration during the recorded time. As per the results, the observable tall sharp-crested wave fronts have approximate widths of 383 and 461 m and crest-trough heights about 24 and 29 m. The fast-moving bore has an average speed of approximately $$22\,\hbox {m/s}$$ ( $$78\,\hbox {km/h}$$ ) with an acceleration of $$-1.18\,\hbox {m/s}^2$$ . This work provides information which cannot be retrieved by post-event field survey, and we consider that the information could be useful for numerical modelers to validate their simulations, sources and model physics by comparing quantitatively to results obtained herein.
Teens learning epidemiology? A cohort study on epidemiology instruction for high school youth.

Abstract Purpose The aim of the study was to determine if epidemiology instruction for high school students can improve science literacy skills compared with other science, technology, engineering, and math courses. Methods The Test of Scientific Literacy Skills (TOSLS), a validated measure of scientific inquiry and interpretation, was used to assess the change in students’ (n = 116; 63% female, 36% Asian, 30% Hispanic, 54% 12th grade, 48% mid poverty, and 24% high poverty) science literacy skills based on pre–post performance. Results Multilevel models adjusted for individual-level student gender, race-ethnicity, grade level, age, semester, and poverty status showed similar TOSLS performance for physics (β = 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.44 to 1.61), biology (β = 0.09; 95% CI, −0.82 to 1.00), and statistics (β = −0.76; 95% CI, −1.84 to 0.32), and lower for chemistry (β = −1.09; 95% CI, −2.26 to 0.08) and geology (β = −1.04; 95% CI, −2.06 to −0.02) relative to the reference group, epidemiology. Models testing the interaction of course subject and sociodemographic factors did not show gender differences in TOSLS performance for epidemiology, in contrast with physics (lower in females) and biology (higher in females). Conclusions Study findings suggest that epidemiology may be an appropriate method for supporting high school students’ development of science literacy skills, although larger and more nuanced studies are needed.
Stochastic optimization for flow-shop scheduling with on-site renewable energy generation using a case in the United States

Abstract On-site renewable energy provides great opportunities for manufacturing plants to reduce energy costs when faced with time-varying electricity prices. To efficiently utilize on-site renewable energy generation, production schedules and energy supply decisions need to be well investigated. In this paper, we present a two-stage, multi-objective stochastic program for flow shops with sequence-dependent setup. The first stage provides optimal schedules to minimize the total completion time. The second stage determines the energy supply decisions to minimize energy costs under a time-of-use electricity pricing scheme. The power demand of the production is met by on-site renewable generation, supply from the main grid, and energy storage system. An epsilon-constraint algorithm integrated with L-shaped method is proposed to analyze the problem. Sets of Pareto optimal solutions are provided for decision-makers. Our results show that the energy cost of setup operations is relatively high such that it cannot be ignored. Further, using solar or wind energy saves energy costs significantly. While, utilizing solar energy can reduce more.
Identification of Biomarkers for Systemic Distribution of Nanovesicles From Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2

The ability of bacterial extracellular vesicles (EV) to transport biological molecules has increased the research to determine their potential as therapeutic agents. In this study, Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2-derived nanovesicles (NV) were characterized to identify components that may serve as biomarkers in host-microbe interactions. Comparative proteomic and lipidomic analyses of L. johnsonii N6.2 NV and cell membrane (CM) were performed. The lipidomic profiles indicated that both fractions contained similar lipids, however, significant differences were observed in several classes. LC-MS/MS proteomic analysis indicated that NV contained several unique and differentially expressed proteins when compared to the CM. Analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) terms, based on cellular component, showed significant enrichment of proteins in the cytoplasm/intracellular space category for the NV fraction. Based on these results, the proteins T285_RS00825 (named Sdp), Eno3 and LexA were selected for studies of localization and as potential biomarkers for host-microbe interactions. Immunogold staining, followed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM, respectively), revealed that Sdp was preferentially localized along the cell wall/membrane, and on NV-like structures surrounding the bacteria. These results were confirmed using immunofluorescence staining in Caco-2 cells incubated with NV. Consequently, we evaluated the potential for NV surface-exposed proteins to generate an immune response in the host. Plasma from individuals administered L. johnsonii N6.2 showed that IgA and IgG antibodies were generated against NV and Sdp domains in vivo. Altogether, these results show that L. johnsonii N6.2 NV have the potential to mediate host interactions through immune modulation.
Osteopontin Deficiency Ameliorates Prostatic Fibrosis and Inflammation.

Fibrogenic and inflammatory processes in the prostate are linked to the development of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men. Our previous studies identified that osteopontin (OPN), a pro-fibrotic cytokine, is abundant in the prostate of men with LUTS, and its secretion is stimulated by inflammatory cytokines potentially to drive fibrosis. This study investigates whether the lack of OPN ameliorates inflammation and fibrosis in the mouse prostate. We instilled uropathogenic E. coli (UTI89) or saline (control) transurethrally to C57BL/6J (WT) or Spp1tm1Blh/J (OPN-KO) mice and collected the prostates one or 8 weeks later. We found that OPN mRNA and protein expression were significantly induced by E. coli-instillation in the dorsal prostate (DP) after one week in WT mice. Deficiency in OPN expression led to decreased inflammation and fibrosis and the prevention of urinary dysfunction after 8 weeks. RNAseq analysis identified that E. coli-instilled WT mice expressed increased levels of inflammatory and fibrotic marker RNAs compared to OPN-KO mice including Col3a1, Dpt, Lum and Mmp3 which were confirmed by RNAscope. Our results indicate that OPN is induced by inflammation and prolongs the inflammatory state; genetic blockade of OPN accelerates recovery after inflammation, including a resolution of prostate fibrosis.
Multi-dimensional, fully-implicit, spectral method for the Vlasov-Maxwell equations with exact conservation laws in discrete form

A spectral method for the numerical solution of the multi-dimensional Vlasov-Maxwell equations is presented. The plasma distribution function is expanded in Fourier (for the spatial part) and Hermite (for the velocity part) basis functions, leading to a truncated system of ordinary differential equations for the expansion coefficients (moments) that is discretized with an implicit, second order accurate Crank-Nicolson time discretization. The discrete non-linear system is solved with a preconditioned Jacobian-Free Newton-Krylov method.It is shown analytically that the Fourier-Hermite method features exact conservation laws for total mass, momentum and energy in discrete form. Standard tests involving plasma waves and the whistler instability confirm the validity of the conservation laws numerically. The whistler instability test also shows that we can step over the fastest time scale in the system without incurring in numerical instabilities. Some preconditioning strategies are presented, showing that the number of linear iterations of the Krylov solver can be drastically reduced and a significant gain in performance can be obtained.
The Effect of Postirradiation Bleeding or Endotoxin on Proliferation and Differentiation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Bleeding after irradiation failed to affect the time of onset or rate of regeneration of the hematopoietic stem cell compartment as measured by a split-dose irradiation method. Bleeding after a single 600 rad exposure hastened the time of onset of erythropoiesis as measured by spleen colonies and 59Fe uptake, but the early rise was abortive and the second increase began at the same time as the first increase seen in irradiated controls. The largest abortive increase was seen when bleeding occurred within 4 hr of irradiation. Lesser effects were seen when bleeding occurred 12 or 24 hr after and no effect 48 hr after irradiation. A generation time of 6.4 hr for a colony-forming cell that forms a colony in 4 days was calculated from the estimated number of cells in one such colony. Injection of cytosine arabinoside at the time of bleeding reduced colony numbers and 59Fe uptake equally in bled and control mice. Injection of 25 µg Salmonella typhosa endotoxin just after irradiation produced a similar early abortive rise in microscopic granulocytic colonies. These results are compatible with a model for pluripotential stem cell compartment in which: (1) differentiation and self-replication occur concomitantly unless the compartment is reduced below approximately 1O% of normal size; then self-replication occurs without appreciable differentiation; (2) for a short time (∼ 24 hr) after depletion below the threshold, differentiation can occur in response to strong stimuli.
An unsupervised neural network approach for machine-part cell design

We develop an unsupervised learning clustering neural network method for designing machine-part cells in cellular manufacturing. Our approach is based on the competitive learning algorithm. We use the generalized Euclidean distance as similarity measurement, and add a momentum term in the weight vector updating equations. The cluster structure can be adjusted by changing the coefficients in the generalized Euclidean distance. We also develop a neural network clustering system which can be used to cluster a 0-1 matrix into diagonal blocks. The developed neural network clustering system is independent of the initial matrix and gives clear final clustering results which specify the machines and parts in each group. We use the developed neural network clustering system to solve an example, in which the machine-part incidence matrix is to be clustered into diagonal block structure. The computational results are compared with those from the rank order clustering and directive clustering analysis methods. >
Affective-Cognitive learning and decision making: a motivational reward framework for affective agents

In this paper we present a new computational framework of affective-cognitive learning and decision making for affective agents, inspired by human learning and recent neuroscience and psychology. In the proposed framework ‘internal reward from cognition and emotion’ and ‘external reward from the external world’ serve as motivation in learning and decision making. We construct this model, integrating affect and cognition, with the aim of enabling machines to make smarter and more human-like decisions for better human-machine interactions.
Marie Cardona. An Ambivalent Nature‐Symbol in Albert Camus’s L’étranger

Although a relatively minor character in Camus’s novel L’etranger, Marie Cardona, the protagonist Meursault’s lover, was the author’s favorite creation. She represents love of life and unabashed sexuality in the novel to a greater degree than any other character. Recently, feminist scholars have viewed her from complex, sometimes contradictory perspectives. They are unable to decide whether Camus designed her as an autonomous figure or a mere cardboard sexual plaything for the neurotic Meursault. Some critics link Camus’s alleged anti-Arab racism to his supposed depiction of Marie as a helpless, passionless woman lacking an independent identity. This article depicts Marie as a “natural woman,” who ultimately appreciates Meursault’s blunt honesty, even when he says he does not love her. Contrary to most critics, Marie demonstrates an active sexuality rather than serving as Meursault’s sexual object. Indeed, the converse may be closer to the truth. After their initial encounter at the swimming pool, Meursault is often shy and passive and has to be coaxed into sexual behavior by the more aggressive Marie. After his mother’s death, Meursault seeks a close personal relationship with a woman, and hopes to find it with Marie. He rejects his brutish friend Raymond’s suggestion that they go to a brothel because he wants a more meaningful relationship. An essentially passive individual, Meursault requires the stimulation of a lustful, affectionate, life-affirming young woman like Marie to awaken his sexuality. That Camus, an admirer of ancient Greco-Roman myth, may have intended Marie to represent a Greek fertility goddess figure is suggested when she smites the asphodel flowers with her handbag on the way down to the beach where Meursault kills the Arab. The asphodel was the flower sacred to Persephone/Proserpine, wife of Hades/Pluto. Ironically, she was goddess of the Underworld and the dead and also daughter of Demeter/Ceres, goddess of fertility and the harvest. Since previous critics have linked the descent of Meursault and Marie to the beach from the bus-stop to Dante’s descent from the “asphodel plateau” into Hell in the Divina commedia, this is a plausible interpretation of Marie’s subliminal identity. Marie embraces the sun and the sea and merges with them in a successfully consummated relationship. Unlike Meursault, for whom she may resemble his mother in her youth, she is at peace with herself and the world. For Camus, her dark, tanned skin symbolizes her identification with Nature and the body and rejection of thoughts of death. In her love of life and her play with the asphodels on the deathly plateau leading to the fatal beach, Marie reveals an essential innocence and ambivalence as a Persephone-like, life/death Nature symbol, and a female, life-assertive Antichrist.
Modeling Dislocations Using a Periodic Cell

Dislocations are lattice defects responsible for many mechanical behaviors of crystalline materials, ranging from their growth to deformation and failure [1]. Dislocation motion leads to plastic deformation. In some cases, dislocation interactions give rise to materials strengthening, while in other cases they participate in ductile fracture and fatigue. Dislocation nucleation and subsequent multiplication are important processes for many new technologies on thin film and micro-mechanical structures. Examples include relaxation of strained heteroepitaxial semiconductor layers [2], and materials characterization by micro- and nano-indentations [3].
Water Treatment and Equipment Decontamination Techniques

In responding to an intentional contamination of a drinking water system, water utility personnel (along with many other entities) will be faced with both providing clean and safe drinking water for their consumers and for cleaning up the contamination. How those two responsibilities are handled will be dictated by the type of contaminating event. For example, if a major ground water aquifer is contaminated, then decontamination of the aquifer may not be possible and treatment of the water from that aquifer would be required before the water could be used. If a storage tank is contaminated, the storage tank could possibly be taken off line. The contaminated water would then be treated prior to disposal and the storage tank decontaminated (cleaned) prior to bringing the storage tank back online. This summary article will discuss the various water treatment and decontamination techniques that could be used during an intentional contamination event. For this article, water treatment will refer to techniques that would be used to treat the contaminated water and decontamination will refer to the techniques that would be used to clean hard surfaces such as the insides of a pipe or storage tank. Although this article will not discuss specific actions to take during specific events (or specific contaminants), the article provides summary information that will guide water personnel towards the proper treatment techniques. The basic contaminants that could be used in an intentional attack against a water system could be broken down into chemical (inorganic or organic), microbial (bacteria, protozoan, or viruses), and radiological classes. Various groups have made public lists available (States 2003; CDC 2003). This article will not discuss the merits of those lists, the specific contaminants on those lists, nor attempt to define where or how those contaminants could be introduced into a water system. The discussion contained in this article will start with the assumption that a contaminating event has occurred. Although this article focuses on the basis of an intentional contamination, the same process described here could be used during an unintentional contaminating event. This article will also address some of the knowledge gaps missing in the water treatment and decontamination area that could lead to research needs.
Evaluation of materials for the MHD steam bottoming plant

Test data have been obtained on the corrosion of several commercial ASME-coded alloys and their weldments by exposing internally cooled ring specimens to simulated magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) environments. The specimens, coated with a K/sub 2/SO/sub 4/-rich deposit, were exposed for up to 2000 h at metal temperatures of 762, 593, and 567 degrees C to simulated MHD conditions for the intermediate-temperature air heater (ITAH), ITAH transition region (transition from a low- to medium-chromium alloy to a high-chromium steel), and secondary superheater (SSH), respectively. The observed corrosion scale morphologies of various exposed specimens is discussed in detail. Data on scale thickness, depth of intergranular penetration, and metal recession are presented, and the results are used to assess the corrosion behavior of various materials for application in the MHD steam bottoming plant. >
A Technique for Determining Live Second-stage Juveniles of Heterodera glycines.

We developed a quick and reliable technique to distinguish live and immobile (presumed dead) Heterodera glycines second-stage juveniles (J2) following their treatment with microbial culture filtrates. About 50 J2 in 1 ml of culture filtrate or water were placed in wells of a 24-well tissue-culture plate. After incubation, the nematodes in the wells were observed with the aid of an inverted microscope. The J2 lay straight and their viability could not be determined by direct microscopic observation. With the addition of one or two drops (50 to 100 µl) of 1 N NaOH into the well, the live nematodes changed their body shape from straight to curled or hook-shaped after about 30 seconds. The nematodes that responded to NaOH by changing their body shape within 3 minutes were considered a live, while those nematodes that failed to respond within 3 minutes and were immobile were presumed to be dead. The technique is simple, fast, and useful for the examination of a large number of samples in which one wants to determine the effects of microbial cultural filtrates on nematodes, or in similar tests.
Self organization in cathode boundary layer discharges

Summary form only given. Direct current glow discharges between a planar cathode and a ring-shaped anode with a diameter on the order of one millimeter, separated by a gap of 100 to 250 /spl mu/m, was studied in xenon and argon in a pressure range from 75 to 760 Torr. The thickness of the "cathode boundary layer" (CBL) plasma, in the 100 /spl mu/m range, and a discharge sustaining voltage of approximately 200 V, indicates that the discharge is restricted to the cathode fall and the negative glow, with the negative glow serving as virtual anode. The CBL plasma was found to be an efficient source of excimer radiation. In xenon, at 172 nm, the radiant excimer emittance reaches a value of 4 W/cm/sup 2/ for atmospheric pressure operation; in argon, at 128 nm, the maximum measured value was 1.6 W/cm/sup 2/ at 600 Torr. Efficiencies range from 2.5% for argon to 5% for xenon. When the discharge current is reduced below a critical value, the discharge in xenon, but not in argon, changes from an abnormal glow into a mode showing self-organization of the plasma. The plasma patterns, regularly arranged filaments that are most pronounced at lower pressures (100 Torr), show discrete changes when the current is decreased by fractions of mA. This self-organization of the plasma requires the presence of a second stable branch in addition to the abnormal cathode fall in the voltage-current density characteristic of the "cathode boundary layer" (CBL) discharges. A model of the cathode fall by von Engel and Steenbeck, which was modified to take thermal conduction through the 500 /spl mu/m thick cathode as a loss process into account, in addition to radiation, indicates the presence of second stable mode of the glow discharge beyond the abnormal glow mode. The effect of the cathode surface structure on the development of regularly arranged plasma filaments has been demonstrated by modifying the cathode surface. The positive slope of the current-voltage characteristics of the CBL discharges over a wide range of currents (including that, where self-organization is observed) indicates the possibility of generating structured, large-area plasma layers, including flat excimer sources.
Contraceptive practices of white unmarried university students: the significance of four years at one university.

Abstract The contraceptive practices of unmarried students at the same university in 1968 and 1972 are compared. The 1972 students were much more likely than those in 1968 to report that they usually or had ever used the birth control pill. There was no difference between what 1968 and 1972 students reported using the first time they had intercourse. Increase in the availability of the pill was considered as one explanation for the difference in reported pill use. Two hypotheses advanced to explain why there were no differences between what students in 1968 and 1972 said they used when they first had intercourse were (1) perhaps there had been no change in availability when the first intercourse event occurred and (2) the spontaneous nature of the first coital experience might preclude the rational behavior necessary for obtaining the newer methods of contraception. Over all, we judged the contraceptive behavior of unmarried university students to be more conducive to pregnancy prevention in 1972 than in 1968.
Blockade of nicotinic responses in rat retinal ganglion cells by neuronal bungarotoxin.

Abstract The effects of neuronal bungarotoxin (NBT) on nicotinic acetylcholine responses recorded from rat retinal ganglion cells in culture were studied with patch electrodes. We observed that the concentration of this toxin needed to induce a total blockade of nicotinic currents varied according to the method of toxin application utilized. Rapid addition of 20 μM NBT by pressure ejection from micropipettes produced total blockade of 50-μM acetylcholine-induced currents. In contrast, when added slowly via the physiological solution which continuously superfused the cells, NBT was able to produce a complete blockade of the response at 200 nM. The IC50 determined for NBT by the superfusion method was 55 nM. Recovery from block was slow and incomplete with both drug application methods, although some differences were found. The results are discussed reference to a scheme in which NBT binds with both low and high affinity to functional nicotinic receptors in rat retinal ganglion cells in culture.