cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypersensitivity of Vagal Pulmonary Afferents Induced by Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha in Mice

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. Inhalation of TNFα also induces airway hyperresponsiveness in healthy human subjects, and the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. A recent study reported that TNFα caused airway inflammation and a sustained elevation of pulmonary chemoreflex responses in mice, suggesting a possible involvement of heightened sensitivity of vagal pulmonary C-fibers. To investigate this possibility, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of a pretreatment with TNFα on the sensitivity of vagal pulmonary afferents in anesthetized mice. After TNFα (10 µg/kg, 0.03 ml) and vehicle (Veh; phosphate buffered saline, 0.03 ml) were administered by intra-tracheal instillation in each mouse of treated (TNF) and control (Veh) groups, respectively, the peak activity of pulmonary C-fibers in response to an intravenous bolus injection of a low dose of capsaicin (Cap; 0.5 µg/kg) was significantly elevated in TNF group (6.5 ± 1.3 impulses/s, n=12) 24-48 h later, compared to that in Veh group (2.2 ± 0.5 impulses/s, n=11; P<0.05). Interestingly, the same low dose of Cap injection also evoked a distinct burst of discharge (2.4 ± 0.7 impulses/s) in 75% of the silent rapidly adapting receptors (RARs), a subtype of RARs exhibiting no phasic activity, in TNF group, but did not stimulate any of the silent RARs in Veh group. To further determine if this sensitizing effect involves a direct action of TNFα on these sensory nerves, the change in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in response to Cap challenge was measured in isolated mouse vagal pulmonary sensory neurons. The Cap-evoked Ca2+ influx was markedly enhanced in the neurons incubated with TNFα (50 ng/ml) for ~24 h, and this sensitizing effect was attenuated in the neurons isolated from the TNF-receptor double homozygous mutant mice. In conclusion, the TNFα pretreatment enhanced the Cap sensitivity in both pulmonary C-fibers and silent RARs, and the action was mediated through TNF receptors. These sensitizing effects of TNFα may contribute, at least in part, to the pathogenesis of airway hyperresponsiveness induced by this cytokine.
Aiding or Dissuading? The Effects of Exhausting Eligibility for Need-Based Aid on Bachelor's Degree Attainment and Time to Completion

While studies find that need-based financial aid can increase college access, persistence, and completion, little is known about how tuition subsidies affect students after they have enrolled in college and how losing aid impacts postsecondary attainment. I shed light on these questions by exploiting recent changes to federal Pell Grant eligibility rules that reduced the lifetime availability for aid from 9 to 6 full-time-equivalent years. Using longitudinal data from the University System of Georgia, I compare student outcomes before versus after the rule change for Pell recipients who were affected and unaffected by the new lifetime limit. The results indicate that aid exhaustion required students to borrow more, which in turn accelerated their time to completion. The rule change increased the probability of term-over-term re-enrollment and bachelor’s degree completion within 8 years by 2-3 percentage points. Students who had at least one year to adjust to the new rule before exhausting aid eligibility were also much more likely to graduate before experiencing aid losses. Importantly, I find no evidence that the rule change decreased the overall probability of degree attainment. The findings therefore indicate that setting limits on the availability of need-based grants can accelerate time to completion for students who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to finishing college.
Abstract 21307: Beta-Blockers Inferior to Calcium Channel Blockers in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Introduction: There have been no large, randomized comparison trials in the medical treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Beta-blockers (BB) have been used as first line therapy based on ...
Examining the Impact of Alcohol and Other Drug Education Exposure on Student Alcohol Consumption.

This investigation examined the association between alcohol and other drug (AOD) prevention/education programs and drinking behaviors among students aged 12 to 17 years. We conducted a secondary an...
Optimizing turbulent inflow conditions for large-eddy simulations of the atmospheric boundary layer

Abstract Large-eddy simulations (LES) of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) require the specification of a turbulent inflow condition with appropriate turbulence intensities and length scales. When using a synthetic turbulence generator, the statistics obtained downstream of the inlet might deviate considerably from the intended values. In the present work we propose a fully automated approach to modify the input parameters for the turbulence generator such that the desired turbulence statistics are obtained at the downstream location of interest. The method employs a gradient-based optimization in combination with the divergence-free version of the digital filter method developed by Xie and Castro [1, 2]. A sensitivity analysis showed that the spanwise and vertical Reynolds stresses and length scales are the most influential input parameters. Hence, the optimization adjusts these parameters until the desired turbulence statistics are obtained downstream in the domain. The results demonstrate the promising capabilities of the method: the mean velocity profile is correctly maintained using an appropriate wall function, while the optimization results in Reynolds stresses, integral length-scales and turbulence spectra that compare well to ABL wind tunnel measurements.
Adaptation to Resource Availability as a Determinant of Chemical Defense Strategies in Woody Plants

Browsing mammals are usually generalist herbivores. For example, in boreal forests snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) and mountain hares (L. timidus) usually require a multi-species diet in order to survive during winter.1,2 Two hypotheses attempt to explain the generalist feeding behavior of browsing mammals: (a) Browsing mammals must feed upon several plant species in order to avoid ingestion of an overdose of one plant’s toxic secondary metabolites.2,3 (b) Browsing mammals must feed upon several plant species to optimize nutrient or energy intake.4–8 Here we test these two hypotheses by considering the phytochemical basis for winter food selection by snowshoe hares in an Alaskan taiga forest. We conclude by discussing our findings in light of presently held views of plant-herbivore interactions.
Influence of yucca extract on ruminal metabolism in cows.

Two trials were conducted to determine the influence of yucca extract on ruminal digestion, fermentation, and ammonia patterns using ruminally and duodenally cannulated dairy cows. In Trial 1, urea at 0 or 1% of the diet and yucca extract at 0 or 4 g/d formed four dietary treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. The experimental design was a 4 x 4 Latin square with 15-d periods. Duodenal digesta were sampled every 6 h during the last 4 d of each period to determine OM and ADF digestibilities and bacterial protein synthesis in the rumen using Cr2O3 and 15N markers. Ruminal digestibilities were (percentage): OM 46.3 vs 43.0%, and ADF 35.9 vs 41.4%, with or without Deodorase. Microbial protein entering the duodenum averaged 2.7 vs 3.1 kg/d for the respective treatments. Ruminal measurements were not affected by treatment (P > .10). In Trial 2, five cows were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square with 7-d periods. Treatments were 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g/d of yucca extract administered via ruminal cannulas. Ruminal fluid was sampled 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, 11, 16, and 22 h after feeding during the last 2 d of each period. Average ruminal NH3 N ranged from 31.4 to 35.4 mg/dL, pH 5.99 to 6.18, and total VFA from 120 to 129 mM, and all did not differ among treatments (P > .10). Yucca extract administered at 4 g/d did not significantly affect ruminal digestibilities of OM and ADF, and up to 8 g/d did not affect ruminal NH3, pH, or VFA.
Preparation of Silyl Enol Ethers

Due to the wide range of useful reactions which silyl enol ether undergo, numerous methods have been developed to prepare them. We will consider these methods in this chapter. Certain of these have been previously discussed (see Chapter 14 and 15).
Nasoorbitoethmoid (NOE) Fractures

Nasoorbitoethmoid (NOE) fractures comprise a relatively uncommon subset of facial injuries. Although the incidence of NOE fractures varies amongst authors, the occurrence is approximately 5 % in adults. These patients often suffer a significant high-velocity, direct blow to the upper midface. Concomitant injuries to the remainder of the craniofacial skeleton are not uncommon, and a thorough evaluation of such must be carried out. Significant physiologic and cosmetic morbidity can occur with NOE fractures, and delay in their repair can further exacerbate them. Thus, decisions to manage these injuries operatively must be swift and decisive. Multiple surgical approaches exist for the management of NOE fractures, and the choice for such is made on a case-by-case basis.
Metabolic Culprits in Obese Pregnancies and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Big Babies, Big Twists, Big Picture: The 2018 Norbert Freinkel Award Lecture

Pregnancy has been equated to a "stress test" in which placental hormones and growth factors expose a mother's predisposition toward metabolic disease, unleashing her previously occult insulin resistance (IR), mild β-cell dysfunction, and glucose and lipid surplus due to the formidable forces of pregnancy-induced IR. Although pregnancy-induced IR is intended to assure adequate nutrition to the fetus and placenta, in mothers with obesity, metabolic syndrome, or those who develop gestational diabetes mellitus, this overnutrition to the fetus carries a lifetime risk for increased metabolic disease. Norbert Freinkel, nearly 40 years ago, coined this excess intrauterine nutrient exposure and subsequent offspring developmental risk "fuel-mediated teratogenesis," not limited to only excess maternal glucose. Our attempts to better elucidate the causes and mechanisms behind this double-edged IR of pregnancy, to metabolically characterize the intrauterine environment that results in changes in newborn body composition and later childhood obesity risk, and to examine potential therapeutic approaches that might target maternal metabolism are the focus of this article. Rapidly advancing technologies in genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics offer us innovative approaches to interrogate these metabolic processes in the mother, her microbiome, the placenta, and her offspring that contribute to a phenotype at risk for future metabolic disease. If we are successful in our efforts, the researcher, endocrinologist, obstetrician, and health care provider fortunate enough to care for pregnant women have the unique opportunity to positively impact health outcomes not only in the short term but in the long run, not just in one life but in two-and possibly, for the next generation.
Structure and Stability of B10N14: Cages, Sheets, and Rings

Boron nitride is a material similar to carbon in its ability to adopt numerous molecular forms, including two-dimensional sheets and three-dimensional cages and nanotubes. Boron nitride single molecules, such as B12N12, have isomeric forms that include rings and sheets, as well as cage forms analogous and isoelectronic to the carbon fullerenes. Such cages tend to be composed of squares and hexagons to allow perfect alternation of boron and nitrogen atoms, which is possible because of the 1 : 1 ratio of boron-to-nitrogen atoms. What about molecules in which this 1 : 1 ratio does not apply? In the current study, theoretical calculations are carried out on molecules of B10N14 to determine energetically favorable isomers. Density functional theory is used in conjunction with Dunning basis sets. Cage, sheet, and ring isomers are considered. Energetic trends are calculated and discussed, in comparison to comparable studies on B12N12.
Internet Appendix to 'Selection Bias or Treatment Effect? The Re-Examination of Russell 1000/2000 Index Reconstitution'

This is the internet appendix to "Selection Bias Or Treatment Effect? The Re-Examination of Russell 1000/2000 Index Reconstitution" (http://ssrn.com/abstract=2780660).
Directed Logic WDM-Based Scalable Optical Decoder Using Micro-Ring Resonators

A novel design for an optical decoder is demonstrated in which by using the Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (WDM) property of the micro-ring resonators, we greatly simplify the design and achieve scalability to produce N-bit decoders. We designed the decoder logic using directed logic. Directed logic takes the full advantage of integrated photonics and electronics and has received lots of investigation since its introduction. The feasibility of the proposed decoder is verified through simulation.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Large Benign Intracranial Tumors.

Background Historically, it is stated that large intracranial tumors, herein defined as a maximum dimension of ≥3 cm or tumor volume ≥14.2 cm3, are not candidates for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). We report outcomes of patients with large benign intracranial tumors treated with SRS. Methods With institutional review board approval, we retrospectively identified 74 patients with large benign intracranial tumors (59 meningiomas, 9 vestibular schwannomas, and 6 glomus jugulare tumors) treated with robotic SRS (2007–2018). Patients received definitive SRS in 47.3% of the cases, adjuvant to surgical resection in 44.6%, and salvage after past radiation treatment in 8.1%. A median tumor volume of 16.0 cm3 (range, 10.1–65.5 cm3) received a median dose of 24.0 Gy (range, 14.0–30.0 Gy) in a median of 3 fractions (range, 1–5), for a median single fraction equivalent dose (with alpha/beta of 3) of 14.8 Gy (range, 11.3–18.0 Gy). The Kaplan-Meier estimate of tumor local control (LC) was calculated from date of SRS. Results With a median clinical follow-up of 32.8 months (range, 0.6–125.9 months) and median radiologic follow-up of 28.5 months (range, 0.6–121.4 months), LC was 96.5% (95% confidence interval, 92.4%–100%) at 3 years and 91.7% (95% confidence interval, 87.6%–95.7%) at 5 years. Adverse radiation effect (ARE) was seen in 10 patients (13.5%) at a median of 13.5 months (range, 7.8–34.5 months). ARE occurred in 9% of those with prior treatment compared with 5% who were radiation-naive (P = 0.23). With 236.4 person-years of follow-up, no secondary malignancies were seen. Conclusions Despite the historical adage, we find that SRS provides high rates of LC for these large tumors, with rates of ARE similar to historical reports of SRS for smaller benign tumors.
The effect of extending graduated driver licensing to older novice drivers in Indiana

Abstract Introduction: Graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems have been shown to reduce rates of crashes, injuries, and deaths of young novice drivers. However, approximately one in three new drivers in the United States obtain their first driver’s license at age 18 or older, and thus are exempt from most or all provisions of GDL in most states. Method: In July 2015, the state of Indiana updated its GDL program, extending its restrictions on driving at night and on carrying passengers during the first 6 months of independent driving, previously only applicable to new drivers younger than 18, to all newly-licensed drivers younger than 21 years of age. The current study examined monthly rates of crashes per licensed driver under the affected conditions (driving at night and driving with passengers) among Indiana drivers first licensed at ages 18, 19, and 20 under the updated GDL system compared with drivers licensed at the same ages under the previous GDL system. We used Poisson regression to estimate the association between the GDL system and crash rates, while attempting to control for other factors that might have also influenced crash rates. We used linear regression to estimate the association between the GDL system and the proportion of all crashes that occurred under conditions restricted by the GDL program. Results: Results showed, contrary to expectations, that rates of crashes during restricted nighttime hours and with passengers were higher among drivers licensed under the updated GDL system. This mirrored a statewide increase in crash rates among drivers of all ages over the study period and likely reflected increased overall driving exposure. The proportions of all crashes that were at night or with passengers did not change. Practical Applications: More research is needed to understand how older novice drivers respond when GDL systems originally designed for younger novice drivers are applied to them.
Predictors of Acute Liver Failure in Patients With Acute Hepatitis A: An Analysis of the 2016-2018 San Diego County Hepatitis A Outbreak.

Author(s): Jiang, Aiyang A; Greenwald, Holly S; Sheikh, Lamiya; Wooten, Darcy A; Malhotra, Atul; Schooley, Robert T; Sweeney, Daniel A | Abstract: Background:Between 2016 and 2018, San Diego County experienced a hepatitis A outbreak with a historically high mortality rate (3.4%) that highlighted the need for early recognition of those at risk of developing acute liver failure (ALF). Methods:A retrospective case series of adult hospitalized patients with acute hepatitis A. Results:One hundred six patients with hepatitis A were studied, of whom 11 (10.4%) developed ALF, of whom 7 (6.6%) died. A history of alcohol abuse, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyponatremia, and anemia were associated with increased odds of developing ALF. Initial Maddrey's and Model of End-Stage Liver Disease Sodium (MELD-Na) scores were also associated with the development of ALF. Multivariable analysis showed that a higher initial MELD-Na score (odds ratio [OR], 1.205; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.018-1.427) and a lower initial serum albumin concentration (OR, 9.35; 95% CI, 1.15-76.9) were associated with increased odds of developing ALF. Combining serum albumin and MELD-Na (SAM; C-statistic, 0.8878; 95% CI, 0.756-0.988) yielded a model that was not better than either serum albumin (C-statistic, 0.852; 95% CI, 0.675-0.976) or MELD-Na (C-statistic, 0.891; 95% CI, 0.784-0.968; P = .841). Finally, positive blood cultures were more common among patients with ALF compared with those without ALF (63.6% vs 4.3%; P l .00001). Conclusions:Hypoalbuminemia was associated with an increased risk of ALF in patients with acute hepatitis A. Positive blood cultures and septic shock as a cause of death were common among patients with ALF. Providers caring for patients with acute hepatitis A should monitor for early signs of sepsis and consider empiric antibiotics, especially in patients presenting with hypoalbuminemia.
The Colorblind Rainbow: Whiteness in the Gay Rights Movement.

Discourse on “identity politics” tends to treat political minority identities as distinct entities, discussing them as if an individual is either black or a woman or LGBT, etc. This separates race ...
World Trade Evolution: Growth, Productivity, and Employment, edited by Lili Yan Ing and Miaojie Yu (Routledge, London, 2019), pp. ix+472.

This edited volume contains 12 very fine papers examining how trade affects growth, productivity and employment. Ing, Yu and Zhang develop a procedure extending the work of Feenstra and Romalis to estimate micro-level firm-product-destination-year export quality. They combine firm-level production data with transaction-level export data in both Indonesia and China to estimate micro-level export quality. [Extracted from the article]
Long-term accumulation, depth distribution, and speciation of silver nanoparticles in biosolids-amended soils.

Biosolids can be a source of metals and metal nanoparticles. The objective of this study was to quantify and characterize the accumulation and transport of silver (Ag) in a natural soil that has received agronomically recommended rates of biosolids as fertilizer from 1994 to 2017. Total Ag concentrations were measured in biosolids and soil samples collected from 0 to 10 cm between 1996 and 2017. The depth distribution of Ag in soil to 60-cm depth was measured in 2017. Electron microscopy, in combination with X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy were used to characterize the Ag. The Ag concentrations in the biosolids-amended soil increased steadily from 1996 until 2007, after which the concentrations leveled off at about 1.25 mg Ag kg-1 soil. This corresponded with a decrease of Ag concentrations in biosolids over time. The majority of the Ag (82%) was confined to the top 10 cm of the soil, small amounts (14%) were detected at 10-to-20-cm depth, and trace amounts (4%) were detected at 30-to-40-cm depth. The Ag in the biosolids was identified as S-containing nanoparticles (Ag2 S) with a diameter of 10-12 nm; however, in soil, the Ag concentrations were too low to allow identification of Ag speciation. This study shows that in a real-world field scenario, biosolids applied at agronomic rates represent a long-term, economically viable source of crop nutrients without increasing the concentration of total Ag in soil above a maximum of 1.5 mg Ag kg-1 . This concentration is below estimated ecotoxicity limits for Ag2 S in soil.
Rearranged antigen receptor genes in Hodgkin's disease.

Despite intensive efforts using a wide variety of approaches, the cellular lineage and clonality of the abnormal cells of Hodgkin's disease have remained an enigma. In the present study, cell separation techniques that enriched for Reed-Sternberg cells and their variants were used to generate sufficient percentages of abnormal cells to allow detection of rearrangements in these cell fractions. DNA from the involved tissues of eight Hodgkin's disease patients was subjected to Southern blot analysis to detect rearrangements of T cell antigen receptor genes and immunoglobulin genes. Immunoglobulin gene rearrangements were found in three of five cases in which Reed-Sternberg cells and their variants were enriched by cell separation techniques to cell frequencies >1 %. Rearrange- ments of immunoglobulin heavy chain genes occurred in two cases, and a X light chain gene rearrangement occurred in a third case. Rearrangements were not detected in lymphocyte fractions or in unseparated cells prepared from the same tissues. The putative Hodgkin's cell line. L428. also contained rearrangements of immunoglobulin heavy and k and λ light chain genes and, in addition, harbored a single T cell receptor β gene rearrangement. These findings indicate that Reed-Sternberg cell-enriched fractions contain clonal cell populations and provide a lead, at the molecular genetic level, to a possible Iymphoid derivation of the Reed-Sternbero cell. ®1987 by Grune & Stratton, Inc. 0006-4971/87/7001-0012$3.00/0
Brief report: Cannabis and opioid use disorder among heart failure admissions, 2008-2018.

Background In the United States, both cannabis use disorder (CUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) have increased in prevalence. The prevalence, demographics, and costs of CUD and OUD are not well known in heart failure (HF) admissions. This study aimed to use a national database to examine the prevalence, demographics, and costs associated with CUD and OUD in HF. Methods This study used the National Inpatient Sample from 2008 to 2018 to identify all primary HF admissions with and without the co-diagnosis of OUD or CUD using International Classification for Diagnosis, diagnosis codes. Demographics, costs, and trends were examined. Results Between 2008 and 2018, we identified 11,692,995 admissions for HF of which 84,796 (0.8%) had a co-diagnosis of CUD only, and 67,137 (0.6%) had a co-diagnosis of OUD only. The proportion of HF admissions with CUD significantly increased from 0.3% in 2008 to 1.3% in 2018 (p Conclusions Among discharge records for HF, CUD and OUD are increasing in prevalence, significantly affect underserved populations and are associated with higher costs of stay. Future research is essential to better delineate the cause of these increased costs and create interventions, particularly in underserved populations.
Etiology and Outcomes of Pediatric Spinal Cord Tumors

Spinal cord tumors are a rare entity in the pediatric population. Pediatric oncology patients may develop spinal cord compression from tumors in the extradural, intradural extramedullary or intramedullary space. There are a variety of genetic syndromes that have a predisposition for spinal cord tumors, most notably Neurofibromatosis Type 2. Most spinal cord tumors tend to be slow growing with insidious presentation. Common symptoms may consist of pain, weakness, sensory changes, sphincter dysfunction and spinal deformity. The pattern of involvement depends upon tumor location in the cord. Because symptoms are often vague, slowly progressive and difficult to assess in young children, there is often a significant delay between symptom onset and diagnosis.
Brain cathepsin B but not metalloendopeptidases degrade rAPP751 with production of amyloidogenic fragments

Lysosomal cathepsin B but not L degraded rAPP751 to yield C-terminal 19-25 kDa fragments containing beta A4, reinforcing the view that acidic proteases participate in endosomal-lysosomal processing to yield amyloidogenic fragments in situ. This mechanism is consistent with fragmentation of endogenous APPs within clathrin-coated vesicles (CVs) by vesicular hydrolases, with the appearance of C-terminal amyloidogenic fragments following incubation at pH 6.5. A neutral endopeptidase resembling NEP 24.11 (PS-NEP) purified from detergent extracts of human brain degraded rAPP751; however, breakdown was not blocked robustly by metal chelators or phosphoramidon, suggesting the presence of an alternative processing enzyme. Effects of other inhibitors showed that breakdown was mediated by serine-protease-like component(s). A phosphoramidon-insensitive metalloendopeptidase (PI-NEP) partially purified from rat brain P2 using detergents, and resembling NEP 24.15, showed no activity towards rAPP751. Peptides containing putative beta- or gamma-secretase sites were synthesized for purposes of examining their metabolism by the brain enzymes. Those containing beta-secretase sites were hydrolysed at one or more sites by the four enzymes, but only PI- and PS-NEP acted at the Met-Asp site of Ac-Val-Lys-Met-Asp-Ala-Glu-Phe-Arg.NH2. In the case of substrates containing the gamma-site, these two categories of enzymes were the only ones degrading N-Ac-Ile-Ala.NH2. These data imply that the brain metalloendopeptidases, while inactive towards intact precursors, may be involved in turnover of intermediates containing beta- or gamma-sites.
Suburban income inequality: Three theories and a few facts

Abstract Both the journey-to-work model and Tiebout's theory of local public good provision have implications for the degree of income heterogeneity we expect to find in suburban communities. Data from the Chicago metropolitan area suggest that neither approach throws much light on the nature of suburban income distributions. A third theory, based on Robert Frank's notion of local status, is presented. This approach emphasizes the extent of income redistribution that takes place through suburban governments and interprets such transfers as the price of local status. An exploratory effort to estimate this price is made.
On the pragmatic turbo equalizer for optical communications

Two types of pragmatic turbo equalizers are implemented and evaluated with either histogram approach or multivariate Gaussian approximation. The latter is found to be more suitable due to its low complexity and less performance degradation.
Optimal control of uncertain quantized linear discrete-time systems

Summary In this paper, the adaptive optimal regulator design for unknown quantized linear discrete-time control systems over fixed finite time is introduced. First, to mitigate the quantization error from input and state quantization, dynamic quantizer with time-varying step-size is utilized wherein it is shown that the quantization error will decrease overtime thus overcoming the drawback of the traditional uniform quantizer. Next, to relax the knowledge of system dynamics and achieve optimality, the adaptive dynamic programming methodology is adopted under Bellman's principle by using quantized state and input vector. Because of the time-dependency nature of finite horizon, an adaptive online estimator, which learns a newly defined time-varying action-dependent value function, is updated at each time step so that policy and/or value iterations are not needed. Further, an additional error term corresponding to the terminal constraint is defined and minimized along the system trajectory. The proposed design scheme yields a forward-in-time and online scheme, which enjoys great practical merits. Lyapunov analysis is used to show the boundedness of the closed-loop system; whereas when the time horizon is stretched to infinity as in the case of infinite horizon, asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system is demonstrated. Simulation results on a benchmarking batch reactor system are included to verify the theoretical claims. The net result is the design of the optimal adaptive controller for uncertain quantized linear discrete-time systems in a forward-in-time manner. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ecology and the Acculturation of Cognitive and Social Styles Among Mexican American Children

The role of ecology and acculturation is examined from the standpoint of cognitive and social styles of Mexican American children. Review of research indicates that rural Mexican children have more cooperative and field-dependent social and cognitive styles than urban Anglo American children. Mexican American children living in urban settings differ in that they tend to acculturate to the more field-independent and competitive cognitive and social styles common in urban settings. Yet these Mexican American children differ from Anglo Americans in ways predicted by traditional urbanization theories. However, a close examination of the traditional urbanization theories of Simmel, Redfield, Milgram, and Inkeles shows that these theories are limited in their usefulness in explaining the acculturation process of Mexican Americans. The theories are shown to be too global and to ignore important cultural factors such as family and kinship ties and socialization practices of Mexican Americans. A theory of accultur...
Studying the performance of a firewall in network courses

This paper presents a simple simulation model of a firewall to derive several performance metrics and briefly argues on the importance and value of modeling and simulation in courses that study various aspects of perimeter defense in network security.The simulation model mentioned previously is part of an effort by faculty of our department to develop a multi-disciplinary repository of computational models that includes object-oriented discrete-event simulation models. One of the goals of this repository is to build resources that help educate students of computer science, software engineering, and information technology, in modeling and information security.This and other network simulation models are implemented in Java with the PsimJ simulation package. Other models have been implemented in C++ using the Psim3 package. The source code for the models, the downloadable simulation package, and more detailed description can be found on the Psim Web page.
Ligand-induced dimerization of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor. Monomer-dimer interconversion occurs independent of receptor phosphorylation.

The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor is a single membrane-spanning polypeptide of 180,000 daltons with a ligand-stimulatable tyrosine kinase site. We have investigated changes in the structure and association state of the receptor that are induced by ligand binding, but which precede autophosphorylation. Chemical cross-linking of PDGF-bound 32P-labeled receptor and 125I-PDGF-labeled receptor resulted in the generation of a radiolabeled cross-linked complex of 370–390 kDa. This band, as well as the 180–190-kDa PDGF receptor band, were recognized by a PDGF receptor-specific antipeptide antibody. The appearance of the 370–390-kDa band was PDGF-dependent and was seen irrespective of whether the receptor was membrane-bound, solubilized, or highly (∼90%) purified. Sedimentation analysis of the 125I-PDGF cross-linked receptor showed that both 180–190- and 370–390-kDa labeled species sedimented as a single peak at about 11.5 S, a position expected of a receptor dimer, demonstrating that the liganded receptor exists essentially as a dimer. In contrast, unliganded receptors sedimented as a single species at 7 S, a position consistent with a monomeric structure. The monomer-dimer interconversion was absolutely ligand-dependent and occurred independent of autophosphorylation. These results demonstrate and intimate correlation between PDGF binding and inter-receptor bond formation, and raise the possibility that the phenomenon may be causally linked to the process of kinase activation.
Inhibition of Th2 Differentiation and GATA-3 Expression by BCL-6

The B cell lymphoma (BCL)-6 transcriptional repressor protein is an important regulator of Th2 responses. Mice deficient in BCL-6 develop severe Th2-type inflammation that can develop even in the absence of IL-4 signaling. We have investigated the mechanism for how BCL-6 regulates Th2 cell differentiation and have found that IL-6 signaling can promote dramatically increased levels of Th2 differentiation in BCL-6(-/-) CD4 T cells compared with wild-type CD4 T cells. IL-6 can induce a low level of Th2 cytokine expression in BCL-6(-/-)STAT6(-/-) cells but not in STAT6(-/-) cells. Since the promoters for Th2 cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13 do not contain consensus BCL-6 DNA binding sites, we investigated whether BCL-6 might regulate the GATA-3 transcription factor that activates the expression of multiple Th2 cytokines. Consistent with the idea that BCL-6 represses GATA-3 expression, we found that GATA-3 levels are up-regulated in BCL-6(-/-)STAT6(-/-) CD4 T cells compared with STAT6(-/-) CD4 T cells. Retrovirus-mediated expression of BCL-6 in BCL-6(-/-)STAT6(-/-) T cells as well as developing wild-type Th2 cells leads to a potent repression of IL-4 and IL-10 secretion. Retrovirus-mediated expression of BCL-6 in both BCL-6(-/-)STAT6(-/-) and wild-type T cells also leads to a significant decrease in GATA-3 protein levels. Surprisingly, BCL-6 does not appear to regulate GATA-3 mRNA levels and thus BCL-6 appears to regulate GATA-3 expression at a posttranscriptional level. Regulation of GATA-3 protein levels is likely a key mechanism for how BCL-6 regulates Th2 cytokine expression and Th2 differentiation independently of STAT6. These data also point to a novel regulatory mechanism for BCL-6 separate from transcriptional repression.
Regulation of the C/EBP-related gene gadd153 by glucose deprivation.

Abstract gadd153 encodes a CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)-related protein that lacks a functional DNA-binding domain. Since the gadd153 protein is capable of heterodimerizing with other C/EBPs, gadd153 may function as a negative regulator of these transcription factors. Here we examined the role of glucose in regulating gadd153 expression. We found that glucose deprivation markedly induces gadd153 mRNA levels in both HeLa and 3T3-L1 cells and that addition of D-(+)-glucose resulted in a rapid decrease of gadd153 mRNA. Similar induction and reversal of gadd153 expression were observed at the protein level. Because C/EBP alpha appears to play an important role in regulating genes involved in adipogenesis and energy metabolism, we examined gadd153 expression during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and as a function of glucose utilization in differentiated adipocytes. Using a standard differentiation protocol that consisted of hormonal stimulation for 2 days followed by medium changes every 2 days thereafter, we observed that both C/EBP alpha and gadd153 mRNAs were elevated. However, C/EBP alpha induction occurred on day 3, while gadd153 expression was not seen until day 4, when the cells were fully differentiated. Frequent addition of fresh medium to the cells during the differentiation process, as well as supplementation of medium with glucose, reduced gadd153 expression without preventing C/EBP alpha expression or interfering with cellular differentiation. Thus, gadd153 expression is not essential for the process of adipocyte differentiation but is significantly influenced by the availability of glucose to the cell.
Investigation of dual mode wideband rectangular and cylindrical dielectric resonator antennas

The dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is quite useful for high frequency applications where ohmic losses become a serious problem for conventional metallic antennas. In addition, they offer higher bandwidths than microstrip patch antennas used in the same frequency range. There are many techniques for increasing the bandwidth of DRAs and many of them increase the complexity of the structure. The paper is concerned with the excitation of two modes with similar radiation characteristics in the same DRA. By adjusting the ratio of the diameter to the height, the modes can be made to resonate close to each other and the bandwidth is thereby increased. The characteristics of the cylindrical DRA and the rectangular DRA are compared. The results show that, by exciting two simultaneous modes, the bandwidth of a DRA can be increased without extensively modifying the geometry.
Photothrombotic occlusion of rat middle cerebral artery: histopathological and hemodynamic sequelae of acute recanalization.

The histopathological and hemodynamic consequences of photochemically induced middle cerebral artery (MCA) thrombosis and recanalization were studied in the rat. Recanalization of the thrombosed MCA segment was achieved by the topical application of nimodipine at 1 h following photochemically induced occlusion. Pathological consequences of permanent and temporary occlusion were compared by morphometric procedures 7 days following thrombus formation. Rats with permanent thrombosis exhibited consistent infarction of both striatum and cortex. MCA recanalization at 1 h was associated with a significant reduction in total infarct volume. In recanalized rats, small cortical infarcts, confined to the peripheral MCA territory, were observed in only three of six rats. In contrast, a mixed pattern of infarction and ischemic cell damage was documented throughout the striatum in all rats. Local CBF (ICBF), measured autoradiographically, was significantly reduced in the MCA territory following 1 h of MCA occlusion, es...
Contrast-induced nephropathy: pathogenesis and prevention

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is the third most common cause of acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients. Diagnostic and interventional cardiovascular procedures generate nearly half the cases. Elderly patients and those with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are at greatest risk. Procedure-related risk factors include large volumes of contrast and agents with a high osmolality. Renal medullary ischemia arising from an imbalance of local vasoconstrictive and vasodilatory influences coupled with increased demand for oxygen-driven sodium transport may be the key to its pathogenesis. Contrast agents may also have a direct cytotoxic effect that operates through the generation of reactive oxygen species. Pre- and post-procedure administration of normal saline, isotonic sodium bicarbonate, N-acetylcysteine, and a variety of other pharmacologic agents have been used to prevent or mitigate CIN. While normal saline is generally accepted as protective against CIN, uncertainty still surrounds the role of sodium bicarbonate and N-acetylcysteine. Dialytic therapies before, during, and after exposure to contrast have been tested with mixed results. Logistical and economic disincentives argue against these modalities.
Development and Investigation of a Slotted Beam Impact Experiment for Intermediate Strain Rates

AbstractQuantifying the strain rate–sensitive mechanical properties of structural materials is an important area of research in the field of solid mechanics. Property evaluation is typically accomplished using dynamic tests that involve rapid loading or impact of specimens. These tests generate inertial forces and wave propagation, which make it difficult to accurately record the material response to a loading condition at an equivalent location. Furthermore, dynamic impact tests typically generate high strain rates (in excess of 103 s-1) and an experimental method for generating rates of strain in the intermediate strain rate regime that is simple and reliable is still lacking. This research develops and investigates an experimental technique for generating tensile plastic strain rates up to 102 s-1 in ductile metals. The technique relies on the impact from a vertical drop weight machine capable of delivering suitable impact velocity and energy to globally deform a slotted beam specimen. At impact, a s...
Coarsening Kinetics of the Tetragonal Phase in a Magnesia‐Partially‐Stabilized Zirconia

The coarsening kinetics of the tetragonal phase in a magnesia-partially-stabilized zirconia at 1420{degrees}C was examined using transmission electron microscopy and found to be controlled by volume diffusion. The rate constant was larger and the particle-size distribution was broader than predicted by the Lifshitz--Slyozov--Wagner theory of particle coarsening. A volume fraction modified coarsening theory was found which better fits the experimental rate constant and particle-size distribution.
Multiresolution dynamic predictor based on neural networks

ABSTRACT We present a multiresolution dynamic predictor (MDP) based on neural networks for multi-step prediction of a timeseries. The MDP utilizes the discrete biorthogonal wavelet transform to compute wavelet coefficients at several scalelevels and recurrent neural networks (RNNs) to form a set of dynamic nonlinear models for prediction of the time series.By employing RNNs in wavelet coefficient space, the MDP is capable of predicting a time series for both the long-term(with coarse resolution) and short-term (with fine resolution). Experimental results have demonstrated the effectiveness ofthe MDP for multi-step prediction of intracranial pressure (ICP) recorded from head-trauma patients. This approach hasapplicability to quasi-stationary signals and is suitable for on-line computation.Keywords—multiresolution dynamic predictor, neural networks, time series, wavelet transform, intracranial pressure (IC?), quasi-stationary signals 1 INTRODUCTION One is often interested in predicting future events. For example, to predict the stock indices in the next day or next week,or doctors would like to predict the physiological status of patients. Although many predictors are available, e.g.,
CEO Duality as a Double-Edged Sword: How Boards of Directors Balance Entrenchment Avoidance and Unity of Command

When a firm's chief executive officer is also the chairperson of its board, directors have opposing objectives. According to organization theory, such CEO duality establishes strong, unambiguous le...
Influence of dietary factors on the gastrointestinal absorption of lead

Abstract Gastrointestinal absorption of lead was investigated in mice after oral administration of lead acetate labeled with 210 Pb. When doses of 0.2, 2 and 20 mg of Pb/kg were given, the magnitude of the dose did not appear to affect significantly the percent absorbed. The presence of food in the gastrointestinal tract reduced lead absorption when a tracer dose was administered but did not affect absorption after 2 mg of Pb/kg po. The chelators nitrilotriacetic acid and sodium citrate increased absorption of lead, as did orange juice, a source of citric acid. Milk and the chelating agents, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, did not affect significantly lead absorption.
Liver regeneration and hepatic polyploidy in the hypophysectomized rat.

Abstract Although the progressive development of hepatic polysomaty is arrested in the hypophysectomized rat, liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy in hypophysectomized rats is accompanied by an increase in the degree of polyploidy. Thus, no pituitary hormone is indispensible for the development of polyploidy.
Efficacy of Directigen RSV testing in patient management following admission from a paediatric emergency department.

Abstract We investigated the use of the Directigen® Respiratory Syncytial Virus test performed under ‘Stat Laboratory’ conditions, in the management of infants after admission from the Paediatric Emergency Department (ED). The study group consisted of 242 consecutive paediatric ED patients tested by Directigen in the Stat laboratory during the winter 1995–1996 respiratory virus season. Specimens were submitted to the Virology Laboratory for confirmatory consensus testing utilizing in part, an in-house multiplex immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and conventional virus isolation methodologies. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for Directigen, IFA, and isolation, were 71, 91, 85, 80%; 98, 100, 100, 99%; and 51, 100, 100, 72% respectively. Re-testing of 17 discordant original NP aspirates using Directigen, suggested that errors were due to technologist interpretation as well as to overt assay failure. The low analytical sensitivity and specificity of Directigen precludes its use in the clinical setting described in this study. Evening or weekend specimen collection, followed by IFA testing in a centralized Virology Laboratory at the start of the next working day, produces reliable test results. Among the small number of pediatric patients who might be candidates for antiviral therapy IFA testing should be made available on an on-call basis by Virology Laboratory.
Heat transfer to a surface reacting fluid in turbulent flow

The effect of chemical reaction on heat transfer has been studied for turbulent flow in tubes of a reacting gas. The analysis is carried out for a heterogeneous, catalytic reaction occurring at the wall surface. Equations are presented for predicting the increase in heat transfer coefficient due to reaction in terms of the rate of reaction, diffusion, and operating conditions. For an exothermic reaction the total heat transfer coefficient is increased when the gas temperature is greater than the wall temperature, and decreased when the gas temperature is less than the wall value. The effect is greatest for rapid reactions; that is, when diffusion of reactants to the tube wall determines the rate of reaction. The equations are applied to the catalytic hydrogenation of ethylene. The results show that the total heat transfer coefficient can be at least ten fold larger than the coefficient for a non-reacting system at the same flow conditions. In general, the results of this study suggest that a wall-catalyzed reaction can be an effective means of increasing the heat transfer rate from gases in turbulent flow in tubes. Furthermore, for a porous catalyst applied to the wall, enlarging the thickness of the catalyst layer will increase the effect on the heat transfer rate.
Outcomes of an Intensive Summer Course in Reproductive Biology

The Frontiers in Reproduction (FIR) course has been held annually, starting in 1998, at the Marine Biological Laboratories in Woods Hole, MA. To evaluate the impact of the FIR course in training reproductive biologists, a group of participants who completed the course between 1998 and 2002 were surveyed. The major findings of the survey were that: (1) FIR had a positive impact on the overall career development of the participants; (2) a significant majority (97%) continue to conduct research in the reproductive sciences; (3) 58% had successfully competed for grant funding; and (4) manuscripts by participants were published in higher-impact journals. In summary, FIR has had an overall positive influence worldwide on the training of future scientists whose research interests and studies are focused on the reproductive sciences.