cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clarifying CB2 receptor-dependent and independent effects of THC on human lung epithelial cells

Marijuana smoking is associated with a number of abnormal findings in the lungs of habitual smokers. Previous studies revealed that {delta}{sup 9}-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) caused mitochondrial injury in primary lung epithelial cells and in the cell line, A549 [Sarafian, T. A., Kouyoumjian, S., Khoshaghideh, F., Tashkin, D. P., and Roth, M. D. (2003). Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol disrupts mitochondrial function and cell energetics. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 284, L298-306; Sarafian, T., Habib, N., Mao, J. T., Tsu, I. H., Yamamoto, M. L., Hsu, E., Tashkin, D. P., and Roth, M. D. (2005). Gene expression changes in human small airway epithelial cells exposed to Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Toxicol Lett 158, 95-107]. The role of cannabinoid receptors in this injury was unclear, as was the potential impact on cell function. In order to investigate these questions, A549 cells were engineered to over-express the type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) using a self-inactivating lentiviral vector. This transduction resulted in a 60-fold increase in CB2R mRNA relative to cells transduced with a control vector. Transduced cell lines were used to study the effects of THC on chemotactic activity and mitochondrial function. Chemotaxis in response to a 10% serum gradient was suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner by exposuremore » to THC. CB2R-transduced cells exhibited less intrinsic chemotactic activity (p < 0.05) and were 80- to 100-fold more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of THC. Studies using SR144528, a selective CB2R antagonist, verified that these effects were mediated by the CB2R. Marijuana smoke extract, but not smoke extracts from tobacco or placebo marijuana cigarettes, reproduced these effects (p < 0.05). THC decreased ATP level and mitochondrial membrane potential ({psi}{sub m}) in both control and CB2R-transduced cells. However, these decreases did not play a significant role in chemotaxis inhibition since cyclosporine A, which protected against ATP loss, did not increase cell migration. Moreover, CB2R-transduced cells displayed higher {psi}{sub m} than did control cells. Since both {psi}{sub m} and chemotaxis are regulated by intracellular signaling, we investigated the effects of THC on the activation of multiple signaling pathways. Serum exposure activated several signaling events of which phosphorylation of I{kappa}B-{alpha} and JNK was regulated in a CB2R- and THC-dependent manner. We conclude that airway epithelial cells are sensitive to both CB2R-dependent and independent effects mediated by THC.« less
QED of high-Z three-electron ions

Abstract The removal energies of the n = 2 states of the lithium isoelectronic sequence are calculated using many-body perturbation theory (MBPT). The included contributions are the Hartree-Fock energy, the second and third-order MBPT corrections, the Breit interaction and the first order Coulomb corrections to it, and finally nuclear recoil effects. Comparison with experiment shows a discrepancy that is the order of magnitude of, but systematically smaller than the unscreened Lamb shift. Feynman graphs whose evaluation should account for this effect are identified, and technical aspects involved in their calculation discussed. A brief review of the theory of parity nonconservation in cesium is also presented.
Probing the basic character of alkali-modified zeolites by CO2 adsorption microcalorimetry, butene isomerization, and toluene alkylation with ethylene

Abstract Two types of alkali-modified zeolites X and Y were studied, namely, zeolites containing occluded cesium oxides and zeolites containing occluded alkali metals (Na, Cs). Zeolites with occluded CsO X , obtained via impregnation and decomposition of cesium acetate, exhibited higher CO 2 adsorption capacities and higher heats of adsorption than the corresponding ion-exchanged zeolites. However, the heats of adsorption were significantly lower on the zeolite-supported oxides (∼85 kJ mol −1 ) compared to bulk cesium oxide (∼270 kJ mol −1 ). The CO 2 adsorption capacities of the zeolites containing occluded CsO X increased linearly with the amount of occluded cesium (1 CO 2 per 4 occluded Cs atoms), and the catalytic activity for 1-butene isomerization was commensurate with the CO 2 uptake on the materials. Stronger base sites were created in zeolites by decomposition of impregnated alkali azides (Na, Cs), due to the formation of alkali metal species. These materials were active catalysts for the side-chain alkylation of toluene with ethylene, whereas zeolites containing occluded CsO X were inactive for the reaction. Dioxygen adsorption followed by thermal treatment of zeolites containing occluded alkali metal resulted in the elimination of their activity for toluene alkylation whereas their activity for butene isomerization was retained. Alkali oxide- and alkali metal-containing microporous carbon materials exhibited significantly different adsorption properties and catalytic activities from their zeolite counterparts, possibly due to the different nature of the occluded species and/or steric constraints in the amorphous carbon.
FTIR Studies Of Molecular Assemblies On Solid Surfaces

The first observation of spontaneous assembly from solution of a well-ordered polymer monolayer is reported for the system poly(1-octadecene-co-maleic anhydride) adsorbed from ethanol solution onto silver substrates. Analysis by grazing incidence reflection infrared spectroscopy suggests that these monolayers compare quite favorably in terms of orientational order with Langmuir-Blodgett films made from the same material. Thermal stability of these films is significantly enhanced compared to analogous monomeric monolayers of fatty acids.
State tax credits and land use: Policy analysis of circuit-breaker effects

Abstract This study investigates two issues related to property tax relief and the preservation of prime agricultural land; (a) the extent to which state circuit-breaker tax credits are capitalized into land values and (b) the circuit-breakers' effects in preventing the transition of land from farming to developed uses. Using cross-section data for the years 1980–1983 for the circuit breaker programs in Michigan, models of land values and participation rates are estimated. The results provide evidence that the property tax credits are partially capitalized into property value and that the circuit-breakers do not effectively retard the flow of land into urban use.
Agent heterogeneity in social network formation: an agent-based approach

In this study, the author intends to use the simulation method --- agent-based modeling --- to reassess the Barabasi-Albert model (BA model), the classical algorithm used to describe the emergent mechanism of scale-free network. The author argues that BA model as well as its variants rarely take agent heterogeneity into the analysis of network formation. In social networks, however, people's decision to connect is strongly affected by the extent of similarity. The author proposes that in forming social networks, agents are constantly balancing between instrumental and intrinsic preferences. Based on agent-based modeling, the author finds that heterogeneous attachment helps explain the deviations from BA model, and points out a promising avenue for future studies of social networks.
Picosecond Resonance Raman Spectroscopy

We report the first picosecond-timescale resonance Raman spectra obtained using single-pulse and repetitive large-pulse laser excitation. Our observations on solutions of β-carotene and cytochrome c are close to the ultimate limits both of time resolution and high dilution in Raman spectroscopy.
Tracing Developmental Recovery From Early Brain Injury

The incidence of acquired infant brain injury is increasing, creating new challenges for assessment and treatment. Unfortunately, little information exists to guide professionals in their efforts to evaluate and speed the recovery of brain-injured youngsters. Our study is a preliminary investigation intended to describe the patterns or trends in the developmental and behavioral recovery of brain-injured infants and preschoolers over a 3-month multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. A multisource, multidimensional assessment battery was employed to track progress during treatment of 12 infants and preschoolers. Progress is reported in terms of developmental quotients, neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral skills, and rhythmic behavior patterns. Discussion focuses on the utility of selected assessment devices for tracking recovery in order to guide and evaluate treatment.
Knowing when you're drunk: A cluster analysis of cues to intoxication

The present study was conducted to determine what cues to intoxication untrained subjects report using and how subjects see relationships among these cues. One hundred subjects were asked to list 5 cues that they use to determine their level of intoxication. These responses were tabulated, and the 18 most frequent responses were retained for further analyses. To assess the relationships among cues, all possible pairs of cues were rated for similarity. Mean similarity ratings were collapsed across subjects to form a mean similarities matrix that was subjected to cluster analysis. A taxonomy of cues to intoxication is discussed.
Virtual tourism: use of “second life” for destination marketing

People will be more inclined in the coming years to base their impressions of real-world destinations on “digital encounters” (Wyld, 2008). The largest user-created virtual world, which facilitates...
A microtiter plate assay for protein kinase C

Abstract We report the development of a microtiter plate assay for protein kinase C. Reaction components and enzyme samples (protein kinase C purified by phosphatidylserine/cholesterol affinity or DEAE-Sephacel ion-exchange chromatography) were added to wells of a 96-well microtiter plate. The assay was started by the addition of [γ-32P]ATP with a repeating pipet. After a 3-min incubation at 30°C the wells were sampled six at a time with a 12-channel pipet and spotted onto phosphocellulose filter paper rectangles which were washed with tap water and acetone and counted for radioactivity. The microtiter plate method was more rapid than but gave results similar to those of a standard assay performed in plastic test tubes individually incubated in a 30°C water bath. The microtiter plate procedure gave an intraassay (within one plate) variation of less than 9% and an interassay (between plates) variation of less than 5%. It was linear with time of incubation for 20 min and with amount of enzyme. This method can be used to expedite the assaying of column chromatography fractions for protein kinase C (and other kinase) activity.
Induction of oral tolerization in CD86 deficient mice: A role for CD86 and B cells in the up-regulation of TGF-β☆

Feeding myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) followed by immunization results in induction of oral tolerance evidenced by the amelioration of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Oral tolerization is characterized by the suppression of Th1 responses and up-regulation of Th2 responses and TGF-beta. To identify the costimulatory molecules and cell types involved in cytokine-mediated suppression we examined wild type mice and mice deficient for either CD86 (CD86-/-) or B cells (muMT). Oral tolerance was found in CD86-/- mice evidenced by amelioration of disease severity, decreased proliferative responses and IFN-gamma production and increased IL-4. TGF-beta was not up-regulated in CD86-/- or muMT mice but was increased in wild type mice. Analysis of the gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) of different mouse strains (C57BL/6 and PLJxSJL F1) fed distinct myelin antigens (MOG and myelin basic protein, MBP) showed that TGF-beta was increased in wild type mice of both strains by 3 days post-immunization and further increased with time. In contrast, no up-regulation of TGF-beta was found in the GALT of CD86-/- or muMT mice. These results demonstrate that CD86 is not required for oral tolerization and that both CD86 and B cells are important for the up-regulation of TGF-beta following oral antigen.
Ultrastructural visualization of Cabot rings in pernicious anemia

Using the ammoniacal silver stain, Cabot rings were identified in peripheral blood erythrocytes from patients with severe untreated pernicious anemia. Ultrastructural studies of these erythrocytes showed silver deposits in partial loops and figure-eight forms, indicating that arginine rich histone may be a prominent component of the Cabot ring.
The driving force for mode II crack growth under rolling contact

Abstract In this paper the driving force for the cyclic growth of small subsurface cracks subjected to repeated rolling contact is evaluated. Values of the mode II stress intensity range ΔKII are derived from the variations in the stress intensity factor KII with respect to the position of the contact for rolling in the absence of shear tractions and friction on the contact surface. The calculations take into account (i) the elastic contact stresses, (ii) the friction resisting the mode II sliding of the crack faces and (iii) the residual circumferential tensile and compressive stresses produced by plastic deformation close to the rim. The values of KII and ΔKII are evaluated as a function of the ratio of the peak contact pressure to the yield strength, the length of the crack, the depth of the crack below the surface, the inclination of the crack with respect to the rim surface and the coefficient of friction for the crack faces. Predictions of the cyclic crack growth rate, component life and the critical defect size, based on the ΔKII values, are illustrated.
Proinflammatory response of alveolar epithelial cells is enhanced by alveolar macrophage-produced TNF-α during pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion injury

Pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury entails acute activation of alveolar macrophages followed by neutrophil sequestration. Although proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as TNF-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) from macrophages are known to modulate acute IR injury, the contribution of alveolar epithelial cells to IR injury and their intercellular interactions with other cell types such as alveolar macrophages and neutrophils remain unclear. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that following IR, alveolar macrophage-produced TNF-α further induces alveolar epithelial cells to produce key chemokines that could then contribute to subsequent lung injury through the recruitment of neutrophils. Cultured RAW264.7 macrophages and MLE-12 alveolar epithelial cells were subjected to acute hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) as an in vitro model of pulmonary IR. H/R (3 h/1 h) significantly induced KC, MCP-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), RANTES, and IL-6 (but not TNF-α) by MLE-12...
Identification of fibronectin neoepitopes present in human osteoarthritic cartilage

Objective Fibronectin fragments are present at high concentrations in the cartilage of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and have been shown to promote cartilage catabolism in human cartilage cultures, suggesting that fibronectin fragments participate in the initiation and progression of arthritic disease. This study was undertaken to 1) identify the major fibronectin fragments in human OA cartilage and confirm their ability to elicit cartilage catabolism, 2) identify the cleavage sites in fibronectin and generate the corresponding neoepitope antibodies, and 3) explore the utility of fibronectin neoepitopes as biomarkers. Methods Fibronectin fragments were purified from human OA cartilage using affinity chromatography; their N-termini were then identified by sequencing. Bovine nasal cartilage was treated with affinity-purified fibronectin fragments and assayed for aggrecan breakdown by monitoring the release of glycosaminoglycans and the aggrecan neoepitope 1771AGEG. Fibronectin neoepitopes were detected by Western blotting in cytokine-treated media of human cartilage explants, and by immunohistochemical analyses of human OA cartilage. Results Multiple fibronectin fragments were isolated from human OA cartilage, and all contained the N-terminus 272VYQP. These fragments induced aggrecanase-mediated cartilage catabolism in bovine cartilage explants. Fibronectin fragments with the N-terminus 272VYQP and fragments with the C-terminus VRAA271 were detected following cytokine treatment of human cartilage extracts. These neoepitopes localized with areas of aggrecan loss in OA cartilage. Conclusion Human OA cartilage contains fibronectin fragments with catabolic activity and a major cleavage site within fibronectin. This study is the first to characterize fibronectin neoepitopes in OA cartilage, suggesting that they may represent a novel biomarker of arthritis.
The effect of chronic ethanol feeding on ornithine decarboxylase activity and liver regeneration

The effects of ethanol on liver regeneration are poorly understood. Acute and chronic exposure to ethanol have been found to exert opposite effects on the induction of ornithine decarboxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme for polyamine biosynthesis. Polyamines are necessary for DNA synthesis and liver regeneration after chemical or surgical liver injury. Short-term exposure to ethanol, which inhibits ornithine decarboxylase has been shown to inhibit DNA synthesis and liver regeneration, whereas more chronic exposure to ethanol increases ornithine decarboxylase activity and therefore could conceivably stimulate DNA synthesis and regeneration. To explore this later possibility, the effects of chronic ethanol consumption on ornithine decarboxylase activity, DNA synthesis and liver regeneration were studied in rats after sham laparotomy and partial hepatectomy. Chronic ethanol feeding failed to inhibit the induction of ornithine decarboxylase that occurred after partial hepatectomy and yet significantly inhibited posthepatectomy DNA synthesis and restitution of liver mass. These data suggest that the induction of hepatic polyamine biosynthesis is dissociated from DNA synthesis and liver regeneration after chronic consumption of ethanol.
Variability and Heritability of Grain Extracts in Spring and Winter Wheat Grown in South Dakota

Consumer health awareness has recently favored food products thought to aid in disease prevention. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) produces phenolic compounds shown to play an inhibitory role on several diseases. Value may be added to wheat if phenolic compounds were consistently produced to the extent that diseases could be mitigated through consumption of more wheat products. Our objectives were to determine whether genotypes differed significantly in phenolic compound concentrations when grown over diverse South Dakota production environments and to determine heritability estimates for each compound. Total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and total orthorphenolic content values were collected from spring wheat genotypes grown at five South Dakota locations in 2008 and 2009 and winter wheat genotypes grown at three locations in 2006 and 2007. Phenolic compounds were more variable among spring wheat genotypes, and heritability estimates were moderate. It appears that focused breeding efforts could su...
LISA Data Analysis: Doppler Demodulation

The orbital motion of the laser interferometer space antenna (LISA) produces amplitude, phase and frequency modulations of a gravitational wave signal. The modulations have the effect of spreading a monochromatic gravitational wave signal across a range of frequencies. The modulations encode useful information about the source location and orientation, but they also have the deleterious effect of spreading a signal across a wide bandwidth, thereby reducing the strength of the signal relative to the instrument noise. We describe a simple method for removing the dominant, Doppler component of the signal modulation. The demodulation reassembles the power from a monochromatic source into a narrow spike and provides a quick way to determine the sky locations and frequencies of the brightest gravitational wave sources.
Design of optimal digital controller for stable super-high-speed permanent-magnet synchronous motor

A new collaborative design scheme of a super-high-speed permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) and its digital controller is presented, which provides a low-cost but highly efficient motor system with guaranteed stability and performance. Since the systematic design of the PMSM can ensure its stability over the full operating speed range, a simple and reliable open-loop controller can be designed for the super-high-speed motor. With stability assurance, an optimal digital control is also designed in order to enhance the efficiency and performance of the PMSM. The unique feature in the proposed optimal V/f control is its design consideration to the stator resistor, which is generally neglected in most V/f controls but cannot be neglected in the super-high-speed motor owing to the extra small-size requirement. The simulation and stability analysis for various design options are provided. Finally, simulation and experimental results validate the design technique and its effectiveness.
Investigating information-gathering capabilities of visual and haptic modalities.

Strmmary.-The aim of the present study was to approximate the initial amount of informarion obtained by the visual and haptic sysrerns from exposure to a stimulus. College students were presented with 10-sided random forms at 4 exposures (2-, 5-, lo-, and 15-sec.) in two modalities (visual and haptic) and under two delay conditions (no delay and 10-sec. delay) and were required to draw each form. Drawings were scored on accuracy of match to the original form. Results indicated that (a) in general, scores increased with increasing exposure time; (b) visual exploration was superior to haptic exploration; and (c) the delay variable did not affect performance. In Exp. I1 college students were again presented with 10-sided random forms under 5 modality.by-exposure conditions. Thirty sec. of 1-handed haptic exploration resulted in comparable performance to 2 sec. visual exploration. The results are discussed in terms of the dis- ' parity of the information-gathering capacities of the visual and haptic systems. The majority of investigations studying visual-hapcic perception have been primarily concerned with the relative efficacy of visual versus hapcic performance (Cashdan & Zung, 1970; Garvill & Molander, 1968; Gaydos, 1956; Milner LZZ Bryant, 1970; Rude1 & Teuber, 1964). Few have been concerned with specific characceristics of visual and haptic processing of information. Abravanel (1972), in a recent article, has pointed out the need for further research "co separate the roles of acquisition and transformation processes in the chain of information handling" (p. 424). The aim of the present research was to investigate and compare the information-gathering capabilities of the visual and haptic modalicies and to equate vis~~al and hapcic information as a function of stimulus exposure. It seems pla~~sible that the haptic system is less efficient in its gathering of information than che visual system; chat is, given equal exposure to a stimulus in each of these modalities, more information is obtained and therefore would be available for processing in the visual than the haptic system. To study visual-haptic processes accurately, e.g., the transformation or retention of information, the initial amount of information to each modaliry must be controlled. Methods which impose equal exposure times for both modes do not control the amount of information each system receives. Further, procedures commonly used when comparing intra- and cross-modal matching, which require Ss to find a match to a standard form from a series of variants, e.g., match-to-sample tasks, produce an experimental confounding. The time neces
Arsenic and antimony in geothermal waters of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA

Abstract A total of 268 thermal spring samples were analyzed for total soluble As using reduced molybdenum-blue; 27 of these samples were also analyzed for total Sb using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. At Yellowstone the Cl As atomic ratio is nearly constant among neutral-alkaline springs with Cl > 100 mg L −1 , and within restricted geographic areas, indicating no differential effects of adiabatic vs . conductive cooling on arsenic. The Cl As ratio increases with silica and decreases with decreasing Cl ΣCO 3 ; the latter relationship is best exemplified for springs along the extensively sampled SE-NW trend within the Lone Star-Upper-Midway Basin region. The relationship between Cl As and Cl ΣCO 3 at Yellowstone suggests a possible rock leaching rather than magmatic origin for much of the Park's total As flux. Condensed vapor springs are low in both As and Cl. Very high Cl As ratios ( > 1000) are associated exclusively with highly diluted (Cl −1 ) mixed springs in the Norris and Shoshone Basins and in the Upper White Creek and Firehole Lake areas of Lower Basin. The high ratios are associated with acidity and/or oxygen and iron; they indicate precipitation of As following massive dilution of the Asbearing high-Cl parent water. Yellowstone Sb ranged from 0.009 at Mammoth to 0.166 mg L −1 at Joseph's Coat Spring. Within basins, the Cl Sb ratio increases as the Cl ΣCO 3 ratio decreases, in marked contrast to As. Mixed springs also have elevated Cl Sb ratios. White (1967) and Weissberg (1969) previously reported stibnite (Sb 2 S 3 ), but not orpiment (As 2 S 3 ), precipitating in the near surface zone of alkaline geothermal systems.
Examining fire department injury data as a tool for epidemiological investigation.

Residential fires, while constituting a small fraction of fire incidents, are responsible for the majority of civilian fire-related injuries. This study investigates census tract neighborhood socioeconomic factors as correlates of civilian injuries occurring during residential fires in Baltimore, Maryland, between 2004 and 2007. Civilian residential fire related injuries were geocoded and linked to the American Community Survey 2005-2009 data. Negative binomial regression was used to analyze the relationship between fire-injury rates and neighborhood socioeconomic indicators including household income and percentages of households below the poverty line, persons aged 25 years or older with at least a bachelor's degree, homes built in 1939 or earlier, vacant properties, and owner-occupied homes. Between January 2004 and July 2007, there were 482 civilian fire-related injuries that occurred during 309 fires. At the census tract level, a 10% increase in the number of vacant homes was associated with an increase in injury rates by a factor of 1.28 (95% confidence interval 1.05-1.55). A 10% increase in persons aged more than 25 years with at least a bachelor's degree was associated with a decrease in injury rates by a factor of 0.86 (95% confidence interval 0.77-0.96). Neighborhood measures of education and housing age proved good indicators for identifying areas with a higher burden of fire-related injuries. Such analyses can be useful for fire department planning. Language: en
A Real-Time Distributed Database System in Cold Tandem Mill

Abstract This paper describes requirements of distributed database systems for high speed cold tandem mill systems, analysises properties of transactions in rolling environment using transaction-data model. In order to meet the requirement of prompt response to the process control, concurrent control and reliability provisions being suitable for real-time distributed database systems are represented.
The Role of Exposed Tryptophan Residues in the Activity of the Cardiotonic Polypeptide Anthopleurin B

Scorpion and sea anemone venoms contain several polypeptides that delay inactivation of voltage-sensitive sodium channels via interaction with a common site. In this report, we target exposed hydrophobic residues at positions 33 and 45 of anthopleurin B (ApB) by polymerase chain reaction mutagenesis to ascertain their contribution to toxin activity. Nonconservative replacements are not permitted at position 33, indicating that Trp-33 may play an important structural role. Strikingly, the relatively conservative substitution of Trp-33 by phenylalanine results in major reductions in binding affinity for both the cardiac and neuronal channel isoforms as measured by ion flux, whereas substitution with tyrosine is tolerated and exhibits near wild-type affinities, suggesting that either the ability to form a hydrogen bond or the amphiphilic nature of the side chain are important at this position. Electrophysiological analysis of W33F indicates that its diminished affinity is primarily due to a decreased association rate. Analysis of a panel of mutants at Trp-45 shows only modest changes in apparent binding affinity for both channel isoforms but significant effects on Vmax. In neuronal channels, the maximal levels of uptake for W45A/S/F are about 50% those seen with ApB. This effect is also observed for W45A and W45S in the cardiac model, wherein W45F is normal. These results suggest that a hydrophobic contact is involved in toxin-induced stabilization of the open conformation of the cardiac sodium channel. We conclude that Trp-33 contributes significantly to apparent affinity, whereas Trp-45 does not appear to affect binding per se. Furthermore, W33F is the first ApB mutant that displays a significantly altered association rate and may prove to be a useful probe of the channel binding site.
The Legal and Ethical Fiction of “Pure” Confidentiality

In his article, “A Defense of Unqualified Medical Confidentiality,” Ken Kipnis argues for an absolute form of medical confidentiality between physicians and their present (and former) patients (Kip...
Schistosomiasis in travelers and immigrants

Schistosomiasis is caused by trematode parasites of one of five species, Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma japonicum, Schistosoma intercalatum, or Schistosoma mekongi, acquired via skin contact with fresh water containing infectious larval cercariae. Between 1 and 8 weeks after exposure, acute schistosomiasis presents as dermatitis, fever, fatigue, or eosinophilia. If untreated, long-term infection may cause anemia or undernutrition and may progress to liver fibrosis, portal hypertension, or hydronephrosis. Schistosomiasis represents a threat to residents and visitors in all endemic areas of Africa, Asia, and South America. Travelers should be made aware of infection risk if they become exposed to untreated fresh water. New immigrants and those returning to high-risk areas to visit friends and family should be screened for signs and symptoms of acute and chronic schistosomiasis. Physicians caring for travelers and immigrants must be familiar with the signs and symptoms of schistosomiasis and must be able to diagnose and treat it correctly.
Limiting behavior of the norm of products of random matrices and two problems of Geman-Hwang

Abstract : In the theory of large random matrices, how to dominate the norm of a random matrix is a very important problem. This paper considers a different type of random matrices, namely -W to the k power, i.e. a power of a square random matrix with iid entries. The first result in this paper is the limit as n approaches infinity of the absolute value of (W/sq rt. n) to the k power is or = (1+k)(sigma to the k power) where n is the size of W and here sigma-sq. is the variance of the entries of W. We assume only the existence of the 4-th moment of the entries of W. From this result it is easy to show that the spectral radius of W sq rt n is not greater then -sigma with probability 1. This result is known only for iid N(O,-sigma-sq) case. In proving the above result, a new kind of graphs has to be discussed carefully, and the truncation method used in Yin-Bai-Krishnaiah is also important here.
Adenoviruses induce autophagy to promote virus replication and oncolysis

Adenoviruses with deletion of E1b have been used in clinical trials to treat cancers that are resistant to conventional therapies. The efficacy of viral replication within cancer cells determines the results of oncolytic therapy, which remains poorly understood and requires further improvement. In this report, we show that adenoviruses induce autophagy by increasing the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II and the formation of the Atg12-Atg5 complex. Inhibition of autophagy with 3-methyladenine (3MA) resulted in a decreased synthesis of adenovirus structural proteins, and thereby a poor viral replication; promotion of autophagy with rapamycin increased adenovirus yield. This study indicates that adenovirus-induced autophagy correlates positively with virus replication and oncolytic cell death, and that autophagy may generate nutrients that can be used for building viral progeny particles. These results further suggest that chemotherapeutic agents that increase cancer cell autophagy may improve the efficacy of oncolytic virotherapy.
Movements of airglow cells

Abstract The possibility of translatory and rotatory motions of airglow cells is examined. Evidence is presented for translatory motions in the 100 km region with speeds of the order of 100 m/sec. Rotatory motions are indicated corresponding to a mean period of 5 hr. A broad similarity seems to exist between airglow cell motions in the 100 km region and vortex cells near sea level. The problem of the mechanism responsible for the excitation of the oxygen atom to the 1 S state is discussed with particular reference to 1. (a) photochemical reactions and 2. (b) environmental effects.
Altitudinal Variation in Body Size and Population Density of Nicrophorus investigator (Coleoptera: Silphidae)

Abstract Increasing altitude may influence insect communities, population sizes, life-histories, and morphology. Nicrophorus investigator Zetterstedt, a holarctic species, occurs over a range of elevations in the western Rocky Mountains of North America. This study examines changes in population density, seasonal activity periods, morphology, and reproduction at three sites over an elevational gradient in the southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado. N. investigator population sizes varied yearly at both low (≈2,800 m) and high (≈3,200 m) elevations, but were always greater at the lower elevations. Adult activity at all sites began in late June, remained relatively constant throughout July, and declined by late August. Elytron length was highly correlated both with body mass and pronotum width. There was no difference in elytron length between males and females (within years, sites). However, elytron length was significantly greater in 5 out of 6 yr at the higher elevation site, and in 1999, at two additional...
Response of Heart Rate to Acute Administration of Isoproterenol in Rats Treated Chronically With Norethynodrel, Ethinyl Estradiol, and Both Combined

Chronic (17 to 20 weeks) administration of ethinyl estradiol alone (36 /μg/kg/day), and in combination (27 or 50 /μg/kg/day) with several doses of norethynodrel (135, 165 or 233 /μg/kg/day), attenuated the increase in heart rate accompanying acute SC administration of the /3-adrenergic agonist, 1-isoproterenol (50 or 100 /μg/kg), to female rats. Dietary administration of an oral contraceptive containing mestranol and norethynodrel (7.5 mg/kg food) was also accompanied by an attenuated response to isoproterenol. A significant inverse linear relationship was observed between the logarithm of the dose of estrogen received by each group and either heart rate or change in heart rate measured at 10, 20 and 30 min after administration of isoproterenol. Thus, the antagonistic relationship between the dose of estrogen administered chronically and responsiveness of heart rate to a test dose of isoproterenol suggests a reduced /β-adrenergic responsiveness in estrogen-treated rats.
Global climate change: an investigation of atmospheric feedback mechanisms

A global energy balance for the earth-atmosphere system requires knowledge of a number of quantities, two of which are tropospheric lapse rate and cloud altitude. Since both of these quantities could be dependent upon surface temperature, they are potential candidates for feedback mechanisms in surface-temperature sensitivity studies. The present investigation illustrates that the global energy balance is quite insensitive to lapse rate, thus eliminating this as a possible feedback mechanism. Cloud altitude, on the other hand, can be quite important. Employing a three-layer cloud model, and comparing calculated and empirical outgoing flux results, it is suggested that cloud temperatures should be held constant when considering variations in surface temperature, as opposed to the conventional assumption of fixed cloud altitudes. This is consistent with earlier single-cloud modeling (Cess, 1974), and based upon this conclusion it is found that the resulting dependence of cloud altitude upon surface temperature produces a strong positive feedback. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1975.tb01672.x
Effects of a popular exercise and weight loss program on weight loss, body composition, energy expenditure and health in obese women

To determine the safety and efficacy of altering the ratio of carbohydrate and protein in low-energy diets in conjunction with a popular exercise program in obese women. Matched, prospective clinical intervention study to assess efficacy of varying ratios of carbohydrate and protein intake in conjunction with a regular exercise program. One-hundred sixty one sedentary, obese, pre-menopausal women (38.5 ± 8.5 yrs, 164.2 ± 6.7 cm, 94.2 ± 18.8 kg, 34.9 ± 6.4 kg·m-2, 43.8 ± 4.2%) participated in this study. Participants were weight stable and not participating in additional weight loss programs. Participants were assigned to either a no exercise + no diet control (CON), a no diet + exercise group (ND), or one of four diet + exercise groups (presented as kcals; % carbohydrate: protein: fat): 1) a high energy, high carbohydrate, low protein diet (HED) [2,600; 55:15:30%], 2) a very low carbohydrate, high protein diet (VLCHP) [1,200 kcals; 63:7:30%], 3) a low carbohydrate, moderate protein diet (LCMP) [1,200 kcals; 50:20:30%] and 4) a high carbohydrate, low protein diet (HCLP) [1,200 kcals; 55:15:30%]. Participants in exercise groups (all but CON) performed a pneumatic resistance-based, circuit training program under supervision three times per week. Anthropometric, body composition, resting energy expenditure (REE), fasting blood samples and muscular fitness assessments were examined at baseline and weeks 2, 10 and 14. All groups except CON experienced significant reductions (P < 0.05 – 0.001) in waist circumference over 14 weeks. VLCHP, LCHP and LPHC participants experienced similar but significant (P < 0.05 – 0.001) reductions in body mass when compared to other groups. Delta responses indicated that fat loss after 14 weeks was significantly greatest in VLCHP (95% CI: -5.2, -3.2 kg), LCMP (-4.0, -1.9 kg) and HCLP (-3.8, -2.1 kg) when compared to other groups. Subsequent reductions in % body fat were significantly greater in VLCHP, LCMP and HCLP participants. Initial dieting decreased (P < 0.05) relative REE similarly in all groups. All exercise groups significantly (P < 0.05) improved in muscular fitness, but these improvements were not different among groups. Favorable but non-significant mean changes occurred in lipid panels, glucose and HOMA-IR. Leptin levels decreased (P < 0.05) in all groups, except for CON, after two weeks of dieting and remained lower throughout the 14 week program. Exercise participation resulted in significant improvements in quality of life and body image. Exercise alone (ND) appears to have minimal impact on measured outcomes with positive outcomes apparent when exercise is combined with a hypoenergetic diet. Greater improvements in waist circumference and body composition occurred when carbohydrate is replaced in the diet with protein. Weight loss in all diet groups (VLCHP, LCMP and HCLP) was primarily fat and stimulated improvements in markers of cardiovascular disease risk, body composition, energy expenditure and psychosocial parameters.
High-Flux Thin Film Evaporation on Nanostructured Surfaces

The heat generation rates of high performance electronics motivate the development of new thermal management solutions. Thin film evaporation with a jet impingement or spray system promise high heat fluxes up to 1000 W/cm2 with low thermal resistances. However, challenges with implementation currently limit the ability to reach the theoretical limits. In this work, we investigated the utilization of micro-/nanostructured surfaces to control the liquid film thickness and provide a sufficient liquid flow rate to achieve high heat removal rates. We developed a model to predict the propagation rates of the liquid film, which accounted for the curvature of the liquid meniscus. We also fabricated test devices with pillar diameters ranging from 500 nm to 10 μm, spacings of 3.5 μm to 10 μm, and heights of 5 μm to 15 μm, and validated the model with confocal microscopy and high speed imaging. Heaters and temperature sensors were also integrated onto the back side of the chip to investigate heat transfer performance. When heat was applied, the structures significantly enhanced the heat dissipation rates and reduced the thermal resistance. The heat dissipation rate was also found to be positively correlated to the propagation rate of the liquid film. However, surface fouling in the experiments led to challenges to maintain a stable liquid film, and decreased the heat removal capability. This work provides insights to designing micro-/nanostructured surfaces for thin film evaporation to meet the heat dissipation demands of future high performance electronic systems.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Predicting risk behaviors: development and validation of a diagnostic scale.

The goal of this study was to develop and validate the Risk Behavior Diagnosis (RBD) Scale for use by health care providers and practitioners interested in promoting healthy behaviors. Theoreticall...
A Pathfinder Analysis of Pedagogical Knowledge Structures: A Follow-Up Investigation

Abstract This study is an extension of an earlier investigation of undergraduate students' acquisition of key pedagogical concepts in a physical education teaching methodology course. In that study, Pathfinder, a method for eliciting associative memory networks, was used to describe and compare the pedagogical knowledge structures of students to that of the course instructor. After the course, students' pedagogical knowledge structures corresponded more closely with that of the instructor, and students who corresponded the closest performed better in the course. The results raised an interesting issue regarding the acquisition of knowledge in undergraduate students. Did students acquire a generalizable body of pedagogical knowledge applicable beyond the context of the teaching methodology course or a highly contextualized reflection of their course instructor's knowledge base? In the present study the external validity of the pedagogical knowledge base was examined by using Pathfinder to compare the knowl...
Data driven generation of Purkinje cell spike train correlations to study input output relations in deep cerebellar nuclei neurons

Cerebellar output generation in the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) presents a fundamental but poorly understood component of cerebellar function. Experimental data obtained in vitro and in anesthetized animals as well as modeling studies have shown that correlations between Purkinje cell inputs are important in determining the spike rate and spike pattern of DCN output. How a DCN neuron process the synaptic inputs from hundreds of presynaptic Purkinje cells in an awake behaving animal, and the importance of the correlation structure between those inputs, remain unknown, however. We aim to quantitatively assess the correlation structure of Purkinje cells from data recorded in awake mice, and to determine how such correlations interact with the intrinsic DCN physiological properties. It is experimentally impossible to record all the inputs that are reaching a single DCN neuron in an awake animal. Therefore methods need to be developed that can extrapolate the correlations found in a small number of simultaneous recordings to an ensemble of several hundred artificial spike trains with the same correlation structure. Several analytical methods have been developed to generate sets of spike trains with specific correlations in spike times as well as spike rates [1-4]. On the other hand, experimental evidence from Purkinje cell recordings in anesthetized animals point to specific correlation features such as shared pauses [5], synchronous single spikes [6], and synchronous climbing fiber bursts [7]. We will analyze the spike train data obtained from multi-electrode recordings in awake behaving mice to determine the presence of correlation features as well as spike rate correlations. We will derive artificial spike trains using a method based on previous algorithms [1-4]. We will also introduce feature based specific correlations in our constructed artificial spike trains present in our recordings. We will optimize this process so that artificial spike trains show the same inter-spike interval statistics, rate correlations, and feature based correlations seen in recorded spike trains. These data will allow us to drive am ulticompartmental DCN model neuron to study synaptic integration in the awake condition. Because large sets of correlated spike trains are required for all single neuron model explorations of signal processing in awake animals we expect that the generation of realistic input correlations will become an important topic as the field of simulating neural properties in vitro matures to simulating the awake condition.
True Colors of Japanese Prime Ministers: A linguistic approach to political profiling

Recent studies on the Japanese conjunction ga revealed its pragmatic and discourse functions in detailed forms and found their implications for discourse settings. In particular, two variation analyses of ga in public speeches of two prominent Japanese political figures suggested their attempts to project certain sociopolitical images. However, data from individuals in two unparallel setting types and misattribution of the addressers’ sociopolitical considerations prevented these studies from substantiating a connection between the observed ga variations to the addressers’ sociopolitical images. This study analyzes ga occurrences in domestic and international press conferences with three Japanese prime ministers to evaluate the relevance between ga occurrences and their sociopolitical implications. This study finds that ga frequencies in domestic press conferences suggest the prime ministers’ attempts in varying degrees to craft an image of a consensus builder, which would appeal to key members of their party. On the other hand, the study observes different patterns of ga frequencies in international press conferences, which suggest their attempts in varying degrees to present their true colors to the general public.