cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variation of heat shock protein 70 through the cell cycle in HL-60 cells and its relationship to apoptosis.

Abstract Cells respond to a heat shock by synthesizing heat shock proteins, which help to protect the cells from further heating. Recent results indicate that heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) may help to protect cells from apoptosis. We have used flow cytometry to investigate the relationship between constitutive and inducible hsp70 and apoptosis through the cell cycle in HL-60 cells. Specific antibodies were used to measure hsp70 in cells costained with propidium iodide. In separate samples apoptosis was measured using the TdT assay. The apoptotic cells have a subdiploid DNA content, which allows them to be identified also in the bivariate histograms of heat shock protein vs DNA content. After HL-60 cells were heated at 45.0°C for 7.5 min and incubated for various times at 37°C, many of them underwent apoptosis. The level of inducible hsp70 (hsp72) was lower in the apoptotic cells than in the nonapoptotic population, but constitutive hsp70 (hsp73) was the same in both populations. Pretreatment with sodium vanadate increased the fraction of apoptotic cells twofold, slightly increased the level of hsp72 in the nonapoptotic cells, but did not affect hsp73. These results suggest that hsp72, but not hsp73, is involved in the development or prevention of apoptosis.
Fiscal Realities and the Illinois Community College System's Strategic Plan

Fiscal realities are forcing a review and potential refocusing of Illinois community colleges. This study compared the themes that emerged from interviewing an Illinois community college stakeholder group in 2005 to what emerged from a similar study in Iowa by Ebbers and Gardner in 2002. Illinois stakeholders talked about their overall perceptions regarding community colleges, issues they see facing the system, and their views for the future. What emerged were seven themes, with access to education being the core around which the other six themes (partnerships, technology, local needs, value, funding, and outcomes) revolved. The end result of this research project was the preparation of a foundation document for the Illinois Community College Board, Illinois Council of Community College Presidents, and Illinois Community College Trustees Association to consider while updating the Illinois Community College System's strategic plan.
Hormonal influences of early postnatal indomethacin and ibuprofen in neonatal rats.

Abstract Objective Indomethacin and ibuprofen are administered to preterm neonates for symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus. The drugs suppress prostaglandins (PGs) which modulate growth and secretion of various hormones. We examined the hypothesis that early postnatal indomethacin and ibuprofen influence growth and GH-IGF-I-insulin and HPA axes in neonatal rats. Design Rat pups received IP injections of saline (Sal) on P1, P2, and P3; 10 mg/kg ibuprofen on P1 followed by 5 mg/kg on P2 and P3; or 0.2 mg/kg indomethacin on P1 followed by 0.1 mg/kg on P2 and P3. Serum and hepatic GH, GHBP and IGF-I; and serum corticosterone and insulin levels were determined. Results Ibuprofen suppressed somatic growth in the sucking rats, but the effect was transient, resolving by P14. Indomethacin had an opposite, latent effect on body weight and liver to body weight ratios in weanling rats. Both indomethacin and ibuprofen had profound hormonal effects that differed in magnitude and timing. Indomethacin resulted in a sustained elevation in corticosterone levels at P21, while ibuprofen increased serum and hepatic GH levels. Both drugs suppressed GHBP in serum at P7 and P14; and liver at P4 and P7, but a rebound increase in serum GHBP was noted at P21 with Ibuprofen only. Both drugs increased serum IGF-I at P7. The effect remained sustained with indomethacin. Conclusions These results provide evidence for an involvement of PGs in the regulation of growth as well as the GH-IGF and HPA axes. Therefore, early postnatal exposure to PG inhibitors may further exacerbate postnatal growth restriction and ability to cope with stress.
Glucose Transporter-1 Distribution in Fibrotic Lung Disease: Association With [18F]-2-Fluoro-2-Deoxyglucose-PET Scan Uptake, Inflammation, and Neovascularization

Abstract Background [ 18 F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG)-PET scan uptake is increased in areas of fibrosis and honeycombing in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Glucose transporter-1 (Glut-1) is known to be the main transporter for FDG. There is a paucity of data regarding the distribution of Glut-1 and the cells responsible for FDG binding in fibrotic lung diseases. Methods We applied immunofluorescence to localize Glut-1 in normal, IPF, and Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) pulmonary fibrosis lung tissue specimens as well as an array of 19 different lung neoplasms. In addition, we investigated Glut-1 expression in inflammatory cells from BAL fluid (BALF) from healthy volunteers, subjects with IPF, and subjects with HPS pulmonary fibrosis. Results In normal lung tissue, Glut-1 immunoreactivity was seen on the surface of erythrocytes. In tissue sections from fibrotic lung diseases (IPF and HPS pulmonary fibrosis), Glut-1 immunoreactivity was present on the surface of erythrocytes and inflammatory cells. BALF inflammatory cells from healthy control subjects showed no immunoreactivity; BALF cells from subjects with IPF and HPS pulmonary fibrosis showed Glut-1 immunoreactivity associated with neutrophils and alveolar macrophages. Conclusions Glut-1 transporter expression in normal lung is limited to erythrocytes. In fibrotic lung, erythrocytes and inflammatory cells express Glut-1. Together, these data suggest that FDG-PET scan uptake in IPF could be explained by enhanced inflammatory and erythrocytes uptake due to neovascularization seen in IPF and not an upregulation of metabolic rate in pneumocytes. Thus, FDG-PET scan may detect inflammation and neovascularization in lung fibrosis.
Differences in fundus autofluorescence in clinical practice

Purpose Fundus autofluorescence (AF) has become a standard imaging test for evaluating retinal disorders such as age-related macular degeneration, hereditary, and inflammatory conditions. Little attention has been given to the influence of technical specifications of individual imaging devices and their potential influence on the studies obtained. Methods AF was recorded using a Heidelberg confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (cSLO) with 488 nm laser exciter (488 nm-AF), and a conventional Topcon fundus camera with halogen lamp exciter and 580 nm band-pass filter (580 nm-AF). Images of patients with various macular conditions were obtained and compared. Results The autofluorescent signal is largely believed to derive from lipofuscein in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and to represent a correlate of cellular metabolic activity. However, while images of geographic atrophy appeared to be rather comparable, significant differences were noted in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy, rip of the RPE and cystoids macular edema. It has been hypothesized that macular pigments (MPs) and more precisely changes of MPs density account in part for the differences, as MPs block 488nm-AF more intensely than 580nm-AF. Conclusion Fundus autofluorescence images obtained with different imaging systems may not be interchangeable depending on the exciter and band-pass filters used. Caution has to be taken when comparing diagnostic or therapeutic findings on AF from imaging devices with different specifications
Cyclic AMP induced inhibition of pyruvate kinase flux in the intact liver cell.

Abstract The rate of pyruvate kinase flux in the intact cell is estimated by a new procedure, involving trapping of 14C from NaH14CO3 in a large pyruvate + lactate pool, and calculation of the specific activity of phosphoenol pyruvate. With high concentrations of pyruvate as substrate for isolated rat liver cells, cyclic AMP (0.1 mM) depresses pyruvate kinase flux by about 45%, in addition to inhibiting both glucose and lactate formation. The inhibition of pyruvate kinase may cause an inhibition of hydrogen translocation from the mitochondria to the cytosol.
moonshine Illuminates a Developmental Role for Regulated Transcription Elongation

Mutations in the zebrafish gene moonshine , encoding the ortholog of TIF1γ, cause profound anemia and embryonic lethality. In a recent issue of Cell , Bai et al. provide evidence that these defects arise from inefficient transcription elongation, implicating elongation as an important point of regulation during cell differentiation and development.
KINETICS OF THE OXIDATION OF CERIUM (III) BY CONCENTRATED NITRIC ACID

Abstract The oxidation of CeIII by concentrated nitric acid solutions has been shown to be a reversible reaction. The kinetics for the oxidation at 90–110°C in 12–16 N HNO3 were studied by a procedure in which volatile oxides of nitrogen were swept away by inert gas. The kinetics were consistent with an electron transfer reaction between CeIII and NO2+, first order in each reactant. An overall activation energy for the process of 8 kcal was indicated.
Review article: permanent drug withdrawal is desirable and achievable for autoimmune hepatitis

Summary Background Autoimmune hepatitis can be rendered treatment-free, but the difficulty, frequency and risks associated with the pursuit of this outcome are unclear. Aim To describe the frequency that autoimmune hepatitis can be rendered treatment-free, identify the features that characterise these patients, examine the pathogenic pathways that may sustain or terminate the disease and indicate management protocols that can obtain this result. Methods Studies cited in Pub Med from 1972–2014 for autoimmune hepatitis, treatment, relapse, remission and outcome were selected. Results The frequency of a treatment-free state varies from 19% to 40% in patients observed for ≥3 years after drug withdrawal. Complete laboratory resolution and reversion to normal liver tissue prior to drug withdrawal favours this response. The development of cirrhosis during therapy may increase treatment-dependence. Persistent liver damage and the generation of neo-antigens during the apoptosis of hepatocytes may perpetuate the disease. Genetic and age-related effects on the vigour of the immune response may also contribute. Reversion to normal liver tissue is achieved in only 22% of patients during conventional corticosteroid therapy, and the emerging pharmacological and biological interventions may improve this frequency. A management strategy designed to achieve a treatment-free state accommodates all candidates for this outcome, and it can be modified to a long-term maintenance strategy as warranted by the clinical response. Conclusions Permanent drug withdrawal is a treatment outcome that is desirable and achievable in patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Normalisation of liver tests and liver tissue during treatment enhances this occurrence.
The First Ambassadors: Cuba's Contribution to Guinea-Bissau's War of Independence

As the rebels of Guinea-Bissau fought for independence from Portugal, Cuban military instructors stood by their side and Cuban doctors treated their wounds. Joining the rebellion in 1966, and remaining through the war's end in 1974, this was the longest Cuban intervention in Africa before the despatch of troops to Angola in November 1975. It was also the most successful. As the Guinean paper No Pintcha declared, ‘The Cubans' solidarity was decisive for our struggle’. Cuba's contribution to Guinea-Bissau's war of independence is an important and revealing example of Cuban policy in Africa.
Assessing the reliability of pRIA for identifying ancient proteins from archaeological contexts

The use of immunological techniques for identifying the origin of proteins and inferring foodstuffs exploited by prehistoric occupations has been conducted for several decades. Cases of experimental laboratory and archaeological studies have shown the potential of these techniques for reliable results. However, very few of these case studies employ archaeological sites that have excellent preservation and high-resolution spatial contexts between identifiable faunal remains, features, and stone tools. We present an assessment of the identification reliability of one immunological technique, protein radioimmunoassay (pRIA), using faunal remains and stone tools from two sites from arctic and subarctic contexts. The results of this research indicate that, even in contexts with excellent preservation, the identifications produced by the pRIA technique are subject to misidentification and cross-reactions due to diagenetic alteration of proteins. We propose a higher minimum reaction value (percent binding of labeled antibody) that mitigates these effects, and renders the pRIA results more reliable for ancient, poorly preserved organic remains.
Fuzzy morphological filters

The theory of fuzzy mathematical morphology is well-developed, including the characterization of fuzzy Minkowski algebra and extensions of the basic Matheron representation theorems. The present paper provides a natural paradigm for the lifting of crisp-set binary filters to fuzzy filters. The paradigm is based on considering gray-scale realizations of binary images as [0,1]-valued fuzzy images and then processing them in a manner compatible with their interpretation as fuzzy binary images. Various filters are implemented in the paper: smoothing, edge detection, peak detection, and object detection.
Bone Geometry in Periodic Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds Has Little Influence on Effective Elastic Properties

The development of bone replacement materials for large and load-bearing defects and their translation to the clinic will require extensive characterization of the mechanical properties of the scaffold/bone composites after implantation. Numerous of challenges are associated with such characterization of these types of composite. In particular, the need for large animal models, the associated cost, and the removal of the scaffolds from host bone for mechanical testing are some of the more difficult challenges to overcome. The ability to accurately predict the mechanical properties of scaffold/bone composites will lead to significant advances in the area of bone tissue engineering. Properties for periodic materials have been accurately modeled modeled using representative volume elements (RVE) [1]. The hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds in this study have a periodic lattice structure, making the use of an RVE appropriate for modeling effective properties. However, the choice of an appropriate RVE and geometry to represent the bone in the composite is less clear.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Re-isolating Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis from an amphibian host increases pathogenicity in a subsequent exposure.

Controlled exposure experiments can be very informative, however, they are based on the assumption that pathogens maintained on artificial media under long-term storage retain the infective and pathogenic properties of the reproducing pathogen as it occurs in a host. We observed that JEL284, an in vitro cultured and maintained isolate of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), was becoming less infectious with successive uses. We hypothesized that passing an isolate propagated on artificial media through an amphibian host would make the isolate more infectious and pathogenic in subsequent exposures. To test our hypothesis, we used two discreet steps, a reisolation step (step 1) and a comparative exposure step (step 2). In step 1, we exposed eastern spadefoot toads, Scaphiopus holbrooki, to JEL284 and JEL197, another isolate that had been maintained in vitro for over six years. We then re-isolated JEL284 only from a successful infection and named this new isolate JEL284FMBa. JEL197 did not infect any amphibians and, thus, did not proceed to step 2. In step 2, we compared infectivity and pathogenicity (mortality and survival time) of JEL284 and JEL284FMBa by exposing 54 naive S. holbrooki to three treatments (JEL284, JEL284FMBa, and negative control) with 18 individuals per group. We found that JEL284FMBa caused higher mortality and decreased survival time in infected individuals when compared to JEL284 and negative controls. Thus, our data show that pathogenicity of Bd can decrease when cultured successively in media only and can be partially restored by passage through an amphibian host. Therefore, we have demonstrated that pathogenicity shifts can occur rapidly in this pathogen. Given the potential for shifts in pathogenicity demonstrated here, we suspect Bd to have similar potential in natural populations. We suggest that, when possible, the use of freshly isolated or cryopreserved Bd would improve the quality of controlled exposure experiments using this pathogen.
N-bit optically controlled microwave signal attenuator using the photoconductive effect

Various optical architectures for N-bit digital control of microwave signals are introduced that use the photoconductive (PC) effect in microwave waveguides for variable rf attenuation control. A 2-bit optically controlled microwave attenuator based on a silicon PC transmission line device is experimentally demonstrated at 990 Mhz. At 532 nm, this attenuator provided 0, 5.8, 11.2, and 15.6 of attenuation levels.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Transcription-factor-mediated DNA looping probed by high-resolution, single-molecule imaging in live E. coli cells.

DNA looping mediated by transcription factors plays critical roles in prokaryotic gene regulation. The “genetic switch” of bacteriophage λ determines whether a prophage stays incorporated in the E. coli chromosome or enters the lytic cycle of phage propagation and cell lysis. Past studies have shown that long-range DNA interactions between the operator sequences OR and OL (separated by 2.3 kb), mediated by the λ repressor CI (accession number {"type":"entrez-protein","attrs":{"text":"P03034","term_id":"133353","term_text":"P03034"}}P03034), play key roles in regulating the λ switch. In vitro, it was demonstrated that DNA segments harboring the operator sequences formed loops in the presence of CI, but CI-mediated DNA looping has not been directly visualized in vivo, hindering a deep understanding of the corresponding dynamics in realistic cellular environments. We report a high-resolution, single-molecule imaging method to probe CI-mediated DNA looping in live E. coli cells. We labeled two DNA loci with differently colored fluorescent fusion proteins and tracked their separations in real time with ∼40 nm accuracy, enabling the first direct analysis of transcription-factor-mediated DNA looping in live cells. Combining looping measurements with measurements of CI expression levels in different operator mutants, we show quantitatively that DNA looping activates transcription and enhances repression. Further, we estimated the upper bound of the rate of conformational change from the unlooped to the looped state, and discuss how chromosome compaction may impact looping kinetics. Our results provide insights into transcription-factor-mediated DNA looping in a variety of operator and CI mutant backgrounds in vivo, and our methodology can be applied to a broad range of questions regarding chromosome conformations in prokaryotes and higher organisms.
Towards the Development of an Ontology-Based Product Requirement Model

Determination of appropriate product design criteria depends on the requirement specifications as well as their interrelations with other life cycle process information. Although the representation of the design requirements for creating a desirable product/part is a necessity, most of the time it has been carried out by the designer based on his/her own experiences. Such requirement handling processes need deep understanding of the product design, materials, manufacturing, working environments, finance and regulations, and are normally cost ineffective and error prone. Furthermore, very little attentions have been paid to the development of a structured requirement modeling for future intelligent applications. After a systematic study on the categorization of product design related information and requirements, this paper proposes an ontological framework for representing information and knowledge about the engineering product requirements. To demonstrate the use of the proposed requirement model and its role in the requirement management process, a case study related to an automotive brake rotor has been discussed in detail.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Facilitation and the conduction of the nerve action potential at the frog neuromuscular junction.

We have measured the time intervals (latencies) between the delivery of paired stimuli and the appearance of the extracellularly recorded nerve terminal action potentials (n.a.p.s) and end-plate currents (e.p.c.s) at different temperatures in the sciatic nerve, sartorius muscle preparation of the frog. When the interstimulus interval was 70 ms, the n.a.p. and e.p.c. latencies following the second stimulus of the pair were shorter than following the first at 10 degrees C and 15 degrees C, and facilitation of the e.p.c. was observed. The shortened latency was also observed at 20 degrees C by Barton and Cohen (1982), who suggested that this may be related to facilitation. At 5 degrees C, however, the n.a.p. and e.p.c. latencies following the second stimulus were longer than following the first, and facilitation was still observed. When a 30 ms interstimulus interval was used, the changes in latency were even greater at the temperatures studied. The changes in e.p.c. latency were due to changes in the conduction velocity of the n.a.p., not changes in synaptic delay. At all temperatures and interstimulus intervals studied, the larger amplitude n.a.p.s were conducted more slowly, however, facilitation was always observed. We conclude that changes in the amplitude and conduction velocity of the nerve action potential do not obviously affect facilitation at the frog neuromuscular junction.
An improved in situ method for determining depth distributions of gamma-ray emitting radionuclides

Abstract In situ gamma-ray spectrometry determines the quantities of radionuclides in some medium with a portable detector. The main limitation of in situ gamma-ray spectrometry lies in determining the depth distribution of radionuclides. This limitation is addressed by developing an improved in situ method for determining the depth distributions of gamma-ray emitting radionuclides in large area sources. This paper implements a unique collimator design with conventional radiation detection equipment. Cylindrically symmetric collimators were fabricated to allow only those gamma-rays emitted from a selected range of polar angles (measured off the detector axis) to be detected. Positioned with its axis normal to surface of the media, each collimator enables the detection of gamma-rays emitted from a different range of polar angles and preferential depths. Previous in situ methods require a priori knowledge of the depth distribution shape. However, the absolute method presented in this paper determines the depth distribution as a histogram and does not rely on such assumptions. Other advantages over previous in situ methods are that this method only requires a single gamma-ray emission, provides more detailed depth information, and offers a superior ability for characterizing complex depth distributions. Collimated spectrometer measurements of buried area sources demonstrated the ability of the method to yield accurate depth information. Based on the results of actual measurements, this method increases the potential of in situ gamma-ray spectrometry as an independent characterization tool in situations with unknown radionuclide depth distributions.
Effect of oxygen on substrate utilization for nitrogen fixation and growth in Frankia spp.

Frankia, the actinomycete partner in the nitrogenfixing symbiosis of certain woody non-legumes, has been shown to fix nitrogen in pure culture under aerobic conditions. The sensitivity of in vivo nitrogen-fixation (acetylene reduction) to oxygen tension in the gas phase was measured in short-term assays with two Frankia isolates designated ARI3 and CcI3. The carbon source utilized had an effect on the optimum O2 concentration for acetylene reduction. Cells utilizing an organic acid, e.g., propionate or pyruvate had maximum nitrogenase activity at an oxygen concentration of 15 to 20%. In contrast, cells respiring a sugar, e.g., trehalose or glucose, or endogenous reserves (glycogen or trehalose) had maximum acetylene reduction activity at 5 to 10% in the gas phase. Oxygen uptake kinetics showed that respiration in vesicle-containing cells utilizing trehalose had a biphasic response to oxygen concentration with a diffusion limited component at oxygen concentrations of 20 μM to more than 300 μM. These results suggested that trehalose was oxidized in the vesicles as well as in the vegetative hyphae. Oxygen concentration also had an effect on the trehalose-supported growth of cells (non nitrogenfixing, [+NH4Cl]). Cells grown with 5–10% O2 in the gas phase had a doubling time approximately half those grown with 20% O2 (atmospheric). Propionate-grown cells showed similar growth rates at the two oxygen tensions, and grew faster (almost 2x) than the trehalose cells at 5–10% O2. Trehalose also supported approximately 40% lower rates of oxygen uptake than propionate in vesicle-containing cells.
Comparison of two fatal occupational injury surveillance systems in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Using different methods, two national systems compile fatal occupational injury data in the United States: the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities (NTOF) surveillance system, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI). The NTOF uses only death certificates, while CFOI uses multiple sources for case ascertainment. METHODS: Through overall and case-by-case comparisons, this study compares these systems and evaluates counts for the nation and by state for worker and case characteristics. RESULTS: From 1992 through 1994, NTOF reported an average of 84% of the number of traumatic occupational fatalities reported in CFOI. This percentage changed somewhat when a case-by-case comparison was conducted--88% of the NTOF cases were matched directly to the CFOI cases. Although CFOI captured a larger number of fatalities annually, the additional fatalities did not follow a discernable pattern. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: By understanding the distribution of fatalities, targeted efforts to reduce them will benefit all industries.
Reversible magnetism between an antiferromagnet and a ferromagnet related to solvation/desolvation in a robust layered [Ru2]2TCNQ charge-transfer system

The charge-transfer compound [{Ru2(O2CPh-o-Cl)4}2TCNQ(MeO)2]·CH2Cl2 (1; o-ClPhCO2− = o-chlorobenzoate; TCNQ(MeO)2 = 2,5-dimethoxy-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) was synthesized from the reaction of the neutral precursors [Ru2II,II(O2CPh-o-Cl)4] (abbreviated as [Ru2II,II] or [Ru24+]) and TCNQ(MeO)2 in a CH2Cl2/nitrobenzene solution. The structure consists of two-dimensional layers consisting of an infinite array in which [Ru2II,II] units are involved in charge transfer to TCNQ(MeO)2 to give a formal charge of [{Ru24.5+}-TCNQ(MeO)2• −-{Ru24.5+}]. Interstitial CH2Cl2 molecules are located in the void spaces between the layers. Strong intralayer magnetic coupling between the units [Ru2II,II] with S = 1 or [Ru2II,III] with S = 3/2 and TCNQ(MeO)2• − with S = 1/2, as well as long-range ordering due to antiferromagnetic interlayer interactions, was observed. An antiferromagnetic ground state exists below TN = 75 K, which undergoes a metamagnetic transition under applied fields less than 2 T to a field-induced ...
The szilard-chalmers reaction in potassium cobalticyanide

Abstract Dissolution of neutron-irradiated potassium cobalticyanide in water produces cobaltous ion and anionic species having six, five, and four cyanides per cobalt. The distribution of active cobalt among these ions as a function of pH and thermal annealing has been investigated, and the data have been interpreted in terms of recoil fragments, also having six, five and four cyanides per cobalt, in the crystal following irradiation. We have interpreted the observed re-formation of Co(CN)6∈ during thermal annealing as due to a recombination of cyanide with tetra- and pentacyano fragments.
Forensic-free AV surveillance audit podcasts for e-competence of academics and staff - repurposed traditional instructions for blended, distance and self-study e-learning to maximise lecture capture ROI

This study describes forensic-free Audio Video (AV) surveillance audit podcasts. Since the surveillance systems are typically funded for security reasons, any additional applications such as e-learning and training are of minimal additional expense. To facilitate this capability, it is a matter of 'splitting' the video cable of a surveillance camera and connecting it into the instructor's computer. Administrators and students can then monitor the quality of lecturers and academic staff at their own time and pace. For example, subscribers can view and participate in a lecture from their cellphone from a remote physical location. An instructor can repurpose the videos of such a lecture - from the traditional stand-up instructions offline, into blended, remote and self-study e-learning online and with Computer Assisted Instructions (CAI). This study illustrates how videos of academic courses recorded for undergraduate, graduate students practicing professionals and alumni can be repurposed for Continuing Professional Education (CPE).
Stories: Big or small-Why do we care?

This article is a pledge that we actually should care about the differences between what has recently been coined ‘small’ versus ‘big’ stories because they represent very different approaches to narrative inquiry. In the attempt to pull other contributions of this special issue into the debate between small and big, I argue that the small story approach is able to theoretically and methodologically enrich traditional narrative inquiry — not in a peaceful, complementary fashion, but by more radically re-positioning big story approaches as grounded in dialogical/discursive approaches such as small story research.
Does It Pay to Promote on eBay

Promotional upgrades to auction listings are now a ubiquitous feature of auction Web sites. We examine 705 auctions of a single consumer-electronic product on eBay and test whether use of various promotions results in a greater probability of sale or a higher realized price. We find that promotions that focus on display enhancements, such as border, bold, or highlight, are not worth the cost. However, the subtitle promotional tool is effective and worth the cost. We also find interesting results regarding seller reputation: although seller reputation does not increase the probability of a sale overall, it can result in higher realized price if a reputable seller is selected. Implications for promoting on eBay are discussed.
Three Dimensionally Ordered Mesoporous Carbon as a Stable, High-Performance Li-O 2 Battery Cathode

Enabled by the reversible conversion between Li2O2 and O2, Li–O2 batteries promise theoretical gravimetric capacities significantly greater than Li-ion batteries. The poor cycling performance, however, has greatly hindered the development of this technology. At the heart of the problem is the reactivity exhibited by the carbon cathode support under cell operation conditions. One strategy is to conceal the carbon surface from reactive intermediates. Herein, we show that long cyclability can be achieved on three dimensionally ordered mesoporous (3DOm) carbon by growing a thin layer of FeOx using atomic layer deposition (ALD). 3DOm carbon distinguishes itself from other carbon materials with well-defined pore structures, providing a unique material to gain insight into processes key to the operations of Li–O2 batteries. When decorated with Pd nanoparticle catalysts, the new cathode exhibits a capacity greater than 6000 mAh gcarbon−1 and cyclability of more than 68 cycles.
Generation of fixed-point VHDL MIMO-OFDM QR pre-processor for Spherical Detectors

This paper presents an automatic VHDL generator for a modified fixed-point interpolation QR decomposition algorithm for Spherical Detector (SD) based Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) systems. A modified algorithm is proposed that moves the bulk of the complex domain calculations to the real domain, by leveraging Givens rotations requiring only additions, multiplications, and inverse square root operations. An efficient inverse square root algorithm is presented along with fixed-point analysis of a typical MIMO-OFDM system in various noisy wireless channels. Autogeneration of VHDL modules is described with results of 2 × 2 and 4 × 4 QR-based SD MIMO detection in terms of FPGA slice registers and slice LUTs.
Inhibition of pituitary-adrenal activity as a consequence of consummatory behavior

Abstract (1) We have demonstrated that if food and water are restricted to the morning hours, the circadian rhythms of the pituitary-adrenal system are re-entrained and the levels of plasma corticosteroids are elevated in the morning, whereas they are usually low during that period in the rodent. Following drinking, however, there is, within 5 min, a sharp decline in plasma corticoids accompanied by an equivalent drop in ACTH. Thus, in addition to the regulation of ACTH by the usual feedback of circulating corticosteroids, there appears to be an independent central nervous system inhibitory mechanism which can cause ACTH and corticosteroids to drop concomitantly. (2) We demonstrated that the availability of a consummatory response can reduce an organism's pituitary-adrenal response to a normally stressful situation. (a) When exposed to novelty, animals usually show a striking elevation of plasma corticosterone. However, if a consummatory response-drinking-is available in the novel environment, the response to this novel environment is markedly reduced. (b) The availability of an adjunct behavior-drinking-in a situation where animals are placed on an intermittent food reinforcement schedule also causes a significant reduction in plasma corticosterone levels. (c) Shock-induced fighting results in a reduced ACTH response to shock. Fighting behavior can also be viewed as a consummatory response. (3) We believe these experiments demonstrate the bidirectionality of the pituitary-adrenal system. Since the pituitary-adrenal system appears to provide a sensitive measure of arousal state, and since consummatory responses suppress the activity of this system, it therefore appears that consummatory behavior has arousal-reducing properties.
Clinical hypnosis in rehabilitation

Abstract It is the restoration of the physical and psychological functional capacities of individuals who have suffered functional losses because of traumatic injury or illness that is at the essence of rehabilitation. The rehabilitation process is a bio-psychosocial endeavor as well as a model of holistic health through its interdisciplinary nature. Rehabilitation is also about learning to adapt to disability and achieve accommodation for deficits. One of the primary contributions of hypnosis to rehabilitation is its potential for facilitating change and accelerating learning. In this article, the phenomenon of hypnosis will be discussed to provide the reader with a basic understanding of what hypnosis is and how it can be used in mind-body medicine and specifically how it can be used in rehabilitation. The research will be discussed as well as the psychophysiological correlates of the hypnotic state. How hypnosis has been used with various medical conditions (stroke, amputation, etc) or functional problems (ambulation, ADLs, etc) is reviewed as well as how hypnosis can facilitate the patient’s attainment of rehabilitation goals. An argument is made that self-hypnosis allows patients to develop an experience of “self” that reflects mastery and competence. An extensive reference list is provided for the serious student.
Genetic background and environment contribute synergistically to the onset of autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases result from the breakdown of “self” tolerance. Environmental factors appear to be responsible for triggering this errant immune response, directed against self-tissue determinants, only when a susceptible genetic background is present in an individual. Autoimmune diseases, normally characterized by their association with certain HLA alleles, also share other features: the presence of autoantibodies, autoreactive T lymphocytes, and an intermittent clinical course of exacerbations and remissions. In cases of organ-specific diseases, as well as in cases of multi-system autoimmune diseases, viruses are increasingly implicated as such environmental triggers. Current molecular biology techniques have permitted a fine dissection of the genetic background of susceptible individuals and have enabled a more complete characterization of the immunocompetent cells involved in this autoaggression. Molecular approaches will soon allow us to pinpoint the characteristics of the environmental stimuli, so that protective strategies could be formulated to spare susceptible individuals from their ill effects.
Overexpression, Purification, and Characterization of RecombinantDictyostelium discoideumCalcium-Regulated 34,000-Dalton F-Actin Bundling Protein fromEscherichia coli

Abstract The Dictyostelium discoideum 34-kDa protein is an F-actin bundling protein that demonstrates diverse distributions in the cell during cell shape changes and cell movement. The protein is expressed at a very low level in the amoeba, just 0.04% of the total cell protein. This presents a challenging problem when purifying sufficient protein for structural and biochemical studies. The purification procedure is lengthy and yields only a few milligrams of protein. An alternative protein expression system, that of the bacterial T7 expression system, was used to produce large quantities of recombinant 34-kDa protein (r34-kDa). The soluble r34-kDa protein constitutes up to a quarter of the total bacterial protein, and was purified to homogeneity by a modification of the purification procedure for the native D. discoideum 34-kDa protein (N34-kDa). The r34-kDa possesses all the same functional characteristics as the N34-kDa protein with respect to its interactions with F-actin in vitro: it bound to and cross-linked F-actin, mediated F-actin bundle formation, directly bound calcium, and demonstrated calcium-sensitive F-actin binding activities.
Retrospective on “Power-Sensitive Multithreaded Architecture”

This article provides a retrospective look at the research that went into the 2000 ICCD paper “Power-Sensitive Multithreaded Architecture”. At the time, simultaneous multithreading processors were soon to be commercially available and power consumption was proving to be a challenging design constraint. That research introduced optimizations that increased power and energy efficiency through multithreading, while maintaining performance. This article discusses the optimizations in the paper and discusses how processor designs have changed since its publication.
The Use of Statistics: Bismarck, Sausages and Policy

. Bismarck is supposed to have said that the making of neither policy, nor sausages, should be watched. Today, because the electronic media allow the public-and statisticians-to watch the Congresses it deliberates, the process of formulating policy is more open. The authors discuss two important bills and the differences in approach. In debating a bill on hate crimes, the Senate Judiciary Committee proposed a sensible data collection policy and analysis; in debating a bill on drug education, these same senators relied on opinion rather than on available data which might have provided valuable statistical input to the discussion and the eventual decisions the senators agreed upon. The authors ask why the policy-makers chose to use such different approaches to data collection.
Enhancing application efficiency by packing instructions into registers

Instruction packing is a combination architectural/compiler technique that allows for reduced energy consumption, code size, and execution time. Frequently occurring instructions are placed into a small instruction register file (IRF), which requires significantly less energy to access than an L1 instruction cache. Multiple instruction register references can be placed in a single packed instruction, leading to reduced instruction cache accesses and decreased static code size. Execution time can be slightly improved due to the reduced working set size, resulting in fewer L1 IC misses. We will present the design and evaluation of the instruction register file and its associated compiler tools and show its effect on energy consumption, code size, and execution time. Instruction packing with an IRF is also shown to be complementary to several other popular fetch energy reduction techniques including a loop buffer and a small L0/filter cache. Finally, an IRF can be used to supply additional instructions to an aggressive pipeline backend.
Multimodal events and moving locations: eye movements of adults and 6-month-olds reveal dynamic spatial indexing

The ability to keep track of locations in a dynamic, multimodal environment is crucial for successful interactions with other people and objects. The authors investigated the existence and flexibility of spatial indexing in adults and 6-month-old infants by adapting an eye-tracking paradigm from D. C. Richardson and M. J. Spivey (2000). Multimodal events were presented in specific locations, and eye movements were measured when the auditory portion of the stimulus was presented without its visual counterpart. Experiment 1 showed that adults spatially index auditory information even when the original associated locations move. Experiments 2 and 3 showed that infants are capable of both binding multimodal events to locations and tracking those locations when they move.
Retinal pigment epithelial cells induce foxp3(+) regulatory T cells via membrane-bound TGF-β.

Purpose: It is speculated that retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells convert naive T cells into regulatory T cells (Tregs) via soluble factors such as transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). Yet presence or absence of similar membrane-bound mechanisms on RPE cells has yet to be addressed. Here the authors investigated the expression of surface TGF-β by RPE cells and its participation in the conversion of naive T cells into Tregs.Methods: They examined the phenotype of murine CD4+ CD25− T cells activated in the presence of ethanol-fixed RPE cell layers as fixation preserves membrane structure while preventing the secretion of soluble factors.Results: Fixed RPE cells supported the development of a de novo foxp3+ Th3-like suppressor phenotype in activated peripheral naive T cells through an interaction that required both RPE-derived surface TGF-β, and T-cell derived TGF-β1.Conclusions: Aside from soluble factors, RPE-derived surface TGF-β can convert activated naive T cells into Tregs.
Tolerability of a probiotic in subjects with a history of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonisation.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a pathogen of major public health importance. Colonisation precedes infection; thus reducing MRSA carriage may be of benefit for reducing infection. Probiotics represent a novel approach to reducing MRSA carriage. We undertook a pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial of the tolerability and acceptability of probiotics for reducing nasal and intestinal carriage of MRSA. In addition, subjects were screened for vancomycin-resistant enterocococci (VRE). Subjects with a history of MRSA were recruited from a large, academic medical center and randomised to take either a placebo or probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001). Subjects returned to the clinic after four weeks for further testing to determine adherence to the probiotic regimen and colonisation of MRSA. 48 subjects were enrolled and randomised. Nearly 25% were transplant recipients and 30% had diabetes. The probiotic was well tolerated in the study population though minor side effects, such ...
Endoscopic management of sphenoid sinus cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

Objectives Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks that originate within the sphenoid sinus pose a unique surgical challenge due to difficulties with access and visualization The objective of this report is to illustrate concepts for the successful management of sphenoid sinus CSF leaks. Methods Retrospective data analysis was performed on 9 patients who presented to a tertiary care medical center for endoscopic repair of a sphenoid sinus CSF leak from January 2002 to January 2006. Results The patient cohort included 7 women and 2 men with a mean age of 51.7 years. In 5 cases the CSF leak was caused by a previous neurosurgical procedure; the other 4 cases were idiopathic. An endoscopic pterygomaxillary fossa approach was required in 4 cases. A layered reconstruction of the sphenoid sinus wall with collagen allografts (cadaveric acellular dermal allograft, 8 patients; bovine collagen membrane, 1 patient) and mucosa under endoscopic visualization with intraoperative surgical navigation was performed in all cases. The reconstruction was buttressed with autologous bone in 2 cases and with cartilage in 2 cases. Fibrin sealant was used in 7 cases. Two patients developed transient diabetes insipidus after the repair. Two patients developed a recurrent CSF leak necessitating revision repair 2 and 15 months, respectively, after the initial repair procedure. The average hospital stay was 6.5 days. The mean length of follow-up was 21.1 months. Conclusions This series demonstrates that minimally invasive endoscopic repair of sphenoid sinus CSF leaks may be accomplished with an acceptable rate of morbidity and excellent outcomes. Extended endoscopic approaches, including the pterygomaxillary fossa approach, may be useful in selected instances.
Using Alice in Overview Courses to Improve Success Rates in Programming I

Alice is a software environment in which students learn programming concepts by making animated movies and interactive applications. Monmouth University's Computer Science and Software Engineering departments each introduced the use of Alice in fall 2005 in two newly-created courses. The courses serve as freshman overviews of their respective disciplines and also, using Alice, introduce students to object-oriented programming ideas. Previously the first computer science course for majors in these programs was a traditional C++ Programming I course, which had a success rate of less than 50. This course was retained, but became the second course in these majors. From fall 2003 to spring 2007, 106 students enrolled in the traditional Programming I course in C++. Of these, 37 had previously taken one of the new overview courses including Alice; the remaining students had not. Among students who had not taken either new course, the success rate was 46.4%; among those who had, the success rate was 70.3%. The probability of observing these results if the new introductory courses using Alice had no effect would be less than 0.006. We have concluded that exposure to Alice in these courses has significantly increased students' probability of success in the traditional Programming I course.
Improving judgment and decision-making among youth in treatment: Emerging evidence, implications for retention, and implementation issues

large, self-insured employers and millions of enrollees covering the period 2001–2009. Among the findings is that overall, parity for substance abuse service is unlikely to have a significant impact on overall health care spending. Services that may be impacted by parity include use of particular medications which currently have utilization restriction, such as suboxone, and use of particular services, such as residential treatment services, which are often excluded from benefit packages. The use of and access to these services should be closely watched.