cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Value network engagement and effects of memory-related processing during encoding and retrieval of value.

Abstract Decision makers rely on episodic memory to calculate choice values in everyday life, yet it is unclear how neural mechanisms of valuation differ when value-related information is encoded versus retrieved from episodic memory. The current fMRI study compared neural correlates of value while information was encoded versus retrieved from memory. Scanned tasks were followed by a behavioral episodic memory test for item-attribute associations. Our analyses sought to (i) identify neural correlates of value that were distinct and common across encoding and retrieval, and (ii) determine whether neural mechanisms of valuation and episodic memory interact. The study yielded three primary findings. First, value-related activation in the fronto-striatal reward circuit and posterior parietal cortex was comparable across valuation phases. Second, value-related activation in select fronto-parietal and salience regions was significantly greater at value retrieval than encoding. Third, there was no interaction between neural correlates of valuation and episodic memory. Taken with prior research, the present study indicates that fronto-parietal and salience regions play a key role in retrieval-dependent valuation and context-specific effects likely determine whether neural correlates of value interact with episodic memory.
Follicular dendritic cells restrict interleukin-4 availability in germinal centers and foster memory B cell generation

B cells within germinal centers (GCs) enter cycles of antibody affinity maturation or exit the GC as memory cells or plasma cells. Here, we examined the contribution of interleukin (IL)-4 on B cell fate decisions in the GC. Single-cell RNA-sequencing identified a subset of light zone GC B cells expressing high IL-4 receptor-a (IL4Ra) and CD23 and lacking a Myc-associated signature. These cells could differentiate into pre-memory cells. B cell-specific deletion of IL4Ra or STAT6 favored the pre-memory cell trajectory, and provision of exogenous IL-4 in a wild-type context reduced pre-memory cell frequencies. IL-4 acted during antigen-specific interactions but also influenced bystander cells. Deletion of IL4Ra from follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) increased the availability of IL-4 in the GC, impaired the selection of affinity-matured B cells, and reduced memory cell generation. We propose that GC FDCs establish a niche that limits bystander IL-4 activity, focusing IL-4 action on B cells undergoing selection and enhancing memory cell differentiation.
Person in Process of Practice: Between helping and managing helping

A qualitative examination of the work of health care professionals during the time of Covid-19 revealed the double-edged role of technologies between helping and managing helping. Health care profe...
The Application of Quaternions to Strap-Down MEMS Sensor Data.

We describe the mathematical transformations required to convert the data recorded using typical 6-axis microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor packages (3-axis rate gyroscopes and 3-axis accelerometers) when attached to an object undergoing a short duration loading event, such as blast loading, where inertial data alone are sufficient to track the object motion. By using the quaternion description, the complex object rotations and displacements that typically occur are translated into the more convenient earth frame of reference. An illustrative example is presented where a large and heavy object was thrown by the action of a very strong air blast in a complex manner. The data conversion process yielded an accurate animation of the object’s subsequent motion.
Abstract 15924: Effect of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning on Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common arrhythmic complication after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and remains challenging to prevent, treat and is associated with adverse outcomes. Ischemic pre-conditioning with cross clamping of aorta has been shown to decrease ischemia- reperfusion induced arrhythmia following cardiac surgery. Remote ischemic pre-conditioning (RIPC), where another organ or skeletal muscle is subjected to brief periods of ischemia in order to achieve protective effect for the heart, has been associated with decreased cardiac enzyme release after elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and CABG. We aimed to study the effect of RIPC on the incidence of POAF after CABG. Methods: We performed a prospective, single-center, single-blinded randomized controlled study of patients older than 18 years old undergoing elective CABG with or without valve surgery at our institution. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 fashion to treatment group (three sequential 5-minute sphygmomanometer cuff inflations alternating with 5 minute cuff deflation over right upper arm after induction of anesthesia) or control group (sphygmomanometer cuff placed on their right upper arm without inflation). The primary outcome was POAF lasting five minutes or longer during the first seven days after surgery. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, incidence of myocardial infarction, stroke bleeding. Results: Table 1 Conclusions: In this single-center randomized controlled study, RIPC did not decrease POAF after CABG. There were no statistically significant differences in any secondary outcomes following CABG, although the sample size was limited to finding only large group differences as significant. Larger, multi-center studies are needed to confirm this finding.
What is Art Crime

Art, like any other object of value is often the target of criminal actions, from theft to forgery and even vandalism. These crimes are breaches of laws or norms prescribing how humans ought to behave. Art, generally speaking, is the process of arranging sounds, colors or elements in a way, which appeals to senses, thought or emotion. Art is created for a number of reasons: it is a basic human impulse, it allows us to experience the mysterious and sublime, it conveys the inner-workings of the human imagination, allows for communications, it entertains us, attempts to create political or societal change, or even questions basic assumptions. But the term “art” also applies to judgments of value; it is a measure of value or quality determined by an individual. In this way the deﬁnition of art and crime may be subjective, but also subject to the same kind of norms and value judgments we attach to crimes.
Numerical Methods for Linear Equations

Before studying numerical methods for nonlinear conservation laws, we review some of the basic theory of numerical methods for the linear advection equation and linear hyperbolic systems. The emphasis will be on concepts that carry over to the nonlinear case.
Text Categorization Based on Regularized Linear Classification Methods

A number of linear classification methods such as the linear least squares fit (LLSF), logistic regression, and support vector machines (SVM's) have been applied to text categorization problems. These methods share the similarity by finding hyperplanes that approximately separate a class of document vectors from its complement. However, support vector machines are so far considered special in that they have been demonstrated to achieve the state of the art performance. It is therefore worthwhile to understand whether such good performance is unique to the SVM design, or if it can also be achieved by other linear classification methods. In this paper, we compare a number of known linear classification methods as well as some variants in the framework of regularized linear systems. We will discuss the statistical and numerical properties of these algorithms, with a focus on text categorization. We will also provide some numerical experiments to illustrate these algorithms on a number of datasets.
A Cross-Industry Analysis Of Investors’ Reaction To Unexpected Market Surprises: Evidence From Nasdaq Sector-Indices

We use daily stock returns from the NASDAQ composite index and its eight composite indexes to investigate the reaction of investors to the arrival of unexpected information in framework of Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH), the Overreaction Hypothesis (OH), and the Uncertain Information Hy-pothesis (UIH). Consistent with the prediction of the UIH regarding investor behavior, we find strong statistical evidence of a corrective process of significantly positive cumulative abnormal returns following the arrival of both unexpected favorable and unfavorable information for the NASDAQ Composite and four of the sub-indexes. For the Computer and Insurance sub-indices, we observe downward trends in the CARs following the arrival of favorable market surprises and upward trends in response to the ar-rival of unfavorable surprises, a result consistent with the predictions of the OH. For the Industrials and Transportation sectors, the pattern of investors reaction is not strongly consistent with any of the theories of investor reaction presented here, although the trendless pattern of returns following market surprises for the Transportation index could be explained by the EMH. One main implication of these mixed empirical results is that investor ‘s reaction var-ies significantly by sector, highlighting the value of analyzing investor reaction in different segments of the security markets in addition to investigating composite indexes.
Development of Low-Cost Video Emissions Monitoring Technique for Aluminum Smelting Applications

Aluminum smelting plants emit gaseous and particulate fluoride, sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon oxides (CO and CO2), perfluorocarbons (CF4 and C2F6), and other by-products of aluminum electrolysis processes. Potroom fugitive emissions intensity for some of these pollutants (most notably, fluorides) is strongly correlated with potroom work activities and work practices (e.g., anode change operations, metal tapping practices, pot hood placement, etc.). Therefore, work practice standardization and potroom personnel education regarding the impact of their day-to-day activities on smelter emissions are important components of pollution control and prevention strategy.
Strings of Vehicles: Modeling and Safety Conditions

Motivated by our work on Automated Highway Systems (AHS), we consider a physical system, the string of vehicles and construct a natural model for it in the Hybrid Input/Output Automaton formalism. We describe a special maneuver that may have to be executed by the system, the emergency deceleration maneuver, and derive necessary and sufficient conditions on the system parameters under which this maneuver can be executed in safety. We conclude by giving a brief discussion of the implications of our results for the design of an AHS that allows the formation of platoons of vehicles.
Reversible memory loss in a mouse transgenic model of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer9s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition, believed to be irreversible, characterized by inexorable deterioration of memory and intellect, with neuronal loss accompanying amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. In an amyloid precursor protein transgenic mouse model, Tg2576, little or no neuronal loss accompanies age-related memory impairment or the accumulation of Aβ, a 40–42 aa polypeptide found in plaques. Recently, we have shown inverse correlations between brain Aβ and memory in Tg2576 mice stratified by age (Westerman et al., 2002). Broadening the age range examined obscured this relationship, leading us to propose that small, soluble assemblies of Aβ disrupt cognitive function in these mice. Here we show that memory loss can be fully reversed in Tg2576 mice using intraperitoneally administered BAM-10, a monoclonal antibody recognizing the N terminus of Aβ. The beneficial effect of BAM-10 was not associated with a significant Aβ reduction, but instead eliminated the inverse relationship between brain Aβ and memory. We postulate that BAM-10 acts by neutralizing Aβ assemblies in the brain that impair cognitive function. Our results indicate that a substantial portion of memory loss in Tg2576 mice is not permanent. If these Aβ assemblies contribute significantly to memory loss in AD, then successfully targeting them might improve memory in some AD patients.
Combining C6 and C5 sugar metabolism for enhancing microbial bioconversion

Mixed sugars, which are often obtained from renewable biomass, can be converted into biofuels and chemicals by microbial conversion. This sustainable production process can also mitigate man-made climate change when used to petroleum-based fuel and chemical production. In contrast to single sugar fermentations, such as corn-based or sugarcane-based ethanol fermentations, mixed sugar fermentations present significant challenges for cost-effective production of the target products. In particular, inefficient and slow microbial fermentation of non-glucose sugars, such as galactose and xylose from the depolymerization of marine and terrestrial biomass has been a major obstacle. Nonetheless, simultaneous utilization of mixed sugars has recently been demonstrated through innovative metabolic engineering strategies and the discovery of transporters, and metabolic pathways which are necessary for co-fermenting glucose and non-glucose sugars.
Private and Public Enforcement of Securities Regulation

This chapter examines the impact of private and public enforcement of securities regulation on the development of capital markets. After a review of the literature, it considers empirical findings related to private and public enforcement as measured by formal indices and resources, with particular emphasis on the link between enforcement intensity and technical measures of financial market performance. It then analyses the impact of cross-border flows of capital, valuation effects, and cross-listing decisions by corporate issuers before turning to a discussion of whether countries that dedicate more resources to regulatory reform behave differently in some areas of market activities. It also explores the enforcement of banking regulation and its relationship to financial stability and concludes by focusing on direct and indirect, resource-based evidence on the efficacy of the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s enforcement actions.
6.002x Circuits and Electronics MITx on edX Course Report - 2013 Spring

This report describes 6.002x: Circuits and Electronics, one of the first 11 courses offered by MITx on edX, a platform for delivering massive open online courses (MOOCs). In the Spring of 2013, 6.002x was released as an open online course for the third time, with content largely mirroring previous offerings (Seaton et al, MITx Working Paper #4). 6.002x covered a first course within an undergraduate electrical engineering or electrical engineering and computer science curriculum. This report describes the course structure, in terms of the number of basic e-text, auto-graded problems, and video components. Following a methodology established for analysis of the first 17 HarvardX and MITx courses (Ho et al, HarvardX and MITx: The first year of open online courses), course registrants are described in terms of viewed, explored, and certified sub-populations, together with demographics. The diversity of student activity in the course, and the persistence of student interactions with the courseware, are addressed. The report concludes with a general comparison of features across the second iteration (Fall 2012) and current offering of 6.002x.
The Metropolitan Revolution: How Cities and Metros Are Fixing Our Broken Politics and Fragile Economy

In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis and the Great Recession, the conventional paradigms of political leadership in the U.S. have been increasingly challenged. America’s post-New Deal hierarchical policymaking pyramid with the Federal government at the top, followed by State governments setting the direction and leading innovation in the public and private sectors seem increasingly mired in partisan rancor and incapable of responding to new challenges.
Extracorporeal renal replacement therapy and blood purification in critical care.

Objective To review indications methods of renal replacement therapies (RRT) and practical considerations for the creation of a RRT program. Data Sources Current human and veterinary literature review with a focus on advanced renal physiology and clinical experience in RRT and acute/chronic kidney diseases. Data Synthesis Renal replacement therapies encompass intermittent hemodialysis, continuous renal replacement therapy as well as some “hybrid” techniques. Each method of RRT has practical and theoretical advantages but currently there is no evidence that one technique is superior to the other. Conclusions RRT is a valuable therapeutic tool for treatment of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. The implementation of an RRT program needs to take into consideration multiple parameters beyond the choice of an RRT platform.
Hemispheric specialization for categorical and coordinate spatial representations: a reappraisal.

The purpose of the present study was to examine Kosslyn's (1987) claim that the left hemisphere (LH) is specialized for the computation of categorical spatial representations and that the right hemisphere (RH) is specialized for the computation of coordinate spatial representations. Categorical representations involve making judgements about the relative position of the components of a visual stimulus (e.g., whether one component is above/below another). Coordinate representations involve calibrating absolute distances between the components of a visual stimulus (e.g., whether one component is within 5 mm of another). Thirty-two male and 32 female undergraduates were administered two versions of a categorical or a coordinate task over three blocks of 36 trials. Within each block, items were presented to the right visual field-left hemisphere (RVF-LH), the left visual field-right hemisphere (LVF-RH), or a centralized position. Overall, results were more supportive of Kosslyn's assertions concerning the role played by the RH in the computation of spatial representations. Specifically, subjects displayed an LVF-RH advantage when performing both versions of the coordinate task. The LVF-RH advantage on the coordinate task, however, was confirmed to the first block of trials. Finally, it was found that males were more likely than females to display faster reaction times (RTs) on coordinate tasks, slower RTs on categorical tasks, and an LVF-RH advantage in computing coordinate tasks.
WITHDRAWN: Two refinements of the Chernoff bound for the sum of non-identical Bernoulli random variables

Available online This article has been withdrawn consistent with Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal ( http:www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy ). The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.
A visibility algorithm for hybrid geometry- and image-based modeling and rendering

Abstract Hybrid geometry- and image-based modeling and rendering systems use photographs taken of a real-world environment and mapped onto the surfaces of a 3D model to achieve photorealism and visual complexity in synthetic images rendered from arbitrary viewpoints. A primary challenge in these systems is to develop algorithms that map the pixels of each photograph efficiently onto the appropriate surfaces of a 3D model, a classical visible surface determination problem. This paper describes an object-space algorithm for computing a visibility map for a set of polygons for a given camera viewpoint. The algorithm traces pyramidal beams from each camera viewpoint through a spatial data structure representing a polyhedral convex decomposition of space containing cell, face, edge and vertex adjacencies. Beam intersections are computed only for the polygonal faces on the boundary of each traversed cell, and thus the algorithm is output-sensitive. The algorithm also supports efficient determination of silhouette edges, which allows an image-based modeling and rendering system to avoid mapping pixels along edges whose colors are the result of averaging over several disjoint surfaces. Results reported for several 3D models indicate the method is well suited for large, densely occluded virtual environments, such as building interiors.
Spin dependence of high energy proton scattering

Abstract The elastic scattering of 200-Mev polarized protons by N14 has been measured in the forward maximum of the cross section and compared to the scattering produced by C12 under the same conditions. No conclusive evidence for a nuclear spin dependence of the scattering has been found.
Water resources for agriculture in a changing climate: international case studies

This integrated study examines the implications of changes in crop water demand and water availability for the reliability of irrigation, taking into account changes in competing municipal and industrial demands, and explores the effectiveness of adaptation options in maintaining reliability. It reports on methods of linking climate change scenarios with hydrologic, agricultural, and planning models to study water availability for agriculture under changing climate conditions, to estimate changes in ecosystem services, and to evaluate adaptation strategies for the water resources and agriculture sectors. The models are applied to major agricultural regions in Argentina, Brazil, China, Hungary, Romania, and the US, using projections of climate change, agricultural production, population, technology, and GDP growth. For most of the relatively water-rich areas studied, there appears to be sufficient water for agriculture given the climate change scenarios tested. Northeastern China suffers from the greatest lack of water availability for agriculture and ecosystem services both in the present and in the climate change projections. Projected runoff in the Danube Basin does not change substantially, although climate change causes shifts in environmental stresses within the region. Northern Argentina's occasional problems in water supply for agriculture under the current climate may be exacerbated and may require investments to relieve future tributary stress. In Southeastern Brazil, future water supply for agriculture appears to be plentiful. Water supply in most of the US Cornbelt is projected to increase in most climate change scenarios, but there is concern for tractability in the spring and water-logging in the summer. Adaptation tests imply that only the Brazil case study area can readily accommodate an expansion of irrigated land under climate change, while the other three areas would suffer decreases in system reliability if irrigation areas were to be expanded. Cultivars are available for agricultural adaptation to the projected changes, but their demand for water may be higher than currently adapted varieties. Thus, even in these relatively water-rich areas, changes in water demand due to climate change effects on agriculture and increased demand from urban growth will require timely improvements in crop cultivars, irrigation and drainage technology, and water management.
Androgen therapy for loss of desire in women: is the benefit worth the breast cancer risk?

Objective To contrast the limited evidence that androgen therapy is an effective treatment for low sexual desire in women with the extensive literature suggesting that androgens promote breast cancer. Design Evidence from population studies of women is reviewed on the association between endogenous androgen levels and sexual function or satisfaction. Recent randomized trials of testosterone therapy for low desire are critiqued in terms of methodology and generalizability. Research on endogenous testosterone levels and breast cancer risk in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women is summarized, as are recent studies of androgenic hormonal therapy and breast cancer risk. Setting Literature review. Patient(s) Not applicable. Intervention(s) Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s) Not applicable. Result(s) Endogenous androgen levels are not correlated with sexual desire in population-based studies of aging women. Factors that are strongly associated with low desire include pain with sexual activity, emotional distress, life stress, and relationship conflict. The efficacy of testosterone therapy for women's desire problems is modest. Expectancy effects were not adequately controlled in randomized trials. Epidemiological findings agree that higher endogenous serum androgen levels confer increased breast cancer risk both before and after menopause. Androgenic hormonal replacement regimens also increase the risk of breast cancer. Conclusion(s) Testosterone supplementation should not be prescribed to women with low sexual desire unless long-term studies can demonstrate its efficacy and safety. Treatments for low sexual desire in women should address its common correlates: relationship distress, emotional distress, and dyspareunia.
Functional outcome in the elderly following lower extremity amputation

Data regarding functional outcome in the elderly following major lower extremity amputation (LEA) are minimal. In the general diabetic population there is a significant mortality associated with these procedures, with the 5-year survival rates approaching only 40%. Contrasts between this group and the nondiabetic population will help to clarify the morbidity of these procedures and substantiate efforts at limb salvage. The authors review their experience with patients 80 years of age and above undergoing major LEA between 1990 and 1995 with a specific focus on postoperative mortality and functional status. Forty-one patients were studied, 67% of whom had diabetes mellitus. Postoperative functional status remained unchanged in 40% and worsened in 55% of patients, while residential status was unchanged in 68% and worsened in 32%. The median survival for patients with and without diabetes was 19 and 49 months, respectively. The 5-year survival for the entire group was 25% and was not statistically different in the two subgroups. The authors conclude that major LEA in the very elderly is associated with a considerable mortality and deterioration of functional and residential status.
Temperature dependence of recoilless fractions in tungsten

Abstract The recoilless fractions of 182 W, 184 W, and 186 W have been simultaneously measured from 30°K to 100°K in 10°K steps. They are found to agree with previous calculations of Raj and Puri.
Preferred orientation in experimentally deformed dolomite

Fine grained dolomite has been deformed in over twenty compression experiments in a Griggs-type piston-cylinder apparatus at various P and T conditions. Preferred orientation determined quantitatively using X-ray techniques and spherical harmonic analysis of the data is presented in inverse pole-figures of — 2/m symmetry. In most cases specimens display strong preferred orientation which varies mainly as a function of temperature. At all conditions it is very different from calcitic limestone. Although there is no significant grain growth even at 1000 °C the simple c-axes maximum fabric above 700 °C might be the result of recrystallization or translation on c. Below 700 °C, the preferred orientation is much weaker and complex. The primary maximum in the inverse pole-figure is near e, a secondary maximum near a high angle positive rhomb, principal minima are at c and f. This inverse pole-figure is consistent with f-twinning and translation gliding on r (t = a ?), two mechanisms which counteract each other. The latter is a new deformation mechanism for dolomite which we propose in order to explain the pattern of preferred orientation. The minimum at c is less pronounced below 100 ° C suggesting that c-translation may be active, but in these fine-grained aggregates it appears to be less important than is expected from single crystal experiments (Higgs and Handin, 1959), at least at low temperatures.
Batteryless wireless gastric implants

In this paper, development of batteryless wireless implantable devices and systems for gastric applications at the University of Texas - Arlington is reviewed. The systems are based on near-field inductive coupling to wirelessly transfer energy across thick tissues. The process enables batteryless operation of miniature electrical and electrochemical sensors and wireless transduction of sensor data. Batteryless endoluminal sensing telemetry architecture of an esophagus implant for remote diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is discussed. The implant can detect both impedance and pH variations accurately inside the esophagus in real time with high sampling rates. The similar wireless power transfer process also enables batteryless operation for tissue stimulation inside body. An endoscopically-implantable wireless gastrostimulator for gastroparesis and obesity management has been demonstrated. In both cases, electromagnetic energy has to pass through thick heterogeneous layers of tissues to provide sufficient powers to the implants, while transmitting powers have to be minimized in order to limit energy exposure to tissues. Various live animal experiments have been conducted to demonstrate the feasibility and performance of these systems. The GERD sensor implant can detect occurrence and pH nature of each reflux event accurately while the gastrostimulator can modulate the electrogastrogram signals indicating changes of motility in the stomach. Design strategies focusing on antennas are proposed for various physiological scenarios. The demonstrations provide new means in clinical practices to improve care quality and assist better living.
Built-In Self-Test: Milestones and Challenges

This paper describes the progress in built-in self-test (BIST) since its inception, and the important problems that still need to be solved to make the technique widely acceptable. The paper includes a reference list and an extensive bibliography on the subject matter.
Caveolin-1 regulates expression of junction-associated proteins in brain microvascular endothelial cells

Recent evidence from this laboratory indicated that reduced expression of caveolin-1 accompanied the diminished expression of tight junction (TJ)–associated proteins occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) following stimulation of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) with the chemokine CCL2 (formerly called MCP-1). Because attenuated caveolin-1 levels have also been correlated with heightened permeability of other endothelia, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that reduced caveolin-1 expression is causally linked to the action of CCL2 on BMEC junctional protein expression and barrier integrity. This was achieved using adenovirus to nondestructively deliver caveolin-1 siRNA (Ad-siCav-1) to BMEC monolayers, which model the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Treatment with siRNA reduced the caveolin-1 protein level as well as occludin and ZO-1. Additionally, occludin exhibited dissociation from the cytoskeletal framework. These changes were attended by comparable alterations in adherens junction (AJ)–associated proteins, VE-cadherin and β-catenin, increased BMEC paracellular permeability, and facilitated the ability of CCL2 to stimulate monocytic transendothelial migration. Furthermore, treating BMECs with cavtratin, a synthetic cell-permeable peptide encoding the caveolin-1 scaffolding domain, antagonized effects of both Ad-siCav-1 and CCL2. These results collectively highlight caveolin-1 loss as a critical step in CCL2-induced modulation of BMEC junctional protein expression and integrity, and possibly serve a crucial role in regulating inflammation at the BBB.
Febrile and acute hyperthermia enhance TNF-induced necrosis of murine L929 fibrosarcoma cells via caspase-regulated production of reactive oxygen intermediates.

Previous studies have demonstrated the essential role of TNF-induced reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) in the necrosis of L929 cells. We investigated the molecular basis for the interaction of hyperthermia and TNF in these cells. Hyperthermia, both febrile (40.0-40.5 degrees C) and acute (41.5-41.8 degrees C), strongly potentiated TNF killing, and sensistization was significantly quenched by the antioxidant, BHA. The broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD, has been shown to markedly increase the TNF sensitivity of L929 cells at 37 degrees C; we observed that hyperthermia would also enhance the sensitivity of L929 cells to TNF + Z- VAD and that BHA could significantly quench the response, as well. The basis for hyperthermic potentiation was unlikely thermally-increased sensitivity to ROI, as treatment with hydrogen peroxide for 24 h killed L929 cells essentially equivalently, whether incubated continuously at 37 degrees C or at 40.0-40.5 degrees C, or for 2 h at 41.5-41.8 degrees C. However, febrile and acute hyperthermia markedly increased TNF-induced production of ROI, with or without Z-VAD. Hyperthermia dramatically accelerated the onset of this production, as well as the onset of necrotic death, as determined by oxidation of dihydro-rhodamine and propidium iodide staining, respectively, both of which were significantly quenchable with BHA. We conclude that hyperthermia potentiates TNF-mediated killing in this cell model primarily by increasing the afferent, and not the efferent, phase of TNF-induced necrosis.
Mesoplodon densirostris (Cetacea, Ziphiidae), primeiro registro para o Atlântico Sul Ocidental

A female Blainville's beaked whale, Mesopiodon densirostris, 4.4m long was found stranded at 42km, South of Cassino, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The triangular shape and dimensions of the pair of unerupted teeth (60 x 45 x 11 mm) in the lower jaw, together with the distance (180mm) from the alveoli to the hinder edge of the mandibular symphysis proved to be a good systematic character for females of this species. The vertebral formula is C 7 + D 10 + L 11 + Ca 15 (+2) =45. It presents 10 pairs of ribs, 6 being double headed. M. densirostris is the only species of Mesopiodon which seems normally to occur both north and south of the equator and also the onlv species of this genus to strand on oceanic island of tropical and warm-temperature waters. The present record is the first for the Soutn West Atlantic waters.
Financing Teaching Hospital Missions: A Context

The issue of what teaching hospitals do, how much it costs, and how it should be financed has been the subject of ongoing debate. This Perspective provides a context for considering the implication...
Pulse attenuation by kinetically active phase boundary scattering during displacive phase transformations

Recent continuum mechanical models for displacive phase transformation allow for the motion of sharp phase boundary interfaces governed by a kinetic relation between the phase boundary driving traction and the phase boundary velocity. This motion dissipates energy. Here we examine the cumulative energy loss due to repeated episodes of phase boundary motion stemming from internal wave reverberation. The treatment involves discrete wave pulses in a finite-length bar and neglects thermal effects. Starting with a single pulse, the cumulative pulse/phase boundary interactions lead to an ever increasing number of ever weaker pulses. The excess energy above that associated with equilibrium is the main energetic quantity of interest. The dissipation of excess energy is strongly dependent upon the mobility parameter that enters into the kinetic relation. Different mobility parameter values can be associated with underdriven and overdriven response. For certain mobilities, a significant fraction of the excess energy can be dissipated in relatively few interactions provided that the pulses do not overlap during their interaction with the phase boundary. An acoustic (small pulse) treatment that identifies certain likely pulse overlaps shows that such overlap can reduce the overall dissipation. Special combinations of load and geometry generate resonance patterns that prevent dissipation, thereby trapping excess energy.
Predicting paired-associate learning speed: an alternate MLAT.

An alternate form of Part V of the Modern Language Aptitude Test has been developed which may serve as an effective means of controlling for differences in rote learning ability. Such a test seems particularly useful in situations where pre-selection of Ss according to rote learning ability is desired.
Risk factors for failed conversion of labor epidural analgesia to cesarean delivery anesthesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational trials.

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates evidence for seven risk factors associated with failed conversion of labor epidural analgesia to cesarean delivery anesthesia. Methods: Online scientific literature databases were searched using a strategy which identified observational trials, published between January 1979 and May 2011, which evaluated risk factors for failed conversion of epidural analgesia to anesthesia or documented a failure rate resulting in general anesthesia. Results: 1450 trials were screened, and 13 trials were included for review (n = 8628). Three factors increase the risk for failed conversion: an increasing number of clinician-administered boluses during labor (OR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.8–5.5), greater urgency for cesarean delivery (OR = 40.4, 95% CI 8.8–186), and a non-obstetric anesthesiologist providing care (OR = 4.6, 95% CI 1.8–11.5). Insufficient evidence is available to support combined spinal–epidural versus standard epidural techniques, duration of epidural analgesia, cervical dilation at the time of epidural placement, and body mass index or weight as risk factors for failed epidural conversion. Conclusion: The risk of failed conversion of labor epidural analgesia to anesthesia is increased with an increasing number of boluses administered during labor, an enhanced urgency for cesarean delivery, and care being provided by a non-obstetric anesthesiologist. Further high-quality studies are needed to evaluate the many potential risk factors associated with failed conversion of labor epidural analgesia to anesthesia for cesarean delivery. c 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms and correlates in community exercisers

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the potential relationship between OCD symptoms and the constructs of depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and commitment to exercise in community-based exercisers. Design and method A mixed-methods approach was utilized. A sample of 64 female and 21 male participants ( M age = 52.1 years) completed a series of online or written questionnaires related to the noted variables, while a subset of 10 participants participated in a qualitative interview to explain their OCD symptoms and exercise behavior. Results Pearson correlations indicated all psychological constructs were significantly correlated with each other (absolute r 's ranged from .27 to .78, all p 's λ = .360, R c = .80, p Conclusions Overall, this research suggests that community-based exercisers with elevated OCD symptoms simply display a healthy attention to the frequency and detail of their physical activity, which facilitates them staying active across a variety of conditions.
Predictive Ability of a Predischarge Hour-specific Serum Bilirubin for Subsequent Significant Hyperbilirubinemia in Healthy Term and Near-term Newborns

Objective. To assess the predictive ability of a universal predischarge serum bilirubin measurement to screen for risk of subsequent significant hyperbilirubinemia in the direct Coombs negative healthy term and near-term newborn during the first postnatal week. Methods. Total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels were obtained at the time of the routine metabolic screen in all term and near-term newborns cared for in the Pennsylvania Hospital Well Baby Nursery (n = 13 003). Postnatal age (in hours) at the time of TSB measurement was recorded. A percentile-based bilirubin nomogram for the first week was constructed from hour-specific predischarge and postdischarge TSB values of newborns (n = 2840; median BW = 3230 g and median gestational age = 39 weeks) who met classification criteria for healthy newborns (excluding those with a positive direct Coombs test or those requiring phototherapy before age 60 hours) and who were enrolled in a hospital supervised home or outpatient follow-up program. The accuracy of the predischarge TSB as a predictor of subsequent degree of hyperbilirubinemia was determined. Results. The study patients in the nomogram were racially diverse. Nearly 60% were breastfed. Predischarge, 6.1% of the study population (172/2840) had TSB values in the high-risk zone (≥95th percentile) at 18 to 72 hours; of these, 39.5% (68/172) remained in that zone (likelihood ratio [LR] = 14.08, sensitivity = 54%; specificity = 96.2%, probability = 39.5%). Predischarge, 32.1% of the population (912/2840) had TSB values in the intermediate-risk zone. In a clinically significant minority of these newborns (58/912 or 6.4%), the postdischarge TSB moved into the high-risk zone (LR of this move: 3.2 from the upper-intermediate zone and .48 from the lower-intermediate risk zone). The predischarge TSB in 61.8% of the newborns (1756/2840) was in the low-risk zone ( Conclusions. An hour-specific TSB before hospital discharge can predict which newborn is at high, intermediate or low risk for developing clinically significant hyperbilirubinemia (specifically defined as TSB levels ≥95th percentile for age in hours). Risk designation and subsequent increases or decreases of in TSB can be easily monitored on an hour-specific percentile based predictive bilirubin nomogram. A predischarge TSB measured as a universal policy would facilitate targeted intervention and follow-up in a safe, cost-effective manner. In conjunction with bilirubin practice parameter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, it could reduce the potential risk for bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction.
Ovine progressive pneumonia (maedi-visna) in sheep.

Abstract Ovine progressive pneumonia (OPP) is a multi-systemic disease of sheep caused by a non-oncogenic exogenous retrovirus belonging to the Lentiviridae subfamily. Characteristics of the disease are chronic lymphocytic pneumonitis, encephalitis, arthritis, mastitis and vasculitis associated with progressive wasting, dyspnea, lameness, indurated udder and, rarely, paralysis. Any one or all of the characteristics may be manifest. Transmission of the virus is predominantly through the colostrum to newborn lambs, however, transmission can occur by contact and in utero. Treatment of the disease is only symptomatic and prevention of infection is only by avoiding the virus.
In vitro Development of Plasmodium berghei Ookinetes

AFTER a mosquito has fed on an animal infected with malaria, the microgametocyte exflagellates in the mosquito gut and fertilizes the macrogamete thereby forming an ookinete. Only a few workers have studied the in vitro cultivation of the mosquito stages of malaria. Ball and Chao1–3 working with the avian malaria Plasmodium relictum were unable to induce ookinete formation in vitro although they were able to induce exflagellation of the gametocyte. They were forced to remove the oocyst from the mosquito gut by microsurgical techniques to obtain development of later oocyst stages. The bacteria and fungi from the mosquito preparations caused some difficulty in these cultures. They speculated that because they could not induce ookinete formation in their cultures, some substance from the mosquito stomach was required for development of the ookinete.
Investigating the memory characteristics of a massively parallel time warp kernel

Recently, Time Warp has shown that it achieves good strong scaling to hundreds of thousands of processors on modern supercomputer systems. These results were achieved on the Cray and IBM Blue Gene supercomputing platforms. In this paper, we investigate the ROSS Time Warp cache memory performance on (i) a commodity shared-memory desktop system based on the Intel E5504 processor and (ii) the IBM Blue Gene/L when configured to run over the standard Message Passing Interface (MPI) library.
The Anthropology of Cannibalism

The Anthropology of Cannibalism. Laurence R. Goldman. ed. Westport, CT: Bergin and Garvey, 1999.168 pp., tables, maps, index.
Incivility as an Instrument of Oppression: Exploring the Role of Power in Constructions of Civility:

In this article, I will explore the ways in which power is constructed through concepts of “civility” and “incivility.” I contend that traditional desires to moderate or diffuse the emotions labeled as uncivil can result in stagnation or alienation for the employee. From a critical perspective, incivility may be an attempt to create dissonance that can foster individual and organizational change. I will address three types of power associated with the popularization of incivility—the “power of” elites (e.g., organizations) to define and construct what constitutes civility, the “power over” lower status individuals that catalyzes incivility, and the “power to” engage in incivility as acts of resistance against the other types of power. Finally, I will identify strategies for how HRD professionals address these issues of power and convert “incivility” to a means to create more humane workspaces.
Use of a Movable Nested-Mesh Model for Tracking a Small Vortex

Abstract The mesh nesting strategy proposed by Kurihara et al.(1979) was used to construct a movable, nested-mesh, 11-level primitive equation model. The framework of the model is described in detail. With the use of a triply nested mesh system with 1°,⅓° and ⅙° longitude-latitude resolution, a small intense dry vortex in a zonal flow of 10 m s-1 was successfully advected for 48 h. The shape of the vortex was well preserved during the time integration which involved over 50 movements of the innermost mesh. The noise, which was excited when a mesh moved, was suppressed in ∼4 min after the movement. For comparison. the results from similar experiments performed with reduced inner mesh resolutions are also presented.
The effect of quadriceps loads and knee position on strain measurements of the tibial collateral ligament. An experimental study on human amputation specimens.

(1972). The Effect of Quadriceps Loads and Knee Position on Strain Measurements of the Tibial Collateral Ligament: An Experimental Study on Human Amputation Specimens. Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica: Vol. 43, No. 3, pp. 176-187.
Formulation and Characterization of a New Nitroglycerin‐Free Double Base Propellant

Double base propellants composed of nitrocellu- lose (NC) and nitroglycerine (NG) are widely used. However, the inclusion of liquid NG presents both stability and per- formance problems: the NG may migrate from the propel- lant in storage, and it softens the propellant at high inclu- sion levels. In this work, the novel nitrate ester 1,4-dinitra- to-2,3-dinitro-2,3bis(nitratomethylene) butane (SMX) is con- sidered as a replacement for NG in a double base propel- lant. Thermochemical calculations indicate improved performance when compared with the common double base propellant JA2 at SMX loadings above 40 wt-%. Also, since SMX is a room temperature solid, migration may be mitigated. Both unplasticized and plasticized propellants were formulated to enable the study of the interaction of SMX with nitrocellulose. Thermal analysis of unplasticized propellant showed a distinct melt-recrystallization curve, which indicates that a solid phase solution is being formed between SMX and NC, and that SMX would not act as plas- ticizer. Analysis of propellant prepared with diethylenegly- col dinitrate (DEGDN) plasticizer indicates that the SMX is likely dissolved in the DEGDN. The plasticized material also showed similar hardness and modulus to JA2. Safety char- acterization showed that sensitivity is similar to JA2. In short, replacing NG with SMX results in a new family of pro- pellants with acceptable safety characteristics and which may also offer improved theoretical performance.