cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification and transmembrane signaling of leukotriene D4 receptors in human mesangial cells

Although peptidoleukotriene (LTC4, LTD4) receptors have been characterized by radioligand binding studies, pathways of transmembrane signaling by activated leukotriene receptors remain obscure. We employed [3H]LTD4 binding studies and fluorescent measurements of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]) and pH to identify LTD4 receptors and mechanisms of transmembrane signaling in cultured human mesangial cells. Mesangial cells expressed a single class of saturable, specific binding sites for [3H]LTD4. Kinetic, competition, and saturation analyses gave an average KD of approximately 12.0 nM with a Bmax of 987 fmol/mg protein. LTC4 competed with high affinity for [3H]LTD4 binding sites, as did LTB4 but with much lower affinity. [3H]LTD4 binding was blocked by a specific LTD4 receptor antagonist, SKF 102922. LTD4 and LTC4 also evoked a rapid (2-3 s), transient increase in intracellular [Ca2+], followed by a second, sustained increase. The transient phase was independent of extracellular Ca2+, whereas the sustained phase was dependent on extracellular Ca2+. Intracellular [Ca2+] was unaffected by LTB4. The LTD4-stimulated Ca2+ transients were dose dependent (1 nM-1 microM) and, similar to [3H]LTD4 binding, Ca2+ transients were inhibited by LTD4 receptor antagonists. We also report evidence that LTD4 affects intracellular pH and activates Na+-H+ exchange. Specifically, LTD4 induced an initial acidification within 1-2 min, followed by net alkalinization at 5 min. Alkalinization was due to activation of an amiloride-inhibitable Na+-H+ exchanger. LTD4 receptors were apparently not coupled to adenylate cyclase or phospholipase A2 as we detected no changes of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) or prostanoids. Thus we conclude that [3H]LTD4 binding sites on human mesangial cells are coupled to a Ca2+-signaling system and Na+-H+ exchange. Moreover LTD4, a potent inflammatory mediator, failed to stimulate cAMP or prostaglandin E2/prostaglandin I2, two counterregulatory autacoids that preserve normal mesangial function.
Hiding in Plain Sight: Nebivolol Exhibits Compelling Tocolytic Properties

Preterm birth before 37 weeks of completed gestation results in numerous health consequences for the foetus. Preterm labour leads to preterm birth in over 50% of cases, and no FDA-approved treatment can prevent labour or help a foetus remain in the womb until term. Examination of nitric oxide mediated relaxation signaling in the uterine smooth muscle reveals a role for protein S-nitrosation. The recent discovery of upregulated S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) in spontaneously preterm labouring women has emphasized the need to explore the function of S-nitrosation regulation in the maintenance of uterine quiescence. Here we have examined the ability of nebivolol to relax uterine smooth muscle and tested recent claims that nebivolol is a GSNOR inhibitor. In uterine smooth muscle strips from both mouse and human, nebivolol relaxes oxytocin-induced contractions in a dose dependent manner. Our data indicates that nebivolol has no effect on GSNOR activity, nor does nebivolol inhibit thioredoxin reductase, two of the major protein denitrosylases. The ability of nebivolol to relax uterine smooth muscle is likely the combined effects of increased nitric oxide synthase activity and β3-adregnegic stimulation.
Dreams, Providence and Reality: Comments on Hansberger, “Representation of Which Reality?”

This paper comments on Rotraud Hansberger’s article, “Representation of which reality? ‘Spiritual forms’ and ‘ma‘ānī’ in the Arabic adaptation of Aristotle’s Parva naturalia.” The article addresses the issue of whether the representation involved in perception and memory, on the one hand, and in dream-visions, on the other, follows, in both cases, the same mechanisms and refers ultimately to the same reality, given that in the first case, we are in the presence of an “ascending” process in which mental representations are derived from a corporeal object of perception, whereas in the second case we have to do with a “descending” process in which they “flow” from the universal intellect. This paper addresses first the issue of the perceptive aspect of memory and its potential impact on the nature of the ma‘nā, that is, the mental representation stored in the memory. It then deals with the status of veridical dream-visions vis-a-vis the outside reality and whether the corporeal form in the outside world can be said to be a representation, that is, an image, of the spiritual form in the mind at all.
Are chronic cough and laryngopharyngeal reflux more common in obstructive sleep apnea patients

Objectives/hypothesis To assess if there is a significant difference in the prevalence and severity of chronic cough symptoms in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients versus non-OSA patients and examine this relationship in regard to laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms. Study design Prospective cohort study. Methods Patients referred to Northwestern Medicine Sleep Lab for home sleep testing were enrolled. Patients filled out the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) and Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) before completing sleep testing. Home sleep testing results were reviewed, and patients were separated into non-OSA and OSA groups by standard Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) criteria. Demographic characteristics and questionnaire scores of the two groups were compared. The relationship between OSA severity, as determined by AHI, and LCQ and RSI scores was assessed. Results Of the 52 patients enrolled, 33 patients met criteria for OSA and 19 patients did not. Comparing patients without OSA versus those with OSA, there was a significant difference in mean LCQ score (129.9 vs. 120.0, respectively; P = .02), implying worse cough symptoms among OSA patients, and mean RSI score (3.2 vs. 11.2, respectively; P = .0013), implying worse upper-airway reflux symptoms among OSA patients. There was a significant correlation between LCQ score and AHI (r = -0.39, P = .0061) and between RSI score and AHI (r = 0.37, P = .0078). Conclusions OSA patients demonstrate worse chronic cough and LPR-related quality of life versus non-OSA patients. Furthermore, the severity of these quality-of-life measures was correlated with the severity of the AHI. Chronic cough and particularly the pharyngeal LPR symptoms may be associated with the presence and severity of OSA. Level of evidence 2 . Laryngoscope, 129:1244-1249, 2019.
What's the

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug advisory committee members sometimes have financial interests tied to drug companies. Congress and the public have become concerned that these financial interests lead to conflicts of interest. They conclude that the conflicts bias committee recommendations, and lead to unsafe or ineffective drugs being approved for public consumption, or, conversely, delays in approval of safe and effective drugs. Our paper provides empirical evidence, based on an event study methodology, that advisory committee meetings lead to weak or statistically insignificant effects on stock prices and hence equity values of regulated companies assumed to be affected by the particular matters coming before committee meetings.
Double Stent-Assisted (Y and X) Coil Embolization of Unruptured Intracranial Saccular Aneurysms using the Low-Profile Visualized Intraluminal Support Device-Single Center Experience.

Purpose To study the feasibility, safety, and durability of the dual stent-assisted coil embolization (DSCE) technique using low-profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) device. Methods Retrospective review of our aneurysm database to identify all the patients treated with LVIS stent-assisted embolization between July 2015 and June 2017 was performed. 15% of the patients with Y- or X-configuration DSCE constituted the study population. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, aneurysm characteristics (location, dome, and dome/neck ratio), periprocedural complications, immediate and follow-up angiographic and clinical outcomes were reported. Results Twelve patients (15%) with unruptured, wide-necked branching aneurysms underwent DSCE using LVIS Junior stents. M:F-1:11. Mean age of 60 ± 11 years. 75% (n = 9) aneurysms are located in anterior circulation. Recurrent aneurysms were treated in 17% (n = 2). Mean aneurysm diameter was 8 ± 3.4 mm and the dome/neck ratio was 1.6 ± 0.4. Periprocedural complications were noted in 25% (n = 3; transient in-stent thrombus = 2 and iatrogenic rupture = 1) with no clinical sequelae. Immediate aneurysm obliteration following DSCE was noted in all (100%) patients. Mean time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) follow-up was 10 ± 6 months (Range: 5-19 months). Mean clinical follow-up was 12 ± 6 months (Range: 5-21 months). Stable neck recurrence was demonstrated in 25% (n = 3). The average modified Rankin Score (mRS) at prestent, 24-hour poststent, and last clinical follow-up were: 0.5 (Range: 0-1), 0.75 (Range: 0-1), and 0.5 (Range: 0-1), respectively. Conclusion We report the first dedicated DSCE experience with LVIS Junior stents in the literature. DSCE with LVIS Junior stents for intracranial complex wide-neck branching aneurysms is feasible, safe, and effective with good clinical outcomes.
Estimation of Diaper Condition Based on Antenna Impedance Variation Through Rational Function Approximation

Real-time monitoring of a diaper is a key component in preventing skin rashes and skin eruption in babies. In this paper, we investigate the feasibility of sensing the urine and feces of a baby on a diaper using the input impedance variation of a single on-diaper antenna. As an RF transmitter requires an antenna by default, other sensors are not needed if the antenna also serves as a sensor. We designed a microstrip dipole antenna and located it on a diaper. When a change of medium properties around the antenna occurs due to the presence of urine or feces, the near field is perturbed, causing a variation in antenna impedance. We simulated and measured antenna impedance under diverse diaper conditions. Results showed significant impedance variation depending on diaper condition. The impedance is approximated as a rational function and the diaper condition is classified through investigating the parameter of the rational function.
Perspectives from Transgender and Gender Diverse People on How to Ask About Gender

Purpose: When inquiring about the gender of research participants, most studies use self-generated questions about gender or questions prepared by researchers that have been evaluated for comprehen...
The influence of climate change on skin cancer incidence - A review of the evidence.

Abstract Background Climate change is broadly affecting human health, with grave concern that continued warming of the earth’s atmosphere will result is serious harm. Since the mid-20th century, skin cancer incidence rates have risen at an alarming rate worldwide. Objective This review examines the relationship between climate change and cutaneous carcinogenesis. Methods A literature review used the National Institutes of Health databases (PubMed and Medline), the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results and International Agency for Research on Cancer registries, and published reports by federal and international agencies and consortia, including the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Climate and Clean Air Coalition, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United Nations Environment Programme, World Health Organization, and World Meteorological Organization. Results Skin cancer risk is determined by multiple factors, with exposure to ultraviolet radiation being the most important. Strong circumstantial evidence supports the hypothesis that factors related to climate change, including stratospheric ozone depletion, global warming, and ambient air pollution, have likely contributed to the increasing incidence of cutaneous malignancy globally and will continue to impose a negative on influence skin cancer incidence for many decades to come. Conclusion Because much of the data are based on animal studies and computer simulations, establishing a direct and definitive link remains challenging. More epidemiologic studies are needed to prove causality in skin cancer, but the evidence for overall harm to human health as a direct result of climate change is clear. Global action to mitigate these negative impacts to humans and the environment is imperative.
Identify sarcoid-like reaction in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and immunotherapy: don’t get into the weeds of SUVmax

1194 Objectives: dentify Sarcoi-like reaction in cancer patients receiving Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy: get out of the weeds of SUVmax Yang Lu, Homer A. Macapinlac Department of Nuclear Medicine, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Background: FDG is not a cancer-specific agent and can accumulate in benign processes such as infection or granulomatous inflammation producing false positive results. Accurate interpreting FDG PET/CT is important to determine cancer prognosis and choose appropriate treatment. FDG can accumulate in benign processes such as infection or granulomatous inflammation producing false positive results. Relatively symmetric FDG-avid bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes in a “lambda”, “Christmas Tree” or “butterfly” distribution pattern, which we defined as “sarcoid-like” distribution pattern, are not uncommonly observed on FDG PET/CT but with different interpretation among different physicians, especially for the lymph nodes demonstrating high SUV (SUV >2.5). This case presentation is to illustrate that FDG distribution pattern is more important than SUVmax in interpretation of PET/CT; and thoracic lymph nodes in a “sarcoid-like” distribution pattern on PET/CT are benign regardless of the SUVmax value. Methods: In addition to biopsy-proven sarcoidosis cases who have no history of cancer, we selected typical PET/CT studies performed in cancer patients with minimal 12 months clinical and imaging follow-up, and/or definitive pathology results shown sarcoidosis. Cancer patients with “sarcoid-like” chest lymph nodes distribution pattern on series FDG PET/CT were compared with non-cancer, sarcoidosis only patients’ FDG PET/CT. Results: There is similar distribution pattern of FDG avid thoracic lymphadenopathy between noncancer sarcoidosis patients and cancer patients who had chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy induced sarcoid-like reaction. Sarocoidosis and/or sarcoid-like reaction can involve multiorgans including lymph nodes, lung, cutatenous nodules, liver, spleen, and heart. The SUVmax of these lymph nodes varies from 2.4 to 17.7 in our cases. Sarcoid-like reaction in cancer patients persists up to 2+ years even in off-therapy observation course. Although FDG avidity of sarcoid-like reaction varies in series PET/CT in the same patient, the distribution pattern and sizes of thoracic lymphadenopathy are grossly stable. Conclusions: To avoid pitfall in PET/CT interpretation, it is important to recognize the sarcoid-like pattern of FDG uptake, which regardless of SUV value is favored to represent a benign rather than a malignant process.
Complete Bilateral Hippocampal Diffusion Restriction and Reversible Amnesia Following Opiate, Cocaine, and Benzodiazepine Abuse

The hippocampus is a crucial component of the circuits involved in memory formation and recall. Bilateral hippocampal lesions can lead to profound anterograde amnesia. As a highly vascularized structure, the hippocampus is susceptible to ischemia from hypoxic and toxic insults. Infarction of bilateral hippocampi as a result of cocaine use, while rare, is well described in the literature. Combined opiate and stimulant abuse also cause dysfunction of this structure. We present a case of complete bilateral hippocampal diffusion restriction and anterograde amnesia after heroin, cocaine, and benzodiazepine abuse, consistent with opioid-associated amnestic syndrome, as well as a remarkable resolution of amnesia months later.
Effects of dietary macronutrients on serum urate: results from the OmniHeart trial

Background Dietary recommendations to prevent gout emphasize a low-purine diet. Recent evidence suggests that the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet reduces serum urate while also improving blood pressure and lipids. Objective To compare the effects of DASH-style diets emphasizing different macronutrient proportions on serum urate reduction. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of the Optimal Macronutrient Intake Trial to Prevent Heart Disease feeding study, a 3-period, crossover design, randomized trial of adults with prehypertension or hypertension. Participants were provided with 3 DASH-style diets in random order, each for 6 wk. Each DASH-style diet emphasized different macronutrient proportions: a carbohydrate-rich (CARB) diet, a protein-rich (PROT) diet, and an unsaturated fat-rich (UNSAT) diet. In the PROT diet, approximately half of the protein came from plant sources. We compared the effects of these diets on serum urate at weeks 4 and 6 of each feeding period. Results Of the 163 individuals included in the final analysis, the mean serum urate at baseline was 5.1 mg/dL. Only the PROT diet reduced serum urate from baseline at the end of the 6-wk feeding period (-0.16 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.28, -0.04; P = 0.007). Neither the CARB diet (-0.03 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.14, 0.09; P = 0.66) nor the UNSAT diet (-0.01 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.12, 0.09; P = 0.78) reduced serum urate from baseline. The PROT diet lowered serum urate by 0.12 mg/dL (95% CI: -0.20, -0.03; P = 0.006) compared with CARB and by 0.12 mg/dL (95% CI: -0.20, -0.05; P = 0.002) compared with UNSAT. Conclusions A DASH-style diet emphasizing plant-based protein lowered serum urate compared with those emphasizing carbohydrates or unsaturated fat. Future trials should test the ability of a DASH-style diet emphasizing plant-based protein to lower serum urate and prevent gout flares in patients with gout. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00051350.
Equipping Students with Advanced Excel Skills in the Classroom – Building Flexible, Robust, and Self-Adaptive Financial Models

Both Excel skill and financial modeling skill are essential for finance students. When building a financial model in Excel, it is important to keep it clear, concise and consistent. But an even better model would be flexible, robust, and dynamic. This paper uses three detailed examples to demonstrate how finance professors can equip students with advanced Excel skill and financial modeling skill at the same time in finance classes, and in turn, helps the students be competitive when they are on the job market and be successful in their future careers.
A feasibility study to test a novel approach to dietary weight loss with a focus on assisting informed decision making in food selection

Obesity is a significant contributor to the development of chronic diseases, some of which can be prevented or reversed by weight loss. However, dietary weight loss programs have shortcomings in success rate and magnitude or sustainability of weight loss. The objective of the Individualized Diet Improvement Program (iDip) was to test the feasibility of a novel approach that helps individuals self-select a sustainable diet for weight loss and maintenance instead of providing weight loss products or rigid diet instructions to follow. The iDip study consisted of 22 dietary improvement sessions over 12 months with six months of follow-up. Daily weights were collected, and a chart summarizing progress was provided weekly. Six 24-hour dietary records were collected, and dietary feedback was provided in the form of a protein-fiber plot, in which protein/energy and fiber/energy of foods were plotted two-dimensionally together with a target box specific to weight loss or maintenance. An exit survey was conducted at 12 months. Twelve (nine female, 46.3{+/-}3.1 years (mean{+/-}SE)) of the initial 14 participants (BMI>28 kg/m2) completed all sessions. Mean percent weight loss (n=12) at six and 12 months was -4.9%{+/-}1.1 (p=0.001) and -5.4%{+/-}1.7 (p=0.007), respectively. Weight loss varied among individuals at 12 months; top and bottom halves (n=6 each) achieved -9.7%{+/-}1.7 (p=0.0008) and -1.0%{+/-}1.4 weight loss, respectively. The 24-hour records showed a significant increase in protein density from baseline to final (4.1g/100kcal{+/-}0.3 vs. 5.7g/100kcal{+/-}0.5; p=0.008). Although mean fiber density showed no significant change from the first month (1.3g/100kcal{+/-}0.1), the top half had significantly higher fiber/energy intake than the bottom half group. The survey suggested that all participants valued the program and its individualized approach. In conclusion, half of the participants successfully lost >5% and maintained the lost weight for 12 months without strict diet instructions, showing the feasibility of the informed decision-making approach.
Expensive Multi-Objective Evolutionary Optimization Assisted by Dominance Prediction

We propose a new surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithm for expensive multi-objective optimization. Two classification-based surrogate models are used, which can predict the Pareto dominance relation and θ-dominance relation between two solutions, respectively. To make such surrogates as accurate as possible, we formulate dominance prediction as an imbalanced classification problem and address this problem using deep learning techniques. Furthermore, to integrate the surrogates based on dominance prediction with multi-objective evolutionary optimization, we develop a two-stage preselection strategy. This strategy aims to select a promising solution to be evaluated among those produced by genetic operations, taking proper account of the balance between convergence and diversity. We conduct an empirical study on a number of well-known multi-and many-objective benchmark problems, over a relatively small number of function evaluations. Our experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed algorithm compared with several representative surrogate-assisted algorithms.
The interaction of the lens and the vitreous. I. The high glucose cataract in a lens-vitreous preparation.

Abstract Paired lenses, from young rabbits, were incubated for several days in a medium containing 35·5 m m glucose. One lens was incubated with the vitreous intact and attached to the posterior lens capsule; the fellow lens was separated from and incubated in the absence of the vitreous in the usual manner. Ultimately, a mature sugar cataract formed in each lens preparation. There was, however, a significant delay in the appearance of the posterior cortical opacity in the lens incubated with the vitreous attached; there was also less of an increase in wet weight of the lens. Less glucose entered the lens with the attached vitreous and subsequently less sorbitol and fructose were formed. Also in this preparation the gain in sodium and loss in potassium were delayed. The vitreous delayed, but did not prevent, the formation of the mature sugar cataract.
High resolution crystal structure of the A-DNA decamer d(CCCGGCCGGG). Novel intermolecular base-paired G*(G.C) triplets.

The DNA decamer d(CCCGGCCGGG) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with a = 24.88, b = 44.60 and c = 46.97 A containing a duplex in the asymmetric unit. The structure was solved by molecular replacement and refined to an R factor of 18.5% using 6033 reflections at 1.65 A resolution. The decamer duplex adopts an A-DNA conformation. The abrupt dislocation of the duplex at the fourth base-pair G(4).C(17) by an abutting symmetry related molecule results in distortion of the backbone bonds of the fifth residue G(5), P-O(5')(alpha) and C(4')-C(5')(gamma), to the trans conformations from their favored gauche- and gauche+ conformations, respectively. In this close encounter the terminal G(10).C(11) base-pair of the symmetry related molecule hydrogen bonds to the G(4).C(17) base-pair forming a novel base-paired G(4)*(G10).C(11)) triplet, where G(4) is hydrogen bonded to both G(10) and C(11). To facilitate this hydrogen bonding the G(4).C(17) base-pair slides into the minor groove, causing a toll on the backbone conformation of the adjacent residue G(5). A similar triplet base-pairing interaction with somewhat weaker hydrogen bonds occurs at the pseudo dyad related C(7).G(14) base-pair with G(20) of another symmetry related duplex. This pseudo triplet interaction (C(7).G(14))*G(20), does not perturb the backgone alpha and gamma torsions of G(15). Both the novel base triplets are non-planar. The abrupt dislocation/bend at the G(4).C(17) base-pair jolts the global helical base-pair parameters, inclination, tilt, roll, tip, etc. quite markedly. Therefore a better description of the helix parameters is obtained by splitting the duplex and calculating the local helix axis for the top half consisting of the first three base-pairs, and the lower half consisting of the last six base-pairs, omitting the fourth base-pair. The two half duplexes are bent by only 10 degrees. This structure further demonstrates that crystal packing interactions, which can also be governed by base sequence, play a dominant role in determining DNA conformation.
CASE tools as organizational change: investigating incremental and radical changes in systems development

This paper presents the findings of an empirical study into two organizations' experiences with the adoption and use of CASE tools over time. Using a grounded theory research approach, the study characterizes the organizations' experiences in terms of processes of incremental or radical organizational change. These findings are used to develop a theoretical framework for conceptualizing the organizational issues around the adoption and use of these tools-issues that have been largely missing from contemporary discussions of CASE tools. The paper thus has important implications for research and practice. Specifically, the framework and findings suggest that in order to account for the experiences and outcomes associated with CASE tools, researchers should consider the social context of systems development, the intentions and actions of key players, and the implementation process followed by the organization. Similarly, the paper suggests that practitioners will be better able to manage their organizations' experiences with CASE tools if they understand that such implementations involve a process of organizational change over time and not merely the installation of a new technology.
A novel redundancy technique for mobile networks

In a mobile network, the information transmission is done in a relatively noise and burst-error prone shared medium. The two methods commonly used to recover the transmission errors are automatic retransmission request (ARQ) and forward error correction (FEC). The ARQ is issued when errors exceed beyond those that can be corrected by FEC. ARQ implies re-transmission, which wastes a considerable amount of bandwidth and battery energy and creates an undesirable long delay, and can't be tolerated for certain services. We describe a spatial redundancy scheme in a mobile cellular network which is shown to greatly decrease the handoff call termination probability, the forced new call blocking probability and the ARQ probability. The basic idea is to add minimal number of redundant stations (Standby Stations: SS) at strategic locations in the cellular network topology. One of the potential location is the corner where the three adjacent three cells meet. Each SS could be "listening" and quietly monitoring activities on adjacent cells. These strategic locations could also be based on ground and signal profiles, so that fading signals could be easily restored by the SS.
Enteral Feeding Devices and Ostomies

This chapter discusses enteral feeding devices, gastrostomy and gastrojejunostomy, feeding teams, placement, care, and complications. Common complications include infection, tube migration, leakage, fistula formation, granulation tissue, and obstruction. Ostomy education and management is also discussed with a focus on patient education and placement prior to surgery as well as recognition and treatment of peristomal issues.
BMP4 is a novel paracrine inhibitor of liver regeneration

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β family members exert strong effects on restoration of liver mass after injury. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the TGF-β family and are found in the liver, suggesting that these proteins may play a role in liver regeneration. We examined BMP signaling in the liver during hepatectomy. We found that BMP4 is constitutively expressed in the peribiliary stroma and endothelial cells of the liver and that expression is decreased after hepatectomy. Mice driven to maintain BMP4 expression in the liver display inhibited hepatocyte proliferation and restoration of liver mass after hepatectomy, suggesting that reduced BMP4 is necessary for normal regeneration. Consistent with this finding, hepatocyte-specific deletion of the BMP receptor activin receptor-like kinase 3 (Alk3) enhances regeneration and reduces phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/8, a transducer of BMP signaling. In contrast to experiments in wild-type mice, maintaining BMP4 levels has no effect on liver regeneration in hepatocyte-specific Alk3 null mice, providing evidence that BMP4 signals through Alk3 to inhibit liver regeneration. Consistent with these findings, the BMP4 antagonist Noggin enhances regeneration. Furthermore, high-dose BMP4 inhibits proliferation of primary hepatocytes and HepG2 cells in culture. These findings elucidate a new, potentially clinically relevant paradigm in which a constitutively expressed paracrine inhibitory factor plays a critical role in liver regeneration.
The use of client coaching in assertion training with large groups.

Clients were placed in one of three experimental conditions of assertion training to assess the utility of using nonprofessional client-coaches in the behavioral rehearsal portion of such training. Two outcome measures were used: (1) the client's later selection of the correct assertion strategy to maximize the chances of success in a specific situation, and (2) the client's later performance of the assertion response with a minimum need for coaching. The results indicate that nonprofessional coaching is superior to professional coaching in two regards: (1) A subject who is coached by a fellow client is superior in later assertion performance than one who is coached by a professional, and (2) a client who has been a coach learns assertion techniques better than a client who has never had the opportunity to coach. These results suggest that employing nonprofessional client-coaches may be an effective method of delivering at least one form of mental health service in a way thai most effectively uses both professional and client time.
Effects of Pin-Fin Height on Flow and Heat Transfer in a Rectangular Duct

CFD simulations were performed to study the flow and heat transfer in a rectangular duct (Wd × Hd , where Wd /Hd = 3) with a staggered array of circular pin fins (D = Hd /4) mounted on the two opposite walls separated by Hd . For this array of pin fins, five different pin-fin height (H) combinations were examined, and they are (1) H = Hd = 4D (i.e., all pin fins extended from wall to wall), (2) H = 3D on both walls, (3) H = 2D on both walls, (4) H = 4D on one wall and H = 2D on the opposite wall, and (5) H = 3D on one wall and H = 2D on the opposite wall. The H values studied give H/D values of 2, 3, and 4 and C/D values of 2, 1, and 0, where C is the distance between the pin-fin tip and the opposite wall. For all cases, the duct wall and pin-fin surface temperatures were maintained at Tw = 313.15 K; the temperature and the speed of the air at the duct inlet were uniform at Tinlet = 343.15 K and U = 8.24 m/s; the pressure at the duct exit was fixed at Pb = 1 atm; and the Reynolds number based on the duct hydraulic diameter and duct inlet conditions was Re = 15,000. This CFD study is based on 3-D steady RANS, where the ensemble averaged continuity, compressible Navier-Stokes, and energy equations are closed by the thermally perfect equation of state and the two-equation realizable k-e turbulence model with wall functions and with the low-Reynolds number model of Chen and Patel in the near-wall region. The usefulness of this CFD study was assessed by comparing predicted heat-transfer coefficient and friction factor with available experimental data. Results are presented to show how the flow induced by arrays of pin fins of different heights affects temperature distribution, surface heat transfer, and pressure loss.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Convergence in distribution of lightly trimmed and untrimmed sums are equivalent

We show that trimming a fixed number of terms from sums of i.i.d. random variables (so-called light trimming) can have only a modest effect on limiting behaviour. More specifically, the trimmed sums, after centralization and normalization, have a limit distribution, if and only if the untrimmed sums have a limit distribution (with the same centralization and normalization constants).
Heartbeat Control in Leeches. II. Fictive Motor Pattern

The rhythmic beating of the tube-like hearts in the medicinal leech is driven and coordinated by rhythmic activity in segmental heart motor neurons. The motor neurons are controlled by rhythmic inhibitory input from a network of heart interneurons that compose the heartbeat central pattern generator. In the preceding paper, we described the constriction pattern of the hearts in quiescent intact animals and showed that one heart constricts in a rear-to-front wave (peristaltic coordination mode), while the other heart constricts in near unison over its length (synchronous coordination mode) and that they regularly switch coordination modes. Here we analyze intersegmental and side-to-side-coordination of the fictive motor pattern for heartbeat in denervated nerve cords. We show that the intersegmental phase relations among heart motor neurons in both coordination modes are independent of heartbeat period. This finding enables us to combine data from different experiments to form a detailed analysis of the relative phases, duty cycle, and intraburst spike frequency of the bursts of the segmental heart motor neurons. The fictive motor pattern and the constriction pattern seen in intact leeches closely match in their intersegmental and side-to-side coordination, indicating that sensory feedback is not necessary for properly phased intersegmental coordination. Moreover, the regular switches in coordination mode of the fictive motor pattern mimic those seen in intact animals indicating that these switches likely arise by a central mechanism.
Noble cause corruption as a consequence of role conflict in the police organisation

This article proposes a theoretical framework with which to examine and understand noble cause corruption. Specifically, it draws on the social psychological work of Katz and Kahn, integrating role theory and role conflict with previous research into policing behaviour and misconduct. After proposing the theoretical framework, research directions are presented along with related methodological challenges. This article accomplishes the following: it provides a stepping off point for research into an under examined and thus far atheoretically understood phenomenon, it increases the academic understanding of noble cause corruption, and it assists practitioners in creating policies aimed at combating corruption generally.
Narratives and Network Organization: A Comparison of Fair Trade Systems in Two Nations

The narratives that flow through networks can shed light on their organization. This analysis looks at the elaboration of fair trade networks in the United States and the United Kingdom, with a focus on the narrative control exercised by key gatekeeping organizations. Structural properties of the 2 networks reflect differences in centralization as measured through distance, closeness, and betweenness in relations among organizations. The analysis suggests that once a dominant story or entrenched opposing stories become established in a network, structural dynamics involving narrative choices, conflicts, and strategies can lead comparable networks to diverge even as they espouse the same cause. These differences affect the capacities of networks to mobilize for various kinds of activities.
Ignition delay times of methyl oleate and methyl linoleate behind reflected shock waves

Abstract Ignition delay times for methyl oleate (C 19 H 36 O 2 , CAS: 112-62-9) and methyl linoleate (C 19 H 34 O 2 , CAS: 112-63-0) were measured for the first time behind reflected shock waves, using an aerosol shock tube. The aerosol shock tube enabled study of these very-low-vapor-pressure fuels by introducing a spatially-uniform fuel aerosol/4% oxygen/argon mixture into the shock tube and employing the incident shock wave to produce complete fuel evaporation, diffusion, and mixing. Reflected shock conditions covered temperatures from 1100 to 1400 K, pressures of 3.5 and 7.0 atm, and equivalence ratios from 0.6 to 2.4. Ignition delay times for both fuels were found to be similar over a wide range of conditions. The most notable trend in the observed ignition delay times was that the pressure and equivalence ratio scaling were a strong function of temperature, and exhibited cross-over temperatures at which there was no sensitivity to either parameter. Data were also compared to the biodiesel kinetic mechanism of Westbrook et al. (2011) [10] , which underpredicts ignition delay times by about 50%. Differences between experimental and computed ignition delay times were strongly related to existing errors and uncertainties in the thermochemistry of the large methyl ester species, and when these were corrected, the kinetic simulations agreed significantly better with the experimental measurements.
Bootstrap on a Shoestring: Resampling Using Spreadsheets

Abstract It is possible to implement the bootstrap in a simple spreadsheet. This spreadsheet makes the bootstrap more accessible to teachers and students.
BFO/DOLCE Primitive Relation Comparison

This paper examines the primitive relations (dependence, quality, and constitution) of the BFO and DOLCE upper ontologies, employed in developing domain ontologies of the biomedical sciences. The strengths in both upper ontologies are examined, which sets a framework for developing a common upper ontology that utilizes the assets of both.
High-efficiency phase-hologram gratings

Optimum conditions for the generation of high-efficiency hologram gratings are presented. The most efficient phase holograms were obtained for exposures 10 to 20 times larger than those for optimally exposed amplitude holograms. Hologram gratings produced on Agfa Gevaert 8 E 70 recording plates diffracted 40 percent of the incident radiation into the holographic image. This experimentally obtained efficiency is 60 percent of the theoretical maximum for a hologram with a geometric parameter Q of 4.6.
Learning to change projects

Background: Most software effort estimation research focuses on methods that produce the most accurate models but very little focuses on methods of mapping those models to business needs.Aim: In our experience, once a manager knows a software effort estimate, their next question is how to change that estimate. We propose a combination of inference + visualization to let managers quickly discover the important changes to their project.Method: (1) We remove superfluous details from project data using dimensionality reduction, column reduction and feature reduction. (2) We visualize the reduced space of project data. In this reduced space, it is simple to see what project changes need to be taken, or avoided.Results: Standard software engineering effort estimation data sets in the PROMISE repository reduce to a handful of rows and just a few columns. Our experiments show that there is little information loss in this reduction: in 20 datasets from the PROMISE repository, we find that there is little performance difference between inference over all the data and inference over our reduced space.Conclusion: Managers can be offered a succinct representation of project data, within which it is simple to find critical the decisions that most impact project effort.
Spontaneous resolution of macular microhole.

Purpose To report a case of spontaneous resolution of macular microhole. Design Observational case report. Methods Clinical examination and optical coherence tomography (OCT) evaluation of a patient who experienced spontaneous resolution of a macular microhole. Results A 62-year-old woman with decreased vision was found to have a full-thickness macular microhole with posterior vitreous detachment and an operculum on fundus biomicroscopy and OCT. Spontaneous resolution of the microhole was documented on clinical examination and OCT 3 weeks after the examination when the patient returned with improved vision and a small central floater. Conclusions Macular microholes can be associated with posterior vitreous detachment. Spontaneous closure of macular microholes can occur.
Selective measurement of endothelial or smooth muscle [Ca2+]i in pressurized/perfused cerebral arteries with fura-2

Abstract Despite a critical role for calcium in endothelial regulation of cerebrovascular tone, endothelial intracellular calcium ([Ca 2+ ] i ) has never been measured in the context of an intact pressurized cerebral vessel. The purpose of the present study was to selectively measure endothelial or smooth muscle [Ca 2+ ] i and diameter in a pressurized/perfused cerebral vessel. In a pressurized rat middle cerebral artery, fura-2 AM was administered selectively to either the luminal (endothelium) or abluminal (smooth muscle) side of the vessel. Selectivity of loading was determined by measuring fura-2 fluorescence before and after removal of the endothelium. Removal of the endothelium virtually eliminated fura-2 fluorescence. In addition, 2-methylthioadenosine triphosphate (2MeS-ATP, a selective endothelial P2 receptor agonist) was used to infer the selectivity of fura-2 loading. It was reasoned that 2MeS-ATP should produce a decrease in smooth muscle [Ca 2+ ] i and an increase in endothelial [Ca 2+ ] i in selectively loaded vessels, consistent with its role as an NO-dependent dilator. In smooth muscle loaded vessels, [Ca 2+ ] i went from 252±8 to 82±9 nM following luminal administration of 2MeS-ATP, whereas in endothelial loaded vessels, [Ca 2+ ] i went from 137±11 to 271±20 nM. Thus, a method is provided which allows for selective measurement of endothelial or smooth muscle [Ca 2+ ] i with simultaneous measurement of diameter in a pressurized cerebral vessel.
Mass control of insects: The effects on fish and wildlife

The mass control of insects carried on during the past ten years has made possible the economical suppression and, in a few instances, the near eradication of pest insect populations over widespread areas. These large operations, usually featuring the use of the airplane for applying insecticides quickly and cheaply, have proven to be the means of effectuating control programs which never could have been carried on through use of the techniques and equipment of early-day economic entomology. With the development of the methods employed in modern mass control came the introduction of new toxicants, well-adapted for use against insects because of their potency, low cost and wide availability. The present-day entomologist is thus armed with the means to carry on a control task of almost any magnitude.
The ionic basis of the membrane potential in the early Asterias embryo

Abstract The ionic basis of the resting potential in the fertilized Asterias embryo has been investigated. The response of the membrane potential (as determined by intracellular microelectrodes) to changes in external K concentration was stable and reversible up to 200 mM K. The time course and magnitude of the response observed upon changes in external K is essentially independent of the concentration of external Cl. There is a significant effect of Na ion on the membrane potential, especially at low external K. The response of the membrane potential to changes in external K could be predicted by a form of the constant field equation. Plots of e VF RT versus external K, in conjunction with the constant field equation, allow an estimate of the internal K concentration and the ratio of Na to K permeability ( P Na P K ). These plots indicate at this stage of development an internal K concentration of approximately 200 mM and a P Na P K of 0.03.
Flickering, a 10-cps fluctuation within bright auroras.

HZ intensity variation in bright homogeneous auroras prior to and during breakup observed visually and with image orthicon TV systems
Fiber optic links - A new application for solid-state circuits

Fiber optic communications, with high bandwidth capability, electrical isolation and immunity to electromagnetic interference, are rapidly growing in significance . . . Fiber optic basics will be covered in an introductory presentation. A discussion among panelists and attendees will follow to asses this technology, including circuit techniques for transmission of digital and analog signals.
Functional Group Compatibility. Propargyl Alcohol Reduction in the Presence of a Vinyl Iodide

Vinyl iodides are stable to the reduction of propargyl alcohols to cis allylic alcohols by hydrogen over Pd/CaCO3 in hexane. They are also stable to the reduction of propargyl alcohols to saturated alcohols by hydrogen over Crabtree’s iridium catalyst in CH2Cl2.
The not-sure response option in sequential lineup practice

Field implementation of double-blind sequential lineups has prompted a question about the impact on eyewitness decisions of an explicit not-sure response option. In this laboratory study, a video crime was viewed by 378 participants who then attempted to identify the culprit from a six-person sequential or simultaneous-format lineup that either included or did not include the culprit. Witnesses were provided either dichotomous forced-choice (FC) response categories (yes/no) or a not-sure option as one of three response categories (yes/no/not-sure). The not-sure option (NSO) significantly decreased witness choosing compared to the FC condition but only for sequential lineups. Both correct identifications and false alarms decreased. Diagnosticity was greatest for a sequential lineup with a NSO. The results suggest a criterion decision shift for witnesses who view a sequential lineup with a not-sure response option. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glucocorticoid Treatment Increases Inhibitory M2 Muscarinic Receptor Expression and Function in the Airways

M(2) muscarinic receptors on parasympathetic nerve endings inhibit acetylcholine release in the airways. In this study, the effects of dexamethasone on M(2) receptors in vivo and in primary cultures of airway parasympathetic neurons were tested. Treating guinea pigs with dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg, daily for 2 d) substantially increased inhibitory M(2) muscarinic receptor function, decreasing airway responsiveness to electrical stimulation of the vagi. At the same time, dexamethasone decreased the response to acetylcholine but not to methacholine, suggesting that cholinesterase activity was increased. When both cholinesterase and M(2) receptors were blocked (using physostigmine and gallamine, respectively) vagally induced bronchoconstriction was increased to control values. In primary cultures of airway parasympathetic neurons, dexamethasone significantly decreased the release of acetylcholine in response to electrical stimulation. Blocking inhibitory M(2) receptors using atropine (10(-5) M) increased acetylcholine release. After the M(2) receptors were blocked there was no difference in acetylcholine release between control and dexamethasone-treated cultures. M(2) receptor gene expression was increased by more than fivefold in dexamethasone-treated cultures. Immunostaining of dexamethasone-treated neurons demonstrated more intense staining. Thus, decreased vagally mediated reflex bronchoconstriction after glucocorticoid treatment may be the result on increased M(2) receptor expression and function as well as increased degradation of acetylcholine by cholinesterase.