cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathology of renal diseases associated with dysfunction of the alternative pathway of complement: C3 glomerulopathy and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS).

Dysfunction of the alternative pathway of complement in the fluid phase results in deposition of complement factors in the renal glomeruli. This results in glomerular injury and an ensuing proliferative response. The term “C3 glomerulopathy” is used to define such an entity. It includes both C3 glomerulonephritis and dense deposit disease (DDD). Both C3 glomerulonephritis and DDD are characterized by a proliferative glomerulonephritis and bright glomerular C3 mesangial and capillary wall staining with the absence or scant staining for immunoglobulins (Ig). The two conditions are distinguished based on electron microscopy findings: mesangial and capillary wall deposits are noted in C3 glomerulonephritis, while ribbon-shaped dense osmiophilic intramembranous and mesangial deposits are noted in DDD. On the contrary, uncontrolled activation of the alternative pathway of complement on endothelial cell surface results in endothelial injury with an ensuing thrombotic microangiopathy, termed atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). Kidney biopsy in aHUS is often indistinguishable from other forms of thrombotic microangiopathy including enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli–induced HUS and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and shows thrombi in glomerular capillaries, mesangiolysis, and endothelial injury as evidenced by swelling and double contour formation along the glomerular capillary walls, with negative immunofluorescence studies for Ig and complement factors and no deposits on electron microscopy.
SimLatte: A Framework to Support Testing for Worst-Case Interrupt Latencies in Embedded Software

Embedded systems tend to be interrupt-driven, yet the presence of interrupts can affect system dependability because there can be delays in servicing interrupts. Such delays can occur when multiple interrupt service routines and interrupts of different priorities compete for resources on a given CPU. For this reason, researchers have sought approaches by which to estimate worst-case interrupt latencies (WCILs) for systems. Most existing approaches, however, are based on static analysis. In this paper, we present SIMLATTE, a testing-based approach for finding WCILs. SIMLATTE uses a genetic algorithm for test case generation that converges on a set of inputs and interrupt arrival points that are likely to expose WCILs. It also uses an opportunistic interrupt invocation approach to invoke interrupts at a variety of feasible locations. Our evaluation of SIMLATTE on several non-trivial embedded systems reveals that it is considerably more effective and efficient than random testing. We also determine that the combination of the genetic algorithm and opportunistic interrupt invocation allows SIMLATTE to perform better than it can when using either one in isolation.
Competition of optical transitions between direct and indirect bandgaps in Ge1−xSnx

Temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) study has been conducted in Ge1−xSnx films with Sn compositions of 0.9%, 3.2%, and 6.0% grown on Si. The competing between the direct and indirect bandgap transitions was clearly observed. The relative peak intensity of direct transition with respect to the indirect transition increases with an increase in temperature, indicating the direct transition dominates the PL at high temperature. Furthermore, as Sn composition increases, a progressive enhancement of direct transition was observed due to the reduction of direct-indirect valley separation, which experimentally confirms that the Ge1−xSnx could become the group IV-based direct bandgap material grown on Si by increasing the Sn content.
Linear instrumental variable estimation of limited dependent variable models with endogenous explanatory variables

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present and analyze an instrumental variables estimator for limited dependent variable models that does not require functional form assumptions for the distribution of disturbances. This estimator is a weighted instrumental variables estimator, where the weight is the ratio of a multivariate normal density to the actual density of the instrumental variables. A semi-non-parametric estimator of the weights is presented and some conjectures concerning the asymptotic distribution of the estimator are discussed.
Formylpeptide receptors and their potential roles in inflammatory airway diseases

Summary Leucocytes accumulate at sites of inflammation and microbial infection in direct response to locally produced chemotactic factors, most of which signal through specific G protein-coupled receptors. N-formylpeptides were the first chemotactic factors to be structurally defined. These peptides may originate from either mitochondrial proteins of ruptured host cells or invading pathogens, which suggested that formylpeptide receptors FPR and its variant FPRL1 (FPR-like 1) are involved mainly in host defence against bacterial infection and in the clearance of damaged cells. However, recent observations imply that FPR and FPRL1 may play more complex roles in pathophysiological conditions as a large number of structurally diverse pro- and anti-inflammatory ligands associated with diseases have been discovered. While more rigorous research is required to fully understand the biological significance of formylpeptide receptors, the available evidence supports their potential as targets for the development of therapeutics.
Prediction of Outcome for Patients with Cutaneous Melanoma

Summary Pathologists continue to have a major role in the assessment of prognosis for melanoma patients. Accurate assessment of likely clinical outcome permits the planning of optimal surgery and measured deployment of potentially morbid chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Accurate diagnosis of pigmented lesions, although often diff|cult, avoids potentially disastrous undertreatment of melanoma and undesirably extensive surgery for benign melanocytic lesions. Assessments of single factors of primary melanoma, such as measured width of ulceration,Clark level and Breslow thickness, remain valuable and should be recorded.Completeness of excision, including excision of the radial growth phase, must be reported accurately to minimize the possibility of local and satellitic growth.Techniques that combine different prognostic factors increase predictive accuracy, but are often cumbersome.We have developed a relatively simple multifactorial approach designed to individualize prognosis assessment. The extent of regional disease, number of tumour-positive lymph nodes, and extent of involvement ofthe nodes (proportional area oftumour, proportional diameter oftumour and extracapsular spread) are all accurate predictors of further recurrence and death from melanoma. Similar techniques may be applied to the sentinel node to determine the likelihood that there may be tumour in the non-sentinel nodes (and thus whether the patient mayneed a complete regionallymph node dissection), and the probabilityoflater recurrences and death from melanoma. Staging will become increasingly precise as newer techniques, such as real-time polymerase chain reaction are utilized.In the foreseeable future, the surgical pathologist will remain the main provider of the information on which management decisions are based.
Religious Factors and Hippocampal Atrophy in Late Life

Despite a growing interest in the ways spiritual beliefs and practices are reflected in brain activity, there have been relatively few studies using neuroimaging data to assess potential relationships between religious factors and structural neuroanatomy. This study examined prospective relationships between religious factors and hippocampal volume change using high-resolution MRI data of a sample of 268 older adults. Religious factors assessed included life-changing religious experiences, spiritual practices, and religious group membership. Hippocampal volumes were analyzed using the GRID program, which is based on a manual point-counting method and allows for semi-automated determination of region of interest volumes. Significantly greater hippocampal atrophy was observed for participants reporting a life-changing religious experience. Significantly greater hippocampal atrophy was also observed from baseline to final assessment among born-again Protestants, Catholics, and those with no religious affiliation, compared with Protestants not identifying as born-again. These associations were not explained by psychosocial or demographic factors, or baseline cerebral volume. Hippocampal volume has been linked to clinical outcomes, such as depression, dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease. The findings of this study indicate that hippocampal atrophy in late life may be uniquely influenced by certain types of religious factors.
Vectors and target cells for gene therapy of blood diseases.

Gene therapy is the introduction of genetic material into somatic cells in order to correct a genetic defect or provide a new therapeutic function. Since the advent of gene transfer technologies, hematopoietic stem cells and hematologic diseases have been the focus of intensive efforts: blood cells can be removed from the body easily and reintroduced following ex vivo manipulation. The major applications of gene therapy for hematologic diseases fall into four major categories: genetic marking of hematopoietic progenitor cells, replacement of a missing or defective gene in an inherited deficiency, gene therapy of neoplastic disorders, intracellular immunization against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or other viral disorders. This review summarizes the different methods used for gene delivery and focuses on target cells for hematologic diseases amenable to gene therapy.
Homogenization-based analysis and design of composites

Abstract Computational homogenization is demonstrated as a potent analysis tool that can be used directly to predict the property-structure relationships of many existing classes of composites, and indirectly to design the topological macrostructure of new generations of composites so as to optimize their mechanical properties. This paper lays out the homogenization analysis problem for general classes of inelastic mechanical composites. The analysis techniques presented are logically divided into stress- and strain-controlled methods, both of which are formulated for periodic composites in a finite element setting. A well-recognized issue with computational homogenization is that for three-dimensional structures associated computing costs escalate rapidly with mesh refinement, thus providing a potential obstacle to usage of the method. To address this important issue, the relative performance of alternative vector and parallel numerical algorithms that facilitate high speed and efficiency with computing resources are compared on sample homogenization computations of inelastic Byzantine masonry and modern graphite-epoxy. Building upon the established homogenization analysis framework, a novel method for designing the topology of a composite's macrostructure is then formulated, implemented and demonstrated to achieve new material designs with significantly enhanced mechanical performance properties.
Accelerating the onset of piscivory: intersection of predator and prey phenologies

Piscivorous fishes tend to be able to consume other fishes early in development and generally experience a dramatic increase in growth after the ontogenetic diet shift to piscine prey. Hence, an acceleration of the onset of piscivory may be favoured strongly by natural selection. Temperate freshwater piscivores, for example, becomes piscivorous at a relatively young age by spawning in advance of, and thereby achieving a size advantage over, the young of their piscine prey. Research in various North American estuaries suggests that young-of-the-year (YOY) bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix, an offshore-spawning estuarine-dependent marine fish, may accelerate the onset of piscivory by being advected to higher latitudes and timing their estuarine entry with the appearance of small coastal fishes. This hypothesis was tested by: (i) determining the annual recruitment date of YOY bluefish and their prey; and (ii) examining the diet and prey size preferences, and predator size-prey size relationships, of YOY bluefish in two different estuarine systems: Great South Bay, and the lower Hudson River. Results suggest that the relationships between bluefish and their prey are determined by a complex interplay between recruitment timing of both predator and prey, prey size availability, predator selectivities, and the timing of vernal warming. It is concluded that YOY bluefish migration into northern estuaries at an advanced size provides them with a predatory size advantage over their principal piscine prey thereby facilitating an early diet shift to piscivory white minimizing the time spent as planktivores.
Going the Distance: The Road to the 1984 Olympic Women's Marathon

The 1984 Los Angeles Games hosted, for the first time in Olympic history, a women's marathon race. It took the efforts of several important factions to accomplish the event. First, women runners demonstrated that they were capable of running great distances in increasingly faster times. Second, the popular media publicised those performances, often mitigating athletic commentary with observations about the runners' femininity, attractiveness and relationships with men. Finally, commercial sponsors joined the ranks in this marathon battle to finance important events, running circuits and advocacy groups while simultaneously promoting their own brands of commodity feminism. In the end, it took the coming together of the physical activists, media advocates and corporate champions to accomplish this milestone in sport history.
Tumor necrosis factor increases mitochondrial oxidant production and induces expression of uncoupling protein‐2 in the regenerating rat liver

The growth-stimulatory actions of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) after partial hepatectomy (PH) are difficult to reconcile with its well-established role in the genesis of liver injury. The lethal actions of TNF are thought to involve the induction of oxidant production by mitochondria. It is not known if TNF initiates mitochondrial oxidant production after PH. Furthermore, if this potentially toxic response follows PH, it is not clear how hepatocytes defend themselves sufficiently so that replication, rather than death, occurs. These studies test the hypothesis that TNF does increase mitochondrial oxidant production after PH but that these oxidants primarily promote the induction of antioxidant defenses in regenerating hepatocytes. Consistent with this concept, H2O2production by liver mitochondria increases from 5 minutes to 3 hours after PH, beginning before the transient inductions of hepatic NF kB activity (which peaks at 30 minutes post-PH) and uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2) (which begins around 30 minutes and peaks from 6-24 hours post-PH). Pretreatment with neutralizing anti-TNF antibodies, which inhibits hepatocyte DNA synthesis after PH, also reduces post-PH hepatic mitochondrial oxidant production by 80% and inhibits NF κB activation and UCP-2 induction by 50% and 80%, respectively. In contrast, pretreatment with D609, an agent that inhibits phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C, neither inhibits regenerative induction of mitochondrial oxidant production, UCP-2 expression, nor hepatocyte DNA synthesis, although it inhibits NF κB activation by 50%. Given published evidence that NF κB is antiapoptotic and that UCP-2 may decrease mitochondrial oxidant production in some cells, these results suggest that TNF-dependent increases in oxidant production by liver mitochondria promote the induction of antioxidant defenses in the regenerating liver.
Heterogeneity of 5-fluorouracil radiosensitivity modulation in cultured mammalian cell lines

There is ample evidence that 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) improves both local control and survival of a variety of gastrointestinal tumors when added to radiotherapy. However, the modulation of radiosensitivity by 5-FU is incompletely understood and some reports are apparently contradictory. Therefore, we have reevaluated the modulation of radiosensitivity by 5-FU in a variety of mammalian cells. HT-29 and WiDr (human colon adenocarcinoma), DU-145 (human prostate adenocarcinoma), V-79 (Chinese hamster lung fibroblast), and HeLa cell lines were maintained in exponential growth as monolayer cultures. Cell survival following treatment with drug and/or radiation was determined by colony formation assay. Radiation was delivered either alone; midway through a 1 hr exposure to 7-25 micrograms/ml 5-FU (pulse); or following initiation of 0.1-1.5 micrograms/ml 5-FU present throughout the entire incubation for assay of colony forming ability (continuous exposure). These 5-FU levels were selected to approximate those achieved in vivo in humans. The results indicate that mammalian cell lines may vary substantially insofar as modulation of their radiosensitivity by 5-FU is concerned. Radiosensitization, defined by reduction in D0, was observed for continuous exposure only in V-79, WiDr, and HT-29 cell lines, was observed for both pulse exposure and continuous exposure in DU-145, and was not present in HeLa cells. Radioenhancement, defined by reduction in n, was observed in V-79, WiDr, and HT-29 but not in the other cell lines. This effect, characterized by reduction in the shoulder portion of the curve, is naturally accompanied by a decrease of Dq. This indicates that mammalian cell lines may have different responses to radiosensitivity modulation by 5-FU. Though the cell lines may exhibit radiosensitivity by either alterations in the slope or shoulder of the cell survival curve, the mechanisms responsible for both the heterogeneity as well as the radiosensitization itself are completely unknown at this time. Insight into the mechanisms for both the heterogeneity and the radiosensitization will be important areas for further investigation.
Perceptual plasticity in spatial auditory displays

Often, virtual acoustic environments present cues that are inconsistent with an individual's normal experiences. Through training, however, an individual can at least partially adapt to such inconsistent cues through either short- [Kassem 1998; Shinn-Cunningham 2000; Shinn-Cunningham et al. 1998a, 1998b; Zahorik 2001] or long- [Hofman et al. 1998] term exposure. The type and degree of inconsistency as well as the length of training determine the final accuracy and consistency with which the subject can localize sounds [Shinn-Cunningham 2000]. The current experiments of short-term adaptation measure how localization bias (mean error) and resolution (precision) change when subjects are exposed to auditory cue rearrangements simpler than those previously investigated. These results, combined with those of earlier experiments, suggest that there is plasticity at many different levels of the spatial auditory processing pathway with different time scales governing the plasticity at different levels of the system. This view of spatial auditory plasticity has important implications for the design of spatial auditory displays.
NIH TRND program: successes in preclinical therapeutic development

The Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected D iseases (TRND) program (see: http://ncats.nih.gov/trnd.html) seeks to encourage and speed the development of new treatments for diseases of limited commercial interest to the biopharmaceutical industry. Faced with constrained financial resources and the inherent risk of failure during development, industry must make strategic decisions regarding therapeutic commercialization [1, 2]. Often, “rare” diseases of low prevalence, as defined in the Orphan Drug Act, as amended [3, 4], as well as high-prevalence “neglected” diseases (see: http://www.who.int/neglected_diseases/diseases/en/) occurring chiefly among impoverished populations in the developing world go unaddressed. Part of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), TRND represents an important aspect of the NIH commitment to improving health through basic biomedical research and reengineering translational science [5]. TRND contributes to this effort by stimulating collaborations among intramural NIH scientists and extramural academic researchers, nonprofit organizations, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies actively developing therapeutic candidates for rare or neglected disease (RND) indications.
Effect of ambient NH3 levels on PM2.5 composition in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Abstract Continuous measurements were made of gaseous NH 3 , gaseous HNO 3 , PM 2.5 sulfate, aerosol mass, air temperature, and relative humidity (RH), and 24-h filter samples of PM 2.5 aerosols were analyzed to determine the effects of ambient NH 3 levels on PM 2.5 aerosol composition. These measurements were conducted from 2 to 15 August 2002, at Look Rock, TN, at an air monitoring station located on a mountain ridge (elevation ∼800 m MSL) on the southwestern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A strong diurnal pattern was observed for gaseous NH 3 levels at this site with higher daytime and much lower NH 3 during the night hours. The diurnal variability of both gaseous NH 3 concentrations and RH suggests that conditions controlling aerosol nitrate formation and acidic aerosol neutralization are complex. The observations during this 2-week long sampling period showed that measurable NH 4 NO 3 aerosol was not present under the ambient conditions encountered. However, modest perturbations from observed ambient conditions could have enabled NH 4 NO 3 aerosol production. The extent of neutralization of sulfate aerosol collected on filters indicates that there was insufficient regional NH 3 to neutralize the acidic sulfate aerosols to the degree predicted from local NH 3 and RH conditions. Incomplete neutralization of acidic sulfate could also result if neutralization proceeds more slowly under field conditions compared to laboratory conditions or model predictions. Continuous measurements of aerosol ammonium and/or acidity are needed to determine if ammonia availability or kinetic limitations (or both) restrict neutralization of acidic sulfate aerosols, a key factor for modeling and exposure studies.
Removal of sedimentation decreases relative deposition of coarse particles in the lung periphery

Lung deposition of >0.5-μm particles is strongly influenced by gravitational sedimentation, with deposition being reduced in microgravity (μG) compared with normal gravity (1G). Gravity not only af...
Comparison of LGN and optic tract intensity-response functions.

Abstract Single cell recordings were made from cat lateral geniculate (LGN) neurons while varying the luminance and size of spots flashed in the center of their receptive fields. The major purpose of the study was to describe any transformations of luminance information that occur in the lateral geniculate. Therefore, comparisons were made between the data recorded and previously published data ( Winters and Walters, 1970 ) from single optic tract neurons, obtained under similar stimulus conditions. The on center LGN neurons showed 2 components in their neuronal discharge patterns that were not found in optic tract fibres. First, at intensities near threshold, at the termination of the stimulus there is a long period, lasting for about 300 msec, in which there is complete suppression of neural activity. This silent period is often followed by a brief discharge before the unit returns to its spontaneous level of firing. Second, at intensities greater than 1.4 log units above threshold, there is a brief period after the on transient, in which there is complete suppression of the response. This silent period lasts about 30 msec and is followed by a relatively depressed steady state component. LGN off center cell response patterns were not found to differ from those of optic tract units. Quantitative evidence for these findings is given.
Electrical conditioning of in situ skeletal muscle for replacement of myocardium.

Abstract Eight canine right hemidiaphragms were electrically stimulated at 2Hz (N = 3) and 10 Hz (N = 5) for up to 135 days. ATPase histochemical studies showed nearly total transformation of type II fast twitch fatigable muscle fibers to type I slow twitch fatigue resistant muscle fibers. The thickness and vascular perfusion of the stimulated muscle increased significantly. Electrical thresholds remained unchanged. The muscle contracted vigorously and without fatigue for up to 135 days at 10 Hz stimulation. Electrical conditioning of canine diaphragm skeletal muscle at 10 Hz frequency for 5 weeks results in a 95% and greater population of slow twitch fatigue resistant muscle fibers. This change in diaphragmatic skeletal muscle should make it a more suitable autograft for replacement or augmentation of diseased cardiac muscle.
The Effect of Lighting Conditions on Personal Space Requirements

Abstract The personal space requirements of 28 American female college students were measured under both bright and dark conditions by a female experimenter using the stop-distance technique. Interpersonal closeness was found to cause significantly less discomfort under high illumination than it did in relative darkness. There was also a significant effect of angle of approach; distance requirements increased as the direction of the approach progressed from front to rear. These findings demonstrate that a reduction in lighting and a decrease in room size have similar effects on interpersonal space requirements.
Retinal Neuron Activity of ETS Domain-binding Sites in a Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Gene Cluster Enhancer

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAchRs) mediate amacrine to ganglion cell synaptic transmission in the developing mammalian retina. The clustered neuronal nAchRs subunit genes, alpha 3 and beta 4, are expressed in amacrine and ganglion cells where they are used to assemble functional receptor subtypes. The transcriptional mechanisms underlying expression of these subunits in retina are not yet known but may involve enhancers that are selectively active in retinal neurons. We previously identified a neuron-selective enhancer, beta 43', whose activity in neural cell lines is dependent on ETS domain-binding sites. To determine whether beta 43' is active in retinal neurons that express the alpha 3 and beta 4 genes, we investigated beta 43' activity in primary dissociated rat retinal cultures. We found that beta 43' is selectively active in retinal neurons compared with retinal non-neuronal cells. This activity was derived primarily from amacrine and ganglion neurons, which are the retinal neuron cell types that express the clustered genes. Moreover, beta 43' was selectively active in retinal neurons compared with cerebral cortical neurons suggesting that it is not a pan-neuronal enhancer. ETS factor-binding sites in the enhancer are required for its retinal neuron activity. These findings suggest that ETS factor interactions with beta 43' control retinal neuron expression of certain nAchR subtypes.
Occupational Therapy Student Research of the Needs and Characteristics of Dementia Caregivers

Using the Person-Environment-Occupation Model of Occupational Performance as a framework, this article examines the needs and characteristics of caregivers whose husbands have dementia based upon the authors' research as occupational therapy students and existing literature. The authors' experiences as student researchers are emphasized. In addition, the role of occupational therapists in caregiver intervention is discussed.
Intravenous amino acids stimulate human gallbladder emptying and hormone release

Gallbladder stasis during prolonged total parenteral nutrition (TPN) has been documented. We have examined the effect of intravenous amino acid infusion on human gallbladder contraction and release of cholecystokinin (CCK). Five healthy adult volunteers were given amino acid infusions at different rates (65, 125, 240, and 600 mg.kg-1.h-1). The volume of the gallbladder was calculated by means of ultrasonographic measurements. Plasma samples were analyzed for CCK immunoreactivity. Gallbladder and hormone responses after intravenous amino acids were compared with responses after a fat meal, after a protein meal, and after ingestion of an oral amino acid mixture. We found that intravenous amino acids stimulated human gallbladder contraction in a dose-related manner. The mechanism of stimulation may be through the release of CCK although significant correlation was not demonstrated. The magnitude of response is similar to that seen after meal stimulation. To compare the delivery of amino acids during a standard meal and during each dose of intravenous amino acids, peripheral plasma levels of dietary amino acids were measured after a standard commercially prepared enteral supplement meal and after each dose of intravenous amino acids. Our lower doses of amino acid infused resulted in levels of circulating amino acid comparable to those after a meal. The induction of gallbladder contraction and release of CCK in human recipients of parenteral nutrition may be of value in some circumstances.
Influence of CO2 on silica in solution

Laboratory experiments show that H4SiO4 (monomeric silica) up to 80ppm in seawater is stable under all CO2 pressures from 0 to 17.2 × 103 kg/m2. CaCO3, AlCl3·6H2O, MgCl2, and standard clays, when added individually, did not remove silica from solutions containing silica from 50 to 80ppm under these CO2 pressures. Addition of CaCO3 and AlCl3·6H2O together, however, removed silica from solution in inverse proportion to the CO2 pressure. CO2 serves to inhibit the removal of silica from solution containing CaCO3 and aluminum chloride. The CaCO3 functions as a buffer to maintain the acid to neutral pH. The final reaction appears to follow: 2H4SiO4 + Al3++ 2CaCO3 + H2O = AISi2O5(OH)·4H2O + 2Ca2+ + HCO3- + CO2. In an open system, where CO2 can escape to the atmosphere, the removal of silica from solution is controlled by the available AlCl3·6H2O and CaCO3. Electron microscopy and infrared analyses confirm that the principal precipitates were clayey sediments and trace amounts of sepiolite. This suggests an intimate interrelationship between the geochemical cycles of carbon dioxide, calcium carbonate, aluminum, and silica in nature.
Joy-Sorrow: A Study Using the Parse Research Method

The purpose of this research was to uncover a structure of the lived experience of joy-sorrow using the Parse research method. Eleven women over 65 years of age volunteered to participate in the study by engaging in audio- and videotaped dialogues with the researcher about the phenomenon. The structure of the lived experience of joy-sorrow was found to be pleasure amid adversity emerging in the cherished contentment of benevolent engagements. Recommendations for further research and practice are specified.
Three-Dimensional Scapular Kinematics During the Throwing Motion

Proper scapular motion is crucial for normal shoulder mechanics. Scapular motion affects glenohumeral joint function during throwing, yet little is known about this dynamic activity. Asymptomatic subjects (10 male and 10 female), ages 21 to 45, were analyzed. Electromagnetic surface sensors on the sternum, acromion, and humerus were used to collect 3-D motion data during three trials of low-velocity throwing. Scapular angular position data were described or five predetermined events throughout the throw corresponding with classic descriptions of throwing phases, and trial-to-trial reliability was determined. ANOVA compared scapular angles across events. Subjects demonstrated good to excellent reliability between trials of the throw (ICC 0.74-0.98). The scapula demonstrated a pattern of external rotation, upward rotation (peak of approx. 40 degrees), and poster humeral horizontal abduction. During the arm acceleration phase, the scapula moved toward greater internal rotation and began anteriorly tilting. At maximum humeral internal rotation, the scapula ended in internal rotation (55 degrees), upward rotation (20 degrees), and anterior tilting (3 degrees). Significant differences in scapular position (p<0.05) were identified across the throwing motion. Scapular data identify events in the throwing motion in which throwers may be more susceptible to shoulder pathologies related to abnormal scapular kinematics.
Multiple Pulse NMR of Solid Polymers: Dynamics of Polytetrafluoroethylene

19F NMR chemical shift spectra of polytetrafluoroethylene have been obtained using an eight pulse homonuclear line narrowing multiple pulse sequence. These spectra have been obtained as a function of polymer crystallinity and temperature. The polymer crystallinity is quite precisely determined and the lineshapes allow identification of different types of molecular motion in crystalline and amorphous fractions as a function of temperature.
Development of computational methods for neurobiological research

Neurobiologists are interested in understanding how neurons form complex synaptic circuits during development and how these processes are perturbed in neuropathies. It has been well established that neuronal migration and maturation during development play a critical role in how neurons ultimately function. To better understand these two key features of mammalian neurogenesis, neurobiology researchers at institutions like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed state-of-the-art methods for imaging developing neurons in vivo. However, the development of computational methods and tools to extract pertinent information from the large and complex 3D and 4D image data sets has not kept pace with the imaging technologies. As a result, many key neurobiological questions cannot be answered for lack of appropriate analysis algorithms. ORNL researchers within the Image Science and Machine Vision group are working with St. Jude to develop a set of analysis tools that allow researchers to discover relationships between the anatomical and migratory characteristics of neurons and their ultimate ability to function within a large network. Our focus is on analyzing neuronal morphology and migration in the retina and cerebellum during early development of murine models, but the basic methods will be translatable to all classes of neurons across species. As such, the developed methods will serve as a foundation upon which a comprehensive suite of tools can be developed that have the potential to revolutionize the field of neuronal cell analysis and characterization. The biological questions that these tools will address strike at the foundation of many neurological disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, schizophrenia, epilepsy, cancer of the central nervous system, retinal disorders and autism.
Equine blastocyst development after intracytoplasmic injection of sperm subjected to two freeze-thaw cycles

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of thawing, division into aliquots and refreezing on fertilizing capacity (ability to support embryo development after intracytoplasmic sperm injection; ICSI) of frozen stallion semen. Frozen semen from a fertile stallion was thawed, diluted 1:100 with freezing extender, and refrozen (2F treatment). Control semen was frozen only once. In vitro matured equine oocytes were injected with: (1) motile control spermatozoa; (2) motile 2F spermatozoa; (3) non-motile 2F spermatozoa; or (4) non-motile 2F spermatozoa, followed by injection of sperm extract. Blastocyst development after ICSI was equivalent between control spermatozoa and motile 2F spermatozoa (27 and 23%, respectively). Blastocyst development after injection of non-motile 2F spermatozoa (13%) tended (P=0.07) to be lower than that for control spermatozoa. Injection of sperm extract into oocytes that received non-motile 2F spermatozoa resulted in a significant decrease in blastocyst development (to 2%) compared with injection of non-motile 2F spermatozoa alone. Spermatozoa from a subfertile stallion was similarly processed and used for ICSI; blastocyst development for both motile control (once frozen) spermatozoa and motile 2F spermatozoa was 9%. In conclusion, frozen stallion semen may be thawed, diluted, and refrozen without effect on the ability of motile spermatozoa to initiate embryo development after ICSI. Non-motile spermatozoa from reprocessed semen may also achieve embryo development after ICSI. To our knowledge, this is the first report evaluating the ability of refrozen spermatozoa to produce embryos by ICSI in any species.
Clarifying Question Meaning in a Household Telephone Survey

This study contrasts two interviewing techniques that re- flect different tacit assumptions about communication. In one, strictly standardized interviewing, interviewers leave the interpretation of ques- tions up to respondents. In the other, conversational interviewing, in- terviewers say whatever it takes to make sure that questions are inter- preted uniformly and as intended. Respondents from a national sample were interviewed twice. Each time they were asked the same factual questions from ongoing government surveys, five about housing and five about recent purchases. The first interview was strictly standardized; the second was standardized for half the respondents and conversational for the others. Respondents in a second conversational interview an- swered differently than in the first interview more often, and for reasons that conformed more closely to official definitions, than respondents in a second standardized interview. This suggests that conversational in- terviewing improved comprehension, although it also lengthened inter- views. We conclude that respondents in a national sample may misin- terpret certain questions frequently enough to compromise data quality and that such misunderstandings cannot easily be eliminated by pre- testing and rewording questions alone. More standardized comprehen- sion may require less standardized interviewer behavior.
Activation of Axonal Receptors by GABA Spillover Increases Somatic Firing

Axons can be depolarized by ionotropic receptors and transmit subthreshold depolarizations to the soma by passive electrical spread. This raises the possibility that axons and axonal receptors can participate in integration and firing in neurons. Previously, we have shown that exogenous GABA depolarizes cerebellar granule cell axons through local activation of GABAA receptors (GABAARs) and the soma through electrotonic spread of the axonal potential resulting in increased firing. We show here that excitability of granule cells is also increased by release of endogenous GABA from molecular layer interneurons (MLIs) and spillover activation of parallel fiber GABAARs in mice and rats. Changes in granule cell excitability were assessed by excitability testing after activation of MLIs with channelrhodopsin or electrical stimulation in the molecular layer. In granule cells lacking an axon, excitability was not changed, suggesting that axonal receptors are required. To determine the distance over which subthreshold potentials may spread, we estimated the effective axonal electrical length constant (520 μm) by excitability testing and focal uncaging of RuBi–GABA on the axon at varying distances from the soma. These data suggest that GABAAR-mediated axonal potentials can participate in integration and firing of cerebellar granule cells.
Comparative effects of eight varieties of blackberry on mutagenesis

Abstract Diets containing large amounts of fruits and vegetables are known to decrease the probability of developing cancer. The chemical composition of fruits can vary with their genetic characteristics and the environmental conditions under which they are cultivated. Because of this variability, different varieties of the same fruit could be expected to have different effects on processes leading to carcinogenesis. Blackberries have been shown to have anti-carcinogenic potential. Since somatic mutations play a major role in the initiation and progression of cancer, we have compared eight varieties of blackberry grown under the same conditions for their abilities to inhibit carcinogen-induced mutagenesis. Using the Ames assay, we have measured the effects of each of the eight varieties on: 1) mutation induction by 2-amino anthracene (2AA), 2) mutation induction by methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and 3) cell survival. All varieties were found to strongly suppress 2AA mutagenesis, but have minimal effect on MMS mutagenesis. Experiments were performed with berry juice and with homogenized berries. In addition, berries extracts were acidified to simulate changes which might be caused by the digestive process.
Activation of Complement by Cells Infected with Respiratory Syncytial Virus

The ability of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-infected HE(p)-2 cells in culture to activate complement was investigated. After incubation of cells with various complement sources and buffer, binding of C3b to surfaces of infected cells was demonstrated by immunofluorescence with a double-staining technique. Nonsyncytial and syncytial (i.e., fused, multinucleated) cells were separately enumerated. Also, lysis of RSV-infected cells was assessed by lactic dehydrogenase release. In this system only RSV-infected cells stained for C3b, and they did so only after incubation with functionally active complement. Blocking of classical pathway activation with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid diminished the number of infected nonsyncytial cells positively stained for C3b, but had no effect on staining of syncytial cells. Blocking of alternative pathway activation with either zymosan incubation or heat treatment decreased the number of both syncytial and nonsyncytial cells stained for C3b. Decreasing immunoglobulin concentration of the serum used as the complement source also decreased numbers of both cell types stained for C3b. Eliminating specific anti-RSV antibody diminished numbers of both cell types stained for C3b, but staining was not eliminated. Lastly, incubation with functionally active complement markedly increased lactic dehydrogenase release from infected cells. This study demonstrated that RSV-infected nonsyncytial and syncytial cells are able to activate complement by both classical and alternative pathways. Activation of complement by syncytial cells appears to be less dependent on the classical pathway than is activation by nonsyncytial cells, and activation by syncytial cells may require immunoglobulin but not specific antibody. These experiments suggest the possibility of complement activation during respiratory tract infection by RSV. Implications of this are discussed.
Radial transport of radiation belt electrons due to stormtime Pc5 waves

Abstract. During geomagnetic storms relativistic electron fluxes in the outer radiation belt exhibit dynamic variability over multiple orders of magnitude. This requires radial transport of electrons across their drift shells and implies violation of their third adiabatic invariant. Radial transport is induced by the interaction of the electron drift motion with electric and magnetic field fluctuations in the ULF frequency range. It was previously shown that solar-wind driven ULF waves have long azimuthal wave lengths and thus can violate the third invariant of trapped electrons in the process of resonant interaction with their gradient-curvature motion. However, the amplitude of solar-wind driven ULF waves rapidly decreases with decreasing L. It is therefore not clear what mechanisms are responsible for fast transport rates observed inside the geosynchronous orbit. In this paper we investigate wether stormtime Pc5 waves can contribute to this process. Stormtime Pc5s have short azimuthal wave lengths and therefore cannot exhibit resonance with the the electron drift motion. However we show that stormtime Pc5s can cause localized random scattering of electron drift motion that violates the third invariant. According to our results electron interaction with stormtime Pc5s can produce rapid radial transport even as low as L≃4. Numerical simulations show that electron transport can exhibit large deviations from radial diffusion. The diffusion approximation is not valid for individual storms but only applies to the statistically averaged response of the outer belt to stormtime Pc5 waves.
Determination of the relative uptake of ground vs. surface water by Populus deltoides during phytoremediation.

The use of plants to remediate polluted groundwater is becoming an attractive alternative to more expensive traditional techniques. In order to adequately assess the effectiveness of the phytoremed...
A solid-state speed controller for capacitor motors driving ventilation fans

The authors document the design and testing of an electronic speed controller for permanent-split capacitor motors driving agricultural ventilation fans. The controller was developed and tested with three commercially available and widely used fan systems. Linearized temperature versus airflow rate characteristics were obtained. The controller circuit uses an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) chip. The input to the EPROM is an analog representation of temperature converted to digital form. The digital contents then are converted to an analog signal that triggers a triac and consequently controls the voltage input in the fan motor. A linearized control characteristic can be obtained by storing appropriate voltage values in the EPROM. These values correspond linearly to the desired fan speeds. >
Book review: Lovers Lame

Author: Robert Rudney Reviewer: Steven E. Brown, Ph.D. Publisher: Port Charlotte, FL: Booklocker.com, 2012 Paperback: ISBN: 978-1-61434-962-4 Cost: Paperback: $29.95 , 270 pages; E-book: $8.99
Living One Day Is Easy, Living a Life Is Hard: A Sudanese Refugee in Sicily

The trauma of the refugee is often a persistent condition as they attempt to fit into their new home, often unwanted and without employment, while coping with the trauma of arrival and the loss of sense of self and the familiarity of a homeland. These poems attempt to explicate some aspects of Muhammad’s experiences in Sicily. Using Muhammad’s own words, I have chosen poetic inquiry to “represent actual experiences, episode, epiphanies, misfortune, pleasures in such a way that others can experience and feel them.”
A Proactive Approach to Neonates Born at 23 Weeks of Gestation.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate in-hospital survival, survival without major morbidity, and neurodevelopmental impairment for neonates born at 23 weeks of gestation provided proactive, coordinated, and comprehensive perinatal and neonatal management.METHODS:This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PASSERINE MOBBING CALLS

We examined the acoustic structure of mobbing calls of 52 species of passerines representing an array of taxa. Marler suggested that calls given during mobbing have char- acteristics enhancing locatability that include abrupt onsets and a wide frequency range. Only about one-half of the species we studied produced calls during mobbing that had these characteristics. However, clicks (probably produced by bill snapping) sometimes were given during dives at predators. Vocalizations given during mobbing were quite diverse in acoustic structure. Two trends were noted: phylogenetic patterns; and possible convergence in certain species engaged in interspecific flocking. Received 4 May 1995, accepted 7 September 1995.
Chemical studies of paolin. II. An antiviral substance from oysters.

SummaryAn antiviral thermostable substance (paolin II) is isolated from oysters by extraction with acetic acid followed by fractional precipitation with ethanol. The substance shows one peak on ultracentrifugation, has a sedimentation constant of 1.6-1.8 and a molecular weight of approximately 10,000. The material yields 16 amino acids on hydrolysis with a composition of 8.6% nitrogen and 23.4% carbohydrate, indicating the mucoprotein nature of the substance.The authors are indebted to A.M. Young, Division of Biologies Standards, Laboratory of Biophysics and Biochemistry, for his technical assistance with the sedimentation studies.