cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of interleukin 1 on collagenolytic activity and prostaglandin-E secretion by human periodontal-ligament and gingival fibroblast.

Abstract Fibroblasts of the periodontium may be involved in extracellular matrix degradation in response to inflammatory cytokines produced by mononuclear phagocytes. Interleukin 1 (IL1), one of these biologically-active agents, is produced by such cells when stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Periodontal-ligament (PLF) and gingival fibroblasts responded to recombinant human IL1β and to media conditioned by LPS-stimulated mononuclear phagocytes by secreting prostaglandin E (PGE). This response was dose- and time-dependent. Stimulated gingival fibroblasts also produced about five- to ten-fold as much collagenolytic activity when compared to controls but PLF produced no more activity. On mixing the conditioned media from both fibroblast types, inhibitory activity was found in the PLF-culture medium. Thus gingival fibroblasts in particular may be involved in the pathogenesis of periodonal disease by responding to factors produced by inflammatory phagocytes.
Investigation of the association of esophageal carcinoma with human papillomaviruses

The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in esophageal cancers was evaluated in patients seen at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. Frozen esophageal tumor tissues from 22 cases with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 24 cases with adenocarcinoma (AC), diagnosed between 1988 and 1998, were assayed for HPV sequences by reverse line blot polymerase chain reaction. HPV sequences (HPV-54) were detected in a single specimen; the other 45 specimens were negative. The HPV sequences in the positive specimen may represent infection of the epithelium. Our results suggest that genital HPVs may sometimes infect the esophagus, but there is no evidence to indicate that these infections contribute substantially to the development of esophageal cancer in North America.
CO2 enhanced peroxidase activity of SOD1: the effects of pH

Abstract At pH 7.4, CO 2 , rather than HCO 3 − , markedly enhances the oxidation of diverse substrates by SOD1 plus H 2 O 2 . Since the concentration of CO 2 would fall with rising pH in HCO 3 − buffers, it was of interest to explore the effects of pH on the peroxidase activity of SOD1 in the presence and in the absence of HCO 3 − . The rate of NADPH peroxidation in the HCO 3 − buffer was minimally affected by pH in the range of 8–10.5; in a pyrophosphate buffer, the rate increased markedly, such that at pH 10.5 the rates in the two buffers were nearly identical. Similar results were obtained when urate was used as the peroxidizeable substrate. These results are explicable on the basis of an increase in the rate with pH due to the ionization of H 2 O 2 to the effective HO 2 − coupled with a decrease in [CO 2 ] due to the ionizations of H 2 CO 3 , which displaces the hydration equilibrium to the right. These two opposing effects counteract in the HCO 3 − -buffered reaction mixtures; in the pyrophosphate buffer, only the effect of increasing [HO 2 − ] was seen.
Species-specific effects of prior grazing on the palatability of turtlegrass

Abstract The induction of morphological, physiological and chemical defenses against herbivory is well known in seaweeds, but relatively unstudied in seagrasses. To determine if grazing history affected turtlegrass (Thalassia testudinum) palatability, choice and no choice feeding experiments were conducted with turtlegrass and the variegated sea urchin (Lytechinus variegatus) from two north Florida bays, and turtlegrass and bucktooth parrotfish (Sparisoma radians) from the Florida Keys. Results of choice experiments indicated that urchins exhibited a weak preference for ungrazed turtlegrass. Parrotfish, alternatively, consumed more ungrazed than grazed turtlegrass when only offered one tissue type, but when offered a choice, preferred grazed turtlegrass. The mechanisms underlying urchin feeding behaviors remain unresolved, as analyses of total reactive phenolics, nutrients and tissue toughness did not indicate that any of these factors significantly influenced results over the time scale tested. Parrotfish feeding patterns, however, were likely driven by total reactive phenolic content of turtlegrass. Effectiveness of induced defenses may be grazer-specific and dependent on the feeding mode and chemoreceptive abilities of the grazer.
Influence of suction and curvature on the growth of Goertler vortices on an airfoil

Laser velocimetry (LV) was used to study the development of Goertler vortices in a laminar boundary layer on a 1.83 m chord airfoil model. The vortex pattern was visualized using a sublimating chemical technique. A fixed, essentially uniform vortex spacing was observed throughout the test region for any given freestream velocity but the vortex wavelength varied significantly with change in freestream velocity. An appreciable, abrupt decrease in streak contrast indicated vortex damping in the convex region and was confirmed by disturbance functions determined from LV measurements. Moderate variation in suction levels did not alter the vortex spacing but appreciably modified the vortex strength. The experimental results on the growth of Goertler vortices along the concave surface and the effect of suction are compared with results from linear stability theory.
Human polyomavirus BKV transcriptionally activates DNA methyltransferase 1 through the pRb/E2F pathway

Many DNA tumor virus oncogenes are capable of activating and highjacking the host cell's DNA replication machinery for its own reproduction purposes through targeting and inactivation of the retinoblastoma pocket protein family. Pocket proteins function to regulate cell cycle progression and DNA synthesis through inhibitory interactions with the E2F transcription factors. The interaction of viral oncogenes with the pocket proteins is crucial for their transforming activity. We recently demonstrated that the DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) gene is an E2F target gene that is transcriptionally activated in cells lacking the retinoblastoma gene (Rb-/-). Overexpression of DNMT1 is implicated in tumor suppressor gene hypermethylation which is associated with tumorigenesis. Given that viral oncogenes potently stimulate E2F activity, we hypothesized that viral infection might activate DNMT1 and thereby promote transformation. Herein, we demonstrate that DNMT1 is strongly activated by the human polyomavirus BKV large T antigen (TAg) and adenovirus E1a. Viral oncogene mutants incapable of binding the pocket proteins are ineffective at activating DNMT1 compared to their wild-type counterparts. Additionally, mutation of the E2F sites within the DNMT1 promoters dramatically abrogates transcriptional activation. These data suggest that viral induction of DNMT1 through modulation of the pRB/E2F pathway may be involved in viral transformation.
The duration of the QT interval as a function of heart rate: A derivation based on physical principles and a comparison to measured values

Abstract Several quantitatively and qualitatively disparate formulas for the duration of electrical systole (the QT interval) as a function of the R-R interval are reviewed. These are compared by the use of dimensional analysis, which permits rectification of previously published algebraic and dimensional inconsistencies. With one exception, prior developments of formulas have been empiric in nature, with results therefore not based on or necessarily mathematically consistent with basic physical or biologic principles. In order to resolve ambiguity and determine which (if any) of the many proposed formulas is consistent with elementary priciples, we began with physical principles as they relate to the results of experiments and derived a mathematical expression for the QT interval as a function of the R-R interval. By making use of equations for the conservation of energy for the heart as a pump and the first law of thermodynamics, a formula of the form QT K 1 ′ + K 2 ′ R-R was derived. This derivation, stemming from first principles and founded on experimental data, does not quantitatively specify the additive (K1′) or multiplicative constant (K2′), but constrains the algebraic relationship of QT as a function of R-R. The formula is comprised of the sum of two terms, a HR (R-R) independent additive constant (K1′) and a term (R-R)−1. The derivation resolves previous qualitative disparaties in proposed formulas and yields a finite limit for QT in the limit of large R-R intervals. It delineates the nature of the algebraic dependence of QT as a function of R-R for the normal heart operating in the physiologic range that is consistent with basic physical principles and requires that the duration of diastole (TQ interval) as a function of HR be given by TQ = R-R - QT = R-R - ( K 1 ′ + K 2 ′ R-R ) .
Effect of Ferric Chloride on Silica Fouling

This study presents the results of an experimental investigation of the effects of Fe 3+ ion in aqueous solution on silica fouling of heat exchanger and assesses the relative effect of Fe 3+ , Na + , and K + ions on silica fouling. Experiments were conducted at 165-125°C, 1.58 MPa, and under turbulent flow conditions. It was shown that adding a few ppm of Fe 3+ into silica solution was sufficient to formulate chemical coagulation and deposition of silica colloidal particles, which in turn caused a significant increase in the fouling rate. It was also observed that when Fe 3+ was added to the silica solutions containing either Na + or K + ions, the fouling behaviors were found to be similar. Thus Fe 3+ was found to be dominant over Na + and K + ions in its effects on silica fouling.
Manipulating semantic values in kernel data structures: Attack assessments and implications

Semantic values in kernel data structures are critical to many security applications, such as virtual machine introspection, malware analysis, and memory forensics. However, malware, or more specifically a kernel rootkit, can often directly tamper with the raw kernel data structures, known as DKOM (Direct Kernel Object Manipulation) attacks, thereby significantly thwarting security analysis. In addition to manipulating pointer fields to hide certain kernel objects, DKOM attacks may also mutate semantic values, which are data values with important semantic meanings. Prior research efforts have been made to defeat pointer manipulation attacks and thus identify hidden kernel objects. However, the space and severity of Semantic Value Manipulation (SVM) attacks have not received sufficient understanding. In this paper, we take a first step to systematically assess this attack space. To this end, we devise a new fuzz testing technique, namely - duplicate-value directed semantic field fuzzing, and implement a prototype called MOSS. Using MOSS, we evaluate two widely used operating systems: Windows XP and Ubuntu 10.04. Our experimental results show that the space of SVM attacks is vast for both OSes. Our proof-of-concept kernel rootkit further demonstrates that it can successfully evade all the security tools tested in our experiments, including recently proposed robust signature schemes. Moreover, our duplicate value analysis implies the challenges in defeating SVM attacks, such as an intuitive cross checking approach on duplicate values can only provide marginal detection improvement. Our study motivates revisiting of existing security solutions and calls for more effective defense against kernel threats.
The Poetics and Politics of Alpine Passage: Turner's Snowstorm: Hannibal and His Army Crossing the Alps

This article considers the studies for the painting of 1812. The earliest drawing (ca. 1798) illustrates Hannibal surveying the Italian plain from his Alpine aerie, a subject inspired by 18th-century landscape conventions, i.e., the juxtaposition of antithetical landscapes. The subject of the second sketch (1800–05), the attack of mountaineers on the Carthaginian army, was to be developed fully in the finished oil, and is related to contemporary associations of death and extinction with Alpine passage. The article suggests that the early projects and the 1812 oil were Turner's responses to incidents from the Napoleonic Wars. The appendix discusses Gilpin's influence on Turner.
Norwood Reconstruction Using Continuous Coronary Perfusion: A Safe and Translatable Technique

Background Continuous coronary perfusion during Norwood reconstruction offers the theoretic advantage of less postoperative cardiac dysfunction. The avoidance of a cardiac and circulatory arrest period allows time for a more deliberate aortic reconstruction while the heart remains beating. This single-center study was designed to compare patient results using this method vs standard cardiac arrest for Norwood reconstruction. Methods A retrospective review was done of 32 patients undergoing Norwood reconstruction from November 2004 to July 2011. The operations in the most recent 16 consecutive patients were performed under deep hypothermia with constant coronary and cerebral perfusion. Continuous coronary perfusion was provided by a cannula inserted into the proximal aorta. The operations in the prior 16 consecutive patients were performed using deep hypothermia, selective cerebral perfusion, and cardioplegic arrest during aortic reconstruction. Results Survival in the beating-heart group was 87.5% (14 of 16) vs 62.5% (10 of 16) in the standard group ( p = 0.22). No patients in the beating-heart group required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation vs 3 in the standard group. Postoperative cardiac function was similar for both groups. The beating-heart cohort had lower peak lactate levels (8.2 mEq/L) than the standard group (10.7 mEq/L, p = 0.022). Conclusions This study presents the largest series of Norwood operations in which the entire aorta is augmented while delivering continuous coronary perfusion. The technique is applicable to any size aorta and represents a safe alternative because outcomes for survival, freedom from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, postoperative cardiac function, and lactate levels were all noninferior compared with the standard technique.
Antibodies to a scrapie prion protein

Scrapie is a slow infection of the nervous system which progresses in the absence of any apparent immune response1–8. The recent development of a large-scale purification protocol for scrapie prion9 made it possible to obtain substantial quantities of electrophoretically purified prion protein (PrP 27–30) and we report here on the successful production of a rabbit antiserum to PrP 27–30. The antiserum reacted with PrP 27–30 and several lower molecular weight proteins as shown by Western blots; it did not react with protein preparations from uninfected brains. Discrete structures in the subependymal region of scrapie-infected hamster brains were stained immunocytochemically. These same structures also stained with Congo red dye and showed green birefringence with polarized light, a characteristic of purified prion rods9. This staining pattern suggests that they are amyloid plaques.
On-Line Characterization of Individual Particles from Automobile Emissions

This paper presents results from a study showing the first on-line measurement of the size and chemical composition of individual particles emitted in automobile exhaust. Particles sampled directly from the exhaust pipes of a number of vehicles upon startup were analyzed using aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ATOFMS). Both organic and inorganic chemical species including lead, cerium, platinum, molybdenum, calcium, and sodium were observed in individual exhaust particles. In general, a qualitative correlation exists between particle size and composition, typified by the presence of predominately organic species in particles in the fine size mode and inorganic species in particles in the coarse size mode. This study demonstrates the potential of using ATOFMS for analyzing vehicular exhaust in an on-line matter. Ultimately, ATOFMS can be used as a real-time monitor, characterizing particles produced from vehicles under a variety of well-defined operating conditions that will allow for further development of the understanding of particle formation and reaction processes. Furthermore, determination of chemical tracers in individual exhaust particles will allow for more accurate source allocation of atmospheric particles. (A)
A Simple, Compact, High Brightness Source For X-Ray Lithography And X-Ray Radiography

A simple, compact, high brightness x-ray source has recently been built. This source utilizes a commercially available, cylindrical geometry electron beam evaporator, which has been modified to enhance the thermal cooling to the anode. Cooling is accomplished by using standard, low-conductivity laboratory water, with an inlet pressure of less than 50 psi, and a flow rate of approx.0.3 gal/min. The anode is an inverted cone geometry for efficient cooling. The x-ray source has a measured sub-millimeter spot size (FWHM). The anode has been operated at 1 KW e-beam power (10 KV, 100 ma). Higher operating levels will be investigated. A variety of different x-ray lines can be obtained by the simple interchange of anodes of different materials. Typical anodes are made from easily machined metals, or materials which are vacuum deposited onto a copper anode. Typically, a few microns of material is sufficient to stop 10 KV electrons without significantly decreasing the thermal conductivity through the anode. The small size and high brightness of this source make it useful for step and repeat exposures over several square centimeter areas, especially in a research laboratory environment. For an aluminum anode, the estimated Al-K x-ray flux at 10 cms from the sourcemore » is 70 ..mu..W/cm/sup 2/.« less
69.4: Invited Paper: Extending Battery Life of Ultrabook™ Through use of Panel Self Refresh Technology (PSR)

Longer battery life is a critically important end user experience for mobile devices such as Ultrabook™. Panel Self Refresh technology allows PSR enabled display to update the images itself thus allowing SoC and link components to be power managed. In addition, power optimized panel designs also help save power while in the PSR mode. This paper overviews mobile PC platform power profile, opportunity and potential for power savings, design considerations of Timing Controller and panel for power optimization and provides a glimpse at the future version of the PSR technology.
RNA-mediated epigenetic regulation of gene expression

Diverse classes of RNA, ranging from small to long non-coding RNAs, have emerged as key regulators of gene expression, genome stability and defence against foreign genetic elements. Small RNAs modify chromatin structure and silence transcription by guiding Argonaute-containing complexes to complementary nascent RNA scaffolds and then mediating the recruitment of histone and DNA methyltransferases. In addition, recent advances suggest that chromatin-associated long non-coding RNA scaffolds also recruit chromatin-modifying complexes independently of small RNAs. These co-transcriptional silencing mechanisms form powerful RNA surveillance systems that detect and silence inappropriate transcription events, and provide a memory of these events via self-reinforcing epigenetic loops.
The value of evidence-based risk assessments

sumption for both of these standards that clinicians have an accurate knowledge of the relevant risks. As Rid and Wendler demonstrate, this assumption is likely false with respect to many common interventions, primarily because the data have not been collected, or exist in scattered formats that limit firm conclusions. The author’s assertion that disclosures are therefore based on intuition may be an overstatement, but individual or institutional experience is only a modest improvement. The point is that Rid and Wendler’s proposal would improve our understanding of risks associated with common clinical interventions and lead to productive management of risk reduction and improved risk communication in clinical medicine. Decision analysis suggests that people evaluate choices based on the probability of potential outcomes and the value placed on those outcomes. The approach advocated by Rid and Wendler is primarily focused on the probability component of this equation. A key question is whether changes in our understanding of the probabilities of adverse outcomes from certain research interventions will change or improve decisions made. From the investigator’s and/or an IRB reviewer’s perspectives, the question is whether additional data would alter the general ‘intuitive’ assessments that are commonly made about risk. In fact, intuitive estimates may prove to be accurate enough since we live our lives with poorly quantified risks. I believe that the risks of my morning drive to work are low and that the benefits outweigh the risks. It is unlikely that a detailed set of statistics on roadway morbidity and mortality for my route would change my conclusion. However, data might convince me to be more cautious when driving conditions are demonstrably more dangerous. Similarly, data on research procedural risks might be most useful when they reveal particularly vulnerable subpopulations of research participants. For the IRB reviewer, risks often are categorical, that is, ‘no more than minimal risk’ or ‘greater than
Error pattern analysis for data transmission of wireless sensors on rotating industrial structures

Wireless sensors capable of sensing, processing, and wireless communication have been adopted for monitoring purposes in a variety of contexts, many of which feature challenging radio propagation characteristics. Fast rotating structures are commonly found in mechanical, transportation and energy systems, and the challenges of using wireless sensors on such structures have not been adequately addressed. For wireless sensors on rotating structures, it has been found there is an eminent dependency of packet error rates on rotation speeds, bursty bit errors, periodic variation in received signal strengths, and dominance of multipath effects. Previously, a reliable data transmission approach was developed to recover transmission errors, and it was found that transmission errors have mostly occurred in certain high-error regions. The objective of this study is to utilize the transmission approach to infer the transmission error pattern of such regions. The paper presents a sliding window algorithm for estimating the error region width, and a transmission simulator for studying dependencies among error burst statistics, error region distribution and widths, and accuracy of the rotation speeds. It is concluded that i) the number, width, and distribution of error regions can be inferred from normalized error burst distance distributions, ii) the error burst distance distributions depend sensitively on accuracy of the rotation speed, and iii) the error in speed can be inferred from the error burst distance distributions. The conclusions directly guide future work on transmission error modeling, on-line error pattern inference, and error-avoidant transmission methods for radios on rotating structures.
Properties of extrusion cast sheets of blends of natural and aliphatic polyesters

Natural and synthetic polymers of various compositions were blended in a twin-screw extruder. These blends were then sheeted into thin sheets with a coat hanger die attached to a single-screw extruder. The natural content in the blend was varied between 5 and 50 wt %, and the mechanical and morphological properties of the blends were evaluated. At 50 wt % natural content, the tensile strength decreased to a third of that of the synthetic polymer. The use of a compatibilizer doubled the tensile strength for the 50 wt % natural content blend. The sheets displayed equal strengths in the machine and transverse direction. The tear strength decreased as the natural content increased, and the decrease was greater in the anhydride-compatibilized blends than in the uncompatibilized blends. The blends displayed two distinct glass transitions, one for each component, indicating phase separation. The crystallinity of the blends decreased as the starch content increased. This result was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which showed that the melting endotherm decreased as the starch content increased. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) results showed that the peak position was at the same location irrespective of blend composition, indicating minimal degradation of starch moieties. The water absorption was diffusion controlled, with a sharp initial burst of water uptake. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed melting of starch granules that formed a co-continuous phase with the synthetic polyester. Increasing the natural content also increased the surface roughness of the sheets. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 1545–1554, 2003
On the pH memory of lyophilized compounds containing protein functional groups.

Lyophilized proteins exhibit “pH memory,” i.e., their behavior in the solid form corresponds to the pH of the aqueous solution from which they were freeze dried. Herein, we directly tested whether the ionization state is “remembered” by model organic compounds containing various protein functional groups (amino, carboxyl, and phenolic). The fraction of ionized species was quantitated from the infrared spectra of both the aqueous and lyophilized states. The pKa values in the aqueous and lyophilized forms for each compound were found to be quite similar, within 0.3 units from each other. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng53: 345–348, 1997.
Recruitment of inflammatory cells to a tumor deposit potentiates the immunotherapeutic effects of interleukin-2

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a potent immunotherapeutic agent in murine models of intraperitoneal, pulmonary, and hepatic tumor implantation. Because of the systemic toxicity documented at doses of IL-2 required to control tumor growth, potentiation of the effects of low dose IL-2 is an important problem in immunotherapy. To address this problem, we attempted to recruit lymphocytes into a tumor mass. Allogeneic P185 (H-2d) tumor was mixed with MCA-105 (H-2b) tumor and injected s. c. into C57BL/6 (H-2b) mice. Mice were treated with 50,000 units of IL-2 twice daily from day 0 to day 6. When IL-2 alone was used to treat s. c. tumor, there was no reduction in the size of tumor implants. When allogeneic tumor was mixed with syngeneic tumor, there was a reduction in tumor size at the high dose of allogeneic tumor but not at the low dose. When allogeneic tumor was mixed with syngeneic tumor and the mice treated with IL-2, the immunotherapeutic effects of IL-2 were markedly increased. These studies show that an immune response to alloantigens, generated within tumor tissue can augment the immunotherapeutic effects of exogenous IL-2.
On the image of a fuzzy subgroup

Abstract It is shown that the image of a fuzzy subgroup can be any subset of the unit interval containing its least upper bound.
Nonreacting turbulent mixing flows

Abstract This paper provides a comprehensive review of available data on turbulent nonreacting flows which could be of use in the evaluation of turbulence modeling schemes. The review is limited to parabolic, stationary shear flows with well-defined boundary conditions; these flows have many of the characteristics of flows found in combustion devices and are typical of laboratory flames for which model evaluation data are most likely to be available. This report is an outgrowth of a study conducted under the direction of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. A bound volume containing, in detail, the results of that study will be available in the near future.
Polychlorinated ethane reaction with zero-valent zinc: pathways and rate control

Efficient design of zero-valent metal permeable `barriers' for the reduction of organohalides requires information regarding the pertinent reaction rates as well as an understanding of the resultant distribution of products. In this study, the pathways and kinetics for reaction of polychlorinated ethanes with Zn(0) have been examined in batch reactors. Reductive β-elimination was the only route through which hexachloroethane (HCA), 1,1,1,2-tetrachloroethane (1,1,1,2-TeCA), 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (1,1,2,2-TeCA), 1,1,2-trichloroethane (1,1,2-TCA) and 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) reacted. Pentachloroethane (PCA) reacted via concurrent reductive β-elimination (93%) and hydrolysis (7%). As previously demonstrated, 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA) and 1,1-dichloroethane (1,1-DCA) reacted predominantly via reductive α-elimination. Attempts to correlate BET surface area-normalized rate constants (kSA-BET) with one-electron reduction potential (E1) met with limited success, as HCA, PCA, 1,1,1,2-TeCA, and 1,1,1-TCA reacted at nearly identical rates despite substantial differences in E1 values. Comparison of the pseudo-first-order rate constants (kobs) for these species with rate constants (kLa) obtained from a correlation for mass transfer to suspended particles revealed that the reaction of these species was mass transfer limited even though reaction rates were unaffected by mixing speed. Calculations suggest that mass transfer limitations may also play a role in the design of treatment systems for highly reactive species, with overall rate constants predicted to increase with flow velocity.
Bacteria and Coronary Atheroma: More Fingerprints but No Smoking Gun

For the better part of 2 decades, scientists from many disciplines have explored the role of innate and acquired immunity in mediating vascular atherosclerosis.1–4 Remarkably, many of the distal mechanisms involved in the chronic inflammatory process that is atherosclerosis are mediated by the same cellular mechanisms that are “primed” to protect the body from microbial invasion. This recognizance against bacterial pathogens is embodied in the innate immune system that encodes more than 100 germ line–derived pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) designed to recognized highly conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns. These receptors trigger effector mechanisms designed to phagocytize the foreign antigens and to call in reinforcements (memory B and T cells) provided by the adaptive immune system. Critical to the understanding of the role of the innate immune system in the pathogenesis of vascular atherosclerosis is the growing evidence that PRRs recognize “neoantigens” through the process of molecular mimicry. There are at least 4 candidate neoantigens that have been implicated in the atherosclerotic process.5 These include heat shock proteins, β2-glycoprotein-I, and, most notably, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and related phospholipids. Oxidized LDL and phospholipids stimulate both natural immunoglobulin M antibodies, such as EO6, or other secreted PRRs, such as C-reactive protein, that have been identified as markers and mediators of chronic inflammation in atherosclerosis.6 Equally important has been the understanding of the role of a specialized group of PRRs known as scavenger receptors (CD36), which are present on monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils that mediate the uptake of oxidized LDL and the generation of classic foam cells within atherosclerotic plaque.7 More recently, a third set of PRRs has been identified as central in the atherosclerosis process, known as Toll-like receptors (TLRs). These transmembrane signaling receptors are highly expressed on professional antigen-presenting cells, endothelial cells, and the phagocytic natural …
Intracellular Accumulation of Amyloidogenic Fragments of Amyloid-β Precursor Protein in Neurons with Niemann-Pick Type C Defects Is Associated with Endosomal Abnormalities

Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPC) is characterized by neurodegeneration secondary to impaired cholesterol trafficking and excessive glycosphingolipid storage. Abnormal cholesterol and ganglioside metabolism may influence the generation and aggregation of amyloidogenic fragments (ie, C99 and Aβ) from amyloid-β precursor protein (APP), crucial factors causing neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. To reveal whether abnormal accumulation and aggregation of APP fragments also occurs in NPC, we studied their expression in cultured cortical neurons treated with U18666A, a compound widely used to induce NPC defects, and also in brain tissues from NPC patients. U18666A treatment resulted in increased intraneuronal levels of C99 and insoluble Aβ42, which were distributed among early and late endosomes, in compartments distinct from where endogenous cholesterol accumulates. Analyses of NPC brains revealed that C99 or other APP C-terminal fragments (APP-CTF), but not Aβ42, accumulated in Purkinje cells, mainly in early endosomes. In contrast, in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, the major accumulated species was Aβ42, in late endosomes. Similar to what has been shown in Alzheimer's disease, cathepsin D, a lysosomal hydrolase, was redistributed to early endosomes in NPC Purkinje cells, where it co-localized with C99/APP-CTF. Our results suggest that endosomal abnormalities related to abnormal lipid trafficking in NPC may contribute to abnormal APP processing and Aβ42/C99/APP-CTF deposition.
Two-photon detachment cross sections and dynamic polarizability of H − using a variationally stable, coupled-channel hyperspherical approach

We present a generalization of the variationally stable method of Gao and Starace [B. Gao and A. F. Starace, Phys. Rev. Lett. 61, 404 (1988); Phys. Rev. A 39, 4550 (1989)] for two-electron atoms and ions that incorporates a coupled-channel adiabatic hyperspherical approach. Using this approach, we report results for two-photon detachment of ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}},$ in which we have coupled one, two, three, and four adiabatic hyperspherical channels within each term level of the initial, intermediate, and final states. We present results also for the dynamic polarizability of ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ as well as for the one-photon detachment cross section. Comparisons are given with results of prior work.
Ab initio investigation of substituent effects on bond dissociation enthalpies in siloxanes and silanols

Abstract Silicon–oxygen Bond Dissociation Enthalpies (BDEs) were computed at the Gaussian-2 level of theory (using isodesmic reactions) for a series of substituted siloxanes and silanols, SiRnH3−nOSiH3 and SiRnH3−nOH, R=F, Cl, Br, OH, CH3. If was found that all substituents induce substantial increases in the bond strengths of the adjacent Si–O bonds. The magnitude of the effect roughly parallels the substituent electronegativity, and can be explained on the basis of an inductive increase of the bond polarity. Three of the substituents, fluorine, chlorine and hydroxyl groups, also cause relatively large increases in the dissociation enthalpies of the remote silicon–oxygen bond in the siloxanes. This latter effect was found to correlate negatively with Si–O bond length variations in the siloxy radicals. This correlation provides evidence that the bond enthalpy increases of the remote silicon–oxygen bonds arises from either inductive effects or π-backbonding, either of which would destabilize the radical center.
Is subtribe Solidagininae (Asteraceae) monophyletic

As currently delimited, Solidagininae are a large (approximately 190 species) subtribe of tribe Astereae. Recent molecular and morphological studies have prompted a new definition of the subtribe, but the lack of absolutemorphological synapomorphies raises the possibility that this assemblage may not be monophyletic. Cladistic and likelihood-based analyses were conducted on a nuclear rDNA ITS sequence dataset derived from 23 of the 24 genera included in recent Solidagininae circumscriptions. Cladistic analyses identified two clades entirely composed of proposed Solidagininae genera. The data were not able to support deeper relationships, and these two clades might or might not form one monophyletic lineage. Topology testing indicated compatibility between the taxonomic definition of Solidagininae and molecular data.
Work in progress: SUNRISE: Schools, university ‘N’ (and) resources in the sciences and engineering-A NSF/GMU GK-12 fellows project

This WIP report is a continuation of the 1st year work presented at the previous FIE conference 2008. The WIP documents 2nd year development, implementation efforts, and results of SUNRISE, a unique graduate Fellowship program at George Mason University (GMU) that targets graduate students working in the grade 4–6 school environment. SUNRISE is a new GK-12 project aimed at partnering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduate students (Fellows) with school teachers from three different school divisions in Northern Virginia. The innovative practice aspect of the project is the construction of a framework that provides training, exchange of information, and integration of scientific research from diverse disciplines with teaching to make science exciting for students. A feature of SUNRISE that makes this project different from other GK-12 projects in the nation is that the project is housed in the School of Information Technology and Engineering which is unique in the nation. One of the contributions of the project is that it is focused on infusing Information Technology (IT) rich STEM concepts into K-12 education, which is also another unique feature. This WIP presents examples of Fellows research that have been integrated with Grade 4–6 curriculum to excite the K-12 student interest in science.
Considerations in the selection of a platelet component: apheresis versus whole blood-derived.

ASIC CONCEPTS in platelet transfusion continue to be debated in the absence of reliable scientific observations with which to direct this therapy. The relationship between platelet count and bleeding risk, and the cofactors that affect that relationship, are only superficially understood. ~ Fundamental issues such as indications, component selection, and preparation are controversial. 2,3 What constitutes an optimal platelet dose remains an outstanding question, as does what type of platelet component to use. Recent publications have recommended exactly opposite practices--transfusion of larger numbers of platelets at longer intervals, or support with small, frequent doses--to achieve the best control of thrombocytopenic bleeding. 4-6 It is no wonder that platelet transfusion practices are still based on tradition and experience and are
2 + 2 = 5 If 2 Is Large Enough Rhetorical Spaces of Technology Development in Aerospace Engine Testing

This article suggests a perspective on rhetoric of technology as discursive exploitation of the margins of indeterminacy affecting the development of technologies and technical artifacts. It examines such margins by examining the development of an aircraft auxiliary engine in a California aerospace company, focusing especially on how engines are tested. It examines technical documents associated with testing as arenas for rhetorical transactions involving various factors and interests vested in a technology and as residua of compliance and negotiation. It suggests that margins of indeterminacy in technology development provide critical rhetorical spaces for agency and decision making, spaces that engineers and technical communicators must be trained to appreciate and exploit appropriately.
Human Capital and Population Growth in Nonmetropolitan U.S. Counties: The Importance of College Student Migration

Researchers have consistently shown that the stock of human capital in an area, measured as the share of the adult population with a college degree, is a strong predictor of future population growt...
High impedance surface as an antenna without a dipole on top

This paper presents a fully planar antenna based on a metamaterial consisting of a planar array of dogbones. The unit element of this high impedance surface (HIS) is composed of a layer with dogbone shaped conductors on top of a thin dielectric substrate backed by a metal ground plane. A HIS as an intermediate-gain antenna at C band is demonstrated. Previously, HISs have been employed in order to improve the radiation performance of antennas on top of them, this yields to low profile planar antenna applications. In this paper the idea is to eliminate the antenna above the HIS and instead use the HIS itself as an antenna. The direct use of a HIS as an antenna thus allows designing even thinner antennas. The leaky wave modes supported by this kind of metalayer have been previously demonstrated, and the main principle of this HIS antenna is the excitation of such modes in the finite array of dogbones to achieve broadside radiation. Various ways of exciting this antenna are explained and radiation patterns are given as simulation results. Also antennas in various sizes are compared with respect to the broadside gain.
A: an assertion language for distributed systems

Operator mistakes have been identified as a significant source of unavailability in Internet services. In this paper, we propose a new language, A, for service engineers to write assertions about expected behaviors, proper configurations, and proper structural characteristics. This formalized specification of correct behavior can be used to bolster system understanding, as well as help to flag operator mistakes in a distributed system. Operator mistakes can be caused by anything from static misconfiguration to physical placement of wires and machines. This language, along with its associated runtime system, seeks to be flexible and robust enough to deal with the wide array of operator mistakes while maintaining a simple interface for designers or programmers.
The cost-effectiveness of strategies to assess gastroesophageal reflux as an exacerbating factor in asthma

The cost-effectiveness of strategies to assess gastroesophageal reflux as an exacerbating factor in asthma
Year-to-Year Variation in Prey Capture by Cerceris fumipennis (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) at Two Sites in North Carolina

Cerceris fumipennis Say is a solitary, ground-nesting wasp that preys exclusively on beetles in the family Buprestidae, including the invasive insect pest, emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire). Understanding patterns of C. fumipennis prey collection over time may improve use of the wasp as a biosurveillance tool for locating pest Buprestidae of economic concern. Here, we report on variation in prey capture by C. fumipennis at two sites in North Carolina over a 4-yr period. In total, 466 beetles were collected from the wasps from 2010 to 2013; these comprise 35 species, four new state records, six new prey records, and three native pests. Changes in prey capture from year to year at both sites suggest the importance of continued biosurveillance at sites with known wasp aggregations as emerald ash borer and other invasive pests spread into and throughout North Carolina.
Effect of surface curvature on measurement of the absorptance properties of solar coatings

A procedure has been developed for determining the spectral hemispherical reflectance properties of solar coatings applied to curved surfaces. The main source of measurement error results from lost reflected radiation which is a function of both the sample size and measurement beam diameter. The magnitude of this error is easily determined through the use of secondary standards. This procedure has also been used in emittance measurements where secondary emittance standards were required.
A nanopass framework for commercial compiler development

Contemporary compilers must typically handle sophisticated high-level source languages, generate efficient code for multiple hardware architectures and operating systems, and support source-level debugging, profiling, and other program development tools. As a result, compilers tend to be among the most complex of software systems. Nanopass frameworks are designed to help manage this complexity. A nanopass compiler is comprised of many single-task passes with formally defined intermediate languages. The perceived downside of a nanopass compiler is that the extra passes will lead to substantially longer compilation times. To determine whether this is the case, we have created a plug replacement for the commercial Chez Scheme compiler, implemented using an updated nanopass framework, and we have compared the speed of the new compiler and the code it generates against the original compiler for a large set of benchmark programs. This paper describes the updated nanopass framework, the new compiler, and the results of our experiments. The compiler produces faster code than the original, averaging 15-27% depending on architecture and optimization level, due to a more sophisticated but slower register allocator and improvements to several optimizations. Compilation times average well within a factor of two of the original compiler, despite the slower register allocator and the replacement of five passes of the original 10 with over 50 nanopasses.
Issuing Assistive Devices to Older Patients in Rehabilitation: An Exploratory Study

Occupational therapists play a critical role in determining which assistive devices are provided to older adults and when and how instruction occurs during rehabilitation. This exploratory qualitative study used focus group methodology and Fleming's concept of the therapist with a three-track mind to examine how occupational therapists describe the process of issuing assistive devices to elderly persons in rehabilitation. We identified six interrelated steps involved in issuing an assistive device to an older person with a cerebrovascular accident. These steps were the selection of a device, an activity, a site for instruction, a method of instruction, the time to introduce a device during hospitalization, and reinforcement of its use. Therapists used procedural, interactive, and conditional reasoning to make decisions within each step and individualize device training. The findings from this study underscore the complex series of decisions and skilled clinical judgments involved in issuing assistive devices to older persons. Additionally, the study shows that focus group methodology is a valuable approach by which to identify how therapists reason about specific therapeutic practices.
Recovery analysis of data sharing systems under deferred dirty page propagation policies

In a multinode data sharing environment, different buffer coherency control schemes based on various lock retention mechanisms can be designed to exploit the concept of deferring the propagation or writing of dirty pages to disk to improve normal performance. Two types of deferred write policies are considered. One policy only propagates dirty pages to disk at the times when dirty pages are flushed out of the buffer under LRU buffer replacement. The other policy also performs writes at the times when dirty pages are transferred across nodes. The dirty page propagation policy can have significant implications on the database recovery time. In this paper, we provide an analytical modeling framework for the analysis of the recovery times under the two deferred write policies. We demonstrate how these policies can be mapped onto a unified analytic modeling framework. The main challenge in the analysis is to obtain the pending update count distribution which can be used to determine the average numbers of log records and data I/Os needed to be applied during recovery. The analysis goes beyond previous work on modeling buffer hit probability in a data sharing system where only the average buffer composition, not the distribution, needs to be estimated, and recovery analysis in a single node environment where the complexities on tracking the propagation of dirty pages across nodes and the buffer invalidation effect do not appear.