cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Humoral responses following immunization with Leishmania infantum (ex. Oklahoma): A comparison of adjuvant efficacy in the antibody responses of Balb-C mice

Adjuvants are commonly used in immunization protocols for the purpose of augmenting immune responses to antigens. The antigenic profile of Leishmania infantum (ex. Oklahoma) is described and the efficacies of three adjuvants delivered coincidentally with killed promastigotes are compared, by measuring relative serologic responses of Balb-C mice to specific antigenic determinants. Western blotting techniques were employed to visualize humoral responses to isolated antigens; serologic profiles were compared and contrasted. Four immunization protocols utilizing Freund's complete adjuvant, glucan adjuvant, lipovant adjuvant or phosphate-buffered saline, in conjunction with killed L. infantum (ex. Oklahoma) promastigotes were executed in parallel. All groups receiving adjuvant protocols developed enhanced serologic responsiveness. Similar profiles were observed in mice treated with glucan or lipovant. Animals receiving promastigotes in Freund's complete adjuvant also developed strong humoral responses, binding cross-reactive epitopes not recognized by other groups. Our findings indicate that glucan and lipovant present effective adjuvant alternatives, to Freund's complete adjuvant and may be of value in immunization against visceral leishmaniasis.
Analysis of a photosensitive lesion induced by sunlamp UV > 315 nm exposure of 254-nm-irradiated human cells

Normal human skin fibroblasts were exposed to 0–10 J m−2 of 254 nm UV, incubated 0–16 h and then treated with 0–150 kJ m−2 of sunlamp UV > 315 nm. For each treatment, the cells were subjected to alkaline elution in order to measure the yield of single strand breaks (ssb) produced. It was found that treatment of 254-nm-irradiated cells with sunlamp UV > 315 nm resulted in the production of a higher level of ssb than that produced by separate exposures. Hence, lesions are produced by the 254 nm irradiation that are photolyzed through exposure to sunlamp UV > 315 nm. Approximately 50% of these lesions are removed following a 2–4 h incubation of the 254-nm-irradiated cells and nearly complete removal is achieved by 16 h. In addition, the profiles for elutions performed at pH 12.8 with cells exposed to the combined treatment were indicative of the presence of alkali labile sites. The repair kinetics of this lesion and alkaline lability of the photolysis product suggest that this photosensitive lesion may represent pyrimidine(6-4)pyrimidone photoproducts. Hence, this approach may represent a relatively simple and sensitive assay for the measurement of this DNA damage.
Ara h 1 structure is retained after roasting and is important for enhanced binding to IgE

Scope Ara h 1 from roasted peanut binds higher levels of serum immunoglobulin E than raw peanuts and this is likely due to the Maillard reaction. While Ara h 1 linear IgE epitopes have been mapped, the presence and importance of structural epitopes is not clear. Methods and results Mass spectrometry, immunoblot, ELISA, circular dichroism (CD), and structural analysis were used to compare structural and subsequent IgE-binding differences in Ara h 1 purified from raw (N) and roasted peanuts (R) and denatured Ara h 1 (D). Although N and R had similar CD spectra, the latter bound significantly more IgE. Decreased IgE binding was seen with the loss of secondary structure. This same IgE-binding pattern [R > N > D] was seen for the sera of ten peanut allergic patients. While the majority of linear epitopes are located on surface and structured regions of Ara h 1, our study shows that conformational epitopes of Ara h 1 bind better to IgE than linear epitopes. Conclusion Enhanced IgE binding to roasted Ara h 1 could be due to alterations such as chemical modifications to individual amino acids or increased epitope exposure. IgE binding is significantly reduced with loss of structure.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Dynamic and Energetic Properties of Alkali and Halide Ions Using Water-Model-Specific Ion Parameters

The dynamic and energetic properties of the alkali and halide ions were calculated using molecular dynamics (MD) and free energy simulations with various different water and ion force fields including our recently developed water-model-specific ion parameters. The properties calculated were activity coefficients, diffusion coefficients, residence times of atomic pairs, association constants, and solubility. Through calculation of these properties, we can assess the validity and range of applicability of the simple pair potential models and better understand their limitations. Due to extreme computational demands, the activity coefficients were only calculated for a subset of the models. The results qualitatively agree with experiment. Calculated diffusion coefficients and residence times between cation−anion, water−cation, and water−anion showed differences depending on the choice of water and ion force field used. The calculated solubilities of the alkali−halide salts were generally lower than the true s...
The Misdirected Central Engine of the Hyperluminous Infrared Galaxy and Type 2 QSO IRAS P09104+4109* **

Hubble Space T elescope Wide-Field Planetary Camera 2 imaging polarimetry of the hyperluminous infrared galaxy (and misdirected QSO) IRAS P09104)4109 reveals a highly polarized (p B 20%) giant (D5 kpc) bipolar re—ection nebula centered on the nucleus. This, together with our previous detection of broad, polarized Mg II and newly detected broad, polarized Balmer emission lines in our ground-based spectropolarimetry, con—rms that the lobes of the nebula are dominated by scattered light from the mis- directed QSO and that the object would be indistinguishable from typical luminous QSOs if viewed from either pole. Comparison with previously published narrowband images in the light of (O III) jj4959, 5007 and (O II) j3727 shows that the northern lobe of the nebula is coincident with the ioniza- tion cone, thus the same light that impinges on the scattering material also ionizes the narrow-line gas. The biconical structure and high polarization suggest that the central UV continuum source is sur- rounded by a dusty torus of half-opening angle D23i inclined D37i with respect to our line of sight. The radio structure of this radio-intermediate object also indicates a long-lived axisymmetry to the central power source, but with a diUerent axis relative to the scattering bicone. We propose that this diUerence in axes betrays the history of a cataclysmic event that altered the fundamental orientation of the central enginethe bicone de—nes the current axis of the system. Radio-emitting plasma is beginning to move outward along this new axis, depriving the old radio lobes of power. IRAS P09104)4109 is the —rst radio-quiet/intermediate object of QSO luminosity and hidden broad lines to show direct evidence that the axisymmetric torus inferred to exist in many Seyfert nuclei is also present in objects of high luminosity.
Seeing mountains in mole hills: geographical-slant perception

When observers face directly toward the incline of a hill, their awareness of the slant of the hill is greatly overestimated, but motoric estimates are much more accurate. The present study examined whether similar results would be found when observers were allowed to view the side of a hill. Observers viewed the cross-sections of hills in real (Experiment 1) and virtual (Experiment 2) environments and estimated the inclines with verbal estimates, by adjusting the cross-section of a disk, and by adjusting a board with their unseen hand to match the inclines. We found that the results for cross-section viewing replicated those found when observers directly face the incline. Even though the angles of hills are directly evident when viewed from the side, slant perceptions are still grossly overestimated.
The temperature dependence of the dielectric response of KTaO 3 by dispersive Fourier transform spectroscopy

The temperature dependence, in the range 100–300 K, of the far-infrared complex dielectric response of KTaO3 is reported from measurements using dispersive Fourier transform spectroscopy and is used to calculate the frequency dependence of the mode anharmonic self-energy for a restricted frequency range.
Academic Advising— a Focus on Learning:

Eric White and Janet Schulenberg make the case that academic advisors have a particularly significant role to play in helping students reach higher-learning outcomes.
Research Experiences and Research‐Related Coursework in the Education of Doctors of Pharmacy

A study assessed coursework and experiential activities of students to determine the role of research in Doctor of Pharmacy education. Questionnaires were sent to all 78 (at that time) colleges and schools of pharmacy in the United States. Responses were received from 60 (76.9%), of which 57 were used, representing 139 Pharm.D. program types (entry-level, post-B.S., track-in, nontraditional). Most programs required coursework in research methodology, statistics, and drug information and literature evaluation, with research methodology required least. Although 41.0% of programs provided students the opportunity to conduct research as an elective, only 12.9% required an extensive project with data collection, analysis, and write-up. Another 6.5% required a project proposal only. Most colleges of pharmacy now offer the Pharm.D. degree, and the role of the pharmacist has also changed. Pharmacists must be able to disseminate evidence-based knowledge about drug products and drug therapy and use scientific knowledge and scholarly principles to solve problems.
Safety of belatacept bridging immunosuppression in hepatitis C-positive liver transplant recipients with renal dysfunction.

Background Perioperative renal dysfunction in liver transplant recipients complicates maintenance immunosuppressive therapy, particularly in patients with hepatitis C. Calcineurin inhibitors exacerbate renal dysfunction and mammalian target-of-rapamycin inhibitors are generally avoided because of perceived perioperative risks. The authors' experience with seven liver transplant patients who received belatacept and mycophenolic acid maintenance immunosuppression is reported. Methods A retrospective review of adult liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C receiving belatacept was conducted under Institutional Review Board approval. All patients were Epstein-Barr virus IgG seropositive. The primary endpoint was patient and graft survival, with secondary endpoints including the incidence of acute rejection, degree of renal function recovery, and occurrence of major side effects. Results Between December 19, 2011 and January 25, 2013, seven liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C received belatacept immunosuppression in the perioperative period. The primary indication for belatacept was perioperative renal dysfunction. Belatacept was initiated between 2 and 90 days posttransplant and the duration of belatacept therapy ranged from 19 to 89 days. Patients were transitioned onto calcineurin inhibitor therapy when they reached chronic kidney disease stage 2 or better. Six-month patient and graft survival was 86%. There was one episode of graft rejection on belatacept therapy in a patient who had also had early rejection before initiation of belatacept. Conclusions The results in this initial group of patients suggest that belatacept with mycophenolic acid may be a safe maintenance immunosuppression regimen in hepatitis C-positive liver transplant recipients with renal dysfunction, and that this regimen can serve as an effective bridge to calcineurin inhibitor therapy.
Cells depleted of mitochondrial DNA (ρ0) yield insight into physiological mechanisms

A resurgence of interest in mitochondrial physiology has recently developed as a result of new experimental data demonstrating that mitochondria function as important participants in a diverse collection of novel intracellular signaling pathways. Cells depleted of mitochondrial DNA, or rho0 cells, lack critical respiratory chain catalytic subunits that are encoded in the mitochondrial genome. Although rho0 cells contain petit mitochondria, they cannot support normal oxidative phosphorylation and must survive and replicate using ATP derived solely from glycolysis. Without a functional electron transport chain, rho0 cells cannot normally regulate redox potential and their mitochondria appear to be incapable of generating reactive oxygen species. Emerging evidence suggests that these signals are important components in a number of mitochondria-initiated signaling pathways. The present article focuses on how rho0 cells have contributed to an understanding of the role that mitochondria play in distinct physiological pathways involved with apoptosis, glucose-induced insulin secretion, and oxygen sensing.
Central regulation of micturition in the rat by corticotropin-releasing hormone from Barrington's nucleus

Barrington's nucleus, a pontine nucleus implicated in micturition, contains numerous corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons that project to the spinal parasympathetic nucleus that innervates the bladder. We now report that CRH from Barrington's nucleus may serve to inhibit micturition. Selective chemical activation of Barrington's nucleus by microinjection of glutamate evoked bladder contractions that were increased in magnitude after intrathecal administration of a CRH antagonist, D-PheCRH12-41. In contrast, intrathecally administered CRH decreased the magnitude of Barrington's stimulated bladder contractions. These results suggest that activation of Barrington's nucleus releases an excitatory neurotransmitter responsible for bladder contractions, and CRH, which inhibits this neurotransmitter. The balance between these two neuromediators may regulate bladder contractility, and thereby, urinary continence.
Osmotic Stress Stimulates Phosphorylation and Cellular Expression of Heat Shock Proteins in Rhesus Macaque Sperm

The cryosurvival of sperm requires cell signaling mechanisms to adapt to anisotonic conditions during the freezing and thawing process. Chaperone proteins heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70) and heat shock protein 90 (HSP 90; recently renamed HSPA and HSPC, respectively) facilitate some of these cell signaling events in somatic cells. Sperm were evaluated for their cellular expression and levels of phosphorylation of both HSP 70 and HSP 90 under anisotonic conditions as a potential model for cell signaling during the cryopreservation of macaque spermatozoa. In order to monitor the level of stress, the motility and viability parameters were evaluated at various time points. Cells were then either prepared for phosphoprotein enrichment or indirect immunocytochemistry. As controls, the phosphoserine, phosphothreonine, and phosphotyrosine levels were measured under capacitation and cryopreservation conditions and were compared with the phosphoprotein levels expressed under osmotic conditions. As expected, there was an increase in the level of tyrosine phosphorylation under capacitation and cryopreservation conditions. There was also a significant increase in the level of all phosphoproteins under hyperosmotic conditions. There was no change in the level of expression of HSP 70 or 90 under osmotic stress conditions as measured by Western blot. The enrichment of phosphoproteins followed by Western immunoblotting revealed an increase in the phosphorylation of HSP 70 but not HSP 90 under osmotic stress conditions. Indirect immunofluorescence localized HSP 70 to the postacrosomal region of sperm, and the level of membrane expression of HSP 70 was significantly affected by anisotonic conditions, as measured by flow cytometry. Taken together, these results suggest a differential role for HSP 70 and HSP 90 during osmotic stress conditions in rhesus macaque sperm.
Histochemistry of the chick esophagus and trachea II. Enzymes, nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats†

Tissues of White Leghorn embryos of stages 17–45 and chicks of one day, two days, and three weeks of age were frozen, sectioned in a cryostat and, where appropriate, were fixed in cold calcium formol. Acid phosphatase, non-specific esterase, adenosine triphosphatase, 5-nucleotidase, non-specific glycerophosphatase, nucleotidediphosphatase, and glucose-6-phosphatase were localized in these tissues. Ribonucleic acid, acid mucopolysaccharides, triglycerides, and neutral fats were localized in tissues fixed with FAA and embedded in paraffin. Positive acid phosphatase reactions were obtained in the epithelium of the trachea and esophagus at all stages of development. 5-nucleotidase was found in the muscularis mucosae of the esophagus at all stages. Non-specific esterase appeared with histodifferentiation of the esophageal epithelium. Ribonucleic acid was localized in the basal regions of the epithelium. Mucous glands of the esophagus are rich in ribonucleic acid and acid phosphatase at all stages of development. With histodifferentiation and the onset of secretion of sulfated acid mucopolysaccharides, the glands and their ducts become highly reactive for adenosine triphosphatase and nucleotide-diphosphatase, indicating a role of these enzymes in secretion.
InAs/SiGe on Si nanowire tunneling field effect transistors

Tunneling field-effect transistors (TFETs) are of tremendous interest for advanced logic applications due to their potential for sub-60-mV/dec subthreshold slope which could enable supply voltage scaling beyond what is practical for conventional MOSFETs. However, TFETs based upon tunneling in Si suffer from low on current, I ON , and fail to provide steep slope at high current levels. III–V TFETs are more promising due to their potential for high drive current, but the poor gate oxide quality remains a significant challenge. Recently, a hybrid III–V-on-Si approach [1] has been proposed as a potential solution to this problem, whereby the small effective band gap, E geff , of the InAs/Si heterojunction could increase I ON , while preserving the high-quality Si/dielectric interface in the channel. Experimental demonstrations of nanostructured InAs-on-Si Esaki diodes and TFETs suggest this approach is feasible [1],[2]. However, InAs-on-Si heterostructures still exhibit relatively large E geff (∼ 0.4 eV in unconfined geometries) and quantum effects increase E geff substantially in confined geometries. In this paper, we provide a simulation analysis of a new device structure, the InAs/SiGe/Si TFET that could overcome this problem by utilizing a compressivelystrained SiGe layer to further decrease E geff . We show that I ON in these devices increases by 5× (at constant I off ) and further explore the various trade-offs and performance-limiting factors in these devices.
Formal methods to generate parallel iterative codes for PDE-based applications

Developing parallel software is far more complex than traditional sequential software. An effective approach to deal with the complexity of parallel software is domain-specific programming in an abstraction higher than general-purpose programming languages. In this paper, we focus on the domain of the applications based on partial differential equations (PDE) and provide a formal framework and methods for PDE compilers to generate parallel iterative codes for the domain. We also provide a PDE compiler optimization to minimize the number of messages between parallel processors. Our framework and methods can be used to build PDE compilers to generate efficient parallel software for PDE-based applications automatically.
High-pressure spinel type Al2S3 and MnAl2S4

Abstract New spinel type forms of Al2S3 and MnAl2S4 were prepared at pressures from 2 to 65 kb. The Al2S3 was shown to exhibit a structure similar to β-In2S3 in which ordered vacancies result in a super lattice with a tetragonal cell. The cell dimensions are a = 7.026 ± 0.001 A, c = 29.819 ± 0.001 A. Electrical measurements show semiconducting behavior with ϱ 298° K = 10 9 Ω cm , Ea = 0.3 eV . The spinel form of MnAl2S4 exhibits a range of stoichiometry as indicated by a range of cell dimension from a = 10.092 ± 0.001 A to a = 10.010 ± 0.001 A. Resistivity and magnetic measurements indicate semiconducting and paramagnetic behavior.
The Hospital for Special Surgery 1972–1989; Philip D. Wilson, Jr., Eighth Surgeon-in-Chief

After nearly a decade as the seventh Surgeon-in-Chief (1963–1972) of The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), Robert Lee Patterson, Jr., MD (1907–1994) retired, having repaired adverse relations between HSS and the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. Patterson, who had first joined the staff of The Hospital for the Ruptured and Crippled in 1936 as a Visiting Surgeon, was able to accomplish this very challenging task mainly through his close relationship with Preston Wade, MD (1901–1982), a general surgeon who had served with Patterson as Co-Chief of the combined New York Hospital-HSS Fracture service. The Board of Trustees of the New York Society for the Relief of the Ruptured and Crippled appointed Philip D. Wilson, Jr. MD, as the eighth Surgeon-in-Chief of The Hospital for Special Surgery. He assumed that office on July 1, 1972. Wilson, who had joined the staff as an Orthopaedic Surgeon to the Out-Patient Department in 1951, had trained as an orthopaedic resident at HSS from 1948 to 1950 and in 1951, finished his residency at the University of California Hospital Medical Center, San Francisco. During his 17 years as Surgeon-in-Chief, he led the hospital into the advanced field of implant research and development and building a world-class center for patient care. Additionally, many other orthopaedic services such as Sports Medicine, Scoliosis and Metabolic Bone Diseases became the leaders in their fields. Supporting Departments of Rheumatology, Anesthesia and others were likewise recognized foremost in the country.
Restricting facial bone growth with skeletal fixation: a preliminary study.

Introduction: Conventional orthodontic treatment of vertical or anterior maxillary excess by growth modification can be problematic in children because of the high levels of patient compliance required. The purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate the use of rigid skeletal fixation to modify facial bone growth without compliance. Methods: Three 30-day old female pigs from the same litter were included in phase I. Pediatric miniplates were rigidly fixated with monocortical screws in the experimental pig to bridge the zygomaticomaxillary suture and both the frontonasal and nasomaxillary sutures, bilaterally. In the sham experimental pig, the same surgical protocol was followed, but miniplates were omitted (ie, screw placement only). In the control pig, surgery was not performed. All 3 pigs were housed and fed a normal diet under identical conditions postoperatively for 63 days; then they were killed, their right hemi-skulls were prepared for and underwent 3-dimensional coordinate landmark analysis, and en-bloc specimens from the zygomaticomaxillary, frontonasal, and nasomaxillary sutures of the left hemi-skulls underwent histologic analysis. Two 50-day-old female pigs from the same litter were used in phase II. The same experimental protocol was followed as before for the experimental pig and the sham experimental pig. Both pigs were fed a normal diet for 105 days; then they were killed, and their skulls were prepared for and underwent 3-dimensional coordinate landmark analysis. Results: Rigid plating restricted zygomaticolacrimal suture length, maxillary bone length, nasal bone length, midfacial breadth, and frontal bone length by an average of −14% to −15% (range, −4% to −36%). No growth differences were noted between the animals in maxillary height, mid-premaxillary length, bregma-lambda length, palatal lengths, or mandibular length. Also, plating the sutures produced a clear depressed concavity in the infraorbital region, altered the alignment of the infraorbital plane lateral to the concavity, inhibited the anterior migration of the maxillary tuberosity, and resulted in raised folding on the bony surface adjacent to the zygomaticomaxillary suture. Conclusions: Rigidly fixating frontonasomaxillary and zygomaticomaxillary sutures inhibits growth of facial bones and might provide a means of restricting excess growth without having to rely on patient compliance. In addition, these altered growth patterns in the plated pig model produced similar and potentially homologous infraorbital features shared by living humans in comparison with ancestral fossil forms.
L∞ Algebra Representations

It is shown that the direct sum of an L ∞ algebra and a module over it has a natural L ∞ algebra structure.
Cellular factors implicated in prion replication

Prions are the unconventional infectious agents responsible for prion diseases, which are composed mainly by the misfolded prion protein (PrP(Sc)) that replicates by converting the host associated cellular prion protein (PrP(C)). Several lines of evidence suggest that other cellular components participate in prion conversion, however, the identity or even the chemical nature of such factors are entirely unknown. In this article we study the conversion factor activity by complementation of a PMCA procedure employing purified PrP(C) and PrP(Sc). Our results show that the conversion factor is present in all major organs of diverse mammalian species, and is predominantly located in the lipid raft fraction of the cytoplasmic membrane. On the other hand, it is not present in the lower organisms tested (yeast, bacteria and flies). Surprisingly, treatments that eliminate the major classes of chemical molecules do not affect conversion activity, suggesting that various different compounds may act as conversion factor in vitro. This conclusion is further supported by experiments showing that addition of various classes of molecules have a small, but detectable effect on enhancing prion replication in vitro. More research is needed to elucidate the identity of these factors, their detailed mechanism of action and whether or not they are essential component of the infectious particle.
Adsorption of Pd on O/W(110) and CO/W(110)

Abstract Adsorption of Pd on O/W(110) leads to Pd overlayers which are rather disordered and do not show strong metallic properties, i.e. do not screen the WO dipole potential very much. Pd adsorption on CO/W(110) seems to occur even at 90 K with rearrangement so that most CO is on top of or next to Pd, with Pd not forming an overlayer on CO. This behavior is in sharp contrast to that previously reported for Cu adsorption on the same surfaces [J. Chem. Phys. 90 (1989) 5135].
Strategic Sovereignty A Model of Non-state Goods Provision and Resistance in Regions of Natural Resource Extraction

In some regions of natural resource extraction, embedded local populations receive transfers that compensate them for environmental consequences of extraction; while in others, these populations re...
Ethylene signal transduction. Moving beyond Arabidopsis.

Phytohormones are responsible for integrating many aspects of plant growth and development. They modulate how fast and in what direction an organ grows. And in many cases, they determine the point at which it will die. Hormones are the signals that integrate internal developmental and external
Maximum-likelihood sequence estimation of four dimensional signaling schemes subject to ISI

A maximum-likelihood sequence estimation (MLSE) algorithm is derived for decision making in a receiver used for detection of four-dimensional signaling schemes. This algorithm operates directly on the output of two complex matched filters and can be considered as an extension of the modified version of the Viterbi algorithm. As a measure of performance, a bound on the probability of error is derived, and the effect of intersymbol interferences (ISIs) present at the matched filters' output on the error performance of the receiver is discussed and illustrated. >
Low LDL-C and High HDL-C Levels Are Associated with Elevated Serum Transaminases amongst Adults in the United States: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Dyslipidemia, typically recognized as high serum triglyceride, high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, are associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, low LDL-C levels could result from defects in lipoprotein metabolism or impaired liver synthetic function, and may serve as ab initio markers for unrecognized liver diseases. Whether such relationships exist in the general population has not been investigated. We hypothesized that despite common conception that low LDL-C is desirable, it might be associated with elevated liver enzymes due to metabolic liver diseases. Methods and Findings: We examined the associations between alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and major components of serum lipid profiles in a nationally representative sample of 23,073 individuals, who had no chronic viral hepatitis and were not taking lipid-lowering medications, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2010. ALT and AST exhibited non-linear U-shaped associations with LDL-C and HDL-C, but not with triglyceride. After adjusting for potential confounders, individuals with LDL-C less than 40 and 41–70 mg/dL were associated with 4.2 (95% CI 1.5–11.7, p=0.007) and 1.6 (95% CI 1.1–2.5, p=0.03) times higher odds of abnormal liver enzymes respectively, when compared with those with LDL-C values 71–100 mg/dL (reference group). Surprisingly, those with HDL-C levels above 100 mg/dL was associated with 3.2 (95% CI 2.1–5.0, p,0.001) times higher odds of abnormal liver enzymes, compared with HDL-C values of 61–80 mg/dL. Conclusions: Both low LDL-C and high HDL-C, often viewed as desirable, were associated with significantly higher odds of elevated transaminases in the general U.S. adult population. Our findings underscore an underestimated biological link between lipoprotein metabolism and liver diseases, and raise a potential need for liver evaluation among over 10 million people with particularly low LDL-C or high HDL-C in the United States.
The Impact of Image Reconstruction Bias on PET/CT 90Y Dosimetry After Radioembolization

PET/CT imaging after radioembolization is a viable method for determining the posttreatment 90Y distribution in the liver. Low true-torandom coincidence ratios in 90Y PET studies limit the quantitative accuracy of these studies when reconstruction algorithms optimized for traditional PET imaging are used. This study examined these quantitative limitations and assessed the feasibility of generating radiation dosimetry maps in liver regions with high and low 90 Y concentrations. Methods: 90 Y PET images were collected on a PET/CT scanner and iteratively reconstructed with the vendor-supplied reconstruction algorithm. PET studies on a Jaszczak cylindric phantom were performed to determine quantitative accuracy and minimum detectable concentration (MDC). 90 Y and 18 F point-source studies were used to investigate the possible increase in detected random coincidence events due to bremsstrahlung photons. Retrospective quantitative analyses were performed on 90 Y PET/CT images obtained after 65 right or left hepatic artery radioembolizations in 59 patients. Quantitative image errors were determined by comparing the measured image activity with the assayed 90 Y activity. PET images were converted to dose maps through convolution with voxel S values generated using MCNPX, a Monte Carlo N-particle transport code system for multiparticle and high-energy applications. Tumor and parenchyma doses and potential bias based on measurements found below the MDC were recorded. Results: Random coincidences were found to increase in 90Y acquisitions, compared with 18F acquisitions, at similar positron emission rates because of bremsstrahlung photons. Positive bias was observed in all images. Quantitative accuracy was achieved for phantom inserts above the MDC of 1 MBq/mL. The mean dose to viable tumors was 183.6 ± 156.5 Gy, with an average potential bias of 3.3 ± 6.4 Gy. The mean dose to the parenchyma was 97.1 ± 22.1 Gy, with an average potential bias of 8.9 ± 4.9 Gy. Conclusion: The low signal-to-noise ratio caused by low positron emission rates and high bremsstrahlung photon production resulted in a positive bias on 90 Y PET images reconstructed with conventional iterative algorithms.
Using Interactive Technology to Support Students’ Understanding of the Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming

In this work, we examine middle school students’ understanding of the greenhouse effect and global warming. We designed and refined a technology-enhanced curriculum module called Global Warming: Virtual Earth. In the module activities, students conduct virtual experiments with a visualization of the greenhouse effect. They analyze data and draw conclusions about how individual variables effect changes in the Earth’s temperature. They also carry out inquiry activities to make connections between scientific processes, the socio-scientific issues, and ideas presented in the media. Results show that participating in the unit increases students’ understanding of the science. We discuss how students integrate their ideas about global climate change as a result of using virtual experiments that allow them to explore meaningful complexities of the climate system.
Asynchronous and synchronous implementations of the autocorrelation function for the FPGA X-ray pixel array detector

The design of the FPGA Pixel Array Detector (PAD) prototype and initial experimental results of real-time implementations of its autocorrelation function are presented. This is a pixelated 2D silicon device for detecting X-rays in X-ray Diffraction Experiments and is comprised of three layers: the diode detection and ASIC analog electronics layers connected by a massively parallel interface to a third FPGA layer consisting of a Xilinx XC6VLX550T device. A high-speed labor intensive asynchronous interface as well as a more traditional synchronous interface will be presented. Traditionally X-ray PADs have been application-specific as their functionality is built into the ASIC layer. In the FPGA PAD, however, the ASIC layer consists of a simple photon counting front end with a single-bit digitized output to the FPGA layer. As most of the functionality is migrated to the FPGA layer, the reconfigurability of the FPGA allows for great flexibility in terms of detector applications. The massively parallel connection between the ASIC layer and the FPGA layer also allows for data-flow implementations of detector algorithms on the parallel input bit array. Real-time data processing realizes lower data transfer rates to offline storage and higher time-resolution during experiments. An example application of a real-time autocorrelation function (ACF) for X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (XPCS) experiments is also described for a prototype of the FPGA PAD. Both a synchronous implementation and a very high-speed Region of Interest asynchronous implementation were designed. A time resolution range of 100ns to 1s was achieved for the synchronous implementation and a maximum resolution down to 36ns was realized for the Asynchronous Implementation. The required data transfer rate was also reduced from 2.56 Gb/s to 4.4Mb/s over the entire array.
Automated robot trajectory planning for spray painting of free-form surfaces in automotive manufacturing

Automatic trajectory generation for spray painting is highly desirable for today's automotive manufacturing. Generating paint gun trajectories for free-form surfaces to satisfy paint thickness requirements is still highly challenging due to the complex geometry of free-from surfaces. In this paper, a CAD-guided paint gun trajectory generation system for free-form surfaces has been developed. A paint thickness verification method is also provided to verify the generated trajectories. The results of experiments and simulations show that the trajectory generation system achieves satisfactory performance. This trajectory generation system can also be applied to generate trajectories for many other CAD-guided robot trajectory planning applications.
An experimental study of N-detect scan ATPG patterns on a processor

This paper studies the impact of N-detect scan ATPG patterns on test quality and associated test costs. An incremental method for test generation is presented. Metrics to evaluate the richness of the test set are presented. The natural N-detect profiles of regular one-detect test sets and the impact to test data volume and test time of generating additional patterns is studied. Results are presented on an lntel/spl reg/ Pentium/spl reg/ 4 processor. Simulation results from evaluating the patterns on layout extracted and random bridges are presented. Silicon data from production test shows the effectiveness of N-detect tests.
Alternative first exon splicing regulates subcellular distribution of methionine sulfoxide reductases

Methionine sulfoxide reduction is an important protein repair pathway that protects against oxidative stress, controls protein function and has a role in regulation of aging. There are two enzymes that reduce stereospecifically oxidized methionine residues: MsrA (methionine-S-sulfoxide reductase) and MsrB (methionine-R-sulfoxide reductase). In many organisms, these enzymes are targeted to various cellular compartments. In mammals, a single MsrA gene is known, however, its product is present in cytosol, nucleus, and mitochondria. In contrast, three mammalian MsrB genes have been identified whose products are located in different cellular compartments. In the present study, we identified and characterized alternatively spliced forms of mammalian MsrA. In addition to the previously known variant containing an N-terminal mitochondrial signal peptide and distributed between mitochondria and cytosol, a second mouse and human form was detected in silico. This form, MsrA(S), was generated using an alternative first exon. MsrA(S) was enzymatically active and was present in cytosol and nucleus in transfected cells, but occurred below detection limits in tested mouse tissues. The third alternative form lacked the active site and could not be functional. In addition, we found that mitochondrial and cytosolic forms of both MsrA and MsrB in Drosophila could be generated by alternative first exon splicing. Our data suggest conservation of alternative splicing to regulate subcellular distribution of methionine sulfoxide reductases.
VOIP for Telerehabilitation: A Risk Analysis for Privacy, Security and HIPAA Compliance: Part II.

Voice over the Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems such as Adobe ConnectNow, Skype, ooVoo, etc. may include the use of software applications for telerehabilitation (TR) therapy that can provide voice and video teleconferencing between patients and therapists. Privacy and security applications as well as HIPAA compliance within these protocols have been questioned by information technologists, providers of care and other health care entities. This paper develops a privacy and security checklist that can be used within a VoIP system to determine if it meets privacy and security procedures and whether it is HIPAA compliant. Based on this analysis, specific HIPAA criteria that therapists and health care facilities should follow are outlined and discussed, and therapists must weigh the risks and benefits when deciding to use VoIP software for TR.
Block and graft copolymers by selective cationic initiation. IV. Physical properties of bigraft copolymers

The physical properties of bigraft copolymers, i.e., Nordel-g-polystyrene-g-poly(α-methylstyrene) and Nordel-g-polystyrene-g-polyisobutylene, have been studied in terms of stress strain behavior, glass transition temperature, dynamic mechanical data, intrinsic viscosity versus temperature profile and solubility properties. These products are thermoplastic elastomers and show the presence of incompatible domains. Tg and dynamic-mechanical data indicate an aggregation of the polystyrene and poly(α-methylstyrene) phases.
The training of radiotherapists in the United States

The 1980 Survey of Training of Radiotherapists in the United States reveals important and significant facts: the number of institutions offering training has diminished; there has been a drop in the number of residencies offered; more than one-third of these are not filled; the number of young American graduates choosing this specialty has leveled off. The proportion of foreign medical graduates and of females among those receiving training in the United States is higher than average for other specialties.
A Clustering-Based Surrogate Model Updating Approach to Simulation-Based Engineering Design

This paper addresses the critical issue of effectiveness and efficiency in simulation-based optimization using surrogate models as predictive models in engineering design. Specifically, it presents a novel clustering-based multilocation search (CMLS) procedure to iteratively improve the fidelity and efficacy of Kriging models in the context of design decisions. The application of this approach will overcome the potential drawback in surrogate-model-based design optimization, namely, the use of surrogate models may result in suboptimal solutions due to the possible smoothing out of the global optimal point if the sampling scheme fails to capture the critical points of interest with enough fidelity or clarity. The paper details how the problem of smoothing out the best (SOB) can remain unsolved in multimodal systems, even if a sequential model updating strategy has been employed, and lead to erroneous outcomes. Alternatively, to overcome the problem of SOB defect, this paper presents the CMLS method that uses a novel clustering-based methodical procedure to screen out distinct potential optimal points for subsequent model validation and updating from a design decision perspective. It is embedded within a genetic algorithm setup to capture the buried, transient, yet inherent data pattern in the design evolution based on the principles of data mining, which are then used to improve the overall performance and effectiveness of surrogate-model-based design optimization. Four illustrative case studies, including a 21 bar truss problem, are detailed to demonstrate the application of the CMLS methodology and the results are discussed.
Mapping Extent of Floods: What We Have Learned and How We Can Do Better

Much attention has been given to mapping the extent of a flood by using optical, radar, digital elevation model (DEM), and river gauge data. The mapped extent is often supported and verified by ground observations. The popularity of methods that use these data sets has arisen due to effectiveness, availability, and low cost. This paper summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of the individual and combined use of optical, radar, DEM, and river gauge data to map flood extent. The 1999 flood associated with Hurricane Floyd in eastern North Carolina is used as an example throughout the paper.
Localized magnetic moments in metals

Abstract : A simple odel is used to obtain information about localized magnetic moments in metals from Mossbauer (or nuclear magnetic resonance) experiments. The formulation emphasizes the explicit dependence of the hyperfine field on the spin S of the Fe atom and shows why the temperature dependence of the hyperfine field follows a Brillouin function of the total localized spin S (with S does not equal S'). The moment of Fe atoms in dilute concentrations of Pd, Rh, and Mo are determined and the apparent contradiction between Mossbauer and susceptibility measurements for Rh and Mo is discussed.
Effects of a calcium channel blocker on cardiac output distribution in conscious hypertensive dogs.

The effects of nitrendipine, 8 micrograms/kg/minute, were evaluated in six conscious dogs through measurements of arterial pressure and blood flow in the ascending aorta (cardiac output), mesenteric, renal, and iliac arteries before and after induction of chronic perinephritic hypertension. Before hypertension was induced, nitrendipine reduced mean arterial pressure 19 +/- 2.3% (from 95 +/- 3.2 mm Hg), decreased total peripheral resistance (60 +/- 2.6%), and increased cardiac output (108 +/- 10.5%). These values returned to baseline within 15 to 30 minutes. Nitrendipine caused the greatest increase in blood flow in the iliac bed (98 +/- 9.9%), an intermediate increase in the mesenteric bed (37 +/- 3.7%), and the least increase in the renal bed (7 +/- 2.2%). Two to six weeks after induction of hypertension, administration of nitrendipine elicited significant (p less than 0.01) decreases in mean arterial pressure (32 +/- 2.5% from 151 +/- 4.8 mm Hg) and total peripheral resistance (67 +/- 1.3%) compared with its administration in normotensive dogs, while the increase in cardiac output was not significantly changed (111 +/- 10.9%). These changes in arterial pressure and vascular resistances also were prolonged (i.e., hemodynamics returned to baseline after 75-90 minutes). The increase in iliac (99 +/- 16.8%) and renal (9 +/- 6.1%) blood flows after nitrendipine administration in hypertensive dogs was similar to that found in the normotensive dogs, but mesenteric blood flow doubled (84 +/- 8.4%). Thus, in conscious, hypertensive dogs, nitrendipine administration appears to markedly decrease arterial pressure and total peripheral and regional resistances, which also require more time to return to baseline, but appears to increase blood flow by a greater amount only in the mesenteric bed.
The Effects of Real and Computer Generated Friction on Human Performance in a Targeting Task

We present the results of haptic interaction with real and virtual Coulomb friction. Tests were conducted to explore the effects of various types of friction on human performance in a Fitts-style targeting task. The results indicate that haptically rendered friction affects subject performance in a manner quite similar to that of real physical friction. Furthermore, moderate low-stiction friction tends to improve subject performance both in terms of speed and accuracy. High-stiction friction, however, degrades subjects performance, especially in terms of speed.
IL-1R1 is required for dendritic cell–mediated T cell reactivation within the CNS during West Nile virus encephalitis

Infections of the central nervous system (CNS) with cytopathic viruses require efficient T cell responses to promote viral clearance, limit immunopathology, and enhance survival. We found that IL-1R1 is critical for effector T cell reactivation and limits inflammation within the CNS during murine West Nile virus (WNV) encephalitis. WNV-infected IL-1R1−/− mice display intact adaptive immunity in the periphery but succumb to WNV infection caused by loss of virologic control in the CNS with depressed local Th1 cytokine responses, despite parenchymal entry of virus-specific CD8+ T cells. Ex vivo analysis of CD4+ T cells from WNV-infected CNS of IL-1R1−/− mice revealed impaired effector responses, whereas CD8+ T cells revealed no cell intrinsic defects in response to WNV antigen. WNV-infected, IL-1R1−/− mice also exhibited decreased activation of CNS CD11c+CD11b−CD103+ and CD11c+CD11b−CD8α+Dec-205+ cells with reduced up-regulation of the co-stimulatory molecules CD80, CD86, and CD68. Adoptive transfer of wild-type CD11c-EYFP+ cells from WNV-infected CNS into WNV-infected IL-1R1−/− mice trafficked into the CNS restored T cell functions and improved survival from otherwise lethal infection. These data indicate that IL-1R1 signaling promotes virologic control during WNV infection specifically within the CNS via modulation of CD11c+ cell–mediated T cell reactivation at this site.