cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A 3-dimensional FEM model of the human thoracic cavity for simulation of impedance cardiography

The authors developed a three-dimensional quasi-static finite-element model of the human thoracic cavity to emulate the perturbations in conduction-current characteristics associated with physiological dynamics. This model provides a theoretically sound basis for the origin of thoracic impedance waveform components. In the model, the thoracic cavity is represented as an inhomogeneous and anisotropic medium, and constitutive parameters are described as vector quantities. A collection of equations, each describing the shape, position, orientation, and constitutive characteristics of an organ or region of the thoracic cavity, are solved to obtain a mesh for a particular point in time. A solution to Poisson's equation is found for the mesh using iterative finite-difference or finite-element techniques. The results indicate that the sudden decrease in thoracic impedance that is periodic with the ECG waveform (2dZ/dt complex) is primarily due to a sudden increase in the descending aorta's diameter during left-ventricular ejection. >
A unifying framework for tolerance analysis in sensing, design, and manufacturing

In this work we address the problem of tolerance representation and analysis across the domains of industrial inspection using sensed data, CAD design, and manufacturing. Instead of using geometric primitives in CAD models to define and represent tolerances, we propose the use of stronger methods that are completely based on the manufacturing knowledge for the objects to be inspected. We guide our sensing strategies based on the manufacturing process plans for the parts that are to be inspected and define, compute, and analyze the tolerances of the parts based on the uncertainty in the sensed data along the different toolpaths of the sensed part. We believe that our new approach is the best way to unify tolerances across sensing, CAD, and CAM, as it captures the manufacturing knowledge of the parts to be inspected, as opposed to just CAD geometric representations.
A colorimetric method for α-naphthol and its application to assay of hydrolases

Abstract Coupling of α-naphthol with diazotized Aniline Yellow in sodium carbonate solution produces a water-soluble dye (λ max 580 mμ). The reaction serves as the basis of a sensitive estimation of α-naphthol. The general applicability of this colorimetry to assay of hydrolases, using naphthyl esters and glycosides as substrates, is illustrated by an assay of β-acetylglucosaminidase.
Truss optimization including reserve and residual reliability constraints

Abstract A major limitation in many structural optimization programs is the use of deterministic constraints on stresses and performance. Overall safety should consider the statistical properties of loads, materials and analysis variables. System reliability analysis has improved as tools for predicting the overall safety under extreme load conditions. This paper presents the optimization of truss structures with system reliability constraints. System bounding as well as Monte Carlo Importance Sampling are compared for accuracy and efficiency. Optimization is done with system reliability constraints imposed on both the performance of the original intact structure (reserve reliability) as well as the structure response after specified accident or damage scenarios (residual reliability). Several truss examples show the benefits of such optimization for selecting both member sizes as well as structure topologies. Different behavior models include ductile and brittle behavior and degrees of strength correlation. The programs allow the designers to specify different accident scenarios and corresponding target reliability levels as well as target reliability for the intact geometry. The efficiency and accuracy of the system reliability calculations as well as the optimization algorithm is discussed.
Perceptual Priming for Upright and Inverted Faces in Infants and Adults

Based on recent models of the ontogeny of memory (Nelson, 1995), we hypothesize that 6-month-old infants should show evidence of repetition priming. Event-related potentials were recorded from 11 scalp sites to novel and primed upright and inverted faces. In Experiment 1 (n = 24), 6-month-old infants viewed faces that were repeated after 6 to 12 images. Overall, repeated faces demonstrated greater negativity than novel faces and upright faces demonstrated greater negativity than inverted faces. In order to ground these results in an adult model, a group of adults (n = 30) was tested in a similar experiment. Here we observed effects of repetition at an early positive component labeled the P150 as well as at the P300, with repeated images being more positive than novel images. These data support the idea that infants at 6 months are capable of revealing electrophysiological evidence of perceptual priming.
An Interdisciplinary Graduate Level Course in Battery Systems Engineering

The recent introduction of plug-in hybrid electric and fully electric vehicles by major automotive manufacturers signals the advent of technologies that can help us move away from petroleum and towards a more sustainable transportation future. As the demand for electric vehicles grows, there will be an increased need for engineers who can design battery systems that satisfy the stringent energy storage and power delivery demands of passenger vehicles. This paper describes a new course at the University of Detroit Mercy intended to teach students about battery systems engineering. The course is offered as part of a newly-established Advanced Electric Vehicle graduate-level certificate program. The design of a battery system is highly interdisciplinary in nature. Engineers must address mechanical concerns such as packaging, vibration, torsional loads, impact resistance and thermal management; electrical aspects such as those associated with battery monitoring and control; and the electrochemical phenomena that governs capacity, power delivery and absorption, degradation and operating temperatures. A key challenge in the course design was tailoring the material to students with diverse backgrounds which include undergraduate degrees in mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering. The paper describes the development process for the course outcomes, the typical student audience, the structure of the team delivery and the topics covered including examples of lecture material and student assignments. It concludes by summarizing student and instructor feedback along with plans for future course delivery.© 2011 ASME
996 STAPHYLOCOCCAL PROTEIN A (SPA) IN THE EVALUATION OF POSSIBLE CONGENITAL INFECTION

We have used SPA adsorption to remove maternal IgG from cord or neonatal sera to facilitate the diagnosis of congenital infection. To evaluate the clinical usefulness of this procedure, sera sent for “TORCH” serology that were rubella HI (RHI) or toxoplasmosis FA (TFA) positive were retested after SPA adsorption. RHI or TFA was repeated after 4 months of age.
African American and Caucasian preschoolers' use of decontextualized language: literate language features in oral narratives.

Purpose: Low-income preschoolers’ use of literate language features in oral narratives across three age groups (3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds) and two ethnic groups (Caucasian and African American) was e...
Taste Disturbance after Palatopharyngeal Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Taste disorder is a rare complication of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, and may have a significant impact on quality of life. Herein, we report a case of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in a 51-year-old man who experienced taste disturbance after palatopharyngeal surgery using electrocautery for developing a uvulopalatal flap. Gustatory function test using three-drop-method with solutions of highest concentration was implemented to assess the deficiency of four basic tastes. The results showed deficit of sweet taste associated with phantom of bitter taste. The patient reported constant spontaneous bitter taste and dysgeusia in sweet taste with poor quality of life at the 2-year follow-up. We suggest that patients are informed of the potential for taste impairment from palatopharyngeal surgery, as well as reducing the use of electrocautery in developing uvulopalatal flap to reduce damage to taste function.
Designing flexible systems using a new notion of submodularity

Abstract We study the problem of optimal flexibility capacity portfolio selection by introducing a new notion of submodularity for correspondences, which extends the classical notion of submodular functions. In particular, we prove that the correspondence that maps flexible resources to the set of demands that they can process is submodular, and use the properties of submodular correspondences to compare different flexibility configurations and derive insights into the optimal capacity portfolio.
Abnormal immunoglobulin synthesis in monoclonal immunoglobulin light chain and light and heavy chain deposition disease

The Congo red-binding fibrils of AL amyloidosis are the most common form of monoclonal immunoglobulin tissue deposition (MIDD). Nonetheless, the less structured deposits found in light chain deposition disease (LCDD) and the similar, but distinct, deposits of light and heavy chain deposition disease (LHCDD) and heavy chain deposition disease (HCDD) can produce significant clinical pathology. Analyses of immunoglobulin synthesis by bone marrow cells obtained from 7 patients with LCDD and LHCDD demonstrated the production of excess light chains in all and the presence of incomplete light chains or heavy chain fragments in 5, regardless of the presence of an intact monoclonal protein or related subunit in the serum or urine. Our data indicate that, as is the case with the fibrillar deposits of AL amyloid, the non-fibrillar forms of monoclonal Ig deposition (LCDD and LHCDD) can be associated with the presence of immunoglobulin fragments in bone marrow cells. In some instances these appeared to be synthetic in origin, although rapid intracellular proteolysis or a combination of both could not be excluded. In either case the fragments may be more susceptible to tissue deposition, with subsequent organ compromise, than intact Ig chains.
Altenuene derivatives from an unidentified freshwater fungus in the family tubeufiaceae

Four new altenuene derivatives called dihydroaltenuenes A (1) and B (2) and dehydroaltenuenes A (3) and B (4), along with five known compounds, including isoaltenuene (5), altenuene (6), and 5'-epialtenuene (7), were isolated from cultures of an unidentified freshwater aquatic fungal species in the family Tubeufiaceae. The structures of 1-4 were determined by analysis of NMR and MS data. The relative stereochemistry was determined on the basis of (1)H NMR J-values and NOE data, while the absolute configuration of a representative member of the group (5) was assigned by CD spectral analysis of its bis-N,N-dimethylaminobenzoate derivative. Compounds 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 showed antibiotic activity against Gram-positive bacteria.
Effect of small-scale turbulence on feeding rates of larval cod and haddock in stratified water on Georges Bank

Altatract-A set of vertically stratified MOCNESS tows made on the southern flank of Georges Bank in spring 1981 and 1983 was analyzed to examine the relationship between larval cod and haddock feeding success and turbulent dissipation in a stratified water column. Observed feeding ratios (mean no. prey larval gut-‘) for three size classes of larvae were compared with estimated ingestion rates using the Rothschild and Osbom (Journal of Plankton Research, 10, 1988,465-474) predator-prey encounter rate model. Simulation of contact rates requires parameter estimates of larval 6sh and their prey cruising speeds, density of prey, and turbulent velocity of the water column. Turbulent dissipation was estimated from a formulation by James (Estuarine and Coastal Marine Science, 5, 1977,339-353) incorporating both a wind and tidal component. Larval ingestion rates were based on swallowing probabilities derived from calm-water laboratory observations. Model-predicted turbulence profiles generally showed that dissipation rates were low to moderate (10-“-10-7 W kg-‘). Turbulence was minimal at or below the pycnocline (a25 m) with higher values (l-2 orders of magnitude) near the surface due to wind mixing and at depth due to shear in the tidal current near bottom. In a stratified water column during the day, first-feeding larvae (5-6 mm) were located mostly within or above the pycnocline coincident with their copepod prey (nauplii and copepodites). The 7-8 mm larvae were most abundant within the pycnocline, whereas the 9-10 mm larvae were found within and below the pycnocline. Feeding ratios were relatively low in early morning following darkness when the wind speed was low, but increased by a factor of 2-13 by noon and evening when the wind speed doubled. Comparison of depth-specific feeding ratios with estimated ingestion rates, derived from turbulence-affected contact rates, generally were reasonable after allowing for an average gut evacuation time (4 h), and in many cases the observed and estimated values had similar profiles. However, differences in vertical profiles may be attributed to differential digestion time, pursuit behavior tie&d by high turbulence, vertical migration of the larger larvae, an optimum light level for feeding, smaller-scale prey patchiness, and the gross estimates of turbulence. Response-surface estimation of averaged feeding ratios as a function of averaged prey density (O50 m) with a minimum water-column turbulence value predicted that 5-6mm larvae have a maximum feeding response at the highest prey densities (> 30 prey 1-i) and lower turbulence estimates ( 10 prey I- *) as turbulence increases to intermediate levels, clearly showing an interaction effect. In general, maximum feeding ratios occur at low to intermediate levels of turbulence where average prey density is greater than 10-20 prey 1-l. Copyright 0 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd
CML: live long and prosper.

Chronic myeloid leukemia provides one of the outstanding success stories in hematologic oncology. Thousands of patients have been able to continue their lives because of a remarkably effective, genetically targeted therapy.
An AGM model for changes in complement during pregnancy: neutralization of influenza virus by serum is diminished in late third trimester.

Pregnant women in the third trimester are at increased risk of severe influenza disease relative to the general population, though mechanisms behind this are not completely understood. The immune response to influenza infection employs both complement (C') and antibody (Ab). The relative contributions of these components to the anti-viral response are difficult to dissect because most humans have pre-existing influenza-specific Abs. We developed the African green monkey (AGM) as a tractable nonhuman primate model to study changes in systemic innate immunity to influenza during pregnancy. Because the AGMs were influenza-naive, we were able to examine the role of C' in influenza virus neutralization using serum from non-pregnant animals before and after influenza infection. We determined that serum from naive AGMs neutralized influenza via C', while post-infection neutralization did not require C', suggesting an Ab-mediated mechanism. The latter mimicked neutralization using human serum. Further, we found that ex vivo neutralization of influenza with both naive and influenza-immune AGM serum occurred by virus particle aggregation and lysis, with immune serum lysing virus at a much higher rate than naive serum. We hypothesized that the anti-influenza C' response would diminish late in AGM pregnancy, corresponding with the time when pregnant women suffer increased influenza severity. We found that influenza neutralization capacity is significantly diminished in serum collected late in the third trimester. Strikingly, we found that circulating levels of C3, C3a, and C4 are diminished late in gestation relative to nonpregnant animals, and while neutralization capacity and serum C3a return to normal shortly after parturition, C3 and C4 levels do not. This AGM model system will enable further studies of the role of physiologic and hormonal changes in downregulating C'-mediated anti-viral immunity during pregnancy, and it will permit the identification of therapeutic targets to improve outcomes of influenza virus infection in pregnant women.
Encouraging creative thinking in robots improves their ability to solve challenging problems

Evolutionary algorithms frequently get stuck on local optima--and fail to find the global optimum--when local gradients do not point the search process toward the direction of the global optimum. A recent breakthrough called Novelty Search ameliorates this problem by enabling the search process to explore in every direction by encouraging the production of novel, or not-yet-seen, phenotypes (e.g. new robot behaviors). However, a problem with Novelty Search is that it can get lost on "novelty plateaus" wherein novel behaviors in offspring are not immediately produced by mutation and crossover (e.g. when a sequence of specific mutations is required to produce new behaviors, but the intermediate mutations are not rewarded because they do not produce novel behaviors). In such cases, Novelty Search and related approaches that reward behavioral diversity can get stuck. Here we introduce a new approach, borrowed from human psychology, that mitigates this problem: encouraging creative thinking. In addition to rewarding novel behavior, we encourage evolving neural networks to "think differently" by rewarding not-yet-seen firing patterns in hidden neurons, which we call the "Creative Thinking Approach." We hypothesize that encouraging novel thinking can reward stepping stones toward new behaviors. On a variety of challenging robotic control problems from previous publications we demonstrate that, as problem difficulty increases, adding the Creative Thinking Approach increasingly improves performance over simply encouraging novel behaviors. Our results suggest that the Creative Thinking Approach could help improve the scale and complexity of problems that can be solved by evolutionary algorithms.
Sensitivity and specificity of sextant biopsies in the detection of prostate cancer: preliminary report.

Abstract Objectives. To determine the true-negative and false-negative rates of sextant prostate biopsies, the most common method of prostate cancer diagnosis. Methods. Forty-three men scheduled for prostatectomy as part of a surgical procedure for bladder pathologic findings agreed to participate in this study. All patients had normal digital rectal examination findings. Immediately before prostatectomy all patients underwent sextant biopsies. The location, amount, and Gleason grade of any cancer identified on the biopsies were recorded. After surgery, the prostate was serially sectioned. The location, grade, and volume of any prostatic adenocarcinoma identified was recorded and compared with the results of the biopsy specimens. Results. There were 33 patients without prostate cancer in either the biopsies or the prostatectomy specimen. No patients had cancer on the biopsies and no cancer in the prostatectomy specimen. In 6 patients, cancer was found in both the biopsies and the prostatectomy specimens; these cancers were 0.9, 2.1, 2.8, 3.1, 4.2, and 6.5 cc in volume. In the remaining 4 patients, there was no cancer on the biopsies but the prostatectomy specimen revealed cancers of 0.05, 0.1, 0.3, and 2.5 cc. The overall sensitivity for sextant biopsies was 60.0%, with a specificity of 100%. When only cancers greater than 2 cc or cancers in the peripheral zone were considered, the sensitivity rose to 83.3% and 71.4%, respectively, with a minimal decrease in specificity (97.3% and 97.2%, respectively). In contrast, when transition zone cancers were evaluated, the sensitivity fell to 33.3%. Conclusions. Sextant biopsies are fairly sensitive for the detection of tumors greater than 2 cc and those in the peripheral zone; however, repeat biopsies should be strongly considered in patients with a high clinical suspicion for prostate cancer and negative initial sextant biopsies.
Damping in Lap Joints Due to Partial and Full Micro-Slip Using a Three Dimensional Elastic Contact of Rough Surfaces

Energy dissipation in mechanical joints occurs as a result of micro-slip motion between contacting rough surfaces. An account of this phenomenon is especially challenging due to the vast differences in the length and time scale differences between the macro-mechanical structure and the micron-scale events at the joint interface. This paper considers the contact between two nominally flat surfaces containing micron-scale roughness. The rough surface interaction is viewed as a multi-sphere elastic interaction subject to a periodic tangential force. It combines the Mindlin’s formulation [1, 2] for the elastic interaction of two spheres with the Greenwood and Williamson’s [3] statistical approach for the contact of two nominally flat rough surfaces so as to develop a model for multi-sphere problem in which sphere radii, contact load and the number of spheres in contact can only be known in a statistical sense and not deterministically.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
An Analysis of Errors in Feature-Preserving Mesh Simplification Based on Edge Contraction

The Quadric Error Metric (QEM) [1] criterion has been widely applied in mesh simplification procedures. Related criteria--such as the Quasi-Covariance Error Metric (QCEM) [2], which may produce superior results to the QEM--have also been reported in recent years. In this paper, the underlying reasons that criteria such as QEM and QCEM are so successful in mesh simplification processes are considered through analysis of error in the simplification process. Focus is on the use of the QEM and QCEM criteria in edge contraction-based mesh simplification.
Epistemic frames for epistemic games

This paper, develops the concept of epistemic frames as a mechanism through which students can use experiences in video games, computer games, and other interactive learning environments to help them deal more effectively with situations outside of the original context of learning. Building on ideas of islands of expertise [Crowley, K., & Jacobs, M. (2002). Islands of expertise and the development of family scientific literacy. In G. Leinhardt, K. Crowley, & K. Knutson (Eds.), Learning conversations in museums. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum], communities of practice [Lave, J., & Wenger, E. (1991). Situated learning: Legitimate peripheral participation. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press], and ways of knowing [Broudy, H. (1977). Types of knowledge and purposes of education. In R. C. Anderson, R. J. Spiro, & W. E. Montague (Eds.), Schooling and the acquisition of knowledge (pp. 1-17). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum], epistemic frames are described as the ways of knowing, of deciding what is worth knowing, and of adding to the collective body of knowledge and understanding of a community of practice. Data from two experiments [Shaffer, D. W. (2004a). Pedagogical praxis: the professions as models for post-industrial education. Teachers College Record, 106(7); Shaffer, D. W. (2004b). When computer-supported collaboration means computer-supported competition: professional mediation as a model for collaborative learning. Journal of Interactive Learning Research, 15(2); Shaffer, D. W. (2005a). Studio mathematics: The epistemology and practice of design pedagogy as a model for mathematics learning (WCER Working Paper Series No. 2005-3). Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin Center for Educational Research] are used to show that students can incorporate epistemic frames into their identities when engaged in extended educational role-playing games. Epistemic frames are thus proposed as a possible mechanism through which sufficiently rich experiences in computer-supported games based on real-world practices may help students deal more effectively with situations in the real-world and in school subjects.
Replication and budding of simian immunodeficiency virus in polarized epithelial cells.

Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection of primates provides an important model for infection of humans by HIV. Since mucosal epithelium is likely to be an important portal of entry, we decided to study aspects of the interaction of SIV with epithelial cells. SIV was shown to produce virus efficiently in polarized epithelial cells (Vero C1008) transfected with SIVmac239 proviral DNA. The virus titer in the epithelial cell culture fluid reached 10(3) TCID50/ml at day 3 posttransfection. Initially after transfected epithelial cells were plated on a permeable membrane, virus budded at both the apical and the basolateral domains. However, after the cells formed a tight monolayer, 95-100% of the virus particles budded basolaterally, as assessed by release of p27 antigen into the fluid above and below the monolayer. This finding was confirmed by electron microscopy, which showed that the mature virus budded basolaterally in polarized cells. After introduction of the CD4 gene into Vero cells by a retrovirus vector, polarizable cells were able to be infected by cell-free SIVmac239 virus. The virus titer reached 10(4) TCID50/ml in culture fluid and virions also budded basolaterally, the same as the virus from transfected cells. Two viruses (SIVmac1A11 and SIVmac251) that contain truncated TMgp28 instead of TMgp41 also budded basolaterally. Furthermore, we found that HIV-1 with full-length or truncated TMgp41 also budded basolaterally.
Model for multi-stand management based on structural attributes of individual stands

A growing interest in managing forest ecosystems calls for decision models that take into account attribute goals for large forest areas while continuing to recognize the individual stand as a basic unit of forest management. A dynamic, nonlinear forest management model is described that schedules silvicultural treatments for individual stands that are linked by multi-stand management constraints. A growth model useful for many eastern forest types accounts for stand dynamics resulting from cutting decisions. This modeling approach provides a framework for coordinating management goals over many stands while meeting the practical need for stand-level cutting prescriptions. An example problem demonstrates how to measure the tradeoff between economic efficiency and tree species diversity. Dimension limits and solver efficiency are discussed.
Distributed data collection in large-scale asynchronous wireless sensor networks under the generalized physical interference model

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are more likely to be distributed asynchronous systems. In this paper, we investigate the achievable data collection capacity of realistic distributed asynchronous WSNs. Our main contributions include five aspects. First, to avoid data transmission interference, we derive an Ro-proper carrier-sensing range (Ro - PCR) under the generalized physical interference model, where Ro is the satisfied threshold of data receiving rate. Taking Ro - PCR as its carrier-sensing range, any sensor node can initiate a data transmission with a guaranteed data receiving rate. Second, based on Ro - PCR, we propose a Distributed Data Collection (DDC) algorithm with fairness consideration. Theoretical analysis of DDC surprisingly shows that its achievable network capacity is order-optimal and independent of network size. Thus, DDC is scalable. Third, we discuss how to apply Ro - PCR to the distributed data aggregation problem and propose a Distributed Data Aggregation (DDA) algorithm. The delay performance of DDA is also analyzed. Fourth, to be more general, we study the delay and capacity of DDC and DDA under the Poisson node distribution model. The analysis demonstrates that DDC is also scalable and order-optimal under the Poisson distribution model. Finally, we conduct extensive simulations to validate the performance of DDC and DDA.
Effects of pressure and dilution on the extinction of counterflow nonpremixed hydrogen-air flames

To increase the understanding of the critical phenomena of ignition and extinction in high-speed propulsiondevices, an experimental and computational study has been conducted on the strain-induced extinction of nonpremixed counterflow flames of diluted hydrogen against air. The study reports laser-Doppler velocimetry-(LDV)-determined local extinction strain rates of these flames, with various amounts of dilution and at pressures of 0.5 and 1.0 atm. The measured data compare well with results obtained from computational simulations with detailed chemistry and transport. Additional computational study on the effects of dilution and pressure shows that the extinction flame temperatures and strain rates exhibit a nonmonotonic variation with increasing pressure, which is characteristic of the explosion limits of homogeneous hydrogen-oxygen mixtures. This behavior is explained on the basis of the intrinsic chain branching-termination kinetics of hydrogen oxidation. The similarity in the dominant kinetic steps responsible for both the ignition/explosion and extinction phenomena is discussed.
Tell Me a Story: A New Look at Real and Artificial Memory

Schank takes a look at the human side of intelligence: thinking, memory, imagination, imagery, and mythology. A bold attempt at showing how the mind assimilates knowledge and how that knowledge is retrieved--a process similar in both humans and machines.
IL-33 enhances Siglec-8 mediated apoptosis of human eosinophils.

Abstract IL-33 activates eosinophils directly via the ST2 receptor. Like IL-5, IL-33 induces eosinophilia and eosinophilic airway inflammation in mouse models and primes human eosinophil responses. Previously, we reported that IL-5 priming enhances Siglec-8 mediated mitochondrial and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent eosinophilic apoptosis and eliminates caspase dependence of this cell death process. Whether IL-33, like IL-5, augments pro-apoptotic pathways involving receptors such as Siglec-8 and in a similar manner has not been explored. Annexin-V labeling was performed to detect apoptosis in human eosinophils pre-incubated with or without a range of concentrations of IL-33 and/or IL-5 in the presence or absence of Siglec-8 monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2C4 and inhibitors of caspases. Tetramethyl-rhodamine staining was used as a marker of mitochondrial membrane potential loss and injury. ROS production was determined by measuring the superoxide dismutase-inhibitable reduction of cytochrome c. Cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) was assessed using Western blotting. Eosinophils cultured alone or with mAb 2C4 underwent low levels of apoptosis at 24 h. 2C4-induced eosinophil apoptosis was markedly and equally enhanced after culture for 24 h with either IL-33 or IL-5, although IL-5 was more potent. Effects on apoptosis with IL-33 and IL-5 were synergistic. In contrast, percentages of cells exhibiting reduced mitochondrial membrane potential were greater with IL-33 than IL-5 and effects of these cytokines were also synergistic. Antimycin, an inhibitor of mitochondrial electron transport, almost completely inhibited 2C4-induced apoptosis with either IL-33 or IL-5. Surprisingly, 2C4-induced eosinophil ROS production was significantly enhanced with IL-5 but not IL-33. Siglec-8-mediated apoptosis in the presence of IL-33 was more sensitive in magnitude than IL-5 to inhibition by the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK, yet both cytokine conditions were associated with PARP cleavage. These data demonstrate that IL-33 is as effective but less potent than IL-5 in enhancing Siglec-8-mediated eosinophil apoptosis, and can synergize with IL-5. Eosinophils primed by IL-33 and/or IL-5 in vivo would be expected to display enhanced susceptibility to undergoing Siglec-8-induced apoptosis.
In vitro effects of pentosan polysulfate against malignant breast cells

Abstract Background Pentosan polysulfate (Elmiron); (Alza Pharmaceuticals, Mountain View, CA) is the only Food and Drug Administration–approved oral therapy for interstitial cystitis (IC). Women with IC and breast cancer are often in the same age range; therefore, we hypothesize that pentosan polysulfate may also have a therapeutic effect on breast cancer cells in vitro. Methods Breast cancer lines MCF-7, ZR75-1, and HTB26 were treated with pentosan polysulfate at various concentrations. Cell viability was measured at 24 hours by MTT. Annexin V assay was used to determine the effect of pentosan polysulfate on apoptotic and necrotic activity. Results Pentosan polysulfate significantly inhibited the growth of the ZR75-1 cells; however, significant cellular proliferation was observed in the MCF-7 cells. A significant change in late apoptotic activity was observed with pentosan polysulfate treatment in vitro. Conclusions Caution should be used in prescribing pentosan polysulfate for the treatment of IC in patients who are both in high-risk groups for breast cancer and premenopausal females.
Effect of the 5-HT6 serotonin antagonist MS-245 on the actions of (−)nicotine

Abstract The 5-HT 6 serotonin receptor antagonist MS-245 neither substitutes for nor antagonizes the discriminative stimulus effects of (−)nicotine. However, MS-245 was shown to enhance the potency of (−)nicotine in Sprague–Dawley rats trained to discriminate 0.6 mg/kg of (−)nicotine from saline vehicle in a typical two-lever drug discrimination paradigm such that a combination of MS-245 (5.0 mg/kg) plus the ED 50 dose of (−)nicotine caused the animals to respond as if they had received the training dose of (−)nicotine. MS-245 also potentiated the hypolocomotor actions, but not the antinociceptive effects, of (−)nicotine in mice. The results suggest possible involvement of serotonin-regulated signaling mechanisms in certain behavioral effects of nicotine.
Variable Shields number model for river bankfull geometry: bankfull shear velocity is viscosity-dependent but grain size-independent

ABSTRACTThe bankfull geometry of alluvial rivers is thought to be controlled by water and sediment supply, and characteristic sediment size. Here we demonstrate a novel finding: when bankfull shear velocity and bankfull depth are correlated against bed material grain size and bed slope, they are to first order independent of grain size and dependent on water viscosity. We demonstrate this using a similarity collapse for bankfull Shields number as a function of slope and grain size, obtained with data for 230 river reaches ranging from silt-bed to cobble-bed. Our analysis shows that bankfull Shields number increases with slope to about the half power. We show that the new relation for bankfull Shields number provides more realistic predictions for the downstream variation of bankfull characteristics of rivers than a previously used assumption of constant bankfull Shields number.
Palladium-assisted carbohydrate reactions I. Sodium cyanoborohydride-promoted allylic rearrangements of C-6 substituted pyranoside glycals.

Abstract Methoxypalladation of C-6 substituted pyranoside glycals followed by addition of sodium cyanoborohydride gives allylic rearrangement products in good yield with excellent regio-and stereoselectivity.
Influence of water quality on silver toxicity to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), and water fleas (Daphnia magna)

Toxicity bioassays were conducted to quantify water quality conditions under which silver, as silver nitrate, is toxic to Oncorhynchus mykiss. Pimephales promelas, and Daphnia magna. Bioassays for P. promelas and D. magna were conducted as static replacement tests, whereas a flow-through bioassay system was modified and used for O. mykiss. Results from 96-h toxicity bioassays for O. mykiss indicated that chloride, hardness, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) protected against silver toxicosis, with DOC affording the highest protective effects. For P. promelas and D. magna, little protection was provided by increased CaCo+O{sub 3} alone, whereas DOC had a major ameliorating influence on measured silver toxicity. Lower concentrations of chloride had little effect on reducing silver nitrate toxicity. Dissolved organic carbon was more important than hardness for predicting the toxicity of ionic silver in natural waters to O. mykiss, P. promelas, and D. magna. Similarly, DOC significantly reduced silver nitrate toxicity to trout, whereas Cl{sup {minus}} and hardness had only a minor protective effect. However, Cl{sup {minus}}/DOC mixtures showed a greater-than-additive protective effect. Thus, the authors suggest that incorporating an organic carbon coefficient into the silver criterion equation will enhance the criterion values for site specificity.
Changes in pulmonary hemodynamics with aging in a predominantly hypertensive population.

Abstract The impact of aging on pulmonary hemodynamics was investigated in 322 patients who underwent right- and left-sided cardiac catheterization and echocardiographic examination, and were free of coronary disease, impaired left ventricular systolic function and left ventricular dilatation. Most of the patients were black (83%) and hypertensive (78%). Mean pulmonary artery pressures increased progressively with age: 16.7 ± 4.6, 17.9 ± 6.4 and 20.6 ± 8.0 mm Hg for those aged
Crystallographic Controls on the Alteration of Microcline Perthites from the Spruce Pine District, North Carolina

Altered perthites from a weathered pegmatite in the Spruce Pine District, North Carolina, were characterized by electron microprobe as a K-rich microcline host with lesser Na-rich plagioclase having a lamellar morphology. Light-optical and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show microtextural elements such as phase boundaries, holes and microfractures that could serve as potential nucleation sites for alteration to clay minerals. The host microcline contains albite and pericline twinning textures that vary in character; the amount of each twinning type and/or the size of twin individuals changes on a mu m scale. Plagioclase ranges from large lamellar vein and film albite (visible in the light microscope) to cryptoperthite whose size ranges from mu m to perhaps 100 Aa. The smallest-scale albite appears to be a late-stage phase of exsolution in which lamellae have nucleated heterogeneously on albite-twin composition planes in the microcline. Alteration is concentrated in vein and film albite, especially along grain boundaries with microcline. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of intensely altered pegmatite show halloysite. Holes, microfractures, vein albite/host microcline boundaries and microcline/halloysite boundaries trend parallel to the traces of (010) and {110}, suggesting that these directions are pathways along which fluids migrate. Cleavage and microfractures occur along, and holes are bounded by, these directions. Holes are associated with dislocations and the latter are observed at feldspar/clay boundaries. Twin domains and cryptoperthitic albite are less susceptible to alteration than coarse lamellar albite and regions containing negative crystals and microfractures. However, microtextures in some areas containing halloysite suggest that once fluids penetrate the crystal, alteration may proceed preferentially in more strongly twinned regions.
Timing of surgery in acute anterior cruciate ligament tears on the return of quadriceps muscle strength after reconstruction using an autogenous patellar tendon graft

To determine if patients who delayed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction until a convenient time regained quadriceps muscle strength allowing them to return to sports participation at a different rate than patients who had early surgery for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, we studied 143 patients who had the same surgical procedure and postoperative rehabilitation program. Group I delayed surgery at a mean of 40 days after injury; Group II had early surgery at a mean of 11 days after injury. Statistically, Group I patients had significantly better mean quadriceps muscle strength at 2 months (P = 0.017) and at 4 months (P = 0.0055) postoperatively. At least 65% quadriceps muscle strength was achieved by 40 of the 50 patients (80%) tested in Group I at 2 months, allowing the patients to progress to sport-specific rehabilitation. Only 35 of the 66 patients (53%) tested in Group II were able to progress toward sports activities at 2 months. By 6 months, 29 of the 40 patients (73%) tested in Group I compared with 27 of the 58 patients (47%) tested in Group II had 80% quadriceps muscle strength. This study demonstrates that the return of quadriceps muscle strength was faster for our patients who delayed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction than for our patients who had early reconstruction. Thus, despite delaying their early reconstructions, Group I was able to progress sooner from the date of surgery to sport-specific rehabilitation.
The research and scheme of RBAC using J2EE security mechanisms

Access control based on RBAC makes the system suitable to the security strategy for special application, relieves burden of system administrators and can adapt itself to the adjustment of the system structure flexibly. But all the existing security mechanisms of the middleware technology can't support the RBAC model very well. The method using J2EE security mechanisms to support RBAC is showed in this paper. First, the configuration of J2EE security systems is given in the paper and the algorithm of J2EE authorization decision is designed. Then, the language of J2EE security description is used to define RBAC, and realization of the requirement of J2EE security service is given. It has achieved the anticipative effect in virtue of deployment and application on the platform of the national science technology infrastructure.
A Single Highly Mutable Catalytic Site Amino Acid Is Critical for DNA Polymerase Fidelity

DNA polymerases contain active sites that are structurally superimposable and conserved in amino acid sequence. To probe the biochemical and structure-function relationship of DNA polymerases, a large library (200,000 members) of mutant Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase I (Taq pol I) was created containing random substitutions within a portion of the dNTP binding site (Motif A; amino acids 605-617), and a fraction of all selected active Taq pol I (291 out of 8000) was tested for base pairing fidelity; seven unique mutants that efficiently misincorporate bases and/or extend mismatched bases were identified and sequenced. These mutants all contain substitutions of one specific amino acid, Ile-614, which forms part of the hydrophobic pocket that binds the base and ribose portions of the incoming nucleotide. Mutant Taq pol Is containing hydrophilic substitution I614K exhibit 10-fold lower base misincorporation fidelity, as well as a high propensity to extend mispairs. In addition, these low fidelity mutants containing hydrophilic substitution for Ile-614 can bypass damaged templates that include an abasic site and vinyl chloride adduct ethenoA. During polymerase chain reaction, Taq pol I mutant I614K exhibits an error rate that is >20-fold higher relative to the wild-type enzyme and efficiently catalyzes both transition and transversion errors. These studies have generated polymerase chain reaction-proficient mutant polymerases containing substitutions within the active site that confers low base pairing fidelity and a high error rate. Considering the structural and sequence conservation of Motif A, it is likely that a similar substitution will yield active low fidelity DNA polymerases that are mutagenic.
Is science in danger of sanctifying the wolf

Abstract Historically the wolf (Canis lupus) was hated and extirpated from most of the contiguous United States. The federal Endangered Species Act fostered wolf protection and reintroduction which improved the species’ image. Wolf populations reached biological recovery in the Northern Rocky Mountains and upper Midwest, and the animal has been delisted from the Endangered Species List in those areas. Numerous studies in National Parks suggest that wolves, through trophic cascades, have caused ecosystems to change in ways many people consider positive. Several studies have been conducted in Yellowstone National Park where wolf interactions with their prey, primarily elk (Cervus elaphus), are thought to have caused reduction of numbers or changes in movements and behavior. Some workers consider the latter changes to have led to a behaviorally-mediated trophic cascade. Either the elk reduction or the behavioral changes are hypothesized to have fostered growth in browse, primarily willows (Salix spp.) and aspen (Populus spp.), and that growth has resulted in increased beavers (Castor Canadensis), songbirds, and hydrologic changes. The wolf’s image thus has gained an iconic cachet. However, later research challenges several earlier studies’ findings such that earlier conclusions are now controversial, especially those related to causes of browse regrowth. In any case, any such cascading effects of wolves found in National Parks would have little relevance to most of the wolf range because of overriding anthropogenic influences there on wolves, prey, vegetation, and other parts of the food web. The wolf is neither a saint nor a sinner except to those who want to make it so.
Influences of sensation seeking, gender, risk appraisal, and situational motivation on smoking.

The study evaluated the current relationship between the trait of sensation seeking and smoking as possibly mediated by gender, cognitive risk appraisal and situational-relevant motivation. Subject were 1071 male and female undergraduates of whom 279 indicated they were past or current smokers and completed a Smoking Questionnaire (SQ). All subjects took the Sensation Seeking Scale. Sensation seeking is significantly (p less than .001) related to the proportion smoking in both men and women, although more women at the university are now smoking. Sensation seekers inhaled more of the smoke than lows, perhaps an indication of stronger nicotine need. Smoking was seen as highly risky, but the degree of estimated risk was not related to sensation seeking. Women reported smoking more in emotional and social situations; men reported smoking more in situations requiring close attention to a task. Sensation seekers reported smoking more than lows in social situations. Research is needed on specific cognitive factors mediating smoking and how they are related to personality and gender.
The pathobiology of blast injuries and blast-induced neurotrauma as identified using a new experimental model of injury in mice.

Current experimental models of blast injuries used to study blast-induced neurotrauma (BINT) vary widely, which makes the comparison of the experimental results extremely challenging. Most of the blast injury models replicate the ideal Friedlander type of blast wave, without the capability to generate blast signatures with multiple shock fronts and refraction waves as seen in real-life conditions; this significantly reduces their clinical and military relevance. Here, we describe the pathophysiological consequences of graded blast injuries and BINT generated by a newly developed, highly controlled, and reproducible model using a modular, multi-chamber shock tube capable of tailoring pressure wave signatures and reproducing complex shock wave signatures seen in theater. While functional deficits due to blast exposure represent the principal health problem for today's warfighters, the majority of available blast models induces tissue destruction rather than mimic functional deficits. Thus, the main goal of our model is to reliably reproduce long-term neurological impairments caused by blast. Physiological parameters, functional (motor, cognitive, and behavioral) outcomes, and underlying molecular mechanisms involved in inflammation measured in the brain over the 30 day post-blast period showed this model is capable of reproducing major neurological changes of clinical BINT.