cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of HIV‐Related Chemokine Receptors and Chemokines in Human Erythropoiesis in Vitro

In order to better define the role of HIV-related chemokines in human erythropoiesis we studied: A) the expression of chemokine receptors, both on human CD34(+) cells which include erythroid progenitors and on more mature erythroid cells; B) the functionality of these receptors by calcium flux, chemotaxis assay and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) p42/44 (ERK1/ERK2) and AKT, and finally C) the influence of chemokines on BFU-E formation. We found that HIV-related chemokine receptor CXCR4, but not CCR5, is detectable on human CD34(+) BFU-E cells. CXCR4 surface expression decreased during erythroid maturation, although CXCR4 mRNA was still present in cells isolated from differentiated erythroid colonies. SDF-1, a CXCR4 ligand, induced calcium flux and phosphorylation of MAPK (p42/44) and AKT in CD34(+)KIT(+) bone marrow mononuclear cells which contain BFU-E, as well as chemotactic activity of both human CD34(+) BFU-E progenitors and erythroid cells isolated from day 2-6 BFU-E colonies. Responsiveness to SDF-1 decreased when the cells differentiated to the point of surface expression of the erythroid-specific marker Glycophorin-A. In contrast, the CCR5 ligands (macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha [MIP-1alpha], MIP-1beta, and RANTES) did not activate calcium flux, MAPK and AKT phosphorylation or chemotaxis of CD34(+)KIT(+) cells or cells isolated from the BFU-E colonies. Interestingly, none of the chemokines tested in this study had any effect on BFU-E colony formation. In conclusion, only CXCR4 is functional, and its specific ligand SDF-1 may therefore play an important role in the homing and/or retention of early erythroid precursors in the bone marrow environment.
Neonatal lead exposure potentiates sickness behavior induced by Listeria monocytogenes infection of mice

Abstract The effects of lead (Pb) administration on infection-induced decreases in water intake, food intake, and body weight gain have been assessed as manifestations of sickness behavior using a BALB/c mouse model. Pb acetate (0.5 mM) was administered via drinking water to dams from Day 0 postpartum to weaning and to mouse pups after weaning until sacrifice. At 22 days after birth, young mice were infected with Listeria monocytogenes. Mice with blood Pb levels of less than 25 μg/dl exhibited enhanced and prolonged sickness behavior compared to mice not exposed to Pb. With this mouse model, after infection, serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were enhanced in Pb-exposed mice. Compared with control infected mice, significant reductions in the number of thymic CD4 + CD8 + , CD4 + , CD8 + , and CD4 − CD8 − T cells were observed in Pb-exposed mice. As a substitute for the infection, mice were injected with IL-1 and/or IL-6; Pb exacerbated sickness behavior only in mice injected peripherally with IL-1 and IL-6. Our data in young mice suggest that children with blood Pb levels during bacterial infection may exhibit enhanced and prolonged sickness behavior due to Pb/cytokine-dependent processes and that Pb appears to influence sickness behavior depending on the types and amounts of cytokines generated.
Characterization of changes in leptin and leptin receptors in a rat model of preeclampsia.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of reduced uteroplacental perfusion pressure on plasma leptin and placental leptin receptor expression in rats that develop hypertension in the third trimester of pregnancy. Study design The ovarian arteries and abdominal aortae of pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 9) were constricted surgically on day 14 of gestation and were matched with sham controls. Systolic blood pressure and weight were measured biweekly. Maternal plasma leptin levels, placental leptin receptor abundance, fetal number, fetal weight, and placental weight were determined. Results Reductions in perfusion pressure induced a significant decrease in maternal plasma leptin. Maternal systolic blood pressure and leptin receptor protein abundance was increased in the experimental group. Litter size and fetal and placental weight were significantly decreased in response to reduced perfusion pressure. Conclusion Reduced uteroplacental perfusion pressure reduces litter size, fetal and placental weights, and maternal plasma leptin levels and increases placental expression of leptin receptors.
P 3 E: New life for projection—based image processing

Abstract This paper deals with a novel architecture that makes real-time projection-based image processing a reality. The design is founded on raster-mode processing, which is exploited in a powerful and flexible pipeline. This architecture, dubbed “P 3 E” (Parallel Pipeline Projection Engine), supports a large variety of image processing and image analysis applications. In the present paper, we concern ourselves with several image processing tasks, such as discrete approximations of the Radon and inverse Radon transform, among other projection operators; CT reconstructions; 2-D convolutions; rotations and translations; etc. However, there is also an extensive list of key image analysis algorithms that are supported by P 3 E, thus making it a profound and versatile tool for projection-based computer vision. Recently, several image analysis operators were mapped onto this architecture to solve some important automated inspection problems. We have yet to apply P 3 E to many other unexplored image processing and image analysis tasks. Examples of these are object recognition, motion parameter computations, approximation of the Fourier transform on polar rasters, etc.
Elder-Caregiver Relationships in Shared Households

A model exploring the relationship between older helpers and their caregivers in shared households is developed by using hierarchical multiple regression techniques in a path analytic framework. Data were obtained through personal interviews with a probability sample of 753 older persons and their informal helpers. The results suggest that the impact of demands on the caregiver on the dyadic relationship are mediated by the impact of elder's presence on household functioning, elder's contribution to household tasks, and the availability of alternative caregivers.
Therapeutic Targets in Pilocytic Astrocytoma Based on Genetic Analysis

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is the most common astrocytic neoplasm of childhood. Patients have an extremely favorable prognosis after surgical resection, qualifying tumors for a grade I designation by the World Health Organization. The molecular data on PA support a key role for the BRAF oncogene in the pathogenesis of these tumors, with the KIAA1549-BRAF fusion being the most common alteration identified in sporadic cases, particularly those occurring in the posterior fossa. Constitutive activation of BRAF leads to downstream activation of the MEK/MAPK/ERK/p16 pathway, which interestingly is also used by cells to activate oncogene-induced senescence (OIS). In fact, the presence of an active OIS pathway might explain the periods of dormancy or spontaneous regression or both, that can be seen in PA. In addition to reviewing the historical evolution, clinicopathologic, predictive, prognostic, and molecular features of PA, we discuss current therapeutic strategies and the caveats that should be considered for the development of therapies that could be used to more effectively treat challenging cases. Individualized treatment requires identification of the type of MAPK alteration, as several alterations in BRAF have been described in addition to the KIAA1549-BRAF fusion. Combination regimens would also appear crucial to achieve tumor eradication and prevent the development of drug resistance. Balancing mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway inhibition with abrogation of an active OIS should be carefully considered as well to preserve any existing protective pathways. Importantly, PAs are largely indolent tumors, and care should be taken to avoid overtreatment, as aggressive therapy could cause more harm than good.
FORMATION OF N‐PROPYL ALCOHOL BY CELL‐FREE EXTRACTS OF SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE*

n-Propyl alcohol formation from α-ketobutyric acid was obtained in cell-free extracts of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. ellipsoideus and the optimal conditions for the formation were determined. In the presence of NAD† the concentration of n-propyl alcohol formed was the same with extracts of yeast grown either aerobically or anaerobically, but in the presence of NADP more n-propyl alcohol was formed with extracts of aerobic yeast. There was no evidence for an increase in an NADP-specific alcohol dehydrogenase, and the increased formation of n-propyl alcohol by extracts of aerobic yeast with added NADP was attributed to a greater reductive capacity of the extracts of aerobic cells in the presence of NADP. No system of enzymes for the formation of n-propyl alcohol was found other than those involved in ethyl alcohol formation. However, alcohol dehydrogenase from aerobic cells had a greater specificity for n-propyl alcohol, compared with ethyl alcohol, than the enzyme from anaerobically grown cells. This difference may be part of the explanation for greater n-propyl alcohol formation in aerobic cultures.
Gibberellins promote vegetative phase change and reproductive maturity in maize.

Postembryonic shoot development in maize (Zea mays L.) is divided into a juvenile vegetative phase, an adult vegetative phase, and a reproductive phase that differ in the expression of many morphological traits. A reduction in the endogenous levels of bioactive gibberellins (GAs) conditioned by any one of the dwarf1, dwarf3, dwarf5, or anther ear1 mutations in maize delays the transition from juvenile vegetative to adult vegetative development and from adult vegetative to reproductive development. Mutant plants cease producing juvenile traits (e.g. epicuticular wax) and begin producing adult traits (e.g. epidermal hairs) later than wild-type plants. They also cease producing leaves and begin producing reproductive structures later than wild-type plants. These mutations greatly enhance most aspects of the phenotype of Teopod1 and Teopod2, suggesting that GAs suppress part but not all of the Teopod phenotype. Application of GA 3 to Teopod2 mutants and Teopod1, dwarf3 double mutants confirms this result. We conclude that GAs act in conjunction with several other factors to promote both vegetative and reproductive maturation but affect different developmental phases unequally. Furthermore, the GAs that regulate vegetative and reproductive maturation, like those responsible for stem elongation, are downstream of GA 20 in the GA biosynthetic pathway.
Direct sequencing of consensus primer generated PCR fragments of human papillomaviruses

Consensus primers specific for the L1 and E1 regions were used to amplify HPV DNA fragments. These fragments were then directly sequenced using the consensus primers as the sequencing primers. The linking of PCR amplification, direct sequencing, and computer data bank analysis provides a new approach in the detection of different HPVs and has several advantages over existing methodology. These advantages include increased precision in the rapid characterization of known HPVs, detection of mutations, and identification of new HPV types.
Effect of non-complementary nucleotides on the rate of helix formation: kinetics of formation of poly (I)-poly (C,I) and poly (I)-poly (C,U) complexes.

Apparent second-order rate constants for complex formation between poly (I) and poly (C) and copolymers of C containing non-complementary I or U residues have been determined spectrophotometrically. The rate constants decrease as the concentration of either I or U in the C strands increases–the effect seems insensitive to the species of residue involved, when differences in the thermal stabilities of the poly (I) poly (C,I) and poly (I). poly (C,U) complexes are taken into account. These results suggest that low concentrations of relatively stable defects can alter the apparent kinetic “complexity” of polynucleotides as determined by hybridization methods (C0t analysis).
Long‐Term Safety and Function of RPE from Human Embryonic Stem Cells in Preclinical Models of Macular Degeneration

Assessments of safety and efficacy are crucial before human ESC (hESC) therapies can move into the clinic. Two important early potential hESC applications are the use of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt disease, an untreatable form of macular dystrophy that leads to early-onset blindness. Here we show long-term functional rescue using hESC-derived RPE in both the RCS rat and Elov14 mouse, which are animal models of retinal degeneration and Stargardt, respectively. Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant hESC-RPE survived subretinal transplantation in RCS rats for prolonged periods (>220 days). The cells sustained visual function and photoreceptor integrity in a dose-dependent fashion without teratoma formation or untoward pathological reactions. Near-normal functional measurements were recorded at >60 days survival in RCS rats. To further address safety concerns, a Good Laboratory Practice-compliant study was carried out in the NIH III immune-deficient mouse model. Long-term data (spanning the life of the animals) showed no gross or microscopic evidence of teratoma/tumor formation after subretinal hESC-RPE transplantation. These results suggest that hESCs could serve as a potentially safe and inexhaustible source of RPE for the efficacious treatment of a range of retinal degenerative diseases.
Mutagenicity of zidovudine, lamivudine, and abacavir following in vitro exposure of human lymphoblastoid cells or in utero exposure of CD-1 mice to single agents or drug combinations.

Experiments were performed to investigate the impact of zidovudine (AZT), lamivudine (3TC), and abacavir (ABC) on cell survival and mutagenicity in two reporter genes, hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) and thymidine kinase (TK), using cell cloning assays for assessing the effects of individual drugs/drug combinations in (1) TK6 human lymphoblastoid cells exposed in vitro and (2) splenic lymphocytes from male CD-1 mice exposed transplacentally on days 12–18 of gestation. In TK6 cells, dose-related increases in HPRT and TK mutant frequencies were found following 3 days of exposure to AZT or 3TC alone (33, 100, or 300 μM), or to equimolar amounts of AZT-3TC. Compared with single drug exposures, AZT-3TC coexposures generally yielded enhanced elevations in HPRT and TK mutant frequencies. Mutagenicity experiments with ABC alone, or in combination with AZT-3TC, were complicated by the extreme cytotoxicity of ABC. Exposure of cells either to relatively high levels of AZT-3TC short-term (100 μM, 3 days), or to peak plasma-equivalent levels of AZT-3TC for an extended period (10 μM, 30 days), resulted in similar drug-induced mutagenic responses. Among sets of mice necropsied on days 13, 15, or 21 postpartum, Hprt mutant frequencies in T-cells were significantly elevated in the AZT-only (200 mg/kg bw/day) and AZT-3TC (200 mg AZT + 100 mg 3TC/kg bw/day) groups at 13 days of age. These results suggest that the mutagenicity by these nucleoside analogs is driven by cumulative dose, and raises the question of whether AZT-3TC has greater mutagenic effects than AZT alone in perinatally exposed children. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Bromocriptine, a D2 receptor agonist, lowers the threshold for rewarding brain stimulation

Drug-induced lowering of brain stimulation reward threshold can serve as a model for the pharmacological activation of reward pathways. Here, the effects of bromocriptine, a direct D2 dopamine receptor agonist, on reward thresholds were investigated. Bromocriptine administration resulted in the significant lowering of threshold levels in all test animals, suggesting that this agent can activate the same reward processes as do abused substances such as cocaine and morphine.
Preclinical predictors of surgery NBME exam performance.

Background. The passing score for the National Board of Medical Examiner's Surgery Subject Examination (NBME-SS) was raised at an urban academic medical school, resulting in a doubling of the number of students failing their surgical clerkship. We hypothesized that at-risk students could be accurately identified and offered an intense tutorial program to enhance success on their exam. Methods. Preclinical academic records for the graduating class of 2006 were obtained and included gender, ethnicity, preclinical grades, and preclinical NBME's exams, MCAT, and USMLE scores. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify correlates with the surgery shelf exam scores and data from the class of 2007 were used for validation. Results. Data were collected on 194 students. On univariate analysis, MCAT, USMLE, and all individual preclinical NBME scores were positively correlated with the NBME-SS (P < 0.05). Variables that remained predictive using multiple linear regression were scores on the pathology and physical diagnosis exams (model r 2 = 0.48). The single strongest predictor of failure was performance on the pathology shelf exam (ROC area was 0.85 with P < 0.0001), which also held true for the class of 2007. Conclusions. There is a strong correlation between poor performance on the third-year NBME-SS and the second-year pathology NBME scores. The reason for this correlation is unclear but may be related to the integrative thinking and clinical application skills requisite for surgical decision-making first required by preclinical students during their pathology course. Whether efforts to assist medical students with this skill set will be effective warrants further study.
Laparoscopic surgery for recurrent ileocolic Crohn's disease†

Background: Laparoscopic (LAP) surgery is increasingly performed for primary ileocolic Crohn's disease (CD), but its application in patients with recurrent ileocolic CD is less well described. Our aim was to assess whether or not a laparoscopic approach was safe, feasible, and conferred meaningful short-term benefits in this patient population. Methods: Patients undergoing LAP surgery for recurrent ileocolic CD at our institution from 1998–2008 were identified using a prospectively maintained database. Potential risk factors for conversion to open surgery and overall patient outcomes were assessed with univariate analysis. Results: Forty patients were identified, of which 30 (75%) were LAP-completed and 10 (25%) were LAP-converted. The groups did not differ with respect to clinicopathological features. LAP-converted patients were significantly more likely to require adhesiolysis than LAP-completed patients (100% versus 67%, P = 0.04). There was 1 intraoperative complication in a converted patient. LAP-converted patients had longer times to soft diet (4 versus 3 days, P = 0.03) and longer length of stay (7 versus 4 days, P = 0.003). The groups did not differ with respect to incidence of postoperative complications or frequency of readmission within 30 days. There was no mortality. Concusions: In up to 20% of patients with recurrent ileocolic, successful laparoscopic re-resection may be prevented by adhesions. Conversion increased the length of stay without increasing morbidity. We conclude that LAP surgery can be safely performed in selected patients with recurrent ileocolic CD and leads to short-term benefits. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2010)
Structural and Functional Elucidation of the Mechanism Promoting Error-Prone Synthesis by Human DNA Polymerase Kappa Opposite the 7,8-Dihydro-8-Oxo-2'-Deoxyguanosine Adduct.

Human polymerase kappa (hPol kappa) is one of four eukaryotic Y-class DNA polymerases and may be an important element in the cellular response to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzo[a]pyrene, which can lead to reactive oxygenated metabolite-mediated oxidative stress. Here, we present a detailed analysis of the activity and specificity of hPol kappa bypass opposite the major oxidative adduct 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxoG). Unlike its archaeal homolog Dpo4, hPol kappa bypasses this lesion in an error-prone fashion by inserting mainly dATP. Analysis of transient-state kinetics shows diminished "bursts" for dATP:8-oxoG and dCTP:8-oxoG incorporation, indicative of non-productive complex formation, but dATP:8-oxoG insertion events that do occur are 2-fold more efficient than dCTP:G insertion events. Crystal structures of ternary hPol kappa complexes with adducted template-primer DNA reveal non-productive (dGTP and dATP) alignments of incoming nucleotide and 8-oxoG. Structural limitations placed upon the hPol kappa by interactions between the N-clasp and finger domains combined with stabilization of the syn-oriented template 8-oxoG through the side chain of Met-135 both appear to contribute to error-prone bypass. Mutating Leu-508 in the little finger domain of hPol kappa to lysine modulates the insertion opposite 8-oxoG toward more accurate bypass, similar to previous findings with Dpo4. Our structural and activity data provide insight into important mechanistic aspects of error-prone bypass of 8-oxoG by hPol kappa compared with accurate and efficient bypass of the lesion by Dpo4 and polymerase eta.
Probability of containment failure mode for fast pressure rise

Abstract An expert elicitation process was used in the NUREG-1150 probabilistic risk assessments to develop probability distributions for containment failure pressure and mode (leak, rupture or catastrophic rupture) in the presence of a slow pressure rise. Subsequently, the need arose to extend these results to situations in which the pressure rise was sufficiently fast that a leak in the containment would not arrest pressure rise and thus in which additional containment failures could follow an initial leak. Two means of implementing this extension are presented. Both extensions are based on the assumption that a leak in the presence of a fast pressure rise will not affect the occurence of additional failures. The mathematics of the two extensions is carefully developed. Further, they are shown to lead to the same expected results in analyses based on Latin hypercube sampling.
Unifying Analysis Tools with Rosetta

The Rosetta system specification language will require a variety of analysis capabilities to assist system designers. The language's generality prohibits the development of a single analysis tool. It is proposed, instead, to leverage the existing analysis tools and create an analysis environment unified around the Rosetta language. A semi-automated tool, the Rosetta Nexus, will generated tool-specific analysis models and a correspondence with the original Rosetta specifications.
Catecholamine and Second Messenger Influences on Prefrontal Cortical Networks of “Representational Knowledge”: A Rational Bridge between Genetics and the Symptoms of Mental Illness

Both dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) have powerful, inverted U influences on prefrontal cortical (PFC) cognitive function. Optimal NE levels engage alpha2A-adrenoceptors and increase "signals" via inhibition of cAMP-HCN (cAMP-hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel) signaling near preferred inputs, whereas optimal levels of DA D1 receptor stimulation decrease "noise" by increasing cAMP signaling near nonpreferred inputs. Excessive levels of catecholamine release during stress impair working memory 1) by very high levels of cAMP-HCN signaling diminishing preferred as well as nonpreferred inputs and 2) by high levels of NE engaging alpha1 stimulation of phosphotidyl inositol (PI) signaling that suppresses cell firing. Common mental illnesses are associated with extracellular changes in these pathways: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is linked to genetic changes that reduce catecholamine transmission to suboptimal levels and is treated with agents that increase catecholamine transmission, whereas Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is associated with amplified noradrenergic transmission that impairs PFC but strengthens amygdala function. PTSD is now treated with agents that block alpha1 or beta adrenoceptors. In contrast, the more severe mental illnesses, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are associated with genetic changes in molecules regulating intracellular signaling pathways activated by stress. Specifically, DISC1 inhibits cAMP signaling whereas regulator of G-protein signaling 4 inhibits PI signaling. Loss of function in these genes may render patients vulnerable to profound stress-induced PFC dysfunction including symptoms of thought disorder.
Damping Actions of the Neuromuscular System With Inertial Loads: Soleus Muscle of the Decerebrate Cat

A transient perturbation applied to a limb held in a given posture can induce oscillations. To restore the initial posture, the neuromuscular system must provide damping, which is the dissipation o...
Group Culture and the Interaction Order: Local Sociology on the Meso-Level

Although explicit attention to the role of small groups has waned in sociology, an empirical understanding of the interaction order is increasing. A focus on the group—the meso-level of analysis—enriches both structural and interactional approaches, stressing shared and ongoing meaning. Groups constitute social order, just as groups are themselves constituted by that order. The examination of local action reveals how interaction orders emerge and create meanings that spread throughout a wider network. Despite the limits of a meso-level analysis in examining both external webs of constraint and immediate negotiations, this approach addresses identity, social capital, collective action, group culture, networks, and civil society. By building on collective identity, shared history, common spaces, and ongoing social relations, groups provide mechanisms through which individuals fit into larger structures and through which social structures shape individuals.
Heart Transplantation in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: 100% Survival With Operations Performed by a Surgeon Specializing in Congenital Heart Disease in an Adult Hospital

Background Cardiac transplantation in adult patients with congenital heart disease poses numerous challenges. The optimal operative and postoperative management strategies remain unclear. The purpose of our study was to (1) characterize the adult patient with a congenital heart condition undergoing transplantation, the operation, and the postoperative course; (2) report the survival after heart transplantation at our center; and (3) discuss issues surrounding the unique setting we provide for the operative and postoperative care of this complex patient cohort. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of 12 consecutive adult patients with a prior history of congenital heart disease who underwent heart transplantation at a single, large, academic center between September 1, 2005, and September 1, 2013. The operations were performed by a surgeon specializing in congenital heart disease in an adult hospital. Postoperative care was provided jointly by that surgeon and the adult cardiac transplantation team. Results At operation, the median age and weight were 41 years (range, 16 to 72 years) and 65 kg (range, 45 to 104 kg), and 100% of patients had undergone previous operations. The median donor ischemic time was 197 minutes (range, 137 to 282 minutes). The median cardiopulmonary bypass time was 210 minutes (range, 175 to 457 minutes), and the median total operating time was 582 minutes (range, 389 to 968 minutes). Three patients required mechanical support to be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperatively, 3 patients required the addition of mechanical support in the intensive care unit, and 3 patients required tracheostomy for prolonged ventilation. The majority of patients had a complicated postoperative course (66%). The median number of noncardiac consultants required to help care for these patients was four (range, two to 12). The mortality was 0%. Conclusions Cardiac transplantation in adults with congenital cardiac disease is challenging, is fraught with adverse events, and requires meticulous care and teamwork for success. A surgeon specializing in congenital heart conditions may be best to handle the operative challenges, and an adult hospital with access to certain technology and consultant services may be best to handle the postoperative challenges in this difficult patient population.
Generation of a Parabolic Trough Collector Efficiency Curve From Separate Measurements of Outdoor Optical Efficiency and Indoor Receiver Heat Loss

The thermal efficiency of a parabolic trough collector is a function of both the fraction of direct normal radiation absorbed by the receiver (the optical efficiency) and the heat lost to the environment when the receiver is at operating temperature. The thermal efficiency can be determined by testing the collector under actual operating conditions or by separately measuring these two components. This paper describes how outdoor measurement of the optical efficiency is combined with laboratory measurements of receiver heat loss to obtain the thermal efficiency curve. This paper describes this approach and also makes the case that there are advantages to plotting collector efficiency versus the difference between the operating temperature and the ambient temperature at which the receiver heat loss was measured divided by radiation to a fractional power (on the order of 1/3 but obtained via data regression) - as opposed to the difference between operating and ambient temperatures divided by the radiation. The results are shown to be robust over wide ranges of ambient temperature, sky temperature, and wind speed.
Variance of body weights and daily weight gains of weaner pigs housed at various stocking densities in confinement

Body weight and gain data from eight studies conducted with weaner pigs to determine the relationship between stocking density and performance were used to evaluate the effect of various stocking densities on several factors which measure variation within pens. The initial weight of the pigs ranged from 5·7 to 8·3 kg and final weight ranged from 17·7 to 32·1 kg. There were 244 pens of pigs with floor space ranging from 0·11 to 0·28 m2 per pig. Average daily gain and body weight were depressed as stocking density increased. Natural logarithms of variance, coefficients of variation and ranges of average daily gains and body weights were not increased by stocking density. Body weights and daily gains appeared equally effective in measuring variance of weaner pigs housed at various densities. These results indicate that increasing stocking density within the range of densities tested does not cause a greater variation in body-weight gains.
A New Design for Automatic Fiscal Policy

We offer a new design for automatic fiscal policy that can strengthen its role as a complement to counter–cyclical monetary policy, and analyse it in the Fair macroeconometric model that has been estimated using quarterly data for the US economy. Our automatic fiscal policy consists of the triggering of a transfer (or income tax rebate) whenever real GDP is at least X% below normal, the amount of the transfer varying with the size of the GDP gap. The size of the transfer is set with the sole purpose of effectively combating a recession. By contrast, the magnitudes of current automatic stabilizers are unintended by–products of setting the ratio of tax revenue to GDP, the degree of progressivity of the tax system and the level of unemployment benefits. We generate a severe recession using historical data and simulate the impact of our automatic fiscal policy. We assume that the Federal Reserve adheres to a counter–cyclical monetary policy governed by the interest rate (Taylor) rule estimated from historical data. We find that the interest rate rule alone mitigates the severe recession only modestly, whereas our automatic fiscal policy (together with the interest rate rule) substantially reduces the severity of the recession while generating only a relatively small rise in the government debt/GDP ratio.
Charge generation and bleed-off in spindle motors with ceramic ball bearings

Spindle motors with hybrid ceramic bearings are well suited for high revolution per minute disk drives due to their high rigidity and low acoustic emission. The rolling elements are nonconductive Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ precision ground balls. They allow buildup of a voltage between the rotor and stator of the motor. This voltage also appears across the head-disk interface. If large enough, this voltage will damage the drive. This paper analyzes the charge pump mechanism (bearings) responsible for the voltage build up. It also examines the charge bleed-off path (ferro-fluid seal), which holds down the maximum voltage that can appear. An electrical model is given for the ferro-fluid seal that is dynamically as well as statically correct. This model is verified by comparing it to measured static and dynamic current-voltage curves and to the voltage step response of the seal. By a proper design of the ferro-fluid seal, its conductivity can be held low enough to limit the motor voltages to safe levels. This makes the use of these hybrid ceramic bearings in today's hard disk drives attractive.
Microbiological evaluation of the Hygenic Ultrafil heated gutta-percha delivery system

Summary. The Ultrafil heated gutta-percha delivery system was evaluated to determine if (i) the prepackaged gutta-percha used in the system was contaminated and antimicrobial, (ii) the gutta-percha-containing cannules were packaged in a sterile state, and (iii) a combination of alcohol soak and low heat was sufficient to eliminate any contaminating microbes. The results showed that although the gutta-percha did not appear to be contaminated with cultivable bacteria, the cannules were contaminated with micro-organisms that could not be totally eliminated by alcohol soak and low heat. Suggestions for the maintenance of clinical asepsis when using this technique are provided.
Obesity and cholangiocarcinoma

It is estimated that about half of the population in developed countries are either overweight or obese. In some developing nations obesity rates have increased to surpass those seen in Western countries. This rate increase in obesity has many implications as obesity has been associated with numerous negative health effects including increased risks of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, liver disease, apnea, and some cancer types. Obesity is now considered to be one of the major public health concerns facing the society. Cholangiocarcinomas (bile duct cancers) are malignant tumors arising from cholangiocytes inside or outside of the liver. Although cholangiocarcinomas are relatively rare, they are highly lethal. The low survival rate associated with cholangiocarcinoma is due to the advanced stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Prevention is therefore especially important in this cancer type. Some data suggest that the incidence of cholangiocarcinoma in the western world is on the rise. Increasing rate of obesity may be one of the factors responsible for this increase. Determining whether obesity is a risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma has significant clinical and societal implications as obesity is both prevalent and modifiable. This paper seeks to provide a summary of the current knowledge linking obesity and cholangiocarcinoma, and encourage further research on this topic.
Clinical evaluation of a dual-polymer rewetting drop: Improved patient-reported outcomes and lid wiper epitheliopathy in contact lens wearers

s / Contact Lens & Anterior Eye 38 (2015) e13–e46 e33 Carme Seres was awarded a degree in Optometry at the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC) and later a Master degree in Optometry and Vision Science at the same university. She is a Facultymember of the Optics and Optometry Department at UPCwith research interests related to contact lenses, ocular surface and tear film. She is currently in charge of the Contact LensUnit at the Centre Universitari de la Visio (university clinic). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2014.11.049
Gender Differences in Acquired Capability Among Active-Duty Service Members at High Risk for Suicide

The interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide (IPTS) differentiates the desire to die from the capability to inflict lethal self-injury. Despite increasing agreement in the literature regarding the theoretical relevance of the construct in understanding military suicide, acquired capability has rarely been evaluated among currently or recently suicidal active-duty service members. To this end, the present study pooled baseline data for 733 active-duty service members enrolled in one of two clinical trials to prevent suicide. We hypothesized that self-reported acquired capability would be higher among men, and would increase with (a) suicide attempt frequency and (b) combat deployment frequency. Lifetime history of suicide attempts was assessed using the Suicide Attempt Self-Injury Count. Scores of self-reported acquired capability were based on the 20-item version of the Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale (ACSS) and the 7-item fearlessness about death subscale (ACSS-FAD). Consistent with the IPTS, ...
Thermal Control of Interfacial Instabilities in Multilayer Thin-Film Flows

Interfacial instabilities in thin-film flows are studied via nonlinear evolution equations derived using the long-wave asymptotics of Benney (1966). Linearstability analysis, weakly-nonlinear analysis, and spectral computations are performed to understand the competing effects of viscous, elastic, and Marangoni instabilities.
Safe receding horizon control for aggressive MAV flight with limited range sensing

Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) are becoming ubiquitous, but most experiments and demonstrations have been limited to slow flight except in open environments or in laboratories with motion capture systems. In this paper, we develop representations and algorithms for aggressive flight in cluttered environments. We incorporate the specific dynamics of the system and generate safe, feasible trajectories for fast navigation in real time. Specifically, we use a polyhedral decomposition of the visible free space and address the generation of safe trajectories that are within the space. Because of the limited field of view, we adopt a receding horizon control policy (RHCP) for planning over a finite time horizon, but with the guarantee that there exists a safe stopping control policy over a second time horizon from the planned state at the end of the horizon. Thus, the robot planning occurs over two horizons. While the robot executes the planned trajectory over the first time horizon, the map of obstacles is refreshed allowing the planner to generate a refined plan, once again over two time horizons. The key algorithmic contribution of the paper lies in the fast planning algorithm that is able to incorporate robot dynamics while guaranteeing safety. The algorithm is also optimal in the sense that the receding horizon control policy is based on minimizing the trajectory snap. Central to the algorithm is a novel polyhedral representation that allows us to abstract the trajectory planning problem as a problem of finding a path through a sequence of convex regions in configuration space.
Is this a Joke? The Impact of Message Manipulations on Risk Perceptions

As we are continually confronted with increasingly sophisticated electronic messages, distinguishing messages that are valid from irrelevant, malicious, or otherwise undeserving of the recipient's attention has become an extremely important task. The present study leverages the lens of information manipulation theory (IMT) to analyze the impact of perceived message quality and quantity on perceived source competence and message honesty, and their subsequent impact on perceived risk, which is an individual's assessment of the potential harm that could result from accepting a deceitful message as valid. We administered phishing scenarios to subjects and evaluated their responses to survey items related to the given scenario. The data indicate that perceived message honesty, third-party support, and technology anxiety influence risk perceptions of a message. In addition, message quality, as defined by IMT, strongly influences individual perceptions of honesty.
Contribution of Cutoff Lows to Precipitation across the United States

AbstractA chronology of cutoff lows (COL) from 1979 to 2014 alongside daily precipitation observations across the conterminous United States was used to examine the contribution of COL to seasonal precipitation, extreme-precipitation events, and interannual precipitation variability. COL accounted for between 2% and 32% of annual precipitation at stations across the United States, with distinct geographic and seasonal variability. The largest fractional contribution of COL to precipitation totals and precipitation extremes was found across the Great Plains and the interior western United States, particularly during the transition seasons of spring and autumn. Widespread significant correlations between seasonal COL precipitation and total precipitation on interannual time scales were found across parts of the United States, most notably to explain spring precipitation variability in the interior western United States and Great Plains and summer precipitation variability in the northwestern United States. ...
Processing relative clauses in Chinese as a second language

This project investigates second language (L2) learners’ processing of four types of Chinese relative clauses crossing extraction types and demonstrative-classifier (DCl) positions. Using a word or...
FcγRIII in ITP: it ain’t over 'til it’s over

In this issue of Blood, Yu et al describe a novel anti–Fcγ receptor III (FcγRIII)-albumin fusion protein that inhibits the development of thrombocytopenia in a murine model of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).1 The unique aspect of this protein is that it blocks FcγRIII-mediated uptake of antibody-coated platelets without activating FcγRIII and the associated inflammatory response.
The Double Education of Emma

The story of Emma Woodhouse, ‘handsome, clever, and rich’ (p. 37), is that of a woman whose cleverness evolves into wisdom. Emma’s cleverness manifests itself initially in wit and emotional coldness; her eventual wisdom displays itself in an alliance of understanding with feeling. Austen’s model for wisdom — and Emma’s — is Mr. Knightley. Sixteen years Emma’s senior, he has stood in loco parentis to her since her mother’s death, when Emma was five. He is the only figure in her life capable of offering her just criticism. Unlike Henry Tilney or Edmund Bertram, Mr. Knightley is a morally responsible Pygmalion figure. In other words, Mr. Knightley’s efforts to educate Emma are not muddied by unacknowledged selfishness. He not only gives Emma full credit for those virtues and abilities which she does possess but also refuses to view his role as moral exemplar with false pride. Furthermore, Mr. Knightley is not blind to his own faults, few though they are, for he recognizes both his jealousy of Frank Churchill and the inhibitory effect such jealousy has on his willingness to communicate his feelings. Unlike Emma, who plays a self-absorbed Pygmalion to Harriet’s Galatea, Mr. Knightley never allows his status as moral guide to lead to blindness to his own faults.1 Austen is therefore never ironic when she is dealing with Mr. Knightley’s criticisms of Emma; she feels that they are just and unsullied by egotism.
Relation of the dielectric constant and power factor of paper to apparent density

One of the problems encountered when evaluating the dielectric constant and power factor of either impregnated or unimpregnated paper is the variation in apparent density of the sheets. It is important to know whether measured differences in the electrical properties are due to differences in sheet density or to differences in the fibers themselves.
A New Species of Calyptranthes (Myrtaceae) from Peru

Abstract. A new species of Myrtaceae from lowland forests of Peru is described and illustrated. Calyptranthes mcvaughii is characterized by the subsessile, ovate to lanceolate leaves, obtuse to subcordate at base and by the spiciform panicles.
Is comparative effectiveness research emphasized in oncologic residency training programs? Results of a national survey.

e17577 Background: Comparative effectiveness research (CER) is informally defined as an assessment of all available efficacious options for a specific medical condition, with intent to estimate eff...
Collaborating to Address the Challenge of Academic Language

Teacher candidates rely on mentors working in their college-based teacher education programs and mentors working in the college’s partner schools to support their development as future teachers as ...
Resolving the Iron Phthalocyanine Redox Transitions for ORR Catalysis in Aqueous Media

Metal macrocycles are among the most important catalytic systems in electrocatalysis and biocatalysis owing to their rich redox chemistry. Precise understanding of the redox behavior of metal macrocycles in operando is essential for fundamental studies and practical applications of this catalytic system. Here we present electrochemical data for the representative iron phthalocyanine (FePc) in both aqueous and nonaqueous media coupled with in situ Raman and X-ray absorption analyses to challenge the traditional notion of the redox transition of FePc at the low potential end in aqueous media by showing that it arises from the redox transition of the ring. Our data unequivocally demonstrate that the electron is shuttled to the Pc ring via the Fe(II)/Fe(I) redox center. The Fe(II)/Fe(I) redox transition of FePc in aqueous media is indiscernible by normal spectroscopic methods owing to the lack of a suitable axial ligand to stabilize the Fe(I) state.
Base-Resolution Analysis of DNA Methylation Patterns Downstream of Dnmt3a in Mouse Naïve B Cells

The DNA methyltransferase, Dnmt3a , is dynamically regulated throughout mammalian B cell development and upon activation by antigenic stimulation. Dnmt3a inactivation in hematopoietic stem cells has been shown to drive B cell-related malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and associates with specific DNA methylation patterns in transformed cells. However, while it is clear that inactivation of Dnmt3a in hematopoietic stem cells has profound functional effects, the consequences of Dnmt3a inactivation in cells of the B lineage are unclear. To assess whether loss of Dnmt3a at the earliest stages of B cell development lead to DNA methylation defects that might impair function, we selectively inactivated Dnmt3a early in mouse B cell development and then utilized whole genome bisulfite sequencing to generate base-resolution profiles of Dnmt3a +/+ and Dnmt3a −/− naive splenic B cells. Overall, we find that global methylation patterns are largely consistent between Dnmt3a +/+ and Dnmt3a −/− naive B cells, indicating a minimal functional effect of DNMT3A in mature B cells. However, loss of Dnmt3a induced 449 focal DNA methylation changes, dominated by loss-of-methylation events. Regions found to be hypomethylated in Dnmt3a −/− naive splenic B cells were enriched in gene bodies of transcripts expressed in B cells, a fraction of which are implicated in B cell-related disease. Overall, the results from this study suggest that factors other than Dnmt3a are the major drivers for methylome maintenance in B cell development.