cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders: a working classification

Categorization of the post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) is essential because of their diverse clinical, histopathologic, immunophenotypic and genotypic nature. None of the well-established classifications address all of the types of PTLD that are now recognized. For that reason, a working classification of the PTLD was developed based on the preceding classifications, the PTLD literature and a review of adult PTLD. Besides recognizing plasmacytic hyperplasia in some post-transplant patients, the working classification includes the following types of PTLD: infectious mononucleosis-like, plasma cell rich, polymorphic, monomorphic, multiple myeloma-like, T-cell type, Hodgkin's disease-like, composite and not otherwise specified. Rare patients may also have lymphoid neoplasms that do not fall into any of these categories such as small B-cell lymphoid neoplasms. Criteria for use of this working classification require histopathology at a minimum and, in many cases, at least some ancillary studies. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positivity may aid in the recognition of a PTLD in some circumstances; however, it is not an absolute requirement for the diagnosis of a PTLD. EBV negative PTLD exist and have some characteristic features. Some, but not all, of these EBV negative cases, however, may represent coincidental lymphoid neoplasms that are not directly related to the patient's iatrogenic immunosuppression. Finally, a model of PTLD is presented which illustrates the relationship between histopathology, clonality, associated non-clonal T-cells, secondary genotypic abnormalities and responsiveness to a therapeutic decrease in immunosuppression.
Analysis of Performance of Direct Dry Cooling for Organic Rankine Cycle Systems

The performance of dry-cooled ORC systems varies significantly with environmental conditions, diurnally and seasonally. This study analyzes the impact of environmental conditions on overall performance and operational control of dry-cooled ORC systems with fixed and variable geometry expanders. Performance analysis results are extended to time-series environmental data to determine the expected performance of a system over long durations. Analysis results indicate that, if other factors are held constant, variable speed condenser fans produce minimal performance improvement, while variable-geometry expanders have a significant impact.© 2011 ASME
Analeptic and antianaleptic effects of naloxone and naltrexone in rabbits

Abstract Naloxone (5 mg/kg), but not naltrexone, shortened the duration of anaesthesia in rabbits pretreated with pentobarbital. This analeptic effect was blocked by atropine, but not by methylatropine; it thus appears that a central cholinergic mechanism is involved. In contrast, smaller doses of both naloxone and naltrexone attenuated the arousal property of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH). Naloxone, but not naltrexone, also antagonized the analeptic property of d-amphetamine. In conscious animals naloxone potentiated, whereas naltrexone attenuated, the excitatory effects of TRH and d-amphetamine.
Outcomes After Transhiatal and Transthoracic Esophagectomy for Cancer

Background Although single-center series evaluating esophagectomy for cancer have demonstrated that this operation can be performed safely and with excellent outcomes, controversy remains regarding the comparable oncologic efficacy of the transhiatal and transthoracic approaches. This study was performed to determine outcomes after transhiatal and transthoracic esophagectomy for patients undergoing resection nationwide. Methods Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare linked database (1992 to 2002), we identified registered patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. We evaluated operative mortality, late survival, and length of stay while adjusting for patient characteristics, tumor grade, and stage. As a surrogate for postoperative quality of life, we also assessed subsequent need for anastomotic dilation. Results Of 868 patients undergoing either approach, for whom distinct Current Procedural Technology codes could be identified, 225 underwent transhiatal and 643 received transthoracic esophagectomy. Lower operative mortality rate was observed after a transhiatal than transthoracic approach (6.7% versus 13.1%, p = 0.009). Observed 5-year survival was higher for patients undergoing transhiatal rather than transthoracic esophagectomy (30.5% versus 22.7%, p = 0.02). After adjusting for differences in tumor stage, patient, and provider factors, this survival advantage was no longer statistically significant (adjusted hazard ratio for mortality, 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.75 to 1.20). Patients undergoing transhiatal esophagectomy were more likely to require endoscopic dilatation within 6 months of surgery (43.1% versus 34.5% for transthoracic operations, p = 0.02). Conclusions In the largest population-based study to date assessing long-term outcome after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, transhiatal esophagectomy confers an early survival advantage, but long-term survival does not appear to differ according to surgical approach.
Gender Differences in the Pharmacokinetics of Oral Dermatologic Medications

Physiological differences exist between men and women that lead to different efficacy and side effect profiles of medications. Although some of this may be explained by differing pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetic differences between the genders have been found for many medications. The oral dermatologic medications which have shown the most gender‐related differences are cyclosporine, erythromycin, and methotrexate. Cyclosporine and erythromycin are cleared faster in females, which may be due to either higher cytochrome P‐450 3A (CYP3A) activity in females or higher P‐glycoprotein levels in males. Methotrexate is cleared faster in males, which appears to be due to a higher glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and creatinine clearance in males. Gender differences in each pharmacokinetic parameter (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) have been described. Metabolism, in particular, varies greatly between the genders. Women clear substrates of CYP3A enzymes more rapidly than men, but it is debate...
High Performance Computational Environment for Real-Time Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation

Modern design development and testing relies heavily on modeling and simulation (M&S). Today hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation provides substantial savings to Navy systems designers. In particular, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center's (NUWC) Weapons Analysis Facility (WAF) provides these simulation capabilities for undersea weapon systems. The WAF has been designed to interface with weapon controllers and sensor packages to permit full spectrum testing from individual components through complete closed loop combat scenarios. These virtual scenarios address realistic acoustic propagation environments around the world containing the expected threat platforms, their countermeasures and related tactics. To address the performance of our torpedoes in the new environment required the improvement of hardware-in-the-loop test capability. The improved simulation requirements are being met by the incorporation of range-dependent (spatially varying physical properties in 2D) narrowband acoustic propagation in the near term and broadband/3D propagation capabilities in the mid/long term. Just the introduction of the currently being evaluated range-dependent capability has severely impacted our computational resources. The Dedicated High Performance Computer Project Investment (DHPI) awarded for torpedo hardware-in-the-loop modeling and simulation has enabled NUWC to commence incorporation of the limited range-dependent capability into our current torpedo simulation with full 2D range-dependence. Additionally, the DHPI award has allowed the WAF to revisit its reverberation generation algorithm and design a significantly superior method that is currently being integrated. It is the purpose of this paper to show how the DHPI award has allowed the WAF to begin its attainment of the immediate goals as well as clearly illuminate the path to our subsequent objectives
Antidepressants in functional dyspepsia.

Functional dyspepsia refers to a clinical syndrome characterized by unexplained postprandial fullness, early satiety (inability to finish a normal-size meal) and epigastric pain or burning [1]. The...
Comprehensive Staff Development Programs: Implications for the Office of Institutional Research and Planning

Abstract An increasing number of two-year colleges are drawing on an emerging model of comprehensive staff development. The model includes not only instructional improvement, but organizational and personal development as well. In this model, as staff development becomes an integral part of the college, the planning of such a program becomes an essential part of institutional planning. The office of institutional research and planning should serve as a major resource in the formulation and implementation of the staff development program. Three major areas where this can occur are discussed: setting goals for the program, assessing staff development needs, and evaluating the impact of the program.
Telephone-assisted placement of air nicotine monitors to validate self-reported smoke-free home policies.

Objectives To examine the feasibility of telephone-assisted placement of air nicotine monitors among low socio-economic intervention participants, and examine the use of this strategy in differentiating air nicotine concentrations in rooms where smoking is allowed from rooms where smoking is not allowed.
Membrane Motion of a Thin, Single Layer, Generally Orthotropic, Cylindrical Shell:

A membrane theory for thin, single layer, generally orthotropic, cylindrical shells experiencing harmonic, axi-symmetric motion is established. Shear-coupling in the plane of the middle surface of the shell results in coupled motion occurring in three dispersive modes of propagation. Long and short wavelength velocity limits in the three modes are analogous to those of an isotropic shell, however, the short wavelength limits are reversed in the first and second modes. Three discrete frequencies occur for which: (1). motion is predominantly radial; (2). motion becomes uncoupled in the first and second modes; (3). the type of wave changes from extension-shear to shear-extension (or vise-versa) for most off-angle orientations. These events occur within the range of wavelengths, established in the membrane theory for isotropic shells, which render the theory accurate. When the shell is specially orthotropic, the in-plane motion is uncoupled; the first mode is a non-dispersive shear mode, while the second and ...
Analysis of Simulated Angiographic Procedures: Part 1—Capture and Presentation of Audio and Video Recordings

PURPOSE To assess different methods of recording angiographic simulations and to determine how such recordings might be used for training and research. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two commercially available high-fidelity angiography simulations, the Mentice Vascular Interventional Simulation Trainer and the Simbionix AngioMentor, were used for data collection. Video and audio records of simulated procedures were created by different methods, including software-based screen capture, video splitters and converters, and external cameras. Recording parameters were varied, and the recordings were transferred to computer workstations for postprocessing and presentation. RESULTS The information displayed on the simulators' computer screens could be captured by each method. Although screen-capture software provided the highest resolution, workflow considerations favored a hardware-based solution that duplicated the video signal and recorded the data stream(s) at lower resolutions. Additional video and audio recording devices were used to monitor the angiographer's actions during the simulated procedures. The multiple audio and video files were synchronized and composited with personal computers equipped with commercially available video editing software. Depending on the needs of the intended audience, the resulting files could be distributed and displayed at full or reduced resolutions. CONCLUSIONS The capture, editing, presentation, and distribution of synchronized multichannel audio and video recordings holds great promise for angiography training and simulation research. To achieve this potential, technical challenges will need to be met, and content will need to be tailored to suit the needs of trainees and researchers.
A micropreparative HPLC purification procedure for (G-3H)-benzo(a)pyrene and 3-(6-14C)-methylcholanthrene

Abstract This paper describes a micropreparative purification method of (3G)-benzo(a)pyrene and 3-(6-14C)-methylcholanthrene employing high pressure reversed phase chromatography. The method can be used immediately prior to the use of these compounds as exposure agents in metabolism studies, thereby assuring the highest possible degree of purity during exposure and thereby eliminating the need for batch purification and repetitive sampling from the purified material.
A procedure for the isolation of amosite asbestos and ferruginous bodies from lung tissue and sputum.

A comprehensive scheme is described for isolating amosite asbestos and ferruginous bodies from fixed and unfixed human lung tissue and sputum. This qualitative procedure avoids many of the problems associated with previous isolation techniques and illustrates the advantages of brief bleach digestions. The samples are digested in prefiltered Wright laundry bleach (9.2% sodium hypochlorite), collected on 0.2‐μm Nuclepore filters by vacuum filtration, rinsed with distilled water and absolute ethanol, and examined visually for excessive residue. If organic residues are suspected or are known to occur, the sample is treated sequentially with 2% potassium permanganate, 8% oxalic acid, and 9.2% sodium hypochlorite, and rinsed with distilled water and absolute ethanol. The ethanol, potassium permanganate, and oxalic acid steps can be repeated as often as needed until the desired sample volume has been filtered. The entire procedure allows large volumes to be filtered and yields filters that have extremely clean b...
Relationship of Parental Education, Race, and Gender to Sex Role Stereotyping in Five-Year-Old Kindergartners.

This study examined the relationship of parental education, race, and gender to sex-role stereotyping in five-year-old kindergartners. A significant effect for race and parental education level was noted. White children gave more stereotyped responses than did black children, and children whose parents were in the middle- and high-educational levels gave more stereotyped responses than did children whose parents were in the low-educational level. A significant interaction was also found between educational level of parents and race. White children tended to give more stereotyped responses as the educational level of their parents increased; this trend was not evident for black children. No significant differences in stereotyping were noted between the sexes.
Stock Price Distributions with Stochastic Volatility: An Analytic Approach

We study the stock price distributions that arise when prices follow a diffusion process with a stochastically varying volatility parameter. We use analytic techniques to derive an explicit closed-form solution for the case where volatility is driven by an arithmetic Ornstein-Ublenbeck (or AR1) process. We then apply our results to two related problems in the finance literature: (1) options pricing in a world of stochastic volatility, and (2) the relationship between stochastic volatility and the nature of "fat tailes" in stock price distributions. Article published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Financial Studies in its journal, The Review of Financial Studies.
Analysis of lead toxicity in human cells

Lead is a metal with many recognized adverse health side effects, and yet the molecular processes underlying lead toxicity are still poorly understood. Quantifying the injurious effects of lead is also difficult because of the diagnostic limitations that exist when analyzing human blood and urine specimens for lead toxicity. We analyzed the deleterious impact of lead on human cells by measuring its effects on cytokine production and gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Lead activates the secretion of the chemokine IL-8 and impacts mitogen-dependent activation by increasing the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α and of the chemokines IL-8 and MIP1-α in the presence of phytohemagglutinin. The recorded changes in gene expression affected major cellular functions, including metallothionein expression, and the expression of cellular metabolic enzymes and protein kinase activity. The expression of 31 genes remained elevated after the removal of lead from the testing medium thereby allowing for the measurement of adverse health effects of lead poisoning. These included thirteen metallothionein transcripts, three endothelial receptor B transcripts and a number of transcripts which encode cellular metabolic enzymes. Cellular responses to lead correlated with blood lead levels and were significantly altered in individuals with higher lead content resultantly affecting the nervous system, the negative regulation of transcription and the induction of apoptosis. In addition, we identified changes in gene expression in individuals with elevated zinc protoporphyrin blood levels and found that genes regulating the transmission of nerve impulses were affected in these individuals. The affected pathways were G-protein mediated signaling, gap junction signaling, synaptic long-term potentiation, neuropathic pain signaling as well as CREB signaling in neurons. Cellular responses to lead were altered in subjects with high zinc protoporphyrin blood levels. The results of our study defined specific changes in gene and protein expression in response to lead challenges and determined the injurious effects of exposures to lead on a cellular level. This information can be used for documenting the health effects of exposures to lead which will facilitate identifying and monitoring efficacious treatments for lead-related maladies.
A dispersion model for predicting the extent of starch liquefaction by Bacillus licheniformis α‐amylase during reactive extrusion

A Baker-Perkins corotating twin screw extruder was used as a bioreactor to hydrolyze pregelantinized corn starch by themophilic Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase. The extruder was modeled as a tube, and characterized as a closed system. This characterization is not in the thermodynamic sense; rather, it relates to the profile of a tracer fluid upon entry to and exit from the reaction zone. The reaction kinetics were modeled by a modified first-order equation, which allowed the dispersion equation to be solved analytically with the Danckwerts boundary condition. Data from several extrusion runs were super-imposed to obtain a profile to evaluate the model. The dispersion number, determined from the first and second moments of the RTD curve, was primarily a function of the length of the reaction zone. There was good agreement between predictions and experimental data, especially at low dispersion numbers. In general, the axial dispersion model appears to be suitable for analysis of enzymatic reactions of up to 30% conversion. At a fixed flow rate and constant temperature, the extent of starch conversion depends significantly on moisture content, residence time and enzyme dosage, but not on screw speed.
Bridging the generation gap in plants: pollination, parental fecundity, and offspring demography.

Despite extensive study of pollination and plant reproduction on the one hand, and of plant demography on the other, we know remarkably little about links between seed production in successive generations, and hence about long-term population consequences of variation in pollination success. We bridged this ''generation gap'' in Ipomopsis aggregata ,a long-lived semelparous wildflower that is pollinator limited, by adding varying densities of seeds to natural populations and following resulting plants through their entire life histories. To determine whether pollen limitation of seed production constrains rate of population growth in this species, we sowed seeds into replicated plots at a density that mimics typical pollination success and spacing of flowering plants in nature, and at twice that density to mimic full pollination. Per capita offspring survival, flower production, and contribution to population increase (k) did not decline with sowing density in this experiment, suggesting that typical I. aggregata populations freed from pollen limitation will grow over the short term. In a second experiment we addressed whether density dependence would eventually erase the growth benefits of full pollination, by sowing a 10-fold range of seed densities that falls within extremes estimated for the natural ''seed rain'' that reaches the soil surface. Per capita survival to flowering and age at flowering were again unaffected by sowing density, but offspring size, per capita flower production, and k declined with density. Such density dependence complicates efforts to predict population dynamics over the longer term, because it changes components of the life history (in this case fecundity) as a population grows. A complete understanding of how constraints on seed production affect long-term population growth will hinge on following offspring fates at least through flowering of the first offspring generation, and doing so for a realistic range of population densities.
A Middleware for Control over Networks

Our thesis is that a well-designed software architectural framework and middleware are critical for the widespread deployment and proliferation of networked control systems. We develop a list of key requirements for such middleware, and present Etherware, a message oriented component middleware for networked control. We describe the application models supported, and illustrate these vis-a-vis a vehicular control testbed. We conclude with experiments that demonstrate the support for system management and evolution in Etherware.
Feature-based surface decomposition for correspondence and morphing between polyhedra

Presents a new approach for establishing correspondence between two homeomorphic 3D polyhedral models. The user can specify corresponding feature pairs on the polyhedra with a simple and intuitive interface. Based on these features, our algorithm decomposes the boundary of each polyhedron into the same number of morphing patches. A 2D mapping for each morphing patch is computed in order to merge the topologies of the polyhedra one patch at a time. We create a morph by defining morphing trajectories between the feature pairs and by interpolating them across the merged polyhedron. The user interface provides high-level control as well as local refinement to improve the morph. The implementation has been applied to several complex polyhedra composed of thousands of polygons. The system can also handle non-simple polyhedra that have holes.
Musculoskeletal Symptoms And Ergonomic Risk Factors Among Veterinary Ultrasonographers

This cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of ultrasonography related musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) among veterinary sonographers and associated ergonomic risk factors within the specialized industry. A 59 item survey questionnaire was administered via email and generated 246 responses among veterinary sonographers. Musculoskeletal pain related to performing ultrasound exams was reported by 62% of respondents. MSS were significantly associated with several risk factors including female gender (OR, 4.55; 95% CI, 2.04-10.19), 5-year increases in age (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01, 1.10), previous work related trauma (OR, 6.86; 95% CI, 1.71, 27.40), and 15-45 degree shoulder abduction (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.11, 4.92).
The Precrystalline Cytoplasmic Granules of Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma Contain Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 and CD147

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is an unusual tumor of young adults with the characteristic presence on ultrastructural analysis of rhomboid or rectangular cytoplasmic crystals. These membrane-bound crystals are known to form within specific PAS-diastase-resistant electron-dense cytoplasmic granules. The composition of these crystals and the dense granules from which they are derived has remained elusive. After the detection of strong discrete granular cytoplasmic immunoreactivity in ASPS for monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) in the course of a broad immunohistochemical characterization of an MCT1 antibody, we studied the expression of MCT1 and its interacting partner, CD147, in a panel of 10 ASPS cases using appropriate antibodies. MCT1 is one of a family of widely expressed proton-linked transporters for monocarboxylates such as lactate and pyruvate. In all normal and neoplastic tissues studied to date, MCT1 immunoreactivity is limited to the cell surface. We find that the periodic acid-Schiff-diastase-resistant cytoplasmic granules of ASPS are strongly immunoreactive for MCT1 and CD147. Specifically, intense cytoplasmic granular positivity for MCT1 and CD147 was found in 7 of 10 and 8 of 10 ASPSs, respectively. Ultrastructural immunohistochemistry with immunogold labeling confirmed that the MCT1 immunoreactivity localized to the cytoplasmic electron-dense granules in ASPS. Western blot analysis of several ASPS cases confirmed that the protein reactive with the MCT1 antibody and that reactive with the CD147 antibody both migrated at the size expected for MCT1 and CD147, respectively. Thus, ASPS cells seem to accumulate MCT1-CD147 complexes in the specific cytoplasmic granules known to undergo crystallization. The possible basis for the overproduction or impaired surface localization of these proteins in ASPS remains unclear.
Symposium Essay: The Energy-Land Use Nexus

This Symposium Essay explores the contours of the 'energy-land use nexus' – the rich set of interrelationships between land use and energy production and consumption. This underexplored nexus encapsulates barriers and opportunities as the trajectory of U.S. energy policy tilts away from fossil fuels. The Essay argues that the energy-land use nexus provides a useful frame for approaching policy to minimize points of conflict between energy goals on the one hand and land conservation on the other.
Anti-inflammatory Effects of Human Cord Blood and Its Potential Implication in Neurological Disorders

Although initial in vitro evidence pointed to the differentiation of human cord blood cells (HUCBCs) into neuronal and glial lineages, transplantation of these cells never resulted in terminally differentiated neurons. This raised the suspicion that the beneficial effect of HUCBCs in models of central nervous system (CNS) disorders and injury may be attributable to alternative biologic properties. The indication that HUCBCs may have anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties has recently emerged from animal studies.
The State of Wiki Usage in U.S. K–12 Schools Leveraging Web 2.0 Data Warehouses to Assess Quality and Equity in Online Learning Environments

To document wiki usage in U.S. K-12 settings, this study examined a representative sample drawn from a population of nearly 180,000 wikis. The authors measured the opportunities wikis provide for stu- dents to develop 21st-century skills such as expert thinking, complex communication, and new media literacy. The authors found four types of wiki usage: (a) trial wikis and teacher resource-sharing sites (40%), (b) teacher content-delivery sites (34%), (c) individual student assign- ments and portfolios (25%), and (d) collaborative student presenta- tions and workspaces (1%). Wikis created in schools serving low-income students have fewer opportunities for 21st-century skill development and shorter lifetimes than wikis from schools serving affluent students. This study illustrates the exciting potential that Web 2.0 data warehouses offer for educational research.
Balancing Profitability and Customer Welfare in a Supermarket Chain

We investigate the impact of price discrimination by a large Chicago supermarket chain. First we measure the impact of the chain's current zone-pricing policy on shelf prices, variable profits and consumer welfare across its stores. Using the chain's database to simulate a finer store-specific micro- pricing policy, we study the implications of this policy on profits and welfare. We show how a store-pricing policy that is constrained to offer consumers at least as much surplus as a uniform chain wide pricing policy still enables the retailer to generate substantial incremental profits. To ensure our pricing problem exhibits a well-defined optimum, we use the parsimonious, mixed-logit demand function that allows for flexible substitution patterns across brands and also retains a link to consumer theory. We discuss the issue of price endogeneity when estimating the demand parameters with weekly store-level data. Standard instrumental variables techniques used to account for such endogeneity also seem to increase the magnitudes of own-price elasticities thereby offsetting the problem encountered by previous researchers of predicted prices from a demand model exceeding those in the actual data.
A Cold-Cathode Arc-Discharge Tube

A grid-controlled arc-discharge tube which requires neither power nor time for heating the cathode, but in which a discharge of several hundred amperes is controlled by an extremely small amount of power in the grid circuit, is described in this paper. The tube has characteristics especially useful In circuits requiring large peak current but low average current, some examples of which are given here and is applicable particularly as a light source in stroboscopes.
Causality Violating Geodesics in Bonnor's Rotating Dust Metric

We exhibit timelike geodesic paths for a metric, introduced by Bonnor [11] and considered also by Steadman [13], and show that coordinate time runs backward along a portion of these geodesics.
Blind code timing and carrier offset estimation for DS-CDMA systems

In this paper we consider the problem of joint carrier offset and code timing estimation for CDMA (code division multiple access) systems. In contrast to most existing schemes which require multi-dimensional search over the parameter space, we propose a blind estimator that solves the joint estimation problem algebraically. By exploiting the noise subspace of the covariance matrix of the received data, the multiuser estimation is decoupled into parallel estimations of individual users, which makes computations efficient. The proposed estimator is non-iterative and near- far resistant. It can deal with frequency-selective and time-varying channels. The performance of the proposed scheme is illustrated by some computer simulations.
An investigation of DBD underwater jet plasma properties and its interaction with liquid and solid substrates

Underwater plasma discharges hold great potential for water treatment and chemical processing in liquid systems in general. Such discharges however typically involve small interelectrode spacings or rely on surface diffusion from the gas phase into the liquid. Both situations limit their applicability to high throughput, in-volume water treatment applications. The DBD plasma jet currently under investigation generates a plasma jet within an injected gas stream while submerged, thereby allowing for in-volume water treatment.1,2 The emission spectra and associated continuum radiation emitted by the jet was analyzed while operating the jet on argon to determine electron number density and electron temperature. Coupled with heavy particle temperatures inferred from rotational spectra, a comparison could be made between the electron and gas temperatures to ascertain whether or not the plasma jet is non-equilibrium. The interaction of the jet with aluminum substrate resulted in significant modification to the substrate surface, suggesting jet-driven chemistry. Results from TEM and SEM analysis of the substrate are also presented. Before the emergence of the jet, the source operates in an intense internal, microdischarge mode. An open question is does the upstream plasma products diffuse out of the source, affecting reactivity of the water in the absence of the jet? A comparison between the affect of the plasma source operating in a purely DBD mode and in the jet mode on a methylene blue dye-water solution was made to address this question.
The Problem of Trans-Humanism in the Light of Philosophy and Theology

1 Humanism as Historical Reality2 Manifestations of an Overhuman Idea3 The Spirit of Technology4 Technology as Driving Force5 The Place of Evolution6 The Kind of Being That We Are7 Limits and Motivations of Nature's Manipulation8 The Place of Fiction and the Reclaiming of Eschatology9 From Autonomy to Theonomy10 References11 Further Reading
Of Fictional Cities and “Diasporic” Aesthetics

This essay considers the work of social reproduction as it unfolds within the cultural realm in both national and diasporic contexts. Beginning with a discussion of the creation of Malgudi—the quintessential Indian hometown created in the 1930s by one of India's most venerated writers, R K Narayan—I go on to argue that in the preindependence days, this Indian small town was created from an aesthetic position not unlike that of present-day diasporic artists. I then look at the novels of South Asian-American writer Indira Ganesan and the paintings by South Asian-American artist Arijit Sen to document the ways in which the works attempt to map alternative articulations of the space of home and community in a diasporic context. Together, these imaginary hometowns do the work of reproducing a viable social sphere through creative work that overcomes the constraints of colonial rule (in Narayan's case) and immigration (in Ganesan's and Sen's work).
Realtime storm surge measurement with a scanning radar altimeter

The NASA Scanning Radar Altimeter (SRA) was designed primarily to measure the energetic portion of the directional wave spectrum by generating a topographic map of the sea surface. The SRA sweeps a radar beam of 1/spl deg/ (two-way) half-power width across the aircraft ground track over a swath equal to 0.8 of the aircraft height, simultaneously measuring the backscattered power at its 36 GHz (8.3 mm) operating frequency and the range to the sea surface at 64 positions at 0.7 incidence angle intervals. The maximum scan rate was 8 Hz during the Hurricane Bonnie flights, but it is presently 10 Hz. In realtime, the slant ranges are multiplied by the cosine of the off-nadir incidence angles (including the effect of aircraft roll attitude) to determine the vertical distances from the aircraft to the sea surface. These distances are subtracted from the aircraft height to produce a sea-surface elevation map which is displayed on a monitor in the aircraft to enable realtime assessments of data quality and wave properties. On 24 August 1998, the SRA, aboard a NOAA hurricane research aircraft, provided the first documentation of the directional wave spectrum throughout a hurricane in open water when Hurricane Bonnie was about 400 km east of Abaco Island, Bahamas. On 26 August 1998, the SRA provided the first documentation of the directional wave spectrum throughout a hurricane making landfall as Bonnie was approaching Wilmington, North Carolina.
Winds and shears in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere: Results from four decades of chemical release wind measurements

[1] Since 1958, over 400 chemical tracer measurements have been made of the wind profiles in the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere. The measurements cover a wide range of latitudes, longitudes, seasons, and local times. The results from the analysis of the data set show that a wind maximum in the altitude range between 100 and 110 km is a consistent feature of the observations at midlatitudes and low latitudes. The wind speed associated with the maximum exceeds 100 m s−1 in over 60% of the observations. Large shears are found, especially on the bottomside of the wind maximum, and the observed shears are often large enough to be either unstable or approaching instability. The wind maximum and shear features are characteristics of the overall data set and are not tied to particular observation sites, particular seasons, or special conditions.
Novel therapies for chronic cervical radicular pain: does pulsed radiofrequency have a role?

Chronic pain in the cervical region that radiates to the shoulders and upper extremities is a common clinical problem. Van Zundert and colleagues’ article reports a randomized, double-blind trial of pulsed radiofrequency in chronic radicular neck pain patients (23 screened from 256) resulting in a statistically significant short-term efficacy measured as better global perceived effect and a 20-point reduction in a visual Analogue Scale. The trial reports no complications and displays significant reduction in analgesic use 6 months post procedure. This is the third published study highlighting the innovative application of radiofrequency (first to use pulsed radiofrequency) to treat this difficult pain syndrome.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF UNILATERAL URETERAL OBSTRUCTION: STUDIES FROM CHARLOTTESVILLE TO NEW YORK

ABSTRACTPurpose: More than 30 years ago the decreased renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate characteristic of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was described. In the ensuing time, much has been learned about the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in the pathophysiology of UUO.Materials and Methods: We measured renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate in dogs and rats, and assessed the effect of altering the availability of NO on these parameters. In rats and mice we used an antibody to TGF-β, NO synthase gene deletion and inducible nitric oxide synthase gene therapy to assess the role of TGF-β and NO in renal fibrosis.Results: Results of our studies suggest 2 strategies that have the potential to be incorporated into clinical trials. The first would be replenishment of the NO system with arginine (or a NO donor) to decrease renovascular resistance and increase renal nitric oxide. Either in addition to the first strategy or separately, interstitia...
An Electric Device for Instantaneous and Continuous Computation of Aortic Blood Velocity

An electric device is described which computes the instantaneous aortic blood velocity from the pressure difference between two points along the aorta. The pressure difference was obtained from a specially designed double lumen catheter attached to a differential pressure gage. The aortic blood velocity curves obtained from 20 dogs compare closely with most of those appearing in the literature.
Pathogenesis and micro-anatomic characterization of a cell-adapted mutant foot-and-mouth disease virus in cattle: Impact of the Jumonji C-domain containing protein 6 (JMJD6) and route of inoculation

A companion study reported Jumonji-C domain containing protein 6 (JMJD6) is involved in an integrin- and HS-independent pathway of FMDV infection in CHO cells. JMJD6 localization was investigated in animal tissues from cattle infected with either wild type A24-FMDV (A24-WT) or mutant FMDV (JMJD6-FMDV) carrying E95K/S96L and RGD to KGE mutations in VP1. Additionally, pathogenesis of mutant JMJD6-FMDV was investigated in cattle through aerosol and intraepithelial lingual (IEL) inoculation. Interestingly, JMJD6-FMDV pathogenesis was equivalent to A24-WT administered by IEL route. In contrast, JMJD6-FMDV aerosol-infected cattle did not manifest signs of FMD and animals showed no detectable viremia. Immunofluorescent microscopy of post-mortem tissue revealed JMJD6-FMDV exclusively co-localized with JMJD6(+) cells while A24-WT was occasionally found in JMJD6(+) cells. In vitro, chemical uptake inhibitors demonstrated JMJD6-FMDV entered cells via clathrin-coated pit endocytosis. In vivo, JMJD6-FMDV exhibited preference for JMJD6(+) cells, but availability of this alternative receptor likely depends on route of inoculation.
Special Cases and Special Populations: Tips and Tricks to Obtain a Diagnostic CMR

Abstract Based on current evidence, there are numerous clinical advantages of CMR, and in the diagnosis of ARVC/D. CMR is regarded as the gold-standard imaging test for evaluation of the right ventricle. CMR has the ability to image the heart in any plane, has excellent blood pool to tissue contrast, is highly sensitive for detecting subtle wall motion abnormalities, and has proven reproducibility. Additionally, MRI is noninvasive, does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation, and can be done without contrast while effectively evaluating chamber size, ventricular function, and wall motion abnormalities. However, even the ideal imaging modality requires a skill and knowledge in order to realize its diagnostic potential. Similar to any imaging modality, appropriate CMR acquisition is essential for accurate diagnosis. Unfortunately, we frequently have patients who are not ideal for scanning. In this chapter, we review tricks and tips for scanning and obtaining successful images in “difficult” patients, with emphasis on patients with arrhythmias that preclude appropriate ECG gating, those who cannot hold their breath appropriately, and patients with cardiac pacemakers.
Development and reproduction of Bemisia argentifolii (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on five host plants

Effects of 5 commercially grown vegetables on the development, survivorship, and reproduction of the whitefly Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring were studied in the laboratory. The percentages of whitefly immatures that survived on eggplant, Solanum melongena L.; tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Miller; sweet potato, Ipomoea batatus (L.) Lam; cucumber, Cucumis sativus L.; and garden bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L. at 25 ± 1°C were 88.7, 60.2, 67.5, 46.4, and 45.8%, respectively. The body lengths from 2nd to 4th instars among populations on these 5 host plants were not significantly different. Female nymphs were significantly larger than males. Developmental time from egg to adult ranged from 17.3 d on eggplant to 20.9 d on garden bean. The average number of eggs laid per female were 223.7, 167.5, 77.5, 66.0, and 83.5 on the above respective hosts, and female adults lived an average of 24.0, 20.5, 16.6, 9.8, and 13.4 d on these same hosts. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) for B. argentifolii on eggplant was highest. Jackknife estimates of rm varied from 0.192 on eggplant to 0.120 on garden bean. The mean generation time of the population on these hosts ranged from 23.2 to 27.2 d at 25°C. Based on life-table analyses of whitefly populations, we concluded that eggplant was the most suitable host for B. argentifolii and garden bean the least suitable.
Inhibitory action of high levels of glucose on glucagon effects in the isolated perfused rat liver.

SummaryLivers obtained from fasted rats were perfused with whole blood obtained from fasted rats and were found to release small amounts of glucose to the effluent. The addition of glucose to the perfusing medium resulted in glucose uptake by the liver. When glucagon was added to the perfusate, glucose was released into the effluent. In these studies the effects of a combined glucose and glucagon infusion into livers from fasted rats were tested. The catabolic effects of a supra-physiological concentration (6 × 10-9M) of glucagon on liver metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins were significantly rreduced when glucose was also added to the perfusate. Thes, a high glucose concentration in the perfusate overrides the usual effects of glucagon on “fasted” liver cells.
Dietary vitamin D suppresses delayed type hypersensitivity without effecting bacterial burden during experimental tuberculosis infection (IRC10P.410)

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of the disease tuberculosis (TB), is a significant and extremely successful intracellular pathogen. Protective immunity against Mtb is initiated by phagocytic cells in the lung that activate CD4 + T cells to produce cytokines essential for combating the infection (e.g. IFNγ). However, a negative consequence of this robust T cell response is damaging immunopathology in the host lungs. Recently there is a renewed interest in using vitamin D (VitD) as a host-directed therapy to help treat TB. We sought to understand the effects of VitD on the immune response using an in vivo mouse model of Mtb infection. When C3HeB/FeJ mice were fed a VitD high (VitD HI ) or VitD deficient (VitD LO ) diet and aerosol infected with the Mtb strain H37Rv, we did not see a significant difference in bacterial burden in the lung or spleen. However, VitD HI mice had significantly less recruitment of lymphocytes to the lung granuloma and decreased production of IFNγ, indicating that VitD is inducing an anti-inflammatory immune environment. Currently, we are using VitD receptor knockout mice to further understand the specific cell types VitD is exerting its effects on to modulate the immune response. Overall the results from these experiments will help define VitD’s effects on the immune response during Mtb infection and help determine if VitD is a reasonable therapeutic option to reduce TB-associated immunopathology.
Reply to“The 2D limitation of‘Triggering effect of the Zipingpu Reservoir on the 2008 M_w7.9 Wenchuan,China,Earthquake due to poroelastic coupling'”

In the comments Cheng et al.(2015)made on our paper(Tao et al.,2014)they claim that by using a 2Dinstead of a 3Dfinite element model to simulate the impoundment effect of the Zipingpu Reservoir,we exaggerated by about 3times the pore pressure and the Coulomb stresschanges at the hypocenter of the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake.We agree that there would be some deviations between the results of a 2Dmodel and a 3Dmodel simulation,but the difference would not be as large as they claimed.This is because that in the 2Dsimulation that Cheng et al.cited,a section profile close to the maximum width(much greater than the average width)of the Zipingpu Reservoir was chosen as the representative section profile in the computation of reservoir loading,causing exaggerated estimations of the pore pressure and Coulomb stress changes at the hypocenter in the 2D modeling.Furthermore,Tao et al.(2014)drew their conclusions based mainly on that"the impoundment of the Zipingpu Reservoir increased the Coulomb stress loading of the Longmenshan Fault on the whole",especially"increased the Coulomb stress at the shallow part of the Longmenshan Fault up to hundreds of kPa,significantly in favor of the failure of the fault".This major conclusion is not based on the calculated Coulomb stress changes at the reported hypocenters.The initial rupture of Wenchuan Earthquake could be a small event which might or might not be induced by the impoundment of the reservoir,but its rupture could trigger cascade failures at the upper part of the fault system that had been significantly weakened by the reservoir impoundment already.Therefore,the Wenchuan Earthquake could be directly or indirectly triggered by the impoundment of the Zipingpu Reservoir.If only focusing on the triggering effect at the"hypocenter",it would be easy to miss the much greater effect that the reservoir imposed on the upper part of the fault system.Reservoir triggering of earthquake is a complex problem,with many uncertainties involved in the model.Among these uncertainties,the one resulted from using a 2Dsimulation is neither the most significant nor the largest,and would not affect the major conclusions that we drew about triggering of the Wenchuan Earthquake by the impoundment of the Zipingpu Reservoir.