cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm for a reverse geometry volumetric CT system with a large-array scanned source

We have proposed a CT system design to rapidly produce volumetric images with negligible cone beam artifacts. The investigated system uses a large array scanned source with a smaller array of fast detectors. The x-ray source is electronically steered across a 2D target every few milliseconds as the system rotates. The proposed reconstruction algorithm for this system is a modified 3D filtered backprojection method. The data are rebinned into 2D parallel ray projections, most of which are tilted with respect to the axis of rotation. Each projection is filtered with a 2D kernel and backprojected onto the desired image matrix. To ensure adequate spatial resolution and low artifact level, we rebin the data onto an array that has sufficiently fine spatial and angular sampling. Due to finite sampling in the real system, some of the rebinned projections will be sparse, but we hypothesize that the large number of views will compensate for the data missing in a particular view. Preliminary results using simulated data with the expected discrete sampling of the source and detector arrays suggest that high resolution (<0.5 mm in all directions) images can be obtained in a single rotation with the proposed system and reconstruction algorithm.
Acute Podocyte Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF-A) Knockdown Disrupts alphaVbeta3 Integrin Signaling in the Glomerulus

Podocyte or endothelial cell VEGF-A knockout causes thrombotic microangiopathy in adult mice. To study the mechanism involved in acute and local injury caused by low podocyte VEGF-A we developed an inducible, podocyte-specific VEGF-A knockdown mouse, and we generated an immortalized podocyte cell line (VEGFKD) that downregulates VEGF-A upon doxycycline exposure. Tet-O-siVEGF:podocin-rtTA mice express VEGF shRNA in podocytes in a doxycycline-regulated manner, decreasing VEGF-A mRNA and VEGF-A protein levels in isolated glomeruli to ∼20% of non-induced controls and urine VEGF-A to ∼30% of control values a week after doxycycline induction. Induced tet-O-siVEGF:podocin-rtTA mice developed acute renal failure and proteinuria, associated with mesangiolysis and microaneurisms. Glomerular ultrastructure revealed endothelial cell swelling, GBM lamination and podocyte effacement. VEGF knockdown decreased podocyte fibronectin and glomerular endothelial alphaVbeta3 integrin in vivo. VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2) interacts with beta3 integrin and neuropilin-1 in the kidney in vivo and in VEGFKD podocytes. Podocyte VEGF knockdown disrupts alphaVbeta3 integrin activation in glomeruli, detected by WOW1-Fab. VEGF silencing in cultured VEGFKD podocytes downregulates fibronectin and disrupts alphaVbeta3 integrin activation cell-autonomously. Collectively, these studies indicate that podocyte VEGF-A regulates alphaVbeta3 integrin signaling in the glomerulus, and that podocyte VEGF knockdown disrupts alphaVbeta3 integrin activity via decreased VEGFR2 signaling, thereby damaging the three layers of the glomerular filtration barrier, causing proteinuria and acute renal failure.
Impairment of long-term memory and sparing of short-term memory in monkeys with medial temporal lobe lesions: a response to Ringo.

During the last decade, an animal model of human amnesia was developed in the monkey. Studies using this model have identified structures in the medial temporal lobe that are essential for forming long-term memory (i.e. the hippocampus and the entorhinal, perirhinal and parahippocampal cortices). Recently, an important aspect of these studies was questioned by Ringo ( Behav. Brain Res. , 42 (1991) 123–134). He suggested that the data from the delayed non-matching-to-sample task, which has been extensively used in these studies, have been analyzed in a potentially misleading way. He reanalyzed the data from several laboratories by transforming percent correct data to a discriminability (d') measure based on signal detection theory. In monkeys with lesions, performance appeared to be equivalently impaired at short and long retention delays. He concluded that the data do not support the idea that medial temporal lobe damage produces an impairment in long-term memory, but not short-term memory. However, most of the studies he analyzed were not designed to address the distinction between short-term and long-term memory. We show here that, in studies designed to compare short-term and long-term memory directly, medial temporal lobe lesions impair long-term memory while leaving short-term memory intact. This result is obtained whether the data are analyzed using a percent correct measure, the d' measure, or an arcsine transform.
The dielectric constant in liquid and solid4He

We report precision measurements of the dielectric constant e of liquid and solid 4 He at constant density as a function of temperature in the range0.1<T<1.2 K. For these measurements a capacitance bridge was used, the stability of which permitted a reproducibility of δe / e ≈ 6×10−9 in the dielectric constant. We find that the polarizabilityp, defined by the Clausius-Mosotti equation, is a weak function of temperature. This dependence onT at the low-temperature end diminishes as the density of 4 He is decreased to that at saturated vapor pressure. We also describe briefly attempts at measuring the change of e at the superfluid transition in 4 He and during the melting process, all corrected to conditions of constant volume, and upper limits for these changes are given. Finally, we present measurements of e in liquid 4 He at saturated vapor pressure between 0.15 and 1.3 K, from which we deduce the change in density. The results are compared with recent data obtained with a microwave cavity method and good agreement is found. Further comparisons are made with Van Degrift's results at 4 MHz and also with other recent data above 0.7 K.
Human and cattle population changes in Deltaic West Bengal, India between 1967 and 1977.

Humans and domestic animals in 14.94 square kilometers of rural West Bengal were intensively studied between 1967 and 1970. In 1977, 3.81 square kilometers (25.5%) of the same area was resurveyed and all humans and cattle enumerated. The human population has increased 10% from 1969 to 1977, but the total number of children in the younger age groups has actually diminished. The cattle population has decreased 3.7% since the 1969 census, but in 1977 there were 19% fewer working bullocks present. Other significant observations relative to the primary productivity and economics of the area are noted.
Endoureteropyelotomy in adults Review of procedure and results

Abstract We report on 17 adult patients who underwent antegrade endoureteropyelotomy for primary (7) and secondary (10) ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Complications were limited to failure to relieve the obstruction, which occurred in 2 patients (12%) requiring a subsequent open pyeloplasty. The two failures were due to high insertion of the ureter in one, and lower renal pole vessel in the other ease. A new endoureteropyelotomy stent was developed to enhance healing and patient comfort. No failures occurred due to technical difficulties.
New British Fascism: Rise of the British National Party

My interest in reviewing this book on the British National Party (BNP) comes from a longstanding interest in that organization as well as extremist politics in Europe. The author has much to say on...
Some Specific Factors Affecting Attitude Change

The study investigated the effects of pro and con, one and two-sided messages on receiver attitude change when the Ss were required to either publicly commit themsclves on the issue prior to message reception or were not required to publicly commit themselves. In the public commitment treatment condition, Ss were first required to express in writing their attitude on the chosen topic and give two or three reasons why they held this position, after which they read either a one- or two-sided, pro or con counterattitudinal message. Ss in the no commitment treatment groups merely received the one- or two-sided, pro or con messages without publicly commiting themselves on the issue. After reading the appropriate one- or twosided message, Ss again expressed their attitude toward the issue. The experimental hypothesis tested stipulated that when Ss were not required to commit themselves publicly to an issue, they would change their attitudes toward the topic significantly more than would Ss required to publicly commit themselves. Further, it was hypothesized that this effect would be significantly more pronounced for Ss receiving a one-sided message arguing in favor of the topic than it would for Ss receiving either a one-sided message arguing against the topic or a two-sided, pro or con message. The data confirmed the hypothesis.
On the reliability of Chow-type tests for parameter constancy in multivariate dynamic models

Abstract The small sample properties of two types of Chow tests are investigated in the context of multiple time series systems. It is found that the tests may have substantially distorted size if the sample size is not large relative to the number of parameters in the model under study. In particular the tests reject far too often in this situation. It is shown that bootstrap versions of the tests have much better properties in this respect. In other words, the bootstrap can be used to size-adjust the tests.
Some Effects of Titania on Refractory Clays

The amount of titania a clay can contain without appreciably lowering its refractoriness was determined. A soft flint fire clay, a hard flint fire clay, and a kaolin with varying percentages of titania added were fired to 2840°F. and examined. The influence of titania on the glassy material formed was found to be the same in each of the three clays considered. This was indicated by both apparent porosity determinations and examination of thin sections under the petrographic microscope. The most rapid increase in the development of glassy material occurred when from 3 to 4.5% titania was added to the clay.
Helping fluid teams work: A research agenda for effective team adaptation in healthcare

Although membership changes within teams are a common practice, research into this phenomenon is relatively nascent (Summers et al.; Acad Manag J 55:314–338, 2012). The small literature base, however, does provide insight into skills required for effective adaptation. The purpose of this effort is to provide a brief research synopsis, leading to research hypotheses about medical team training. By generalizing previous scientific findings regarding skills required for effective membership adaptation in different kinds of teams, we posit mechanisms whereby teamwork training might also support adaptation among medical teams (Burke et al.; Qual & Saf Health Care 13:i96–i104, 2004 and Salas et al.; Theor Issues Ergon Sci 8:381–394, 2007). We provide an overview of the membership change literature. Drawing upon literature from both within and outside of the medical domain, we suggest a framework and research propositions to aid in research efforts designed to determine the best content for helping to create adaptable medical teams through team training efforts. For effective adaptation, we suggest ad hoc teams should be trained on generalizable teamwork skills, to share just “enough” and the “right” information, to engage in shared leadership, and to shift from explicit to implicit coordination. Our overarching goal was to present what is known from the general research literature on successful team adaptation to membership changes, and to propose a research agenda to evaluate whether findings generalize to member changes in medical teams.
Assessment of cellular responses to oxidative stress using MCF-7 breast cancer cells, black seed (N. Sativa L.) extracts and H2O2.

Black seed (N. Sativa L) is an oriental spice of the family Ranunculaceae that has long been rationally used as a natural medicine for treatment of many acute as well as chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease and immunological disorders. It has been used in the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, and dermatological conditions. There have been very few studies on the effects of N. Sativa as a chemoprevention of chronic diseases as well as in cancer prevention and/or therapy. Oxidative stress is a condition that underlies many acute as well as chronic conditions. The combination and role of oxidative stress and antioxidants in vivo is still a matter of conjecture. Our objective for the present study was to expose MCF-7 breast cancer cells in vitro (as a chronic disease example) to aqueous and alcohol extracts and in combination with H2O2 as an oxidative stressor. Measurement of cell survival under various concentrations and mixtures was conducted using standard cell culture techniques, exposure protocols in 96 well plates and Fluorospectrosphotometry. Following cellular growth to 90% confluencey, exposure to water (WE) and ethanol (AE) extracts of N. sativa and H2O2 was performed. Cell survival indices were calculated from percent survival using regression analysis. Results showed that the alcohol extract and its mixtures were able to influence the survival of MCF-7 cells (indices ranged from 357.15- 809.50 Bg/ml in descending potency for H2O2+AE to the mix of 3). In contrast, H2O2 alone reduced effectively the survival of MCF-7 cells and the least effective combinations in descending potency were AE+H2O2, WE+H2O2, AE+WE, and WE+AE+H2O2. Mixtures other than AE+H2O2 showed possible interactions and loss of potency. In conclusion, N. Sativa alone or in combination with oxidative stress was found to be effective (in vitro) in influencing the survival of MCF-7 breast cancer cells, unveiling promising opportunities in the field of cancer chemoprevention and/or treatment.
Structural Features of the Ligand-binding Domain of the Serotonin 5HT3 Receptor

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and the serotonin type 3 receptor (5HT3R) are members of the ligand-gated ion channel gene family. Both receptors are inhibited by nanomolar concentrations of d-tubocurarine (curare) in a competitive fashion. Chemical labeling studies on the AChR have identified tryptophan residues on the γ (γTrp-55) and δ (δTrp-57) subunits that interact with curare. Comparison of the sequences of these two subunits with the 5HT3R shows that a tryptophan residue is found in the homologous position in the 5HT3R (Trp-89), suggesting that this residue may be involved in curare-5HT3R interactions. Site-directed mutagenesis at position Trp-89 markedly reduces the affinity of the 5HT3R for the antagonists curare and granisetron but has little effect on the affinity for the agonist serotonin. To further examine the role of this region of the receptor in ligand-receptor interactions, alanine-scanning mutagenesis analysis of the region centered on Trp-89 (Thr-85 to Trp-94) was carried out, and the ligand binding properties of the mutant receptors were determined. Within this region of the receptor, curare affinity is reduced by substitution only at Trp-89, whereas serotonin affinity is reduced only by substitution at Arg-91. On the other hand, granisetron affinity is reduced by substitutions at Trp-89, Arg-91, and Tyr-93. This differential effect of substitutions on ligand affinity suggests that different ligands may have different points of interaction within the ligand-binding pocket. In addition, the every-other-residue periodicity of the effects on granisetron affinity strongly suggests that this region of the ligand-binding site of the 5HT3R (and by inference, other members of the ligand-gated ion channel family) is in a β-strand conformation.
The use of fentanyl, meperidine or alphaprodine for neuroleptanesthesia.

The suitability of fentanyl, meperidine or alphaprodine for the production of neuroleptanesthesia in conjunction with droperidol and nitrous oxide–oxygen was investigated in a double-blind study of 527 surgical patients. Because of the greater stability of the circulatory and respiratory systems associated with their use, fentanyl and meperidine were found to be preferable to alphaprodine for the production of neuroleptanesthesia. Except for a lower incidence of apnea and more rapid recovery of consciousness, fentanyl does not seem to offer any significant advantages over meperidine as a component of neuroleptanesthesia.
Noise characteristics of DC-DC boost converters: experimental validation and performance evaluation

The purpose of this paper is to quantify existing random noise in a pulse-width modulated (PWM) switching DC-DC boost converter. A DC-DC boost converter performance under the influence of random noise is studied. We experimentally verify the existence of noise and measure its statistical properties on the operating characteristics of the boost converter. A converter model that captures the effect of these inherent random noises on the overall behavior of a practical converter is presented. Existing disturbances are lumped and modeled as switching time uncertainties. We also propose a performance index quantifying the converter performance. This index is known as mean first passage time (MFPT). Comparison between this stochastic performance index, MFPT, and a deterministic counterpart, critical energy, under the presence of realistic disturbances is presented.
Contraction, smoothness, and low-pass filtering

We introduce a generalized definition for "low-pass" filters that covers time-varying and nonlinear systems under the same umbrella. We show that the qualitative concept of signal smoothing can be made precise through the concept of contractions in probabilistic metric spaces. For illustration, we consider classical linear time-invariant low-pass filters, nonlinear median filters, and time-varying guaranteed maximum delay schedulers employed in communication systems.
Deductive Framework for Programming Sensor Networks

Developing powerful paradigms for programming sensor networks is critical to realize the full potential of sensor networks as collaborative data processing engines. %In this article, we motivate and develop a deductive framework for programming sensor networks, extending the prior vision of viewing sensor network as a distributed database. The deductive programming approach is declarative, very expressive, and amenable to automatic optimizations. Such a framework allows users to program sensor network applications at a high-level without worrying about the low-level tedious details. %Our system translates a given deductive program to efficient distributed code that runs on individual nodes. To facilitate the above translation, we develop techniques for {\em distributed and asynchronous} evaluation of deductive programs in sensor networks. Our techniques generalize to recursive programs without negations, arbitrary non-recursive programs with negations, and in general to arbitrary "locally non-recursive'' programs with function symbols. %We present performance results on TOSSIM, a network simulator, and a small network testbed.
Regression Modeling Plan for 29 Biochemical Indicators of Diet and Nutrition Measured in NHANES 2003–2006

The collection of articles in this supplement issue provides insight into the association of various covariates with concentrations of biochemical indicators of diet and nutrition (biomarkers), beyond age, race, and sex, using linear regression. We studied 10 specific sociodemographic and lifestyle covariates in combination with 29 biomarkers from NHANES 2003-2006 for persons aged ≥ 20 y. The covariates were organized into 2 sets or "chunks": sociodemographic (age, sex, race-ethnicity, education, and income) and lifestyle (dietary supplement use, smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI, and physical activity) and fit in hierarchical fashion by using each category or set of related variables to determine how covariates, jointly, are related to biomarker concentrations. In contrast to many regression modeling applications, all variables were retained in a full regression model regardless of significance to preserve the interpretation of the statistical properties of β coefficients, P values, and CIs and to keep the interpretation consistent across a set of biomarkers. The variables were preselected before data analysis, and the data analysis plan was designed at the outset to minimize the reporting of false-positive findings by limiting the amount of preliminary hypothesis testing. Although we generally found that demographic differences seen in biomarkers were over- or underestimated when ignoring other key covariates, the demographic differences generally remained significant after adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle variables. These articles are intended to provide a foundation to researchers to help them generate hypotheses for future studies or data analyses and/or develop predictive regression models using the wealth of NHANES data.
Synchronization at Low SINR in Asynchronous Direct-Sequence Spread-Spectrum Communications

Currently deployed asynchronous wireless networks, e.g., 802.11a/b/g, have a limited spatial range and low reliability due to their inability to operate at low signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR). Low SINR operation can be achieved using a direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) based communication with a high spreading gain. The reception at low SINR is limited by the inability to synchronize at a low SINR. In this paper, we present the design of a synchronization block which enables a receiver to synchronize to an incoming packet at a low SINR with a high reliability. It leverages an algorithm for code acquisition in asynchronous packet-based reception described in [1]. The design of this block also consists of novel algorithms for code tracking, frame synchronization and multipath search for RAKE combining. A payload based on binary orthogonal signaling is attached to the packet header to complete an asynchronous packet-based system. The simulation results show that each of the synchronization algorithms as well as the entire synchronization block operate reliably at low SINR at the input of the receiver.
How the number of measured dimensions affects fuzzy causal measures of vitamin therapy for hyperhomocysteinemia in stroke patients

As a natural sequel to our investigations in the application of the fuzzy model to clinical stroke diagnosis and treatment, we have developed direct measures of causality sensitive to initial conditions of the individual patient with stroke and are based on the fuzzy measure M of cardinality and the fuzzy subsethood theorem defined Kosko. In this paper we show and measure the effect of a previously un-represented element (dimension) on our causal clinical efficiency measure K sensitive to unique initial and final conditions. We show this by adding the new element to the patient as fuzzy set. Again, our causal measures are based on the same measure of fuzzy cardinality M and the fuzzy subsethood theorem. The definition of causal measures for Formal Causal Ground (FCG), Clinical Causal Effect (CCE) and K can be found. Two separate measures for K are calculated. The clinical efficiency of Foltx when the genetic mutation is included as information in the patient fuzzy set, and when it is not. The effect of the addition of elemental information as variable in the patient's fuzzy set is discussed.
Metal-carbon bond dissociation energies and enthalpies of formation for gaseous metal carbonyls

Abstract Fundamental principles of thermodynamics are used to estimate mean metal-carbon bond dissociation energies for gaseous carbonyls of the transition, lanthanide and actinide metals. The results suggest that all these carbonyls should exhibit similar thermodynamic stabilities, each having a value of (−37.7 ± 2.2) kcal (mol CO)−1 for the enthalpy of formation. Mean metal-carbon bond energies are correlated with ΔFCO, the difference between the Cotton-Kraihanzel C-O stretch force constant for the carbonyl and that for molecular CO(g). ΔFCO values for first transition period carbonyls are found to exhibit a periodic trend analogous to that of the atomic radii for the elemental metals.
Methodologies for Improving Response Rates in Surveys of Physicians A Systematic Review

Although physician surveys are an important tool in health services and policy research, they are often characterized by low response rates. The authors conducted a systematic review of 66 published reports of efforts to improve response rates to physician surveys. Two general strategies were explored in this literature: incentive and design-based approaches. Even small financial incentives were found to be effective in improving physician response. Token nonmonetary incentives were much less effective. In terms of design strategies, postal and telephone strategies have generally been more successful than have fax or Web-based approaches, with evidence also supporting use of mixed-mode surveys in this population. In addition, use of first-class stamps on return envelopes and questionnaires designed to be brief, personalized, and endorsed by legitimizing professional associations were also more likely to be successful. Researchers should continue to implement design strategies that have been documented to improve the survey response of physicians.
Assessing Critical Thinking: A College's Journey and Lessons Learned

The business college at University of West Florida is currently in the throes of implementing an assessment initiative to develop student learning outcomes, design assessment devices to measure learning, analyze the measurement results to identify learning shortfalls, and establish feedback mechanisms to modify the curriculum to address the shortfalls. The authors reflected on the current state of the process, including initial findings and corrective actions taken, and compared the lessons learned about assessing critical thinking and assessment in general with results found in the literature.
Constituting and maintaining activities across sequences: And-prefacing as a feature of question design

The role of the connective and is here considered as a preface to questions in spoken interaction. Using data from informal medical encounters, it is argued that and-prefacing is used to link a question to a preceding question/answer pair or pairs. In such contexts, and-prefacing indicates that the questions it prefaces have a routine or agenda-based character. This in turn can be a resource which invokes and sustains an orientation to an activity or course of action that is implemented through a series of question/answer pairs, but transcends any individual pair. The general characteristics of and-prefaced questions are contrasted with "contingent" or "follow-up" questions, which are not normally andprefaced. Some strategic uses of and-prefaced questions are described, and the role of the device within the more general sociolinguistic context of the data is discussed. (Connectives, conversation analysis, discourse, institutional interaction, medical encounters, turn design)* This article offers an analysis of the role and function of the connective and as a feature of question design. While and as a question preface is rarely found in ordinary conversation between peers or acquaintances, it is a commonplace feature of interactions in "institutional" settings such as law courts and certain types of medical encounter, where the parties are occupied with a restricted set of tasks, or address one another as incumbents of particular social roles.'
How well do consistently monitored breeding bird survey routes represent the environments of the conterminous united states

Abstract We investigated the degree to which consistently monitored Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) routes represented environmental conditions across the United States. Using 388 models of individual species distributions, we identified eight environmental variables to which birds were particularly sensitive. The nonproportional sampling of these variables would therefore have relatively large impacts on large-scale studies using BBS data. We then used a sampling grid to compare the distribution of these variables in grid cells with and without consistently surveyed BBS routes. We made comparisons nationally, within BBS-defined physiographic regions, and within U.S. states. Not surprisingly, given the geographic variation in the intensity of route coverage, areas with BBS routes differed from those without at a national scale. In general, higher elevations and drier climates were poorly represented by BBS routes, and northeastern deciduous forests were overrepresented. In contrast, we found few large differen...
Incidence of infection in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Twenty-three patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 20 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 11 with the nephrotic syndrome (NPS) were selected for study of factors affecting the incidence of infection in these diseases. The overall infection rate (infections per 100 hospital days) in patients with SLE was significantly higher than it was in patients with RA or NPS. Infection rate and the number of disseminated infections were found to increase in lupus patients with increasing doses of corticosteroids and decreasing renal function. Lupus patients with normal renal function on no or low-dose corticosteroid therapy had an infection rate significantly higher than the infection rate of the control patient groups. This study suggests that the observed high infection rate in SLE cannot be attributed to steroid therapy and renal disease alone.
Burkholderia glumae: next major pathogen of rice?

SUMMARY Burkholderia glumae causes bacterial panicle blight of rice, which is an increasingly important disease problem in global rice production. Toxoflavin and lipase are known to be major virulence factors of this pathogen, and their production is dependent on the TofI/TofR quorum-sensing system, which is mediated by N-octanoyl homoserine lactone. Flagellar biogenesis and a type III secretion system are also required for full virulence of B. glumae. Bacterial panicle blight is thought to be caused by seed-borne B. glumae; however, its disease cycle is not fully understood. In spite of its economic importance, neither effective control measures for bacterial panicle blight nor rice varieties showing complete resistance to the disease are currently available. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying B. glumae virulence and of the rice defence mechanisms against the pathogen would lead to the development of better methods of disease control for bacterial panicle blight. Taxonomy:Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Betaproteobacteria; Burkholderiales; Burkholderiaceae; Burkholderia. Microbiological properties: Gram-negative, capsulated, motile, lophotrichous flagella, pectolytic. Disease symptoms: Aborted seed, empty grains as a result of failure of grain filling, brown spots on panicles, seedling rot. Disease control: Seed sterilization, planting partially resistant lines (no completely resistant line is available). Known virulence factors: Toxoflavin, lipase, type III effectors.
Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction: Ups and Downs of Reactive Oxygen Species

Reduction in alveolar oxygen tension causes reversible hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV), which is thought to serve as an adaptive mechanism for diverting blood flow from poorly ventilated to better-ventilated regions of the lung to improve ventilation-perfusion matching. Since first described by Von Euler and Liljestrand1 50 years ago, significant advances have been made in determining the O2 dependence, temporal characteristics, loci of response, physiological conditions, and neurohumoral factors that influence HPV in intact animal, isolated lung, and pulmonary arterial rings. Recent studies using isolated pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) indicate that hypoxia directly causes membrane depolarization, increase in intracellular [Ca2+], and cell-shortening; thus, the essential elements of HPV are contained in PASMCs, even though one or more endothelially derived mediators, such as ET-1 and/or an unknown factor,2,3⇓ are required for the full expression of hypoxic response. However, despite this progress, the precise cellular mechanism of O2 sensing for HPV remains controversial. There are several proposed mechanisms for O2 sensing in PASMCs, most of which are related to reactive oxygen species (ROS).4 The first hypothesis proposed that a smooth muscle microsomal NADH oxidoreductase, which generates H2O2 via a Po2-dependent production of superoxide, acts as the O2 sensor; H2O2 interacts with catalase to activate soluble guanylate cyclase and increase cGMP to provide tonic vasorelaxation during normoxia.5,6⇓ Under hypoxic conditions, production of H2O2 from NADH oxidase would be reduced, leading to the removal of the vasorelaxant influence, and pulmonary vasoconstriction. The second hypothesis proposed that hypoxia activates a sarcolemmal NADPH oxidase, similar to that found in neutrophils, to paradoxically increase superoxide production to signal HPV. This notion is supported by the evidence that NADPH oxidase was detected in …
RBM45 modulates the antioxidant response in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through interactions with KEAP1

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective loss of motor neurons. Various factors contribute to the disease, including RNA binding protein dysregulation and oxidative stress, but their exact role in pathogenic mechanisms remains unclear. We have recently linked another RNA binding protein, RBM45, to ALS via increased levels of protein in the cerebrospinal fluid of ALS patients and its localization to cytoplasmic inclusions in ALS motor neurons. Here we show RBM45 nuclear exit in ALS spinal cord motor neurons compared to controls, a phenotype recapitulated in vitro in motor neurons treated with oxidative stressors. We find that RBM45 binds and stabilizes KEAP1, the inhibitor of the antioxidant response transcription factor NRF2. ALS lumbar spinal cord lysates similarly show increased cytoplasmic binding of KEAP1 and RBM45. Binding of RBM45 to KEAP1 impedes the protective antioxidant response, thus contributing to oxidative stress-induced cellular toxicity. Our findings thus describe a novel link between a mislocalized RNA binding protein implicated in ALS (RBM45) and dysregulation of the neuroprotective antioxidant response seen in the disease.
Expression of activated CDC42 induces T cell apoptosis in thymus and peripheral lymph organs via different pathways

CDC42, a Ras-related small GTP binding protein, is involved in diverse cellular functions in lymphocytes. We generated transgenic mice expressing constitutively active murine CDC42 (Q61L) under the control of the human CD2 promoter. Transgenic mice showed smaller thymi with a dramatic reduction of CD4+CD8+, CD4+ and CD8+ thymocytes and with increase of CD4-CD8- thymocytes at CD25-CD44+ and CD25+ stage. A high percentage of the transgenic thymocytes were apoptotic, explaining the reduction of cellularity and size of the thymus. Mature T cells (TCR alphabeta+) in peripheral lymph organs, spleen and lymph node, were also dramatically reduced, and exhibited massive apoptosis. Expression of Fas and Fas ligand on both thymocytes and peripheral T cells was upregulated in transgenic mice, but the increased apoptosis in the thymus was independent of Fas (CD95), whereas peripheral spleen and lymph node T cell apoptosis was Fas dependent. Thus, activated CDC42 triggers distinct apoptotic pathways in thymocytes and peripheral T cells.
Soybean Cultural Practices: Effects on Populations of Geocorids, Nabids, and Other Soybean Arthropods

Arthropods were monitored in soybean, Glycine max L. Merrill, of early-, medium-, and late-maturity groups planted from April through July in several row spacings at four locations in Mississippi for 1 to 3 years. There were four major predator groups at each location: geocorids [mostly Geocoris punctipes (Say)], nabids ( Nabis spp.), lady beetles (Coccinellidae), and spiders. Geocorid, nabid, and spider populations gradually increased during the summer, but lady beetle populations peaked in midseason. Predator populations were not strongly affected by the three cultural practices: Geocorid, nabid, and spider populations (but not lady beetles) were higher in late-planted than in early-planted soybean; nabid populations (but not geocorids, lady beetles, and spiders) were higher in late-maturing than in early-maturing cultivars; and geocorid and spider populations (but not nabids and lady beetles) were higher in narrow- than in wide-row soybean. Predator population responses to cultural practices were generally similar to responses observed among the defoliating caterpillars. The effects of soybean cultural practices on phytophagous beetles and stink bugs are also discussed.
Prospective cohort retention and its influencing factors of MSM in Mianyang City

[Objective]To explore the influencing factors of prospective cohort retention of HIV new infections among MSM in Mianyang City. [Methods]The RDS method was used to recruit 400 MSM who met the survey conditions in Mianyang City from June to September 2009,with removal of HIV antibody positive subjects and open prospective cohort was established. Serological follow up was carried out once a year for 3 consecutive years. Snowball sampling method was applied in follow up for supplementary investigation according to included principle in case of lacking baseline survey sample. The relationship between cohort retention and the factors of demographic characteristics,prevention services,social action network and sex was analyzed. [Results] A total of 725 people were included in the cohort. Totally 661 person were followed up in 3 years. 51. 3%( 372 /725) people participated in at least 1 or more follow up survey. The people who participated in the first year,the second year,the third year of follow up survey and participated in the last year survey( χ2trend = 50. 317,P = 0. 000) were 43. 5%( 155 /356),66. 8%( 243 /364),69. 4%( 263 /379) respectively. Lost reasons were going out 35. 4%( 125 /353),can not being contacted 42. 8%( 151 /353),unwilling to participate 15. 0%( 53 /353) and the others 6. 8%( 24 /353). The multivariate analysis showed cohort retention independent factors were as follows: marital status( OR = 5. 267,95% CI: 2. 141-12. 960),the introduction relationship( OR = 4. 149,95% CI: 1. 023-16. 949),the number of local MSM friends( OR = 3. 036,95% CI : 1. 013-9. 092),receiving prevention services over the past 1 year( OR = 3. 084,95% CI : 1. 046-8. 881),AIDS knowledge and information from consulting services( OR = 6. 562,95% CI : 1. 021-42. 179) or from the Internet( OR = 0. 384,95% CI: 0. 164-0. 900). [Conclusion]MSM cohort retention is related to demographic characteristics,social activities networks and prevention services. It takes advantage of social activity networks effectively in cohort study to improve quality and accessibility of prevention services can prompt cohort retention.
Six Management Routes to More Productive Research

(1994). Six Management Routes to More Productive Research. Materials Technology: Vol. 9, No. 5-6, pp. 129-130.
Myxobolus axelrodi n. sp. (Myxosporea: Myxobolidae) a parasite infecting the brain and retinas of the cardinal tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi (Teleostei: Characidae)

An investigation of mortalities in a group of cardinal tetras Paracheirodon axelrodi Meyers, 1936, a popular ornamental fish, revealed myxozoan parasites in ventricles of the brains in 3/10 fish and the ocular retina of a fourth. Parasite impacts were unclear, as additional histopathological findings were present, including bacterial dermatitis and meningitis. Ethanol-preserved specimens pooled from multiple fish were used for morphological characterization of myxospores. Elongate, teardrop myxospores were 20.5 ± 0.7-μm (mean ± SD; range = 19.0–21.8 μm) long, 6.6 ± 0.5-μm (5.7–7.9 μm) wide, and 5.1 ± 0.4-μm (4.8–5.9 μm) thick (valvular width). Two, unequally sized, apical, pyriform polar capsules were in the same plane as the sutural ridge. The larger measured 9.9 ± 0.8-μm (8.0–11.2 μm) long and 3.8 ± 0.3-μm (3.2–4.8 μm) wide. The smaller was 4.1 ± 0.3-μm (3.5–4.5 μm) long and 2.0 ± 0.1-μm (1.8–2.3 μm) wide. Identical 1912 bp 18S rRNA sequences were obtained from two pooled spore samples from tetra brains, which did not match any sequences in the NCBI nr/nt database. Phylogenetically, these parasites grouped loosely within a clade containing Myxobolus spp. from other South American characins and Unicauda spp. from siluriform catfish. Myxospores shared some morphological similarities with Myxobolus inaequus from the unrelated glass knifefish (Order: Gymnotiformes), but were genetically divergent (<85 % similarity) from other myxozoan parasites of South American characins and shared few morphological features or tissue predilection sites. Based on host and tissue tropism, spore morphology, and 18S rRNA sequencing, we report this isolate as a previously unknown species, Myxobolus axelrodi n. sp.
Misogynoir in Medical Media: On Caster Semenya and R. Kelly

Misogynoir describes the co-constitutive, anti-Black, and misogynistic racism directed at Black women, particularly in visual and digital culture (Bailey, 2010). The term is a combination of misogyny , the hatred of women, and noir , which means black but also carries film and media connotations. It is the particular amalgamation of anti-Black racism and misogyny in popular media and culture that targets Black trans and cis women. Representational images contribute to negative societal perceptions about Black women, which can precipitate racist gendered violence that harms health and can even result in death. As philosopher Linda Alcoff asserts, racism depends on perceptible difference to determine which bodies are expendable, and in this cultural moment of Black hypervisibility, Black women are particularly vulnerable (Philosophy). I use two culture examples to explore the real life impact of misogynoir in medical media. I explore the ways in which the biomedical knowledge produced by physicians reinforces certain bodies as normal and others as pathological. The case of Caster Semenya as well as the trial of R&B star R. Kelly, allow me to introduce Black feminist health science studies as a critical intervention into current medical curriculum reform conversations.
Circulating miRNAs in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Show Promise as Biomarkers of Vascular Function

Background/Objectives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers of vascular function in pediatric pulmonary hypertension. Method. Fourteen pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension patients underwent simultaneous right heart catheterization (RHC) and blood biochemical analysis. Univariate and stepwise multivariate linear regression was used to identify and correlate measures of reactive and resistive afterload with circulating miRNA levels. Furthermore, circulating miRNA candidates that classified patients according to a 20% decrease in resistive afterload in response to oxygen (O2) or inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) were identified using receiver-operating curves. Results. Thirty-two circulating miRNAs correlated with the pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRi), pulmonary arterial distensibility, and PVRi decrease in response to O2 and/or iNO. Multivariate models, combining the predictive capability of multiple promising miRNA candidates, revealed a good correlation with resistive (, ) and reactive (, ) afterloads. Bland-Altman plots showed that 95% of the differences between multivariate models and RHC would fall within 0.13 (mmHg−min/L)m2 and 0.0085/mmHg for resistive and reactive afterloads, respectively. Circulating miR-663 proved to be a good classifier for vascular responsiveness to acute O2 and iNO challenges. Conclusion. This study suggests that circulating miRNAs may be biomarkers to phenotype vascular function in pediatric PAH.
PATTERNA: transcriptome-wide search for functional RNA elements via structural data signatures.

Establishing a link between RNA structure and function remains a great challenge in RNA biology. The emergence of high-throughput structure profiling experiments is revolutionizing our ability to decipher structure, yet principled approaches for extracting information on structural elements directly from these data sets are lacking. We present patteRNA, an unsupervised pattern recognition algorithm that rapidly mines RNA structure motifs from profiling data. We demonstrate that patteRNA detects motifs with an accuracy comparable to commonly used thermodynamic models and highlight its utility in automating data-directed structure modeling from large data sets. patteRNA is versatile and compatible with diverse profiling techniques and experimental conditions.
Looking Beyond Academic Performance: The Influence of Instructor Gender on Student Motivation in STEM Fields:

Recruiting more female faculty has been suggested as a policy option for addressing gender disparities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields given its ability to engage...
Computer Vision Analysis Captures Atypical Attention in Toddlers with Autism.

To demonstrate the capability of computer vision analysis to detect atypical orienting and attention behaviors in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder. One hundered and four toddlers of 16–31 months old (mean = 22) participated in this study. Twenty-two of the toddlers had autism spectrum disorder and 82 had typical development or developmental delay. Toddlers watched video stimuli on a tablet while the built-in camera recorded their head movement. Computer vision analysis measured participants’ attention and orienting in response to name calls. Reliability of the computer vision analysis algorithm was tested against a human rater. Differences in behavior were analyzed between the autism spectrum disorder group and the comparison group. Reliability between computer vision analysis and human coding for orienting to name was excellent (intra-class coefficient 0.84, 95% confidence interval 0.67–0.91). Only 8% of toddlers with autism spectrum disorder oriented to name calling on >1 trial, compared to 63% of...
Analysis of Social Influence in Online Book Reviews.

It has been widely recognized that online opinions constitute important informational sources for consumers and producers. The open nature of communication supported by social media, however, raises an important yet unsettled question of whether and how earlier opinions affect those that come after. This poster presents a model to illustrate the relationship between existing and new reviews. Based on 12,500 Amazon reviews, our choice model shows support for the idea that social contagion may be an important mechanism guiding behaviors of online reviewers. The results thus offer novel insights toward a better understanding of contagious behaviors, as well as minority influence, among social media users.
Direct-to-consumer marketing of stem cell interventions by Canadian businesses

Aim This study examines marketing claims of Canadian businesses engaged in direct-to-consumer advertising of putative stem cell treatments. Methods Internet searches were used to locate Canadian businesses selling stem cell interventions. Company websites were subjected to detailed analysis. Results In total, 30 Canadian businesses sell stem cell interventions provided at 43 clinics. Autologous stem cells are the most common types of products promoted by such businesses. Company websites minimize risks while making strong claims about benefits of stem cell interventions. Discussion Businesses' representations could result in patients making health-related decisions informed by marketing claims rather than best available scientific evidence. Conclusion Although there is absent development of new regulations and guidance, the Canadian direct-to-consumer marketplace for stem cell interventions appears poised for expansion.