cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Foliar nutrient resorption in two Mojave Desert shrubs exposed to Free-Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE)

Abstract Foliar nutrient resorption enables plants to sequester resources that might otherwise become unavailable. Future atmospheric CO 2 concentrations may increase growth, nutrient demand and nutrient resorption, leading to lower quality leaf litter. During dry, average and wet rainfall years we examined resorption efficiency and proficiency of macro- and micronutrients in Ambrosia dumosa and Lycium pallidum growing under ambient or elevated [CO 2 ]. Resorption efficiencies did not significantly differ between [CO 2 ] in either species during any year. However, Ambrosia N and P resorption efficiencies in both [CO 2 ] were significantly greater in the dry year, as was Lycium N at both [CO 2 ] and P at elevated [CO 2 ]. Resorption in Ambrosia was more proficient for Mn under elevated [CO 2 ] in the dry year and N in the wet year, while P resorption in Lycium was more proficient at elevated [CO 2 ] in the average rainfall year. Significant differences between years always revealed lower N and P litter content in the dry vs. wet year. The most significant result was greater retention of macronutrients in a dry year. The hypothesis that elevated [CO 2 ] will lower leaf litter quality was not supported, as precipitation inputs had a stronger effect on nutrient resorption in these desert shrubs than [CO 2 ].
Shellfish Gathering and Shell Midden Archaeology Revisited: Chronology and Taphonomy at White Oak Point, Potomac River Estuary, Virginia

ABSTRACTThirty years ago, archaeologists were engaged in a spirited debate about the importance of maritime adaptations in human prehistory. Waselkov's (1987) synthesis of shell midden archaeology was a key component of this debate, including his (1982) work at White Oak Point (44WM119), Virginia. 44WM119 is a massive shell midden with the earliest definitive human use of coastal resources on the Chesapeake Bay (∼4,900 years ago) and nearly continuous occupation through the Historic period. Given its significance and advances in radiocarbon dating (Accelerator Mass Spectrometry [AMS], reservoir corrections, calibration, etc.) since 44WM119 was excavated, we obtained 22 AMS 14C dates from charcoal and Crassostrea virginica shells from components with age estimates based on artifact associations. These and 14 previous 14C dates document human occupation from 2890 cal BC to the early twentieth century; they also deviate widely from ages based on direct artifact associations, with only 45% of the new dates (6...
ISIS: a networked-epidemiology based pervasive web app for infectious disease pandemic planning and response

We describe ISIS, a high-performance-computing-based application to support computational epidemiology of infectious diseases. ISIS has been developed over the last seven years in close coordination with public health and policy experts. It has been used in a number of important federal planning and response exercises. ISIS grew out of years of experience in developing and using HPC-oriented models of complex socially coupled systems. This identified the guiding principle that complex models will be used by domain experts only if they can do realistic analysis without becoming computing experts.Using ISIS, one can carry out detailed computational experiments as they pertain to planning and response in the event of a pandemic. ISIS is designed to support networked epidemiology -- study of epidemic processes over social contact networks. The current system can handle airborne infectious diseases such as influenza, pertussis, and smallpox. ISIS is comprised of the following basic components: (i) a web app that serves as the user-interface, (ii) a middleware that coordinates user interaction via the web app with backend models and databases, (iii) a backend computational modeling framework that is comprised of highly resolved epidemic simulations combined with highly realistic control strategies that include pharmaceutical as well as non-pharmaceutical interventions and (iv) a backend data management framework that manages complex unstructured and semi-structured data.ISIS has been used in over a dozen case studies defined by the DoD, DHHS, NIH, BARDA and NSC. We describe three recent studies illustrating the use of ISIS in real-world settings:(i) uses of ISIS during the H1N1 pandemic, Cii) supporting a US military planning exercise, and (iii) distribution of limited stockpile of pharmaceuticals using public and private outlets.
Obtaining a ground-based lidar geometric form factor using coincident spaceborne lidar measurements.

We present a method to determine the geometric form factor of a ground-based lidar using simultaneous lidar measurements made from the ground and from space. The theoretical basis is described. The feasibility of the method is demonstrated by applying it to the measurement data acquired by the Cloud Aerosol Lidar Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) lidar and a ground-based lidar located at the Hampton University (37.02 °N, 76.34 °W). The geometric factors with different aerosol conditions are retrieved.
Resynthesis of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.): A comparison of sexual versus somatic hybridization

Sexual and somatic Brassica napus hybrids produced from the same parental plants were compared. Sexual crosses between a white-flowered, self-compatible broccoli selection (B. oleracea var. italica, cc genome) as the maternal parent and a flowering pak choi accession (B. chinensis, aa genome) yielded one unique spontaneous hybrid and four hybrids through embryo rescue. Thirty-nine somatic hybrids were recovered from a protoplast fusion experiment. Hybridity was confirmed by morphology, isozyme expression, flow cytometry, and DNA hybridization. Sexual and somatic hybrids exhibited differences in leaf morphology, flower colour, flowering habit, and organellar inheritance. Sexual hybrids were all fertile amphidiploids (2n = 38, aacc) following spontaneous chromosome doubling. All somatic hybrids had high nuclear DNA contents; most were probably hexaploids (aaaacc or aacccc) from the fusion of three portoplasts. Two initially sterile hexaploid (aaaacc) regenerates eventually set selfed seed after the loss of the putative extra aa genome following regrowth from axillary buds. A bias toward inheritance of B. chinensis chloroplasts was observed with somatic hybrids.
A Monte Carlo Simulation for Graphite Furnace Atomization of Copper

Monte Carlo simulation techniques are used to model the release of Cu from a graphite furnace atomizer during the heating pulse. The simulation allows for control of nonuniform axial temperature distribution of the furnace, surface readsorption of the analyte, and various furnace geometries and initial sample location. Spatial maps of the particles are obtained as a function of time during the simulations, and axial and radial spatial distributions of the analyte particles are presented for Cu. Spatially integrated and spatially resolved absorbance profiles from experimental measurements are also presented for comparison. Explanations of the Monte Carlo approach are given and the equations used to govern release and loss are presented. The approach relies heavily on physical/chemical constants rather than curve fitting approaches. The release of Cu is a first-order process proceeding from submonolayer coverages on the surface with an activation energy of 29 ± 3 kcal. With the use of a kinetic approach for the release and readsorption it was found that the rate of release and rate of readsorption were nearly identical. This suggests that equilibrium is approached at the gas/graphite interface for Cu under these conditions. At the peak approximately 10% of the original sample is within the furnace volume as a vapor. At 900 K/s heating rate, convective expulsion of the analyte is negligible in comparison to diffusive loss. However, in a mini-Massman-type furnace the presence of the sample introduction hole is responsible for 35% of the analyte lost. This is in contrast to the 11% predicted by area considerations alone.
Morphine three‐dimensional T1 gadoxetate MR cholangiography of potential living related liver donors

Purpose To assess low-dose morphine for distension and improved visualization of intrahepatic bile ducts on T1 MR cholangiography (MRC) in preoperative imaging of potential liver donors. Materials and Methods Sixty-nine consecutive potential living related liver donors (mean age, 39 years; age range, 20 to 59 years) referred for pre-transplant MRI evaluation were evaluated without (n = 30) or with (n = 39) intravenous morphine injection (0.04 mg/kg). Morphine was injected pre-MRI while establishing intravenous access to allow ∼1 h for biliary distension before T1 MRC. Three radiologists reviewed intrahepatic biliary branch order visualization, common bile duct (CBD) diameter, and overall image quality. In 25 patients undergoing liver donation surgery, T1 MRC findings were correlated with intraoperative findings. This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board. Results Biliary visualization was improved post-morphine administration with biliary duct branch order visualization score of 3.2 and 3.3 at 45 and 60 min, respectively, compared with 2.7 without morphine (P < 0.002); CBD diameter measured 5.3 and 5.5 versus 4.1 mm (P < 0.005), and overall image quality score was 2.4 and 2.6 versus 1.8 (P < 0.0006). Operative notes confirmed T1 MRC findings in 6/11 donors without morphine and 14/14 donors with morphine. Conclusion Intravenous low-dose morphine distends and improves visualization of bile ducts on T1 gadoxetate MRC. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:584–589. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On tight performance specification of object-oriented software components

Most modern designs of a software component include two separate pieces: functionality specification and implementation. When the specification is formal, this separation permits verification of reusable software components to be modular-essential for verification to be local, scalable, and hence, practical. In this paper, we explain the role of a third piece-an implementation dependent, performance specification-for a component. Introduction of this piece permits performance (e.g., execution time bonus) specification to be expressive (tight) while leaving functionality specification fully abstract and verification to be modular. >
Bullying among middle-school students in low and middle income countries

This analysis of data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey examined the prevalence of bully victimization in middle-school students in 19 low- and middle-income countries and also explored the relationship between bullying, mental health and health behaviors. In most countries, boys were more likely than girls to report being bullied and the prevalence of bullying was lower with increasing age. Students who reported being bullied in the past month were more likely than non-bullied students to report feelings of sadness and hopelessness, loneliness, insomnia and suicidal ideation. Bullied students also reported higher rates of tobacco use, alcohol use, drug use and sexual intercourse.
The fundamental problem of exchange: A research agenda in Historical Institutional Analysis

For individuals to enter mutually beneficial exchange relationships they have to recognise them as such and they have to be able to commit to fulfil their contractual obligations. The ways in which a society's institutions mitigate this fundamental problem of exchange determine its efficiency and distribution. This article calls attention to the need, ability, and promise of studying the historical evolution of institutions that mitigated the fundamental problem of exchange. It elaborates on the essence of this problem and the related institutions, and demonstrates the ability and importance of studying them by drawing on various studies of historical institutions. Our understanding of the different economic performances and evolutions of various societies over time can be greatly enhanced by studying how they mitigated the fundamental problem of exchange.
Synchrotron applications in archaeometallurgy: Analysis of high zinc brass astrolabes

Synchrotron X rays were used to perform nondestructive transmission diffraction and fluorescence experiments on a group of 24 European and Islamic astrolabes dated between 1350–1720 A.D. in order to determine their compositions. A group of six astrolabes produced in Lahore between 1601–1662 A.D. were found to contain a mixed α+β brass microstructure, proving that the brass was produced by a comelting technique rather than the traditional cementation process. The results also show evidence of dezincification, attributed to heavy annealing of the brass during astrolabe manufacture. This effect was so severe that an accurate analysis of the bulk Zn composition could not be determined from the fluorescence results alone; transmission X-ray diffraction gives a more accurate measurement of the bulk Zn composition.
Radiation dose analysis of large and giant internal carotid artery aneurysm treatment with the pipeline embolization device versus traditional coiling techniques.

Background Flow diversion is an effective and increasingly accepted method for endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Additionally, the public has heightened concerns regarding radiation exposure from medical procedures. This study analyzes radiation dose and fluoroscopy time during treatment of large and giant proximal internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms with the pipeline embolization device (PED) versus traditional coiling techniques. Methods Radiation dose, fluoroscopy time, and contrast dye administration were retrospectively analyzed in 55 patients undergoing endovascular treatment of aneurysms ≥10 mm from petrous to superior hypophyseal ICA segments. Patients were treated by either PED (37 patients) or traditional coiling techniques (18 patients). Aortic arch type and proximal ICA tortuosity were also assessed as markers of access difficulty. Results Average radiation dose with PED treatment was 2840±213 mGy and 4010±708 mGy with traditional coiling techniques (p=0.048; 29% decrease with PED). Mean fluoroscopy time for PED was 56.1±5.0 min and 85.9±11.9 min for coiling cases (p=0.0087; 35% decrease with PED). These benefits existed despite more difficult arch anatomy and a trend towards greater proximal vessel tortuosity in PED cases. Contrast dye amounts were also reduced by 37.5% in PED cases (75±6 mL) versus coiling cases (120±13 mL, p=0.0008). Conclusions Treatment of large and giant proximal ICA aneurysms using PED requires less radiation, less fluoroscopy time, and less contrast administration than standard coiling techniques. This further demonstrates the benefits of flow diversion for treatment of these aneurysms.
A Cache Coherence Protocol for MIN-Based Multiprocessors With Limited Inclusion

In this paper, we look into a feasible approach to incorporating caches into selected switching ele ments of a multistage interconnection network (MIN)- based multiprocessor. Along with the processor private caches, these switch caches form a two-level cache hi erarchy. Selected switch caches within a particular stage of the MIN are connected by a coherence con trol bus, through which a write-invalidate cache coher ence protocol is maintained. Considering scalability and practicality issues, only limited inclusion between the two cache levels is enforced. A simulation-based performance study is conducted to analyze the impact of the protocol on system performance. Comparison between limited and strict inclusion shows that system performance declines with limited inclusion.
Selective protection of zidovudine-induced DNA-damage by the antioxidants WR-1065 and tempol.

The cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN) assay, introduced by Fenech, was used to demonstrate different types of DNA damage in MOLT-3 human lymphoblastoid cells exposed to 10 μM zidovudine (AZT). In addition, we explored the cytoprotective potential of two antioxidants, WR-1065 and Tempol, to decrease AZT-induced genotoxicity. Binucleated cells, arrested by Cytochalasin B (Cyt B), were evaluated for micronuclei (MN), caused by DNA damage or chromosomal loss, and chromatin nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs), caused by telomere attrition. Additionally, nuclear buds (NBUDs), caused by amplified DNA, and apoptotic and necrotic (A/N) cells were scored. We hypothesized that AZT exposure would increase the frequency of genotoxic end points, and that the antioxidants Tempol and WR-1065 would protect against AZT-induced genotoxicity. MOLT-3 cells were exposed to 0 or 10 µM AZT for a total of 76 hr. After the first 24 hr, 0 or 5 µM WR-1065 and/or 0 or 200 µM Tempol were added for the remainder of the experiment. For the last 28 hr (of 76 hr), Cyt B was added to arrest replication after one cell division, leaving a predominance of binucleated cells. The nuclear division index (NDI) was similar for all treatment groups, indicating that the exposures did not alter cell viability. MOLT-3 cells exposed to AZT alone had significant (P < 0.05) increases in MN and NBs, compared to unexposed cells. Both Tempol and WR-1065 protected against AZT-induced MN formation (P < 0.003 for both), and WR-1065, but not Tempol, reduced the levels of A/N (P = 0.041). In cells exposed to AZT/Tempol there were significantly reduced levels of NBUDs, compared to cells exposed to AZT alone (P = 0.015). Cells exposed to AZT/WR-1065 showed reduced levels of NPBs, compared to cells exposed to AZT alone (P = 0.037). Thus WR-1065 and Tempol protected MOLT-3 cells against specific types of AZT-induced DNA damage. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 55:566–572, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The FT-Like ZCN8 Gene Functions as a Floral Activator and Is Involved in Photoperiod Sensitivity in Maize

The mobile floral-promoting signal, florigen, is thought to consist of, in part, the FT protein named after the Arabidopsis thaliana gene FLOWERING LOCUS T. FT is transcribed and translated in leaves and its protein moves via the phloem to the shoot apical meristem where it promotes the transition from vegetative to reproductive development. In our search for a maize FT-like floral activator(s), seven Zea mays CENTRORADIALIS (ZCN) genes encoding FT homologous proteins were studied. ZCN8 stood out as the only ZCN having the requisite characteristics for possessing florigenic activity. In photoperiod sensitive tropical lines, ZCN8 transcripts were strongly upregulated in a diurnal manner under floral-inductive short days. In day-neutral temperate lines, ZCN8 mRNA level was independent of daylength and displayed only a weak cycling pattern. ZCN8 is normally expressed in leaf phloem, but ectopic expression of ZCN8 in vegetative stage shoot apices induced early flowering in transgenic plants. Silencing of ZCN8 by artificial microRNA resulted in late flowering. ZCN8 was placed downstream of indeterminate1 and upstream of delayed flowering1, two other floral activator genes. We propose a flowering model linking photoperiod sensitivity of tropical maize to diurnal regulation of ZCN8.
Competency by Contract: An Alternative to Traditional Competency Testing Techniques

(1978). Competency by Contract: An Alternative to Traditional Competency Testing Techniques. Journal of Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 49, No. 9, pp. 49-51.
Auditory thalamocortical projections in the cat: Laminar and areal patterns of input†

Thalamocortical projections were studied in adult cats using biotinylated dextran amines, wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase, and autoradiography with tritiated leucine and/or proline. The input from 7 architectonically defined nuclei to 14 auditory cortical fields was characterized qualitatively and quantitatively. The principal results were that 1) every thalamic nucleus projected to more than 1 field (range, 4-14 fields; mean, 7 fields); 2) only the projection from the ventral division to some primary fields (primary auditory cortex and posterior auditory cortex) had a periodic, clustered distribution, whereas the input from other divisions to nonprimary areas was continuous; 3) layers III-V received >85% of the total axonal profiles; 4) in most experiments, five or more layers were labeled; 5) the projections to nonprimary auditory areas had many laterally oriented axons; 6) the heaviest input to layer I in all experiments was usually in its upper half, suggesting a sublaminar arrangement; 7) the largest axonal trunks (up to 6 microm in diameter) arose from the medial division and ended in layer Ia, where they ran laterally for long distances; 8) there were three projection patterns: type 1 had its peak in layers III-IV with little input to layer I, and it arose from the ventral division and the dorsal superficial, dorsal, and suprageniculate nuclei of the dorsal division; type 2 had heavy labeling in layer I and less in layers III-IV, arising from the dorsal division nuclei primarily, especially the caudal dorsal and deep dorsal nuclei; and type 3 was a trimodal concentration in layers I, III-IV, and VI that originated chiefly in the medial division and had the lowest density of labeling; and 9) the quantitative profiles with the three methods were very similar. The results suggest that the subdivisions of the auditory thalamus have consistent patterns of laminar distribution to different cortical areas, that an average of five or more layers receive significant input in a specific area, that a given thalamic nucleus can influence areas as far as 20 mm apart, that the first information to arrive at the cortex may reach layer I by virtue of the giant axons, and that several laminar patterns of auditory thalamocortical projection exist. The view that the auditory thalamus (and perhaps other thalamic nuclei) serves mainly a relay function underestimates its many modes for influencing the cortex on a laminar basis.
Equine cutaneous non-neoplastic nodular and proliferative lesions in the Pacific Northwest

Abstract A retrospective study examined data on cutaneous nodular and proliferative lesions in horses, donkeys and mules submitted to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University in a 3.5-year period. One hundred and sixteen non-neoplastic nodular and proliferative lesions were identified, comprising 18% of all lesions studied and 6.4% of total equine pathology accessions. Exuberant granulation tissue, eosinophilic granuloma, fungal granuloma, cysts and habronaemiasis were most common, and constituted 91% of non-neoplastic lesions, 16% of all lesions studied, and 5.85% of total equine pathology accessions. Calcinosis circumscripta and cutaneous granulomas, including eosinophilic granuloma, fungal granuloma, and other granulomas, were most common in horses up to 10 years of age. Eosinophilic granuloma was more common in males than in females, and was diagnosed most often in autumn and winter. Fungal granuloma was common in this population and was most often diagnosed in the spring. Habronaemiasis was diagnosed in late summer and early autumn, and was most common in males. Results of this study indicate that equine non-neoplastic nodular and proliferative skin lesions are commonly submitted for histopathologic examination. Results also suggest that regional differences exist regarding incidence of cutaneous fungal granuloma and season of occurrence of eosinophilic granuloma in horses.
The Silk Road: A Review Essay on Empires of the Silk Road by Christopher I. Beckwith

The Silk Road: A Review Essay on Empires of the Silk Road: A History of Central Eurasia from the Bronze Age to the Present. by Christopher I. Beckwith (Princeton University Press, 2009).
Planar dielectric cavity for biochemical sensing

We introduce an optical microcavity on a chip created by a waveguide terminated with metallic mirrors. The cavity shows high potential for biochemical sensing'.
Ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion.

Abstract Background Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) accounts for nearly 20% of new breast cancer diagnoses and ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCIS-MI) is found in 5% to 10% of DCIS. Controversy exists regarding the appropriate local treatment as well as whether or not examination of the axilla should be performed either by sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) or not at all. Methods A MEDLINE search was performed using the keywords ductal carcinoma in situ and microinvasion. Recent articles pertaining to the definition and characterization of DCIS-MI as well as treatment and prognosis were analyzed. Conclusions The data at this time demonstrate no survival benefit for patients undergoing mastectomy versus lumpectomy and radiation. Numerous studies demonstrate axillary lymph node involvement to be as high as 20% with DCIS-MI; therefore, we believe that axillary sampling is essential. We recommend SLNB, which is accurate, provides information necessary for staging and treatment, and is associated with less morbidity than traditional ALND.
Association of Basal hyperglucagonemia with impaired glucagon counterregulation in type 1 diabetes.

Glucagon Counterregulation (GCR) protects against hypoglycemia, but is impaired in type 1 diabetes (T1DM). A model-based analysis of in vivo animal data predicts that the GCR defects are linked to basal hyperglucagonemia. To test this hypothesis we studied the relationship between basal glucagon (BasG) and the GCR response to hypoglycemia in 29 hyperinsulinemic clamps in T1DM patients. Glucose levels were stabilized in euglycemia and then steadily lowered to 50 mg/dL. Glucagon was measured before induction of hypoglycemia and at 10 min intervals after glucose reached levels below 70 mg/dL. GCR was assessed by CumG, the cumulative glucagon levels above basal; MaxG, the maximum glucagon response; and RIG, the relative increase in glucagon over basal. Analysis of the results was performed with our mathematical model of GCR. The model describes interactions between islet peptides and glucose, reproduces the normal GCR axis and its impairment in diabetes. It was used to identify a control mechanism consistent with the observed link between BasG and GCR. Analysis of the clinical data showed that higher BasG was associated with lower GCR response. In particular, CumG and RIG correlated negatively with BasG (r = -0.46, p=0.012 and r = -0.74, p < 0.0001 respectively) and MaxG increased linearly with BasG at a rate less than unity (p < 0.001). Consistent with these results was a model of GCR in which the secretion of glucagon has two components. The first is under (auto) feedback control and drives a pulsatile GCR and the second is feedback independent (basal secretion) and its increase suppresses the GCR. Our simulations showed that this model explains the observed relationships between BasG and GCR during a 3-fold simulated increase in BasG. Our findings support the hypothesis that basal hyperglucagonemia contributes to the GCR impairment in T1DM and show that the predictive power of our GCR animal model applies to human pathophysiology in T1DM.
Encapsulation, stabilization, and release of BSA-FITC from polyanhydride microspheres

In order to determine the efficacy of using polyanhydrides as a carrier for therapeutic proteins, the model protein bovine serum albumin labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (BSA-FITC) was encapsulated in microspheres of poly sebacic anhydride (poly(SA)), and random copolymers of poly(SA) and poly(1,6-bis-p-carboxyphenoxy)hexane (poly(CPH)). The microspheres were fabricated via the double emulsion (water/oil/water) technique and were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, gel permeation chromatography, confocal microscopy, and a Coulter counter. The effect of protein loading, protein distribution, and change in polymer composition was examined in an in vitro release study. The secondary structure of the encapsulated BSA-FITC was determined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The primary structure of the released protein was analyzed using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Poly(SA) and 20:80 (CPH:SA) microspheres were found to conserve the primary structure of the released protein and the secondary structure of the encapsulated protein, and showed a sustained delivery for approximately 15 and 30 days, respectively. As the CPH content in the copolymer increased, the secondary structure of FITC-BSA was not conserved, as indicated by the steep decrease in the α-helix content.
Interaction of the anticonvulsant ameltolide with standard anticonvulsants.

The newly characterized anticonvulsant ameltolide was studied in mice in combination with the standard antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), phenytoin (PHT), carbamazepine (CBZ), and valproate (VPA). In combination with either PHT or CBZ, ameltolide produced dose-additive effects in the maximal electroshock (MES) test and in the horizontal screen (HS) test for neurologic impairment. The large separation between the doses for the anticonvulsant effects and the neurologically impairing effects (protective index, PI) were maintained as well in the combinations as in the individual compounds. VPA was impotent in the MES test and did not have a clear separation between the doses that produce the anticonvulsant effects and those that are neurologically impairing (low PI). When VPA and ameltolide were combined, the effects were less than additive by isobolographic analysis on both the MES and HS tests. At high oral doses (20 and 40 mg/kg, p.o.), ameltolide produced impairment on the HS test and decreased body temperature. The effects on the HS test were enhanced twofold, whereas the effects on body temperature were not markedly enhanced, by coadministration of the MES ED95 of PHT and CBZ. VPA (MES ED95) appeared to antagonize the temperature-lowering effects of ameltolide. These interaction studies suggest that ameltolide would be safe, with no unexpected effects, when used in epileptic patients concurrently receiving these standard AEDs. These studies also suggest that the effects of ameltolide would be lessened by simultaneous administration of VPA.
Uninformed Complementary and Alternative Supplement Use: A Risky Behavior for Cardiovascular Patients

Growing use of complementary and alternative supplements (CAS) is of concern because of the potential for herb—drug interaction among cardiovascular patients. Literary searches were conducted on Pu...
Performance of Bolted Closure Joint Elastomers Under Cask Aging Conditions

The bolted closure joint of a bare spent fuel cask is susceptible to age-related degradation and potential loss of confinement function under long-term storage conditions. Elastomeric seals, a component of the joint typically used to facilitate leak testing of the primary seal that includes the metallic seal and bolting, is susceptible to degradation over time by several mechanisms, principally via thermo-oxidation, stress-relaxation, and radiolytic degradation under time and temperature condition. Irradiation and thermal exposure testing and evaluation of an ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM) elastomeric seal material similar to that used in the CASTOR® V/21 cask for a matrix of temperature and radiation exposure conditions relevant to the cask extended storage conditions, and development of semiempirical predictive models for loss of sealing force is in progress. A special insert was developed to allow Compressive Stress Relaxation (CSR) measurements before and after the irradiation and/or thermal exposure without unloading the elastomer. A condition of the loss of sealing force for the onset of leakage was suggested. The experimentation and modeling being performed could enable acquisition of extensive coupled aging data as well as an estimation of the timeframe when loss of sealing function under aging (temperature/radiation) conditions may occur.
Talking and Working Together

Psychologists, curriculum developers, and reformers of mathematics and science education recommend active learning in which students in small groups talk and work together. Small groups provide an opportunity for students to construct their own knowledge in a way that develops conceptual learning and higher-order thinking skills. Noddings (1989) sees this latter school of thought as originating in the work of Dewey and the social constructivism of Vygotsky (1978). Educators and researchers belonging to the “constructivist” school of thought assume that suitable discourse or conversation within the small groups and/or a process of discovery is a prerequisite for conceptual learning.
Nascent osteoblast matrix inhibits osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro

Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered promising candidates for cell-based therapies. Their potential utility derives primarily from their immunomodulatory activity, multi-lineage differentiation potential, and likely progenitor cell function in wound healing and repair of connective tissues. However, in vitro, MSCs often senesce and spontaneously differentiate into osteoblasts after prolonged expansion, likely because of lack of regulatory microenvironmental signals. In vivo, osteoblasts that line the endosteal bone marrow surface are in close proximity to MSCs in the marrow stroma and thus may help to regulate MSC fate. We examined here how osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in vitro is affected by exposure to osteoblastic cells (OBCs). Human bone marrow MSCs were exposed to OBCs, derived by induced osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, either directly in contact co-cultures, or indirectly to OBC-conditioned medium or decellularized OBC extracellular matrix (ECM). Our results showed that OBCs can act as negative regulators of MSC osteogenesis. mRNA expression profiling revealed that OBCs did not affect MSC osteogenesis in direct contact cultures or via secreted factors. However, seeding MSCs on decellularized OBC ECM significantly decreased expression of several osteogenic genes and maintained their fibroblastic morphologies. Proteomic analysis identified some of the candidate protein regulators of MSC osteogenesis. These findings provide the basis for future studies to elucidate the signaling mechanisms responsible for osteoblast matrix-mediated regulation of MSC osteogenesis and to better manipulate MSC fate in vitro to minimize their spontaneous differentiation.
Interacting Is Believing Interactivity, Social Cue, and Perceptions of Journalistic Credibility on Twitter

This study examined the effect of social cues and interactivity in social media on journalists’ credibility based on literature of journalists’ credibility, social information processing theory (SI...
EFFECTS OF HIGH SPINAL CORD TRANSECTION ON SERUM LIPID LEVELS.

The effect of the central nervous system on regulation of serum lipid, glucose, and protein levels under basal conditions and after excitement, or cold exposure, was studied in 11 normal dogs and in 4 of the 11 after spinal cord transection at level C-6. Serum total cholesterol, “Β-” (−S 20–40), and “high-density α-” (−S 1–5) lipoprotein concentrations determined weekly for 5 months in two normal dogs varied little; −S 5–10 and −S 10–20 lipoproteins were less stable. For 1–3 weeks after cord transection, serum cholesterol and α-lipoprotein concentrations decreased along with weight loss. After weight stabilization they returned to near control levels and remained there. Levels of plasma free fatty acids (FFA) were low and of glucose were normal for several weeks after cord section; after several months the levels of FFA were consistently high and glucose became progressively lower than normal. Short periods of excitement caused increased plasma FFA and glucose levels in normal dogs, but only slightly increased FFA in spinal cord-transected animals. Two hours of cold exposure caused the same response in normal dogs as did excitement; in cord-transected dogs both plasma FFA and plasma glucose decreased.
Biochemical and cytotoxic characteristics of an in vivo circulating oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL

Using ion exchange high pressure liquid chromatography, total plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) from 30 hypercholesterolemic and 10 normocholesterolemic cynomolgus monkeys was subfractionated into unmodified LDL (n-LDL) and more negatively charged LDL (LDL-). In hypercholesterolemic monkeys, the absolute LDL-cholesterol level was 16.54 +/- 2.82 mg/dl (mean +/- SE) whereas in normocholesterolemic monkeys it was 2.39 +/- 0.12 mg/dl (P < 0.0001); the percentage of LDL- was 5.2 +/- 0.71% and 4.9 +/- 0.19% of the total LDL for hypercholesterolemic versus normocholesterolemic monkeys, respectively. LDL- averaged 5% and n-LDL 95% of the total plasma LDL cholesterol. To confirm and further elucidate the oxidative nature of LDL-, cholesterol and cholesterol oxide contents of LDL- and n-LDL were determined by capillary gas chromatography; 53.98 +/- 2.24% (mean +/- SE) of the LDL- cholesterol was oxidized whereas in n-LDL only 10.70 +/- 1.06% of the cholesterol was oxidized (P < 0.00001). The spectrum of oxysterols identified, which was similar for LDL- and n-LDL, suggested a free radical-mediated process for cholesterol oxidation. The principal oxysterols identified were: cholest-5-ene-3 beta, 7 alpha-diol, cholesta-3,5-diene-7-one, cholest-5-ene-3 beta, 7 beta-diol, 5,6 beta-epoxy-5 beta-cholestan-3 beta-ol, 5,6 alpha-epoxy-5 alpha-cholestan-3 beta-ol, 5 alpha-cholestan-3 beta,5,6 beta-triol, 3 beta-hydroxycholest-5-ene-7-one, and cholest-5-ene-3 beta,25-diol. To model one of the steps in the possible mechanism of atherogenesis, the cytotoxicity of LDL- was demonstrated to be greater against subconfluent than confluent aortic endothelial cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Nutrient Absorption Characteristics of Rice Varieties with High Yield and High Nitrogen Efficiency

Differences in yield composition,nitrogen absorption and utilization and roots growth between rice varieties(Jiangyou 9527 and Q You 6)with high yield and high nitrogen efficiency and rice varieties(Fengyan 425 and Gangyou 527)with high yield and lower nitrogen efficiency was compared to discuss the cooperation between high yield and high nitrogen efficiency in rice and to provide the theoretical basis for variety improvement and cultivation of high yield and high efficiency in rice.Results:The effective panicles of rice variety with high yield and high nitrogen efficiency reduces but its grains per panicle,setting percentage and 1000-grain weight increase compared with rice variety with high yield and lower nitrogen efficiency.Nitrogen accumulation of rice variety with high yield and high nitrogen efficiency reduces but its nitrogen accumulation increases from heading to maturity significantly and its nitrogen transfer amount and transfer rate of stems and leaves increase after heading.The dry weight per stem and roots bleeding intensity of rice variety with high yield and high nitrogen efficiency increases significantly.
INVERSE MODEL OF CAPILLARY PRESSURE CURVE FOR SANDSTONE RESERVOIR ROCKS

The pore throat size distribution of reservoir rock is an important parameter used in reservoir evaluation. The porosity and permeability of reservoir are synthetically macroscopic reflection of microscopic reservoir pore structure characteristics. Through analyses of mercury injection data and poroperm data of 393 sandstone samples collected from Tuha, Liaohe, Shengli and Sichuan oil and gas fields in China, it is found that for sandstone reservoir rocks there exists a close relationship between porosity and permeability (especially permeability) and pore volume distribution by characteristic throat sizes. Based on this realization, inverse models of capillary pressure curve, i.e. the predictive model of reservoir pore throat distribution, are established. These models can solve the problem encountered in the study of reservoir pore structure where that is a shortage of mercury injection data or core samples for some layers or some wells of an area. Also, these models can help correctly evaluate heterogeneity of reservoir pore structure.
The myth of equipoise in phase 1 clinical trials.

Phase 1 clinical research trials using healthy volunteers are conducted for the sole purpose of serving the public good (a utilitarian concept). The literature on equipoise analysis does not exclude phase 1 trials with controls or healthy volunteers from the claim of being in “equipoise.” The continued perpetuation of this ethically and scientifically invalid concept undermines the ethics of research with human subjects.
CD8(+) T cells specific to a single Yersinia pseudotuberculosis epitope restrict bacterial replication in the liver but fail to provide sterilizing immunity.

CD8(+) T cells use contact-dependent cytolysis of target cells to protect the host against intracellular pathogens. We have previously shown that CD8(+) T cells and perforin are required to protect against the extracellular pathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Here we establish an experimental system where CD8(+) T cells specific to a single model antigen are the only memory response present at time of challenge. Using mice immunized with a vaccine strain of Listeria monocytogenes that expresses secreted ovalbumin (Lm-OVA), we show that OVA-specific CD8(+) T cells are generated and provide limited protection against challenge with virulent OVA(+)Y. pseudotuberculosis. Perforin expression by OVA-specific CD8(+) T cells was required, as Lm-OVA-immunized perforin-deficient mice showed higher bacterial burden as compared to Lm-OVA-immunized perforin-sufficient mice. Surprisingly, antigen-specific T cell protection waned over time, as Lm-OVA-immune mice eventually succumbed to Yersinia infection. Kinetic analysis of infection in mice with and without OVA-specific CD8(+) T cells revealed that bacterial numbers increased sharply in OVA-naive mice until death, while OVA-immune mice held bacterial burden to a lower level throughout the duration of illness until death. Clonal analysis of bacterial populations in OVA-naive and OVA-immune mice at distinct time points revealed equivalent and severe bottle-neck effects for bacteria in both sets of mice immediately after intravenous challenge, demonstrating a dominant role for other aspects of the immune system regardless of CD8(+) T cell status. These studies indicate that CD8(+) T cells against a single antigen can restrict Y. pseudotuberculosis colonization in a perforin-dependent manner, but ultimately are insufficient in their ability to provide sterilizing immunity and protect against death.
Improving the appeal of computing

In this era of shrinking enrollments, many computing educators are experimenting with ideas to improve the appeal of the computing discipline. This discussion will focus on the following questions pertaining to the issues of recruitment, retention, and individuality: In order to improve recruitment, how can we improve the appeal in the way in which we characterize our discipline to those who are potential students, especially those who are underrepresented? In order to improve retention, how can we improve the design of the introductory course to not scare away students who have already shown interest? What are the alternatives? What are their advantages and disadvantages? In order to address the individual needs and interests of students, how can we design our assignments so that students can explore the discipline according to their own interests and learning styles? Must all assignments be uniformly identical for all students?
Believable statements of uncertainty and believable science

Nearly 50 years ago, two landmark papers appeared that should have cured the problem of ambiguous uncertainty statements in published data. Eisenhart’s paper in Science called for statistically meaningful numbers, and Currie’s Analytical Chemistry paper revealed the wide range in common definitions of detection limit. Confusion and worse can result when uncertainties are misinterpreted or ignored. The recent stories of cold fusion, variable radioactive decay, and piezonuclear reactions provide cautionary examples in which prior probability has been neglected. We show examples from our laboratory and others to illustrate the fact that uncertainty depends on both statistical and scientific judgment.
Chinese Space Legislation: Current Situation and Possible Way Forward

In the last decade China has achieved a remarkable level of success in the space sector and has rapidly become one of the most dynamic and innovative space players. Indeed, not only is China at the forefront of space exploration and utilization but it is also capable of providing a number of space services on a commercial basis, including launching and satellite navigation and positioning.
Biomedical Prospects for Ultrasound Holography

The basic problems associated with ultrasonic imaging by holographic methods are presented and the implications relative to possible diagnostic application are discussed. Several possible techniques for recording the magnitude and phase of sonic fields are analyzed and recent results obtained with a mechanical scanning system are presented. The distortion and aberration of the reconstructed images which are associated with wavelength scaling present a technological obstacle to be overcome. The nature of image presentation that has been used in the reconstruction of visible images has neither used the entire information contained in the hologram nor achieved desirable image geometry. An intermediate image processing scheme may provide a useful approach toward the solution of these problems. The nature of propagation of ultrasound in biologic tissue and the resulting image information present in an ultrasound field emanating from such a subject have yet to be fully understood or analyzed. There is little doubt, however, that given a suitably rapid detection and image presentation system, very considerable diagnostic information can be obtained by this method.
Primary chemotherapy for breast cancer : response to preoperative chemotherapy as prognostic factor

Preoperative (or neoadjuvant) chemotherapy, followed by the appropriate local regional treatment (either surgery or radiotherapy, or both) has become the preferred treatment for locally advanced and inflammatory breast carcinoma [1]. Primary chemotherapy has been shown to produce major objective regression of the primary lesion and regional lymph node metastasis in the majority of patients. In addition, downstaging of the primary lesion offers the possibility to treat the breast with a subtotal mastectomy, and, therefore, breast conservation. It is unclear at this point, whether preoperative chemotherapy offers a survival benefit in the context of multimodal treatment over the postoperative administration of adjuvant chemotherapy. Our first protocol of primary chemotherapy suggested that response to this treatment correlated with long-term disease-free and overall survival [2]. The clinical trial reported here was designed to confirm the prognostic implication of response to preoperative chemotherapy, and to determine whether a response to preoperative chemotherapy could be the basis for the selection of postoperative systemic treatments. More specifically, we wanted to determine whether the addition of a non-cross-resistant combination of cytotoxic agents after optimal local/regional treatment to patients with suboptimal response to preoperative chemotherapy would result in an improvement in disease-free and overall survival.
Data-Driven Integral Boundary-Layer Modeling for Airfoil Performance Prediction in Laminar Regime

Many simulation tools for airfoil analysis and design are based on an integral approximation of the boundary layer. This approximate formulation cannot resolve the full dynamics of boundary-layer f...