cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Simple Elbow Dislocations

The elbow is the second most commonly dislocated joint. Elbow dislocations are often caused by falling onto an outstretched hand, resulting in application of a valgus, supinatory, and axially directed load to the elbow. Simple elbow dislocations are soft tissue injuries without an associated fracture. Multiple reduction techniques are described with the patient in both supine and prone positions. The definitive management of a simple elbow dislocation is primarily nonoperative with a splint for 7–10 days and active mobilization as soon as the splint is removed. This protocol minimizes complications such as a joint contracture and hastens a return to pre-injury activities. Surgical indications include a persistently unstable elbow, joint incongruency, and/or an open injury. Operative management may involve exploration, lateral ligament repair or reconstruction, and assessment of the need for medial ligament repair or reconstruction. Ulnar nerve transposition is not routinely performed. Joint contracture is the most common complication of an elbow dislocation, and other complications such as heterotopic ossification and neurovascular injury occur less frequently. Chronic instability after a simple elbow dislocation is very uncommon. The mechanism of injury, initial evaluation, imaging, and a treatment algorithm for these injuries will be reviewed.
Abstract 565: Angiotensin Ii Type 1 Receptor Activation is Required for Angiotensin Ii and Interleukin 6-induced Augmentation of Angiotensinogen Expression in Mouse Renal Proximal Tubular Cells

In angiotensin II (AngII) dependent hypertension, an inappropriate elevation of intrarenal Ang II leads to the progression of hypertension and kidney injury. Intrarenal angiotensinogen (AGT), produced mainly by renal proximal tubular cells (PTC), is a crucial factor in regulation of intratubular Ang II. Increases in intrarenal AGT are associated with increases in intrarenal immune cells and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels which contribute to Ang II-dependent AGT augmentation. These results suggest that Ang II and IL-6 synergize to increase AGT levels during progression of Ang II-dependent hypertension. However, the interactions among Ang II, Ang II type 1 receptors (AT1R) and IL-6 on AGT expression and the mechanisms have not been delineated. In this study, mouse PTC (WT-PTC) and AT1aR knockout strains (AT1aRKO-PTC) were used to test the existence of this synergism between Ang II and IL-6. Basal AGT mRNA expression levels in PTC were determined and compared with that in mouse mesangial cells which is another established AGT-expressing kidney cells. AGT mRNA expression levels were measured by real-time RT-PCR and normalized based on GAPDH levels. WT-PTC had 21.1-fold (± 2.0) higher basal AGT mRNA levels than mesangial cells, indicating markedly high AGT production by the PTC. Further, WT-PTC and AT1aRKO-PTC were incubated with 100 nM Ang II and/or 400 nM IL-6 for 24 h. Stimulation with either Ang II or IL-6 alone did not significantly alter AGT mRNA expression in both WT-PTC and AT1RaKO-PTC. Co-stimulation with Ang II and IL-6 increased AGT mRNA levels (1.59 ± 0.04, ratio to control) in WT-, but not AT1aRKO-PTC. To test for involvement of the NF-κB signaling pathway in the synergism between Ang II and IL-6, activation of NF-κB as an AT1R signaling pathway was evaluated by western blot analysis. Furthermore, WT-PCT were treated with an NF-κB inhibitor during the co-stimulation. In WT-PTC, IκB levels were decreased by the co-stimulation (0.61 ± 0.04, ratio to control) indicating NF-κB activation. Ten μM Parthenolide, an NF-κB inhibitor, attenuated the AGT mRNA increase induced by the co-stimulation. These results suggest that simultaneous AT1R activation acts synergistically with IL-6 to increase AGT expression in mouse PTC and that the signaling pathway involves NF-κB.
Non-neoplastic Salivary Masses

Nonneoplastic salivary masses arise from a variety of etiologies and affect patients across all age groups. Despite being benign conditions, they can significantly impact functionality, cosmesis, and overall quality of life. Surgical excision was traditionally the primary method of treatment for many of these lesions; however recently, there have been numerous advances in treatment that either avoid surgery or make it minimally invasive. Furthermore, advances in imaging modalities and evaluation have enabled greater precision in characterization and diagnosis of the lesion in question. This chapter will discuss the clinical presentation of nonneoplastic salivary masses, as well as their appearances on ultrasound, CT, MRI, and other imaging methods. Adjunctive diagnostic tools, particularly fine needle aspiration, will also be covered in this chapter. Lastly, surgical and nonsurgical strategies for management of these conditions will be discussed with the goal of preserving as much functional salivary tissue as possible.
The opposite effect of K+ and Na+ on the hydrolysis of linear and cyclic dipeptides

Abstract Potassium and sodium are generally considered inert ‘spectator’ ions for organic reactions. Here, we report rate constants for the acid-promoted hydrolysis of the seven dipeptides of glycine (G) and alanine (A) and an unexpected pattern in how these rates differ in the presence of K+ and Na+. The linear dipeptides hydrolyze 12–18% percent slower in the presence of KCl versus an equal concentration of NaCl, while the cyclic dipeptides hydrolyze 5–13% faster in the presence of KCl (all P-values
Molecular Diagnostics of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant disease relating to uncontrollable cell growth in the tissues of the pancreas. The vast majority of pancreatic cancers are ductal adenocarcinomas, originating in the epithelial layer of the exocrine pancreas, however some pancreatic cancers do originate in the endocrine compartment. Ductal adenocarcinomas are very aggressive cancers, associating with poor prognosis and late staging upon discovery. One reason for this is that many patients do not present symptoms until late onset of disease. Numerous research efforts have been put forth to earlier diagnose pancreatic cancer. Understanding of pancreatic cancer etiology and identification of associated tumor markers has progressed, however there is a clear need for more specific and sensitive technologies. This chapter aims to address current status of molecular diagnostics in pancreatic cancer.
A Potential Animal Model for the Study of Anti-Panic Treatments

The effects of long-term chronic post-test treatment with numerous typical (e.g., imipramine, desipramine, phenelzine) or atypical (alprazolam, trazodone, mianserin, buproprion) antidepressants on conflict behaviour in rats were determined. Chronic treatment with most agents (exceptions: mianserin, buproprion) resulted in a gradually-developing anti-conflict effect, with a latency to onset of 3–5 weeks. These data suggest that animal conflict paradigms might be effective animal procedures for studying the anxiolytic and/or anti-panic effects of antidepressant agents.
An Assessment of Medical Practitioners’ Knowledge of, Experience with, and Treatment Attitudes Towards Sleep Disorders and Nightmares

Sleep disorders are frequently under assessed and not well understood by medical practitioners. This study investigated medical practitioners' knowledge of, experience with, and treatment considerations for sleep disorders, with a particular emphasis on nightmares. Eighty-eight individuals practicing medicine in the United States completed a survey eliciting information in three domains: (a) professional experience with nightmares, (b) knowledge of nightmares, and (c) attitudes about treatment of sleep disturbances. Seventy percent of participants reported a lack of professional experience with nightmares, 78% endorsed inaccurate definitions of a nightmares, and 82% considered sleep disorders to be a secondary problem, with 75% considering nightmares a secondary problem. Seventy-two percent of participants reported they would be likely to consider psychological treatment for nightmares. Results suggest that medical practitioners may not be receiving updated and/or adequate education about sleep disorders, including nightmares. This lack of information may contribute to sleep disorders being under assessed and untreated.
Reference intervals for coagulation variables in healthy adult domestic goats (Capra aegagrus hircus).

BACKGROUND Coagulation has not been studied extensively in adult goats, and reference intervals (RIs) for coagulation variables have not yet been established and would be clinically useful. OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to establish coagulation variable RIs in adult goats for future coagulation interpretation. METHODS Blood samples from 40 healthy adult goats were collected, and assays for PT, APTT, D-dimers, antithrombin III, and fibrinogen were performed. Coagulation variable RIs were established using the Reference Value Advisor v2.1. RESULTS The RIs included: PT, 15.7-19.8 seconds; APTT, 16.2-24.3 seconds; D-dimer, 0-0.68 μg/mL; antithrombin III, 108.6%-156.5%; fibrinogen, 89.5-303.2 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS In this brief communication, we report the RIs for coagulation variables in healthy adult goats. Further research will be needed to identify coagulation changes that are associated with specific disease processes of goats.
Visualization of expanding fusion pores in secretory cells.

Secretory cells package their protein cargo into granules, which must fuse with the plasma membrane for these proteins to be released. Such exocytosis requires not only fusion of the granule membrane with the plasma membrane but also expansion of the fusion pore from the earliest detectable diameter
One year later: A case study examining a community hospital’s administrative response to a debris flow

Santa Barbara, California was first impacted by the Thomas Fire in December 2017 only to be devastated by the Montecito Debris Flow less than two weeks later. Cottage Health, a not-for-profit health system that provides advanced tertiary and quaternary medical care for patients throughout the Central Coast of California, was at the forefront of first responders to those directly impacted by the debris flow. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (“SBCH”) (located 6 miles from the flow) treated 18 trauma patients, two first-responders, and 1 additional emergency patient later in the day, while Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (“GVCH”) (located 12 miles from the flow) treated seven patients. Flooding and debris from the storm forced the closure of Highway 101 in both directions north and south for thirteen days. Highway 101 is the only major thoroughfare from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles and forced Cottage Health to implement an internal “travel agency,” in order to support Cottage Health clinicians to get to and from the two hospitals. The internal “travel agency” arranged transportation via planes, boats, vans and trains. In addition, the agency arranged accommodations utilizing local hotels, and an empty patient care unit in GVCH. Employees and board members opened up their homes to respond to more than 4,000 transportation and 900 overnight accommodation requests. Immediately following the disaster, licensed Cottage Health clinicians implemented a How We Heal: Trauma and Anxiety Support Group series to serve all Santa Barbara residents. The series is composed of How We Heal: Process Group, How We Heal: Skill Building/Seeking Safety Group and How We Heal: Survivor Group and one year later, continues to serve the community.
Is Oral Reading Important in Correcting Reading Failure

Oral reading helps students become more fluent readers. Not only do instruction and practice in oral reading help students in the many situations in which they must read aloud, but oral reading also helps students learn to understand and interpret the texts that they are reading. Fluent oral reading does not mean fast reading; instead, a fluent oral reader can read clearly, audibly, and expressively, pausing meaningfully without hesitating at awkward moments. Skilled oral readers vary the volume, rate, and pitch of speech to convey a text’s meaning. Oral reading helps students understand the literal and emotional meaning of the words they are reading while conveying meaning to listeners. In the Reading Orienteering Club, students practiced oral reading, receiving instruction and coaching to help them develop their oral reading skills. They then read their texts aloud during skits and puppet plays for an audience of parents, friends, and relatives. Since they enjoyed giving these performances, they developed intrinsic motivation to practice so that they could read aloud in a clear, effective, and expressive manner.
Do credit booms predict US recessions

This paper investigates the role of bank credit in predicting US recessions since the 1960s in the context of a bivariate probit model. A set of results emerge. First, credit booms are shown to have strong positive effects in predicting declines in the business cycle at horizons ranging from 6 to 9 months. Second, I propose to isolate the effect of credit booms by identifying the contribution of excess bank liquidity alongside a housing factor in the downturn of each cycle. Third, the out‐of‐sample performance of the model is tested on the most recent credit‐driven recession: the Great Recession of 2008. The model performs better than a more parsimonious version where we restrict the effect of credit booms on the business cycle in the system to be zero.
“Pray that I live to see another day”: Religious and spiritual coping with vulnerability to violent injury, violent death, and homicide bereavement among young Black men

Abstract Race-based structural inequities in the United States unequally burden Black boys, men, and families with managing life course vulnerability to violent injury, premature death, and homicide bereavement. Informed by sociocultural contexts of coping for Black homicide survivors and positive youth development research, we examined how religiosity and spirituality may function as developmental assets promoting pathways to safety and positive development for young Black men transitioning to adulthood in Baltimore. Qualitative interviews with 31 participants (ages 18–24) revealed that religiosity and spirituality: a) help young Black men process pain in the aftermath of homicide, construct meaning, and find hope, b) reduce fear of fatal victimization, c) protect against retaliatory violence and trauma recidivism, and, d) foster posttraumatic growth. Implications for research, policy, and practice to promote positive youth development are discussed.
Brainstem and cerebellar involvement in MOG-IgG-associated disorder versus aquaporin-4-IgG and MS

Objective To determine the frequency and characteristics of brainstem or cerebellar involvement in myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein-antibody-associated-disorder (MOGAD) versus aquaporin-4-IgG-seropositive-neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-IgG-NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods In this observational study, we retrospectively identified 185 Mayo Clinic MOGAD patients with: (1) characteristic MOGAD phenotype, (2) MOG-IgG seropositivity by live cell-based assay and (3) MRI lesion(s) of brainstem, cerebellum or both. We compared the symptomatic attacks to AQP4-IgG-NMOSD (n=30) and MS (n=30). Results Brainstem or cerebellar involvement occurred in 62/185 (34%) MOGAD patients of which 39/62 (63%) were symptomatic. Ataxia (45%) and diplopia (26%) were common manifestations. The median age in years (range) in MOGAD of 24 (2–65) was younger than MS at 36 (16–65; p=0.046) and AQP4-IgG-NMOSD at 45 (6–72; p=0.006). Isolated attacks involving the brainstem, cerebellum or both were less frequent in MOGAD (9/39 (23%)) than MS (22/30 (73%); p Conclusion Involvement of the brainstem, cerebellum or both is common in MOGAD but usually occurs as a component of a multifocal central nervous system attack rather than in isolation. We identified clinical, CSF and MRI attributes that can help discriminate MOGAD from AQP4-IgG-NMOSD and MS.
Short-Circuiting the Definition of Mathematical Knowledge for an Artificial General Intelligence

We propose that, for the purpose of studying theoretical properties of the knowledge of an agent with Artificial General Intelligence (that is, the knowledge of an AGI), a pragmatic way to define such an agent’s knowledge (restricted to the language of Epistemic Arithmetic, or EA) is as follows. We declare an AGI to know an EA-statement \(\phi \) if and only if that AGI would include \(\phi \) in the resulting enumeration if that AGI were commanded: “Enumerate all the EA-sentences which you know.” This definition is non-circular because an AGI, being capable of practical English communication, is capable of understanding the everyday English word “know” independently of how any philosopher formally defines knowledge; we elaborate further on the non-circularity of this circular-looking definition. This elegantly solves the problem that different AGIs may have different internal knowledge definitions and yet we want to study knowledge of AGIs in general, without having to study different AGIs separately just because they have separate internal knowledge definitions. Finally, we suggest how this definition of AGI knowledge can be used as a bridge which could allow the AGI research community to import certain abstract results about mechanical knowing agents from mathematical logic.
Post-Trial Enhanced Deployment and Technical Performance with the MISTIE Procedure per Lessons Learned

Abstract Objective We hypothesize that procedure deployment rates and technical performance with minimally invasive surgery and thrombolysis for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) evacuation (MISTIE) can be enhanced in post-trial clinical practice, per Phase III trial results and lessons learned. Materials and Methods We identified ICH patients and those who underwent MISTIE procedure between 2017–2021 at a single site, after completed enrollments in the Phase III trial. Deployment rates, complications and technical outcomes were compared to those observed in the trial. Initial and final hematoma volume were compared between site measurements using ABC/2, MISTIE trial reading center utilizing manual segmentation, and a novel Artificial Intelligence (AI) based volume assessment. Results Nineteen of 286 patients were eligible for MISTIE. All 19 received the procedure (6.6% enrollment to screening rate 6.6% compared to 1.6% at our center in the trial; p=0.0018). Sixteen patients (84%) achieved evaculation target 70% removal, compared to 59.7% in the trial surgical cohort (p=0.034). No poor catheter placement occurred and no surgical protocol deviations. Limitations of ICH volume assessments using the ABC/2 method were shown, while AI based methodology of ICH volume assessments had excellent correlation with manual segmentation by experienced reading centers. Conclusions Greater procedure deployment and higher technical success rates can be achieved in post-trial clinical practice than in the MISTIE III trial. AI based measurements can be deployed to enhance clinician estimated ICH volume. Clinical outcome implications of this enhanced technical performance cannot be surmised, and will need assessment in future trials.
Sulfoxaflor causes mortality, decreased locomotion, and altered interactions in pavement ants (Tetramorium caespitum).

This study investigated the exposure effects of sulfoxaflor, a next-generation sulfoximine insecticide, on the viability, locomotor behavior, and nest-mate interactions of the pavement ant (Tetramorium caespitum). Adult worker ants were exposed to 0, 1, 5, 12.5, 25, or 50 mg/L of sulfoxaflor via oral ingestion for 48 h. This short-term exposure to concentrations as low as 1 mg/L had wide ranging effects on multiple locomotive parameters (average speed, mobile average speed, total travel distance), nest-mate interactions (aggression and antennation), and body morphology (abdominal curving). Exposure to sulfoxaflor for 24 h manifested in decreased locomotion, altered intraspecific interactions and the development of abdominal curvature in the 25 and 50 mg/L treatments. Such alterations in mobility and conspecific behavioral parameters would clearly impact the ability of exposed individuals to successfully satisfy resource demands and presents a risk to colony survival.
Deep Learning for Bias Correction of Satellite Retrievals of Orographic Precipitation

The performance of various composite satellite precipitation products is severely limited by their individual passive microwave (PMW)-based retrieval uncertainties because the PMW sensors have difficulties in resolving heavy rain and/or shallow orographic precipitation systems. Characterizing the error structure of PMW retrievals is crucial to improving precipitation mapping at different space-time scales. To this end, this article introduces a machine learning framework to quantify the uncertainties associated with satellite precipitation products with an emphasis on orographic precipitation. A deep convolutional neural network (CNN) is designed, which utilizes the ground-based Stage IV precipitation estimates as target labels in the training phase, to reduce biases involved in the precipitation product derived using the NOAA/Climate Prediction Center morphing technique (CMORPH). The products before and after bias correction are evaluated using four independent precipitation events over the coastal mountain region in the western United States, and the impact of topography on satellite-based precipitation retrievals is quantified. Experimental results show that the orographic gradients have a strong impact on precipitation retrievals in complex terrain regions. The accuracy of CMORPH is dramatically enhanced after applying the proposed machine learning-based bias correction technique. Using Stage IV data as references, the overall correlation (CC), normalized mean error (NME), and normalized mean absolute error (NMAE) of CMORPH are improved from 0.55, 32%, 63%, to 0.88, -2%, 39%, respectively, after bias correction for the independent case studies presented in this article. Such a machine learning scheme also has great potential for improved fusion of other or future satellite precipitation retrievals.
Traces of Time through Space: Advantages of Creating Complex Canvases in Collaborative Meetings

Technology have long been a partner of workplace meeting facilitation. The recent outbreak of COVID-19 and the cautionary measures to reduce its spread have made it more prevalent than ever before in the form of online-meetings. In this paper, we recount our experiences during weekly meetings in three modalities: using SAGE2 - a collaborative sharing software designed for large displays - for co-located meetings, using a conventional projector for co-located meetings, and using the Zoom video-conferencing tool for distributed meetings. We view these meetings through the lens of effective meeting attributes and share ethnographic observations and attitudinal survey conducted in our research lab. We discuss patterns of content sharing, either sequential, parallel, or semi-parallel, and the potential advantages of creating complex canvases of content. We see how the SAGE2 tool affords parallel content sharing to create complex canvases, which represent queues of ideas and contributions (past, present, and future) using the space on a large display to suggest the progression of time through the meeting.
The Resource Costs of Maintaining Learner Utilization of a Simulation Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND Despite advances in online education during the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on surgical simulation remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the costs and resources required to maintain simulation training in the pandemic and to evaluate how it affected exposure of medical students to simulation during their surgical clerkship. METHODS The number of learners, contact hours, staff hours, and costs were collected from a multi-departmental simulation center of a single academic institution in a retrospective fashion. Utilization and expenditure metrics were compared between the first quarter of academic years 2018-2020. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate potential differences between overall resource utilization before and during the pandemic, and subgroup analysis was performed for the resources required for the training of the third-year medical students. RESULTS The overall number of learners and contact hours decreased during the first quarter of the academic year 2020 in comparison with 2019 and 2018. However, the staff hours increased. In addition, the costs for PPE increased for the same periods of time. In the subgroup analysis of the third-year medical students, there was an increase in the number of learners, as well as in the staff hours and in the space required to perform the simulation training. DISCUSSION Despite an increase in costs and resources spent on surgical simulation during the pandemic, the utilization by academic entities has remained unaffected. Further studies are required to identify potential solutions to lower simulation resources without a negative impact on the quality of surgical simulation.
ND: A Comprehensive Network Administration and Analysis Tool

ND is a software tool developed by the Computing and Information Services Network Group at Texas A&M University (TAMU) to aid in the engineering and operation of the campus network. This tool was developed in response to the tremendous growth of the TAMU campus network over the last ten years. ND is designed to provide high-level application functionality while retaining the power and flexibility of a low level tool. It integrates remote network device analysis (via SNMP) with network defining databases (via SQL). ND is written in Python [1] and contains custom modules for interaction with SNMP and MySQL [2].
The War on Drugs and Correctional Warehousing: Alternative Strategies for the Drug Crisis

ABSTRACT As the war on drugs escalates, its impact on corrections deepens. Indeed, increasingly more drug offenders are incarcerated as a result of heightened drug enforcement campaigns and stricter sentencing, thereby contributing to the booming prison population. Consequently, the war on drugs greatly exacerbates correctional overcrowding which strains institutional programs and resources. Ironically, then, as a result of correctional crowding many drug offenders are merely warehoused instead of being treated for their addictions while imprisoned. This article examines the current strategy to combat illegal drug use and its effect on corrections. Moreover, in the context of the war on drugs, viable alternatives to correctional warehousing are discussed.
Life-Threatening Indicators among the Indochinese Refugees

The Indochinese refugees have experienced more devastation than most Americans will know in a lifetime. The tremendous turmoil of war, the risking of one's life, the forced separation of families and relocation into the American culture have drastically changed the lives of every Indochinese individual. Nor do the emotional scars imprinted into the minds of these people disappear upon arrival into a neutral country. Rather, these psychological problems can show themselves as suicidal preoccupation, or attempts. This paper stresses related variables observed in those Indochinese people contemplating suicide. Of 4,192 Indochinese refugees sampled, ten suicidally inclined refugees were identified. Clinical findings revealed that multiple determinants were operating conjointly in creating the high risk of any particular refugee in relation to suicide.
An extremal problem for H -linked graphs

We introduce the notion of H-linked graphs, where H is a fixed multigraph with vertices w1,…,wm. A graph G is H-linked if for every choice of vertices υ1,…, υm in G, there exists a subdivision of H in G such that υi is the branch vertex representing wi (for all i). This generalizes the notions of k-linked, k-connected, and k-ordered graphs. Given k and n ≥ 5k+6, we determine the least integer d such that, for every loopless graph H with k edges and minimum degree at least two, every n-vertex graph with minimum degree at least d is H-linked. This value D1(k,n) appears to equal the least integer d2 such that every n-vertex graph with minimum degree at least d2 is k-connected. On the way to the proof, we extend a theorem by Kierstead et al. on the least integer d~ such that every n-vertex graph with minimum degree at least d~ is k-ordered. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bryostatin-1 and IL-2 Synergize to Induce IFN-γ Expression in Human Peripheral Blood T Cells: Implications for Cancer Immunotherapy

Bryostatin-1 (Bryo-1), a protein kinase C modulator with antineoplastic activity, may exert some of its antitumor activity through activation of the immune response. Studies in tumor-bearing hosts have indicated that the T cell response, particularly IFN-γ production, is impaired. To evaluate whether Bryo-1 plus IL-2 may affect the activation pattern of T cells, we investigated the expression of IFN-γ mRNA and protein in human primary T cells. Northern blot analysis and ELISAs demonstrated that Bryo-1 and IL-2 synergized to induce both IFN-γ mRNA and protein expression. This synergistic induction was seen within 3 h of treatment and with as little as 10 U/ml IL-2 and 1.0 ng/ml Bryo-1. In vitro transcription assays revealed that Bryo-1 plus IL-2 induced transcriptional activation of the IFN-γ gene. Furthermore, mRNA stability studies indicated that this treatment also enhanced the IFN-γ mRNA half-life. Both CD4 + and CD8 + T cells responded to the treatment with IFN-γ expression. The induction of the IFN-γ expression was decreased by a specific p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor, but not by a protein kinase C inhibitor. Our results demonstrate for the first time that Bryo-1 in combination with IL-2 control IFN-γ gene expression at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels through a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent process. Given the pivotal role that IFN-γ plays in the orchestration of an effective Th1 type of response, our results suggest that Bryo-1 plus IL-2 may be a valuable combined therapy for cancer treatment.
A Comparison of Traditional and Blended Learning in Introductory Principles of Accounting Course.

This paper examines whether a blended course that introduces lower-level education online learned by students before they come into class and after class online assignments and online discussions enhances student performance for an introductory principles of accounting course over the period 2009-2010. The blended course design includes (1) before-class online quizzes, (2) after-class online homework assignments and online quizzes, (3) after-class comments postings, and (4) company case and project online postings. The regression results show that the above designed blended course improves the student final examination/course performance through in-depth in class activities after controlling for prior GPA, math grade, gender, transfer, homework grade, online quiz grade, and in-class exercise grade.
Local inflammatory and thrombotic responses differ in a murine model of partial and complete hindlimb ischemia/reperfusion

Background These experiments were designed to quantitatively compare the patterns of tissue thrombosis, cytokine response, and tissue viability in a murine model of partial (PI) versus complete hindlimb ischemia (CI), alone or with reperfusion (RE). Methods The control tension tourniquet was used to establish either PI or CI in the unilateral mouse hindlimb for 3 hours followed by 0, 4, and 24 hours of RE. Muscle viability, local neutrophil chemoattractant protein, interleukin 6, interleukin 1β, D-dimer, thrombin-antithrombin III complex, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, and tissue plasminogen activator levels were measured in protein extracts for each experimental interval. Results Tissue viability after CI and 24 hours of RE was significantly less than tissue subjected to PI and 24 hours of RE (96% ± 16 PI, 64% ± 4 CI, P = .02). The local cytokine response was initially elevated in the PI group but dissipated by 24RE. In contrast, the local cytokine response to CI alone was small but greatly increased by 24RE. The thrombotic response to PI was increased throughout ischemia/reperfusion. While thrombosis during CI alone was negligible, reperfusion led to a significant thrombotic response. Conclusions Biochemical markers for tissue viability, thrombosis, and cytokine-mediated inflammation differ significantly in mice subjected to moderate and severe hindlimb ischemia/reperfusion. These biochemical markers may facilitate stratification of patients in clinical trials for treatment of ischemia/reperfusion injury and contribute to interpretation of their outcomes.
Significance and management of inflow gradients unexpectedly generated after femorofemoral, femoropopliteal, and femoroinfrapopliteal bypass grafting

With multilevel arteriosclerosis, some patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass grafting will develop femoral/brachial pressure gradients only after the bypass is performed. We therefore evaluated arteriographically alternate inflow sites and measured the femoral/brachial pressure gradients before and after placement of 87 femorofemoral and 510 femoropopliteal/infrapopliteal bypasses. No prebypass femoral/brachial pressure gradients were present with and without intraarterial papaverine. However, femoral/branchial pressure gradients greater than or equal to 15 mm Hg were observed after the bypass placement in 16 femorofemoral patients and 43 femoropopliteal/infrapopliteal patients. Gradients averaged 28 +/- 8 (SD) (range, 15 to 50) mm Hg. The post femorofemoral bypass gradients were treated by immediate supplementary inflow extension to the aorta (three patients) or an axillary artery (three patients); by postoperative iliac percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (four patients) or by no treatment (six patients with femoral/brachial pressure gradients of 15 to 35 [23 +/- 5] mm Hg). The 43 postfemoropopliteal/infrapopliteal bypass gradients were treated by immediate supplementary inflow extension to the contralateral femoral artery (15 patients), the aorta (8 patients), or an axillary artery (3 patients); by postoperative iliac percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (5 patients) or by no treatment (12 patients with femoral/brachial pressure gradients of 15 to 30 [21 +/- 4] mm Hg). No thrombosis occurred in the 10 femorofemoral bypasses with postbypass femoral/brachial pressure gradients that were treated. One of the six femorofemoral patients with untreated gradients required a subsequent aortic extension, and one thrombosed after 2 years. Of the 12 untreated patients with femoropopliteal/infrapopliteal bypasses one graft occluded early, and two late failures occurred 12 and 18 months later.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Identifying peach and plum polyphenols with chemopreventive potential against estrogen-independent breast cancer cells.

Our objective was to evaluate the cancer suppression activity of extracts from a commercial variety of yellow-fleshed peach ‘Rich Lady’ (RL) and a red-fleshed plum ‘Black Splendor’ (BS) and identify the phenolic fractions that may possess potential as chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic natural compounds. The peach RL extract effectively inhibited the proliferation of the estrogen-independent MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cell line. The concentration to inhibit 50% of cell proliferation (IC50) was ∼42 mg/L for this cell line compared to an IC50 of ∼130 and ∼515 mg/L for the noncancerous breast cell line MCF-10A and the estrogen-dependent breast cancer cell line MCF-7, respectively. Similarly, BS extracts showed greater effects on MDA-MB-435 cells as compared to the other breast cancer or the normal breast cell lines. In general, BS extracts were less effective than RL extracts. Within all RL and BS fractions, fraction 3 (F3, flavonoids) and fraction 4 (F4, procyanidins) were more potent than fraction 1 (F1...
Property Evolution of Al2O3 Coated and Uncoated Si Electrodes: A First Principles Investigation

In order to compare the difference between coated and uncoated Si electrode, the basic material properties of atomic layer deposition ALD-Al2O3 coating and native SiO2 layer on Si are investigated by using density functional theory calculations. These properties include: the open circuit voltage curve with respect to lithium metal, the elastic properties, and Li ion diffusion characteristics in SiO2 and Al2O3 and their lithiated compounds (such as Li4SiO4 and LiAlO2). Results show that lithiation occurs at the voltage above EC (Ethylene Carbonate) decomposition(∼0.8V) causing initial irreversible capacity loss. Also, lithiation softens Al2O3 mechanically, while slightly stiffens SiO2. For the Li ion diffusion, SiO2 and Al2O3 have totally different behavior upon lithiation. For SiO2, Li diffuses very fast, but the energy barrier becomes higher as lithiation goes on. When SiO2 is lithiated to Li4SiO4, the diffusion energy barrier becomes lower again. For Al2O3, its intrinsic ionic conductivity is very low, but the Li diffusion energy barrier becomes lower (as low as Li2Si2O5) as lithiation proceeds and LiAlO2 is formed. Therefore, designing ALD coating should target the coating properties after lithiation. © 2014 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.0301414jes] All rights reserved.
Visualization of the Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC) Network in Mice

The interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are mesenchymal derived "pacemaker cells" of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that generate spontaneous slow waves required for peristalsis and mediate neuronal input from the enteric nervous system1. Different subtypes of ICC form distinct networks in the muscularis of the GI tract 2,3. Loss or injury to these networks is associated with a number of motility disorders4. ICC cells express the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase on the plasma membrane and KIT immunostaining has been used for the past 15 years to label the ICC network5,6. Importantly, normal KIT activity is required for ICC development5,6. Neoplastic transformation of ICC cells results in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), that frequently harbor gain-of-function KIT mutations7,8. We recently showed that ETV1 is a lineage-specific survival factor expressed in the ICC/GIST lineage and is a master transcriptional regulator required for both normal ICC network formation and for of GIST tumorigenesis9. We further demonstrate that it cooperates with activating KIT mutations in tumorigenesis. Here, we describe methods for visualization of ICC networks in mice, largely based on previously published protocols10,11. More recently, the chloride channel anoctamin 1 (ANO1) has also been characterized as a specific membrane marker of ICC11,12. Because of their plasma membrane localization, immunofluorescence of both proteins can be used to visualize the ICC networks. Here, we describe visualization of the ICC networks by fixed-frozen cyrosections and whole mount preparations.
Weight minimization of a speed reducer by heuristic and decomposition techniques

Abstract Discrete combinatorial optimization techniques (heuristics)[1–5] have been extended for optimum synthesis of medium-and-large-scale mechanical systems [6,7]. Decomposition techniques based on the kinematic structure of mechanisms have been developed. Other decompisition methods have been previously outlined[7]. The decompositon techniques were then combined with a heuristic search to obtain efficient optimization method for large-scale mechanical systems. The optimization scheme has been applied for weight minimization of a speed reducer. The results obtained by the techniques, which have been developed, indicate that these methods are more efficient than various schemes, such as adaptive optimization approach, random-gradient technique, and Monte-Carlo method. all previously employed for weight minimization of a speed reducer.
Characterizing Wing Rock with Variations in Size and Configuration of Vertical Tail

Flight at high angle-of-attack conditions, which range beyond wing stall, has numerous advantages for mission performance; however, that flight regime is often affected by adverse behaviors. A particularly notable behavior is associated with uncommanded oscillations primarily about the roll axis and is known as wing rock. This paper investigates wing rock for a small, propeller-powered aerobatic unmanned aerial vehicle with a high degree of vertical symmetry flown at high angle-of-attack conditions. Most importantly, the investigation characterizes the nature of wing rock as a function of size and configuration of the vertical tail. The flight data indicate that wing rock is dependent on the configuration but not on the size of the vertical tail: wing rock oscillations are present for upright but not inverted regardless of vertical tail size. Furthermore, a time-frequency analysis indicates that the wing rock is actually a narrowband phenomenon for which the central frequency varies with time.
Nickel(II) Complexes of 1‐Alkyl‐1‐azonia‐3,5‐diaza‐7‐phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]decane – Synthesis and Solid‐State Structures

Complexes [NiI3(mpta)2]I (1) and [NiI3(ppta)2]I (2) have been synthesized by reaction of nickel(II) halide salts with -1-methyl-1-azonia-3,5-diaza-7-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]decane iodide (mpta+I−) and 1-(n-propyl)-1-azonia-3,5-diaza-7-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]decane bromide (ppta+Br−) respectively. The crystal structures of compounds 1 and 2 are described and are similar, with both compounds crystallizing in monoclinic space groups. The geometry about both nickel atoms is that of a trigonal bipyramid with the cationic phosphine ligands found in the axial positions and the iodide ligands arranged in the equatorial plane.
Accretion into the central cavity of a circumbinary disc

A near-equal mass binary black hole can clear a central cavity in a circumbinary accretion disk; however, previous works have revealed accretion streams entering this cavity. Here we use 2D hydrodynamical simulations to study the accretion streams and their periodic behavior. In particular, we perform a suite of simulations, covering different binary mass ratios $q=M_2/M_1$ in the range $0.01 \leq q \leq 1$. In each case, we follow the system for several thousand binary orbits, until it relaxes to a stable accretion pattern. We find the following results: (i) while the binary is efficient in maintaining a low-density cavity, the time-averaged mass accretion rate into the cavity, through narrow coherent accretion streams, is suppressed by at most a factor of $\sim 5$, compared to a disk with a single BH with the same mass; (ii) the largest suppression occurs for $q\approx 0.05$; binaries whose mass ratios are either lower or higher both suppress accretion less significantly; (iii) for $q \gtrsim 0.05$, the accretion rate is strongly modulated by the binary, and depending on the precise value of $q$, the power spectrum of the accretion rate shows either one, two, or three distinct periods; and (v) for $q \lesssim 0.05$, the accretion rate becomes steady, with no time-variations. Most binaries produced in galactic mergers are expected to have $q\gtrsim 0.05$. If the luminosity of these binaries tracks their accretion rate, then a periodogram of their light-curve could help in their identification, and to constrain their mass ratio and disk properties.
Revisiting the Euphemism in 1 Corinthians 7.1

To date, the euphemism of `touching' in 1 Cor. 7.1 has only been examined in light of eight examples in Greek literature, and these have led most scholars to conclude that it is a general euphemism for sexual intercourse. This study examines 25 examples of the euphemism, shows how it relates to the common ancient distinction between sex for pleasure and sex for procreation, and concludes that it is only used for the former and typically has to do with a man's use of a woman (or boy) for his sexual gratification. The article concludes with a consideration of 1 Cor. 7, which argues that the context here also favors understanding the Corinthians' use of the euphemism as a critique of certain kinds of sexual relations rather than a rejection of sex in general.
Periradicular radiographic assessment in diabetic and control individuals.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of radiographic periradicular radiolucencies in endodontically treated and untreated teeth in patients with and without diabetes. Study design The records of 30 subjects with diabetes and 23 control subjects attending the Endodontic Graduate Clinic at the University of Florida, Gainesville, were reviewed. The number of teeth with root canal treatments with and without periradicular radiolucencies and the number of teeth without endodontic treatment but with periradicular lesions were recorded. Results There were no main effects of sex, diabetes diagnosis, or age (the covariate) on the 3 outcomes of interest— nonsurgical endodontic treatment (NSE) with lesions, NSE without lesions, and no NSE with lesions. However, there were significant interactions between sex and diabetes diagnosis for both of the endodontic outcomes, NSE with lesions ( F = 4.292; P F = 4.241; P Conclusion Type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of ill response by the periradicular tissues to odontogenic pathogens.
Comparison of blue-emitting phosphorescent dopants: effect of molecular energy levels on device efficiency

Two blue-shifted iridium phenyl-pyridine dopants are compared in identical device structures. While the dopants have very similar optical behavior, it is found that the device efficiencies are very different and dependent on the host material. Upon comparison of molecular energy levels it is proposed that the electronic properties of the dopant influence the device efficiency through an electron trapping mechanism. It is believed that the relative energetics between the host and dopant play an integral role in the operation of the device.
Communication and Collaboration: Collection Development in Challenging Economic Times

Current economic challenges have had a profound impact on collection development, as a good budget has become one which merely remains flat in comparison to the many budgets which have been severely cut. While inflation has steadily eroded collection budgets for many years, the Great Recession exacerbated economic woes as both academic endowments and state tax revenues declined drastically. The Health Sciences Libraries of the University of Southern California address these difficult times by communicating and collaborating with colleagues, customers, and vendors.
Far-ultraviolet spectroscopy of Jupiter

Abstract The spectrum of Jupiter from 2400 to 3000 A was photographed at a resolution of 1 A by a rocket-borne spectrograph on June 9, 1967. The derived reflectivity revealed a definite absence of any particularly strong features longward of 2650 A. A slight reduction of reflectivity was registered at 2600 A, but the match with a puzzling absorption feature seen in earlier, low-resolution observations was not very precise. This drop, whose existence may be subject to doubt, appeared to be caused by a broad, diffuse absorption rather than a profusion of narrow, strong features. Future improvements in rocket and satellite instrumentation should not only allow a more definitive search for faint absorptions, but may be able to detect weak Roman scattering of the solar spectrum in the atmosphere of Jupiter.
National Science Foundation support for computer and information science and engineering

Reorganisation de la National Science Foundation qui depuis 25 ans finance des recherches en sciences de l'information. Nouvelles structures. Programme de la nouvelle direction organisee en quatre divisions (INTD)