cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unresolved inflammation: ‘immune tsunami’ or erosion of integrity in immune-privileged and immune-responsive tissues and acute and chronic inflammatory diseases or cancer

Introduction: Unresolved inflammation is loss of balance between two biologically opposing arms of acute inflammation, ‘Yin’ (tumoricidal) and ‘Yang’ (tumorigenic) processes that cause disruption of protective mechanisms of immune system. Areas covered: Hypothesis: Unresolved inflammation-induced exaggerated expression of apoptotic and/or wound healing mediators lead to fundamental erosion (‘immune tsunami’ or ‘immune meltdown’) of integrity in tissues that are naturally immune-responsive (immune surveillance); or immune-privileged (immune tolerance). ‘Immune tsunami’ refers to end results of acute or chronic immune dysfunction leading to inflammatory diseases or cancer. Acute inflammatory diseases including drug-induced cancer cachexia, would fit features of ‘immune meltdown’ that are otherwise described for end results of age-associated diseases. Pathogens induce rapid destruction of vascular integrity, gain access to tissues and cause excessive expression of apoptotic factors leading to multiple organ ...
Cardiac Troponin I Phosphorylation at ser149 by Protein Kinase A: A Potential Modulator of Myocardial Contractility

In the heart, stimulation of β-adrenergic pathway and subsequent activation of protein kinase A (PKA) is known to increase myocardial contractility. The increase in contractility is, in part, due to target phosphorylation of troponin I (TnI). In this study, we sought to identify novel target sites for PKA that could potentially contribute to this increase in contractility. To induce phosphorylation of TnI, cardiac and fast skeletal muscle from 3-4 month old Sprague Dawley rats was mechanically disrupted and demembranated followed by incubation with the catalytic subunit of PKA (50U PKA/ 3mg tissue, 0-30 min). To identify target specific phosphorylation on fast skeletal (fsTnI) or cardiac (cTnI) TnI, western blot analysis with phospho-specific antibodies was performed. PKA treatment increased phosphorylation of cTnI at ser22/23, as expected, but also at ser149. Similarly, PKA treatment increased phosphorylation of fsTnI at ser117, which is the equivalent to ser149 in cTnI. Accordingly, fsTnI demonstrated no observable phosphorylation at ser22/23. Adenosine-monophosphate activated kinase (AMPK) has been shown to target ser149 of cTnI. Therefore, to validate PKA-dependent phosphorylation of cTnI at ser149, hearts were excised and perfused with AICAR, a known activator of AMPK. AICAR-perfused hearts demonstrated a time-dependent increase in phosphorylation of cTnI at ser149. These results demonstrate that PKA-dependent phosphorylation can target ser149 in cTnI and, equivalently, ser117 in fsTnI. The functional consequence of this target site phosphorylation and how it impacts contractility is currently under investigation.
Hydrogen-deuterium (H/D) exchange mapping of Abeta 1-40 amyloid fibril secondary structure using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

We describe here details of the hydrogen−deuterium (H/D) exchange behavior of the Alzheimer's peptide Aβ1-40, while it is a resident in the amyloid fibril, as determined by high-resolution solution...
SU‐FF‐J‐102: A New Method for Improving PET and CT Registration in the Thorax On PET/CT

Purpose: We propose a new method of acquiring the CT data to improve the registration of the PET and CT data in imaging the thorax on PET/CT. Method and Materials: In a conventional PET/CT acquisition, the CT and PET data are acquired at two different breathing states. There is an inherent mismatch of the PET and CT because the temporal resolutions of the PET and CT are not matched. We have proposed a new method of acquiring the average CT (ACT) data from the 4D‐CT imaging to provide the CT data consistent with the PET data on temporal resolution. We have applied this approach to one esophagus and seven lung patients. The helical CT data were taken helically at 120 kV, 300 mA, pitch 1.35:1, 8×2.5 mm collimation, and 0.5 s rotation and the patients were instructed to hold a breath at mid‐expiration during the HCT of the thorax. The PET acquisition was 3 mins per bed. The 4D‐CT data of the thorax were taken right after the PET/CT study at 120 kV, 50 to 150 mA, cine duration of one breathing cycle plus 1 s, 8×2.5 mm collimation, and 0.5 s CT rotation cycle. We compared the registration between the ACT and PET data, and the registration between the HCT and PET data. Results: The PET and ACT data were all consistent at all tumor locations. The mismatch between the HCT and PET data were significantly improved on 4 out of the 8 patients with the ACT data over the HCT data.. Conclusion: We have proposed the use of the ACT to improve the registration of the PET and CT data, and demonstrated a significant improvement in lesion localization between the PET and ACT data.
Electron-driven processes in high-pressure plasmas

This review article summarizes results from selected recent studies of collisional and radiative processes initiated and driven by low-energy electron interactions with atoms and molecules in high-pressure plasmas. A special emphasis of the article is on spectroscopic studies of plasmas used as sources for non-coherent vacuum ultraviolet radiation such as rare excimer emissions and atomic and molecular emissions from plasmas in admixtures of rare gases and the molecular gases H2 and N2. An attempt is made to correlate the various observed emission features and their dependence on the plasma operating parameters (pressure, power, gas mixture, mode of excitation, etc.) to the underlying microscopic atomic and molecular processes.
Extending Animal Models to Explore Social Rewards Associated With Designated Smoking Areas on College Campuses

Abstract Objective: Animal studies have shown that when nicotine is administered in the presence of other animals (as compared with alone), it is more rewarding. As a human analogue to these studies, rewards associated with designated smoking areas on university campuses were examined, since these areas promote using nicotine in the presence of others. Participants: Participants were 118 (Sample 1, collected November 2011) and 94 (Sample 2, collected April 2012) student smokers at a midwestern university. Method: Data were collected via an Internet survey. Results: Social interaction while smoking on campus (as compared with smoking alone) significantly increased the perceived reward of smoking, looking forward to spending time in the campus smoking areas, and how many times the campus smoking areas were visited. Conclusions: Although designated smoking areas may protect nonsmoking students from the dangers of secondhand smoke, these areas may increase the rewards associated with nicotine for the smokers ...
The nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of phenyllithium, diphenylmagnesium and diphenylzinc

Abstract The PMR spectra of phenyllithium, diphenylmagnesium, and diphenylzinc have been analysed to yield the chemical shifts and spin—spin coupling constants. The latter vary little from one compound to another. The only parameter which does show a marked dependence upon the nature of the metal atom is the chemical shift of the protons ortho to the metal. In contrast to alkyl-metal compounds where protons on carbon atoms α to the metal experience increased shielding, protons ortho to the metal—carbon in phenylmetallic compounds experience a large deshielding effect. This has been accounted for in terms of the anisotropy of the metal-carbon bond.
Ionic Strength Effects in Polyelectrolyte Brushes: The Counterion Correction

We propose a means of accounting for the contribution of counterions to the ionic strength within a polyelectrolyte brush, which is then incorporated into models treating the effects of electrostatic interactions, chain stretching, and curvature on the layer thickness for chains attached to a spherical particle. Combining an electrostatic wormlike chain model originated by Odijk, Fixman, and co-workers with the blob model of Daoud and Cotton predicts without adjustable parameters the layer thickness for a wide range of ionic strengths and particle radii. A simplified scaling version that neglects stiffening due to electrostatic interactions greatly underestimates the layer thickness but captures the dependence on ionic strength reasonably.
Striving to improve outcomes in oncology: unmet expectations in a complex disease.

This article is featured in Highlights of This Issue, [p. 5915][1] > I have made some progress. Why so late and with such difficulty? > > Paul Cezanne Parallels between life and art are often drawn, and the words of Cezanne sum up very well our cancer research enterprise, in particular our
A new precision measurement of the muonium hyperfine interval in argon

Abstract We have measured the muonium hyperfine interval Δv in argon at 1802 torr, and find Δv = 4463.2653(24) MHz. The extrapolation to zero density yields perfect agreement with Δv measured with comparable accuracy in krypton. The argon and krypton results are therefore combined to give a new world average of Δv = 4463.3040(18) MHz.
Pulsed-laser deposition of electronic oxides: superconductor and semiconductor applications

Over the past decade, pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) has proven to be one of the most versatile and effective methods for obtaining high-quality electronic oxide thin-film materials. Much of this success can be attributed to its initial use in depositing high temperature superconducting materials. However, pulsed-laser deposition is now a leading research tool in the development of various electronic oxide thin-film technologies, In this paper, recent progress in the deposition of oxide materials on dissimilar materials for both superconductor and semiconductor applications is discussed. Recent developments in the synthesis of superconducting wires via epitaxial growth of superconducting oxides on biaxially textured metal tapes is described. In addition, efforts to integrate high-k dielectric oxides on semiconductor surfaces using pulsed-laser deposition are highlighted.
Association of common CRP gene variants with CRP levels and cardiovascular events.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a well-documented marker of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. We resequenced CRP to identify a comprehensive set of common SNP variants, then studied and replicated their association with baseline CRP level among apparently healthy subjects in the Women's Health Study (WHS; n = 717), Pravastatin Inflammation/CRP Evaluation trial (PRINCE; n = 1,110) and Physicians' Health Study (PHS; n = 509) cohorts. The minor alleles of four SNPs were consistently associated in all three cohorts with higher CRP, while the minor alleles of two SNPs were associated with lower CRP (p T>A and the 3'-UTR SNP 1846G>A. None of the SNPs associated with higher CRP were associated with risk of incident myocardial infarction (MI) or ischemic stroke in a prospective, nested case-control study design from the PHS cohort (610 case-control pairs). One SNP, -717A>G, was unrelated to CRP levels but associated with decreased risk of MI (p = 0.001). Taken together, these data imply significant interactions between both genetic and environmental contributions to the increased CRP levels that predict a greater risk of future atherothrombotic events in epidemiological studies.
Induction of Apoptosis and Altered Nuclear/Cytoplasmic Distribution of the Androgen Receptor and Prostate-Specific Antigen by 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3in Androgen-Responsive LNCaP Cells

Abstract In addition to suppressing prostate cell growth, vitamin D also up-regulates the expression of androgen receptor (AR) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). To study the mechanism involved in the control of these proteins, LNCaP cells were treated with 10 nM 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 and separated into cytosol and nuclear fractions. AR and PSA were analyzed by western blot analysis. A second approach involved incubating control and treated cells with [ 3 H]R1881, fractionating the cells into the cytosolic and nuclear components, and quantifying the amount of radioactivity associated with the respective fractions. Alternatively, immunohistochemical assays were performed by staining cells with cognate antibodies for AR and PSA. Both biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses show proportionately greater increased presence of AR in the nucleus, accompanied by relatively reduced AR in the cytosol, following treatment of LNCaP cells with vitamin D 3 . Surprisingly, PSA was found to be present in the nuclear fraction in both control and treated cells. These results suggest that vitamin D 3 promotes the translocation of AR from the cytosol to the nucleus. The presence of PSA in the nucleus of LNCaP cells raises the possibility of an autogenous mode of control of PSA gene expression.
Nitrogen adsorption isotherms on polyolefins

Nitrogen adsorption isotherms were determined for a number of polyolefinic compounds. B.E.T. calculations showed that most of the samples possess surface areas averaging about 0.5 m.2/g., although a few very high molecular weight polyolefins precipitated during polymerization have areas of about 8 m.2/g. On most of the polyolefins, the C values from the B.E.T. equation are unusually small, indicating a relatively low heat of nitrogen adsorption. Adsorption isotherms were determined with krypton on two of the high polymers and were found to yield areas in satisfactory agreement with those obtained from the nitrogen adsorption experiments.
Experimental and numerical study on bending collapse of aluminum foam-filled hat profiles

Abstract The deep bending collapse of thin-walled empty and foam-filled hat profiles are studied experimentally and numerically. The deep bending tests involve two steps. First, the bending tests are run in a conventional three-point bending mode up to approximately 40° rotation. Then, the bent specimens are loaded vertically in compression, and are bent further up to 150°. These tests revealed salient features of empty and foam-filled hat members subjected to large bending rotations. The moment–rotation characteristics of the generalized plastic hinges with the rotation angle up to 150° are obtained experimentally, and they are found to be qualitatively similar to the case of axial folding of thin-walled members, with peaks and troughs on M–θ curves corresponding respectively to the initiation of foldings and jammings. It is found that foam-filled members provided a 30–40% increase, compared to traditional non-filled members, of the specific energy absorption. Numerical study using explicit nonlinear finite element method are also conducted. Quasi-static simulations of deep bending collapse of empty and foam-filled single-hat beams are carried out. Numerical results are compared with the experimental results showing good agreement.
ASRA practice advisory on local anesthetic systemic toxicity

The American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Practice Advisory on Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity assimilates and summarizes current knowledge regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this potentially fatal complication. It offers evidence-based and/or expert opinion-based recommendations for all physicians and advanced practitioners who routinely administer local anesthetics in potentially toxic doses. The advisory does not address issues related to local anesthetic-related neurotoxicity, allergy, or methemoglobinemia. Recommendations are based primarily on animal and human experimental trials, case series, and case reports. When objective evidence is lacking or incomplete, recommendations are supplemented by expert opinion from the Practice Advisory Panel plus input from other experts, medical specialty groups, and open forum. Specific recommendations are offered for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of local anesthetic systemic toxicity.
Rate of flow and mechanics of bubble formation from single submerged orifices. I. Rate of flow studies

A study has been made of the rate of flow and mechanics of bubble formation from single submerged orifices 1/64, 1/32, 1/16, and 1/8 in. in diameter installed in an 8-in. I.D. column operating in the air-water system. The coefficients of discharge obtained for sharpedged orifices operating with this system indicate that the effective orifice discharge area for this type of operation is greater than that for an orifice of the same size and type operating at the same pressure ratio in the air-air system. The effective orifice discharge areas for a round-edged orifice operating in either the air-water or air-air systems appear to be identical at the same pressure ratio. The thick-plate orifice operating in the air-water system exhibits a constancy of discharge coefficient at ratios of the downstream to upstream pressures less than 0.33. Inasmuch as bubble formation occurring close to the downstream face of a sharp-edged orifice operating in the air-water system influences the effective orifice discharge area, liquid physical properties may be expected to be important in determining the rate of flow from this type of orifice for other gas-liquid systems. In Part II photographic studies of bubble formation reveal that nonuniformity of bubble size is initiated by the onset of turbulence in the air stream flowing through the orifice. In the section of the laminar-flow range studied in this investigation (200 < NRe < 2,100) the frequency of bubble formation is nearly constant with respect to Reynolds number. The bubble size is relatively uniform at a given Reynolds number and depends markedly upon orifice diameter. Stroboscopic examination reveals that as turbulence is fully developed for the air flow through the orifice, a counterclockwise spiraling, swirling motion of the air jet is initiated. In the turbulent-flow range the bubblesize–distribution data are fitted reasonably well by a logarithmic-normal-probability distribution. More data for bubble formation in other liquids (particularly liquids of low surface tension) are necessary before a general correlation for bubble size in gasliquid systems can be developed.
Post-Silicon Bug Localization in Processors Using Instruction Footprint Recording and Analysis (IFRA)

Instruction Footprint Recording and Analysis (IFRA) overcomes challenges associated with an expensive step in post-silicon validation of processors-pinpointing the bug location and the instruction sequence that exposes the bug from a system failure. On-chip recorders collect instruction footprints (information about flows of instructions and what the instructions did as they passed through various design blocks) during the normal operation of the processor in a post-silicon system validation setup. Upon system failure, the recorded information is scanned out and analyzed offline for bug localization. Special self-consistency-based program analysis techniques, together with the test program binary of the application executed during post-silicon validation, are used for this purpose. Major benefits of using IFRA over traditional techniques for post-silicon bug localization are as follows: 1) it does not require full system-level reproduction of bugs, and 2) it does not require full system-level simulation. Simulation results on a complex superscalar processor demonstrate that IFRA is effective in accurately localizing electrical bugs with very little impact on overall chip area.
Subgrid-scale modelling for the large-eddy simulation of high-Reynolds-number boundary layers

It has been recognized that the subgrid-scale (SGS) parameterization represents a critical component of a successful large-eddy simulation (LES). Commonly used linear SGS models produce erroneous mean velocity profiles in LES of high-Reynolds-number boundary layer flows. Although recently proposed approaches to solving this problem have resulted in significant improvements, questions about the true nature of the SGS problem in shear-driven high-Reynolds-number flows remain open.We argue that the SGS models must capture inertial transfer effects including backscatter of energy as well as its redistribution among the normal SGS stress components. These effects are the consequence of nonlinear interactions and anisotropy. In our modelling procedure we adopt a phenomenological approach whereby the SGS stresses are related to the resolved velocity gradients. We show that since the SGS stress tensor is not frame indifferent a more general nonlinear model can be applied to the SGS parameterization. We develop a nonlinear SGS model capable of reproducing the effects of SGS anisotropy characteristic for shear-driven boundary layers. The results obtained using the nonlinear model for the LES of a neutral shear-driven atmospheric boundary layer show a significant improvement in prediction of the non-dimensional shear and low-order statistics compared to the linear Smagorinsky-type models. These results also demonstrate a profound effect of the SGS model on the flow structures.
Bridging voids: constraints on Hispanic entrepreneurs building social capital

This study uses social capital theory and strategic entrepreneurship theory to examine the extent to which Hispanic immigrant entrepreneurs create and employ social capital in their firms. Using a modified instrument originally created by the World Bank to measure social capital, we evaluate the amount and different dimensions of social capital possessed by a sample of entrepreneurs with mid to small-sized businesses in a limited geographic area within the USA. We find low levels of social capital among our respondents. To the extent that social capital exists, the majority of it seems to be derived from Hispanic sources rather than non-Hispanic sources. Further, we find some limited evidence that non-Hispanic driven social capital positively affects growth and internationalisation. In light of these findings we discuss the issue of bridging and social capital development.
Sonic hedgehog protein signals not as a hydrolytic enzyme but as an apparent ligand for Patched

The amino-terminal signaling domain of the Sonic hedgehog secreted protein (Shh-N), which derives from the Shh precursor through an autoprocessing reaction mediated by the carboxyl-terminal domain, executes multiple functions in embryonic tissue patterning, including induction of ventral and suppression of dorsal cell types in the developing neural tube. An apparent catalytic site within Shh-N is suggested by structural homology to a bacterial carboxypeptidase. We demonstrate here that alteration of residues presumed to be critical for a hydrolytic activity does not cause a loss of inductive activity, thus ruling out catalysis by Shh-N as a requirement for signaling. We favor the alternative, that Shh-N functions primarily as a ligand for the putative receptor Patched (Ptc). This possibility is supported by new evidence for direct binding of Shh-N to Ptc and by a strong correlation between the affinity of Ptc-binding and the signaling potency of Shh-N protein variants carrying alterations of conserved residues in a particular region of the protein surface. These results together suggest that direct Shh-N binding to Ptc is a critical event in transduction of the Shh-N signal.
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT OF FOSSIL FUELS

A methodology for understanding and analyzing environmental effects of energy systems is presented. Complexities of large ecosystems makes environmental modeling difficult and neither background data nor damage functions are known adequately. Several important and pressing potential impacts of fossil fuel systems are discussed, including effects on climate, air and water quality and land.
Use of a monovalent leptospiral vaccine to prevent renal colonization and urinary shedding in cattle exposed to Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo.

Objective—To determine whether a monovalent Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo (type hardjobovis) vaccine commercially available in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the United Kingdom would protect cattle from renal colonization and urinary shedding when exposed to a US strain of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo. Animals—24 Hereford heifers that lacked detectable antibodies against serovar hardjo. Procedure—Heifers received 2 doses, 4 weeks apart, of the commercial hardjo vaccine (n = 8) or a monovalent US reference hardjo vaccine (8) or were not vaccinated (controls; 8). Heifers were challenged 16 weeks later by intraperitoneal inoculation or conjunctival instillation. Serum antibody titers were measured weekly, and urine samples were examined for leptospires. Heifers were euthanatized 11 to 14 weeks after challenge, and kidney tissue was examined for evidence of colonization. Results—All 8 heifers vaccinated with the reference vaccine were found to be shedding leptospires in their urin...
Chronic iron overload causes activation of rat lipocytes in vivo

Chronic iron overload can result in hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. Activated lipocytes, through increased production of collagen and extracellular matrix, play an important role in hepatic fibrogenesis in several types of experimental liver injury, but their contribution to hepatic injury after iron overload is unknown. This study examines the effect of iron overload on lipocyte activation, in vivo. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a chow diet supplemented with 1% carbonyl iron for up to 20 mo. Controls were fed the chow diet alone. Lipocytes were prepared by sequential pronase and collagenase perfusion of the livers, followed by density-gradient centrifugation. Lipocyte activation was assessed by immunohistochemistry of liver sections and by Western blot analysis of alpha-smooth muscle actin expression in freshly isolated lipocytes. In addition, to measure the biosynthetic capability of these lipocytes, collagen and noncollagen protein production was determined after 3 days in culture, using [3H]proline incorporation. The hepatic iron concentration was increased by eightfold in the iron-loaded rats, and lipocytes from these animals expressed alpha-smooth muscle actin. Collagen production was increased by 2.5-fold, and noncollagen protein production was elevated by twofold in lipocytes isolated from iron-loaded rats. In the iron-loaded livers, autofluorescent material with the characteristics of lipofusion was present in periportal zones. Chronic iron overload expression results in the activation of lipocytes, as determined by increased expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and by increased production of both collagen and noncollagen protein. This activation may contribute to iron-induced hepatic fibrogenesis.
Seasonal variation of sudden infant death syndrome in Hawaii

Objective: To test whether the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) rate displays the universal winter maximum and summer minimum in Hawaii where there is no appreciable seasonal variation of temperature. Design: The null hypothesis is tested that there is no seasonal variation of necropsied SIDS in Hawaii. The numbers of live births and SIDS cases by month for the years 1979 to 2002 were collected and the monthly SIDS distribution is predicted based on the age at death distribution. Setting: The state of Hawaii, located in the midst of the Pacific Ocean, has a semi-tropical climate with temperatures fluctuating diurnally as 25 ± 5 ° C throughout the year. Therefore homes are unheated and infants are not excessively swaddled. The Hawaii State Department of Health maintains vital statistics of all infant births and deaths. Main results: The results reject the null hypothesis of no seasonal variation of SIDS (p = 0.026). An explanation for the seasonal effect of the winter maximum and summer minimum for Hawaiian SIDS is that it arises from the cycle of the school session and summer vacation periods that represent variable intensity of a possible viral infection vector. SIDS rates in both Hawaii and the United States increase with parity, also indicating a possible role of school age siblings as carriers. Conclusions: The winter peak of the SIDS in Hawaii is support for the hypothesis that a low grade viral infection, insufficient by itself to be a visible cause of death at necropsy, may be implicated as contributing to SIDS in vulnerable infants.
Extraction of the average and differential dynamical response in stimulus-locked experimental data

In optical imaging experiments of primary visual cortex, visual stimuli evoke a complicated dynamics. Typically, any stimulus with sufficient contrast evokes a response. Much of the response is the same regardless of which stimulus is presented. For instance, when oriented drifting gratings are presented to the visual system, over 90% of the response is the same from orientation to orientation. Small differences may be seen, however, between the responses to different orientations. A problem in the analysis of optical measurements of the response to stimulus in cortical tissue is the distinction of the 'global' or 'non-specific' response from the 'differential' or 'stimulus-specific' response. This problem arises whenever the signal of interest is the difference in response to various stimuli and is evident in many kinds of uni- and multivariate data. To this end, we present enhancements to a frequency-based method that we previously introduced called the periodic stacking method. These enhancements allow us to separately estimate the dynamics of both the average signal across all stimuli (the 'global' response) and deviations from the average amongst the various stimuli (the 'stimulus-specific' response) evoked in response to a set of stimuli. We also discuss improvements in the signal-to-noise ratio, relative to standard trial averaging methods, that result from the data-adaptive smoothing in our method.
Caspase 3-Dependent Cell Death of Neurons Contributes to the Pathogenesis of West Nile Virus Encephalitis

West Nile virus (WNV) is a neurotropic, arthropod-borne flavivirus that has become a significant global cause of viral encephalitis. To examine the mechanisms of WNV-induced neuronal death and the importance of apoptosis in pathogenesis, we evaluated the role of a key apoptotic regulator, caspase 3. WNV infection induced caspase 3 activation and apoptosis in the brains of wild-type mice. Notably, congenic caspase 3(-/-) mice were more resistant to lethal WNV infection, although there were no significant differences in the tissue viral burdens or the kinetics of viral spread. Instead, decreased neuronal death was observed in the cerebral cortices, brain stems, and cerebella of caspase 3(-/-) mice. Analogously, primary central nervous system (CNS)-derived neurons demonstrated caspase 3 activation and apoptosis after WNV infection, and treatment with caspase inhibitors or a genetic deficiency in caspase 3 significantly decreased virus-induced death. These studies establish that caspase 3-dependent apoptosis contributes to the pathogenesis of lethal WNV encephalitis and suggest possible novel therapeutic targets to restrict CNS injury.
Video compression using matching pursuits

The use of matching pursuit (MP) to code video using overcomplete Gabor basis functions has recently been introduced. In this paper, we propose new functionalities such as SNR scalability and arbitrary shape coding for video coding based on matching pursuit. We improve the performance of the baseline algorithm presented earlier by proposing a new search and a new position coding technique. The resulting algorithm is compared to the earlier one and to DCT-based coding.
Recent Progress in Mathematics and Engineering on Optimal Graph Labellings with Distance Conditions

The problem of radio channel assignments with multiple levels of interference can be modelled using graph theory. The theory of integer vertex-labellings of graphs with distance conditions has been investigated for several years now, and the authors recently introduced a new model of real number labellings that is giving deeper insight into the problems. Here we present an overview of the recent outpouring of papers in the engineering literature on such channel assignment problems, with the goal of strengthening connections to applications. Secondly, we present a new contribution to the theory, the formulas for the optimal span of labellings with conditions at distance two for finite complete bipartite graphs.
Hypoglycorrhachia in adults with community-acquired meningitis: etiologies and prognostic significance

Summary Objectives Hypoglycorrhachia (cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose Methods This was a retrospective study of 620 adult patients with community-acquired meningitis (CSF white blood cell count >5×10 6 cells/l and absence of a CSF shunt or recent neurosurgical procedure ( Results Out of 620 patients with meningitis, 116 (19%) had hypoglycorrhachia. Etiologies of hypoglycorrhachia were idiopathic ( n =40), bacterial ( n =27), cryptococcal ( n =26), viral ( n =15), and tuberculous ( n =4). Patients with hypoglycorrhachia were more likely to be immunosuppressed, have a history of intravenous drug use, and present with a vesicular or petechial rash, nausea or vomiting, nuchal rigidity, sinusitis/otitis, abnormal mental status, and focal neurological deficits compared to those patients without hypoglycorrhachia ( p p p Conclusion Hypoglycorrhachia has significant clinical and prognostic value in the evaluation of adult patients with community-acquired meningitis.
Dynamic circuit provisioning in all-optical WDM networks using lightpath switching

Abstract In this paper we investigate the problem of provisioning holding-time-aware (HTA) dynamic circuits in all-optical wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) networks. We employ a technique called lightpath switching (LPS) wherein the data transmission may begin on one lightpath and switch to a different lightpath at a later time. Lightpath switches are transparent to the user and are managed by the network. Allowing LPS creates a number of segments that can use independent lightpaths. We first compare the performance of traditional routing and wavelength (RWA) assignment to routing and wavelength assignment with LPS. We show that LPS can significantly reduce blocking compared to traditional RWA. We then address the problem of routing dynamic anycast HTA dynamic circuits. We propose two heuristics to solve the anycast RWA problem: anycast with continuous segment (ACS) and anycast with lightpath switching (ALPS). In ALPS we exercise LPS, and provision a connection request by searching for the best candidate destination node is such a way that the network resources are utilized efficiently. In ACS we do not allow a connection request to switch lightpaths. The lightpaths to each candidate destination node of a request are computed using traditional RWA algorithms. We first compare the performance of ACS to ALPS and observe that ALPS achieves better blocking than ACS. Furthermore, we also compare the performance of these two anycast RWA algorithms to the traditional unicast RWA algorithm. We show that the anycast RWA algorithms presented here significantly outperform the traditional unicast RWA algorithms.
Interior Design Dissertations, Theses and Creative Projects

Graduate students' work is an important resource in building the body of knowledge for the profession of interior design. The Editorial Board compiled the following list to develop an awareness of the research being conducted at the graduate level in interior design programs and by interior design educators. Periodically, an index of recently completed dissertations, theses, and creative projects is compiled and published in JID. Interior design programs and faculty that responded to a request for information are listed here. The present survey represents work completed between 1999 and 2003. Also included is 1998 work not previously indexed.
Late Quaternary paleoclimatic reconstructions for interior Alaska based on paleolake-level data and hydrologic models*

Hydrologic models are developed for two lakes in interior Alaska to determine quantitative estimates of precipitation over the past 12,500 yrs. Lake levels were reconstructed from core transects for these basins, which probably formed prior to the late Wisconsin. Lake sediment cores indicate that these lakes were shallow prior to 12,500 yr B.P. and increased in level with some fluctuation until they reached their modern levels 4,000-8,000 yr B.P. Evaporation (E), evapotranspiration (ET), and precipitation (P) were adjusted in a water-balance model to determine solutions that would maintain the lakes at reconstructed levels at key times in the past (12,500, 9,000 and 6,000 yr B.P.). Similar paleoclimatic solutions can be obtained for both basins for these times. Results indicate that P was 35-75% less than modern at 12,500 yr B.P., 25-45% less than modern at 9,000 yr B.P. and 10-20% less than modern at 6,000 yr B.P. Estimates for E and ET in the past were based on modern studies of vegetation types indicated by fossil pollen assemblages. Although interior Alaska is predominantly forested at the present, pollen analyses indicate tundra vegetation prior to about 12,000 yr B.P. The lakes show differing sensitivities to changing hydrologic parameters; sensitivity depends on the ratio of lake area (AL) to drainage basin (DA) size. This ratio also changed over time as lake level and lake area increased. Smaller AL to DA ratios make a lake more sensitive to ET, if all other factors are constant.
Dosimetry in Pleural Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) centers on the photochemical interaction of 3 principal components: light, photosensitizer, and oxygen. Over the past 25 years, much has been learned about the basic biophysical mechanisms of PDT, and in the future, a clearer understanding of the physics of PDT will make it possible to translate this science into improved clinical treatments. This article explores the role of explicit dosimetry in PDT and the need for individualized determination of dosimetric parameters based on the heterogeneity of optical properties and photosensitizer drug concentration. In addition, the use of a navigation system to help deliver uniform light for pleural PDT is briefly discussed.
Inequity between male and female coverage in state infertility laws

Objective To analyze state insurance laws mandating coverage for male factor infertility and identify possible inequities between male and female coverage in state insurance laws. Design We identified states with laws or codes related to infertility insurance coverage using the National Conference of States Legislatures' and the National Infertility Association's websites. We performed a primary, systematic analysis of the laws or codes to specifically identify coverage for male factor infertility services. Setting Not applicable. Patient(s) Not applicable. Intervention(s) Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s) The presence or absence of language in state insurance laws mandating coverage for male factor infertility care. Result(s) There are 15 states with laws mandating insurance coverage for female factor infertility. Only eight of those states (California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia) have mandates for male factor infertility evaluation or treatment. Insurance coverage for male factor infertility is most specific in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York, yet significant differences exist in the male factor policies in all eight states. Three states (Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York) exempt coverage for vasectomy reversal. Conclusion(s) Despite national recommendations that male and female partners begin infertility evaluations together, only 8 of 15 states with laws mandating infertility coverage include coverage for the male partner. Excluding men from infertility coverage places an undue burden on female partners and risks missing opportunities to diagnose serious male health conditions, correct reversible causes of infertility, and provide cost-effective treatments that can downgrade the intensity of intervention required to achieve a pregnancy.
Pelage color polymorphism in Peromyscus polionotus.

In addition to the normal dark brown old-field mice, a pale brown phenotype occurs on the Savannah River Plant in South Carolina. A linear model can be used to describe the reflectance spectrum of the dorsal pelage of the two color variants. The reflectance spectrum of pale brown adults had a higher intercept and slope than the darker adults. The paler mice occurred in high frequency only on the lighter, Lakeland Sand soils. Pleiotrophic effects of the autosomal pale brown gene were noted in reproductive performance in the laboratory, trappable life span, and number of captures per unit time, but not in the growth rate of the two variants. Under field conditions, presence or absence of supplementary food also modifies the expression of the phenotype. The complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors and inadequate knowledge about the environment of the two phenotypes makes their distribution difficult to interpret. It is apparent, however, that the simple hypothesis of predators selecting mice that contrast with their background is not sufficient to explain all of the data.
Examining Continuity, Partial Derivatives and Differentiability with Cylindrical Coordinates

Tom McMillan (tcmcmillan@ualr.edu) received his Ph.D. from the University of Utah in 1977. He is currently the chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Tom has published papers on program structure and design, analysis of algorithms, and problems relevant to undergraduate mathematics. He is interested in how computer software can be used to enhance mathematics education.
Architecture-Induced Microphase Separation in Nonfrustrated A–B–C Triblock Copolymers

The extent of block microphase separation in nonfrustrated A–B–C triblock copolymers forming a “three-domain, four-layer” lamellar morphology is examined. Specifically, the extent of separation between the B and C blocks is probed, for the case where the B and C blocks are sufficiently compatible that they would not be microphase-separated if they were connected as a diblock. However, attachment of the A block, and consequent localization of the A–B block junction to the A–B lamellar interface, induces extensive separation between the B and C blocks. This separation is revealed both through the small-angle X-ray scattering pattern in the melt, and by distinct glass transitions observed in the solid state for the B block at low B–C segregation strengths, and for both the B and C blocks at higher segregation strengths. The particular polymers studied here have polyethylene as the A block; except for the most weakly segregated triblock, upon cooling from the melt, crystallization of the polyethylene block is...
Wealth-creating Effects of Less-is-more Innovations (LIMIS) and Poverty Alleviation in Africa.

The management scholars who have explored how innovation can be used by a firm to gain a competitive advantage and/or disrupt established markets, have paid little or no attention to welfare effect...
Applications of Porphyrins and Their Analogs in HPLC

The characterization and preparation of HPLC stationary phases, which are synthesized by covalentlinking of silica gel with porphyrins and their analogs, are introduced. Their applications and mechanism of the separationare reviewed.
Histopathologic changes in primate spinal cord after single and repeated epidural phenol administration.

Background and Objectives. Epidural phenol for control of pain and spasticity has been advocated for clinical use. This study determined the histopathologic changes that follow single and repeated epidural administration of phenol in saline in nonhuman primates. Methods. Nine primates received 0.5 mL of either 3% phenol in saline (n = 4) or 6% phenol in saline (n = 5) via lumbar epidural injection. Two additional primates received three consecutive daily epidural doses of 0.5 mL of 3% phenol in saline. Finally, 5 unoperated primates and 5 primates that received only 2 mL of radiographic contrast material served as control subjects. Two weeks after the epidural injection, spinal cords were removed and processed for histopathologic study by a neuropathologist blinded to the solution administered. Results. None of the control animals demonstrated histopathologic changes. One animal that received 6% phenol died 3 days after injection. All phenol-treated animals demonstrated predominantly posterior root damage. Spinal cord damage was seen in all animals receiving 6% phenol, in 2 animals receiving 3% phenol single doses, and in neither animal receiving 3% phenol multiple doses. Anterior root damage occurred in all phenoltreated animals except the 4 that received single 3% phenol injections. Animals that received 6% phenol demonstrated greater lower extremity motor weakness than those in the other groups, but no clear correlation existed between extent of histopathologic changes and motor weakness. Conclusions. Motor weakness, anterior root damage, and direct cord injury were noted in primates following epidural administration of phenol in concentrations below what has been reported for clinical use in humans. Since it is more difficult to control the spread of epidural versus subarachnoid phenol, the risks of epidural phenol may outweigh the benefits relative to subarachnoid administration.
Inbreeding and Nonrandom Mating

Random mating is often assumed in population genetics but the major exceptions, inbreeding, and assortative mating, can have important evolutionary consequences. Inbreeding results in an increase in homozygosity and a decrease in heterozygosity. As a result, rare recessive genetic diseases increase due to inbreeding and fitness declines as the level of inbreeding increases. Positive-assortative mating may also increase homozygosity while negative-assortative mating may result in maintenance of genetic variation. The use of genomic data has provided new molecular approaches to measure inbreeding more accurately.
Leveraging Domain Specificity to Improve Findability in OER Repositories

This paper addresses the problem of improving the findability of open educational resources (OER) in Computer Science. It presents a domain-specific OER reference repository and portal aimed at increasing the low OER use. The focus is on enhancing the search and navigation capabilities. A distinctive feature is the proposed query-by-navigation method.
Outcomes Associated with Early Postoperative Noninvasive Ventilation in Bariatric Surgical Patients with Sleep Apnea.

Study Objectives:To examine the relationship of early initiation of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) with postoperative outcomes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) undergoing bariatric sur...
Variation and Predictors of Surgical Case Costs among Urologists.

Abstract Introduction Shifts in the health care delivery system have emphasized providing cost-efficient care. The operating room comprises a significant proportion of hospital costs. Analysis of practice variation in operating room supply use can provide insight into opportunities for cost reduction and improved efficiency without compromising outcomes. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of urological procedures performed at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center from September 2012 through December 2015. Supply costs for individual cases were itemized and aggregated using the institution negotiated rate. Operative time was monetized. Supply cost was analyzed with multivariate mixed effects models evaluating surgeon experience and surgeon volume. Results The majority of common urological procedures demonstrate significant variation among surgeons in supply, time and overall cost. Surgeon annual procedure specific volume was a significant predictor of lower cost in multivariate analysis of supply cost (p = 0.016) and correlated with a lower likelihood of the case supply cost being in the top quintile (p Conclusions Significant variation exists among supply costs of high volume procedures. Higher surgeon procedure specific volume predicts lower operating room supply costs. Targeting procedures with variation for cost optimization via standardization could have a substantial impact on operating room costs and efficiency. The experience of high volume surgeons may be useful to guide optimal supply use given their comparatively lower costs.