cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advanced Sciences Convergence for Defense and Security

The process of Advanced Science Convergence is to understand how different disciplines, focusing on discrete problems and applications, can be coalesced into a system to solve an intractable problem. It requires understanding of far-reaching end goal that is not yet defined but can be described in terms of desired actions or qualities. Institute of Advanced Sciences Convergence (IASC) provides an early monitoring and identification of emerging scientific advances across multiple disciplines that create revolutionary, integrated and cross-cutting technologies to break through existing solution paradigms. The objective of IASC is to support federal agencies by providing cutting-edge, functional, and advanced technological solutions in support of national security by employing emerging areas in nanotechnology, biotechnology, information processing, and cognitive sciences. Our team is supported by professionals with extensive background in academia, military, federal agencies and international organizations. The IASC value proposition is based on assessment derived from data collected from various resources. The IASC business model provides invaluable information in support of national security based on staff experience without the expense of laboratory infrastructure. Due to rapid developments in nanotechnology, IASC seeks to reach out to identify partners through research collaboration as SMEs to support objectives through identifying advances in NBIC areas and develop strategic investments for technology/science roadmap.
Predator Determination and Efficiency on Heliothis virescens Eggs in Cotton Using 32 P

Radioactive Heliothis virescens (F.) eggs were placed in an east Texas cotton field during 1977, and the following arthropods showed evidence of predation on the eggs: Solenopsis invicta Buren; Orius insidiosus (Say); Geocoris punctipes (Say); Geocoris uliginosus (Say); Pseudatomoscelis seriatus (Reuter); Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville; Cycloneda sanguinea (L.); Coleomegilla maculata (De Geer); Scymnus loewii Mulsant; Heliothis spp. larvae; Phidippus spp.; Peucetia viridans (Hentz); Oxyopes salticus Hentz; and Misumenops spp. These and other unidentified predators and parasites were a dominant factor in the destruction of Heliothis spp. eggs throughout the growing season. The mean predation for eggs per 24-h exposure period ranged from 48–90% with a seasonal mean of 73%. Seasonal mean predation for exposures of 48 and 72 h were 87 and 93% respectively, with a single case of 100% predation following a 72 h exposure. Older (>24 h) Heliothis virescens eggs were found to have a higher likelihood of survival than younger eggs (< 24 h) found in the field at the same time. In addition, predation rates were reduced for as long as 48 h after the occurrence of rain.
Characteristics and inheritance of radiation-induced mutations in barley II. Two short-awned mutations

Two mutations were obtained in a two-rowed, spring-type barley variety, Asahi No. 5. KM 114 was obtained in the X2 population of X-irradiated dormant seeds (15 Kr) and KM 218 was found in X2 of gamma-irradiated seeds (15 Kr). KM 114 had very short awns, short plant height, almost normal spike size, and narrow and thinner seeds with pointed tip. The mutant gene is Mendelian recessive. KM 218 plants were normal or slightly taller, had somewhat larger spike, with somewhat longer rachis internodes, medium-long awn, and slightly longer, narrower and thinner kernel than those of the parental variety. At maturity, grains are exposed in many seeds (semi-naked kernels). This mutant also has a conspicuous diagnostic trait; the abnormal development of rachilla into extra florets, some of which set seeds. This mutant gene is also Mendelian recessive. Genes for these two mutants are not allelic and are inherited independently as indicated in F2 and F3 analyses. Genes of these two mutations will serve as good marker genes in genetic and linkage studies in barley, because their character expression is consistent and the recessive homozygotes are viable and fertile.
HIV and KSHV-Related Cancers: Diseases at the Crossroads of Virology, Immunology, and Cell Biology: Although combination antiretroviral therapy makes AIDS less deadly, HIV-infected individuals remain vulnerable to a variety of cancers

The development of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) converted AIDS to a manageable chronic disease by 1996, and led to marked changes in this epidemic. Patients receiving cART usually show a rapid decrease in HIV to essentially undetectable levels, an increase in CD4 cell counts, and substantial restoration of immune function. In the United States (US), the number of deaths from AIDS dropped dramatically and patients are living substantially longer.
OC15 - Leading nursing educational progress in child mental health.

UNLABELLED Theme: Nursing education, management and leadership. Given the increasingly complex mental health needs of children and young people and the critical shortage of proficient mental health specialists, a study of US nursing education programs was done. Does the current paediatric nursing workforce preparation best meet the distinct needs of young people with behavioral and mental health challenges is the key question? Experts in the field of child psychiatric nursing practice, education and research came together to find model nursing programs for educational and clinical preparation. This presentation will report an analysis of the content of curricula-preparing psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, models for adaptation to paediatric nurses' training and recommendations for leadership strategies. OBJECTIVES Describe existing US nursing education models for child and youth mental health care. Propose strategies for education leadership.
Rupture of the bladder.

SUMMARY Any patient with gross hematuria or pelvic fracture should be evaluated by a cystogram after urethral injury has been ruled out. A knowledge of the high incidence of associated injuries is mandatory to the complete care of these patients. Surgical repair, drainage, and urinary diversion should be performed in the vast majority of patients. Nonoperative management should only be considered in the female patient with a small extra-peritoneal rupture and no other indications for surgery.
The Problem with Exchange Rate Volatility

Emerging economies in Asia and elsewhere understand the dangers of maintaining arbitrarily fixed exchange rate regimes. A priori, there are a number of reasons that underlie a preference for a greater degree of exchange rate flexibility.
Genomic Changes in Normal Breast Tissue in Women at Normal Risk or at High Risk for Breast Cancer

Sporadic breast cancer develops through the accumulation of molecular abnormalities in normal breast tissue, resulting from exposure to estrogens and other carcinogens beginning at adolescence and continuing throughout life. These molecular changes may take a variety of forms, including numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities, epigenetic changes, and gene expression alterations. To characterize these abnormalities, a review of the literature has been conducted to define the molecular changes in each of the above major genomic categories in normal breast tissue considered to be either at normal risk or at high risk for sporadic breast cancer. This review indicates that normal risk breast tissues (such as reduction mammoplasty) contain evidence of early breast carcinogenesis including loss of heterozygosity, DNA methylation of tumor suppressor and other genes, and telomere shortening. In normal tissues at high risk for breast cancer (such as normal breast tissue adjacent to breast cancer or the contralateral breast), these changes persist, and are increased and accompanied by aneuploidy, increased genomic instability, a wide range of gene expression differences, development of large cancerized fields, and increased proliferation. These changes are consistent with early and long-standing exposure to carcinogens, especially estrogens. A model for the breast carcinogenic pathway in normal risk and high-risk breast tissues is proposed. These findings should clarify our understanding of breast carcinogenesis in normal breast tissue and promote development of improved methods for risk assessment and breast cancer prevention in women.
The draft genome of the C 3 panicoid grass species Dichanthelium oligosanthes.

Comparisons between C3 and C4 grasses often utilize C3 species from the subfamilies Ehrhartoideae or Pooideae and C4 species from the subfamily Panicoideae, two clades that diverged over 50 million years ago. The divergence of the C3 panicoid grass Dichanthelium oligosanthes from the independent C4 lineages represented by Setaria viridis and Sorghum bicolor occurred approximately 15 million years ago, which is significantly more recent than members of the Bambusoideae, Ehrhartoideae, and Pooideae subfamilies. D. oligosanthes is ideally placed within the panicoid clade for comparative studies of C3 and C4 grasses. We report the assembly of the nuclear and chloroplast genomes of D. oligosanthes, from high-throughput short read sequencing data and a comparative transcriptomics analysis of the developing leaf of D. oligosanthes, S. viridis, and S. bicolor. Physiological and anatomical characterizations verified that D. oligosanthes utilizes the C3 pathway for carbon fixation and lacks Kranz anatomy. Expression profiles of transcription factors along developing leaves of D. oligosanthes and S. viridis were compared with previously published data from S. bicolor, Zea mays, and Oryza sativa to identify a small suite of transcription factors that likely acquired functions specifically related to C4 photosynthesis. The phylogenetic location of D. oligosanthes makes it an ideal C3 plant for comparative analysis of C4 evolution in the panicoid grasses. This genome will not only provide a better C3 species for comparisons with C4 panicoid grasses, but also highlights the power of using high-throughput sequencing to address questions in evolutionary biology.
Effect of bio-derived/chemical additives on warm mix asphalt compaction and mix performance at low temperature

Abstract Two concerns for paving with asphalt in cold-regions include cool temperature paving and low-temperature cracking. Newly developed and commercially available bio-based warm mix asphalt additives were investigated for their compactability and low temperature cracking performance. A neat and polymer-modified binder was also investigated to understand the role of polymer in the compactability and low-temperature cracking resistance of a mixture. The study showed that using the WMA additives with asphalt mix at reduced temperatures help to achieve similar compaction effort to HMA when measured using shear effort energy and compaction force index. The results also showed an interaction between one of the additives and the polymer modified binder. The low temperature cracking properties were measured using the disk-compact tension test and showed that WMA polymer modified binder performed similarly to HMA.
Acid-fast positive and acid-fast negative Mycobacterium Tuberculosis: The koch paradox

Mycobacterium tuberculosis possesses a unique cell wall architecture that is distinct from both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The cell wall consists of a thick, lipid-rich outer layer composed primarily of mycolic acids ( 1 ) ( Fig. 1 ). This lipid layer lies on top of a layer of peptidoglycan and the polysaccharide arabinogalactan, which, in turn, are anchored to the inner lipid membrane common to all bacteria ( 2 – 4 ). The overall thick waxy coat renders acid-fast (AF) mycobacteria resistant to Gram staining. When stained with alternative dyes, the cell wall is resistant to decolorization with acid alcohol, thus giving these bacteria their sobriquet “acid-fast.” This unique AF property has been the basis for the continuous development of staining procedures over the past century and remains the cornerstone for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), especially in low-income and middle-income countries where more than 90% of TB cases occur ( 5 ). The Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stain, also known as the AF stain, which is used in microscopic detection of M. tuberculosis, was originally developed independently by Ziehl and Neelsen, who improved on the early work of Koch, Rindfleisch, and Ehrlich (see below).
Using Taylor vortices to create a film of nanoparticles for dip-coating

Abstract Taylor Couette flow is of importance for specific engineering applications like high-speed journal bearings. At the same time, nanoparticles thin film coating has attracted researchers to modify the surface properties of different substrates. Here, a novel and simple coating technology based on Taylor Couette flow is proposed, for coating a wide range of materials. Thin films of nanoparticles were created on the surface of a nanoparticle dispersion by Taylor vortex flow, allowing subsequent transfer of the films by dip-coating on various materials. Scaling laws were derived for the coating setup allowing its application for a wide range of sample sizes.
Facilitating the annotation of seizure events through an extensible visualization tool

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a multi-channel signal which describes the electrical activity in the brain via voltages measured in a variety of locations on the scalp. EEG recordings can be interpreted using montages, which redefine channels as the difference of channel voltages. EEG recordings are most commonly stored as raw signals in the European Data Format (EDF). Existing EEG visualization tools, such as EDF Browser [1] and EEGLab [2], do not allow users to annotate directly over their signal displays. Furthermore, it is not possible to easily add new visualizations to these tools. Our tool displays annotations in a time-aligned format, and allows the direct creation and manipulation of these annotations. We provide an extensible framework that allows for the creation of new visualizations or analytics based on user needs. In addition to the conventional multi-waveform viewing capability to which neurologists are accustomed, we provide a spectrogram and/or energy visualizations. These visualizations are becoming increasingly popular with clinicians as an efficient way to review continuous EEGs [3] (cEEG). In this presentation, we will introduce a software tool that facilitates annotation of EEG signals.
The Underweight Elder: Maltreatment, Self-Neglect, or Normal Aging?:

An elder is an individual 65 years of age and older. In general, increased age is associated with numerous physical and cognitive changes. When an elder is underweight, the underlying cause can be ...
Cerebral Cortical Oxygenation and Perfusion during Progressive Normovolaemic Haemodilution with Hetastarch (Volex) and Fluosol-DA

In a previous study on the effects of normovolaemic haemodilution with Hetastarch on cerebral cortical oxygenation and perfusion, we found that cortical tissue PO2 (PtO2) was unchanged between haematocrits (Hct) of 45 to 38%, but then fell at a rate of about 2.4% per 1% decrease in Hct between Hct of 38% to 5% (Shinozuka, Nemoto and Bleyaert, 1984). Fluosol-DA may delay the fall in cerebral cortical PtO2 during normovolaemic haemodilution compared with haemodilution with Hetastarch.
Review of Boole

The volume edited by Rhees contains reprints of Boole’s original booklet The Mathematical Analysis of Logic (1847) (I), and of his essays ’The Calculus of Logic’ (1848) (II), ’Of Propositions Numerically Definite’ (c. 1850, pub. 1868) (IV), and ’The Claims of Science’ (1851) (V), and some notes on I and two essays on logic (VI and VII) from Boole’s manuscripts published for the first time. There is another essay (III) from the manuscripts which is partly concerned with probability theory. I, II, and VII are printed with omissions. The long ’Note on Editing’ by Rhees quotes some passages omitted from VII and another unpublished essay. There are also ten reprints of essays by Boole on probability theory, and reprints of essays on the same subject by Wilbraham and Bishop Terrot; these fall outside the scope of this Journal.
Peak height variations in automated sequencing of PCR products using Taq dye-terminator chemistry

Direct sequencing of PCR products using Taq DNA polymerase with dye-labeled dideoxy chain terminators results in traces with uneven peaks. The peak height variations reflect the disproportionate rate of incorporation of deoxynucleotides vs. their analogs, a phenomenon that is highly dependent on the neighboring DNA sequence. Such peak height variations make it difficult to call bases correctly or to interpret whether or not a polymorphism is present. We have systematically examined pairs of sequence-tagged sites that vary at only one nucleotide to determine how a single base change will affect the peak heights of neighboring bases. We have found that the peak height of a particular base can often be predicted from the knowledge of just one or two nucleotides 5'- to the base in question. We have also observed several artifacts that occur consistently in the sequencing traces. These artifacts can be misinterpreted as polymorphisms or can obscure the real peak at that site. The empirically derived trends presented in this report can be utilized profitably when one is editing sequence data or examining them for polymorphisms and mutations.
On Telling Faculty the Truth

A type of administrative lie (involving department chairs evaluating faculty) is illustrated. After arguing that the model cases are not “white lies” an ethical justification is sought for the practice. Consequentialism, though often assumed by administrators, does not provide a persuasive justification. The resources internal to the chair’s role as a professional are examined and also found to provide insufficient justification. Finally, it is argued that the chair’s role as a teacher and proponent of liberal education is inconsistent with chairs lying to faculty.
MOTIVATION MOVES: EXAMINING OLDER ADULTS’ PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND MOTIVATION FOR EXERCISE

Physical activity (PA) has been established as a negative risk factor for the development of many chronic diseases associated with aging. However, PA tends to progressively decline with age. With the growing proportion of older adults, understanding why they choose to engage in or refrain from exercise is vital in improving the population’s overall health. Thus, this study’s purpose is to examine the relationship between older adults’ regulatory motivation for exercise and subjective and objective PA. In 78 older adults (Mage = 75 years), body composition, motivation for exercise, subjective PA, and objective PA were measured. Amotivation was associated with the sedentary/moderate activity ratio (r=.57, p<.001). Identified regulation was related to activity counts/day (r=.25, p=.03), moderate minutes/day (r=.24, p=.04), and CHAMPS (r=.35, p<.01). Finally, intrinsic regulation correlated with activity counts/day (r=.31, p=.01), activity counts/minute (r=.32, p=.01), moderate minutes/day (r=.32, p=.01), and CHAMPS (r=.30, p=.01). External regulation was not significantly related to any of the PA measures. Beyond regulatory motivations, CHAMPS was associated with activity counts/day (r=.40, p<.001), activity counts/minute (r=.42, p<.001), sedentary minutes/day (r=-.24, p=.04), and moderate minutes/day (r=.43, p<.001). The results of this study indicate that among older adults identified and intrinsic regulation may serve as important motivators for PA. Additionally, subjective PA measures may be a reliable indicator of actual PA. Future studies are needed to examine the unique effects of identified and intrinsic regulation on older adults’ motivation, given their strong correlation and significant associations with PA.
Potential changes in hurricane risk profile across the United States coastal regions under climate change scenarios

Abstract Hurricane risk varies widely across the different regions of the United States. The spatial variation of the risk could be further impacted by future climate scenarios and the consideration of impact of climate change on future regional hurricane risk is necessary for long-term planning of built infrastructure. Therefore, climate-dependent hurricane risks across eight different locations of the US south and east coast are investigated in this study. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of the nature of the risks, hurricane risk is assessed using three different metrics, including wind speed, annual individual building loss ratio, and regional loss, each of which can provide valuable insight for different risk management context. For all the locations, future hurricane risk is found to be higher than present, though the degree of increase differs by the location and the metric used.
Equilibrium Structure and Properties of Colloidal Dispersions

Tailored colloidal dispersions serve as excellent model many-body systems and, therefore, offer an attractive opportunity to study a number of problems in condensed matter physics, including phase transitions and critical phenomena in systems interacting through soft, long-ranged potentials, glass transitions in atomic systems, and two-dimensional phase transitions. Consequently, self-organization in colloidal dispersions has attracted the attention of chemists and physicists in recent years. Here, we present an introduction to order/disorder transitions in model colloidal dispersions. After a brief review of the physical basis of self-organization and crystallization in colloids, some recent attempts to predict the equilibrium structure and properties of dispersions using effective hard-sphere models, statistical mechanical perturbation theories and integral equation approaches are reviewed, with emphasis on the last method in view of the popularity of integral equation methods in analyzing the structure of globular proteins and micelles.
FriPEL: Friendship Privacy Educational Labware

As social media grows increasingly in popularity, so do people's concerns about their privacy disclosure. Considering the large amount of time the younger generations spend on online social networks, educational activities are needed to promote privacy protection. This paper presents an initial effort on exploring a hands-on learning approach to educate students on social media privacy. Specifically, a labware was developed to educate students that their query behaviors in online social networks may disclose the private relationships of other users on the site. The labware aims at making students aware of the privacy issues on social media, understanding the costs of privacy protection, stimulating their interests, and improving students self-efficacy. This paper discusses the design and implementation of the labware, which was evaluated among a group of student volunteers through the lecture and hands-on activities. Student feedback was very positive and encouraging.
A dual functioning small RNA/Riboswitch controls the expression of the methionine biosynthesis regulator SahR in Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough

ABSTRACT Riboswitches are cis-acting RNA regulatory elements that control expression of a downstream gene(s) by directly binding to a specific metabolite. Here we report a S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-I riboswitch in the sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough (DvH) that plays an additional regulatory role as a trans small noncoding RNA (sRNA) targeting the methionine biosynthesis cycle transcriptional regulator SahR. Sequence and expression analyses indicated that DseA (Desulfovibrio SAM element A) is located upstream of a small hypothetical protein DVU1170 and that the two are co-transcribed. Multiple techniques were used to verify the riboswitch activity of DseA and its activity as a transcriptional terminator in response to SAM. While determining a potential role for DseA in the methionine biosynthesis pathway, a mRNA target encoding SahR was identified. Subsequent electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed the ability of DseA to bind the sahR transcript and qRT-PCR analysis of a DseA deletion strain suggested a negative regulatory role. This study presents the first regulatory role for a newly discovered sRNA in Desulfovibrio. Additionally, this study suggests that DseA acts not only as a riboswitch, but also as a trans regulatory molecule. IMPORTANCE Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are important contributors to global geochemical cycles while also causing major issues for the petroleum and oil industry due to biocorrosion and souring of oil wells. Despite their significance, gene regulatory networks and pathways remain poorly understood in SRB. Here, we report a trans acting small noncoding RNA that plays a dual role as a SAM sensing riboswitch that controls the expression of a small hypothetical protein. Our findings provide important insights into the regulatory repertoire of sulfate-reducing bacteria.
Can They and Will They? Exploring Proxy Response of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in the Current Population Survey

Within the United States Federal Statistical System, there has been interest in capturing sexual orientation (SO) and gender identity (GI), collectively known as SOGI, on surveys to allow researchers to estimate the size and distribution of sexual and gender minority populations. SOGI measurement in federal surveys may also help to identify disparities between people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) and those who do not in domains such as health, crime, or employment. Although research has been conducted on best practices for SOGI measurement in surveys, it has largely been limited to examination of self-reports. Many federal surveys use proxy reports, when one person generally responds for all household members. This research used cognitive interviews and focus groups to explore proxy response to SOGI questions. We explored potential sources of measurement error in proxy responses to SOGI questions, including sensitivity, difficulty, as well as the willingness and ability of respondents to answer SOGI questions about other household members. We also conducted paired interviews with members of the same household to assess level of agreement for SOGI questions. Findings suggest that measuring SOGI by proxy may be feasible in federal large-scale, general population surveys.
The Price of Persistence: Investigating the Impact of Pursuing Engineering on Undergraduate Student Mental Health

This work in progress research paper presents an investigation of mental health statuses of undergraduate engineering students. The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes stress, anxiety and depression to be foundational elements of more severe mental health problems and among notable public health concerns for institutes of higher education. Additionally, underrepresentation alone has been shown to have a negative impact on mental health, with recent studies linking impostorism to higher psychological distress and lower self-esteem across a sample of multiethnic undergraduates. This pilot study seeks to gain an understanding of the cost of persistence in engineering through the lens of students’ self-reported measures of anxiety and depression. Preliminary results reveal a prevalence of clinically significant mental health conditions among diverse engineering undergraduates, which suggests the need for further investigation.
Near-Ultrasonic Communications for IoT Applications using Android Smartphone

Conventional wireless communication means for Internet of Things (IoT) devices and smartphones mostly rely on electromagnetic waves as the carrier of the information. Typical wireless communication protocols for IoT devices and smartphones include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC and other radio frequency enabled technologies, which may require additional dedicated transceivers and/or a dedicated router to establish the communication. An alternative method to communicate between two IoT devices is by establishing data transmission through acoustic waves. By utilizing ultrasound or near ultrasound acoustic waves for wireless communications, it allows data transmission between nearby devices without the need of a router or a coordinator. In this study, we explore and seek alternative solutions for IoT devices to communicate using near-ultrasonic waves between two typical Android smartphones. This paper focuses on presenting the feasibility of such a system with Android smartphones as transceivers for near-ultrasonic data communication using their built-in microphones and speakers. Different techniques on encoding, transmitting, receiving and decoding basic text messages are presented by verifying the frequency response of the devices and achieving the communication via Amplitude-Shift Keying (ASK) and Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK) modulation methods.
Frankenstein, slaughterhouses, and blood

We know that the creature in Frankenstein must be a human/animal hybrid because Victor visits slaughterhouses for materials. But what was Victor gathering from slaughterhouses? And what did slaught...
Rotordynamic Feasibility of a Conceptual Variable-Speed Power Turbine Propulsion System for Large Civil Tilt-Rotor Applications

A variable-speed power turbine concept is analyzed for rotordynamic feasibility in a Large Civil Tilt-Rotor (LCTR) class engine. Implementation of a variable-speed power turbine in a rotorcraft engine would enable high efficiency propulsion at the high forward velocities anticipated of large tilt-rotor vehicles. Therefore, rotordynamics is a critical issue for this engine concept. A preliminary feasibility study is presented herein to address this concern and identify if variable-speed is possible in a conceptual engine sized for the LCTR. The analysis considers critical speed placement in the operating speed envelope, stability analysis up to the maximum anticipated operating speed, and potential unbalance response amplitudes to determine that a variable-speed power turbine is likely to be challenging, but not impossible to achieve in a tilt-rotor propulsion engine.
Estimating Continuous-Time Processes Subject to Time Deformation: An Application to Postwar U.S. GNP

Abstract A class of time series models is presented in which variables evolve on a data-based rather than calendar time scale. The discrete calendar-time model thus obtained exhibits time-varying parameters and conditional heteroscedasticity. Using a procedure based on the Kalman filter, univariate models are estimated for postwar U.S. real gross national product (GNP) and short- and long-term interest rates. The results indicate significant time scale nonlinearities.
The role of type I interferon signaling in the maintenance of resident memory T cell populations in the lung (MUC5P.867)

We have recently described populations of memory T cells that establish residence within specific niches of the lung following respiratory influenza virus (IAV) infection. Lung resident CD4 and CD8 memory T cells (TRM) are highly enriched with IAV-specific cells and exhibited increased CD11a and CD69 expression, which is characteristic of tissue resident populations. Confocal microscopy further revealed that lung TRM are clustered around airways and blood vessels within bronchovascular bundles. We sought to investigate the environmental factors that are involved in the retention of lung TRM. To investigate the role of tonic type I interferon (IFN-α/β) signaling in the maintenance of lung TRM we treated mice (previously infected with IAV) with interferon receptor (IFNAR1) blocking antibody and found that short-term blockade led to the down regulation of CD69 without a reduction in the number of lung TRM. Blocking IFNAR1 for 8 days resulted in a dramatic reduction in the numbers of CD4 and CD8 TRM in the lung as well as lung γδ T cells. We also found that, over time, fewer IFNAR1 deficient T cells were retained within the lung resident niche than wildtype T cells following IAV infection. These results suggest that constitutive IFN-α/β signaling may play a role in the maintenance of lung TRM populations, and may have therapeutic implications for respiratory diseases.
New Creep-Resistant Cast Alloys with Improved Oxidation Resistance in Water Vapor at 650–800°C

Cast stainless steel CF8C-Plus (19wt.%Cr/12%Ni) has excellent creep properties, but limited oxidation resistance above 700oC in environments containing H2O. One strategy to improve the alloy oxidation performance is to increase the Cr and Ni concentration. Two new alloys, with respectively 21wt%Cr-15wt%Ni and 22wt%Cr-17.5wt%Ni were therefore developed and their long-term oxidation behavior in humid air were compared with the oxidation behavior of five other cast alloys. At 650 and 700oC, all the alloys formed internal Cr-rich nodules, and outer nodules or layers rich in Fe and Ni, but they grew a protective Cr-rich inner layer over time. At 750oC, the lower alloyed steels such as CF8C-Plus showed large metal losses, but the two new alloys still exhibited a protective oxidation behavior. The 21Cr-15Ni alloy was severely oxidized in locations at 800oC, but that was not the case for the 22Cr-17.5Ni alloy. Therefore, the two new modified alloys represent a potential operating temperature gain of respectively 50 and 100oC in aggressive environments compared with the CF8C-Plus alloy.
AMYLASE IN THE COTTONMOUTH WATER MOCCASIN, AGKISTRODON PISCIVORUS.

1. 1. Amylase is found in all tissues analyzed of the cottonmouth water moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus). 2. 2. The highest levels were noted in the pancreas, the venom gland and the serum, but these levels were low compared with those of the white rat. 3. 3. The amylase of these tissues were not inhibited by goat antisera to hog pancreatic amylase whic did inhibite mammalian amylase.
Role of sulfation and acetylation in the activation of 2-hydroxyamino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine to intermediates which bind DNA.

Abstract Mutagenic activity associated with amino-imidazoazaarene food-derived mutagens such as 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) appears to be dependent upon N-hydroxylation, though additional metabolic pathways may be involved in the production of the ultimate reactive intermediate which covalently binds DNA. We have evaluated the ability of 2-hydroxyamino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (N-hydroxy-PhIP) to bind DNA in vitro and have determined which secondary metabolic pathways are involved in the production of electrophilic intermediates. Incubation of DNA with 10 μM N-hydroxy-PhIP alone or with mouse-liver cytosol did not result in detectable adduct formation. Addition of 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate or acetyl coenzyme A to cytosolic incubations containing N-hydroxy-PhIP resulted in DNA adducts which could be detected by 32P-postlabeling at levels of 594 and 30 fmoles/ μg DNA, respectively. Addition of 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate and to a lesser extent acetyl coenzyme A to cytosolic incubations also increased the rate of degradation of the unstable N-hydroxy-PhIP intermediate. These data suggest that both sulfation- and acetylation-dependent metabolic pathways may be important in the mammalian genotoxic actions of PhIP.
Pregnancy following oophoropexy and total nodal irradiation in women with Hodgkinapos;s disease

During the past decade at Stanford University Medical Center, in an attempt to protect ovarian function in young female patients irradiated for Hodgkin's disease, oophoropexy has been performed at the time of surgical staging. When pelvic irradiation is administered, a 10-cm thick lead block is used to shield the ovaries in the midline. With this technique, two-thirds of women have retained ovarian function, and nine women who underwent oophoropexy prior to high-dose pelvic irradiation have become pregnant. Six patients have given birth to eight babies. An additional two patients have had therapeutic abortions and one, a spontaneous abortion. The minimum radiation dose to the ovaries was 350 to 400 rads in 39 to 46 days. No abnormalities have been observed in the children; no ectopic pregnancies have occurred.
Probing in vivo trafficking of polymer/DNA micellar nanoparticles using SPECT/CT imaging.

Successful translation of nonviral gene delivery to therapeutic applications requires detailed understanding of in vivo trafficking of the vehicles. This report compares the pharmacokinetic and biodistribution profiles of polyethylene glycol-b-polyphosphoramidate (PEG-b-PPA)/DNA micellar nanoparticles after administration through intravenous infusion, intrabiliary infusion, and hydrodynamic injection using single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging. Nanoparticles were labeled with 111In using an optimized protocol to retain their favorable physicochemical properties. Quantitative imaging analysis revealed different in vivo trafficking kinetics for PEG-b-PPA/DNA nanoparticles after different routes of administration. The intrabiliary infusion resulted in the highest liver uptake of micelles compared with the other two routes. Analysis of intrabiliary infusion by the two-compartment pharmacokinetic modeling revealed efficient retention of micelles in the liver and minimal micelle leakage from the liver to the blood stream. This study demonstrates the utility of SPECT/CT as an effective noninvasive imaging modality for the characterization of nanoparticle trafficking in vivo and confirms that intrabiliary infusion is an effective route for liver-targeted delivery of DNA-containing nanoparticles.
The mechanism of ultraplanktonic entrapment in anuran larvae.

Tadpoles of several different genera were fed graded suspensions of uniform polystyrene particles to determine the lower size limit of particles that could be ingested. Certain tadpoles can extract suspended particles as small as 0.126 μ in diameter from the water. In terms of particle size, this is an efficiency comparable to the best mechanical sieves that can currently be produced by man. A mechanism for ultrasplanktonic entrapment is proposed on the basis of scanning electron micrographs of the secretory ridges in the branchial food traps of Rana catesbeiana before and after feeding. Xenopus tadpoles in yeast suspensions modify their clearance and buccal pumping rates in response to varying food concentrations. This may be an adaptation for maintaining a constant input of food mass to the tissues that extract the food from the water. Variability in the lower size limit of filterable particles among tadpoles of different genera correlates with the availability of suspended matter in the microhabitat where these tadpoles may be found.
Cardiovascular Effects of Secondhand Smoke Nearly as Large as Smoking

Background— Secondhand smoke increases the risk of coronary heart disease by ≈30%. This effect is larger than one would expect on the basis of the risks associated with active smoking and the relative doses of tobacco smoke delivered to smokers and nonsmokers. Methods and Results— We conducted a literature review of the research describing the mechanistic effects of secondhand smoke on the cardiovascular system, emphasizing research published since 1995, and compared the effects of secondhand smoke with the effects of active smoking. Evidence is rapidly accumulating that the cardiovascular system—platelet and endothelial function, arterial stiffness, atherosclerosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, heart rate variability, energy metabolism, and increased infarct size—is exquisitely sensitive to the toxins in secondhand smoke. The effects of even brief (minutes to hours) passive smoking are often nearly as large (averaging 80% to 90%) as chronic active smoking. Conclusions— The effects of secondhand smoke ...
A Taxonomic Revision of Dombeya Sect. Decastemon (Malvaceae)1

Abstract Dombeya Cav. (Malvaceae) as presently defined encompasses over 200 species and considerable morphological variation. Within the 2- to 3-carpellate Dombeya subg. Xeropetalum (Delile) K. Schum., almost half of the recognized species belong to Dombeya sect. Decastemon Planch., which is endemic to Madagascar and traditionally distinguished by its umbellate rather than cymose inflorescences. The most recent taxonomic treatment of this section recognized 47 species and numerous infraspecific taxa; an additional species referable to this group was recently described. The present treatment recognizes 41 species and 11 subspecies. Six species (D. micrantha Appleq., D. milleri Appleq. & Bosser, D. pauciflora Appleq., D. pilosissima Appleq. & T. Andriam., D. ratovosonii Appleq. & Bosser, D. vohemarensis Appleq.) are newly described, and one (D. ramiovensis (Arenes) Appleq. [≡ D. farafanganica Arenes subsp. ramiovensis Arenes]) is newly elevated to specific rank. Dombeya parvipetala Arenes, which (like D. pi...
Waiting Lines and Times in a System with Polling

A communication system consisting of a number of buffered input terminals connected to a computer by a single channel is analyzed. The terminals are polled in sequence and the data is removed from the terminal's buffer. When the buffer has been emptied, the channel, for an interval of randomly determined length, is used for system overhead and/or to transmit data to the terminals. The system then continues with a poll of the next terminal. The stationary distributions of the length of the waiting line and the queueing delay are calculated for the case of identically distributed input processes.
PHYLOGENY FOR GENERA OF NEMATODIRINAE (NEMATODA: TRICHOSTRONGYLINA)

Monophyly for the Nematodirinae, with 5 genera, Murielus, Rauschia, Nematodiroides, Nematodirus, and Nemato- dirella was confirmed based on comparative morphology and phylogenetic analysis of structural characters. This concept for the nematodirines excludes the monotypic Lamanema chavezi, but otherwise corroborates generic-level diversity as defined in prior studies. Exhaustive analysis resulted in 1 most parsimonious tree (36 steps; consistency index (CI) 5 0.94; retention index (RI) 5 0.93; excluding phylogenetically uninformative characters, CI 5 0.92). As an inclusive or monophyletic group, Nematodirinae was diagnosed by 8 synapomorphies (7 are unequivocal): (1) large eggs, (2) long filiform spicules, (3) basal division of the dorsal ray, (4) symmetrical membrane enveloping the spicule tips, (5) fused structure of the spicule tips, (6) absence of the gubernaculum, (7) development of the third-stage larva within the egg, and (8) ornamentation in the form of discrete bosses on the bursa. Exclusion of Lamanema will require new assessments of historical biogeography and the evolution of host associations for the nematodirines. Nematodirine nematodes globally represent serious patho- gens in wild mammals and domestic stock. The speciose genus Nematodirus Ransom, 1907, contains an array of helminth path- ogens that infect ruminants throughout the world, and species such as Nematodirus battusCrofton and Thomas, 1951, contin- ue to be regarded as among the most economically significant parasites in domestic sheep, Ovis aries Linnaeus, across the Northern Hemisphere (e.g., Thomas and Stevens, 1956; Ho- berg, Zimmerman, and Rickard, 1985; Hoberg, 1997). Although there has been considerable effort and research to define epi- zootiology, and the host-parasite interface for species of Nem-
C2MP: a cache-coherent, distributed memory multiprocessor-system

Current research into the problems of cache coherency in multiprocessor (MP) systems, has primarily focused on bus based memory interconnection networks (M-ICN) and the use of various types of “snooping” cache coherency protocols. Bus bandwidth limitations can be alleviated through the use of wider bandwidth general interconnection structures, such as a crossbar switch. However, if private caches are used, the cache coherency problem becomes multiply compounded. Little work has been done to address this problem. A new distributed shared-memory multiprocessor system with private caches and for use with general memory interconnection networks (M-ICNs) is presented. A new distributed cache coherency-controller ($-K) unit is employed to manage coherency invalidation/updating over a dedicated bus based coherency interconnection network (C-ICN). This allows for cache-to-cache coherency updating to reduce the M-ICN traffic to only that of instruction/data transactions. This architecture incorporates a unique hierarchical, preemptive cache coherency protocol, simple enough to be implemented in hardware. A feasible implementation of a fully asynchronous crossbar switch is also presented as a possible general memory interconnection network (M-ICN).
Reward modulated response inhibition, cognitive shifting and the orbital frontal cortex in early adolescence

Immaturities in cognitive shifting are associated with adolescent risk behaviors. The orbital frontal cortex (OFC) regulates reward processing and response inhibition. This study tested the relationship between cognitive shifting, OFC activity, and reward-modulated response inhibition in young adolescents. An fMRI antisaccade (AS) paradigm examined the effects of reward conditions on inhibitory response and OFC processing. A validated self-report inventory assessed cognitive shifting. Compared to neutral, reward trials showed better AS performance and increased OFC activation. Cognitive shifting positively associated with AS performance in reward and neutral trials. Poorer cognitive shifting predicted greater OFC activation. Results indicate lower OFC efficiency, as greater activation to achieve correct performance, underlies cognitive shifting problems. These neurocognitive impairments are relevant for understanding adolescent risk behaviors.
Consequences of chemical equilibrium across phase changes in the mantle

Abrupt changes in mean atomic weight within the transition region of the mantle, as indicated by recent geophysical observations, may be a consequence of chemical equilibrium across phase transitions involving solid solutions. Equilibrium across the phase transitions may result from metasomatism by migrating interstitial fluids or by direct crystallization from a magma.
Characteristic Response of a Production Diesel Oxidation Catalyst Exposed to Lean and Rich PCI Exhaust

Although low-temperature premixed compression ignition (PCI) combustion in a light-duty diesel engine offers dramatic and simultaneous reductions in nitric oxides (NOx ) and soot, associated increases in unburned hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) become unacceptable. Production diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) are effective in oxidizing the increased levels of HC and CO under lean combustion conditions. However, the low temperature / high CO combination under rich PCI conditions, designed as a lean NOx trap (LNT) regeneration mode, generally renders the DOC ineffective. The objectives of this study are to characterize the oxidizing efficiency of a production DOC under lean and rich PCI conditions, and attempt to identify probable causes for the observed ineffectiveness under rich PCI. The study uses several tests to characterize the behavior of the DOC under lean PCI and rich PCI combustion conditions, including: (1) steady-state feed gas characterization, (2) transient feed gas characterization, (3) air injection (4) insulated AF sweep, and (5) combustion mode switching. The DOC never becomes effective under rich PCI for any of the tests, suggesting that the platinum-based catalyst may be incorrect for use with rich PCI. Furthermore, combustion mode switching between lean PCI and rich PCI (mimicking LNT loading and regeneration) demonstrates diminishing effectiveness of the DOC during and after continuous mode transitioning.Copyright © 2007 by ASME