cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis A virus binding to its cellular receptor 1 (HAVCR1) blocks T-cell receptor and regulatory T-cell function: A novel viral immune escape mechanism

CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppress immune responses and have a crucial role controlling selftolerance. Pathogens activate Tregs to minimize immune-mediated tissue damage and delay or prevent clearance. For instance, chronic hepatitis C patients have a significant increase in the number of Tregs. In contrast, patients infected with hepatitis A virus (HAV), a Picornaviridae that causes acute hepatitis in humans and enters cells usurping the HAV cellular receptor 1 (HAVCR1), have limited Treg function. HAV-infection induces a poorly understood immunopathogenic processresulting in liver damage and the modulation of allergic and autoimmune responses. HAVCR1 is a significant allergy and autoimmunity determinant in man. Binding of HAV to HAVCR1 expressed on T-cells prevents the activation of the T-cell receptor and the Akt/PI3K pathway. Human Tregs constitutively express HAVCR1, and the HAVHAVCR1 interaction shuts-off Treg function. Thus HAV infection represents a new paradigm in immune evasion in which the virus functions as an antagonist of HAVCR1 blocking Treg function and inducing a “shock-and-awe” mechanism that overwhelms the immune system with anti-self responses in the presence of low levels of TGF-b, which limits strong T effector responses, and IL-22, which prevents liver damage. We propose that this unique immune evasion mechanism is responsible for the long-lasting modulation of the immune response in HAV-infected individuals, and could serve as a model to develop therapeutic strategies to prevent chronic liver infections, modulate autoimmune and allergic responses, and prevent transplant rejections. Furthermore, a vaccination strategy targeting HAVCR1 to block Treg function may enhance the immune response against problematic antigens.
Second-Class Workers: Gender, Industry, and Locality in Workers’ Welfare Provision in Revolutionary China

This chapter examines the provision of welfare and other socialist goods to urban workers in China following the revolution of 1949 by comparing the histories of two different but related groups of workers—silk weavers in Shanghai and silk filature workers in Wuxi. Shanghai silk weavers were male, well-paid, and enjoyed the benefits of close connections to the Chinese Communist Party and the political and material resources of the great metropolis of Shanghai. In contrast, workers in the thread mills of Wuxi were mostly young women who received the lowest wages among textile workers and faced violent and hostile resistance to reform from factory supervisors, who were men hired for their willingness to use brutal tactics to control these workers. The resulting differences in welfare provision, including improved working conditions, democratic management, and access to medical care and childcare, can be traced to obvious differences such as gender and factory regime, but also to more subtle differences such as local history and the nature of the cities in which each group worked in the early 1950s.
Cost-effective immobilization for whole brain radiation therapy.

To investigate the inter- and intra-fraction motion associated with the use of a low-cost tape immobilization technique as an alternative to thermoplastic immobilization masks for whole-brain treatments. The results of this study may be of interest to clinical staff with severely limited resources (e.g., in low-income countries) and also when treating patients who cannot tolerate standard immobilization masks. Setup reproducibility of eight healthy volunteers was assessed for two different immobilization techniques. (a) One strip of tape was placed across the volunteer's forehead and attached to the sides of the treatment table. (b) A second strip was added to the first, under the chin, and secured to the table above the volunteer's head. After initial positioning, anterior and lateral photographs were acquired. Volunteers were positioned five times with each technique to allow calculation of inter-fraction reproducibility measurements. To estimate intra-fraction reproducibility, 5-minute anterior and lateral videos were taken for each technique per volunteer. An in-house software was used to analyze the photos and videos to assess setup reproducibility. The maximum intra-fraction displacement for all volunteers was 2.8 mm. Intra-fraction motion increased with time on table. The maximum inter-fraction range of positions for all volunteers was 5.4 mm. The magnitude of inter-fraction and intra-fraction motion found using the "1-strip" and "2-strip" tape immobilization techniques was comparable to motion restrictions provided by a thermoplastic mask for whole-brain radiotherapy. The results suggest that tape-based immobilization techniques represent an economical and useful alternative to the thermoplastic mask.
Influence of Molecular Shape on the Thermal Stability and Molecular Orientation of Vapor-Deposited Organic Semiconductors

High thermal stability and anisotropic molecular orientation enhance the performance of vapor-deposited organic semiconductors, but controlling these properties is a challenge in amorphous materials. To understand the influence of molecular shape on these properties, vapor-deposited glasses of three disk-shaped molecules were prepared. For all three systems, enhanced thermal stability is observed for glasses prepared over a wide range of substrate temperatures and anisotropic molecular orientation is observed at lower substrate temperatures. For two of the disk-shaped molecules, atomistic simulations of thin films were also performed and anisotropic molecular orientation was observed at the equilibrium liquid surface. We find that the structure and thermal stability of these vapor-deposited glasses results from high surface mobility and partial equilibration toward the structure of the equilibrium liquid surface during the deposition process. For the three molecules studied, molecular shape is a dominant ...
Characterizing the feasibility of processing wet granular materials to improve rheology for 3D printing

Rheological measurements and extrusion tests are used to evaluate the viability of high mass fraction (80% solids content) wet granular materials for extrusion-based 3D printing. Such materials have diverse applications from making dense, strong ceramic custom parts to 3D printing uniquely shaped energetic materials. Traditionally, 3D-printed colloidal materials use much lower mass fraction inks, and hence, those technologies will not work for systems requiring higher mass fraction solids content. These wet granular materials are highly non-Newtonian presenting non-homogenous flows, shear thinning, yield stress, and high elasticity. Such behaviors improve some aspects of print quality, but make printing very difficult. In this work, the relationship between the rheological behavior of wet granular materials and the processing parameters that are necessary for successfully extruding these materials for printing is examined. In the future, such characterizations will provide key indicators on how to alter printer design/operating conditions and adjust material behavior in order to improve printability. This study is a fundamental first step to successfully developing 3D printing technology of wet granular materials.
Enhanced MDL with application to atypicality

With the enormous amount of data generated through the internet and sensors, Internet of Things, it becomes too overwhelming for humans to examine it all. One solution is to reduce the data to a set of statistics. The perspective in this paper is the opposite, namely that most of this data is just background noise, and the interesting parts are those that deviate from background noise, the parts that are atypical. In order to find such “interesting” parts of data, universal approaches are required, since it is not known in advance what we are looking for. Our approach is to use Rissanen's minimum description length (MDL) as a tool for that. We would like to be able to find both short and long atypical sequences of data, and we therefore need accurate expressions of MDL, without prior assumptions. In this paper we develop a modified predictive MDL method that works better for short sequences.
Linear Stability of the Supersonic Turbulent Boundary Layer to Görtler Vortices on a Concave Wall

In this paper, we linearly investigate the compressibility effects on Gortler vortices, caused by the centrifugal instability along a concave surface, in an adiabatic supersonic turbulent boundary layer. The linear solution for such a problem can be used as an appropriate initial condition in the study of the nonlinear development of Gortler vortices. By using appropriate scaling for a compressible turbulent boundary layer together with Morkovin’s hypothesis, the nonlinear three-dimensional parabolic governing equations for Gortler vortices are obtained. The linearized disturbance equations are then obtained and solved numerically using a fmite-difference method with deferred corrections. The obtained stability diagrams are presented and interpreted. It is found that the flow becomes less stable as Mach number increases for turbulent boundary layer; this is due to the increase of the density and the effective viscosity destabilization effects as Mach number increases.
Endoscopically-implantable wireless devices for endoluminal applications invited lecture

This presentation reviews batteryless wireless implants for endoluminal applications in physiological symptom diagnosis and management. Overall system constraints, antenna and hardware design consideration, implementation configurations and experimental results in animal models are discussed. Antenna designs, restricted by physical, ergonomic and power limitations, for wireless power transfer through tissues from the external module to the implant face engineering challenges to achieve high efficiencies. The esophagus sensor to detect stomach reflux occurrence and pH, and the gastric stimulator to sustain stomach motility are exemplified for their wireless operation by electromagnetic energy transfer.
Practical application of new technologies for melanoma diagnosis: Part I. Noninvasive approaches

Confirming a diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma requires obtaining a skin biopsy specimen. However, obtaining numerous biopsy specimens—which often happens in patients with increased melanoma risk—is associated with significant cost and morbidity. While some melanomas are easily recognized by the naked eye, many can be difficult to distinguish from nevi, and therefore there is a need and opportunity to develop new technologies that can facilitate clinical examination and melanoma diagnosis. In part I of this 2-part continuing medical education article, we will review the practical applications of emerging technologies for noninvasive melanoma diagnosis, including mobile (smartphone) applications, multispectral imaging (ie, MoleMate and MelaFind), and electrical impedance spectroscopy (Nevisense).
Working with Families and Caregivers of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

A physician’s ability to provide quality care to their patients and their families is enhanced if he/she understands the impact of chronic disability on family (individually and collectively) function and development. Influencing factors include onset of the disability, intensity, severity, frequency, and complexity of interventions and resource availability. Chronic disability disrupts the lives of all members of the families. Early identification and intervention helps to mitigate the adverse impact (mental, physical, social, emotional, developmental) on function of chronic disabilities on the lives of family members.
Characterization of new phototrophic heliobacteria and their habitats

Specific enrichment culture methods were used to isolate new phototrophic heliobacteria (anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria containing bacteriochlorophyll g) from various natural samples. A survey of terrestrial and aquatic habitats yielded heliobacteria only from soils, in particular rice soils, and from certain hot springs. Thirteen nonthermophilic and 7 thermophilic (capable of growth above 50) strains of heliobacteria were isolated from such habitats and characterized as to their basic cellular and nutritional properties. Phylogenetic studies of four strains showed them to be related to known species of heliobacteria. It is concluded that, unlike phototrophic purple and green bacteria, heliobacteria are primarily (if not exclusively) terrestrial, except for hot spring species. This suggests that the ecology of heliobacteria is fundamentally different from that of other anoxyphototrophs.
Relapse: Surgical considerations and secondary cytoreduction

This chapter focuses on the survival benefit, selection criteria, and morbidity and mortality associated with secondary cytoreduction for recurrent ovarian cancer in the general population and the elderly. The goal of secondary cytoreduction is to improve overall survival by maximizing surgical tumor eradication in patients who demonstrate a complete clinical response to initial platinum-based chemotherapy. Retrospective studies consistently demonstrate a survival benefit associated with maximal secondary cytoreduction. Patient selection criteria should be individualized based on the patient’s life goals, comorbidities and performance status, and availability of adjuvant therapy. Morbidity and mortality rates are comparable to those associated with primary cytoreduction. The role of secondary cytoreduction in the geriatric population is still evolving. In general, elderly are less likely to receive standard treatment for ovarian cancer, but research suggests that secondary cytoreduction can be both safe and feasible and advanced age alone should not be a contraindication to surgery.
The poetics of distraction

ABSTRACTThis lyric essay champions the value of distraction, especially in the context of creative work, in an age obsessed with focus and attention. Using personal anecdotes and close reading, the...
Relationship Between PROMIS Computer Adaptive Tests and Legacy Hip Measures Among Patients Presenting to a Tertiary Care Hip Preservation Center

Background:Legacy hip outcome measures may be burdensome to patients and sometimes yield floor or ceiling effects. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) computer adaptiv...
Transcriptomic analysis of differential gene expression during chick periocular neural crest differentiation into corneal cells.

Background Multipotent neural crest cells (NCC) contribute to the corneal endothelium and keratocytes during ocular development, but the molecular mechanisms that underlie this process remain poorly understood. We performed RNA-Seq analysis on periocular neural crest (pNC), corneal endothelium, and keratocytes and validated expression of candidate genes by in situ hybridization. Results RNA-Seq profiling revealed enrichment of genes between pNC and neural crest-derived corneal cells, which correspond to pathways involved in focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, cell adhesion, melanogenesis, and MAPK signaling. Comparisons of candidate NCC genes to ocular gene expression revealed that majority of the NCC genes are expressed in the pNC, but they are either differentially expressed or maintained during corneal development. Several genes involved in retinoic acid, transforming growth factor-β, and Wnt signaling pathways and their modulators are also differentially expressed. We identified differentially expressed transcription factors as potential downstream candidates that may instruct expression of genes involved in establishing corneal endothelium and keratocyte identities. Conclusion Combined, our data reveal novel changes in gene expression profiles as pNC differentiate into highly specialized corneal endothelial cells and keratocytes. These data serve as platform for further analyses of the molecular networks involved in NCC differentiation into corneal cells and provide insights into genes involved in corneal dysgenesis and adult diseases.
CLAS+FROST: new generation of photoproduction experiments at Jefferson Lab

A large part of the experimental program in Hall B of the Jefferson Lab is dedicated to baryon spectroscopy. Photoproduction experiments are essential part of this program. CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS) and availability of circularly and linearly polarized tagged photon beams provide unique conditions for this type of experiments. Recent addition of the Frozen Spin Target (FROST) gives a remarkable opportunity to measure double and triple polarization observables for different pseudo-scalar meson photoproduction processes. For the first time, a complete or nearly complete experiment becomes possible and will allow model independent extraction of the reaction amplitude. An overview of the experiment and its current status is presented.
Intelligence Expertise and Imperial Threats: Bengal Intelligence Officers in North America, Europe, and Asia

This chapter explores how intelligence officers with expertise on “Bengali terrorism” sought to apply their experience against other transnational anticolonial threats. These officers served in Canada, the United States, Ireland, London, Southeast Asia, Palestine, and the British Caribbean. With varying degrees of success, they sought to apply their knowledge of revolutionary movements and anti-terrorist strategies learned in Bengal to other anticolonial conflicts, notably the Ghadar Party’s arms-smuggling efforts in North American, the Irish Republican Army’s campaign during the War of Independence, and the Arab Revolt in Palestine during the 1930s. These officers also epitomized a trend, visible in MI5, SIS, and other imperial intelligence agencies in the first half of the twentieth century, for men with imperial expertise to continue their careers with intelligence agencies elsewhere. The careers of these imperial intelligence officers raise the question of how information and ideas were transferred across the empire and how intelligence and counter-insurgency expertise were shared across the empire in the decades prior to the Second World War.
Post-axitinib systemic therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

4609 Background: Axitinib is a potent and selective inhibitor of the VEGF receptor family with efficacy as a second-line therapy in mRCC. Evaluation of further systemic therapy following axitinib h...
Overview of Extracellular Vesicles, Their Origin, Composition, Purpose, and Methods for Exosome Isolation and Analysis

The use of extracellular vesicles, specifically exosomes, as carriers of biomarkers in extracellular spaces has been well demonstrated. Despite their promising potential, the use of exosomes in the clinical setting is restricted due to the lack of standardization in exosome isolation and analysis methods. The purpose of this review is to not only introduce the different types of extracellular vesicles but also to summarize their differences and similarities, and discuss different methods of exosome isolation and analysis currently used. A thorough understanding of the isolation and analysis methods currently being used could lead to some standardization in the field of exosomal research, allowing the use of exosomes in the clinical setting to become a reality.
Pressure-Induced Solid-State Polymerization of Optically-Tunable Diphenyl-Substituted Diacetylene

Solid-state topochemical polymerization (SSTP) requires well-defined geometries and space symmetries between the starting monomers and resulting polymer, and diacetylenes are excellent precursors, ...
An Empirical Investigation of Correlation between Code Complexity and Bugs

There have been many studies conducted on predicting bugs. These studies show that code complexity, such as cyclomatic complexity, correlates with the presence of bugs in code. In this paper, we intend to find the correlation between path complexity and bugs. We found that 1) For simple bugs, there is no strong correlation between the path complexity and the presence of bugs; 2) For complex real-world bugs, though not strong, path complexity has a higher correlation with the presence of bugs than cyclomatic complexity and NPATH complexity. These results are useful for researchers to use the path complexity for building bug prediction models. Moreover, path complexity can be used as a guiding mechanism for test generation.
Metabolic flux analysis of secondary metabolism in plants

Numerous secondary metabolites from plants are important for their medicinal, nutraceutical or sensory properties. Recently, significant progress has been made in the identification of the genes and enzymes of plant secondary metabolic pathways. Hence, there is interest in using synthetic biology to enhance the production of targeted valuable metabolites in plants. In this article, we examine the contribution that metabolic flux analysis will have on informing the rational selection of metabolic engineering targets as well as analysis of carbon and energy efficiency. Compared to microbes, plants have more complex tissue, cellular and subcellular organization, making precise metabolite concentration measurements more challenging. We review different techniques involved in quantifying flux and provide examples illustrating the application of the techniques. For linear and branched pathways that lead to end products with low turnover, flux quantification is straightforward and doesn't require isotopic labeling. However, for metabolites synthesized via parallel pathways, there is a requirement for isotopic labeling experiments. If the fed isotopically labeled carbons don't scramble, one needs to apply transient label balancing methods. In the transient case, it is also necessary to measure metabolite concentrations. While flux analysis is not able to directly identify mechanisms of regulation, it is a powerful tool to examine flux distribution at key metabolic nodes in intermediary metabolism, detect flux to wasteful side pathways, and show how parallel pathways handle flux in wild-type and engineered plants under a variety of physiological conditions.
Proximal Social Determinants of Adolescents’ Health: The Importance of Everyday Life Circumstances:

Adolescent health has a significant influence as individuals transition to adulthood and can have lifelong effects on well-being. In addition to well-established structural determinants of health s...
Objections To Objects: Limitations Of Human Performance In The Use Of Iconic Graphics

As aids to individuals faced with the task of assimilating large volumes of multivariate information, graphical techniques known as “object displays” are receiving much attention. Object displays, sometimes called iconic graphics, use the various attributes of a single perceptual object to present multiple variable in a single view. Advocates of such displays have claimed that this format highlights conceptual relations, has special mnemonic properties, promotes parallel processing, and often provides emergent features that can be used to simplify information processing of complex variable structures. In the present article, we present evidence that the object display may not be without its costs to information processing efficiency. In particular, object displays may prove difficult to use for the independent processing of multiple information sources, or for tasks requiring isolation of a subset of variables. In addition, the use of objects is sometimes associated with degraded memory performance when compared to non-object graphics.
A SEMIÓTICA NA PESQUISA SOBRE IDENTIDADE

O presente artigo se inscreve num conjunto de producoes acerca do tema da identidade, estudada pelo vies da Semiotica e pretende demonstrar a aplicabilidade desse campo do conhecimento ao desenvolvimento de pesquisa sobre essa tematica. Parte-se da compreensao de que os estudos identitarios participam de um campo de interesse para o qual convergem variados saberes e disciplinas e defende-se o carater fundamental da incorporacao dessas contribuicoes para a pesquisa linguistica. Discute-se o conjunto de ferramentas e operacoes que a Semiotica tem a oferecer ao pesquisador, permitindo-lhe lidar com a materialidade linguistica em sua face iconica, de modo a apreender elementos de carater identitario presentes no texto e com eles construir uma interpretacao adequada. Nesse percurso, tomam-se como referenciais teoricos sobre identidade os pensamentos de Castells (2006) e Ventos (1994); sobre os principios teoricos da Semiotica, tomaram-se os estudos de Peirce (1990) e Eco (2007); para a discussao do desenvolvimento da pesquisa de cunho semiotico, consultamos as operacoes semioticas de Morentin (2008); acerca da iconicidade verbal, recorremos ao trabalho de Simoes (2009; 2013). As ilustracoes de aplicacoes concretas dos principios teoricos aqui abracados foram recolhidas de pesquisas anteriores sobre o tema da identidade (ARAUJO, 2010; 2017; 2018).
Deep learning trained on H&E tumor ROIs predicts HER2 status and Trastuzumab treatment response in HER2+ breast cancer

Abstract The current standard of care for many patients with HER2-positive breast cancer is neoadjuvant chemotherapy in combination with anti-HER2 agents, based on HER2 amplification as detected by in situ hybridization (ISH) or protein immunohistochemistry (IHC). However, hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) tumor stains are more commonly available, and accurate prediction of HER2 status and anti-HER2 treatment response from H&E would reduce costs and increase the speed of treatment selection. Computational algorithms for H&E have been effective in predicting a variety of cancer features and clinical outcomes, including moderate success in predicting HER2 status. In this work, we present a novel convolutional neural network (CNN) approach able to predict HER2 status with increased accuracy over prior methods. We trained a CNN classifier on 188 H&E whole slide images (WSIs) manually annotated for tumor regions of interest (ROIs) by our pathology team. Our classifier achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.90 in cross-validation of slide-level HER2 status and 0.81 on an independent TCGA test set. Within slides, we observed strong agreement between pathologist annotated ROIs and blinded computational predictions of tumor regions / HER2 status. Moreover, we trained our classifier on pre-treatment samples from 187 HER2+ patients that subsequently received trastuzumab therapy. Our classifier achieved an AUC of 0.80 in a five-fold cross validation. Our work provides an H&E-based algorithm that can predict HER2 status and trastuzumab response in breast cancer at an accuracy that is better than IHC and may benefit clinical evaluations.
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Prevalent Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background & Aims Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) alter their dietary behaviors to reduce disease-related symptoms, avoid feared food triggers, and control inflammation. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), evaluate risk factors, and examine the association with risk of malnutrition in patients with IBD. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited adult patients with IBD from an ambulatory clinic. ARFID risk was measured using the Nine-Item ARFID Screen. Nutritional risk was measured with the Patient Generated-Subjective Global Assessment. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between clinical characteristics and a positive ARFID risk screen. Patient demographics, disease characteristics, and medical history were abstracted from medical records. Results Of the 161 participants (Crohn’s disease, 45.3%; ulcerative colitis, 51.6%; IBD-unclassified, 3.1%), 28 (17%) had a positive ARFID risk score (≥24). Most participants (92%) reported avoiding 1 or more foods while having active symptoms, and 74% continued to avoid 1 or more foods even in the absence of symptoms. Active symptoms (odds ratio, 5.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.91–15.01) and inflammation (odds ratio, 3.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–10.29) were significantly associated with positive ARFID risk. Patients with a positive ARFID risk screen were significantly more likely to be at risk for malnutrition (60.7% vs 15.8%; P Conclusions Avoidant eating behaviors are common in IBD patients, even when in clinical remission. Patients who exhibit active symptoms and/or inflammation should be screened for ARFID risk, with referrals to registered dietitians to help monitor and address disordered eating behaviors and malnutrition risk.
The Roman Empire: Augustus to Hadrian

Volume editor's introduction List of abbreviations List of Symbols Part I. The Imperial Government in War and Peace: 1. Augustus 2. Tiberius 3. Gaius (Caligula) 4. Claudius 5. Nero 6. Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian 7. Titus and Domitian 8. Nerva and Trajan 9. Hadrian Part II. Society in the Roman World: Glossary Appendixes Indexes.
A 25 GHz quadrature voltage controlled ring oscillator in 0.12/spl mu/m SiGe HBT

A 25 GHz ring VCO is fabricated in a 0.12/spl mu/m SiGe BiCMOS process. The VCO with a 3.3V supply consumes 32mA. The measured phase noise is -105dBc/Hz at 10MHz offset from the center frequency of 24.3 GHz. Design optimization techniques for high performance ring oscillators in a 0.12 /spl mu/m SiGe HBT technology are discussed.
PEDOGENESIS IN LATE PREHISTORIC INDIAN MOUNDS, UPPER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY

Inceptisols are developed on silt loam, loam, and sandy loam Indian mounds at the Keller Mound Group and Bluff Top Mound in northeastern Iowa. The mounds date to the Allamakee Phase of the Late Woodland Period (ca. 1650–1250 B.P.) and are built with fill obtained from the A, E, and upper B horizons of pre-existing soils (Alfisols). Differences in the morphologic and chemical characteristics of soils on different mounds are attributed to textural differences of the mounds' fill. Coarse-textured mound fill is pedogenically altered at a faster rate than fine-textured fill, but total carbon percentage of the A horizon attains a steady state faster in fine-textured mound fill. Total phosphorus content is used to determine from which horizons of pre-existing soils the specific layers of mound fill originated. Rates and pathways of pedogenesis in mound fill may not provide good analogues for the early stages of soil development in materials that have not undergone previous weathering and subsequent modification ...
Two developmentally distinct populations of dendritic cells inhabit the adult mouse thymus: demonstration by differential importation of hematogenous precursors under steady state conditions.

Although a variety of lymphoid and myeloid precursors can generate thymic dendritic cells (DCs) under defined experimental conditions, the developmental origin(s) of DCs in the steady state thymus is unknown. Having previously used selective combinations of normal, parabiotic, and radioablated mice to demonstrate that blood-borne prothymocytes are imported in a gated and competitive manner, we used a similar approach in this study to investigate the importation of the hematogenous precursors of thymic DCs. The results indicate that two developmentally distinct populations of DC precursors normally enter the adult mouse thymus. The first population is indistinguishable from prothymocytes according to the following criteria: 1) inefficient (<20%) exchange between parabiotic partners; 2) gated importation by the thymus; 3) competitive antagonism for intrathymic niches; 4) temporally linked generation of thymocytes and CD8αhigh DCs; and 5) absence from prothymocyte-poor blood samples. The second population differs diametrically from prothymocytes in each of these properties, and appears to enter the thymus in at least a partially differentiated state. The resulting population of DCs has a CD8α−/low phenotype, and constitutes ∼50% of total thymic DCs. The presence of two discrete populations of DCs in the steady state thymus implies functional heterogeneity consistent with evidence implicating lymphoid DCs in the negative selection of effector thymocytes and myeloid DCs in the positive selection of regulatory thymocytes.
Developmental biology: asymmetrical threat averted.

The somites are embryonic elements that give rise to the muscles, skeleton and some skin layers of the trunk. They form in a symmetrical fashion, but to do so they must be shielded from asymmetrical cues.
New dust explosion venting design requirements for turbulent operating conditions

Abstract The 2007 edition of the National Fire Protection Association Standard 68 for Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting has a new provision to account for the turbulence level in combustible dust or powder processing equipment. This paper explains the development of this new provision for increased deflagration vent area requirements in highly turbulent combustible dust/powder processing equipment. The development includes a review of initial turbulence level effects on vented explosion pressures, and a review of turbulence levels measured in ASTM E1226 and ISO 6184/1 explosion test procedures to determine K st . A review of operating conditions in some representative spray dryer plant equipment suggests that most equipment of this type probably do not have high enough air flows to require increased explosion vent areas due to turbulence, but some types of equipment with high tangential entrance air flows may well need larger vent areas.
Variation of the pKA of (X)(Y)PO(OH) with X and Y in 75 and 95 per cent ethanol

Abstract The p K A values, referred to the primary ionization, of nearly all the members of the series of acids, (X)(Y)PO(OH), where X and/or Y may be phenyl (φ), cyclohexyl (CH), hydrogen (H), phenoxy (φO), cyclo-hexoxy (CHO) or hydroxyl (OH), have been determined in 75 and 95 per cent ethanol at 22 ± 2°C by potentiometric titration. The φ, CH and H members of the (X)CO(OH) series have been included in the study for comparison. The p K data, treated separately for 75 and 95 per cent ethanol media, have been fitted to a linear plot of slope negative one in terms of the sum, Σ a , of substituent constants, the a for H being defined as zero. p K= p K (H)(H)P 0 − Σa, for (X)(Y)PO(OH) p K= p K (H)C 0 − a, for (X)CO(OH) where p K (H)(H)P 0 and p K (H)C 0 are the hypothetical p K values of the respective unsubstituted acids, H 2 PO(OH) and HCO(OH), obtained from best fit plots. The relationship of a to Hammett's σ and the Taft's σ ∗ , but its non-identity with either, is evident. The values of a deduced from this study are: φO (0·30), H (0·00, by definition), CHO (−0·85), OH (−0·95), φ (−1·05) and CH (−1·95). The hypothetical p K values for the unsubstituted acids in 75 and 95 per cent ethanol are, respectively: p K (H)(H)P 0 (2·00, 2·60) and p K (H)C 0 (5·20, 5·90). In terms of these a values, the effect of interposing an oxygen atom between G and P to transform a G-P compound to a G-O-P compound is to change the p K by: −1·35, −1·10 and +0·95 units, respectively, for G = φ, CH, H.
Regression of endometrial explants in a rat model of endometriosis treated with the immune modulators loxoribine and levamisole

Abstract Objective: To investigate the effects of the immune modulators levamisole and loxoribine in a rat model of endometriosis. Design: Prospective, placebo-controlled study. Setting: Hospital-based research facility. Animal(s): Nineteen rats with experimentally induced endometriosis. Intervention(s): Rats were treated with three weekly intraperitoneal injections of levamisole (2 mg per rat; n=6), loxoribine (1 mg per rat; n=6), or saline (control; n=7) and killed 8 weeks after treatment. Main Outcome Measure(s): Histologic and immunohistochemical analysis of endometriotic explants. Result(s): The loxoribine-treated group showed marked regression of both epithelial and stromal components. Epithelial regression was noted in the control group, but the epithelium was strikingly preserved in the levamisole group. There were significantly greater numbers of dendritic cells in the explants of animals treated with loxoribine and levamisole. The number of natural killer cells was significantly reduced in loxoribine-treated explants. Conclusion(s): Loxoribine, a potent immunomodulatory drug, appeared to cause regression in both stromal and epithelium components in a rat model of endometriosis. Further, specific cell-mediated immune responses in this model of endometriosis were elucidated.
On the interval number of random graphs

Abstract Erdos and West [6] showed that for almost all graphs G (with edge probability 1 2 ), the interval number of G, denoted i(G), satisfies n⧸(4 lg n)⩽i(G)⩽(n + 1)⧸4. We improve their result by showing that for almost every graph, i(G)∼ 1 2 (n⧸lg n) .
Lightning Ground Flashes Associated with Summer 1990 Flash Floods and Streamflow in Tucson, Arizona: An Exploratory Study

Abstract Eight flash flood events occurred in the Tucson area of southeastern Arizona during the 1990 summer when a high-resolution lightning detection network was operated in the region. A total of 3479 cloud-to-ground lightning flashes was composited with respect to times and locations of these flash floods. The analysis region was a square of 40 km on a side that nearly coincided with a small hydrologic region that drains runoff from high mountains around Tucson and results in streamflow near and through the city. Most lightning in the 40-km-square area occurred between 10 h before the flood and the reported time of the flood. Flashes were most frequent around 2 h prior to the flood, but advance timing was not consistent. The most important factor in determining whether a flash flood report followed lightning was the number of consecutive 5-min periods with two or more flashes in the 40-km-square area. Intensity of the maximum flash rate was not systematically related to the amount of flooding, except ...
Micro-sized silicon–carbon composites composed of carbon-coated sub-10 nm Si primary particles as high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

We report the synthesis of micro-sized silicon–carbon (Si–C) composites, which simultaneously possess primary sub-10 nm Si particles and secondary micro-sized aggregation coated with carbon. Because of this unique structure, the as-synthesized Si–C composite anode can deliver excellent cycling stability with a high reversible specific capacity (∼1600 mA h g−1) within 150 cycles at 400 mA g−1. Moreover, a high volumetric capacity of ∼1088 mA h cm−3 was demonstrated by using this composite cathode, which is 5 times higher than that of commercially available nano-silicon based anodes.
Estimating a complete set of state demand equations for planning: The Rhode Island experience

Abstract The objectives of this paper are twofold: one is to estimate a complete set of twenty consumer demand equations at the state level: and the other is to investigate all the possible lag structures for real personal disposable income and relative price, and to choose that set of consumer demand equations with the best lag structures by an iterative algorithm. The extremely high coefficient of determination and other merits seem to suggest the worthiness of this approach.
Synthesis of (±)-demethoxypauciflorine B and (±)-pauciflorine B from (±)-11,12-demethoxylahadinine B and (±)-lahadinine B, respectively via a peroxycarbanolamine fragmentation reaction

Abstract Conversion of 11,12-demethoxylahadinine B 3 and lahadinine B 2 into 11,12-demethoxypauciflorine B 6 and pauciflorine B 5 , respectively, was achieved by treatment with AgBF 4 /THF followed by EtOAc/MeCO 3 H.
The Social Determinants of Depression in Elderly Korean Immigrants in Canada: Does Acculturation Matter?:

Depression in old age significantly decreases the quality of life and may lead to serious consequences, such as suicide. Existing literature indicates that elderly Korean immigrants may experience higher levels of depression than other racial ethnic group elders. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate factors that influence depression among older Korean immigrants in Toronto. A total of 148 participants, ages 60 years or older (mean age = 74.01, SD = 8.24), completed face-to-face interviews in Korean language. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted by adding variables in three steps: (1) demographic variables; (2) acculturation variables (years of immigration and English proficiency); and (3) social determinants (social integration variables, physical health, and financial satisfaction). Results showed that acculturation factors were not associated with depression. Instead, social determinants variables, including lower physical health status and lower financial status, living alone, and lower level of social activity, predicted higher level of depressive symptoms, along with lower education. The final regression model explained about 37% of variance of depression in the sample. These results suggest that social determinants, not acculturation, are important factors explaining the levels of depression in Korean immigrant elders living in a metropolitan city in Canada. Implications for practice are discussed.
Identification of macroscopic variables for low-order modeling of thin-film growth

We identify a minimum set of "coarse" (i.e., macroscopic) spatially invariant parameters that accurately describe the dominant behavior of the deposition surface during thin-film growth under adsorption and surface diffusion. We demonstrate, through kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulations, that different deposition surfaces constructed through a stochastic reconstruction procedure, with identical values for these parameters, exhibit approximately identical coarse dynamic behavior. These parameters can be subsequently employed to develop low-order state-space models for controller synthesis and optimization as an alternative to computationally expensive kMC simulations.
Circulation studies in experimental phlegmasia cerulea dolens

Abstract A model of phlegmasia cerulea dolens in the canine hind limb was used to study the effects of heparin, sympathectomy, and venous thrombectomy plus heparin on limb hemodynamics. Only thrombectomy plus heparin restored nutrient blood flow and was associated with clinical recovery of the limb. This experimental model of phlegmasia appears to be an excellent tool for testing additional modalities of therapy for this serious disease.
Eating attitude test factors in an unselected undergraduate population

The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) was given to 310 males and 302 females undergraduate volunteers who represented a cross section of students enrolled at a regional university. The responses of the 612 subjects to the EAT items were factor-analyzed separately by sex using a principal components procedure and a varimax rotation
Invisible Factors: Strategies for Raising Awareness of Human Factors Among Undergraduate Students

The objective of this Education Technical Group (ETG) panel is to discuss the problem of recruiting students into the Human Factors and Ergonomics (HF/E) discipline and to offer strategies and solutions for effectively increasing awareness of HF/E among undergraduate students in psychology and engineering. Each panelist was selected because of his or her experience with and commitment to HF/E education. Drs. J. Christopher Brill, Patricia DeLucia, John Flach, David Kaber, and Robert Youmans will participate in the discussion. Dr. Brill will provide an introduction to frame the discussion and will present effective strategies for increasing undergraduate enrollment in HF/E courses. Dr. DeLucia will provide her perspective on integrating human factors into an undergraduate psychology curriculum. Dr. Flach will discuss how exposing undergraduates to the tangible, design-related aspects of HF/E may increase student interest. Dr. Kaber will discuss the need for increased emphasis on graduate education in Indus...
Intraventricular Hemorrhage in the Preterm Infant

Intraventricular hemorrhage is a major and common problem for the premature infant. The pathophysiology and etiology are not fully understood. Major etiologic and contributing factors are presented and nursing considerations are discussed.
LIQUID PHASE OXIDATION STUDIES: CHEMICAL IONIZATION OF ALKYL KETONES IN AN ION TRAP MASS SPECTROMETER

ABSTRACT The oxygen or hydroperoxide oxidation of various organo-sulfur compounds in both model and real fuels is an area that is presently under renewed investigation. Sulfur compounds of interest include thiols and disulfides in particular. Autoxidation reactions produce besides the expected sulfur oxidation products: sulfoxides, sulfones, thiosulfonates and sulfonic acids, small amounts of hydrocarbon oxygenates from the model fuel, dodecane. It was noted that the mass spectra of the oxygen species gave results that were instrument dependent. The results from an ion trap detector are quite different when compared to a dodecapole mass spectrometer.
The effect of variable permeability on the performance characteristics of porous bearing

Abstract An analytical solution for the performance characteristics of a short bearing having an axial and radial permeability of k z [1 + cos( πz L )] and k z [1 + ( 2 π )] , respectively, is obtained. Results are presented which relate the eccentricity ratio and coefficient of friction as functions of load number for various design variables. These results are compared to the results obtained for an isotropic bearing having a permeability of k z [1 + ( 2 π )] .
A comparative study of three turbulence-closure models for the hydrocyclone problem

In the computational fluid dynamics study of hydrocyclones, the air-core dimension is key to predicting the mass split between the underflow and overflow. In turn, the mass split influences the prediction of the size classification curve. Three models, the renormalization group κ–e model, the Reynolds stress model, and the large-eddy simulation model, are compared for the predictions of air-core dimension, mass split, and axial and tangential velocities. The large-eddy simulation model, since it produces some detailed features of the turbulence, is clearly closer in predicting the experimental data than the other two. It is shown that particle tracking done with the velocity field obtained from the large-eddy simulation model accurately predicts the experimental size–classification curve.
Matter in Superstrong Magnetic Fields: The Surface of a Neutron Star

In huge magnetic fields ($B\ensuremath{\gtrsim}{10}^{12}$ G) matter forms a tightly bound, dense ($\ensuremath{\gtrsim}{10}^{4}$ g ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$) solid with properties of a one-dimensional metal and a work function of the order of a keV. Electron field emission from the sharp surface of a pulsar is much easier than ion emission; it is estimated to be cut off when the stellar rotation period exceeds several seconds.
Prevalence of bone demineralization in the United States

Abstract A study of the distribution and prevalence of bone demineralization in the US population is reported. Based on the HANESI Survey data that incorporated bone density examination of V-2 by the Goldsmith and Vose techniques in a national sample of 6030 adults, it was observed that (1) age-adjusted bone density differences between sexes were consistently found when controlling for race (the prevalence of low bone density was greater among females than males) and (2) whites of both sexes had higher prevalence of low density than blacks in most age-sex categories.
The chaotic dynamics of jamming

Free-flowing granular media can quickly become jammed above a critical density. Nonlinear dynamical systems analysis now suggests that jamming arises from the interaction between the density of instabilities and the propagation of disturbances throughout the material.