cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Growth-related alterations in motor endplates of type-identified diaphragm muscle fibres.

Using a double-labelling technique, and dual-channel confocal microscopy, we examined the three-dimensional and two-dimensional morphologies of motor endplates on type I and II muscle fibres of 21-day-old and adult rat diaphragms. Motor endplates were visualized with fluorescein-conjugated α-bungarotoxin, and muscle fibre type was immunocytochemically determined using an anti-fast (type II) myosin antibody with a Cy5-conjugated label. Surface (three-dimensional) and planar (two-dimensional) areas were obtained from three-dimensional reconstructions of confocal optical sections of labelled endplates. Muscle fibre diameters were also measured. Total branch lengths were measured from projection images of the three dimensional reconstructions. The surface and planar areas of endplates on type I fibres at day 21 were larger than those on type II fibres, and this difference increased with maturation. In adults, the surface area of endplates was positively correlated to muscle fibre size, but such a correlation was not found at day 21. When normalized for fibre diameter, the surface areas of endplates on type I fibres were still significantly larger than those on type II fibres in both age groups. The normalized endplate surface area for type II fibres remained constant with maturation, whereas for type I fibres, the increase in endplate surface area was disproportionate to fibre growth.
Exploiting the parallelism available in loops

Because a loop's body often executes many times, loops provide a rich opportunity for exploiting parallelism. This article explains scheduling techniques and compares results on different architectures. Since parallel architectures differ in synchronization overhead, instruction scheduling constraints, memory latencies, and implementation details, determining the best approach for exploiting parallelism can be difficult. To indicate their performance potential, this article surveys several architectures and compilation techniques using a common notation and consistent terminology. First we develop the critical dependence ratio to determine a loop's maximum possible parallelism, given infinite hardware. Then we look at specific architectures and techniques. Loops can provide a large portion of the parallelism available in an application program, since the iterations of a loop may be executed many times. To exploit this parallelism, however, one must look beyond a single basic block or a single iteration for independent operations. The choice of technique depends on the underlying architecture of the parallel machine and the characteristics of each individual loop. >
On the Application of Haar Functions

Recent interest in the application of Walsh functions suggests that Haar functions, close relatives of Walsh functions, may also be useful. In this primarily tutorial paper, Haar functions are reviewed briefly and the computational and memory requirements of the Haar transform are analyzed; applications are then discussed. It is concluded that, whereas Haar functions are unlikely to be useful in as many applications as Walsh functions may be, they seem especially well suited to data coding, edge detection, and, perhaps, multiplexing.
The extra credit effect in interpersonal attraction

Abstract An experiment was conducted in which three levels of personal evaluation (positive, mixed, or negative) were crossed with two levels of dependence of the evaluator (high or low) and two levels of accuracy of the evaluation (high or low). Liking for the evaluator was expected to increase linearly with the favorableness of the evaluation, with two possible exceptions: When a positive evaluation from a dependent evaluator was inaccurate, and when a negative evaluation from a dependent evaluator was accurate. In the former case, the obvious inaccuracy of the positive evaluation in the face of the temptation to ingratiate was expected to elicit a decrement in liking (an “ingratiation effect”) by the person being evaluated. In the latter case, the honesty of the evaluator in the face of the temptation to ingratiate was expected to elicit an increment of linking (an “extra credit effect”) by the person being evaluated. Only the second of these two possibilities was supported.
Structure-activity relationship of grayanotoxin derivatives using a tetrodotoxin-antagonized spasmodic response of brine shrimp larvae (Artemia salina).

Abstract Grayanotoxins and related diterpenoids with an andromedane skeleton are common in several genera of the plant family Ericaceae. Grayanotoxin I caused the nauplii of Artemia salina to exhibit an unusual spasmodic response, affecting motility, which was antagonized in trace amounts of tetrodotoxin, resulting in the restoration of normal swimming behavior. This inhibited motility of brine shrimp has been used to assay 15 andromedane compounds. Activity was diminished when the 6β-hydroxyl group was substituted, but only slightly modified by the acetylation of the 14β-hydroxyl group. A complete abrogation of toxicity resulted from the introduction of aromaticity at the 6-position, and of 3,6-diesterification in the molecule of grayanotoxin III.
Two-pion exchange Λ potential☆

The two-pion exchange contribution to the Λ ppotential is constructed from the field-theoretical scattering amplitude. The potential is constructed both for a single-channel description of the ΛN interaction and for a coupled-channel treatment of the ΛN and ΣN interactions. The resulting TPE ΛN matrix element is real and weakly energy dependent up to threshold for π-production in the coupled-channel framework. We take into account the Adler consistency condition for the input πΛ and πN amplitudes, as well as the s-wave ππ interaction. The rescattering effects in the intermediate state are approximated by the low-mass πB resonances in the sharp resonance approximation.
Hypertension in gestational diabetes mellitus: Pathophysiology and long-term consequences

Gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus are the most frequent obstetric disorders during pregnancy. The rates of both disorders are expected to increase as a result of delayed pregnancy at a later maternal age, the epidemic of obesity and the increased frequency of using assisted reproductive technology in women with infertility. Pregnancies complicated one or both of these disorders are also associated with adverse consequences for the mother and infant (both acute and long-term). The objectives of this review are to describe the association between gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes, and to discuss approaches to management and summarize long-term consequences of gestational hypertension.
Resource quality affects restlessness in the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis

Optimal foraging theory, specifically the marginal value theorem, predicts quicker leaving (shorter residence time) from poorer patches. One proximal mechanism for achieving the leaving is that exposure to lower-quality resources may trigger increased restlessness (proportion of time in locomotion). Which aspects of host quality, if any, affect restlessness was examined in females of the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis Walker (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). Females were individually exposed to a single host. Restlessness was greater both during and after exposure to a host, when the host was externally damaged vs. intact. Other aspects of host quality that affected restlessness were whether the host was parasitized and whether it was dead and unsuitable for offspring development. In contrast, the host's age and stage did not affect restlessness. Increased restlessness did not make females more willing to launch themselves across an inhospitable environment using their wings.
Pathways of proliferation: new targets to inhibit the growth of vascular smooth muscle cells.

See related article, pages 1155–1163 Excessive proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributes to the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). VSMC proliferation also underlies the failure of many therapies, notable examples being restenosis following coronary angioplasty, vein graft failure in patients with coronary artery bypass grafts, and transplant vasculopathy. Few therapies directly target excess VSMC proliferation, in part, because the underlying pathways have been unknown. Recently, several pathways of VSMC proliferation have been defined, and new therapeutic targets have emerged. An example of the power of preventing VSMC proliferation in reducing human cardiovascular disease is the rapamycin (sirolimus)-coated coronary stent. After dozens of agents failed to prevent the 30% restenosis rate postangioplasty, this VSMC proliferation inhibitor reduced the number to ≈6%.1 However, rapamycin has toxicities, limiting its systemic use. Moreover, the mechanisms of accelerated VSMC proliferation may vary by disease, and, thus, the efficacy of an antiproliferative drug will likely be contextual (ie, disease dependent). Understanding the pathways controlling proliferation offers hope for identifying drugs that selectively target proliferating cells. The contribution by Gizard et al in this issue of Circulation Research identifies such a pathway and suggests new therapeutic targets.2 Members of this group expand on their previous work showing that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α activation suppresses G1→S cell cycle progression by increasing the expression of the cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p16INK4a.3 The present study is built on a solid body of knowledge of the cell cycle. Although growth factors are necessary to initiate proliferation in normal cells, cells become independent of these external stimuli during the G1 phase. This “point of no return” is highly regulated by the interaction among cyclins, CDKs, and CDK inhibitors.4 In nonproliferating cells, the …
Enantioselective oxidation of trans-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal is aldehyde dehydrogenase isozyme and Mg2+ dependent

trans-4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) is a cytotoxic alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde implicated in the pathology of multiple diseases involving oxidative damage. Oxidation of HNE by aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) to trans-4-hydroxy-2-nonenoic acid (HNEA) is a major route of metabolism in many organisms. HNE exists as two enantiomers, (R)-HNE and (S)-HNE, and in intact rat brain mitochondria, (R)-HNE is enantioselectively oxidized to HNEA. In this work, we further elucidated the basis of the enantioselective oxidation of HNE by brain mitochondria. Our results showed that (R)-HNE is oxidized enantioselectively by brain mitochondrial lysates with retention of stereoconfiguration of the C4 hydroxyl group. Purified rat ALDH5A enantioselectively oxidized (R)-HNE, whereas rat ALDH2 was not enantioselective. Kinetic data using (R)-HNE, (S)-HNE, and trans-2-nonenal in combination with computer-based modeling of ALDH5A suggest that the selectivity of (R)-HNE oxidation by ALDH5A is the result of the carbonyl carbon of (R)-HNE forming a more favorable Burgi-Duntiz angle with the active site cysteine 293. The presence of Mg2+ ions altered the enantioselectivity of ALDH5A and ALDH2. Mg2+ ions suppressed (R)-HNE oxidation by ALDH5A to a greater extent than that of (S)-HNE. However, Mg2+ ions stimulated the enantioselective oxidation of (R)-HNE by ALDH2 while suppressing (S)-HNE oxidation. These results demonstrate that enantioselective utilization of substrates, including HNE, by ALDHs is dependent upon the ALDH isozyme and the presence of Mg 2+ ions.
Automated detection of prostatic adenocarcinoma from high-resolution ex vivo MRI

Prostatic adenocarcinoma is the most commonly occurring cancer among men in the United States, second only to skin cancer. Currently, the only definitive method to ascertain the presence of prostatic cancer is by trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS) directed biopsy. Owing to the poor image quality of ultrasound, the accuracy of TRUS is only 20%-25%. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to have a higher accuracy of prostate cancer detection compared to ultrasound. Consequently, several researchers have been exploring the use of high resolution MRI in performing prostate biopsies. Visual detection of prostate cancer, however, continues to be difficult owing to its apparent lack of shape, and the fact that several malignant and benign structures have overlapping intensity and texture characteristics. In this paper, we present a fully automated computer-aided detection (CAD) system for detecting prostatic adenocarcinoma from 4 Tesla ex vivo magnetic resonance (MR) imagery of the prostate. After the acquired MR images have been corrected for background inhomogeneity and nonstandardness, novel three-dimensional (3-D) texture features are extracted from the 3-D MRI scene. A Bayesian classifier then assigns each image voxel a "likelihood" of malignancy for each feature independently. The "likelihood" images generated in this fashion are then combined using an optimally weighted feature combination scheme. Quantitative evaluation was performed by comparing the CAD results with the manually ascertained ground truth for the tumor on the MRI. The tumor labels on the MR slices were determined manually by an expert by visually registering the MR slices with the corresponding regions on the histology slices. We evaluated our CAD system on a total of 33 two-dimensional (2-D) MR slices from five different 3-D MR prostate studies. Five slices from two different glands were used for training. Our feature combination scheme was found to outperform the individual texture features, and also other popularly used feature combination methods, including AdaBoost, ensemble averaging, and majority voting. Further, in several instances our CAD system performed better than the experts in terms of accuracy, the expert segmentations being determined solely from visual inspection of the MRI data. In addition, the intrasystem variability (changes in CAD accuracy with changes in values of system parameters) was significantly lower than the corresponding intraobserver and interobserver variability. CAD performance was found to be very similar for different training sets. Future work will focus on extending the methodology to guide high-resolution MRI-assisted in vivo prostate biopsies.
Mechanical characteristics of various tempers of as-received cobalt-chromium archwires.

Abstract The mechanical characteristics of 24 of the 36 wire cross-sectional configurations were investigated in the as-received state from among the 4 tempers of a cobalt-chromium product. After engineering mechanics were used to validate the efficacy of the span combinations, each wire was measured in flexure to determine its elastic modulus and in tension to determine its yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and ductility. Other combined characteristics were evaluated, including flexibility, resilience, and the yield strength criterion. In these as-received materials the formability sometimes followed expectations, but the flexibility and resilience characteristics were variable and independent of temper. And although the elastic modulus was independent of testing parameters, it was affected by the loss of material at the corners of rectangular wires. Overall, the stiffnesses of cobalt-chromium wires in round configurations were comparable to those of multi- and single-stranded stainless steel wires but were 3 and 6 times greater than the stiffnesses of beta-titanium and nickel-titanium wires, respectively. In the final analysis, these as-received wires do not meet their potential as a variably formable and variably resilient alternative to stainless steel. Perhaps this is why cobalt-chromium wires have never had the impact on the profession that was expected from them several years ago. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2001;119:274-91)
A noninvasive technique for detecting hypernasal speech using a nonlinear operator

Speakers with a defective velopharyngeal mechanism produce speech with inappropriate nasal resonance (hypernasal speech). It is of clinical interest to detect hypernasality as it is indicative of an anatomical, neurological, or peripheral nervous system problem. There are various clinical techniques used to determine hypernasality. The current techniques are physically invasive or intrusive to some extent. A preferred approach for detecting hypernasality, would be noninvasive to maximize patient comfort and naturalness of speaking. In this study, a noninvasive technique based on the Teager Energy operator is proposed. Utilizing a property of the Teager Energy operator and a model for normal and nasalized speech, a significant difference between the Teager Energy profile for lowpass and bandpass filtered nasalized speech is shown. This difference is shown to be nonexistent for normal speech. A classification algorithm is formulated that detects the presence of hypernasality using a measure of the difference in the Teager Energy profiles. The classification algorithm was evaluated using a native English speaker population producing front (/i/) and mid (/A/) vowels. Results show that the presence of hypernasality in speech can be reliably detected using the proposed classification algorithm.
A direct analysis of photonic nanostructures

We present a method for directly analyzing photonic nano-devices and apply it to photonic crystal cavities. Two-dimensional photonic crystals are scanned and reproduced in computer memory for Finite Difference Time Domain simuations. The results closely match experimental observations, with a fidelity far beyond that for idealized structures. This analysis allows close examination of error mechanisms and analytical error models.
Thermomechanical Mismatch in Ceramic‐Fiber‐Reinforced Glass‐Ceramic Composites

The thermomechanical relationship between mullite and a lithium aluminosilicate (LAS) glass-ceramic has been studied by a technique of bimaterial dilatometry. The viscoelastic behavior of LAS was found to result in a temperature Trvsl below the glass-transformation temperature Tg at which the interfacial stresses between the materials undergo a reversal in sign. The effect of Trvsl on the high-temperature mechanical properties of mullite or SiC fiber-reinforced glass-ceramic composites is discussed. It is suggested that fiber clamping by the matrix at temperatures between Trvsl and Tg contributes to the brittle, high-temperature behavior of such composites.
Demonstration of SAR Distortion Correction Using a Ground-Based Multichannel SAR Test Bed

In this paper, a ground-based phased-array radar is used to investigate the ability of a multichannel synthetic aperture radar (MSAR) to produce high-fidelity images of dynamic ocean scenes by correcting the distortions caused by the motion of the water surface itself. The ground-based system, the Naval Research Laboratory Focused Phased Array Imaging Radar (FOPAIR), mimics an MSAR with multiple apertures arrayed in the flight direction by rapidly and repeatedly scanning across a linear array of 64 antenna elements. This generates a virtually unlimited time stack of coherent images in the same way that an airborne MSAR generates multiple images as the antennas fly past the scene. By manipulating a single FOPAIR data set, both undistorted “benchmark” imagery and distorted images corresponding to an airborne MSAR can be generated. More significantly, the time stack of emulated MSAR images can be processed further using the velocity synthetic aperture radar (VSAR) technique to significantly reduce the well-known but seemingly unavoidable distortions caused by surface wave motion. In this paper, VSAR is demonstrated experimentally for the first time using FOPAIR imagery of a small boat. MSAR systems with a wide range of aperture numbers are emulated, including the special case of a two-aperture system, commonly known as an along-track interferometric SAR. The results emphasize that VSAR processing does not require a long surface coherence time to produce fine-resolution imagery, unlike a single-channel SAR. The results also illustrate some limitations of VSAR as a means to measure velocity and produce high-fidelity imagery of dynamic ocean scenes.
A hybrid modelling framework to simulate disaster response decisions

Computer simulations are designed to imitate detailed system operations. They are utilised to evaluate system performance, predict future behaviour, or compare various policy alternatives. Two main streams exist in current simulation research and practise: discrete event simulation (DES) and agent-based simulation (ABS). This paper describes a unique simulation modelling scheme to combine DES and ABS on one integrated platform in order to take advantages of and eliminate the disadvantages of both methods. The hybrid simulation system was designed and developed to study various disaster response problems. Its successful modelling of a major US city proves the capability of the hybrid method for constructing efficient, flexible large-scale simulations.
STATE OF THE ART AND RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES IN TRAVEL DEMAND: ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE

The objective of this brief paper is to extend and enhance the state-of-the-art review and discussion of research opportunities in travel demand analysis prepared by Horowitz. The paper is organized as follows. First, a brief overview is presented of the state of the art in one stream of travel demand analysis research; namely, the activity-based approach. Second, a number of research opportunities and needs in travel demand analysis are identified and discussed. Third, data needs for advancing the state of the art in travel demand analysis are examined. Fourth, some concluding thoughts are presented. For paper by Horowitz see IRRD 287445.
An Ethics of NatureCulture and Creation: Donna Haraway's Cyborg Ethics as a Resource for Ecotheology

This essay first explores the postmodern, ecofeminist ethics emerging from Donna Haraway’s analysis of non-dualistic cyborg reality. It then argues that this perspective has many similarities with and much to teach to ecotheological ethics. I conclude with three ideas which I believe Haraway’s thought can contribute to the development of an environmental ethics in the Christian tradition: a clear and importantly complex picture of our world’s particular moral challenges, a modest approach to developing solutions to these challenges, and an emphasis on making explicit the problematic and destructive tendencies of the traditions within which we work.
Using expert knowledge in solving the seismic inverse problem

In this talk, we analyze how expert knowledge can be used in solving the seismic inverse problem. To determine the geophysical structure of a region, we measure seismic travel times and reconstruct velocities at different depths from this data. There are several algorithms for solving this inverse problem.
Effect of Age and Neurovascular Grafting on the Mechanical Function of Medial Gastrocnemius Muscles of Fischer 344 Rats

Both aging and grafting of whole skeletal muscle are associated with decreased specific force and resistance to fatigue. This study tested the hypothesis that the recovery of mechanical function in nerve-repair skeletal muscle grafts in senescent rats would be impaired compared with recovery in similar grafts in younger animals. Following a 120-day recovery period, the contractile properties of grafted medial gastrocnemius (MGN) muscles from young-mature (6 months), middle-aged (12 months), and senescent (24 months) Fischer 344 rats were measured and compared to age-matched controls. Although there was full recovery of muscle mass, grafting and aging alone both were associated with diminished maximum twitch and tetanic tension, maximum power, and maximum sustained power. In addition, the deleterious effect of grafting on maximum tetanic tension, specific force, and sustained power of MGN muscle was significantly greater in old animals. These findings suggest that aging limits full recovery of the quality of muscle contractions from the nerve-repair grafting procedure, possibly due to an age-related impairment of reinnervation.
Formation of the non-functional and functional pools of granule cells in the dentate gyrus: role of neurogenesis, LTP and LTD

Some aspects of the function of the dentate gyrus (DG) and CA3 regions of the hippocampus are beginning to be understood, notably the way that grid cell inputs from the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) are processed to form place cells in the dentate/CA3. However, one aspect of DG function remains very puzzling: more than 95% of the cells do not fire in any environment. Here, I propose a possible explanation for these non-functional cells. Because of the competition mediated by feedback inhibition, only the most excited DG cells fire. Cells that do not spike nevertheless receive excitatory input from the grid cells of the MEC (these cells fire nearly continuously because they represent a property (space) that is always being processed). Experiments suggest that synapses on such cells will undergo long-term depression (LTD). Cells that have their synapses weakened in this way are less likely to be winners in subsequent competitions. There may thus be a downward spiral in which losers eventually have no chance of winning and thus become non-functional. On the other hand, cells that fire get stronger synapses, making them more likely to be subsequent winners. Because the long-term potentiation (LTP) in these cells balances ongoing LTD, these cells will be relatively stable members of the functional pool. Although these pools are relatively stable, there will nevertheless be some chance that LTD converts a functional cell to a non-functional one; in contrast, the probability of a reverse transition is near zero. Thus, without additional processes, there would be a slow reduction in the size of the functional pool. I suggest that the ongoing generation of new cells by neurogenesis may be a solution to this problem. These cells are highly excitable and may thus win the competition to fire. In this way, the functional pool will be replenished. To test this and other theories about the DG requires an understanding of the role of the DG in memory. Recent experimental and theoretical work is providing a better understanding of the unique memory functions of the DG/CA3 unit. This will provide a behavioural framework for testing the ideas proposed here.
LARVAL DEVELOPMENT OF FALL ARMYWORM (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) ON DIFFERENT COVER CROP PLANTS

Abstract A series of laboratory and field experiments were conducted to compare larval development, feeding behavior, and ovipositional preference of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) on a standard host plant, a standard cover crop plant, and two candidate cover crop plants. The results indicate that larvae from different rearing cultures and host strains developed comparably on corn and sorghum-sudangrass, but generally developed poorly on cowpeas and sunnhemp. Larval and ovipositional experiments also suggested a preference for either corn or sorghum-sudangrass. Field plantings of cowpeas and sunnhemp in two locations were ignored by fall armyworm in favor of corn. These studies suggest that cowpeas and sunnhemp have the potential to reduce stepping stone nursery populations of fall armyworm by lengthening developmental time and increasing larval mortality.
Incidental Finding of a Left Atrial Myxoma During Emergency Surgery for Thoracic Aortic Dissection

HE INCREASED USE of perioperative transesophageal echocardiography in cardiac surgery has resulted in the discovery of unexpected and previously undiagnosed findings. It has been reported that the incidence of abnormal findings in patients undergoing transesophageal echocardiography is approximately 11% and includes patent foramen ovale, simultaneous valvular abnormalities, and cardiac masses. 1 The authors believe that this was the first case report of the management of incidental finding of a left atrial mass during the transesophageal echocardiography examination of a patient who was undergoing emergency repair of a type-A aortic dissection. Unexpected findings on intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography may be difficult findings with which to deal in the setting of emergency surgery, especially when the patient is otherwise asymptomatic and the mass is an incidental finding. While it may seem straightforward to remove a small but potentially harmful intracardiac mass, there are inherent risks with the procedure due to the additional effort, time, and complication rate. Moreover, there are no randomized, controlled clinical trials to guide the decision as to whether the incidental atrial myxoma should be removed in these patients. In this case, the finding of a large atrial mass altered the surgical plan in a positive way and directly impacted the longterm outcome for the authors’ patient. CASE PRESENTATION
Scheduling for compute and forward networks

Interference is a consequence of the broadcast nature of wireless communications. Compute and forward (CoF) leverages interfering signals to retrieve relevant information from concurrent transmissions. For a network where nodes must empty a queue in minimum time the use of CF can outperform a traditional TDMA approach. We analyze the impact of compute and forward in minimizing the time to empty a wireless network. While a Linear Programing formulation is available, the minimization problem remains NP-hard. We propose two 2-Set strategies of distinct computational complexity and performance. Our strategies are evaluated against TDMA, the optimal solution, and alternative heuristics.
Emergence of the default-mode network from resting-state to activation-state in reciprocal social interaction via eye contact

The default-mode network has been identified as a resting state BOLD response that is often associated with self-referential or sensory task-passive processes. Many recent studies reveal that this vaguely defined network often plays an essential role in many pervasive mental diseases. By taking advantage of the recent development of dyadic fMRI, this study presents the initial experimental evidence that the default-mode network emerges from resting-state to activation-state in social interaction during live eye contact. Moreover, by comparing the BOLD responses between dyadic fMRI and monadic fMRI, it suggests that live eye contact excites empathy networks in the exogenous system which further activates the default mode network in endogenous system; whereas seeing eyes in face pictures activates completely different brain responses in which the default-mode network remains in resting-state.
Evaluation of Bimanual Stretched String Control of Haptic Workspace Mapping for Virtual Assembly

Kinesthetic haptic devices due to their typically small workspaces have limitations to their reach in virtual environments. In order to overcome this limitation a new interaction technique ‘Bimanual Stretched String Control of Haptic Workspace Mapping’ (BS-SCHWM) is developed using a unique combination of spatial interaction devices; namely a kinesthetic haptic device (Phantom Omni®) and a magnetically tracked device (Razer Hydra) each held in one of the user hands. The technique is implemented in the domain of virtual assembly. The virtual assembly simulation implemented in this research is based on physically based modeling approach using Voxmap PointShell library. Immersive stereo vision and spatial interaction devices enable natural interactions with the CAD models within the virtual assembly environment. The BS-SCHWM technique uses scene motion to map the haptic device workspace to different parts of the scene and provides means of controlling the direction and speed of scene motion. A bimanual cursor helps the user in visualizing the bimanual interaction paradigm. The facility of transporting objects using the technique is implemented. Schemes of measuring task completion and metrics for analyzing the interaction characteristics are designed. A preliminary evaluation of the BS-SCHWM technique with comparative analysis of its characteristics with an existing unimanual technique of haptic workspace expansion was achieved by conducting a within subject user study experiment. Participants were screened for normal visual acuity, stereopsis and manual dexterity. Analysis of the generated data provide good indicators for evaluation of hypotheses regarding participant performance, ease of use, hand motion and intuitiveness.© 2013 ASME
Mechanism of chloroquine transport in the isolated retina.

The feasibility of using the isolated rat retina to study transport processes was ascertained. The incubated tissue was characterized by a constant extracellular space, high steady-state levels of energy reserves, and high ratio of cellular K + to Na + . The mediated transport system for chloroquine was experimentally resolved from total drug uptake and was distinguished from the nonsaturable uptake component as well as from tissue binding. The saturable uptake process had an apparent K m and V max of 2.4 mM and 8 nmoles/mg, dry weight, per minute, and resulted in retinal accumulation of chloroquine relative to its concentration in the medium. The uptake was independent of monovalent cations and displayed a Q 10 of 1.62. Metabolic inhibitors and ouabain strongly enhanced the rate of chloroquine uptake. Exposure of the retina to these substances abolished the characteristics of the saturable transport system and resulted in drug uptake by a markedly stimulated, nonmediated process, apparently because of increased permeability of the plasma membrane. The saturable uptake increased at high pH, the data indicating an uncharged form of the drug during transport. Both uptake and exodus of chloroquine displayed the phenomenon of countertransport. Cellular disruption altered the sensitivity of uptake to temperature and pH, and abolished drug accumulation as well as countertransport. Quinacrine, amphetamine, and cocaine, but not biogenic amines, competitively inhibited the uptake of chloroquine and transaccelerated its transport. The results provide evidence for the existence in the retina of a mediated transport system for drugs structurally related to basic amines.
QA Q&A Corner

Several misconceptions prevail regarding what constitutes “quality” and a “quality program.” When designing a quality program, one must distinguish between quality, quality system, and compliance. These terms are used pervasively throughout the clinical research arena, and they are often erroneously used interchangeably. Editor’s Note: For this issue, the usual author of this column, Michael R. Hamrell, PhD, RAC, RQAP-GCP, CCRA, is pleased to present Dr. Walters-Herring, a professor and expert compliance consultant in clinical research, as an invited contributor to address the role and importance of quality programs in clinical research.
Electrochemistry of the inclusion complexes formed between the cucurbit [7]uril host and several cationic and neutral ferrocene derivatives

We have investigated the formation of inclusion complexes between the host cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) and three cationic and four neutral ferrocene-containing guests: (ferrocenylmethyl)trimethylammonium (2+), butyl(ferrocenylmethyl)-dimethylammonium (3+), (ferrocenylmethyl)heptyldimethylammonium (4+), hydroxymethylferrocene (5), (((methoxy)-ethoxy)ethoxy)methylferrocene (6), 1,1′-di(hydroxymethyl)ferrocene (7), and 1,1’-di((((methoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)methyl)ferrocene (8). The formation of highly stable inclusion complexes (K > 107 M−1) was verified in all cases using NMR spectroscopic techniques. From cyclic voltammetric experiments, we observed that CB7 complexation of the cationic guests (2+−4+) leads to significant anodic shifts on the ferrocene oxidation half-wave potentials, while the measured potential shifts were smaller in the case of the neutral guests (5−8). Encapsulation of all guests resulted in a substantial decrease of the standard rate constant for heterogeneous electron transfer. However, inclusio...
Abstract 3008: Preclinical characterization of AMG 900, a pan-aurora kinase inhibitor, alone and in combination with taxanes in ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND: Aurora kinases (AK) A and B play essential roles in multiple stages of mitosis and are frequently overexpressed in a subset of human cancers, including ovarian cancer (OC). AMG 900, a potent and highly selective small molecule inhibitor of AKs, showed promising single-agent activity in heavily pretreated patients with advanced OC in a Phase 1b clinical trial. In this study, we report the preclinical effects of AMG 900 in a panel of well-characterized human cancer cell lines representing clinically-relevant OC subtypes. METHODS: The anti-proliferative effects of AMG 900 were evaluated using a 5-day cell count assay. Cell lines were classified as sensitive to AMG 900 when lethality was > 15% at 10 nM. Molecular markers were profiled including TP53 mutation status, AURKA, CCNE1, MYC copy number, and p53, p21 and cyclin E1 protein by reverse phase protein array. Flow cytometry and imaging methods were used to evaluate the mechanism of action of AMG 900 alone and in combination with chemotherapy. The combination of AMG 900 plus docetaxel was evaluated in an IGROV-1 ovarian endometrioid carcinoma xenograft model. RESULTS: One third of the cell lines (11 of 35) were classified as sensitive to AMG 900 and showed enrichment for TP53 mutations and serous OC subtype. However, 10 of 24 resistant cell lines harbored TP53 mutations, indicating that TP53 mutational status alone was not sufficient for predicting AMG 900 sensitivity. Inhibition of AK activity by AMG 900 in OC cells resulted in aborted cell division leading to polyploidy and cell death (suggestive of aurora-B dominant phenotype). Re-plating of remnant cells after AMG 900 treatment showed an attenuation of cell regrowth, where TP53 mut IGROV-1 cells showed minimal regrowth compared to TP53 wt OVCAR-5 cells. AMG 900 inhibited proliferation at low nanomolar concentrations in the majority of OC cell lines and enhanced the effects of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and doxorubicin in IGROV-1 cells. In tumor-bearing mice, administration of AMG 900 at 7.5 mg/kg (PO) for two days per week or docetaxel at 10 mg/kg (IP) weekly for four cycles significantly inhibited the growth of IGROV-1 tumor xenografts (P Citation Format: Ondrej Kalous, Dylan Conklin, Kanthinh Manivong, William Wayne, Kelly Hanestad, Jude Canon, Robert Loberg, Gregory Friberg, Erick Gamelin, Florian D. Vogl, Gloria Juan, Angela Coxon, Dennis Slamon, Richard Finn, Marc Payton. Preclinical characterization of AMG 900, a pan-aurora kinase inhibitor, alone and in combination with taxanes in ovarian cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3008.
How Period Data Influence the Estimates of Recently Arrived Immigrants in the American Community Survey

The American Community Survey (ACS) includes a “year-of-entry” question that asks the foreign born when they came “to live in the United States.” Researchers have used these data to analyze “recent” immigrants — usually defined as arriving within the last five to 10 years — noting that the number of new arrivals is considerably lower than those who arrived in prior years and suggesting the size of the recent immigrant population may be underestimated. This paper shows the primary cause of the lower-than-expected estimates to be the ACS data collection methodology, which causes an inherent downward bias in survey-year arrivals.
Palladium-Catalyzed Transformations of Alkyl C-H Bonds.

This Review summarizes the advancements in Pd-catalyzed C(sp3)–H activation via various redox manifolds, including Pd(0)/Pd(II), Pd(II)/Pd(IV), and Pd(II)/Pd(0). While few examples have been reported in the activation of alkane C–H bonds, many C(sp3)–H activation/C–C and C–heteroatom bond forming reactions have been developed by the use of directing group strategies to control regioselectivity and build structural patterns for synthetic chemistry. A number of mono- and bidentate ligands have also proven to be effective for accelerating C(sp3)–H activation directed by weakly coordinating auxiliaries, which provides great opportunities to control reactivity and selectivity (including enantioselectivity) in Pd-catalyzed C–H functionalization reactions.
Bridge life-cycle performance and cost: analysis, prediction, optimisation and decision-making

AbstractThe development of a generalised framework for assessing bridge life-cycle performance and cost, with emphasis on analysis, prediction, optimisation and decision-making under uncertainty, is briefly addressed. The central issue underlying the importance of the life-cycle approach to bridge engineering is the need for a rational basis for making informed decisions regarding design, construction, inspection, monitoring, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, replacement and management of bridges under uncertainty which is carried out by using multi-objective optimisation procedures that balance conflicting criteria such as performance and cost. A number of significant developments are summarised, including time-variant reliability, risk, resilience, and sustainability of bridges, bridge transportation networks and interdependent infrastructure systems. Furthermore, the effects of climate change on the probabilistic life-cycle performance assessment of highway bridges are addressed. Moreover, integrati...
Strategies for Genome Repair in Normal and Leukemic Stem Cells

Abstract SCI-41 Blood development is organized hierarchically, starting with a rare but well-defined population of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) that give rise to a series of committed progenitors and mature cells with exclusive functional and immunophenotypic properties. HSC are the only cells within the hematopoietic system that self-renew for life, whereas other hematopoietic cells are short-lived and committed to the transient production of mature blood cells. Under steady-state conditions, HSC are a largely quiescent, slowly cycling cell population that, in response to environmental cues, is capable of dramatic expansion and contraction to ensure proper homeostatic replacement of all blood cells. While considerable work has deciphered the molecular networks controlling HSC activity, still little is known about how these mechanisms are integrated at the cellular level to ensure life-long maintenance of a functional HSC compartment. HSC reside in hypoxic niches in the bone marrow microenvironment, and are mostly kept quiescent in order to minimize stress and the potential for damage associated with cellular respiration and cell division. Recently, we have shown that HSC can also engage specialized response mechanisms that protect them from the killing effect of environmental stresses such as ionizing radiation (IR). We demonstrated that long-lived HSC, in contrast to short-lived myeloid progenitors, have enhanced expression of pro-survival members of the bcl2 gene family and robust induction of p53-mediated DNA damage response, which ensures their specific survival and repair following IR exposure. We reasoned that HSC have other unique protective features, which allow them to contend with a variety of cellular insults and damaged cellular components while maintaining their lifelong functionality and genomic integrity. We will present some of our recent findings on the fundamental mechanisms of stress-response that preserve HSC fitness during periods of metabolic stress, and allow for survival and repair following environmental stress associated with DNA damaging agents. It is now clear that oncogenic insults in diseases such as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) can transform HSC and dramatically alter their biological functions leading to the emergence of leukemia-initiating stem cells (LSC), which are left untouched by most current therapies and can thereby mediate disease relapse. We will also discuss how transformed HSC may take advantage of some deregulated features of these normal stress-response mechanisms to escape therapeutic killing. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Anwendung digitaler Menschsimulationen im Rahmen der Planung und kontinuierlichen Verbesserung von Arbeitsplätzen in der Automobilindustrie

Der Beitrag beschreibt die Einbindung von Simulationswerkzeugen zur virtuellen Ergonomie-Absicherung im Produkt-Entstehungs- und Herstellungsprozess der Automobilindustrie. Dazu werden die Herausforderungen bei der Auswahl und Einbindung neuartiger, spezialisierter Software-Werkzeuge in die bestehenden Prozess-Landschaften der Unternehmen skizziert. Anhand dreier Praxisbeispiele wird abschliesend die Umsetzung der virtuellen Ergonomie in der Motorenherstellung vorgestellt. Die gewahlten Szenarien umfassen den Vergleich von Gestaltungsalternativen sowie die Mensch-Mensch- und Mensch-Roboter-Kooperation. Sie bieten damit einen Einblick in aktuelle Tatigkeiten zur kontinuierlichen Verbesserung der Gestaltung menschgerechter Arbeitsplatze durch den Einsatz von Modellen, Methoden und Werkzeugen virtueller Ergonomie.
Pneumocystis-Driven Inducible Bronchus-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Formation Requires Th2 and Th17 Immunity.

Inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (iBALT) is an ectopic lymphoid structure composed of highly organized T cell and B cell zones that forms in the lung in response to infectious or inflammatory stimuli. Here, we develop a model for fungal-mediated iBALT formation, using infection with Pneumocystis that induces development of pulmonary lymphoid follicles. Pneumocystis-dependent iBALT structure formation and organization required CXCL13 signaling. Cxcl13 expression was regulated by interleukin (IL)-17 family members, as Il17ra-/-, Il17rb-/-, and Il17rc-/- mice failed to develop iBALT. Interestingly, Il17rb-/- mice have intact Th17 responses, but failed to generate an anti-Pneumocystis Th2 response. Given a role for Th2 and Th17 immunity in iBALT formation, we demonstrated that primary pulmonary fibroblasts synergistically upregulated Cxcl13 transcription following dual stimulation with IL-13 and IL-17A in a STAT3/GATA3-dependent manner. Together, these findings uncover a role for Th2/Th17 cells in regulating Cxcl13 expression and provide an experimental model for fungal-driven iBALT formation.
SmartLight: Light-weight 3D Indoor Localization Using a Single LED Lamp

Many existing indoor localization systems have achieved applaudable performance through comprehensive modeling of its envisioned working scenario. However their real life deployment are often prohibited by high deployment overhead and performance degradation in dynamic environments. This paper presents SmartLight, a 3D digital indoor localization system based on LED lighting infrastructures. It adopts a novel design philosophy of shifting all the complexity into modifying a single LED lamp and maintaining minimum complexity on the receiver to reduce the hassle on system deployment/calibration. With a single modified LED lamp, the system is capable of localizing a large number of light sensors in a room. The underlying technique is to exploit the light splitting properties of convex lens to create an one-to-one mapping between a location and the set of orthogonal digital light signals receivable at that location. Advanced designs are also introduced to further improve the system accuracy and scalability beyond the hardware capability. In evaluating the design, we build an experimental prototype with a 60hz projector, achieving average localization around 10cm and 90 percentile error of 50cm.