cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thawing permafrost increases old soil and autotrophic respiration in tundra: Partitioning ecosystem respiration using δ13C and ∆14C

Ecosystem respiration (Reco ) is one of the largest terrestrial carbon (C) fluxes. The effect of climate change on Reco depends on the responses of its autotrophic and heterotrophic components. How autotrophic and heterotrophic respiration sources respond to climate change is especially important in ecosystems underlain by permafrost. Permafrost ecosystems contain vast stores of soil C (1672 Pg) and are located in northern latitudes where climate change is accelerated. Warming will cause a positive feedback to climate change if heterotrophic respiration increases without corresponding increases in primary production. We quantified the response of autotrophic and heterotrophic respiration to permafrost thaw across the 2008 and 2009 growing seasons. We partitioned Reco using Δ(14) C and δ(13) C into four sources-two autotrophic (above - and belowground plant structures) and two heterotrophic (young and old soil). We sampled the Δ(14) C and δ(13) C of sources using incubations and the Δ(14) C and δ(13) C of Reco using field measurements. We then used a Bayesian mixing model to solve for the most likely contributions of each source to Reco . Autotrophic respiration ranged from 40 to 70% of Reco and was greatest at the height of the growing season. Old soil heterotrophic respiration ranged from 6 to 18% of Reco and was greatest where permafrost thaw was deepest. Overall, growing season fluxes of autotrophic and old soil heterotrophic respiration increased as permafrost thaw deepened. Areas with greater thaw also had the greatest primary production. Warming in permafrost ecosystems therefore leads to increased plant and old soil respiration that is initially compensated by increased net primary productivity. However, barring large shifts in plant community composition, future increases in old soil respiration will likely outpace productivity, resulting in a positive feedback to climate change.
Update on checkpoint blockade therapy for lymphoma

Although cancer cells express antigens recognizable to the immune system, tumors employ a number of diverse mechanisms aimed at subverting the host anti-tumor immune response. Tumor immune evasion pathways have been most thoroughly studied in solid tumors. However, emerging data has demonstrated that malignancies of hematopoietic origin are also able to co-opt their local environment in order to escape immune attack. Activated T cells upregulate negative costimulatory receptors, such as programmed death-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4). Engagement of PD-1 or CTLA-4 with ligands expressed on tumor cells or professional antigen presenting cells results in down-regulation of effector T cell function and represents a potent mechanism of immune evasion across a number of human cancers. Antibodies which block PD-1 / PD-L1 interactions have demonstrated remarkable activity in a number of solid tumor subtypes. Interestingly, recent data have demonstrated that in select subtypes of Hodgkin (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), the PD-1 ligands are over-expressed due to a genetic amplification of the loci encoding them. Other mechanisms of PD-L1 over-expression in lymphoma have also been elucidated. Reports from early-phase clinical trials of PD-1 blockade have demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in HL, and also appear active against some NHLs. We review the mechanisms of PD-L1 expression in lymphoma and also the early results of anti-PD-1 therapy in this disease.
Distributed dynamic channel allocation in mobile networks: combining search and update

Distributed dynamic channel allocation techniques are becoming important with the tremendous growth in mobile cellular communication and demand for wireless multimedia applications. These techniques can be categorized as search based or update based. Search based techniques have low messaging complexity and are suited for high system load and low request rates. On the other hand update based schemes have higher messaging complexity but are more suitable for low system load and high request rates. This paper presents a combined scheme, called UpdateSearch, which provides the advantages of both types of schemes. UpdateSearch is parameterized by the number of channel classes k, 1/spl les/k/spl les/n, where n is the total number of channels in the system. The parameter k can be adjusted to control the number of concurrent searches and degree of contention between cells competing for channels in the system. For k=1 and k=n the scheme respectively behaves as basic search and basic update scheme. A simple analytical model is used to compare the performance of UpdateSearch for various values of k with the basic update and search techniques in terms of channel allocation time and number of simultaneous channel selections allowed in the system under different system loading conditions.
Unraveling the Mystery of Cognitive Changes in Old Age: Correlation of Neuropsychological Evaluation With Neuropathological Findings in the Extreme Old

In order to understand what cognitive changes can be expected with aging versus those caused by disease, the New England Centenarian Study examined correlations between neuropsychological evaluation and neuropathological studies of centenarian subjects. Sixty-nine subjects were administered an extensive neuropsychological test battery designed for centenarians. Six brain donors from this group have subsequently died, and neuropathological studies of their brains have been performed to determine the presence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other pathological states. Of these six centenarians, three subjects had Clinical Dementia Rating scores of 0 and no dementia on neuropsychological testing, and subsequent neuropathology showed very limited AD changes. In fact, despite a range of neuropsychological findings, none of the subjects in this series met neuropathological criteria for a diagnosis of definite AD. Findings suggest that dementia is not inevitable with aging and that dementia in this age group is surprisingly often not attributable to AD.
CUPULOCRINUS ANGUSTATUS (MEEK AND WORTHEN, 1870), A CLADID CRINOID FROM THE UPPER ORDOVICIAN MAQUOKETA FORMATION OF THE NORTHERN MIDCONTINENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Cupulocrinus angustatus (Meek and Worthen, 1870) is common and widely distributed in the Maquoketa Formation of the northern midcontinent of the United States, and specimens are known from the Isotelus and Vogdesia Zones of the Elgin, the Clermont, Fort Atkinson, and Brainard Members. Cluster significance tests indicate that crinoids from all stratigraphic horizons are conspecific. The most numerous primibrachs are located in the A and B rays, whereas the C ray exhibits the fewest plates. The largest and smallest numbers of secundibrachs occur in the B and C rays, respectively. The number of brachs is independent of stratigraphic position and the size of the crinoids. Correlation coefficients for the numbers of brachs demonstrate that the arms are divided into two overlapping and covarying levels: the proximal arms from the primibrachs to tertibrachs, and distal arms ranging from the tertibrachs to quintibrachs. Growth of the aboral cup is generally isometric or roughly so. Conversely, the width:height ratios of brachs typically increase in progressively larger individuals. Similarly, most deposition of calcite on the columnals affects their width rather than height. The correlations for the aboral cup and its plates generally exceed those of brachs and stem plates. The contrasts in allometry and integration and coordination between the aboral cup versus the brachs and column are attributed to differences in basic geometry and developmental constraints. Similar patterns are seen in other Paleozoic and perhaps all or most crinoids.
Shock-induced mobilization of metal and sulfide in planetesimals: Evidence from the Buck Mountains 005 (L6 S4) dike-bearing chondrite

The conditions under which metal cores formed in silicate-metal planetary bodies in the early Solar System are poorly known. We studied the Buck Mountains 005 (L6) chondrite with serial sectioning, X-ray computed microtomography, and optical and electron microscopy to better understand how metal and troilite were redistributed as a result of a moderately strong (shock stage S4) shock event, as an example of how collisional processes could have contributed to differentiation. The chondrite was recovered on Earth in multiple small pieces, some of which have a prominent, 1.5–3 mm wide holocrystalline shock melt dike that forms a jointed, sheet-like structure, as well as an associated shock vein network. The data suggest that metal and troilite within the dike were melted, sheared, and transported as small parcels of melt, with metal moving out of the dike and along branching veins to become deposited as coarser nodules and veins within largely unmelted host. Troilite also mobilized but partly separated from metal to become embedded as finer-grained particles, vein networks, and emulsions intimately intergrown with silicates. Rock textures and metal compositions imply that shock melts cooled rapidly against relatively cool parent body materials, but that low-temperature annealing occurred by deep burial within the parent body. Our results demonstrate the ability of shock processes to create larger metal accumulations in substantially unmelted meteorite parent bodies, and they have implications for the formation of iron meteorites and for core formation within colliding planetesimals.
Civil Mediation: Which Cases Will Settle?

This article summarizes the findings of an empirical study that examined mediation outcomes and the time and cost of resolution in general jurisdiction civil cases. The study also examined the relationship between settlement and various case, party, mediator, and program characteristics. Almost half of mediated cases settled, and a substantial number of additional cases made progress toward settlement. Cases that settled in mediation were resolved more quickly, and attorneys reported greater cost savings. The characteristics that had the strongest relationship with an increased likelihood of settlement were the lack of disparity in parties' initial positions, the attorney's greater cooperation during mediation, and the mediator's recommending a settlement or evaluating the case.
Cotzumalguapa, una ciudad del Clásico

Gruesas capas de suelos ocultan a la vista los restos arquitectonicos de Cotzumalguapa, ciudad del Clasico, con excepcion de los mas prominentes, que se concentran en tres conjuntos: El Baul, El Castillo y Bilbao. Tambien yacen ocultas las calzadas que comunicaban entre si estos conjuntos, que se extendian hacia los sectores habitacionales aledanos y formaban una compleja red de vias de comunicacion.
Capillary Electrophoresis for Diastereomers of (R,S)-Tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-Carboxylic Acid Derivatized with (R)-4-Nitro-7-(3-Aminopyrrolidin-1-yl)-2,1,3-Benzoxadiazole: Effect of Molecular Geometries

Diastereomers derived from (R,S)-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Tic), a potential neurotoxin with a chiral fluorescence tagging reagent, (R)-4-nitro-7-(3-aminopyrrolidin-1-yl)-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (NBD-APy), are well resolved by capillary electrophoresis (CE). For a better understanding of the separation mechanism, a semiempirical computational method (i.e., AM1 method) is used to study the molecular geometry, relative energy, and size of the derivatives. The molecular sizes are estimated to be 216.3 and 240.6 cm3/mol for (R)-NBD-APy-(R)-Tic and (R)-NBD-APy-(S)-Tic, respectively. The CE elution order of the diastereomeric derivatives confirms the AM1 computational results: (R)-NBD-APy-(R)-Tic elutes before (R)-NBD-APy-(S)-Tic. The effects of running buffer pH and the addition of a chiral selector, beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD), on the separation are studied. In the presence of beta-CD, the migration behavior of the diastereomers is changed because of the formation of CD inclusion complexes. Study of the space-filling models for optimized conformations of the diastereomeric derivatives and beta-CD suggests that the geometries of the diastereomers decides that the diastereomers are incorporated into the CD cavity to form CD inclusion complexes with different volumes. Experimental results from CE separations conclude the same.
Blockade of epinephrine-induced decrement in activity by scopolamine

Injection of epinephrine reduced motor activity. This effect is prevented by scopolamine, but not by methyl scopolamine. The reduction in motor activity may thus be due to a centrally mediated “rebound” of para sympathetic activity.
Evolution of 13- and 17-Year Periodical Cicadas (Homoptera: Cicadidae: Magicicada)

Periodical cicadas have been of interest to biologists since they were first described in the scientific literature more than 300 years ago (Oldenburg 1666). Their appeal has to do with their unique prime-numbered life cycle and their rare but recklessly theatrical appearances by the millions—large, noisy, black bugs with bright red eyes and orange legs and wing veins.
Positive media portrayals of obese persons: impact on attitudes and image preferences.

Objective: The purpose of this research was to assess the impact of nonstereotypical, positive media portrayals of obese persons on biased attitudes, as well as propose a change in media practices that could reduce public weight bias and consequent negative health outcomes for those who experience weight stigma. Method: Two online experiments were conducted in which participants viewed either a stigmatizing or a positive photograph of an obese model. In Experiment 1 (N 146), participants viewed a photograph of either a Caucasian or African American obese woman; in Experiment 2 (N 145), participants viewed either a Caucasian male or female obese model. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze outcomes for social distance attitudes toward the obese models depicted in the images, in addition to other negative attitudes and image preferences. Results: Participants who viewed the stigmatizing images endorsed stronger social distance attitudes and more negative attitudes toward obese persons than participants who viewed the positive images, and there was a stronger preference for the positive images than the stigmatizing images. These results were consistent regardless of the race or gender of the obese model pictured. Conclusion: The findings indicate that more positive media portrayals of obese individuals may help reduce weight stigma and its associated negative health outcomes.
Predictors of Tic Severity in Post-Childhood Tourette Syndrome: Age-Gender Interaction and Comorbidities (I15.013)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate age, gender and clinical comorbidities as predictors of tic severity in post-childhood Tourette Syndrome (TS). BACKGROUND: Clinical predictors of tic severity may change across the TS lifespan. METHODS: 75 adult TS subjects with a well-documented juvenile and adult clinical course were rated with the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS), Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), and CGI scales. The Center for Addiction and Mental Health Concurrent Disorders Screener was used to assess comorbidities. RESULTS: In adolescence, 30[percnt] of females but only 11[percnt] of males showed no/minimal overall TS impairment (YGTSS: TS-IMP). After adolescence, TS-IMP was more likely to improve in males and worsen in females (p = 0.0017). The latest age of severe tics was 27.1 +/- 12.9 yrs in females and 19.3 +/- 12.3 yrs in males (p = 0.009). The YGTSS global severity score, TS-IMP and motor tic interference were all significantly greater in adult females than males. In a stepwise regression model, the change between juvenile and adult TS-IMP was predicted best by juvenile YGTSS global score and gender, and secondarily by rage attacks and adolescent OCD (R Sq = 0.507). Adult TS-IMP was predicted best by gender and comorbid anxiety/panic disorder, and secondarily by rage attacks, Y-BOCS score and severe self-injurious behaviors (SIB) (R Sq =0.383). CONCLUSIONS:(1) Counter-intuitively, greater juvenile tic severity is the best predictor of tic improvement in adulthood, reflecting the earlier maximum tic expression in TS males; (2) Female gender strongly predicts worsening of TS-IMP after adolescence and contributes importantly to the variance in adult TS-IMP, women displaying peak tic severity later in life; (3) Psychiatric comorbidities, especially anxiety/panic disorder, rage attacks, OCD and severe SIB also predict greater TS-IMP across the life span; (4) Commonly assessed clinical variables fail to explain much of adult tic severity variance. Disclosure: Dr. Lichter has nothing to disclose. Dr. Finnegan has nothing to disclose.
Basic fibroblast growth factor promotes the proliferation of human megakaryocyte progenitor cells

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a multifunctional growth factor produced by bone marrow stromal cells, is known to be a potent modulator of hematopoiesis. Because bFGF is present in both human megakaryocytes (MKs) and platelets, we have hypothesized that this growth factor might affect human megakaryocytopoiesis. To test this hypothesis, either low density bone marrow (BM) cells (LDBM), a human BM subpopulation (CD34+ DR+) enriched for the colony-forming unit megakaryocyte (CFU-MK) or a BM subpopulation (CD34+ DR-) enriched for the more primitive burst-forming unit megakaryocyte (BFU-MK) were assayed in the presence of this growth factor. The effect of bFGF on MK colony formation differed according to the cell population assayed. bFGF alone had on MK colony-stimulating activity (MK-CSA) when either CD34+ DR+ or CD34+ DR- BM cells were cloned, but exhibited MK-CSA equivalent to that of interleukin-3 (IL-3) when LDBM cells were used as the target cell population. The MK-CSA of bFGF was inhibited by the addition of neutralizing antisera to either IL-3 and/or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) but not IL-6. The addition of excess amounts of either IL-3 or GM-CSF to cultures containing bFGF plus anti-IL-3 or anti-GM-CSF reversed the inhibition by the corresponding antisera. The addition of bFGF and IL-3 to assays containing CD34+ DR+ or CD34+ DR- cells increased the size of both CFU-MK- and BFU-MK-derived colonies, respectively, when compared with assays containing IL-3 alone. This increase in MK colony size mediated by bFGF was not affected by addition of either an anti-GM-CSF or anti-IL-6 neutralizing antisera. When LDBM cells were assayed, bFGF alone increased CFU-MK-derived colony size when compared with control values. However, this potentiation of MK colony size by bFGF could be reversed by the addition of either anti-IL-3 or anti-GM-CSF but not anti-IL-6 antisera. In addition, the effects of bFGF and IL-3 on the size of MK colonies cloned from LDBM were not additive. These results suggest that bFGF affects human megakaryocytopoiesis by directly promoting MK progenitor cell proliferation and stimulating BM accessory cells to release growth factor(s) with MK-CSA, such as IL-3 and GM-CSF. We conclude that bFGF, likely produced by cellular components of the BM microenvironment, plays an important role in the control of human megakaryocytopoiesis.
Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibitors, with Special Emphasis on Rivaroxaban

Rivaroxaban is a small-molecule, direct factor Xa inhibitor that is under investigation for the prevention and treatment of venous and arterial thrombosis. To date, oral anticoagulants have been limited largely to vitamin K antagonists. Despite their remarkable benefits, vitamin K antagonists are limited by their narrow therapeutic window, the existence of multiple food and drug interactions, and the need for frequent monitoring and dose-adjustment. Rivaroxaban represents a potentially attractive alternative to warfarin, as it could enable simplified once-daily dosing, requires no therapeutic monitoring, and has a lower potential for drug interactions. At present, the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban for the prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism has been evaluated in phase-II and phase-III trials involving over 24,000 patients. Rivaroxaban is also being evaluated for the treatment of pulmonary embolism, secondary prevention after acute coronary syndromes, and the prevention of stroke and non-central nervous system embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The need for new oral anticoagulants, the development and pharmacology of rivaroxaban, results of completed studies of rivaroxaban, and details of ongoing phase-II and phase-III trials with rivaroxaban are the subjects of this chapter.
Somatostatin-induced changes in the hemostasis of rats.

Somatostatin (SRIF) given intravenously, either as a single bolus or as a 2 hr infusion caused a significant prolongation of partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and depressed platelet counts and platelet aggregation in the rat. Following daily injections of protamine- zinc SRIF for 2 weeks the platelet count returned to normal, PTT remained prolonged and platelet aggregation was enhanced. The doses of SRIF used in this work were adequate to suppress the secretion of insulin and glucagon by the isolated pancreatic islets of treated animals.
Incremental change in cross sectional area in small endotracheal tubes: A call for more size options

Abstract Objective To elucidate the relatively large incremental percent change (IPC) in cross sectional area (CSA) in currently available small endotracheal tubes (ETTs), and to make recommendation for lesser incremental change in CSA in these smaller ETTs, in order to minimize iatrogenic airway injury. Methods The CSAs of a commercially available line of ETTs were calculated, and the IPC of the CSA between consecutive size ETTs was calculated and graphed. The average IPC in CSA with large ETTs was applied to calculate identical IPC in the CSA for a theoretical, smaller ETT series, and the dimensions of a new theoretical series of proposed small ETTs were defined. Results The IPC of CSA in the larger (5.0–8.0 mm inner diameter (ID)) ETTs was 17.07%, and the IPC of CSA in the smaller ETTs (2.0–4.0 mm ID) is remarkably larger (38.08%). Applying the relatively smaller IPC of CSA from larger ETTs to a theoretical sequence of small ETTs, starting with the 2.5 mm ID ETT, suggests that intermediate sizes of small ETTs (ID 2.745 mm, 3.254 mm, and 3.859 mm) should exist. Conclusion We recommend manufacturers produce additional small ETT size options at the intuitive intermediate sizes of 2.75 mm, 3.25 mm, and 3.75 mm ID in order to improve airway management for infants and small children.
Activation of the Stress Response Kinase JNK (c-Jun N-terminal Kinase) Attenuates Insulin Action in Retina through a p70S6K1-dependent Mechanism

Despite recent advances in therapeutics, diabetic retinopathy remains a leading cause of vision impairment. Improvement in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy requires a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that cause neurovascular complications, particularly in type 2 diabetes. Recent studies demonstrate that rodents fed a high fat diet exhibit retinal dysfunction concomitant with attenuated Akt phosphorylation. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the impact of a high fat/high sucrose diet on retinal insulin signaling and evaluate the mechanism(s) responsible for the changes. Mice fed a high fat/sucrose diet exhibited attenuated Akt phosphorylation in the retina as compared with mice fed normal chow. Retinas of mice fed a high fat/sucrose diet also exhibited elevated levels of activated JNK as well as enhanced p70S6K1 autoinhibitory domain phosphorylation. In cells, JNK activation enhanced p70S6K1 phosphorylation and mTORC1-dependent activation of the kinase, as evidenced by enhanced phosphorylation of key substrates. Rictor phosphorylation by p70S6K1 was specifically enhanced by the addition of phosphomimetic mutations in the autoinhibitory domain and was more sensitive to inhibition of the kinase as compared with rpS6. Notably, rictor and IRS-1 phosphorylation by p70S6K1 attenuate insulin action through a negative feedback pathway. Indeed, p70S6K1 inhibition prevented the repressive effect of JNK activation on insulin action in retinas. Overall, the results identify the JNK/S6K1 axis as a key molecular mechanism whereby a high fat/sucrose diet impairs insulin action in retina.
Impact of surface preparation for n-type Si

In our study, we evaluate effective silicon and germanium oxide reduction by two surface treatments to achieve low contact resistivity at the semiconductor/metal interface. These chemistries, one alkaline and the other an acidic fluorine-based treatment, were utilized on epitaxial n-type Si:P and p-type Si1xGex:B (x=0.47) substrates to isolate any unique effects that may be present on doped, n-type and p-type semiconductor surfaces. To mimic plasma damage and surface conditions in an integrated process flow for actual logic devices, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) characterization was performed on simplified blanket films after NF3-based gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) exposure and subsequent aqueous treatments. Si:P and SiGe:B surfaces both demonstrated an increase in SiO2 concentration after GCIB exposure, with SiGe:B surfaces showing a preferential SiO2 surface oxidation. Subsequent acidic treatment showed reduction in SiO2 concentration on both epitaxial surfaces, with the alkaline (basic) treatment showing little change in surface composition. Electrical characterization on simplified contact structures showed a benefit in contact resistivity of 1523% in Si:P and 1013% in SiGe:B for the chemistries evaluated. Display Omitted We present detailed XPS & TEM characterization of contact interfaces directly applicable to sub 10nm logic technology nodes.Establish impact of processing and interfacial treatments prior to contact metallization to improve contact resistivity.We correlate XPS characterizations with contact resistivity measurements using technological-relevant contact dimensions.Up to 20% contact resistance improvement seen using ammonia-based and HF-based surface treatments on n/p-type surfaces.
Unconditionally secure proactive verifiable secret sharing using new detection and recovery techniques

In this paper, a new proactive verifiable secret sharing (PVSS) scheme is proposed in an active mobile adversary setting. To the best of our knowledge, the only unconditionally secure PVSS is proposed in ASIACRYPT'02 by D'Arco and Stinson. In this protocol, the authors assume the existence of private channels as well as an authenticated broadcast channel. This scheme uses symmetric bivariate polynomials for secret sharing, i.e., each share is a polynomial over a finite field rather than a single field element, under the assumption that t < n/4 where t is the threshold. We propose a new PVSS scheme with prominent properties using a simple detection method along with a novel recovery-and-renewal technique. First of all, we only consider private channels in our setting. In addition, our scheme can tolerate t < n/3 corrupted players. Although we utilize a VSS scheme as a subprotocol in our scheme, shares of the secret are single field elements after the initialization by the dealer.
Approximation of Invariant Subspaces in Some Dirichlet-Type Spaces

The Hilbert space $$\mathcal {D}_{2}$$ is the space of all holomorphic functions f defined on the open unit disc $$\mathbb {D}$$ such that $${f}^{'}$$ is in the Hardy Hilbert space $$\mathbf {H}^2.$$ In this paper, we prove that the invariant subspaces of $$\mathcal {D}_{2}$$ with respect to multiplication operator $$M_{z}$$ can be approximated with finite co-dimensional invariant subspaces. We also obtain a partial result in this direction for the classical Dirichlet space.
Interleukin-6 is both necessary and sufficient to produce perioperative neurocognitive disorder in mice.

Abstract Background Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) result in long-term morbidity and mortality with no effective interventions available. Because interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is consistently up-regulated by trauma, including after surgery, we determined whether IL-6 is a putative therapeutic target for PND in a mouse model. Methods Following institutional approval, adult (12–14 weeks) male C57/Bl6 mice were pretreated with the IL-6 receptor (IL6R) blocking antibody tocilizumab prior to open tibia fracture with internal fixation under isoflurane anaesthesia. Inflammatory and behavioural responses in a trace fear conditioning (TFC) paradigm were assessed postoperatively. Separately, the effects of IL-6 administration or of depletion of bone marrow-derived monocytes (BM-DMs) with clodrolip on the inflammatory and behavioural responses were assessed. Blood brain barrier disruption, hippocampal microglial activation, and infiltration of BM-DMs were each assessed following IL-6 administration. Results The surgery-induced decrement in freezing time in the TFC assay, indicative of cognitive decline, was attenuated by tocilizumab (P Conclusions IL-6 is both necessary and sufficient to produce cognitive decline. Following further preclinical testing of its perioperative safety, the IL6R blocker tocilizumab is a candidate for prevention and/or treatment of PND.
Some decision problems concerning NPDAs, palindromes, and dyck languages

We address several types of decision questions related to context-free languages when an NPDA is given as input. First we consider the question of whether the NPDA makes a bounded number of stack reversals (over all accepting inputs) and show that this problem is undecidable even when the NPDA is only 2-ambiguous. We consider the same problem for counter machines (i.e., whether the counter makes a bounded number of reversals) and show that it is also undecidable. On the other hand, we show that the problem is decidable for unambiguous NPDAs even when augmented with reversal-bounded counters. Next, we look at problems of equivalence, containment and disjointness with fixed languages. With the fixed language L0 being one of the following: P = $\{ x \# x^r \ | $x∈(0+1)* }, Pu = $\{ x x^r \ | $x∈(0+1)* }, Dk = Dyck language with k-type of parentheses, or Sk = two-sided Dyck language with k types of parentheses, we consider problems such as: 'Is L(M)∩L0 = ∅?', 'Is L(M)⊆L0?', or 'Is L(M) = L0?', where M is an input NPDA (or a restricted form of it). For example, we show that the problem, 'Is L(M)∩P?', is undecidable when M is a deterministic one-counter acceptor, while the problem 'Is L(M)⊆P?' is decidable even for NPDAs augmented with reversal-bounded counters. Another result is that the problem 'Is L(M)⊆Pu?' is decidable in polynomial time for M an NPDA. We also show several other related decidability and undecidability results.
The Conflict Over Conflict: An Integrative Approach

Debate continues over the value of organizational conflict. Researchers from one tradition emphasize its constructive role in improving performance. Those from a second dispute this and emphasize its destructive effects on outcomes like satisfaction. I argue this divergence primarily reflects narrow theoretical conceptions of conflict by each that are easily reconciled. An integrative model is proposed which describes the transformation of conflict over time and source using Pondy's (1967) stage model and the task versus relationship conflict distinction (Jehn, 1995). Initial empirical support for the model via a natural experiment was strong. The results replicate and integrate past findings of two diverse traditions under a unified conceptual model. The methodology illustrates the use of multilevel analysis in the study of conflict.
Squamous cell carcinoma arising in hypertrophic lichen planus

Hypertrophic lichen planus (HLP) is a chronic T-cell-mediated inflammatory disease characterised by pruritic hypertrophic or verrucous plaques on the lower limbs. We report a case of an 87-year-old woman with a 12-year history of HLP on both lower legs presenting with malignant transformation of one lesion into a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Malignancy developing in cutaneous lichen planus is rare, with less than 50 cases reported in the literature. This case highlights the need to be aware of suspicious changes in long-standing HLP to allow early detection of a developing SCC.
The Effects of Biasing Performance Measurement Systems on Incentives and Retention Decisions

We examine a principal–agent setting in which the principal uses a performance measurement system for multiple purposes—to provide incentives and for retention decisions. The principal chooses the nature and extent of bias in the system, which determines whether the performance report is stringent, neutral, or lenient relative to the unobservable actual outcome. We show that when the report is used only for incentive purposes (an incentive role), stringency alleviates moral hazard. On the other hand, when the principal's objective is to minimize the cost from incorrect retention and firing decisions (a fit evaluation role), there is a demand for leniency. Surprisingly, however, we show that adding a fit evaluation role to a system serving an incentive role can accentuate the demand for stringency because stronger incentives can also indirectly improve retention decisions. L'incidence de la distorsion des systemes d'evaluation du rendement sur les mesures incitatives et les decisions de maintien en poste Les auteurs se penchent sur une situation faisant intervenir un mandant et un mandataire dans laquelle le mandant utilise un systeme d'evaluation du rendement a plusieurs fins — adopter des mesures incitatives et prendre des decisions de maintien en poste. Le mandant choisit la nature et l'ampleur de la distorsion du systeme, ce qui determine si le rapport de rendement sera rigoureux, neutre ou clement au regard d'un resultat reel non observable. Les auteurs montrent que lorsque le rapport est utilise uniquement aux fins de l'adoption de mesures incitatives (role incitatif), la rigueur attenue le risque moral. En revanche, lorsque l'objectif du mandant consiste a reduire au minimum le cout associe aux decisions malavisees quant au maintien en poste et au renvoi (role d'evaluation de l'adequation), la clemence s'impose. Fait etonnant, toutefois, les auteurs montrent que l'ajout du role d'evaluation de l'adequation a un systeme dont le role initial est incitatif peut accentuer la rigueur exigee, etant donne que des mesures incitatives plus energiques peuvent aussi indirectement ameliorer les decisions relatives au maintien en poste.
A novel approach for manufacturing oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steel cladding tubes using cold spray technology

Abstract A novel fabrication method of oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steel cladding tubes for advanced fast reactors has been investigated using the cold spray powder-based materials deposition process. Cold spraying has the potential advantage for rapidly fabricating ODS cladding tubes in comparison with the conventional multi-step extrusion process. A gas atomized spherical 14YWT (Fe-14%Cr, 3%W, 0.4%Ti, 0.2%Y, 0.01%O) powder was sprayed on a rotating cylindrical 6061-T6 aluminum mandrel using nitrogen as the propellant gas. The powder lacked the oxygen content needed to precipitate the nanoclusters in ODS steel, therefore this work was intended to serve as a proof-of-concept study to demonstrate that free-standing steel cladding tubes with prototypical ODS composition could be manufactured using the cold spray process. The spray process produced an approximately 1-mm thick, dense 14YWT deposit on the aluminum-alloy tube. After surface polishing of the 14YWT deposit to obtain desired cladding thickness and surface roughness, the aluminum-alloy mandrel was dissolved in an alkaline medium to leave behind a free-standing ODS tube. The as-fabricated cladding tube was annealed at 1000 °C for 1 h in an argon atmosphere to improve the overall mechanical properties of the cladding.
Proceedings of the 2007 ACM workshop on Scalable trusted computing

It is our great pleasure to usher in the 2nd ACM Workshop on Scalable Trusted Computing -- STC'07, which is built on the success of ACM STC'06. The call for papers attracted 30 submissions from Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States. The program committee accepted 4 full papers and 6 short papers, based on the overall quality, novelty, and clarity. In addition, the program includes two invited talks by two distinguished speakers: Leendert van Doorn of AMD ("Trusted Computing Challenges"), and Yair Amir of The Johns Hopkins University ("The Insider Threat in Scalable Distributed Systems: Algorithms, Metrics and Gaps"). We hope that these proceedings will serve as a valuable reference for researchers and developers in the field of scalable trusted computing
Surface-Mediated Reactions. 8. Oxidation of Sulfides and Sulfoxides with tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide and OXONE1

Silica gel and alumina have been found to mediate the oxidation of sulfides and sulfoxides with (CH3)3COOH and OXONE. With all combinations except (CH3)3COOH/alumina, sulfides were oxidized with reasonably good selectivity to sulfoxides. These studies afforded insights into the mechanisms of surface-mediated processes. Adsorption studies, combined with the effect of partial silylation of silica gel, indicate that oxidation of sulfides by (CH3)3COOH/silica gel occurs at least predominantly via nucleophilic attack by the sulfide on (CH3)3COOH, which is activated by being bound to isolated silanol sites on the silica gel surface (Scheme 2), whereas oxidation of sulfoxides involves nucleophilic attack by (CH3)3COOH on the sulfoxide, which is activated by being bound to associated silanol sites (Scheme 3). Oxidation of sulfoxides by (CH3)3COOH/alumina involves attack of (CH3)3COO- on the sulfoxide bound to free Al+ sites on the surface (Scheme 4B). Mediation of oxidation by OXONE involves instead activation by...
Design and fabrication of heterogeneous lung nodule phantoms for assessing the accuracy and variability of measured texture radiomics features in CT.

We aimed to design and fabricate synthetic lung nodules with patient-informed internal heterogeneity to assess the variability and accuracy of measured texture features in CT. To that end, 190 lung nodules from a publicly available database of chest CT images (Lung Image Database Consortium) were selected based on size (>3 mm) and malignancy. The texture features of the nodules were used to train a statistical texture synthesis model based on clustered lumpy background. The model parameters were ascertained based on a genetic optimization of a Mahalanobis distance objective function. The resulting texture model defined internal heterogeneity within 24 anthropomorphic lesion models which were subsequently fabricated into physical phantoms using a multimaterial three-dimensional (3-D) printer. The 3-D-printed lesions were imbedded in an anthropomorphic chest phantom and imaged with a clinical scanner using different acquisition parameters including slice thickness, dose level, and reconstruction kernel. The imaged lesions were analyzed in terms of texture features to ascertain the impact of CT imaging on lesion texture quantification. The texture modeling method produced lesion models with low and stable Mahalanobis distance between real and synthetic textures. The virtual lesions were successfully printed into 3-D phantoms. The accuracy and variability of the measured features extracted from the CT images of the phantoms showed notable influence from the imaging acquisition parameters with contrast, energy, and texture entropy exhibiting most sensitivity in terms of accuracy, and contrast, dissimilarity, and texture entropy most variability. Thinner slice thicknesses yielded more accurate and edge reconstruction kernels more stable results. We conclude that printed textured models of lesions can be developed using a method that can target and minimize the mathematical distance between real and synthetic lesions. The synthetic lesions can be used as the basis to investigate how CT imaging conditions might affect radiomics features derived from CT images.
Oxidative Potential of Particles at a Research House: Influencing Factors and Comparison with Outdoor Particles.

Abstract The oxidative potential (OP) of particles can be represented by the ability of particles to generate hydroxyl radicals in an aqueous solution which can be measured with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometry. The oxidative potential of particles may be a more health-relevant metric than other physicochemical properties of particles. While OPEPR has been measured in several outdoor locations, it remains largely unstudied in indoor environments. Total suspended particle samples were collected at an unoccupied research house in eighteen four-day sampling events. The OPEPR of indoor particles was found to be 59% ± 30% of the OPEPR of outdoor particles on a sampling volume basis during normal indoor conditions in eight sampling events. However, OPEPR per particle mass was 3.5 ± 0.62 times higher indoors than outdoors, indicating that reactions taking place indoors likely increase OPEPR of indoor particles. In ten sampling events, indoor temperature, relative humidity (RH), air change rate (λ), and cooking activities were varied. OPEPR of indoor particles was found to be significantly influenced (in order of importance) by indoor RH, λ, and temperature. OPEPR of indoor particles was higher than OPEPR for outdoor particles when indoor RH and λ were increased. The presence of cooking activities did not appear to consistently increase OPEPR of indoor particles.
The efficacy of three diatomaceous earth sources for removing tylosin from aqueous systems.

Antibiotics used during animal production are the same or very similar to antibiotics used by humans. Tylosin, structurally similar to erythromycin prescribed to humans, is a common livestock antibiotic. Therefore, tylosin and other similar antibiotics present a potential threat of environmental buildup resulting in increased microbial resistance. To mitigate this potential impact, a remediation method for reducing the load of antimicrobials entering the environment is needed. The binding properties of different types of diatomaceous earth (DE) were investigated for maximum binding and the influencing physical characteristics to determine the potential use as a binding agent for wastewater treatment. Swimming pool DE was 99% crystalline silica and did not sorb any tylosin. Raw DE was 65% amorphous silica, 20% clay, and had 3% organic matter by weight. Langmuir isotherms predicted a maximum binding capacity of 49 ± 3 mg g-1 with a binding constant of 37,342 ± 5653 M-1. This was almost 3.3 times more than previously published work investigating the binding of tylosin to kieselguhr that is 96% amorphous silica with little to no clays or organic matter present. To determine the role of organic matter and clays in binding capacity, raw DE was digested with 3% hydrogen peroxide and adsorption isotherms were constructed. After removal of the organic matter, predicted maximum binding of tylosin increased to 88 ± 2 mg g-1, whereas the binding constant slightly decreased (23,482 ± 3264 M-1). It was concluded that the DE–clay matrix was responsible for high binding and therefore had the greatest potential for application in a wastewater treatment process.
Circulatory loop design and components introduce artifacts impacting in vitro evaluation of ventricular assist device thrombogenicity: A call for caution.

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices continue to be hampered by thrombotic adverse events (AEs), a consequence of device-imparted supraphysiologic shear stresses, leading to shear-mediated platelet activation (SMPA). In advancing MCS devices from design to clinical use, in vitro circulatory loops containing the device under development and testing are utilized as a means of assessing device thrombogenicity. Physical characteristics of these test circulatory loops may also contribute to inadvertent platelet activation through imparted shear stress, adding inadvertent error in evaluating MCS device thrombogenicity. While investigators normally control for the effect of a loop, inadvertent addition of what are considered innocuous connectors may impact test results. Here, we tested the effect of common, additive components of in vitro circulatory test loops, that is, connectors and loop geometry, as to their additive contribution to shear stress via both in silico and in vitro models. A series of test circulatory loops containing a ventricular assist device (VAD) with differing constituent components, were established in silico including: loops with 0~5 Luer connectors, a loop with a T-connector creating 90° angulation, and a loop with 90° angulation. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed using a k - ω shear stress transport turbulence model to platelet activation index (PAI) based on a power law model. VAD-operated loops replicating in silico designs were assembled in vitro and gel-filtered human platelets were recirculated within (1 hour) and SMPA was determined. CFD simulations demonstrated high shear being introduced at non-smooth regions such as edge-connector boundaries, tubing, and at Luer holes. Noticeable peaks' shifts of scalar shear stress (sss) distributions toward high shear-region existed with increasing loop complexity. Platelet activation also increased with increasing shear exposure time, being statistically higher when platelets were exposed to connector-employed loop designs. The extent of platelet activation in vitro could be successfully predicted by CFD simulations. Loops employing additional components (non-physiological flow pattern connectors) resulted in higher PAI. Loops with more components (5-connector loop and 90° T-connector) showed 63% and 128% higher platelet activation levels, respectively, versus those with fewer (0-connector (P = .023) and a 90° heat-bend loop (P = .0041). Our results underscore the importance of careful consideration of all component elements, and suggest the need for standardization in designing in vitro circulatory loops for MCS device evaluation to avoid inadvertent additive SMPA during device evaluation, confounding overall results. Specifically, we caution on the use and inadvertent introduction of additional connectors, ports, and other shear-generating elements which introduce artifact, clouding primary device evaluation via introduction of additive SMPA.
Doctor, I'm Seeing Two of Everything.

Acute diplopia is a rare chief complaint with a broad differential diagnosis; key historical and physical characteristics aid with emergency management. This case report discusses the important findings, imaging, and multidisciplinary interaction between emergency medicine, ophthalmology, and neurology regarding the approach to addressing acute painless vertical diplopia. A 51-year-old male presented to the emergency department (ED), reporting that he was seeing 'two of everything,' since awakening. Although the patient had a history of ischemic stroke, he had never experienced this sensation of diplopia. His ED workup was essentially unremarkable; he was admitted for evaluation of the possibilities of a fourth cranial nerve (CN IV) palsy, acute Parinaud syndrome, or ischemic stroke. Ultimately the patient was sent home one day after admission with the diagnosis of CN IV neuropathy. Highlighted is an approach to undifferentiated diplopia with an included discussion of the pathophysiology of a CN IV palsy and Parinaud syndrome. Understanding basic pathophysiology and anatomy allows for a proper history, physical exam, and appropriate consultation. With these tools, emergency physicians can improve their approach to patients with acute diplopia when arriving at the ED.