cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neocortical slices from adult chronic epileptic rats exhibit discharges of higher voltages and broader spread

Much of the current understanding of epilepsy mechanisms has been built on data recorded with one or a few electrodes from temporal lobe slices of normal young animals stimulated with convulsants. Mechanisms of adult, extratemporal, neocortical chronic epilepsy have not been characterized as much. A more advanced understanding of epilepsy mechanisms can be obtained by recording epileptiform discharges simultaneously from multiple points of an epileptic focus so as to define their sites of initiation and pathways of spreading. Brain slice recordings can characterize epileptic mechanisms in a simpler, more controlled preparation than in vivo. Yet, the intrinsic hyper-excitability of a chronic epileptic focus may not be entirely preserved in slices following the severing of connections in slice preparation. This study utilizes recordings of multiple electrode arrays to characterize which features of epileptic hyper-excitability present in in vivo chronic adult neocortical epileptic foci are preserved in brain slices. After tetanus toxin somatosensory cortex injections, adult rats manifest chronic spontaneous epileptic discharges both in the injection site (primary focus) and in the contralateral side (secondary focus). We prepared neocortical slices from these epileptic animals. When perfused with 4-Aminopyridine in a magnesium free medium, epileptic rat slices exhibit higher voltage discharges and broader spreading than control rat slices. Rates of discharges are similar in slices of epileptic and normal rats, however. Ictal and interictal discharges are distributed over most cortical layers, though with significant differences between primary and secondary foci. A chronic neocortical epileptic focus in slices does not show increased spontaneous pacemakers initiating epileptic discharges but shows discharges with higher voltages and broader spread, consistent with an enhanced synchrony of cellular and synaptic generators over wider surfaces.
Exploring Student Characteristics of Retention that Lead to Graduation in Higher Education Using Data Mining Models

The study used earliest available student data from a flagship university in the southeast United States to build data mining models like logistic regression with different variable selection methods, decision trees, and neural networks to explore important student characteristics associated with retention leading to graduation. The decision tree and logistic regression models indicated first semester GPA, earned credit hours after end of first semester, status (full/part time) at the end of semester, and high school GPA as the most important variables. Of the 22,099 students who were full-time, first time freshmen from 1995-2005, 7,293 did not graduate (33%). Out of the 7,293 who did not graduate, 2,845 students (39%) had first semester GPA < 2.25 with less than 12 earned credit hours. Characteristics of student retention leading to graduation can be predicted as early as end first semester instead of waiting until the end of the first year of school.
Non-communicable Diseases among Rural Residents above 18 Years in Linshu County

[Objective]To understand the incidence of non-communicable disease (NCD) among the rural residents,so as to guide them to adopt healthy life style and further promote the health quality.[Methods] The results of the survey conducted on rural residents above 18 years in Linshu County during August — December 2002 were summarized.[Results]A total of 1110 people were investigated,the overweight rate was 30.45%,obesity rate was 8.56%; hypertension prevalence rate was 19.09%,Hypertension patients awareness rate was 15.09%,the treatment rate was 7.08%; the hyperlipidemia rate was 15.59%,among which the hypercholesterolemia,hypertriglyceridemia and hypo-high-density-lipoproteinemia prevalence rate was 3.51%,7.66%,6.39% respectively.[Conclusion]Chronic non-communicable disease prevalence is high among adult residents of Linshu County.
VIP antagonist [N-Ac-Tyr1,D-Phe2]-GRF-(1-29)-NH2: an inhibitor of vasodilation in the feline colon.

The effect of the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) antagonist [N-Ac-Tyr1,D-Phe2]-GRF-(1-29)-NH2 on pelvic nerve-induced colonic vasodilation and VIP release was investigated in chloralose-anesthetized cats. VIP antagonist (10 and 50 nmol/kg in saline) or saline alone was injected into a branch of the superior mesenteric artery immediately before bilateral pelvic nerve stimulation. The increase in conductance in the inferior mesenteric artery during pelvic nerve stimulation was reduced in an apparently dose-dependent fashion by the VIP antagonist (by 35 +/- 10 and 42 +/- 9%, respectively) compared with the pelvic nerve-induced increase in conductance after injection of saline alone. Injection of the VIP antagonist (50 nmol/kg) did not alter conductance in the absence of pelvic nerve stimulation. VIP was released into portal venous blood during pelvic nerve stimulation in the presence of the antagonist (from 103 +/- 29 to 165 +/- 45 pmol/l). This was not significantly different from release in the presence of saline. The effect of the VIP antagonist (10 nmol.kg-1.min-1) on inferior mesenteric arterial vasodilation induced by exogenous VIP was also quantitated. The increase in conductance after VIP injection (0.2 nmol/kg) was significantly reduced when accompanied by simultaneous infusion of the VIP antagonist (by 54 +/- 6%) compared with the increase in conductance during simultaneous infusion of saline. We conclude that [N-Ac-Tyr1,D-Phe2]-GRF-(1-29)-NH2 is an inhibitor of pelvic nerve-induced vasodilation in the feline colon and does not act by modulating VIP release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
In Defense of the Neo-Piagetian Approach to Modeling and Engineering Human-Level Cognitive Systems

Presumably any human-level cognitive system (HLCS) must have the capacity to: maintain and learn new concepts; believe propositions about its environment that are constructed from these concepts, and from what it perceives; reason over the propositions it believes, in order to among other things manipulate its environment and justify its significant decisions; and learn new concepts. Given this list of desiderata, it’s hard to see how any intelligent attempt to build or simulate a HLCS can avoid falling under a neo-Piagetian approach to engineering HLCSs. Unfortunately, such engineering has been discursively declared by Jerry Fodor to be flat-out impossible. After setting out Fodor’s challenges, we refute them and, inspired by those refutations, sketch our solutions on behalf of those wanting to computationally model and construct HLCSs, under neo-Piagetian assumptions.
GWAS REVEALS NOVEL GENETIC REGULATORS OF DIET-RELATED LONGEVITY OR HEALTH IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Aging is a root cause of many chronic diseases and associated morbidity and mortality. A number of interventions have been suggested to improve overall lifespan and health, with one of the most successful being dietary restriction. Despite the generally well-demonstrated health and longevity benefits of dietary restriction, cases remain in model organisms where some genotypes are not affected or are negatively impacted. With the use of the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel, we have identified a new set of genes that regulate health or longevity either diet-dependently or diet-independently. Associated with longevity are the genes CG34351 and Fdxh. We have also revealed CG33690, a previously uncharacterized gene, as being a regulator of health in response to diet. Through alteration of the expression of these genes via RNAi and gene disruption, we have validated their roles in impacting on lifespan or climbing ability independently. In addition to ascribing novel functions to these genes, our results demonstrate that lifespan and healthspan depend on a complex set of inputs including genetic polymorphisms and diet.
Pleural abnormalities and exposure to elongate mineral particles in Minnesota iron ore (taconite) workers

BACKGROUND Iron ore (taconite) mining and processing are an important industry in northern Minnesota and western Michigan. Concerns around exposures have centered largely on exposure to non-asbestiform amphibole elongate mineral particles (EMPs) found in the eastern portion of the Minnesota iron range. METHODS A cross sectional survey was undertaken of current and former taconite workers and spouses along with a detailed exposure assessment. Participants provided an occupational history and had a chest radiograph performed. RESULTS A total of 1188 workers participated. Potential exposures to non-amphibole EMPs were evident across multiple jobs in all active mines. Pleural abnormalities were found in 16.8% of workers. There was an association of pleural abnormalities with cumulative EMP exposure that was not specific to the eastern portion of the range. CONCLUSION There was evidence of a mild to moderate increase in pleural abnormalities in this population of miners, associated with geographically non-specific cumulative EMP exposure.
DNA BIFILARLY SUBSTITUTED WITH BROMODEOXYURIDINE IN THE FIRST ROUND OF SYNTHESIS

ABSTRACT DNA bifilarly substituted with bromodeoxyuridine (DNA HH ) can be obtained after incubation of human lymphoblastoid cells with heavy analog for short periods. DNA HH is produced after cell lysis but originates from growing points and provides an assay for the proportion of label incorporated near regions of DNA synthesis. DNA HH accumulated when excision defective lymphoblastoid cells were incubated with caffeine or chemical mutagens. The accumulation of DNA HH was accompanied by the synthesis of shortened pieces of daughter DNA.
Notation and Prerequisites

With few exceptions, we shall be concerned with convexity in R d , the d-dimensional real Euclidean space. Lower case characters such as a, b, x, y, z shall denote points of R d , as well as the corresponding vectors; 0 is the origin as well as the number zero. Capitals like A, B, C, K shall denote sets; occasionally single points, if considered as one-pointed sets, shall be denoted by capitals. Greek characters α, β, λ μ, etc., shall denote reals, while n, k, i, j shall be used for integers. The coordinate representation of a point a ∈ R d shall be a = (α i ) = (α 1, α 2,…,α d ).
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Model Surfactants and Micelles

The conformations of hydrocarbon chains and surfactants in various media including dense nonpolar spheres, model water, oil “droplets” and model micelles have been studied via computer simulation. The static structure results are essentially independent of the intra- and intermolecular potential models and show that chain structure is the same in all environments except for single chains in model water. A computationally efficient “solvent field” potential has been used for “droplets” and model micelles yielding excellent agreement with available neutron scattering and NMR experiments. Chain segments, especially those near the head and tail, often contact the “solvent” region. Though the order parameters are similar, bond relaxations are somewhat faster than experimental NMR data.
Activation of S6 signaling is associated with cell survival and multinucleation in hyperplastic skin after epidermal loss of AURORA-A Kinase.

The role of mitosis in the progression of precancerous skin remains poorly understood. To address this question, we deleted the mitotic Kinase Aurora-A (Aur-A) in hyperplastic mutant p53 mouse skin as an experimental tool to study the G2/M transition in precancerous keratinocytes and AUR-A’s role in this process. Epidermal Aur-A deletion (Aur-AepiΔ) led to marked keratinocyte enlargement, pleomorphism, multinucleation, and attenuated induction of cell death. This phenotype was characteristic of slippage after a stalled mitosis. We also observed altered or impaired epidermal differentiation, indicative of a partial skin barrier defect. The upregulation of mTOR/PI3K signaling was implicated as a mechanism by which keratinocytes may evade cell death after AUR-A deficiency. This was evidenced by the ectopic expression of the pathway readout, p-S6, in the basal layer of Aur-AepiΔ skin and its mitotic upregulation in isolated keratinocytes. We further tested whether our findings were extended to skin carcinoma cells. The chemical inhibition of AUR-A led to a similar mitotic delay, polyploidy/multinucleation, and attenuated cell death in skin cancer cell lines. Moreover, inhibition of mTOR/PI3K signaling ameliorated the effects caused by the deficiency of AUR-A activity but was also associated with the persistence of mitotic p-S6 detection in surviving cancer cells. These results show the induction of multinucleation/polyploidy may be a compensatory state in keratinocytes that allows for cellular survival and maintenance of partial barrier function in face of aberrant cell division or differentiation. Moreover, mTOR/PI3K signaling is active in the mitosis of hyperplastic keratinocytes expressing mutant p53 and is further enhanced by stalled mitosis, indicating a potential resistance mechanism to the use of anti-mitotic drugs in the treatment of skin cancers.
Imaging Features of Avascular Necrosis of the Foot and Ankle

Avascular necrosis of the foot and ankle is a rare but important cause of pain and functional abnormality. This process may occur in any bone in the foot and ankle; however, it presents most often in characteristic locations. Understanding of key radiographic findings is important in management of these lesions. MRI is the most sensitive and specific method for detection and characterization of this abnormality.
Mathematical modelling and analysis of the flocculation process in low retention time hydraulic flocculators

This article aims to advance the understanding of particle interactions in low retention time flocculators and proposes a new flocculation model that appropriately considers the influence of retention time in flocculation processes. This consideration is important for units with flocculation time lower than 1 min, as seen in helically coiled tube flocculators (HCTFs), whose retention time is significantly lower than conventional flocculation units (about 30 min). With this, it was possible to obtain a more adherent model, reducing deviations between results obtained by physical modelling (using HCTFs, 48 tests) and those obtained with the proposed model, when compared with results obtained using the flocculation models commonly used for this purpose. The decreasing-rising behaviour presented by experimental data for process efficiency versus retention time, not verified in the benchmark models, was satisfactorily addressed by the proposed model. Furthermore, maximum and average absolute percentage deviations obtained using the model proposed in this study were less than or equal to the results obtained with the benchmark models and less for experimental uncertainty (10%). The results obtained indicate that this model can be a useful tool to support the rational design of low retention time units, including applications for the water industry and water recycling systems. Keywords: flocculation models, helically coiled tube flocculators (HCTFs), hydraulic flocculators, mathematical modelling, physical modelling
Control of Complex Biological Systems Utilizing the Neural Network Predictor

Intelligent control of complex systems faces many challenges including difficulty in realizing the model of the system and the need to address uncertainties. Because a lot of data are collected in modern systems, a data-driven approach can be employed to design intelligent control algorithms. Specifically, machine learning can be used to take advantage of the available datasets and predict the behavior of the system for improved design and performance of the controller. For example, in this chapter, a time-shifted neural network predictor is integrated with a proportional–integral controller to compensate for performance errors associated with time lag and nonlinear absorption pattern of meal and insulin in closed-loop blood glucose control systems. Additional benefits of this approach include the mitigation of errors that may be associated with sensor drift and slow change in concentration of the interstitial fluid glucose measured by the continuous glucose monitors. Different control approaches and devices for blood glucose control were reviewed, and simulation studies were presented to show the effectiveness of a neural network integrated control approach.
Dynamic modulation scaling enabled multi-hop topology control for time critical wireless sensor networks

The previous work on connection driven topology control has shown that it has significant potential to reduce energy consumption of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). Dynamic Modulation Scaling (DMS) which is a technique that manages transmission power levels in order to change the number of bits encoded per symbol has a direct impact on connection driven topology control. In this paper we investigate the transmission scheduling of multi-hop real-time WSNs equipped with DMS enabled radio chips while taking the effect of DMS on topology control into account. To our best knowledge, this is the first paper that addresses this issue. The current work on DMS enabled WSN tend to rely on theoretical DMS models to predict network performance metrics. However, there is little, if any, work that is based upon empirically verified network performance outcomes using DMS especially on its effect on connection driven topology control. This paper fills this gap by using GNU Radio and Software Defined Radio hardware to show how to emulate DMS in low power wireless systems and measure the impact of varying Signal-to-Noise levels, distance and elevation on throughput and delivery rates for different DMS control strategies. Next, we present the Mixed Integer Nonlinear Optimization Problem of minimizing energy consumption of DMS enabled connection driven topology control on real-time WSNs. Lastly, we present two polynomial time heuristics and compare their performance against the optimal solution.
A Spatiotemporal Pattern Detector

A spatiotemporal pattern detector design is presented which can identify three fundamental spatiotemporal patterns consisting of two spikes (from different neurons or from the same neuron). These fundamental cases provide the building blocks for construction of more complicated arbitrary spatiotemporal patterns. The overall design consists of three primary subcircuits, and the operation of each is described. The detection of the three cases of spatiotemporal patterns, and the detection of a more complicated pattern by a network of Spatiotemporal Pattern Detectors, is then demonstrated through simulation using the Cadence Virtuoso platform.
Leveraging depth data in remote robot teleoperation interfaces for general object manipulation

Robust remote teleoperation of high-degree-of-freedom manipulators is of critical importance across a wide range of robotics applications. Contemporary robot manipulation interfaces primarily utili...
Effects of Implementing the Dual Papanicolaou Test Interpretation of ASC-H and LSIL Following Bethesda 2014.

Objectives To evaluate the impact of implementing the dual interpretation of atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H) and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) after the Bethesda System 2014 and to compare it with other indeterminate interpretations. Methods Rates of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity and histologic follow-up and the proportion of women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion on histologic follow-up were compared for the combined interpretation of ASC-H and LSIL (ASCHL) and the categories of LSIL, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL-H) and ASC-H. Results The percentage of ASCHL HPV-positive cases (86.0%) was similar to that of LSIL-H but significantly higher in comparison to that of ASC-H. The rates of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or higher (CIN 2+) and CIN 3+ for ASCHL (29.6% and 3.6%, respectively) were similar to those of LSIL-H and ASC-H. When stratified by HPV test results, the proportions of patients with CIN 2+ and CIN 3+ remained statistically similar to those with ASCHL and with LSIL-H and ASC-H. Conclusions Considering the similar risks of CIN 2+ and CIN 3+ for ASCHL and ASC-H, having a separate category of ASCHL for reporting cervical cytology appears to be redundant.
Looking Across and Looking Beyond the Knowledge Frontier: Intellectual Distance, Novelty, and Resource Allocation in Science

Selecting among alternative projects is a core management task in all innovating organizations. In this paper, we focus on the evaluation of frontier scientific research projects. We argue that the "intellectual distance" between the knowledge embodied in research proposals and an evaluator's own expertise systematically relates to the evaluations given. To estimate relationships, we designed and executed a grant proposal process at a leading research university in which we randomized the assignment of evaluators and proposals to generate 2,130 evaluator-proposal pairs. We find that evaluators systematically give lower scores to research proposals that are closer to their own areas of expertise and to those that are highly novel. The patterns are consistent with biases associated with boundedly rational evaluation of new ideas. The patterns are inconsistent with intellectual distance simply contributing "noise" or being associated with private interests of evaluators. We discuss implications for policy, managerial intervention, and allocation of resources in the ongoing accumulation of scientific knowledge. This paper was accepted by Lee Fleming, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Where you look and how far you go: The relationship between attentional styles and running performance

Abstract We investigated associations between use of visual attention-based styles and running performance. In one quasi-experimental study, we measured self-reported frequency of use of narrow and wide attentional scope during short and long distance runs among individuals competing in foot races. We found that runners reported using wide attention more often than narrow attention in competition; this may be the case more so during long compared to short runs. Preliminary evidence suggests such differences in frequency of use of wide and narrow attention emerged among individuals who routinely ran more rather than fewer miles per week. We discuss implications for visual attention-based interventions to improve exercise for individuals outside of competition.
Teaching Up: Faculty of Color Teaching About Privilege

In the current political climate, racial, gender, and sexual differences are controversial topics, particularly on college campuses. This illuminates the need for increased focus on these issues in college classes. Although the literature on teaching about privilege is small, it is dominated by the voices of White faculty and almost completely focuses on racial issues. Marginalized faculty are rarely heard in this literature, and academia lacks an intersectional understanding of teaching about oppression and inequality. This chapter is an intersectional exploration of faculty of color and how their gender and sexual orientation affect their teaching about privilege. It expands understanding of impression management among faculty of color and how its significance changes based on age, gender, and other factors. It expands the understanding of issues surrounding teaching about inequity from an intersectional perspective and moves the focus beyond tenure-track faculty. It adds to the literature focusing on the experiences of faculty within the classroom and provides ways to support marginalized faculty in their teaching. Although the faculty interviewed here are sociologists, there are broad implications for teaching across disciplines.
Classical soil gardens versus outdoor hydroponic gardens utilizing energy and water capture technologies to combat climate change.

Many outdoor gardens are designed for plants to grow in soil. Few gardens are designed for plants to be hydroponically grown outside with energy and water capture technologies. The feasibility of a self-sufficient, adaptive hydroponic garden harnessing energy from multiple renewable energy (solar and wind) and rainwater collection techniques while producing food has been considered. This study’s primary objective is to conduct a comparative analysis between a traditional soil garden bed and an outdoor hydroponic system, called Pangea. The study findings suggest no significant statistical difference between the plants grown in traditional soil and a Pangea system. Additional objectives of this study include a comparative analysis of water and energy differentials between a standard garden and Pangea. This study’s energy findings suggest that the Pangea system produces 0.05 kWh of energy to 0 kWh of energy production in the classic soil over a month timespan. The water production findings indicate that a Pangea system produces 198.01 L of water and a classic soil of 69 L for a timespan of 1 month, concluding a positive water differential of 288.12 L and a negative water differential of 414 L after 6 months. The study findings suggest the combination of sustainable practices can limit the negative effects of weather-related events to create a positive differential for producing food, water, and energy.
Meteorological variables to aid forecasting deep slab avalanches on persistent weak layers

Abstract Deep slab avalanches are particularly challenging to forecast. These avalanches are difficult to trigger, yet when they release they tend to propagate far and can result in large and destructive avalanches. We utilized a 44-year record of avalanche control and meteorological data from Bridger Bowl ski area in southwest Montana to test the usefulness of meteorological variables for predicting seasons and days with deep slab avalanches. We defined deep slab avalanches as those that failed on persistent weak layers deeper than 0.9 m, and that occurred after February 1st. Previous studies often used meteorological variables from days prior to avalanches, but we also considered meteorological variables over the early months of the season. We used classification trees and random forests for our analyses. Our results showed seasons with either dry or wet deep slabs on persistent weak layers typically had less precipitation from November through January than seasons without deep slabs on persistent weak layers. Days with deep slab avalanches on persistent weak layers often had warmer minimum 24-hour air temperatures, and more precipitation over the prior seven days, than days without deep slabs on persistent weak layers. Days with deep wet slab avalanches on persistent weak layers were typically preceded by three days of above freezing air temperatures. Seasonal and daily meteorological variables were found useful to aid forecasting dry and wet deep slab avalanches on persistent weak layers, and should be used in combination with continuous observation of the snowpack and avalanche activity.
Using Effective Questioning Strategically

This chapter introduces a thinking framework to enhance Leader-Negotiator (L-N) effectiveness called Effective Questioning (EQ). EQ provides L-Ns with mental agendas that minimize making mistakes and—repetition of the same mistakes. The framework consists of six (6) structures of thinking and nine (9) assumptions that result in thinking errors. Most thinking errors begin from assumptions connected to data collection and how data are classified. Errors in data classification misdirect problem-solving, decision-making, and plan implementation.
Developing Medical Countermeasures to Emerging Biothreats

This article describes the challenges to development of medical countermeasures posed by emerging biothreat agents. If medical countermeasures—vaccines, therapeutics, or diagnostic tests—are available, they could potentially save lives after a biological weapons attack or during a natural disease outbreak. Currently, however, the costs, technical challenges, and time required to develop and produce countermeasures would leave most potential countermeasures unavailable in a public health emergency. This article describes the current US government strategy for developing medical countermeasures for emerging health threats and biodefense in spite of these hurdles, as well as the strategy for a “flexible defense” to both broaden countermeasure availability and speed development. Keywords: medical countermeasures; flexible defense; emerging health threats; broad spectrum, platform technologies
Removal of interference from electrophysiologic signals concurrent with functional magnetic resonance imaging

A computationally efficient, easily implemented, and highly effective algorithm is developed to remove burst noise due to radiofrequency pulses used in functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) from concurrent physiologic time series. The algorithm is used in this case to eliminate FMRI burst noise from electrocardiograms, but may also be employed in any situation where nonlinear manifestations of measurable noise instantaneously corrupt a desired signal.
Attack profiles to derive data observations, features, and characteristics of cyber attacks

Existing techniques for cyber attack detection rely mainly on activity data from computers and networks. Little consideration has been given to other kinds of data in the cause-effect chains of attacks. Adding state and performance data may reveal elements on computers and networks that are affected by a cyber attack, thus providing a more accurate, complete picture of an attack. This paper presents a System-Fault-Risk framework that defines elements involved in the cause-effect chain of an attack. The SFR framework combines system and fault modeling, and risk assessment methods. It is employed to analyze known cyber attacks and derive profiles that define activity, state and performance data in cause-effect chains, features of those data, and characteristics of those features that enable attack detection. The profiles derived from specific attacks are generalized and compared with those reported in other studies to illustrate a set of novel data, features and characteristics.
Predictive Stress Tests in the Scale-Up of Capsule Formulations

AbstractIn early development, supplies of bulk active are limited and capsule formulations are developed on a small scale. However they should be suitable for scale-up. In this report, the Turbula T2C is shown to mimic the prolonged stirring and stressing of powder blends in the large hopper of a dosator type machine, e.g. Zanasi LZ64. The degree of mixing affects the lubricity and wettability of capsule blends containing magnesium stearate and stressing powder blends in a Turbula T2C highlights changes in blend properties which occur on scale-up. Measuring tapped bulk density, wettability and disintegration of stressed blends identifies robust formulations which are unaffected by long “lubrication” times and scale. Changes in blend properties are influenced more by shearing energy than the extent of mixing
The Language of Multiculturalism in South African Soaps and Sitcoms

This paper examines selected episodes from recent South African television sitcoms and soap operas in order to show how current popular culture in South Africa is working alongside political and social institutions to both chronicle the transformation of the country into a multicultural democracy and imaginatively/materially create a New South Africa. Using cultural studies methodology and rhetorical analysis, I first explore the political meanings of popular local soap operas and sitcoms on South African television. Then I demonstrate the development of these programmes' political agendas in the deployment of multilingualism as a rhetorical device. My ultimate goal is not only to argue for the political role of these television shows in South Africa, but also to draw out the implications of particular discourses in these programmes for culture and policy beyond the South African scene. These shows' representations of linguistic fragmentation, cultural hybridity and multiple sites of struggle are enabled ...
Wall parameters estimation using a hybrid Time-Delay-Only and Reflected Wave Ratio technique

This paper presents an overview of the estimation of the constitutive parameters of an unknown wall using a new hybrid estimation technique. The Time Delay Only Estimation (TDE) technique in its basic form is unable to estimate the losses associated with the unknown wall. The Reflected Wave Ratio (RWR) technique is introduced and hybridized with the TDE technique in order to estimate the losses associated with the wall. Numerically simulated data is used to verify this hybrid TD-/RWR technique.
Expression of a liver-specific function by mouse fibroblast nuclei transplanted into rat hepatoma cytoplasts

Data from many somatic cell fusion experiments support the notion that the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells contains elements which can alter gene expression and replication1. More definitive evidence is perhaps lacking because the cell hybrids studied were complex cells comprising mixed genomes, frequently undergoing chromosomal losses and other aberrations, within mixed cytoplasms. Such problems have been alleviated by the development of the techniques of cybridisation, red cell-mediated microinjection and nuclear transplantation2. Using this last technique, we showed that up to 40% of a monolayer culture of cytoplasts could be renucleated to form whole viable cells3,4. Because of the high efficiency of fusion and the purity of cytoplast and karyoplast cultures used, large quantities of true cytoplasmic–nuclear hybrid cells suitable for immediate morphological and biochemical analysis could be formed. Here we describe the application of the technique to an investigation of the effects of rat liver cytoplasm on gene expression by mouse fibroblast nuclei. We show that the synthesis of mouse tryosine amino transferase (TAT)—a liver-specific enzyme never detected in the fibroblast cell line was induced in hybrids constructed by transplantation of mouse (A9) fibroblast nuclei into rat liver (HTC) cytoplasts. Furthermore, as occurs in the rat cell line, its activity was modulated by addition of the synthetic corticosteroid, dexamethasone. Clearly, this hybrid cell system will be useful in the further characterisation and eventual isolation of the newly identified regulatory substance.
Practitioner development in organic chemistry: how graduate students conceptualize organic acids

Using a model-eliciting activity (MEA) focused on Bronsted acids, this study probed organic chemistry graduate students’ mental models regarding one of the important theoretical constructs of their field. The salient finding of this work is that the graduate students in this study considered acidity primarily as a function of bond polarization. Furthermore, although they referred to resonance and inductive effects in their explanations, the participants had difficulty characterizing each phenomenon. Overall, the participants’ expressed models suggested that they didn’t have well-developed conceptions of acids in their minds; rather, their models reflected a rationalization of the data provided in MEA. As a result the participants’ mental models (a) showed little evidence of the anticipated hybridization of theoretical constructs; (b) were not applicable beyond the MEA data; and (c) lacked the predictive capability needed to produce new science. [Chem. Educ. Res. Pract., 2006, 7 (4), 240-247]
Atherogenic diet and minimally oxidized low density lipoprotein inhibit osteogenic and promote adipogenic differentiation of marrow stromal cells.

In osteoporosis, the bone marrow stroma osteogenic cell population declines and adipocyte numbers increase. We recently showed that oxidized lipids inhibit differentiation of preosteoblasts. In this report, we assess the effect of minimally oxidized low density lipoprotein (MM-LDL) on osteoblastic differentiation of murine marrow stromal cells, M2–10B4. MM-LDL, but not native LDL, inhibited stromal cell osteoblastic differentiation as demonstrated by inhibition of alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen I processing, and mineralization, through a mitogen-activated protein kinase–dependent pathway. In addition, marrow stromal cells from C57BL/6 mice fed a high fat, atherogenic diet failed to undergo osteogenic differentiation in vitro. The ability of MM-LDL to regulate adipogenesis was also assessed. Treatment of M2–10B4 as well as 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with MM-LDL, but not native LDL, promoted adipogenic differentiation in the presence of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ agonist thiazolidinediones, BRL49653 and ciglitizone. Based on promoter-reporter construct experiments, MM-LDL may be acting in part through activating PPARα. These observations suggest that LDL oxidation products promote osteoporotic loss of bone by directing progenitor marrow stromal cells to undergo adipogenic instead of osteogenic differentiation. These data lend support to the “lipid hypothesis of osteoporosis.”
Oxidative imbalance in the aging inner ear

The mammalian inner ear loses its sensory cells with advancing age, accompanied by a functional decrease in balance and hearing. This study investigates oxidant stress in the cochlea of aging male CBA/J mice. Glutathione-conjugated proteins, markers of H2O2-mediated oxidation, began to increase at 12 months of age; 4-hydroxynonenal and 3-nitrotyrosine, products of hydroxyl radical and peroxynitrite action, respectively, were elevated by 18 months. Immunoreactivity to these markers was stronger in the supporting cells (Deiters and pillar cells) than the sensory cells and appeared later (23 months) in spiral ganglion cells and in the stria vascularis and spiral ligament. Conversely, antioxidant proteins (AIF) and enzymes (SOD2) decreased by 18 months in the organ of Corti (including the sensory cells) and spiral ganglion cells but not in the stria vascularis. These results suggest the presence of different reactive oxygen species and differential time courses of oxidative changes in individual tissues of the aging cochlea. An imbalance of redox status may be a component of age-related hearing loss.
Streamlined F2-isoprostane analysis in plasma and urine with high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy.

Abstract F 2 -Isoprostanes in plasma and urine are generally determined by labor-intensive methods requiring sample purification by solid-phase extraction and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). A streamlined and more sensitive method for the measurement of esterified plasma F 2 -isoprostanes was developed by replacing these steps with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using an amino column with a hexane/2-propanol gradient. Pentafluorobenzyl esters of F 2 -isoprostanes were prepared and purified by HPLC, silylated, and then analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) with negative chemical ionization mass spectroscopy (NCI-MS). This method permits analysis with lower plasma volumes (100 μL) and greater sensitivity (to 10 pg; allowing detection to 50 pg/mL) than provided by other methods. Urinary F 2 -isoprostanes can also be efficiently quantified by this method, with 8-iso-PGF 2α being identified as a major isomer. With this procedure, esterified plasma F 2 -isoprostanes were found to be 8.3-fold higher in an end-stage renal failure patient on hemodialysis and urinary 8-iso-PGF 2α was 7.1-fold higher in a cigarette smoker than respective control subjects. This method, particularly the substitution of the TLC step common to other methods with HPLC, results in a more sensitive and reproducible assay.
Hepatocellular carcinoma: Assessment of response to transarterial chemoembolization with image subtraction

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of image subtraction compared with nonsubtracted images obtained with contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (CE T1WI) for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) necrosis after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), using liver explant as the reference standard. Materials and Methods: Thirty-four patients who underwent TACE within 90 days of liver transplantation and CE MRI scans were assessed by two independent observers who determined the percentage of tumor necrosis using nonsubtracted and subtracted postcontrast phases. Histopathologic percentage of necrosis was retrospectively determined by an experienced pathologist. Spearman rank correlation test was used to correlate the percentages of necrosis from MR evaluation and from pathology. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was performed to determine the performance of subtracted versus nonsubtracted datasets for the diagnosis of complete tumor necrosis. Results: There were 57 HCCs (mean size, 2.4 cm; range, 1.2–4.2 cm) diagnosed at explant and identified on MRI, including 16 completely necrotic HCCs. Subtraction demonstrated better interobserver agreement than nonsubtraction dataset for the diagnosis of tumor necrosis. There was a strong correlation between image subtraction and histopathologic assessment of necrosis (r = 0.80–0.86, depending on the phase, P < 0.0001). Subtraction demonstrated significantly higher sensitivity and accuracy for the diagnosis of complete tumor necrosis compared with nonsubtracted dataset. Conclusion: Image subtraction enables accurate assessment of necrosis of HCC after TACE with the best accuracy observed at the arterial phase. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010; 31: 348–355. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Some theory for anisotropic processes on the sphere

Abstract We investigate properties of an existing class of models for Gaussian processes on the sphere that are invariant to shifts in longitude. The class is obtained by applying first-order differential operators to an isotropic process and potentially adding an independent isotropic term. For a particular choice of the operators, we derive explicit forms for the spherical harmonic representation of these processes’ covariance functions. Because the spherical harmonic representation is a spectral one, these forms allow us to draw conclusions about the local properties of the processes. For one, the coefficients in the spherical harmonic representation relate to the equivalence and orthogonality of the measures induced by the models. It turns out that under certain conditions the models will lack consistent parameter estimability even when the process is observed everywhere on the sphere. We also consider the ability of the models to capture isotropic tendencies on the local level, a phenomenon observed in some data.
The science of the biosphere

This paper considers the needs and potentials for the development of the biosphere. An emphasis is placed on the unusual qualities of the biosphere, such as important time lags, interactions between life and its environment at large scales, and biological evolution, which has led to large scale changes in the environment during the Earth's history. These qualities require a different approach to the development of a theory for this large scale system than has been used in the past, when the biosphere was treated as a steady-state, quasilinear system. Other aspects of the development of the science of the biosphere, including the use of remote sensing, are reviewed, and the application of these techniques to the estimation of certain biological variables is discussed.
High-resolution chromoendoscopy in the esophagus

The major role for chromoendoscopy in the esophagus is the identification of premalignant or early cancerous lesions. In combination with high-resolution or magnification endoscopes, chromoendoscopy can potentially increase the diagnostic yield of clinically relevant lesions. Preliminary data have indicated a good correlation of findings using this technique to histopathologic readings. The ultimate goal of chromoendoscopy in combination with high resolution/magnification endoscopy is the determination of histology without obtaining tissue samples. In this article we review the different stains, the technical aspects, and current data in esophageal chromoendoscopy. We summarize possible clinical applications of these techniques and future directions of their use in esophageal diseases.
The Business of Leisure, the Leisure of Business: Rethinking Hegemonic Masculinity through Gendered Service in Tokyo Hostess Clubs

The representation of salarymen as hegemonic masculinity still dominates discourse about masculinity and power in Japan despite 20 years of recession and neoliberal economic reforms. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in hostess clubs, where salarymen seemingly perpetuate hegemonic models of masculinity vis-a-vis female hostesses, this article reexamines the gender dynamics of these clubs. Hostess clubs are often thought of as places where women are objectified and rendered subservient to men. Instead, my research reveals a more subtle dance of power relations taking place; men are investing the most emotional work whereas women are more often concerned with intra-gender tensions and power relations among themselves. I describe how complex intra-gender exchanges deflect and mitigate inter-gender exchanges by disrupting the simple ideological link between gender and power operating in this space.
Effects of gold nanoparticles and lithium hexafluorophosphate on the electrical conductivity of PMMA

Abstract An increase in electrical conductivity of a polymeric system can be realized by adding conductive fillers and/or dissolving a salt in a suitable solvent or polymer through formation of ionic conduction. An appropriate solvent that can form complexes with alkali metal cations is critical to providing electrical conductivity enhancements to a wide variety of polymers. In this study, we investigated the effects on electrical conductivity of lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiF6P) through the use of butyl glycidyl ether (BGE) as the solvent for dissolving the alkali metal compound LiF6P. Additionally we examined the effects of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) alone and with the LiF6P/BGE for possible synergistic effects on electrical conductivity. Thin films of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blended with LiF6P salt and AuNPs separately and together, were prepared. The electrical conductivity measurements were carried out on these films as a function of the salt and/or AuNP contents. PMMA with only 0.75 wt.% LiF6P decreased the resistivity by 3 orders of magnitude compared to PMMA, which showed the optimum conductivity value for this system. Formation of BGE–LiF6P complexes were studied by FTIR spectra. XRD studies confirmed the formation of complexes in thin film specimens. It was also found that the conductivity of PMMA with AuNPs is dependent on the size of the AuNPs.
Transforming Growth Factor-β-induced Apoptosis Is Mediated by Smad-dependent Expression of GADD45b through p38 Activation

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-dependent apoptosis is important in the elimination of damaged or abnormal cells from normal tissues in vivo. In this report, we identify GADD45b as an effector of TGF-β-induced apoptosis. GADD45b has been shown to be a positive mediator of apoptosis induced by certain cytokines and oncogenes. We show that Gadd45b is an immediateearly response gene for TGF-β and that the proximal Gadd45b promoter is activated by TGF-β through the action of Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4. We show that ectopic expression of GADD45b in AML12 murine hepatocytes is sufficient to activate p38 and to trigger apoptotic cell death, whereas antisense inhibition of Gadd45b expression blocks TGF-β-dependent p38 activation and apoptosis. Furthermore, we also show that TGF-β can activate p38 and induce apoptosis in mouse primary hepatocytes from wild-type mice, but not from Gadd45b –/– mice. All of these findings suggest that GADD45b participates in TGF-β-induced apoptosis by acting upstream of p38 activation.