cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous Equilibrium Systems

In this chapter, we are looking at the heterogeneous equilibrium states using the classical Gibbsian approach—Theory of Capillarity and the field-theoretic one, which considers an interface as a transition region between the phases. To do that we generalize the free energy to a functional of the spatial distributions of the order parameters and introduce a gradient energy contribution into the free energy density. We analyze various forms of the gradient energy and find the square-gradient one to be preferable. Equilibrium conditions in the heterogeneous systems yield the Euler–Lagrange equation, solutions of which are called extremals. We study properties of the extremals in the systems of various physical origins and different sizes and find a bifurcation at the critical size. The results are presented in the form of the free energy landscapes. Analysis of the one-dimensional systems is particularly illuminating; it shows that, using qualitative methods of differential equations, many features of the extremals can be revealed without actually calculating them, based only on the general properties of the free energy. We find the field-theoretic expression for the interfacial energy and study its properties using different Landau potentials as examples. We introduce a concept of an instanton as a critical nucleus and study its properties in systems of different dimensionality. Multidimensional states are analyzed using the drumhead approximation and Fourier method. To analyze stability of the heterogeneous states, we introduce the Hamiltonian operator and find its eigenvalues for the extremals. Importance of the Goldstone modes and capillary waves for the stability analysis of the extremals is revealed.
Vascular, post proline cleaving enzyme: metabolism of vasoactive peptides.

Vasoactive peptides contain a high proportion of proline residues which make them resistant to hydrolysis by many peptidases. However, post proline cleaving enzyme (PPCE; EC 3.4.21.26), a proline specific endopeptidase which specifically hydrolyzes internal peptide bonds on the carboxyl side of proline residues, has been shown to inactivate numerous vasoactive peptides including angiotensins, kinins, substance P, vasopressin and oxytocin. In order to determine whether PPCE could be involved in vascular metabolism of vasoactive peptides, we carried out localization and characterization studies of PPCE-like activity in hog aorta and mesenteric artery. PPCE was assayed fluorometrically at pH 7.0 using the specific PPCE substrate CBZ-Gly-Pro-4-methyl-coumarinylamide. The subcellular distribution of vascular PPCE was essentially the same as that of the cytosolic marker enzyme lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). PPCE was enriched six-fold in the cytosolic fraction (11.4 ± 2.7 units/mg) and, unlike the plasma membrane-bound proline specific exopeptidase dipeptidyl-(amino) peptidase IV (DAP IV; EC 3.4.14.5), little or no activity could be detected in the microsomal or plasma membrane fractions. Similar to PPCE characterized from other sites, vascular PPCE was stabilized and activated by dithiothreitol and EDTA, and inhibited by DFP, p-chloromercuriphenyl sulfonic acid, L-1-tosylamido-2- phenylethylchloromethyl ketone, Cu++, Ca++, and Zn++. Vascular PPCE was unaffected by inhibitors of trypsin and kallikrein (Aprotinin, ABTI), aminopeptidase M (bestatin, amastatin), neutral endopeptidase (phosphoramidon), angiotensin I converting enzyme (captopril) or carboxypeptidase N (MERGETPA). These data demonstrate that PPCE is present in vascular endothelium and/or smooth muscle. Although PPCE may participate in vascular metabolism of vasoactive peptides, its cytosolic localization and endopeptidase specificity suggests that its role is limited to peptide degradation after transport into the cell.
Actions of estrogen and estrogen receptors in nonclassical target tissues.

Hormonal effects on classical endocrine target organs such as the female reproductive tract, mammary gland, ovary, and neuroendocrine system have been thoroughly studied, with significant advancements in our understanding of estrogen actions and disease conditions from both cell culture as well as new experimental animal models. Knowledge of the highly appreciated effects of estrogen in nonclassical endocrine organ systems, arising from epidemiological and clinical findings in the cardiovascular, immune, GI tract, and liver, is only now becoming clarified from the development and use of knock-out or transgenic animal models for the study of both estrogen and ER activities. There are considerable epidemiological data showing that premenopausal females (Barrett-Connor 1997; Crabbe et al. 2003) have reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. However, a recent large clinical trial failed to show cardioprotection for postmenopausal females on estrogen–progestin replacement (Rossouw et al. 2002). In fact, the Women's Health Initiative Study showed increased cardiovascular risk for females taking an estrogen–progestin combination. These studies suggest that we need a better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for cardioprotection in females.
Potential Transformation Systems in Dactylis Glomerata

In vitro systems for Dactylis glomerata L. include the production of somatic embryos directly from mesophyll cells in cultured leaf explants and the complete development of embryos (to a germinable stage) in a single liquid medium. Regeneration has also been achieved from suspension-derived protoplasts and the plants grown to maturity. These systems offer attractive possibilities for gene transfer. The following experiments have been attempted: (1) abrasion of leaf surfaces and application of Agrobacterium vectors containing a kanamycin resistance gene (NPTII), (2) direct uptake of a DNA plasmid containing a hygromycin resistance gene (APHIV) by suspension-derived protoplasts, and (3) treatment of leaf segments and plated suspensions with microprojectiles coated with DNA containing both the NPTII and beta glucuronidase (GUS) genes. A few false positives were obtained with Agrobacterium and transient expression of the GUS gene was obtained with microprojectiles. The only stable transformants were produced through direct uptake of DNA by protoplasts. Transformation was confirmed in hygromycin resistant calli and regenerated plants by Southern blot hybridization.
A Brief History of U.S. Agriculture

Almost 150 years have passed since U.S. public-sector agricultural research and development (R&D) began in earnest with the establishment of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the passage of the Morrill Land Grant College Act in 1862, to be followed 25 years later by the passage of the Hatch Experiment Station Act in 1887. During that time, and especially in the more recent decades, U.S. agriculture changed dramatically. Public and private agricultural R&D played a major role in bringing about those changes, and the R&D systems and institutions evolved alongside and as part of agriculture.
Introduction to Part Four

At the heart of many philosophical and theological discussions following mid-century, was the question, how do we think and speak of God? Many younger philosophers and theologians stood on the shoulders of the giants whose era was ending in an effort to respond to this question in a significant way. The 1960s appear in this context as a flash point in the effort to think and speak of God. The 1960s began with a bang, so to speak, in some cases temporarily drowning out voices discussed in the third part of this book whose vital signs were and often continue to be quite good. Scepticism about the meaning and truth of God-talk which haunted many philosophical discussions became a reality within the theological communities themselves. Gabriel Vahanian’s 1960 book, The Death of God, provided an analysis of western culture arguing that we have entered a post-Christian era. In 1963 Bishop John Robinson published, Honest to God, which brought to the attention of the public many issues raised by the work of such theologians as Bonhoeffer, Bultmann and Tillich. More radical theologies emerged in the United States at about the same time. In the year that Robinson published his book, Paul Van Buren published The Secular Meaning of the Gospel. Although he modified his position somewhat in his later work, in this book he essentially agrees with the conclusions of those who apply the verifiability-falsifiability theory of meaning to religious language, argues that talk of a transcendent God is meaningless, and reduces religious language to talk of history and ethics. In The Gospel of Atheism, published in 1966, Thomas Altizer, writing under the influence of such persons as Hegel, Nietzsche and William Blake, argues for a kind of religious atheism in which God empties himself into the world thus freeing human beings from an alienating otherworldly power and for a new life. And, in After Auschwitz, Richard Rubenstein, speaks pessimistically of the violation of the covenant of God with Israel, his loss of faith in God, and the tragic vision of life that he confronts in Auschwitz.
Defining "Fiduciary": Differences in Fiduciary Standards within the Securities Industry

Investment professionals are subject to varying standards of conduct when providing advice to clients. The standards range from providing advice which is suitable to acting consistently with a fiduciary standard. The article provides a brief history of the applicable securities statutes governing investment advice. It discusses the differences in the enactment of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Next, the article discusses how each statute has impacted the standards applicable to brokers and investment advisers. Investment advisers are deemed fiduciaries. Brokers are held to the “suitability” standard, unless the broker is exercising discretion over client funds or there exist other special circumstances. In those cases, brokers are considered fiduciaries as well. Finally, both investment advisers and brokers may be considered fiduciaries when providing investment advice in connection with retirement assets.
Investigation design: The structural elements of knowledge-seeking efforts

Abstract Knowledge about human systems usually comes from deliberate, organized efforts. These efforts are increasingly collaborative with partnering among diverse teams of experts. This has spawned research in the means for data integration and data lineage, or provenance, to better enable sharing of data and workflows. Such research has focused on specific problems in domain representation, such as ontology domain modeling, provenance standards and methodologies, and automated workflow management. While all these contributions are highly relevant for knowledge seeking efforts, what is missing is a meta model that accounts for all elements of investigation. This work introduces the concept of investigation as a means to formalize knowledge seeking efforts involving collaborative human action. We model the investigation concept as a set of seven elements common to all knowledge-seeking efforts. Incorporated into the proposed investigation design are the concepts from emerging sensor-observation standards and W3C provenance standards. This design differs from other approaches for knowledge acquisition modeling in its focus on reifying the management of effort – here referred to as an initiative, and the abstraction and reification of analytic results – here referred to as judgments. Further, we provide and initial attempt to identify specific workflow and data model design patterns within each of the seven investigation elements. An example illustrates the various aspects of our approach.
Short stature in advanced pediatric CKD is associated with faster time to reduced kidney function after transplant.

Among children who receive a kidney transplant, short stature is associated with a more complicated post-transplant course and increased mortality. Short stature prior to transplant may reflect the accumulated risk of multiple factors during chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, its relationship with post-transplant kidney function has not been well characterized. In the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) cohort restricted to children who received a kidney transplant, short stature (i.e., growth failure) was defined as age-sex-specific height < 3rd percentile. The outcome was time to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 45 ml/min/1.73 m2 after transplant. Parametric survival models, including adjustment for disease severity, socioeconomic status (SES), and parental height by inverse probability weighting, described the relative times to eGFR< 45 ml/min/1.73 m2. Of 138 children (median CKD duration at transplant: 13 years), 20% (28) had short stature before the transplant. The median time to eGFR < 45 ml/min/1.73 m2 after kidney transplantation was 6.6 years and those with short stature had a significantly faster time to the poor outcome (log-rank p value 0.004). Children with short stature tended to have lower SES, nephrotic proteinuria, higher blood pressure, and lower mid-parental height before transplant. After adjusting for these variables, children with growth failure had 40% shorter time to eGFR < 45 ml/min/1.73 m2 than those with normal stature (relative time 0.60, 95%CI 0.32, 1.03). Short stature was associated with a faster time to low kidney function after transplant. SES, disease severity, and parental height partially explained the association. Clinicians should be aware of the implications of growth failure on the outcome of this unique population, while continued attempts are made to define modifiable factors that contribute to this association.
Risk of African Swine Fever Virus Sylvatic Establishment and Spillover to Domestic Swine in the United States

African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes a high-consequence foreign animal disease that has emerged along international trade routes. Owing to high lethality and resulting trade sanctions, establishment of this disease in the United States would have devastating economic consequences. ASFV can be transmitted by soft ticks in the genus Ornithodoros or directly between swine, including domestic, feral, and wild swine. Consequently, the spatial risk of ASFV establishment depends on where susceptible animals, with or without competent vectors, co-occur. We synthesized county-level historical records of soft tick occurrence, current maps of feral swine distribution, and domestic swine inventory to evaluate the risk of ASFV establishment and spillover in the United States. Areas of California, Florida, and much of the southwestern United States were classified as high risk for ASFV establishment and spillover should an introduction event occur. Our analyses indicate that California, Texas, Georgia, and Florida are high-priority candidates for proactive risk reduction strategies. Domestic swine are often produced in high-biosecurity environments, mitigating health risks associated with contacting infected hosts and vectors. However, small-scale and organic pig producers in much of the southern United States remain more vulnerable to disease emergence.
Proceedings of the 8th ACM SIGPLAN-SIGACT symposium on Principles of programming languages

The papers in this volume were presented at the Eighth Annual ACM Symposium on Principals of Programming Languages, sponsored jointly by SIGACT and SIGPLAN. One hundred twenty one papers were submitted for the Program Committee's consideration, from which those included in this volume were selected.
Bowel symptoms predate the diagnosis among many patients with multiple sclerosis: A 14-year cohort study

BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, neurodegenerative disease frequently complicated by bowel symptoms. Multiple sclerosis typically first manifests with a demyelination event, also known as a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). We sought to examine the prevalence of prodromal bowel symptoms predating a CIS in patients with MS as part of a recently characterized prodromal phase of disease. METHODS We constructed a retrospective cohort of MS patients with bowel symptoms and an identifiable CIS at two tertiary care centers over 14 years using administrative and billing data. We determined the date of onset of reported bowel symptoms in comparison with the date of first CIS and determined the overall prevalence of prediagnosis bowel symptoms within 1, 2, 3, and >3 years from a CIS. We used multivariable modeling to determine demographic and clinical risk factors for prediagnosis bowel symptoms. KEY RESULTS Among 385 MS patients with reported bowel symptoms, 122 (31.6%) reported bowel symptoms prior to CIS. The most common first bowel symptom was constipation (50.0%), followed by diarrhea (29.5%). The average lead time between a first bowel symptom and a CIS event was 3.7 ± 3.4 years. Pre-CIS fatigue (OR 4.48, 95% CI: 2.68-7.51, P < 0.001) and pre-CIS sensory disturbances (OR 1.88, 95% CI: 1.15-3.08, P < 0.05) were all associated with bowel symptoms prior to a CIS event. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES Nearly a third of MS patients with bowel symptoms reported bowel symptoms prior to a demyelinating event/CIS. Characterization of a prodromal phase of disease may provide important insights into understanding disease progression.
Gait characteristics during inadvertent obstacle contacts in young, middle-aged and older adults

Abstract Background When stepping over obstacles, analyses have focused on the successful trials to understand adaptive gait. However, examination of the inadvertent trips that occasionally occur in the laboratory can provide a rich source of information regarding the gait characteristics underlying trip-related falls. Research question What gait variables during obstacle crossing are associated with inadvertent obstacle contacts, and are these variables different across the lifespan? Methods Three age groups included: young adults (20–35 years, N = 20), middle-aged adults (50–64 years, N = 15), and older adults (65–79 years, N = 19). A stationary, visible obstacle (26 cm tall) was placed in the middle of a walkway. Foot trajectories and head angles were compared between contact and non-contact trials. Results Twelve participants contacted the obstacle: seven young adults (3.5% of young adult trials), two middle-aged adults (1.3%), and three older adults (1.6%). Young and middle-aged adults contacted primarily with the trail limb, while older adults contacted primarily with the lead limb. Contacts occurred for different reasons: Most young adult contact trials had appropriate foot placement, but inadequate elevation; middle-aged and older adults demonstrated inappropriate foot placement before the obstacle, leading to foot contact during the swing phase. Significance Lower contact rates in the middle-aged and older adults indicates that the cautious strategies adopted during obstacle crossing are effective. Higher contact rates in young adults may indicate trial-and-error exploratory behavior. Inappropriate foot placement in the middle-aged and older adults may indicate impaired ability to gather obstacle position information during the approach phase.
Young adults' BMI and changes in romantic relationship status during the first semester of college.

Purpose Identify how higher Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight discrimination are associated with romantic relationship formation and termination in young adults, and if the association was consistent for males and females. Methods First-year students (N = 1096) at entry to university (Time 1) provided BMI and self-reports of weight discrimination and romantic relationship status (in a relationship vs single); 550 were successfully resampled four months later (Time 2). Logistic generalized estimating equations (GEEs) examined if Time 1 relationship status was predicted by BMI and weight discrimination. Logistic GEEs were used to determine if Time 1 BMI and weight discrimination predicted Time 2 relationship status for the strata of students in, and out, of a relationship at Time 1. Results At baseline, students were less likely to be in a relationship if they had a higher BMI (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.92, 0.96) or reported weight discrimination (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.53, 0.90). When stratified by gender, the association between higher BMI and weight discrimination with relationship status was only observed for females. Longitudinally, a BMI-based selection effect was observed for romantic relationship formation, but not termination. Of the students who were single at Time 1, each one unit higher baseline BMI decreased the odds of the student transitioning to a relationship by 9% at Time 2 (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.85, 0.96). When stratified by gender the association of higher BMI decreased odds of relationship formation was only significant for females. No weight discrimination differences for selection in or out of a romantic relationship were observed. Conclusions These findings suggest a weight-related selection effect for romantic relationship initiation, but not termination, in young female adults with lower BMIs. Weight discrimination was not associated with romantic relationship initiation or termination in this sample.
SEPARATE MECHANISMS FOR CELLULAR UPTAKE OF PURINE NUCLEOTIDES BY B-AND T-LYMPHOBLASTS: 59

Cultured B- and T-lymphocytes have multiple plasma membrane enzymes capable of cleaving extracellular phosphate-containing molecules. These enzymes include a specific 5'-nucleotidase (5'-N, EC 3.1.3.5) whose substrates are primarily purine 5'-nucleoside monophosphates and a non-specific phosphatase (NS-phos, EC 3.1.3.1) which has questionable phosphorolytic activity for purine compounds under physiologic conditions. In a tissue culture system, 2 B-cell and 2 T-cell lines were compared for control growth or killing in the presence of 2 members of the cytotoxic 6-mercaptopurine family:6-MPR (nucleoside) and 6-MPRP (nucleotide). Control growth was comparable for B- and T-cells over 48 hr (330% of initial cell count vs. 280%). 6-MPR and 6-MPRP were equally toxic to B-cells (45% of initial count vs. 55%). The addition of the specific 5'-N inhibitor, AMPCP, completely reversed 6-MPRP induced cytotoxicity but had no effect on 6-MPR toxicity. T-cells are less sensitive to 6-MPRP (110% of initial cell count) than to 6-MPR (65%). AMPCP again had no effect on 6-MPR toxicity and only partially reversed the 6-MPRP toxicity (150% vs. 110%). This persistent T-cell cytotoxicity to 6-MPRP in the presence of AMPCP suggests a different metabolic mechanism for handling extracellular purines when compared to B-cells.
Retrospective evaluation of acute kidney injury in dogs with pit viper envenomation (2008–2017): 56 cases

OBJECTIVES To describe the clinicopathological characteristics of dogs that develop acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to pit viper envenomation, and to describe the association between development of AKI and clinical course and outcome. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING University teaching hospital. ANIMALS Client-owned dogs treated with at least 1 vial of antivenom following pit viper envenomation and that had at least 2 plasma creatinine concentrations measured during the course of hospitalization. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Sixty-three dogs met the inclusion criteria. One was excluded due chronic kidney disease, and 6 were excluded due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration. Of the 56 dogs included in the study, 16 developed AKI (29%). Dogs with AKI received a significantly higher dose of antivenom, 8.7 ± 6.8 total vials versus dogs in the non-AKI group that received 4.2 ± 2.6 vials (P = 0.006). Dogs in the AKI group were significantly more tachycardic (P = 0.028), hypotensive (P = 0.002), had a higher shock index (P = 0.012), and were more likely to receive transfusions with packed red blood cells (P = 0.042) than dogs in the non-AKI group. No significant association was identified between the development of AKI and length of hospitalization. The only factors that were significantly associated with degree of severity of AKI included the receipt of blood transfusion (P = 0.006) and number of vials of antivenom administered (P = 0.03). The development of AKI was significantly associated with outcome (P < 0.001), with 5 of 16 (31%) dogs in the AKI group surviving to discharge, 7 of 16 (44%) dying, and 4 of 16 (25%) being euthanized versus 39 of 40 (98%) surviving to discharge in the non-AKI group and 1 of 40 (2%) dying in hospital. CONCLUSION Development of AKI in dogs following pit viper envenomation carries an increased risk of mortality that is associated with severity of shock at presentation and increased doses of antivenom administration.
Evaluation of Silica and Related Matrix Ion Effects on Common Scale Inhibitors

Scale inhibitors have been widely used to solve the mineral scale problems in various energy industries. The performances of scale inhibitors are influenced by different species (such as ion or chemical species) in the produced water. Silica species, one of the most ubiquitous species in the produced water, are present either by the form of silicic acid or divalent ion silicate complex/interactions (e.g., Ca,Mg silicate and Fe(II) silicate). Their impacts on common scale inhibitor performance, however, have not been systematically studied. In this study, the effects of silica and the related divalent ion silicate on the several common scale inhibitors were investigated by examining the crystallization and inhibition kinetics of barite. The results show that the presence of silica or divalent ion silicate does not show a significant effect on barite crystallization or inhibition efficiency of the polymeric inhibitors. The presence of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions with high concentrations (e.g., 16 000 mg/L Ca²⁺ and 2000 mg/L Mg²⁺) or Fe²⁺ ions (e.g., 10–15 mg/L Fe²⁺) shows detrimental impacts on the phosphonate inhibitor diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) (DTPMP). Further experimental results show that the presence of Ca,Mg silicate complex/interactions does not change the impacts of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ on DTPMP, while the formation of Fe(II) silicate complex/interactions helps to partially recover the detrimental impacts of Fe²⁺ on phosphonate inhibitors. The mechanism of Fe(II) silicate influence on barite inhibition with DTPMP was studied by measuring the Fe²⁺, silica, and DTPMP concentrations in the aqueous phase before and after the experiments. The results indicate that this phenomenon is due to the Fe²⁺ competition between forming Fe(II)–DTPMP precipitates with DTPMP and forming Fe(II) silicate complex/interactions; silica is over 50 times higher in concentration than DTPMP. More Fe(II) silicate interaction results in less Fe(II)–DTPMP formation and more DTPMP available as scale inhibitors. Such observations inform the impact of the widely present silica species on scale inhibitor performances and provide valuable insights in oilfield scale management.
228 The Association of Prior Mental Health Conditions with COVID-19-related Sleep Changes

Introduction: Among persons with mental health conditions, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep health is underexplored. The present study investigated whether sleep changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic differed among individuals with mood and/or anxiety disorders compared to individuals without these disorders. Methods: A 25-minute online survey, distributed globally to adults aged >18y through social media advertising from 5/28/2020- 7/10/2020, examined the association of mental health diagnoses with COVID-19 related sleep changes. Participants reported prior history of mood and anxiety disorders, and pre-COVID-19 and current sleep patterns including bedtime, wake time, total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE:[TST/time in bed∗100%], and nightmare frequency/wk. ANOVA models comparing mental health disorder groups (no diagnoses, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, mood and anxiety disorders) on mean differences in sleep changes were conducted. Results: Among 1,048 participants, 71.5% reported no prior mood and/or anxiety disorders9.3% reported anxiety disorders only, 4.3% reported prior mood disorders only, and 14.9% reported both mood and anxiety disorders. There were significant group differences in total sleep time (F (3,670)=4.6, p=0.003) and sleep efficiency (F (3,670) =2.8, p=0.038) such that individuals with both mood and anxiety disorders experienced greater decreases in total sleep time (Mean Difference: 39.0min, SE=13.0) and sleep efficiency (Mean Difference=3.8%, SE=1.6) compared to individuals without any mood or anxiety disorders. In addition, the model for nightmare frequency per week was significant (F(3,654)=5.6, p=0.001) such that individuals with both anxiety and mood disorders (Mean Difference=1.1, SE=0.4) and individuals with mood disorders only (Mean Difference=1.1, SE=0.4) reported greater increases in nightmare frequency compared to participants without any mood or anxiety disorders. There were no group differences in bedtime and wake time. Conclusion: Among a global sample, COVID-19 pandemic-related sleep health significantly worsened among individuals with prior mood and anxiety disorders relative to individuals without these disorders.
Selective Imaging of Lung Macrophages Using [11C]PBR28-Based Positron Emission Tomography.

We tested whether the translocator protein (TSPO)-targeted positron emission tomography (PET) tracer, N-acetyl-N-(2-[11C]methoxybenzyl)-2-phenoxy-5-pyridinamine ([11C]PBR28), could distinguish macrophage dominant from neutrophilic inflammation better than 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) in mouse models of lung inflammation and assessed TSPO association with macrophages in lung tissue from the mouse models and in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MicroPET imaging quantified [11C]PBR28 and [18F]FDG lung uptake in wild-type (Wt) C57BL/6J or heterozygous transgenic monocyte-deficient Wt/opT mice at 49 days after Sendai virus (SeV) infection, during macrophage-dominant inflammation, and in Wt mice at 3 days after SeV infection or 24 h after endotoxin instillation during neutrophilic inflammation. Immunohistochemical staining for TSPO in macrophages and neutrophils was performed using Mac3 and Ly6G for cell identification in mouse lung sections and CD68 and neutrophil elastase (NE) in human lung sections taken from explanted lungs from patients with COPD undergoing lung transplantation and donor lungs rejected for transplantation. Differences in tracer uptake among SeV-infected, endotoxin-treated, and uninfected/untreated control mice and in TSPO staining between neutrophils and macrophage populations in human lung sections were tested using analysis of variance. In Wt mice, [11C]PBR28 uptake (% injected dose/ml lung tissue) increased significantly with macrophage-dominant inflammation at 49 days (D49) after SeV infection compared to controls (p = <0.001) but not at 3 days (D49) after SeV infection (p = 0.167). [11C]PBR28 uptake was unchanged at 24 h after endotoxin instillation (p = 0.958). [18F]FDG uptake increased to a similar degree in D3 and D49 SeV-infected and endotoxin-treated Wt mice compared to controls with no significant difference in the degree of increase among the tested conditions. [11C]PBR28 but not [18F]FDG lung uptake at D49 post-SeV infection was attenuated in Wt/opT mice compared to Wt mice. TSPO localized predominantly to macrophages in mouse lung tissue by immunostaining, and TSPO staining intensity was significantly higher in CD68+ cells compared to neutrophils in the human lung sections. PET imaging with [11C]PBR28 can specifically detect macrophages versus neutrophils during lung inflammation and may be a useful biomarker of macrophage accumulation in lung disease.
The Use of Eye Tracking in Software Development

Eye trackers have been routinely used in psychology reading experiments and in website usability studies for many years. However, it is only recently that they have been used by more researchers in the software engineering community. In this paper, we categorize two broad areas in which eye tracking technology can benefit software development in a practical way. The first area includes using the eye tracker as an assessment tool for software artifacts, tools, and techniques. The second area deals with using eye tracking data from developers to inform certain software tools and software development tasks such as providing developer recommendations and software traceability tasks. Examples of experiments and studies done in each of these broad areas is presented and discussed along with future work. The results point towards many benefits that eye trackers provide to augment the daily lives of programmers during software development.
Extracorporeal life support for nonimmune hydrops fetalis

A Down syndrome female born at 35 wk estimated gestational age with non-immune hydrops fetalis associated with a complete atrioventricular septal defect and large patent ductus arteriosus with hypoxemia, severe anasarca and hypotension was treated successfully with extracorporeal life support for severe cardiopulmonary failure leading to eventual hospital discharge and elective repair of her cardiac defect. The case demonstrates that extracorporeal life support may be an effective therapy when initiated early in patients with non-immune hydrops fetalis associated with significant cardiac abnormalities.
Rural Nursing: Searching for the State of the Science

Background: During the development of the strategic plan for the Rural Nurse Organization in 2009 a request was made for a comprehensive literature review regarding the state of the science of rural nursing. This request led to the collaboration on this project by doctoral students in the rural nursing program at Binghamton University. Purpose: The purpose of this review was to identify the current state of the science of rural nursing, and the use of theoretical principles that guide this subcomponent of the discipline. Methodology: An integrative review of the literature was conducted utilizing the methodology by Cooper (1998). Two hundred ninety five articles were identified with publication dates ranging from 1989 through 2010. From these, 107 were included in the review and analysis. Articles were evaluated for level of evidence and scientific merit. Data were categorized with sub-headings of rural definitions, theoretical frameworks, research focus, countries of origin and publication source. Results: Forty-two percent of the articles reviewed provided no definition for the term rural. The remaining articles revealed no general agreement on the definition of rural. Although the majority of studies used some theoretical framework, the one prominent theory was rural nursing theory (Long & Weinert, 1989). Minimal testing of theory was evident in the literature. Disease management was the most common focus of research. There was a dearth of studies emanating from Asian and South American countries. The Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care published the greatest number of articles included in this review. Conclusions: There has been a proliferation of rural nursing research over the last two decades. The level of evidence revealed was low, predominantly level VI. The use of numerous and widely varied theories in the literature indicates that rural research is fragmented and lacks a solid theoretical foundation to guide research and practice. More robust research is needed to strengthen the body of knowledge and develop the specialty of rural nursing. Key Words: Rural, Nurs*, Theory, Integrative Review, Research
Genetic Dissection of Hematopoiesis Using Drosophila as a Model System

Abstract Investigations into the developmental origins of blood cells have indicated that the genes and molecular pathways controlling hematopoiesis are highly conserved among metazoans. In this chapter we summarize the progress in understanding how the molecular mechanisms regulating Drosophila blood development compare with analogous processes in vertebrates. In both Drosophila and vertebrates, the ontogenetic origins of cardiovascular cells and blood cells are closely related. In Drosophila , there is in vivo evidence for the presence of hemangioblast‐like cells. Furthermore, there are significant similarities between the molecular mechanisms regulating the development of the lymph gland, the Drosophila hematopoietic organ, and the formation of the mammalian AGM region. Other aspects are also shared, including the sequential maturation of progenitor cell types, the presence of multipotent or stem cell progenitors, and a requirement for a niche interaction to maintain these progenitors. During their development, Drosophila blood cells utilize an array of conserved signaling pathways and transcriptional regulators to mediate cell fate specification and differentiation. The power of Drosophila as a model system is well established and our understanding of hematopoiesis, in both normal and aberrant contexts, will surely illuminate similar mechanisms in vertebrate systems, including humans.
Starvation-proof priority round-robin queues for time-sharing systems

The concept of a starvation-proof modification to priority robin-robin queues for time-sharing systems is presented. The use of this modification in computer science education and undergraduate computer science research is explored.
Secondary electron emission database

We have designed a unique measurement system that will enable backscattered electron data collection in the complete (energy and angle) parameter space. Specifically, this design allows for the incident beam energy to extend from 50 eV up to 30 keV. Secondly, sample rotation allows for variation of the incident angle. Finally, and most importantly, the moveable detector, which can travel in two independent angular directions, can cover the entire 3D emission space and measure the emitted electrons with an angular resolution of 2/spl deg/.
SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE RECESSIVE SUPPRESSOR THAT CIRCUMVENTS PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE DEFICIENCY

Phenotypic reversion of six independent Saccharomyces cerevisiae cho1 mutants was shown to be due predominantly to mutation of an unlinked gene, eam1. The eam1 gene was located very close to ino1 on chromosome X by meiotic tetrad analysis. Recessive eam1 mutations did not correct the primary cho1 defect in phosphatidylserine synthesis but made endogenous ethanolamine available for sustained nitrogenous phospholipid synthesis. A novel biochemical contribution to nitrogenous lipid synthesis is indicated by the eam1 mutants.
Pragmatic Approaches to True Convergence with or without IMS

This paper presents lessons learned from trying to address the questions of operators or communications service providers in general who try to take advantage of NGNs (next generation networks) to provide attractive and revenue generating new multimedia and/or converged services. IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) is often presented as the ideal solution for operators to achieve these objectives. However recently adoption of the IMS has slowed down as more and more questions about business viability are raised. In this paper we illustrate how the same objectives as what initially motivated the design or deployments plans of the IMS can be achieved with a pragmatic incremental approach that may be more business viable while at the same time allowing service providers to offer immediately IMS like services. This paper also introduces a definition for SDP (service delivery platform) and positions it with respect to IMS or NGNs. In particular we illustrate that the notion of convergence is totally decoupled from the IMS: it does not mandate the IMS and when doing so, it can in fact generalized the notions way beyond what is today seen as example of convergence. As a result we propose a pragmatic approach to target deployment of IMS-like multimedia services, IP communications networks and convergence that we believe is business viable and will facilitate adoption of IMS whenever it makes sense; while at the same time not mandating IMS..
Combination Antifungal Therapy: When, Where, and Why

Combination antifungal therapy in the treatment of invasive fungal infections remains a controversial topic despite its increasing use based off case reports and series. There remains a paucity of well-controlled clinical studies to address which combination, the timing, and the benefits to the underlying host without causing toxicity. The evidence for using amphotericin B with 5 flucytosine for cryptococcal infections to reduce mortality has been effectively proven but the inaccessibility to 5 flucytosine requires the utilization of less effective combinations in many countries. For invasive aspergillosis, a large controlled clinical study in hematologic malignancy patients showed a trend for combination of voriconazole and anidulafungin to reduce mortality, especially in a subgroup of patients with positive galactomannan results. Outside of these two indications, the use of combination antifungal therapy in other patients and those with rare mold infections has not been proven and outcomes are heavily influenced by host factors rather than the combinations of antifungal treatment selected.
Food safety and quality topics in National Plans of Action for Nutrition

Abstract National Plans of Action for Nutrition, submitted to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, were analysed to determine common themes related to food safety and quality. Nations proposed strategies to improve their food hygiene and control chemical contaminants. Countries who primarily rely on local food production focused on reducing diarrhoeal diseases through public education about food and water hygiene. Countries moving into or participating in market economies discussed improvements needed in their food control system, with many concentrating on use of Codex Alimentarius food standards to facilitate trade. Education of farmers, food manufacturers, food inspectors, and consumers was seen as essential.
Re-Imagining Language, Culture, and Family in Foster Care.

Nearly half a million children in the United States are currently being served by the foster care system. Infants and toddlers represent the largest single group entering foster care. While these very young children are at the greatest peril for physical, mental health, and developmental issues and tend to spend the longest time in the foster care system, little research has been done to explore their experiences and developmental outcomes. In the family described here, birth family members and foster family members of multiple generations partner with Early Intervention services to support a toddler living within the foster care system.
A simple apparatus for rapidly initiating spectrophotometrically monitored enzymatic reactions

Abstract A relatively simple and inexpensive apparatus is described for rapidly initiating spectrophotometrically monitored reactions by adding a reagent to the cuvette without opening the sample chamber of the spectrophotometer. The apparatus allows the recording of initial reaction rate data within 2 sec after initiating the reaction.
Cross-Validated Spline Methods for the Estimation of Three-Dimensional Tumor Size Distributions from Observations on Two-Dimensional Cross Sections

Abstract We study the problem of estimating the distribution of the three-dimensional radiuses of a collection of spheres, given measurements of the two-dimensional radiuses of a sample of planar cross sections. This problem arises in the estimation of the tumor size distribution of spherical microtumors induced in mouse livers following injection of a carcinogen. We first convert this problem to a form suitable for the application of cross-validated spline methods for the solution of ill-posed integral equations given noisy data. Then we develop special numerical techniques that will allow the spline methods to be accurately applied to integral equations like those associated with the present problem. We apply the resulting method to some mouse-liver data. The subject mouse liver has been completely dissected, allowing a rare comparison of the estimate with the “truth.” The statistical properties of the estimate are explored via Monte Carlo methods. The interplay between statistical and numerical analyti...
Repair of Anterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse

A grade IV cystocele represents prolapse of the anterior vaginal wall outside of the introitus at rest. The etiology of this severe form of prolapse is secondary to defects in several areas of pelvic support, including (1) the attenuation of the vesicopelvic fascia, (2) loss of lateral attachments from the bladder to the pelvic sidewall resulting in lateral/sliding cystoceles, (3) loss of bladder neck support, and (4) separation of the cardinal ligaments. These four defects often accompany most grade IV cystoceles and must be corrected in order to achieve good support and elevation of the bladder base and a solid repair.
Radioprotection by short-term oxidative preconditioning: Role of manganese superoxide dismutase

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is vital to the protection of mitochondria and cells against oxidative stress. Earlier, we demonstrated that catalytically active homo-tetramer of MnSOD can be stabilized by oxidative cross-linking. Here we report that this effect may be translated into increased radioresistance of mouse embryonic cells (MECs) by pre-exposure to oxidative stress. Pre-treatment of MECs with antimycin A, rotenone or H 2 O 2 increased their survival after irradiation. Using MnSOD siRNA, we show that MECs with decreased MnSOD levels displayed a lowered ability to preconditioning. Thus oxidative preconditioning may be used for targeted regulation of MnSOD.
Approaching the Hereafter (CT Spell 440)

Coffin Text Spell 440 is one of a number of texts recited during the funeral of the early Middle Kingdom. It consists of three parts, the first introducing the deceased, the second addressing the two mourning women accompanying the coffin and the third closing the burial.
Labile clustering and its effects

Abstract A contour map of the minimum values for three-body rate constants and for equilibrium constants has been constructed for the initial three-body clustering of gas molecules to positive ions. The map was constructed from laboratory measurements of the clustering of gas molecules to alkali ions and consolidates into a readily useful form several recent measurements. Use of the map shows that labile clustering can be extremely important in laboratory experiments and in the earth's upper atmosphere.
Exploiting sparsity during the detection of high-order QAM signals in large dimension MIMO systems

This paper proposes a detector for large-scale multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems for 16-QAM constellation and channel knowledge at the receiver. The detector is composed of multiple stages. During the first stage, linear MMSE filter is employed and nearest neighbor quantization is performed resulting in a sub-optimal estimate. In the second stage, the residual in the measurement vector is calculated and the subsequent detector works on the error vector which has additional structure. The error vector is often sparse (has few non-zero components) with the all-zero and lowest energy errors having the largest priors. Large number of antennas reduces the dependencies between error and noise vectors and allows the residual detection problem to be modeled as a linear inverse problem with sparse regularizer. The familiar sparse structure motivates the application of Sparse Bayesian Learning method in the detection. The resulting detector shows promise: the SNR gain over MMSE receiver is ∼ 10 dB at a bit error rate (BER) of 10−3 for 16-QAM 16 × 16 system.