cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Evaluation of A1 Adenosine Agonists as Novel Anticonvulsant Medical Countermeasures to Nerve Agent Intoxication in a Rat Soman Seizure Model.

Organophosphorus nerve agents (NAs) irreversibly inhibit acetylcholinesterase, which results in the accumulation of acetylcholine and widespread excitotoxic seizure activity. Because current medical countermeasures (anticholinergics, AChE reactivators, and benzodiazepines) lack sufficient anti-seizure efficacy when treatment is delayed, those intoxicated are at risk for severe brain damage or death if treatment is not immediately available. Toward developing a more effective anti-seizure treatment for NA intoxication, this study evaluated the efficacy of A1 adenosine (ADO) receptor (A1AR) agonists in a rat soman seizure model. One minute after exposure to soman (1.6 × LD50, subcutaneous), rats were treated intraperitoneally with one of the following agonists at increasing dose levels until anti-seizure efficacy was achieved: N6-cyclopentaladenosine (CPA), 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA), and (±)-5'-chloro-5′-deoxy-ENBA (ENBA). All A1AR agonists were efficacious in preventing seizure and promoting survival. The effective doses for the A1AR agonists were 60 mg/kg CPA, 36 mg/kg CCPA, and 62 mg/kg ENBA. Whereas vehicle-treated rats experienced 100% seizure and 21% survival (N = 28), ADO treatments reduced seizure occurrence and improved survival rates: 8% seizure and 83% survival with CPA (60 mg/kg, N = 12), 17% seizure and 75% survival with CCPA (36 mg/kg, N = 12), and 8% seizure, 83% survival with ENBA (62 mg/kg, N = 12). The brains of ADO-treated rats were also protected from damage as indicated by neurohistopathological analysis. While all ADO agonists provided neuroprotection, rats receiving CCPA and ENBA experienced less severe ADO-induced side effects (e.g., sedation, hypothermia, bradycardia) than with CPA. The data from this study suggest that the ADO signaling pathway is a promising mechanism for countering seizure activity induced by NAs.
Improved and Expanded Near-IR Oscillator Strengths for Fe-group Elements

Modern experimental techniques, including LIF lifetime and FTS branching fraction measurements, have increased the reliability of atomic transition probabilities in the UV and visible. However, this combination is problematic in the increasingly important IR region, resulting in a significant gap between the capabilities to record new astronomical spectra and the data needed to sufficiently analyze them. To aid in closing this gap, we are incorporating alternative techniques to measure sets of Fe-group oscillator strengths in the near-IR.
Weight Management and Physical Activity for Breast Cancer Prevention and Control

Observational evidence has consistently linked excess adiposity and inactivity to increased breast cancer risk and to poor outcomes in individuals diagnosed with early-stage, potentially curable breast cancer. There is less information from clinical trials testing the effect of weight management or physical activity interventions on breast cancer risk or outcomes, but a number of ongoing trials will test the impact of weight loss and other lifestyle changes after cancer diagnosis on the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Lifestyle changes have additional benefits beyond their potential to decrease primary or secondary breast cancer risk, including improvements in metabolic parameters, reduction in the risk of comorbidities such as diabetes and heart disease, improvement of physical functioning, and mitigation of side effects of cancer therapy. Despite these myriad benefits, implementation of lifestyle interventions in at-risk and survivor populations has been limited to date. This article reviews the evidence linking lifestyle factors to breast cancer risk and outcomes, discusses completed and ongoing randomized trials testing the impact of lifestyle change in primary and secondary breast cancer prevention, and reviews efforts to implement and disseminate lifestyle interventions in at-risk and breast cancer survivor populations.
Sympatho-Adrenal Co-Storage, Release and Synthesis of Enkephalins and Catecholamines Induced by Acute CNS Ischemia in Pig

Earlier improvements in Ulf von Euler’s original large dense cored vesicle (LDV) preparation from bovine splenic nerve (~98% sympathetic C fibers) were based on subcellular particle marker activity (Lagercrantz et al 1970; Yen et al 1973) and ultrastructural morphometry (Klein and Thureson-Klein 1971; Thureson-Klein et al 1973a,b; Klein and Thureson-Klein 1974). This LDV preparation produced a high vesicle yield at up to 80–90% purity which made it suitable for chemical composition study (Lagercrantz 1976; Klein et al 1982a; Klein and Thureson-Klein 1984) and comparable to that purity achieved to perform analogous studies on bovine adrenomedullary chromaffin granules (Winkler and Westhead 1980; Winkler et al 1986).
Making the Familiar Strange: An Ethnographic Scholarship of Integration Contextualizing Engineering Educational Culture as Masculine and Competitive

This paper emerges out of ethnographic scholarship on marginalization in present-day engineering education. I pursue a scholarship of integration to contextualize my own and others’ engineering edu...
Glucose Management and the Sex Difference in Excess Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Long-Duration Type 1 Diabetes

The protection against CVD observed in women compared to men in the general population is essentially erased in type 1 diabetes. This review will discuss evidence regarding the role of glucose management on CVD risk by sex, with a particular focus on studies of long-duration type 1 diabetes of > 20 years. Across studies, women with type 1 diabetes have similar or worse glycemic control compared to men, despite higher rates of intensive insulin therapy. The association between HbA1c and CVD risk does not seem to differ by sex, but few studies have reported on sex-specific analyses. Beyond HbA1c, there is a lack of published data regarding the relationship between other aspects of glucose management and CVD risk by sex in type 1 diabetes. Glucose management factors do not seem to directly account for the increased CVD risk in women with type 1 diabetes, but may influence other risk factors that play a more direct role.
Roughness Reduction of Additively Manufactured Steel by Electropolishing

Improving surface finishing is the critical step in the application of an additively manufactured (AM) component in high fatigue and corrosion-sensitive fields. This paper provides insights into surface properties of electropolished AM component made up of 316 stainless steel with > 6% carbon. We performed surface analysis with profilometer, scanning electron microscope, and AFM to investigate the electropolished and unpolished AM components. The first major discovery of the present work is that our optical profilometry study provided an estimate of the amount of material to be removed to achieve a shiny and smooth surface on 316 stainless steel AM part. One needs to remove more than 200 μm thick layer from the surface to make a mirror-smooth surface. Such estimation can enable researchers to incorporate requisite tolerance during the design stage itself. The second important finding of our work is that ultrasmooth microstructure on the AM surface appeared when preferential material removal occurred along the boundary of the hexagonal microscopic features. Additionally, our optical profilometry studies provided an analysis of several roughness parameters on the electropolished surface. Electropolishing was effective in reducing the surface roughness below ~ 0.1 μm RMS over microscopic regions. Observation of sub-μm RMS roughness was consistently observed with the optical profilometer, SEM, and AFM. SEM study revealed a significant change in the microstructure of the electropolished samples in a medium and highly smooth state. We also conducted a water contact angle study and spectroscopic reflectance study on electropolished and unpolished AM component surfaces. Our study revealed that electropolishing is a highly promising route for improving the surface finishing of AM components.
The Effects of pH, Temperature, and Humic-Like Substances on Anaerobic Carbon Degradation and Methanogenesis in Ombrotrophic and Minerotrophic Alaskan Peatlands

Methane production usually increases from the acidic sphagnum-dominated ombrotrophic peatlands to minerotrophic ones with more neutral pH and higher coverage of vascular plants. Along this ombrotrophic–minerotrophic gradient, pH, microbial communities, and properties of dissolved organic matter in porewater all vary greatly. The hydrographic change resulted from permafrost thaw and projected global warming can potentially connect the minerotrophic and ombrotrophic sites via porewater and turn acidic bogs to minerotrophic fens. It is thus very important to investigate how the anaerobic carbon degradation processes respond to changes in fundamental factors like pH, temperature, properties of dissolved organic matter, and microbial communities resulted from such hydrographic change. In this study, one ombrotrophic (pH = 3.9) and one minerotrophic peatland site were sampled in Fairbanks, Alaska in Sep 2017 and a 42-day-period anaerobic laboratory incubation was conducted to study the changes in anaerobic carbon degradation processes including primary and secondary fermentation, methanogenesis, and acetogenesis when pH, temperature, and porewater were manipulated individually and a combination of two or three of these factors. The results suggested lowering pH would inhibit many anaerobic carbon degradation processes in the minerotrophic peatland except primary fermentation. Elevating pH in the ombrotrophic site did not stimulate its methanogen community, but primary fermentation responded better with increasing pH than with increasing temperature alone. Replacing the porewater in the minerotrophic site with that from the ombrotrophic site with high aromaticity did not inhibit methanogenesis but potentially brought in highly efficient primary fermenters. Acetoclastic methanogenesis, acetogenesis, and syntrophy only exist in the minerotrophic site but not at the ombrotrophic one. Porewater from the minerotrophic site could potentially introduce acetoclastic methanogens and syntrophs to the ombrotrophic site but would not make them active unless both pH and temperature were increased. When ground water connects ombrotrophic and minerotrophic peatlands due to thawing of permafrost, secondary fermenters and acetoclastic methanogens could be introduced to acidic bogs and cooperate efficiently to degrade the stored carbon in ombrotrophic peatlands especially under elevated temperature conditions.
Anopheles gambiae densovirus (AgDNV) negatively affects Mayaro virus infection in Anopheles gambiae cells and mosquitoes.

Recent studies demonstrate that insect-specific viruses can influence the ability of their mosquito hosts to become infected with and transmit arboviruses of medical and veterinary importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interactions between Anopheles gambiae densovirus (AgDNV) (Parvoviridae) (a benign insect-specific virus that infects An. gambiae mosquitoes) and Mayaro virus (MAYV) (Togaviridae) (an emerging human pathogen that can be transmitted by An. gambiae) in both insect cell culture and mosquitoes. For in vitro studies, An. gambiae Mos55 cells infected or uninfected with AgDNV were infected with MAYV. For in vivo studies, An. gambiae mosquitoes were injected intrathoracically with AgDNV and 4 days later orally infected with MAYV. Mosquitoes were dissected 10 days after MAYV infection, and MAYV titers in the body, legs and saliva samples quantified using focus-forming assay. MAYV virus replication was reduced 10–100-fold in An. gambiae Mos55 cells infected with AgDNV. In mosquitoes, there was a significant negative correlation between AgDNV and MAYV body titers 10 days post-blood meal. AgDNV infection was associated with reduced production of MAYV in cell culture, and reduced body titers of MAYV in An. gambiae mosquitoes. As densovirus infections are common in natural mosquito populations, these data suggest that they may affect the epidemiology of viruses of medical importance.
Emerging Approaches to Functionalizing Cell Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles.

There has been a significant interest in developing cell membrane-coated nanoparticles due to their unique abilities of biomimicry and biointerfacing. As the technology progresses, it becomes clear...
Blue Crabs: Bad Water, Bad Living Conditions, and Bad Regulations are giving them the Blues

Blue crabs are the most lucrative fish in the Chesapeake Bay. Because of this position of economic prominence, they are an integral part to the culture of the mid-Atlantic region. The health of the Chesapeake Bay has declined recently due to lower dissolved oxygen levels in the estuary. These lowered dissolved oxygen levels have been attributed to excessive nutrient inputs from human practices. In conjunction with these dissolved oxygen levels, there has been a decline in the population of blue crabs. The individuals who harvest these crustaceans have faced regulation changes in order to not worsen the declining crab population. These regulations were scrutinized by these individuals whose families rely on their catch for a livelihood. Funding for the institutions which seek to protect the health of the Chesapeake Bay and the organisms inside of it have declined. In order to combat the issue of declining blue crabs, consumers must consider how their habits are contributing to the increased nutrients that cause dead zones. More thought towards how individuals are impacting blue crabs will not only improve the Chesapeake's help, but it will also improve the overall environment's health.
Cardiac Allograft Tolerance Induction with Ox40L Costimulatory Blockade

Purpose Cardiac allograft tolerance in non-human primates (NHPs) has been achieved by our group via hematopoietic mixed chimerism with allogeneic bone marrow and kidney co-transplantation. This model has failed without the regulatory mechanisms associated with the donor kidney. We hypothesized that rapamycin and anti-OX40L mAb (KY1005, Kymab Ltd) could substitute for kidney co-transplantation and induce cardiac allograft tolerance by providing a favorable immunologic milieu for regulatory T cells (Tregs). Methods Fourteen cynomolgus NHPs underwent mixed chimerism conditioning (ATGAM, total body and thymic irradiation) then organ and bone marrow transplant. Heart Alone recipients received a heart transplant (n=5), Heart/Kidney recipients received a heart and kidney co-transplant (n=7). Heart/OX40L recipients received a heart transplant plus 40 days of anti-OX40L mAb (n=2). All groups underwent a 12 day course of aCD154 mAb. The Heart Alone and Heart Kidney groups received 28 days of cyclosporine while the Heart aOX40L group received 100 days of rapamycin. Results All Heart Alone recipients had cellular rejection (ISHLT 3R) by 200 days post bone marrow transplant (pBMT). No Heart/Kidney recipients showed early rejection. Similarly, no Heart/OX40L recipients showed early rejection and one is currently 258 days pBMT without clinical or pathologic evidence of rejection (Figure 1). The other recipient died of viral complications. Mean peak lymphoid chimerism was 10% for the Heart Alone group, 26% for the Heart/Kidney group, and 29% for the Heart/OX40L group. The anti-OX40L protocol also showed an expansion of the Treg population with a peak of 35% Tregs in the CD4+ population. Conclusion The OX40L protocol achieved robust lymphoid chimerism with concomitant expansion of Tregs. The surviving Heart/OX40L recipient achieved longer freedom from allograft rejection when compared to the Heart Alone group. OX40L costimulatory blockade may allow for heart allograft tolerance without kidney co-transplantation.
Structural and Biophysical Mechanisms Underlying Dynamic Sensitivity of Primary Sensory Interneurons in the Cricket Cercal Sensory System

Realistic, biophysically-based compartmental models were constructed of several primary sensory interneurons in the cricket cercal sensory system. A dynamic atlas of the afferent input to these cells was used to set spatio-temporal parameters for the simulated stimulus-dependent synaptic inputs. We examined the roles of dendritic morphology, passive membrane properties, and active conductances on the frequency tuning of the neurons. The sensitivity of narrow-band low pass interneurons could be explained entirely by the electrotonic structure of the dendritic arbors and the dynamic sensitivity of the SIZ. The dynamic characteristics of interneurons with higher frequency sensitivity required models with voltage-dependent dendritic conductances.
Synchronized cluster firing, a distinct form of sensory neuron activation, drives spontaneous pain.

Summary Spontaneous pain refers to pain occurring without external stimuli. It is a primary complaint in chronic pain conditions and remains difficult to treat. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying spontaneous pain remain poorly understood. Here we employed in vivo imaging of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and discovered a distinct form of abnormal spontaneous activity following peripheral nerve injury: clusters of adjacent DRG neurons firing synchronously and sporadically. The level of cluster firing correlated directly with nerve injury-induced spontaneous pain behaviors. Furthermore, we demonstrated that cluster firing is triggered by activity of sympathetic nerves, which sprout into DRGs after injury, and identified norepinephrine as a key neurotransmitter mediating this unique firing. Chemogenetic and pharmacological manipulations of sympathetic activity and norepinephrine receptors suggest that they are necessary and sufficient for DRG cluster firing and spontaneous pain behavior. Therefore, blocking sympathetically mediated cluster firing may be a new paradigm for treating spontaneous pain.
Data Fusion in Shape From Shading Algorithms

The vision process that we examine in this chapter is that of obtaining object shape from information about the specular and Lambertian components of the light reflected off of the object. We demonstrate the application of two different forms of weakly coupled fusion to the problem of estimating object shape from shading information. The first example is of an algebraic approach, while the second involves an energy function or Bayesian approach. We follow this description of the weakly coupled methods with an illustration of how we can convert the weakly coupled fusion algorithms into a strongly coupled fusion algorithm.
Fe xxiv Emission in Solar Flares Observed with the NRL/ATM XUV Slitless Spectrograph

During the Skylab Mission, the NRL slitless spectrograph photographed a number of flares in the 170–600 A region with a spatial resolution approaching 2″. At flare maximum the 2s 2 S 1/2— —2p 2 P 1/2, 3/2 transitions of Fe xxiv are present, and show the location of the (approx.) 20 × 106 deg plasma with respect to the surface magnetic field and chromospheric (He ii) emissions. Three examples are discussed (two only briefly).
Events extraction and classification for Arabic information retrieval systems

Even the best information retrieval systems miss a large amount of relevant material. This work describes an approach that adds some artificial intelligence to the task of improving the results. We combine shallow parsing and information extraction techniques with conventional information retrieval to build a richer database of events to support the retrieval effort. In our system each event has three main types of identifying factors: keywords that indicate that an interesting event has occurred, dates that specify the time of the event and proper nouns that specify the people, organizations, locations, products, etc., that are involved in the event. In This work we describe a system that uses these keys to find events, classify them, and save them in a database along with the identifier of the document that mentions the event. The retrieval process uses this information to provide the user with menus to form queries about the events; it then executes those queries, and finds the related documents.
Formulating Good MILP Models

Writing good models is essential to harnessing MILP solution technology. Due to an underlying theorem that characterizes MILP representability, MILP modeling involves identifying two types of structures in a problem: knapsack constraints and choices between discrete alternatives. This article illustrates the modeling process with a series of examples. They include capital budgeting, freight transport, set packing/covering/partitioning, airline crew rostering, facility location, fixed charges, lot sizing, and package delivery. Piecewise linear modeling, logical conditions, symmetry, special ordered sets, indicator constraints, and semicontinuous variables are also discussed. Keywords: mixed integer/linear modeling; mixed integer/linear programming; disjunctive modeling
Monitoring of complex visual displays: III. Effects of repeated sessions on human vigilance.

A vigilance experiment was performed using a visual monitoring task with multiple stimulus sources. Under investigation were effects of repeated sessions on monitoring behavior. Nine 3-hour sessions were given on consecutive days. Following a longer 7-day interval, a 10th session was given. The main findings were a significant decrement in detection latency within each session, but no statistically reliable evidence for a between-sessions effect. Evidence was presented to suggest that the spatial configuration of stimulus sources was a factor for vigilance decrement because efficiency of the observing response decreased as a function of observation time.
Interferon-α directly represses megakaryopoiesis by inhibiting thrombopoietin-induced signaling through induction of SOCS-1

Interferon (IFN)-α has proven useful for treating several clinical conditions, including chronic viral hepatitis and chronic myeloproliferative and lymphoproliferative disorders. In addition to its well-known antiviral effects, the cytokine exerts antiproliferative effects on many cell types, helping to explain its therapeutic usefulness in these latter conditions. However, this same property accounts for several undesirable effects, including thrombocytopenia, which can interfere with the successful clinical application of IFN-α. Unfortunately, the mechanisms responsible for the myelosuppressive effects of the cytokine are incompletely understood. The effects of IFN-α on megakaryocyte (MK) development were studied. Using several marrow cell purification techniques and quantitative culture methods, it was found that IFN-α directly inhibits thrombopoietin (TPO)-induced MK growth. Previous studies indicated that Janus kinase (JAK) and its substrates mediate the effects of TPO on cellular proliferation and survival. It was found that IFN-α directly suppresses TPO-induced phosphorylation of the JAK2 substrates c-Mpl and STAT 5 in a TPO-dependent hematopoietic cell line and of Mpl and STAT3 in primary murine MK. Moreover, IFN-α induces SOCS-1 production in these cells, which has been shown to inhibit TPO-induced cell growth. Because SOCS protein expression is induced by many cytokines and has been reported to extinguish signaling from several hematopoietic cytokine receptors, these results identify a molecular mechanism responsible for cytokine receptor cross-talk.
Hydrostatic Pressure: Effect on Microbial Inactivation and Food Preservation

Inactivation of Bacterial Cells Inactivation of Bacterial Endospores Inactivation of Other Microorganisms Keywords: food, effect of hydrostatic pressure on pathogens; hydrostatic pressure
Conjuração mineira: novos aspectos

Vou falar hoje, neste bicentenario, da conjuracao mineira, menos sobre as consequencias desta prisao do que sobre as causas da chamada Inconfidencia Mineira, designacao de que francamente nao gosto, e que nao uso; a palavra inconfidencia vem dos donos do poder e nao da oposicao. Vem da contra-revolucao e nao da revolucao; e, enfim, o objeto das nossas comemoracoes e uma revolucao frustrada, nao uma repressao bem-sucedida. E bom que estejamos bem claros sobre isto.
Brooding and Paedomorphosis in the Deep-Water Feather Star Comatilia iridometriformis (Echinodermata: Crinoidea)

Adults of Comatilia iridometriformis, A. H. Clark, 1909, a deep-water feather star, retain the following attributes limited chiefly to juveniles of other species in its family, the Comasteridae: small size (maximum arm length about 30 mm), large radial ossicles, incomplete pinnulation, slender cirral ossicles and coarse stereom. This is the only known instance of paedomorphosis (retention of juvenile characters in the adult) among extant crinoids. Observations from the submersible “Alvin” in about 580 m indicate that C. iridometriformis lives associated with ahermatypic, bankforming corals (Lophelia prolifera and Enallopsammia profunda). The crinoids cling to dead coral and other solid substrates, but not to living coral. The crinoids appear to prefer slow, locally variable and multidirectional water movements. Although some other crinoids brood early developmental stages externally or within brood pouches, C. iridometriformis is the only crinoid that appears to brood giant embryos and larvae within the ovarian lumen (although poor histological fixation left some doubt about the exact location). Larvae approaching the cystidean stage were the most advanced brooded forms observed; release from the ovary probably occurs at about this stage. Stalked pentacrinoid larvae are sometimes found on the cirri of the adult crinoids. C. iridometriformis is also peculiar in being the only brooding member of the family Comasteridae and the only internally brooding feather star not found in middle or high southern latitudes. It is suggested that: paedomorphosis in this feather star results from accelerated sexual maturation (progenesis), the potentially unstable habitat may contribute to selection for rapid growth; and neither food nor space may be limiting. Moreover, brooding may be both a design constraint (due to small size) and a way to prevent loss of progeny from a discontinuous habitat where current flow tends to be unidirectional.
Break Point Estimation and Spurious Rejections With Endogenous Unit Root Tests

This paper examines the accuracy of break point estimation using the endogenous break unit root tests of Zivot and Andrews (1992) and Perron (1997). We find that these tests tend to identify the break point incorrectly at one‐period behind (TB‐1) the true break point (TB), where bias in estimating the persistence parameter and spurious rejections are the greatest. In addition, this outcome occurs under the null and alternative hypotheses, and more so as the magnitude of the break increases. Consequences of utilizing these endogenous break tests are similar to (incorrectly) omitting the break term Bt in Perron's (1989) exogenous test.
Analysis of transient amplification for a torsional system passing through resonance

The classical problem of vibration amplification of a linear torsional oscillator excited by an instantaneous sinusoidal torque is re-examined with focus on the development of new analytical solutions of the transient envelopes. First, a new analytical method in the instantaneous frequency (or speed) domain is proposed to directly find the closed-form solutions of transient displacement, velocity, and acceleration envelopes for passage through resonance during the run-up or run-down process. The proposed closed-form solutions are then successfully verified by comparing them with numerical predictions and limited analytical solutions as available in prior literature. Second, improved analytical approximations of maximum amplification and corresponding peak frequency are found, which are also verified by comparing them with prior analytical or empirical formulas. In addition, applicability of the proposed analytical solution is clarified, and their error bounds are identified. Finally, the utility of analyt...
The Physical Preparation of Geologic Samples For Chemical Analysis Using Laboratory Robotics

Abstract An automated system to grind geologic samples has been successfully tested. A Zymate II robotic system, along with specially designed or modified hardware, was used to process partially pulverized geologic samples. the system is capable of processing samples on a 24-hour basis with an average per-samples grinding time of 12.4 minutes. A sample grinding period is followed by a cleanout sequence of air purges, vacuuming and grinding for surface cleaning with quartz sand. Routine operator involvement is limited to adjusting the grinding plates on the Bico vertical grinder at the beginning of each preparation interval. Studies conducted using variable amounts of cleaning sand between grinding of samples indicate that the adjustment interval can be extended to 50 samples (25g cleaning sand) using an acceptance criteria of 80% of sample passing 80 mesh. the processed samples are suitable for direct geochemical analysis using a variety of standard chemical digestions. Cross contamination studies using s...
Control-oriented model for integrated diesel engine and aftertreatment systems thermal management

Abstract In order to perform effective real-time active thermal management, control-oriented thermal models for the integrated Diesel engine and aftertreatment systems are required. The purpose of this study is to develop a control-oriented temperature dynamic model for a modern Diesel engine equipped with a complete set of aftertreatment systems including Diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), Diesel particulate filter (DPF), and urea-based selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. In specific, the influences of in-cylinder post injection (fuel injection rate and injection timing) on the temperature dynamics were investigated. Several engine experiments were conducted to validate the proposed model in various operating scenarios. Experimental results show that the developed model can well capture the thermal behaviors of the aftertreatment systems with and without post injections.
Protective Effects Of Oligosaccharides In P-selectin-dependent Lung Injury

NEUTROPHIL recruitment into tissues is a multistep process involving sequential engagement of adhesion molecules, including selectins (E,P,L), which are reactive with oligosaccharides, and the family of (β2 integrins which are reactive with endothelial intercellular adhesion molecules1–3. These processes result in the initial rolling of leukocytes along the endothelial surfaces, followed by the firm attachment of leukocytes to the endothelium. The intravenous infusion of cobra venom factor into rats results in acute lung injury that is neutrophil-dependent, oxygen radical mediated and P-selectin-dependent4,5. Here we report that infusion of sialyl-Lewis X, a ligand for P-selectin6–9, dramatically reduced lung injury and diminished the tissue accumulation of neutrophils, whereas irrelevant oligosaccharides had no such effects. These results suggest that sialyl-Lewis X carbohydrates may be used as a new strategy for anti-inflammatory therapy.
Pharmacological endothelin receptor interaction does not occur in veins from ETB receptor deficient rats

Abstract Heterodimerization of G-protein coupled receptors can alter receptor pharmacology. ET A and ET B receptors heterodimerize when co-expressed in heterologous expression lines. We hypothesized that ET A and ET B receptors heterodimerize and pharmacologically interact in vena cava from wild-type (WT) but not ET B receptor deficient (sl/sl) rats. Pharmacological endothelin receptor interaction was assessed by comparing ET-1-induced contraction in rings of rat thoracic aorta and thoracic vena cava from male Sprague Dawley rats under control conditions, ET A receptor blockade (atrasentan, 10 nM), ET B receptor blockade (BQ-788, 100 nM) or ET B receptor desensitization (Sarafotoxin 6c, 100 nM) and ET A plus ET B receptor blockade or ET A receptor blockade plus ET B receptor desensitization. In addition, similar pharmacological ET receptor antagonism experiments were performed in rat thoracic aorta and vena cava from WT and sl/sl rats. ET A but not ET B receptor blockade or ET B receptor desensitization inhibited aortic and venous ET-1-induced contraction. In vena cava but not aorta, when ET B receptors were blocked (BQ-788, 100 nM) or desensitized (S6c, 100 nM), atrasentan caused a greater inhibition of ET-1-induced contraction. Vena cava from WT but not sl/sl rats exhibited similar pharmacological ET receptor interaction. Immunocytochemistry was performed on freshly dissociated aortic and venous vascular smooth muscle cells to determine localization of ET A and ET B receptors. ET A and ET B receptors qualitatively co-localized more strongly to the plasma membrane of aortic compared to venous vascular smooth muscle cells. Our data suggest that pharmacological ET A and ET B receptor interaction may be dependent on the presence of functional ET B receptors and independent of receptor location.
A controlled snowmaking experiment testing the relation between black carbon content and reduction of snow albedo

[1] Radiative transfer modeling of the reduction of snow albedo by black carbon (BC) requires experimental verification. In natural snow the albedo reduction is at most a few percent, and even with accurate measurements, attribution is ambiguous because snow albedo depends on other variables. In this experiment, artificial snowpacks are made by freezing of water droplets produced by a snowmaking machine in an open field, using water with and without added soot, in amounts about 100 times natural background soot levels, so as to obtain a large signal on albedo. The optically effective snow grain size is determined from the measured near-infrared albedo; matching the measured visible albedo then requires addition of BC to the radiative transfer model. The BC content of the artificial snowpacks is measured by filtering the meltwater; the filters are analyzed by a laboratory spectrophotometer as is done for filters from samples of natural snow. The BC content indicated by the filters agrees with that required in the model to match the observed albedo, but significant uncertainties remain, so further experiments are needed.
Genetic Contributions to Disparities in Preterm Birth

Ethnic disparity in preterm delivery between African Americans and European Americans has existed for decades, and is likely the consequence of multiple factors, including socioeconomic status, environment, and genetics. This review summarizes existing information on genetic variation and its association with preterm birth in African Americans. Candidate gene-based association studies, in which investigators have evaluated particular genes selected primarily because of their potential roles in the process of normal and pathologic parturition, provide evidence that genetic contributions from both mother and fetus account for some of the disparity in preterm births. To date, most attention has been focused on genetic variation in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine genes and their respective receptors. These genes, particularly the pro-inflammatory cytokine genes and their receptors, are linked to matrix metabolism because these cytokines increase expression of matrix degrading metalloproteinases. However, the role that genetic variants that are different between populations play in preterm birth (e.g. the SERPINH1 - G56 SNP) cannot yet be quantified. Future studies based on genome wide association or admixture mapping may reveal other genes that contribute to disparity in prematurity.
Deoxyuridine triphosphatase: A potential site of interaction with pyrimidine nucleotide analogues

Deoxyuridine triphosphatase has been purified from cultured human lymphoid cells in high yield and stable form by a relatively simple procedure. The properties differed somewhat from those reported previously, e.g. apparent Km, molecular weight, and effects of divalent metals. No other naturally occurring dNTP or NTP serves as substrate, however, the enzyme may be an important site of interaction with intracellular derivatives of analogues of dUrd. It is shown here that deoxyuridine triphosphatase acts on araUTP, 6-azadUTP, 2′-FdUTP, and 2′,3′-dideoxyUTP, but the enzyme has no effect on 5-C1dUTP, 5-BrdUTP, 5-HgdUTP and dUrd-5′[α-thio]triphosphate. For the preparation of one of the analogues, the enzyme, trans-N-deoxyribosylase, from Lactobacillus, was used to prepare the deoxynucleoside from the base, a procedure that may have general usefulness.
Do remedial English programs impact first‐year success in college? An illustration of the regression‐discontinuity design

This paper presents an illustration of how the regression‐discontinuity design can be used to obtain an unbiased estimate of the causal effect of participating in a university remedial English program on first‐year grade point average. First‐year grade point averages were collected for 197 first‐time, full‐time university students, along with the scores they received on an English placement examination, and a measure of remedial program assignment. Regression discontinuities indicate that first‐year grade point averages were approximately 0.392 points higher for students who participated in a remedial English program as compared to equivalent students who did not participate in the remedial program. We also present various threats to validity and limitations of the regression‐discontinuity design.
Spatial and Temporal Variability of Carbofuran Degradation in Soil

Loss of pesticide efficacy resulting from enhanced rates of microbial degradation has been observed with several pesticides including the insecticide carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate). Soils in which this phenomenon occurs are often referred to as “problem soils.” Several previous studies have documented the temporal aspects of the conversion of a nonproblem soil to a problem soil, and have compared carbofuran degradation rates in problem vs. nonproblem soils. There have been few studies of the spatial or temporal variability of pesticide degradation, and no studies of the variability of carbofuran degradation, however. Our study was designed to evaluate the spatial variability of carbofuran degradation activity in a conventional-till and a no-till corn (L.) field, and to assess temporal variations of carbofuran degradation activity. Soil samples were collected at two positional locations in each field (in-row and between-row) at three times during the growing season. Within the planting furrow, maximum rates of carbofuran degradation were higher and resulting half-lives of carbofuran (DT-50%) were lower than in samples collected between corn rows. Interactive effects of both microbial biomass and soil water content appeared to contribute to the observed differences in carbofuran degradation kinetics as well as to the positional differences observed. Temporal variations in carbofuran degradation appeared to be dominated by soil water content. At this time it remains unknown whether the observed increase in carbofuran degradation activity, in the row, occurred in response to the banded application of carbofuran, or to increased C availability in the rhizosphere.
Abstract 3531: Papillary thyroid carcinomas with and without lymph node metastasis show differences in tumor-infiltrating leukocytes

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common endocrine malignancy with approximately 48,000 new cases expected in 2011. Additionally, the incidence has doubled over the last three decades. While 20-year survival rates are extremely high with usual therapy, 15% will have recurrence and 5-10% will die from their disease. If refractory to standard treatment, no sufficient adjuvant therapies are available. Cancer immunotherapy uses a patient's own immune system to recognize and eliminate malignant cells. The potential advantages of this approach over conventional treatments include the systemic trafficking of immune cells to treat primary and metastatic disease, inherent antigen-specificity of adaptive immunity to minimize collateral damage, and most importantly, the induction of immunological memory to prevent recurrent disease. The degree and type of immune response are poorly understood in thyroid cancer. In this study, papillary thyroid cancer samples, with normal tissue matched to the same specimen, from de-identified patients were obtained retrospectively from the Norris Cancer Center Tumor Bank and stained using immunohistochemistry with antibodies specific for CD8 and CD16. Sections were evaluated for tumor-infiltrating leukocyte location, intra-tumor versus invading margin, and percentage of CD8 or CD16 positive lymphocytes, respectively. The results were analyzed for correlation between immune infiltrate and clinical parameters. Nineteen cases of papillary thyroid cancer were studied. The mean patient age was 40 years (range 22-55). Seven of nineteen patients had lymph node metastasis. An organized lymphocytic infiltration was seen in seven samples and was significantly correlated with the presence with CD8+ and CD16+ cells, at the invading margin and tumor parenchyma, respectively. Age <40 years was significantly associated with this pattern of CD8+ and CD16+ cells compared to those older than 40. Lymph node metastasis was significantly association with an increased level of intra-tumoral CD8+ cell infiltration and there was a non-significant trend towards a positive association between nodal metastasis and intra-tumoral CD16+ cell infiltration. The present study demonstrates an increase in cell-mediated immune infiltration in samples that have nodal metastases versus those that do not, suggesting that immune therapy may be utilized in the future treatment of aggressive thyroid carcinoma to improve disease response. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3531. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3531
Morphologic and histologic abnormalities in female and male rats treated with anabolic steroids

A two-part study was performed to determine the effects of high doses of anabolic steroids on weight, appetite, and organ histology. Initially, 30 white Wistar rats, 15 males and 15 females, were treated weekly with either 0.52 cc of physiologic saline or nandrolone decanoate. After 6 weeks, female treated and control rats had comparable weight gains, but male treated rats were significantly lighter than controls. Rats were sacrificed and organs dissected for histologic preparation. Treated male livers had less lipid than control males. The uteri of treated females displayed abnormal vacuolization, stromal edema, and peliosis. In Part II, 12 male rats, 6 treated and 6 control, were given the drug or saline in a manner identical to that in Part I. Treated rats had lower weights from Weeks 1 through 6 and ate less than controls. Upon sacrifice, treated rats' kidneys were heavier, and testes and liver were lighter compared to controls. Roentgenographic studies of tibias from Parts I and II showed no significant differences in tibial length or height of growth plate between treated and control groups. In summary, when anabolic steroid use is studied in the rat model, numerous pathological and anatomical changes occur.
Clinical utility of D-dimer in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism and nondiagnostic lung scans or negative CT findings.

Background The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is difficult because the clinical diagnosis is nonspecific and all of the objective tests have limitations. The assay for plasma d-dimer may be useful as an exclusion test if results are negative. We conducted a prospective cohort study that evaluated the clinical utility (usefulness) of an automated quantitative d-dimer test in the diagnosis of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism. Methods Consecutive eligible patients who had clinically suspected PE with nondiagnostic lung scans or negative helical CT scan of the chest results underwent d-dimer testing. Results The d-dimer results were negative in 11 of 103 inpatients (10.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.5 to 18.3%) and 7 of 22 outpatients (31.8%, 95% CI, 13.9 to 54.9%; p = 0.02). Conclusions Measurement of plasma d-dimer is of limited clinical utility for inpatients with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism and nondiagnostic lung scans or negative helical CT results at a US academic health center.
Capitalizing on Prescribing Pattern Variation to Compare Medications for Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract Background Clinical trials often compare hypoglycemic medications on the basis of glycemic control but do not examine long-term outcomes (e.g., mortality). This study demonstrates an alternative approach to lengthening clinical trials to assess these long-term outcomes. Objective To use observational quasi-experimental methods using instrumental variables (IVs) to compare the effect of two hypoglycemic medications, sulfonylureas (SUs) and thiazolidinediones (TZDs), on long-term outcomes. Methods This study used administrative data from the Veterans Health Administration and Medicare from 2000 to 2010. The study population included US veterans dually enrolled in Medicare who received a prescription for metformin and then initiated SUs or TZDs. Patients could either continue on or discontinue metformin after the initiation of the second agent. Treatment was defined as starting either a SU or a TZD. Local variations in SU prescribing rates were used as instruments in IV models to control for selection bias. Survival models predicted all-cause mortality, ambulatory care sensitive condition hospitalizations, and stroke or heart attack (acute myocardial infarction). Results Starting on SUs compared to TZDs significantly increased the likelihood of experiencing mortality and ACSC hospitalization. The estimated hazard ratio for the effect of starting on SUs compared to TZDs was 1.50 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–2.09) for all-cause mortality, 1.68 (95% CI 1.31–2.15) for ambulatory care sensitive condition hospitalization, and 1.15 (95% CI 0.80–1.66) for acute myocardial infarction or stroke. Conclusions Our findings suggest increased risk of major adverse events associated with SUs as a second-line agent. Quasi-experimental IV methods may be an important alternative to lengthening clinical trials to assess long-term outcomes.
Beacond: a peer-to-peer system to teach ubiquitous computing

This paper describes a peer-to-peer (p2p) system (beacond) that is suitable for teaching important concepts in ubiquitous computing. The system exposes issues in peer location, p2p services, security and privacy issues. The system provided enough background to compliment class lectures and assisted students in designing their own course projects. Students continue to explore ideas exposed by beacond; some of these ideas are being further developed for publication in research conferences[1]. We present our experiences in using this framework for three different course offerings.