cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased toxicity and retention of Perflourooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) in humanized CYP2B6-Transgenic mice compared to Cyp2b-null mice is relieved by a High-Fat Diet (HFD)

PFOS is a persistent, fluorosurfactant used in multiple products. Murine Cyp2b's are induced by PFOS and high-fat diets (HFD) and therefore we hypothesized that human CYP2B6 may alleviate PFOS-induced steatosis. Cyp2b-null and hCYP2B6-Tg mice were treated with 0, 1, or 10 mg/kg/day PFOS by oral gavage for 21-days while provided a chow diet (ND) or HFD. Similar to murine Cyp2b10, CYP2B6 is inducible by PFOS. Furthermore, three ND-fed hCYP2B6-Tg females treated with 10 mg/kg/day PFOS died during the exposure period; neither Cyp2b-null nor HFD-fed mice died. hCYP2B6-Tg mice retained more PFOS in serum and liver than Cyp2b-null mice presumably causing the observed toxicity. In contrast, serum PFOS retention was reduced in the HFD-fed hCYP2B6-Tg mice; the opposite trend observed in HFD-fed Cyp2b-null mice. Hepatotoxicity biomarkers, ALT and ALP, were higher in PFOS-treated mice and repressed by a HFD. However, PFOS combined with a HFD exacerbated steatosis in all mice, especially in the hCYP2B6-Tg mice with significant disruption of key lipid metabolism genes such as Srebp1, Pparg, and Hmgcr. In conclusion, CYP2B6 is induced by PFOS but does not alleviate PFOS toxicity presumably due to increased retention. CYP2B6 protects from PFOS-mediated steatosis in ND-fed mice, but increases steatosis when co-treated with a HFD.
The Illustrated Mind (P2.034)

Objective: To understand the historical reasons underlying the significant improvements seen in 16th–17th century anatomical illustrations of human cadaveric brains. Background: Through the Middle Ages, most neuroanatomical depictions were of highly schematized ventricles housed within abstract squiggles of brain matter. The prints by the preeminent Flemish anatomist Andreas Vesalius in his magnum opus, De Humani Corporis Fabrica (1543), were a vast improvement in accuracy and detail – yet still, his folds of cerebral cortex resemble more a coil of intestines than the gyral-sulcal pattern recognized today. Identifiable cortical landmarks would not be featured in medical texts until the English physician Thomas Willis’s Cerebri Anatome (1664). Subsequent publications by Gray and others further advanced the precision of neuroanatomical illustrations. Design/Methods: A review of primary and secondary sources on the subject. Results: Medieval doctors understood neurophysiology according to the cell doctrine whereby the first cell (modern-day lateral ventricles) was responsible for sensation, the second cell (third ventricle) for cognition, and the third cell (fourth ventricle) for memory. Vesalius challenged this ventricle-centric model and resolved to portray his own physical observations without the influence of speculative function. Willis and his illustrator, architect Christopher Wren, citing limited clinical evidence proposed that the corpus striatum, white, and grey matter respectively replace the three cells – finally allowing cortex a physiological rather than structurally supportive role. This relocation of executive function demanded a more meticulous rendering of the brain along with its ventricles. Conclusions: It was a paradigm shift in our understanding of cerebral function, not technical advances in the arts of dissection or illustration, that drove the increasing accuracy and precision of neuroanatomical drawings from the Middle Ages, to Vesalius, to Willis and beyond. The folds of cortex were no longer a random, chaotic mess of inert tissue but a conserved and highly-ordered pattern exhibited by vital cognitive machinery. Disclosure: Dr. Sutherland-Foggio has nothing to disclose.
Surface and Other Local Coils for In Vivo Studies

The sections in this article are 1 Introduction 2 Surface Coil Fundamentals 3 Local Coil Classes 4 Future Trends 5 Biographical Sketch Related Articles
Common Discourse Particles in English Conversation

Dissertation presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University, 1982.
Invisible Colleagues: The Informal Organization of Knowledge Production in Criminology and Criminal Justice

This study seeks to shed light on the informal process of knowledge production in criminology and criminal justice by examining acknowledgements in journal publications. Studying the structure of research collaboration among scholars may enhance our understanding of the discipline’s organization. We test hypotheses derived from prior research by analyzing acknowledgements in 786 articles from five journals in criminology and criminal justice over the last five years. As anticipated by the “invisible college” hypothesis, criminology and criminal justice scholarship contains a small group of individuals who receive a disproportionate share of acknowledgements. Additionally, we find that higher ranked and more productive scholars are awarded more acknowledgements than their lower ranked and less productive counterparts. Integrating acknowledgements as an unofficial assessment tool may improve the collective endeavor of contemporary science in our field. Overall, the influence of the “invisible colleagues,” m...
Motility of dimeric ncd on a metal-chelating surfactant: evidence that ncd is not processive.

The surface immobilization methods that allowed single-molecule motility experiments with native kinesin have not worked with the ncd motor protein and other kinesin-related motors. To solve this problem, a surfactant (Pluronic F108) was chemically modified with the metal-chelating group nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) to allow surface immobilization of histidine-tagged microtubule motors. The chelating surfactant provided a convenient and effective method for immobilization and subsequent motility experiments with a dimeric H-tagged ncd protein (H-N195). In experiments with the absorption of H-N195 to polystyrene (PS) beads coated with F108-NTA, a monolayer of H-N195 bound in the presence of Ni2+, while in the absence of Ni2+, the extent of adsorption of H-N195 to PS beads was greatly reduced. In motility experiments with H-N195 immobilized on F108-NTA-coated surfaces, microtubules moved smoothly and consistently at an average speed of 0.16 ± 0.01 μm/s in the presence of Ni2+, while without Ni2+, no microtub...
Allosteric modulation of the mouse Kir6.2 channel by intracellular H+ and ATP.

The ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels are regulated by intracellular H+ in addition to ATP, ADP, and phospholipids. Here we show evidence for the interaction of H+ with ATP in regulating a cloned KATP channel, i.e. Kir6.2 expressed with and without the SUR1 subunit. Channel sensitivity to ATP decreases at acidic pH, while the pH sensitivity also drops in the presence of ATP. These effects are more evident in the presence of the SUR1 subunit. In the Kir6.2 + SUR1, the pH sensitivity is reduced by about 0.4 pH units with 100 μM ATP and 0.6 pH units with 1 mm ATP, while a decrease in pH from 7.4 to 6.8 lowers the ATP sensitivity by about fourfold. The Kir6.2 + SUR1 currents are strongly activated at pH 5.9-6.5 even in the presence of 1 mm ATP. The modulations appear to take place at His175 and Lys185 that are involved in proton and ATP sensing, respectively. Mutation of His175 completely eliminates the pH effect on the ATP sensitivity. Similarly, the K185E mutant-channel loses the ATP-dependent modulation of the pH sensitivity. Thus, allosteric modulations of the cloned KATP channel by ATP and H+ are demonstrated. Such a regulation allows protons to activate directly the KATP channels and release channel inhibition by intracellular ATP; the pH effect is further enhanced with a decrease in ATP concentration as seen in several pathophysiological conditions.
Equilibrium penny-like cracks in indentation fracture

A study is made of the mechanics of two basic types of indentation fracture, cone cracks (“blunt” indenters) and median cracks (“sharp” indenters). The common feature which forms the central theme in this work is that both crack types, in their well-developed stages of growth, may be regarded as essentially “penny-like”. On this basis a universal similarity relation is derived for equilibrium crack dimension as a function of indentation load. Experimental measurements confirm the general form of this relation. A more detailed fracture mechanics analysis is then given, to account for additional, contact variables evident in the data. Notwithstanding certain analytical limitations, the study serves as a useful basis for investigating a wide range of contact-related problems, both fundamental and applied, in brittle solids.
Electron-phonon coupling as a mechanism for high-temperature superconductivity

We have solved the Eliashberg gap equations which are valid for arbitrary phonon frequency, (Ωph), electron-phonon coupling constant, (λ), and screened Coulomb interaction, (μ*). We have used values of (Ωph),λ, and (μ*) appropriate to the cuprate superconductors, and calculated the density of states, the pair potential., and the value of the gap at T=0 K. Using the linearized Eliashberg equations in the matrix representation, we have calculatedTc and 2Δ/k Tc. We have found that we can account for the highTc's in the cuprates with reasonable values forλ, μ*, and Ωph.
Why Is Homeownership Associated With Nonfinancial Benefits? A Path Analysis of Competing Mechanisms

Four mechanisms may underlie a homeownership effect: residential stability, perceived control, social identity, and financial interest. Path analysis of survey data collected from lower-income households suggests that the length of time lived in the dwelling and the participant's sense of control mediate the association of homeownership with civic engagement and health outcomes. The magnitude of this homeownership effect depends upon higher levels of home equity and increases after controlling for single-family detached housing. While much of the homeownership effect remains unexplained, the findings suggest that the nonfinancial benefits of owning a home are influenced by home equity and dwelling type yet are driven by residential stability and perceived control. These mechanisms could be leveraged to benefit renters.
Succinylcholine: Adverse effects and alternatives in emergency medicine

Succinylcholine has long been the favored neuromuscular blocking agent for emergent airway management because of its rapid onset, dependable effect, and short duration. However, it has a plethora of undesirable side effects, ranging from the inconsequential to the catastrophic. When patients requiring tracheal intubation present with potential contraindications to succinylcholine use, the emergency physician will need to substitute a rapid-onset nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent, such as rocuronium or mivacurium. An understanding of the pharmacology of these agents is essential.
Genre theory and adolescent information retrieval

The purpose of this study is to describe how a high school student retrieves information in order to write a history research paper, and to investigate the role genre plays in this process of search and paper construction. This study interrogates the conditions under which students are sent to the library to complete research assignments. What is absent from the research of school library use is how the kinds of knowledge expected from the students, and how the kinds of uses and manipulations that information is to be put through are connected to the access and retrieval of information. Because use is the final stage in the information process, this problem is approached by examining the assumptions about language, knowledge, and genre that teachers and students bring to research assignments in the school library. Rhetorical genre theory may be used to construct a representation of information use within an educational setting. Rhetorical genre theory will also be used to determine the method of analysis. By examining a few instances of high school history research, we can begin to systematize the features found beyond the sample to a larger study. An interdisciplinary approach that integrates classification theory, information seeking behavior, and rhetorical practices may help to characterize effective models in information retrieval.
Studies in the Peripheral Retina: II. The Purkinje After-Image on the Near Foveal Area of the Retina

(1942). Studies in the Peripheral Retina: II. The Purkinje After-Image on the Near Foveal Area of the Retina. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 26, No. 1, pp. 129-151.
The effect of certain β-adrenoceptor antagonists on overdrive suppression

Summary 1 Propranolol, as the racemate and the (+)- and (–)-isomers (400 μg/l.) and practolol (50 mg/l.) were tested for their effects on atrial and ventricular rates and on the duration of overdrive suppression (ODI) in isolated perfused cat hearts with surgically-induced heart block. 2 Racemic propranolol and the (+)- and (–)-isomers prolonged ODI and slowed the rate of the ventricular pacemaker; the (+)- and (–)-isomers also reduced the rate of the atrial pacemaker. Practolol shortened ODI and increased the rate of the atrial and ventricular pacemakers. 3 The (+)- and (–)-isomers were more potent than the racemate; the (–)-isomer was more potent than the (+)-isomer. The results suggest there is a stereospecific mechanism involved in the biological distribution of propranolol. 4 Twenty-four hours after reserpine treatment (5 mg/kg, i.p.) practolol continued to increase the rate of the atrial and ventricular pacemakers but did not shorten ODI. 5 The mechanism by which these agents affect myocardial excitability and automaticity is discussed.
Neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive cells in the caudal medulla project to the median preoptic nucleus

The region surrounding the anteroventral third ventricle, particularly the median preoptic nucleus, has been implicated in the control of fluid balance and blood pressure. Previous studies indicate that catecholaminergic inputs from the caudal medulla are important in these controls. In this study we report that neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive cells in the caudal medulla project to the median preoptic nucleus in the basal forebrain. Notably these cells are found in the caudal ventral lateral medulla and the nucleus of the solitary tract. Since catecholaminergic projections to the median preoptic nucleus also arise from these regions the possibility of interactions between NPY and catecholamines exists, particularly in the control of fluid balance and blood pressure.
30 Years of Modeling of Microstructure Evolution during Casting Solidification

This paper is a review of the marvelous development of mathematical and computer models that describe the fundamentals of microstructure evolution during the solidification of cast alloys, from the 1966 seminal paper by Oldfield, the first to attempt computational modeling of microstructure evolution during solidification, to the current prediction of mechanical properties. The latest analytical models for irregular eutectics such as cast iron, as well as numerical models with microstructure output, to include cellular automaton, will be discussed. Phase field models will not be discussed because of their inapplicability to casting solidification at the present time.
C-1′-Branched Acyclovir Derivatives. Synthesis and Antiviral Evaluation

Abstract The synthesis of 9-[1-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-3-hydroxypropyl]guanine (3a), its thia-congener (3b) and prodrugs (4a,b) was accomplished by paths involving Michael-type addition. The new compounds were found to be inactive against herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), human cytomegalovirus (CMV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and unreactive as substrates for HSV-1 thymidine kinase phosphorylation.
Energy Absorption in Composite Structures

The specific energy absorbed during the axial collapse of a variety of graphite, Kevlar and glass fiber composite tubes was determined. Although structural collapse occurred by a fracture failure mode, the specific energy absorption was higher than that of high strength metal tubes which col lapsed by buckling, over a wide range of tube geometries (t/D ratios), provided that the correct trigger mechanism was used to initiate the failure. Little change in the specific energy absorption was observed over a wide range of compression rates or with temperature changes below 20°C; above 20°C the effect of temperature varied with the resin employed. Collapse occurred initially by interlamellar shear followed by fiber fracture. The results were correlated on the basis of the specific interlamellar shear stress which permitted the energy absorption values for a variety of materials to be compared.
The Direction of Rotation of Sun-Spot Vortices.

Whirling storms in the earth's atmosphere, from the extensive and moderate cyclone to the small and destructive tornado, follow a well-known law of rotation: right-handed or clockwise in the southern hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the northern. These directions are easily explained by the increasing eastward velocity of the air from pole to equator. As sun-spots are vortex phenomena, analogous in many respects to tornadoes, it is interesting to inquire as to the law of their rotation, since this may throw light on their nature and origin.
Referencing for reviews: How to distinguish unwillingness from mission impossible

Selecting the most relevant literature for a state-of-the-art review article may result in the unintentional exclusion of valuable contributions, despite the most genuine intention of comprehensiveness. Some of these omissions, however, can be sensibly justified by a number of factors, such as language barriers, lack of abstract and/or online full-text article, type of manuscript and date of publication, whose concurrence makes simply unfeasible the gathering of the most basic information, indispensable for the citation. In this case, even the oceanic collection of scientific contributions contained in the database Medline may become underpowered.
Advances in applications of the physics of fluids to severe weather systems

This article is a review of the basic dynamics of severe convective storms. The dynamics are in most instances described with the aid of the vorticity and divergence equations subject to the Boussinesq approximation. The behaviour of ordinary-cell convective storms in the presence of different amounts of vertical shear and its relation to the surface cold pool are explained. The role of vertical shear in the propagation of, and rotation in, supercells is described in detail. How cold pool production, buoyancy, and environmental vertical shear control the structure of mesoscale convective systems is discussed and the mechanism for the production of vortices in them is described. The wind field in tornadoes based on laboratory experiments, simulations, and observations is explained from the dynamics of vortices that interact with an underlying surface. Various theories for tornado formation are presented and evaluated. Avenues for future research using both numerical simulations and new and emerging observing systems are highlighted.
Quantifying Measurement Uncertainty of Thirty-Meter Shear-Wave Velocity

Thirty-meter shear-wave velocity ( V S 30) is commonly used to estimate near-surface conditions for site classification, seismic site response, liquefaction analysis, and other geotechnical earthquake engineering application. Quantifying the uncertainty in V S 30 measurements is important for determining the accuracy and precision of this geophysical test. This study gathers existing available comparative and blind shear-wave velocity tests to evaluate the apparent or observable intra- and intermethod variability. Presented in this article are estimates of V S 30 uncertainty for the invasive methods of downhole, suspension logging, and seismic cone penetration testing, the noninvasive method of spectral analysis of surface waves, and the method of shear-wave velocity correlated geologic units. Discussed is the issue of soil disturbance with respect to invasive methods and how this may result in measurement bias. Results of this study indicate that uncertainty of shear-wave velocity measurements are on the order of 1%–3% coefficient of variation (standard deviation/mean) for downhole, suspension logging, and seismic cone penetration testing, 5%–6% coefficient of variation for spectral analysis of surface waves, and 20%–35% coefficient of variation for shear-wave velocity correlated geologic units. Presented here are procedures for propagating the uncertainty and/or bias in forward analyses.
Bone formation following carpal interposition arthroplasty.

Two cases of bone formation occuring at the site of carpal excision and soft tissue interposition are presented.
How do Africans view the impact of HIV? A report from a Ugandan community

Although much research has been conducted on the causes and outcomes of HIV, far less has been written about how the affected societies themselves perceive the epidemic. This is particularly true in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study we interviewed 50 residents (28 female, 22 male) from 30 villages across the Rakai and contiguous portion of the Masaka districts in southwest Uganda about the problems affecting their communities as a result of HIV. These problems formed three main categories: (1) lack of able-bodied adults, (2) lack of care for children, and (3) mental and social problems. The interrelatedness of these categories is discussed in the context of communities that are struggling to recover from the effects of HIV.
Political Liberalism, Marriage and the Family

Can and should political liberals recognize and otherwise support legal marriage as a matter of basic justice? In this article, we offer a general account of how political liberals should evaluate the issue of whether the legal recognition of marriage is a matter of basic justice. And, we develop and examine some public reason arguments that, given the fundamental interests of citizens, could justify various forms of legal marriage in some contexts. In particular, in certain conditions, the recognition of some form of legal marriage may be the best way to protect the fundamental interests of women as citizens in freely chosen associations. Or, it may be that, in certain conditions, to secure the social conditions necessary for gays, lesbians and bisexuals to be free and equal citizens, some form of legal marriage can or should be recognized.
Automatic generation of Verilog bus transactors from natural language protocol specifications

We present an approach to analyze natural language protocol specifications to generate Verilog bus transactors. We present a set of transaction concepts which are used, in text and formal models, to describe the behavior of transactions in a protocol. We employ semantic parsing to identify these transaction concepts in the natural language specification. The transaction concepts are translated into Verilog constructs to define Verilog tasks which model bus transactions defined in the protocol.
Minimally invasive esophagectomy provides significant survival advantage compared with open or hybrid esophagectomy for patients with cancers of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction.

Background Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is increasingly being used to treat patients with cancer of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction. We previously reported that oncologic efficacy may be improved with MIE compared with open or hybrid esophagectomy (OHE). We compared survival of patients undergoing MIE and OHE. Study Design Our contemporary series of patients who underwent MIE (2008 to 2013) was compared with a cohort undergoing OHE (3-hole [n = 39], Ivor Lewis [n = 16], hybrid [n = 13], 2000 to 2013). Summary statistics were calculated by operation type; Kaplan-Meier methods were used to compare survival. Cox regression was used to assess the impact of operation type (MIE vs OHE) on mortality, adjusting for age, sex, total lymph nodes, lymph node ratio (LNR), neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and stage. Results The MIE (n = 104) and OHE (n = 68) groups were similar with respect to age and sex. The MIE group tended to have higher BMI, earlier stage disease, and was less likely to receive CRT. The MIE group experienced lower operative mortality (3.9% vs 8.8%, p = 0.35) and significantly fewer major complications. Five-year survival between groups was significantly different (MIE, 64%, OHE, 35%, p Conclusions This study supports MIE for EC as a superior procedure with respect to overall survival, perioperative mortality, and severity of postoperative complications. Several biases may have affected these results: earlier stage in the MIE group and disparity in timing of the procedures. These results will need to be confirmed in future prospective studies with longer follow-up.
Fetal face syndrome with mental retardation.

Two cases of a variant of the fetal face syndrome are described. The affected babies were born from two consecutive pregnancies to the same gypsy parents. In addition to the classical syndrome, both cases showed a severe feeding difficulties, failure to thrive and severe psychomotoric retardation and one of them cleft lip and palate.
Therapeutic Transdifferentiation: Can we Generate Cardiac Tissue Rather Than Scar after Myocardial Injury?

After myocardial injury, the cardiac muscle does not regenerate and heals by forming a scar. This process results in loss of heart function and ultimately heart failure. Recent application of reprogramming technology, where forced expression of master regulators convert scar-forming cells to become cardiovascular cells in vivo, has fueled new hope for the development of therapies targeting heart disease.
Intracellular processing and transport of NH2-terminally truncated forms of a hemagglutinin-neuraminidase type II glycoprotein

Six amino-terminal deletion mutants of the NH2-terminally anchored (type II orientation) hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein of parainfluenza virus type 3 were expressed in tissue culture by recombinant SV-40 viruses. The mutations consisted of progressive deletions of the cytoplasmic domain and, in some cases, of the hydrophobic signal/anchor. Three activities were dissociated for the signal/anchor: membrane insertion, translocation, and anchoring/transport. HN protein lacking the entire cytoplasmic tail was inserted efficiently into the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum but was translocated inefficiently into the lumen. However, the small amounts that were successfully translocated appeared to be processed subsequently in a manner indistinguishable from that of parental HN. Thus, the cytoplasmic domain was not required for maturation of this type II glycoprotein. Progressive deletions into the membrane anchor restored efficient translocation, indicating that the NH2-terminal 44 amino acids were fully dispensable for membrane insertion and translocation and that a 10-amino acid hydrophobic signal sequence was sufficient for both activities. These latter HN molecules appeared to be folded authentically as assayed by hemagglutination activity, reactivity with a conformation-specific antiserum, correct formation of intramolecular disulfide bonds, and homooligomerization. However, most (85-90%) of these molecules accumulated in the ER. This showed that folding and oligomerization into a biologically active form, which presumably represents a virion spike, occurs essentially to completion within that compartment but is not sufficient for efficient transport through the exocytotic pathway. Protein transport also appeared to depend on the structure of the membrane anchor. These latter mutants were not stably integrated in the membrane, and the small proportion (10-15%) that was processed through the exocytotic pathway was secreted. The maturation steps and some of the effects of mutations described here for a type II glycoprotein resemble previous observations for prototypic type I glycoproteins and are indicative of close similarities in these processes for proteins of both membrane orientations.
Theory of a Systematic Computational Error in Free Energy Differences

Systematic inaccuracy is inherent in any computational estimate of a nonlinear average, due to the availability of only a finite number of data values, N. Free energy differences (Delta)F between two states or systems are critically important examples of such averages. Previous work has demonstrated, empirically, that the "finite-sampling error" can be very large--many times k(B)T--in (Delta)F estimates for simple molecular systems. Here we present a theoretical description of the inaccuracy, including the exact solution of a sample problem, the precise asymptotic behavior in terms of 1/N for large N, the identification of a universal law, and numerical illustrations. The theory relies on corrections to the central and other limit theorems.
VIP promotes resistance in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected cornea by modulating adhesion molecule expression.

The corneal epithelium, intermixed with Langerhans cells and sporadic dendritic melanocytes,1 provides a physical barrier between the external environment and the interior of the eye. Attached to the basal cell layer of the epithelium is the epithelial basement membrane, which serves as an important physiological barrier between the epithelium and the stroma. The epithelial basement membrane consists primarily of collagens, proteoglycans, and noncollagenous proteins such as laminin.1,2 The posterior surface of the cornea is a monolayer of nonreplicating endothelial cells. The endothelium forms a leaky barrier between the aqueous humor and the stroma, allowing the passage of essential nutrients. The aforementioned barriers use adhesion molecules to maintain physical integrity and selectively permit the passage of molecules. During a state of inflammation, adhesion molecules are modified; as a result, these barriers are breached and permit the transmigration of inflammatory cells through the matrix into the injured or infected tissue site. The recruitment of inflammatory cells into infected or injured tissue is an essential component of inflammation and innate immunity. Transmigration and sequestration of leukocytes (monocytes, macrophages, polymorphonuclear neutrophils [PMNs]) are mediated by cell-adhesion molecules that are expressed on activated endothelia. It is a sequential, multistep cascade, whereby a number of adhesion molecules are upregulated on both endothelial cells and activated leukocytes to facilitate this process, resulting in further recruitment of large numbers of circulating immune cells into the site of infection. Macrophage-derived cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activate endothelia to express molecules such as selectins, intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, and platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)-1. Counterreceptors, expressed on infiltrating inflammatory cells, typically include sulfated-sialyl-Lewis X moieties, LFA-1, VLA-4, and Mac-1.3 The extent of leukocyte recruitment is a major determinant of the intensity of the inflammatory response, and it may result in considerable tissue damage if not adequately regulated. Previous studies from our laboratory have provided evidence that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) regulates cytokine/chemokine production and host inflammatory cell function to promote resistance against Pseudomonas aeruginosa corneal infection in normally susceptible C57BL/6 (B6) mice.4 In this respect, the present study sought to test the hypothesis that VIP also regulates adhesion molecule expression, thus reducing inflammatory cell migration and infiltration into the P. aeruginosa–infected corneas of B6 mice, promoting corneal healing and restoration of immune homeostasis.
Empirical study of second‐tier automotive suppliers achieving QS‐9000 Reference No. 718

Major original equipment manufacturers (OEM) in the international automotive industry require their first‐tier suppliers to obtain QS‐9000 registration. One of the requirements included in the registration criteria is to have a process in place to evaluate all suppliers or subcontractors. Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI) Automotive Systems Group, a major first‐tier supplier, chose to request QS‐9000 registration of their suppliers (second‐tier). QS‐9000 does not require Tier‐1 suppliers to mandate that their suppliers (second‐tier) obtain registration. Since quality registration indicates that a quality system is in place, does it ensure that the operational measures of quality parts per million (PPM) or delivery performance are optimized? Do the organizational variables associated with QS‐9000 registration directly impact achieving it? For this study, a survey of JCI North American QS‐9000‐registered second‐tier suppliers was conducted to gather information about selected organizational variables, perceived performance outcome and results, and actual quality PPM and delivery performance. This study looks at the relationships between organizational variables and performance outcome and results.
The Malone antegrade continence enema procedure: quality of life and family perspective.

Purpose: Since introducing the Malone antegrade continence enema (MACE) procedure into our practice, it has been our bias that social confidence and independence are significantly improved and satisfaction is overwhelmingly high. We objectively determine outcomes after the MACE to refine patient selection, and maximize the quality of perioperative counseling and teaching.Materials and Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was mailed to all patients who had undergone the MACE procedure within the last 4 years. Patient/parent satisfaction, impact on quality of life and clinical outcome were assessed with Likert scales. Demographic information, MACE specifics, preoperative expectations, and unanticipated benefits and problems were also recorded.Results: A total of 65 questionnaires were returned from our first 92 patients (71%). Myelodysplasia was the primary diagnosis in 88% of patients. Complete or near complete fecal continence was achieved in 77% of patients and all others had improved incontinence. The hi...
POLAR CAPS ON GANYMEDE AND IO REVISITED

Abstract The polar spectral features on Ganymede and Io, often called polar “caps,” have been attributed to magnetospheric-ion irradiation of these surfaces. The recent discovery of an intrinsic magnetic field and the mapping of the surface temperatures at Ganymede by the Galileo spacecraft re-enforce this hypothesis. In this note we describe how the spectrally very different polar features at Ganymede and Io are both signatures of plasma precipitation along open field lines to the polar surfaces of these objects.
Partitioning the boolean lattice into a minimal number of chains of relatively uniform size

Let 2[n] denote the Boolean lattice of order n, that is, the poset of subsets of {1,..., n} ordered by inclusion. Extending our previous work on a question of Furedi, we show that for any c > 1, there exist functions e(n) ∼ √n/2 and f(n)∼ c√n log n and an integer N (depending only on c) such that for all n < N, there is a chain decomposition of the Boolean lattice 2[n] into (n ⌊n/2⌋) chains, all of which have size between e(n) and f(n). (A positive answer to Furedi's question would imply that the same result holds for some e(n) ∼ √π/2 √n and f(n) = e(n) + 1.) The main tool used is an apparently new observation about rank-collection in normalized matching (LYM) posets.
The use of the Wagner function to describe poled-order relaxation processes in electrooptic polymers

Abstract The Wagner (lognormal) time decay function is used to describe decay of the second harmonic signal due to electric field poled-order relaxation in the guest—host polymer system 20 wt% lophine 1 in Ultem ® . This function can be related to a Gaussian distribution of Arrhenius activation energies. From the temperature dependence of the relaxation process one can determine the average value for the activation energy. In the present case a value of 40 kcal/mol is found consistent with experimental values obtained for a variety of other thermally activated processes in polymers.
Presentation of the Murphy gavel.

At the end of my term as president of this Association, it was apparent that the gavel from the plates of Her Majesty's Ship Beaver and the locust trees in British Columbia, which had served for so many years as the gavel of the Pacific Coast Surgical Association, had space remaining on it for the names of only a few of the future presidents. While visiting the John B. Murphy Building owned by the American College of Surgeons in Chicago last year, I saw some beautiful old pieces of wood going into retirement. I persuaded the officers of the College to allow me to have a piece of a birch window sill. It was my pleasure to design a new gavel and to work with two fine craftsmen to be able to present this new "John B. Murphy" gavel to the Pacific Coast Surgical Association (Figure). John B. Murphy was
Suppression of thermoelastic damping in MEMS beam resonators by piezoresistivity

Microelectronic mechanical (MEM) beam resonators with high quality factors are always preferred in practical applications. As one of the damping sources, thermoelastic damping (TED) caused by irreversible heat flows is usually considered as an upper limit of the overall damping effect. A new method is proposed in this work to compensate TED by taking advantage of the piezoresistive effect. Such a method is implemented by applying an electrostatic field along the beam length with a negative piezoresistive coefficient. During a resonance, the stretched part of the beam generates a higher electrical power density and thus a higher temperature, while the compressed region leads to a lower temperature. Such a temperature distribution is opposite to the temperature change caused by the thermoelastic effect. The working principle is described by a set of coupled differential equations, which are subsequently solved by the finite element method. The result indicates that the TED in the beam resonators can be completely compensated when the strength of electrical field is tuned to a critical value, namely CEF. The value of the CEF is further analyzed by a series of parametric studies on various material properties and geometric factors.
Antigen and Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptors Contribute to Long Term Functional and Phenotypic Heterogeneity of Memory CD8 T Cells

Pathogen-specific CD8 T cells provide a mechanism for selectively eliminating host cells that are harboring intracellular pathogens. The pathogens are killed when lytic molecules are injected into the cytoplasm of the infected cells and begin an apoptotic cascade. Activated CD8 T cells also release large quantities of proinflammatory cytokines that stimulate other immune cells in the local vicinity. As the alveoli are extraordinarily sensitive to cytokine induced damage, multiple layers of immune regulation limit the activities of immune cells that enter the lungs. These mechanisms include receptor-mediated signaling pathways in CD8 T cells that respond to peptide antigens and transforming growth factor-beta. Both pathways influence the functional and phenotypic properties of long-lived CD8 T cells populations in peripheral and lymphoid tissues.
Oaxacan Migration and Remittances as they Relate to Mexican Migration Patterns

Oaxacan migration has grown in recent years, yet there are still many questions about its overall pattern and how it relates to Mexican migration in general. This paper has two goals. First it summarises Oaxacan migration and notes the importance of remittances and internal as well as international movement. Second, it compares Oaxacan movement to general patterns of Mexican migration. While Oaxacan migrants look much like migrants from other parts of Mexico, there are important differences.
Rapid Cold-Hardening in Culicoides variipennis sonorensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

Rapid cold-hardening was studied in the adult stage of the biting midge Culicoides variipennis sonorensis Wirth & Jones from a laboratory colony. No individuals could withstand a direct transfer from 20°C (rearing temperature) to −10°C for 2 h; however, an acclimation period of 1 h at 5°C immediately before exposure to −10°C yielded 96% survival. The cold-hardening response was very rapid; increased cold tolerance peaked after only a 1-h exposure to 5°C. No fly withstood 2 h at −20°C, demonstrating the limitations of the cold-hardening response. Varying degrees of cold tolerance also were induced by a 2-h exposure to 37°C. The ability to rapidly coldharden varied with the age of the adult insect. Rapid cold-hardening in adult C. v. sonorensis may be of ecological and epizootiological significance because it is a mechanism by which a nondiapausing life stage quickly can enhance its tolerance to subzero temperatures.
Automated modeling of complex data center applications

As online services become increasingly common, the complexity of backend distributed server applications in data centers has also continued to grow. At the same time, there is an increasing need to enhance the manageability of these large applications by automating common management tasks, which requires a good understanding of the run-time behavior of the application under different scenarios. However, the rising complexity of these applications makes the tasks of manually modeling and analyzing their run-time behavior increasingly difficult. In this talk, I will argue for the need to automate the modeling of the run-time performance of distributed data center applications. I will present techniques for automatically deriving application models using statistical methods from machine learning. I will describe how we have put these ideas into practice into two systems that we have built, Modellus and Predico, and will present case studies of using these systems for management tasks such as capacity planning and what-if analysis of data center applications.
Effect of Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency on Maternal, Placental, and Fetal Rat Tissues

Prolonged dietary deprivation is needed to produce essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency. But lack of EFA also impairs reproductive function. Inclusion of small amounts of linoleic acid in the diet can overcome this difficulty; further, if large amounts of oleic acid are included in the diet, this competes with the utilization of 18:2 producing EFA deficiency. Using this approach, female rats were fed a fat-free diet containing 5% oleic acid w/w (with 2-3% 18:2) as the only source of fat for 4 months. They were mated and on the 21st day of gestation, the fatty acids of fetal tissues, placenta, maternal liver and plasma were analyzed and compared to controls on a stock diet. Fetuses from the experimental group were smaller and contained higher amounts of 18:1 and 20:3 omega 9 indicating EFA deficiency. The omega 6 fatty acids in the polar lipids of placenta of the EFA-deficient group were not significantly lower than the controls, in spite of lower concentrations in the maternal plasma, suggesting a unique capacity of the placenta to concentrate omega 6 fatty acids, which in turn may be utilized for prostaglandin synthesis needed for inducing labor and other vascular changes in the fetus.
Computing all skyline probabilities for uncertain data

Skyline computation is widely used in multi-criteria decision making. As research in uncertain databases draws increasing attention, skyline queries with uncertain data have also been studied, e.g. probabilistic skylines. The previous work requires "thresholding" for its efficiency -- the efficiency relies on the assumption that points with skyline probabilities below a certain threshold can be ignored. But there are situations where "thresholding" is not desirable -- low probability events cannot be ignored when their consequences are significant. In such cases it is necessary to compute skyline probabilities of all data items. We provide the first algorithm for this problem whose worst-case time complexity is sub-quadratic. The techniques we use are interesting in their own right, as they rely on a space partitioning technique combined with using the existing dominance counting algorithm. The effectiveness of our algorithm is experimentally verified.
Biological survey of submerged refuse

Abstract Baled, compacted domestic refuse dumped in 200 m of water off the coast of the British Virgin Islands has been examined after three months' submersion. Few animals managed to establish themselves on or in the bales in that time and degradation promises to be slow.
ECS between tasting and illness: effects of current parameters on a taste aversion.

Abstract Rats were injected with a toxic drug 30 min after drinking a flavored solution. This procedure is known to produce an aversion to the taste. When ECS was interjected at the midpoint of the 30 min delay interval, avoidance of the taste was attenuated as an increasing function of ECS intensity and duration. The results suggest that ECS treatment between events intended for association affects learning according to parametric relationships similar to those obtained with post-association-ECS paradigms.
Acoustic responses and plasticity of limbic units in cats.

Abstract Multiple-unit and single-unit responses to monaurally applied acoustic stimuli were recorded from hippocampal, amygdalar, reticular, and auditory pathway nuclei in awake. paralyzed cats. A range of motivationally neutral, 1-sec pure tones or white noise evoked markedly different response forms (excitation or inhibition) or magnitudes within the hippocampus and amygdala as a function of both the laterality of stimulus presentation and the quality (frequency) of the acoustic stimulus. The responses typically had relatively long latencies, and the response durations often outlasted the stimulus periods for several hundred milliseconds. During repetitive stimulation with either pure tones or white noise, responses at recording sites in all regions exhibited magnitude decrements (habituation), dishabituation, and spontaneous recovery, These response changes usually, but not always, occurred in parallel at limbic, reticular, and auditory pathway sites. Some degree of specific information about the environment is thus available to the hippocampus and amygdala, where stimulus effects may be modified by experience. The characteristics of the the units recorded in this study are contrasted to those in previous reports of selectively and persistently responsive limbic units in freely moving subjects presented with motivationally significant stimuli. The functional organization of the hippocampus and amygdala in sensory processing and their relation to reticular and auditory systems is discussed.