cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developing Group-Deliberative Virtues

In this paper, the authors argue for two main claims: first, that the epistemic results of group deliberation can be superior to those of individual inquiry; and, second, that successful deliberative groups depend on individuals exhibiting deliberative virtues. The development of these group-deliberative virtues, the authors argue, is important not only for epistemic purposes but political purposes, as democracies require the virtuous deliberation of their citizens. Deliberative virtues contribute to the deliberative synergy of the group, not only in terms of improving the quality of the group's present decisions, but also improving the background conditions for continued group deliberation. The authors sketch a preliminary schedule of these group-deliberative virtues modelled on Aristotle's conception of virtue as the mean between two extreme vices. The virtues discussed in this article include deliberative wit, friendliness, empathy, charity, temperance, courage, sincerity, and humility.
Cell microencapsulation with synthetic polymers

The encapsulation of cells into polymeric microspheres or microcapsules has permitted the transplantation of cells into human and animal subjects without the need for immunosuppressants. Cell-based therapies use donor cells to provide sustained release of a therapeutic product, such as insulin, and have shown promise in treating a variety of diseases. Immunoisolation of these cells via microencapsulation is a hotly investigated field, and the preferred material of choice has been alginate, a natural polymer derived from seaweed due to its gelling conditions. Although many natural polymers tend to gel in conditions favorable to mammalian cell encapsulation, there remain challenges such as batch to batch variability and residual components from the original source that can lead to an immune response when implanted into a recipient. Synthetic materials have the potential to avoid these issues; however, historically they have required harsh polymerization conditions that are not favorable to mammalian cells. As research into microencapsulation grows, more investigators are exploring methods to microencapsulate cells into synthetic polymers. This review describes a variety of synthetic polymers used to microencapsulate cells. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 846–859, 2015.
Photovoltaic performance models - A report card

Models for the analysis of photovoltaic (PV) systems' designs, implementation policies, and economic performance, have proliferated while keeping pace with rapid changes in basic PV technology and extensive empirical data compiled for such systems' performance. Attention is presently given to the results of a comparative assessment of ten well documented and widely used models, which range in complexity from first-order approximations of PV system performance to in-depth, circuit-level characterizations. The comparisons were made on the basis of the performance of their subsystem, as well as system, elements. The models fall into three categories in light of their degree of aggregation into subsystems: (1) simplified models for first-order calculation of system performance, with easily met input requirements but limited capability to address more than a small variety of design considerations; (2) models simulating PV systems in greater detail, encompassing types primarily intended for either concentrator-incorporating or flat plate collector PV systems; and (3) models not specifically designed for PV system performance modeling, but applicable to aspects of electrical system design. Models ignoring subsystem failure or degradation are noted to exclude operating and maintenance characteristics as well.
Originalism v. Burkeanism: A Dialogue over Recess

In its important ruling in Canning v. NLRB, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit sharply limited the President’s authority under the Recess Appointments Clause, ruling (1) that intrasession appointments are unlawful and (2) that recess appointments are lawful only if vacancies arise, and do not merely exist, during the recess. These rulings reflect the court’s (contestable) readings of the original understanding of the Recess Appointments Clause. Even if the two readings are correct, they conflict with longstanding practices and understandings on the part of the political branches. To this extent, the debate over the Recess Appointments Clause can be said to reflect a sharp disagreement between originalist and Burkean approaches to constitutional law. A dialogue between the two sides suggests that at least in this context, originalists ought to be prepared to give serious consideration to the Burkean approach, because some of the strongest arguments for originalism are compatible with respect for longstanding practices by the political branches, which can be seen as forms of precedent.
Laser And Nonlinear Optical Materials For Laser Remote Sensing

NASA remote sensing missions involving laser systems and their economic impact are outlined. Potential remote sensing missions include: green house gasses, tropospheric winds, ozone, water vapor, and ice cap thickness. Systems to perform these measurements use lanthanide series lasers and nonlinear devices including second harmonic generators and parametric oscillators. Demands these missions place on the laser and nonlinear optical materials are discussed from a materials point of view. Methods of designing new laser and nonlinear optical materials to meet these demands are presented.
Automated monitoring of software quality

Widespread acceptance of computer systems for commercial and military applications has led to widespread dissatisfaction with the software components of these systems. Major criticisms have focused on the high cost of development and maintenance, the slippages in delivery dates, and the poor quality of software. Those of us who produce software readily admit to these complaints since we ourselves have to rely on software to help us do our job and have experienced the same problems. We are equally ready to acknowledge that the solution to these problems lies in better management of software development, but we quickly claim that software development is harder to manage than other kinds of production processes.
Climate controls on valley fever incidence in Kern County, California

Coccidiodomycosis (valley fever) is a systemic infection caused by inhalation of airborne spores from Coccidioides immitis, a soil-dwelling fungus found in the southwestern United States, parts of Mexico, and Central and South America. Dust storms help disperse C. immitis so risk factors for valley fever include conditions favorable for fungal growth (moist, warm soil) and for aeolian soil erosion (dry soil and strong winds). Here, we analyze and inter-compare the seasonal and inter-annual behavior of valley fever incidence and climate risk factors for the period 1980-2002 in Kern County, California, the US county with highest reported incidence. We find weak but statistically significant links between disease incidence and antecedent climate conditions. Precipitation anomalies 8 and 20 months antecedent explain only up to 4% of monthly variability in subsequent valley fever incidence during the 23 year period tested. This is consistent with previous studies suggesting that C. immitis tolerates hot, dry periods better than competing soil organisms and, as a result, thrives during wet periods following droughts. Furthermore, the relatively small correlation with climate suggests that the causes of valley fever in Kern County could be largely anthropogenic. Seasonal climate predictors of valley fever in Kern County are similar to, but much weaker than, those in Arizona, where previous studies find precipitation explains up to 75% of incidence. Causes for this discrepancy are not yet understood. Higher resolution temporal and spatial monitoring of soil conditions could improve our understanding of climatic antecedents of severe epidemics.
Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of a novel and selective bone morphogenetic protein receptor (BMP) inhibitor derived from the pyrazolo[1.5-a]pyrimidine scaffold of Dorsomorphin: The discovery of ML347 as an ALK2 versus ALK3 selective MLPCN probe

A structure-activity relationship of the 3- and 6-positions of the pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine scaffold of the known BMP inhibitors dorsomorphin, 1, LDN-193189, 2, and DMH1, 3, led to the identification of a potent and selective compound for ALK2 versus ALK3. The potency contributions of several 3-position substituents were evaluated with subtle structural changes leading to significant changes in potency. From these studies, a novel 5-quinoline molecule was identified and designated an MLPCN probe molecule, ML347, which shows >300-fold selectivity for ALK2 and presents the community with a selective molecular probe for further biological evaluation.
Toward an informal curriculum that teaches professionalism. Transforming the social environment of a medical school.

The social environment or “informal” curriculum of a medical school profoundly influences students’ values and professional identities. The Indiana University School of Medicine is seeking to foster a social environment that consistently embodies and reinforces the values of its formal competency-based curriculum. Using an appreciative narrative-based approach, we have been encouraging students, residents, and faculty to be more mindful of relationship dynamics throughout the school. As participants discover how much relational capacity already exists and how widespread is the desire for a more collaborative environment, their perceptions of the school seem to shift, evoking behavior change and hopeful expectations for the future.
TECHNOLOGY USE AND EMPLOYEE ASSESSMENTS OF WORK EFFECTIVENESS, WORKLOAD, AND PACE OF LIFE

This study draws on survey data collected in 2001/2002 from two distinct regional samples of employees (N = 1667 and 547) and uses multivariate analytical techniques to assess ICT user versus non-user perceptions about the role technology plays in enhancing work effectiveness, increasing workloads, and accelerating the pace of life. I also investigate whether different devices or applications, used in different contexts (for work, for personal needs, or both), influence worker assessments of productivity and demands in different ways. I find that: (1) the frequency of computer, email, and cell phone use positively influences assessments that ICT use is connected to greater workplace effectiveness, an increased work load, and an accelerated pace of life; (2) computer and email use is linked more reliably to assessments regarding workplace effectiveness and work load than cell phone use; and (3) while both personal and work-related forms of ICT use influence productivity and pace-of-life assessments, work-r...
Zooplankton Feeding Ecology: Contents of Fecal Pellets of the Cyclopoid Copepods Oncaea venusta, Corycaeus amazonicus, Oithona plumifera, and O. simplex from the Northern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract. In situ feeding habits of the cyclopoid copepods Oncaea venusta, Corycaeus amazonicus, Oithona plumifera, and O. simplex were investigated by scanning electron microscope examination of fecal pellets, the contents of which reflected copepod gut contents upon capture. Peilet contents were compared with assemblages of phytoplankton present in surface waters at times of copepod collection. All samples were from the northern Gulf of Mexico. All four copepods fed upon phytoplankton and O. venusta also ingested other crustaceans. Dominant components of fecal pellets generally did not mirror those of available phytoplankton assemblages. In some cases, O. venusta ingested primarily larger-sized particles even when these were not most abundant, and in other cases it did not ingest large cells even when they were present in bloom concentrations. The presence of small (< 2–5 urn diameter) centric diatoms in O. venusta pellets suggests the possibility of feeding by mechanisms other than suspension or raptorial feeding. Limited observations suggest that C. amazonicus and O. plumifera may feed raptorially on larger particles even when these are not particularly abundant, and that the small O. simplex (< 500 nm total length) feeds mainly upon nanoplankton. It appears that cyclopoid feeding mechanisms are complex, and likely more so than those of many calanoids.
Absence of mutagenic effects of 3- and 6-alkyl-5-bromouracil herbicides on a bacteriophage.

SINCE the 1962 report by Bucha et al.1, who described the herbicidal activity of certain uracils substituted in the 3 and 6 positions, one of this class of chemicals, 5-bromo-3-sec-butyl-6-methyluracil (bromacil), has gained wide acceptance as an industrial herbicide. Investigations of the mode of action of this herbicide2,3 have shown that it is a potent direct inhibitor of photosynthesis acting at the chloroplast level. The chemical analogy between 5-bromouracil and the foregoing 3,6-substituted 5-bromouracil suggested the possibility that it might be incorporated into DNA and thereby act as a mutagen. McGahen and Hoffmann4,5 were unable to demonstrate incorporation of 5-bromo-3-sec-butyl-6-methyluracil (IV) either into the DNA of a thymineless Escherichia coli (15T−) or into mouse liver DNA under conditions in which 5-bromouracil (5-BU) was incorporated. Their investigations, however, did not rule out the possibility of indirect mutagenic activity. The subject of this report is a comparison of the effects of 5-BU and 5-bromouracils with several different alkyl substituents at the 3 and/or 6 positions on the back-mutation of an aminopurine-induced rII mutant of coliphage T4.
Impact of the Drag Force and the Magnus Effect on the Trajectory of a Baseball

We consider the impact of drag force and the Magnus effect on the motion of a baseball. Quantitatively we show how the speed-dependent drag coefficient alters the trajectory of the ball. For the Magnus effect we envision a scenario where the rotation of the ball confines the Magnus force to the vertical plane; gravity, drag force and the Magnus force make a trio-planar system. We investigate the interplay of these forces on the trajectories.
Cardio-Respiratory Physical Training in Water and on Land,

Fifteen unconditioned young men, who were similar in maximal aerobic power (VO2 max), were divided into three groups (n=5 each) and physically trained for one month on a cycle ergometer either on land (I) or immersed to the neck in water of either 32‡ C (II) or 20‡ C (III) to determine if physical training (PT) in water and air differ. PT consisted of one-hour daily exercise, 5 times/wk, with exercise intensity readjusted each week to maintain a constant training stimulus of ~ 75% VO2 max (determined on land). Throughout the training period, heart rates (fc) of III averaged 20 and 10 beats·min−1 less than I and II, respectively, despite working at the same VO2 and % VO2 max. Training elicited a 16% increase in VO2 max in I compared to increases of 13 and 15% for II and III, respectively. It was concluded that PT in water produces similar physiological adaptations as does training on land. In cold water, VO2 max is improved despite training with fc significantly lower than that on land.
Optimization of piezoelectric sensor location for delamination detection in composite laminates

The optimal placement of sensors is a critical issue in detecting damage in laminated composite structures. The aim is to use a minimum number of sensors, placed at the correct locations, so that the voltage signals received from the sensor set can be used to detect both the presence and the extent of damage. In this study, an optimization procedure is developed to detect arbitrarily located discrete delamination in composite plates using distributed piezoelectric sensors. The probability of damage distribution in the plate is determined using a statistical model. A genetic algorithm (GA) is used to detect the number and location of the sensors. The analysis uses a Monte Carlo method to generate the initial population. The simulation and signal processing is performed using a finite element procedure based on the refined layer-wise theory, which is capable of modelling ply-level stresses, and seeded delaminations are modelled with Heaviside step functions. A two-way electromechanical coupled field formula...
Ecological resistance to the invasion of a freshwater clam, Corbicula fluminea: fish predation effects

Fish predation is shown to have a twenty nine fold effect on the abundance of the invasive freshwater clam, Corbicula fluminea, in a Texas reservoir. This predation has prevented the clam from establishing the high densities commonly reported for it elsewhere. The high magnitude of the fish effect is attributed to Corbicula being an invader to this reservoir and not being able to cope well with the mix of resident fish species. In the absence of fish, colonization of the reservoir by Corbicula is spatially patchy. When fish interact with these clams, they remove sufficient numbers of individuals from dense patches to create the appearance of a spatially uniform distribution.
Metal nanoparticle fluorophore: a powerful fluorescence probe in single cell imaging

Metal nanoparticle fluorophores have been developed using metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) principle. Compared with the conventional organic fluorophores, the metal fluorophores display the increasing brightness and shortening lifetime as well as the lengthening photostability and reducing photoblinking. Conjugated the metal fluorophores on the surfaces of cell lines, the cell images were recorded on a scanning confocal microscopy in the either emission intensity or lifetime. The emission spots by the conjugated metal fluorophores were isolated distinctly from the cell images because of their brighter signals and shorter lifetimes. Collected in the three-dimension, the total number of emission signals could be counted quantitatively and the distribution could be described on the cell surfaces. It was noticed that the emission intensity over the cell image was increased with an increase of the number of metal fluorophore on the cell surface and simultaneously the lifetime was altered. A quantitative regression curve was achieved between the amount of metal fluorophore on the cell surface and the emission intensity or lifetime over the entire cell image. Based on this regression curve, the target molecules on the cell surfaces could be quantified readily through the cell intensity and/or lifetime at the single cell level instead of the direct count to the emission spots. As novel molecule imaging agents, these metal fluorophores are being applied in the quantification and distribution of target molecule on the cell surface for the clinical diagnostic research.
Evaluation of ovariectomy and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate administration on interleukin-6 levels and B16 melanoma growth in mice

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) can inhibit growth of a variety of tumors including B16 routine melanoma. IL-6 levels increase with age and after ovariectomy or menopause. The adrenal androgen, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), can lower serum IL-6 levels in aged mice. Therefore, we hypothesized that ovariectomy would induce elevations of serum IL-6 capable of inhibiting B16 melanoma growth in mice. Additionally we postulated that DHEAS would be able to reverse the ovariectomy-induced increase in IL-6, thus abrogating IL-6’s antitumor effect. To explore our hypothesis ovariectomy or sham surgery was performed on C57BL/6 mice followed by inoculation with B16 melanoma. The mice then received either oral DHEAS or placebo. Ovariectomy resulted in significant weight gain without altered food intake. IL-6 levels were elevated comparably in all groups after ovariectomy or sham surgery. Administration of DHEAS had no effect on these parameters. Tumor size was not significantly different between test groups, however the ovariectomized mice receiving DHEAS had a trend towards larger tumor volume compared to the other test groups. Additionally, splenocytes from ovariectomized mice receiving DHEAS demonstrated enhanced tumor cell killing in vitro. We conclude that ovariectomy does not elevate serum IL-6 to a level which results in inhibition of B16 tumor cell growth and may in fact enhance tumor growth in conjunction with DHEAS.
Closer look at mutation in genetic algorithms

This paper examines the influence of mutation on the behavior of genetic algorithms through a series of examples and experiments. The results provide an existence proof that mutation is a far more profound operator than has ever been recognized. Implications are discussed which point to the importance of open questions concerning genetic algorithms. The paper also reviews the implementation of the infinite population model of Vose which forms the computational basis of this investigation.
Management of women treated with buprenorphine during pregnancy

The management of pregnancy and delivery of a woman on opiate-substitution therapy with buprenorphine requires a coordinated team approach by social services, addiction medicine, obstetrics, and pediatrics. Her obstetrical care is further complicated by the unique pharmacology of buprenorphine and the issues of pain management. Obstetrical providers should be familiar with the complex issues surrounding the optimal care of these women.
Integral equation based analysis of scattering from 3-D inhomogeneous anisotropic bodies

This paper presents an integral equation based scheme to analyze scattering from inhomogeneous bodies with anisotropic electromagnetic properties. Both the permittivity and permeability are assumed to be generalized tensors. Requisite integral equations are derived using volume equivalence theorem with the electric and magnetic flux densities being the unknown quantities. Matrix equations are derived by discretizing these unknowns using three dimensional Rao-Wilton-Glisson basis functions. Reduction of the integral equation to a corresponding matrix equation is considerably more involved due to the presence of anisotropy and the use of vector basis function; methods for evaluation of the integrals involved in the construction of this matrix is elucidated in detail. The method of moments technique is augmented with the fast multipole method and a compression scheme. The latter two enable large scale analysis. Finally, several numerical results are presented and compared against analytical solutions to validate the proposed scheme. An appendix provides analytical derivations for the formulae that are used to validate numerical method, and the necessary formulae that extends the approach presented herein to the analysis of scattering bianisotropic bodies.
Needle Embolus Causing Cardiac Puncture and Chronic Constrictive Pericarditis

We present a case in which a needle broke off during intravenous injection and embolized to the right heart. After cardiac perforation, the needle entered the pericardial space and ultimately caused chronic constrictive pericarditis, which presented as congestive heart failure. Pericardectomy and removal of the foreign body via a median sternotomy were successful. Early surgical removal of contaminated intrapericardial foreign bodies remains a safe and effective approach to preventing such complications.
Studies on the formation of transfer ribonucleic acid-ribosome complexes. X. Phenylalanyl-oligonucleotide binding to ribosomes and the mechanism of chloramphenicol action.

Abstract The overall peptidyl transfer reaction can be subdivided into two distinct steps: a) binding of the aminoacyl-end of charged tRNA to ribosomes and b) the transfer of the nascent peptide from peptidyl-tRNA to aminoacyl-tRNA, the peptidyl transfer step. An assay is described which measures the binding of a phenylalanyl-oligonucleotide to ribosomes, a process which is considered to represent (a) in the absence of peptide bond formation (b). The binding of phenylalanyl-oligonucleotide to ribosomes requires Mg ++ and K + ; it is stimulated by tRNA non-specifically. Chloramphenicol inhibits the binding of phenylalanyl-oligonucleotide to ribosomes at concentrations at which the antibiotic inhibits bacterial protein synthesis. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that chloramphenicol inhibits protein synthesis through interference with the binding of the aminoacyl-end of charged tRNA to ribosomes.
Pediatrician Attitudes and Practices Regarding Collaborative Asthma Education

Pediatric practices were surveyed in 10 regions of the country to determine physician attitudes and practices regarding approaches to asthma education. Many physician respondents thought that nurses were just as effective as physicians in providing asthma education. In almost all practices a physician was involved; in two thirds of practices, an allied health professional; and in almost half of practices (48%), a registered nurse was involved. The type of healthcare professional involved in education was not associated with percentage of patients with Medicaid insurance, practice ownership, or setting. Given the multidisciplinary approach to education in many pediatric practices, quality improvement efforts to enhance asthma education by pediatric practices could be further enhanced by directly involving allied health professionals who practice in primary care settings.
Adolescent cigarette smoking and mental health symptoms

Abstract Purpose Adolescent cigarette smoking has been reported to be associated with substance use and depression. Less is known about the association between smoking and other mental health symptoms, or the impact of mental health treatment on cigarette smoking and psychiatric morbidity including the substance use disorders. The purpose of this study is to examine the association among adolescent cigarette smoking, mental health symptoms including substance use disorders, and mental health treatment among adolescents treated at a large, hospital-based young adult clinic. Methods Observational study of 486 adolescent patients presenting for routine medical care. Results Participants were two-thirds female with an average age of 16.6 years and of diverse ethnic background; 129 (28.6%) reported ever-using tobacco products, and 68 (14%) were current smokers who had an average of 2 cigarettes per day. Current smoking was associated with significantly increased odds of having mental health symptoms and substance use disorders, even after controlling for age and previous mental health treatment, and in both boys and girls. Conclusions This study supports the increasing appreciation that adolescent tobacco use is clinically important, even at apparently low levels. Adolescent cigarette smoking is generally more common than alcohol and illicit drug use, and these results highlight its multifarious linkages with use of other substances and mental health symptoms. Thus, early identification and intervention of adolescent cigarette smoking may help not only to avert later daily smoking, but also may assist in identifying patients at increased risk for substance use and psychiatric problems.
Corrosion of steel in ionic liquids

The corrosion behavior of 1018 carbon steel alloy has been investigated by electrochemical techniques. The ionic liquids studied were 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C4mim]Cl), 1 hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C6mim]PF6) 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C8mim]PF6), and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis-(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide ([C4mim][Tf2N]). Potentiodynamic polarization and Tafel plots were used to determine the corrosion behavior of the carbon steel. Results showed that corrosion resistance of 1018 carbon steel in ionic liquids is outstanding as indicated by the low corrosion rates obtained which ranged from 3-13 µm/yr. Anodic polarization curves showed active/passive corrosion behavior of the alloy in most of the ionic liquids tested. However, ionic liquids containing chloride ions were unable to form a passive region.
Natalizumab for moderate to severe Crohn's disease in clinical practice: The Mayo Clinic Rochester experience

Background: Not all patients with Crohn's disease (CD) respond or maintain response to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents and alternative treatment is necessary. Natalizumab, a monoclonal antibody to alpha-4 integrin approved for CD, has demonstrated efficacy in randomized clinical trials. We describe our experience with natalizumab in clinical practice at Mayo Clinic Rochester. Methods: Consecutive patients prescribed natalizumab for active CD were invited to participate and were followed prospectively. Incidence of infection, hospitalization, neoplasm, or other adverse events were recorded. Clinical activity was assessed using the Harvey–Bradshaw Index at each 30-day infusion visit. Results: Between April 2008 and September 2010, 36 patients were prescribed natalizumab and 30 (83.3%) agreed to participate. Median disease duration was 9 years (range, 3–43). Twenty-three patients had prior exposure to two anti-TNF agents, seven to one agent. All patients experienced at least one adverse event; none of the 13 patients in whom natalizumab was stopped (43%) discontinued due to adverse events. Five patients had infusions held for infection. No patient developed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Fourteen patients (46%) had clinical response. The cumulative probability of achieving complete response within 1 year was 56% (28%–73%). Four of seven patients were weaned off corticosteroids. Conclusions: In our experience with natalizumab in clinical practice, adverse events were manageable and did not result in treatment cessation. No PML cases were seen and clinical response was similar to that in clinical trials. Natalizumab results in clinical benefit in patients who have active disease and have failed anti-TNF therapy (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012;)
A grid-independent approximate Riemann solver with applications to the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations

A new two-dimensional approximate Riemann solver has been developed that obtains fluxes on grid faces via wave decomposition. By utilizing information propagation in the velocity-difference directions rather than in the grid-normal directions, this flux function more appropriately interprets and hence more sharply resolves shock and shear waves when they lie oblique to the grid. The model uses five waves to describe the difference in states at a grid face. Two acoustic waves, one shear wave, and one entropy wave propagate in the direction defined by the local velocity difference vector, while the fifth wave is a shear wave that propagates at a right angle to the other four. Test cases presented include a shock reflecting off a wall, a pure shear wave, supersonic flow over an airfoil, and viscous separated airfoil flow. Results using the new model give significantly sharper shock and shear contours than a grid-aligned solver. Navier-Stokes computations over an aifoil show reduced pressure distortions in the separated region as a result of the grid-independent upwinding.
Correction of hyperbilirubinemia in gunn rats using clinically relevant low doses of helper-dependent adenoviral vectors.

Abstract Crigler–Najjar syndrome type I is a severe inborn error of bilirubin metabolism caused by a complete deficiency of uridine diphospho-glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) and results in life-threatening unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Lifelong correction of hyperbilirubinemia by liver-directed gene therapy using a helper-dependent adenoviral (HDAd) vector has been previously reported in the Gunn rat, a model of Crigler–Najjar syndrome, but was only achieved using high doses (≥3 × 1012 viral particles [vp]/kg), which are likely to elicit a severe toxic response in humans. Therefore, in this study, we investigate strategies to achieve correction of hyperbilirubinemia in the Gunn rat using clinically relevant low HDAd doses. We have found that correction of hyperbilirubinemia in the Gunn rat can be achieved with a low dose of 5 × 1011 vp/kg by using an HDAd vector bearing a more potent UGT1A1 expression cassette. Furthermore, by using hydrodynamic injection of the improved HDAd vector, correction o...
Nicotine addiction: insights from recent animal studies.

Abstract Rationale. Recent preclinical behavioral and neurobiological research has characterized important behavioral features and has identified neurobiological substrates that may underlie nicotine reinforcement and addiction. Objective. To examine recent advances on nicotine exposure in preclinical models, from three perspectives: (a) the chronopharmacokinetics of nicotine, (b) behavioral studies on nicotine reinforcement, withdrawal, and reinstatement/relapse, and (c) effects of nicotine on neurobiological substrates after repeated exposure. Results. Preclinical studies can be used to operationally model selected aspects of nicotine reinforcement, withdrawal, and reinstatement or relapse. These may be used to investigate the functional in vivo consequences of acute and long-term changes in neuronal acetylcholine receptor populations that follow nicotine exposure. Behavioral studies focusing on distinct stages of nicotine exposure (e.g., active reinforcement vs. cessation or reinstatement) may also be used in parallel with studies on dopaminergic function, a proposed substrate for the reinforcing effects of nicotine, and of opioid receptor function, a possible site of neuroadaptations secondary to nicotine exposure. Conclusions. While no single current animal model may capture the experience of human smoking or nicotine addiction, increasingly, separate animal models are capturing the full spectrum of behavioral and neurobiological dimensions of this complex condition.
Determining the mating ability of irradiated male Culex tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae).

Significantly more virgin Culex tarsalis females were mated and fully inseminated by unirradiated males than by irradiated males when caged at a ratio of 1 male to 10 virgin females for 10 days. Females caged with irradiated males produced more unembryonated egg rafts than females caged with unirradiated males. Of 38 unembryonated egg rafts deposited by females caged with males irradiated at 5.5 kR, 50% were attributed to inseminated females. There was no difference in the size of egg rafts deposited by inseminated or uninseminated females.
Hyperosmolarity and the Net Transport of Nonelectrolytes in Frog Skin

The permeability of frog skin to a series of nonelectrolytes (thiourea, urea, mannitol, and sucrose) under the influence of 2.5 times normal osmolarity in the outer bathing solution has been investigated. Although the flux of the tracer nonelectrolytes across the skin in either direction is greatly increased by hyperosmolarity, the influx is found to be increased to a significantly greater extent than the outflux. Flux ratios as high as 3:1 can be observed. The net inward movement of the nonelectrolyte proceeds in spite of a sizeable bulk flow of water in the opposite direction. Possible driving forces for this phenomenon are discussed.
Venous ulcer fibroblasts respond to basic fibroblast growth factor at the cell cycle protein level.

Fibroblasts cultured from venous ulcers demonstrate phenotypic characteristics of cellular senescence including slow growth, altered morphology, upregulation of fibronectin, and increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity. In senescent cells, arrest of cell replication is related to overexpression of p21 and underexpression of phosphorylated tumor-suppressor protein retinoblastoma (ppRb). The regulatory mechanisms for cell proliferation in venous ulcer fibroblasts are unknown. In this study, venous ulcer fibroblasts are examined for cell cycle protein expression and modulation by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Fibroblasts were isolated from the venous ulcer of the distal lower extremity (fb-D) of patients with chronic venous insufficiency. A control biopsy was obtained from the proximal ipsilateral thigh (fb-P). Paired cultures were plated at 100,000 cells/plate and the cells synchronized. After 24 hr, one culture set was treated with bFGF (20 ng/mL) and the other was kept in culture medium only (untreated). All cultures, treated and untreated, were lysed following 24 hr of incubation, and the lysate was used to perform immunoblot analysis for p21, ppRb, and cyclin D1. Immunoblot samples were standardized to protein content. In all patients analyzed (n = 4), at basal levels (untreated) fb-D demonstrated significant overexpression of p21 versus fb-P (p = 0.016). Treatment with bFGF resulted in significant downregulation of p21 levels for fb-D (p = 0.008) and fb-P (p = 0.037) compared to untreated fibroblasts. ppRb was underexpressed in fb-D versus fb-P (p = 0.069). Treatment with bFGF increased ppRb significantly in fb-D (p = 0.030) and in fb-P (p = 0.027) compared to untreated fibroblasts. No differences were observed in cyclin D1 with respect to basal levels in fb-P versus fb-D or in treated versus untreated groups. Venous ulcer fibroblasts show phenotypic similarity to senescent cells, with overexpression of p21 as well as down regulation of phosphorylated pRb. The aberrations seen in the cell cycle proteins in fb-D are similar to those seen in senescent cells; however, bFGF can modulate important cell cycle regulatory proteins, promoting a proliferative environment in fb-D that is not possible in a senescent cell. The role of bFGF may be useful in the clinical treatment of venous ulcer pathology.
Click frequency as a stimulus intensity parameter

Rats were conditioned to respond on the same schedule of reinforcement in the presence of two click stimuli. They consistently responded at higher rates during a 9 clicks/sec stimulus than during a 3 clicks/sec stimulus. However, when the difference between stimuli was increased to 18 clicks/sec vs 3 clicks/sec, the difference between response rates in the two stimuli did not increase. Click frequency was interpreted as a stimulus intensity parameter, but theoretical accounts of stimulus intensity effects do not seem to account for these results.
Dependence of latent period in muscle on strength of stimulus.

THE so-called latent period, which includes latency relaxation, has an important bearing on theories of excitation coupling. It is surprising then that systematic studies1,2 of this phenomenon do not mention the role of the stimulus. The reason is that, with the frog sartorius, increasing strength of stimulus above twice the threshold value apparently produces no significant effect on the latency, while below this value the effects may conceivably be dismissed as due to ‘recruitment of fibres’. Even here, however, latency relaxation increases and may reach as much as 1 per cent of tetanus tension at ten times threshold field-strength.
Inhibition of TNF in the brain reverses alterations in RAS components and attenuates angiotensin II-induced hypertension.

Dysfunction of brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components is implicated in the development of hypertension. We previously showed that angiotensin (Ang) II-induced hypertension is mediated by increased production of proinflammatory cytokines (PIC), including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), in brain cardiovascular regulatory centers such as the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Presently, we tested the hypothesis that central TNF blockade prevents dysregulation of brain RAS components and attenuates Ang II-induced hypertension. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with radio-telemetry transmitters to measure mean arterial pressure (MAP) and subjected to intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of etanercept (10 µg/kg/day) with/without concurrent subcutaneous 4-week Ang II (200 ng/kg/min) infusion. Chronic Ang II infusion resulted in a significant increase in MAP and cardiac hypertrophy, which was attenuated by inhibition of brain TNF with etanercept. Etanercept treatment also attenuated Ang II-induced increases in PIC and decreases in IL-10 expression in the PVN. Additionally, Ang II infusion increased expression of pro-hypertensive RAS components (ACE and AT1R), while decreasing anti-hypertensive RAS components (ACE2, Mas, and AT2 receptors), within the PVN. ICV etanercept treatment reversed these changes. Ang II-infusion was associated with increased oxidative stress as indicated by increased NAD(P)H oxidase activity and super oxide production in the PVN, which was prevented by inhibition of TNF. Moreover, brain targeted TNF blockade significantly reduced Ang II-induced NOX-2 and NOX-4 mRNA and protein expression in the PVN. These findings suggest that chronic TNF blockade in the brain protects rats against Ang II-dependent hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy by restoring the balance between pro- and anti-hypertensive RAS axes and inhibiting PIC and oxidative stress genes and proteins in the PVN.
Tensile fracture characterization of braze joined copper-to-CFC coupon assemblies

Abstract A vacuum brazing process was used to join a broad spectrum of carbon-fiber reinforced carbon matrix composite (CFC) materials, machined into cylindrical coupons, between coupons of oxygen-free copper, the braze alloy was a copper-base alloy which contained only low activation elements (Al, Si, and Ti) relative to a titanium baseline specification. This demonstration was of particular importance for plasma facing components (PFCs) under design for use in the Tokamak Physics Experiment (TPX); the braze investigation was conducted by General Atomics for the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. A tensile test of each brazed assembly was conducted. The results from the braze processing, testing, and fracture characterization studies of this reporting support the use of CFC's of varied fiber architecture and matrix processing in PFC designs for TPX. Further, the copper braze alloy investigated is now considered to be a viable candidate for a low-activation bond design. The prediction of plasma disruption-induced loads on the PFCs in TPX requires that joint strength between CFC tiles and their copper substrate be considered in design analysis and CFC selection.
Abdominal incision tumor implantation following pneumoperitoneum laparoscopic procedure vs. standard open incision in a syngeneic rat model.

INTRODUCTION: A recent hamster model study suggests that the abdominal wall wound implantation rate increases following laparoscopic colon cancer surgery compared with the traditional open technique. However, results of that study were confounded by several factors, including a midline incision in the laparoscopy group, an unclear definition of wound implantation, significant age variations in study subjects, and cell line use with low viability. The aim of this study was to compare the abdominal incision implantation rates following a pneumoperitoneum-laparoscopic-type procedure with a standard open incision using a syngeneic host/colon cancer rat model. METHODS: Viable DHD/K12 rat colon carcinoma cells (2 × 105 cells/rat) were injected intraperitoneallyvia 18G angiocath into anesthetized, immunocompetent BD-IX rats (syngeneic host rats). Rats were then randomly divided into open incision and laparoscopy groups. At three weeks post-operatively, tumor growth at the injection, incision, and port sites was measured. RESULTS: Following standard midline incision, 50 percent of rats (26/50 rats) developed wound implantations, whereas only 25 percent of rats (14/57 rats) developed at least one trocar site wound implantation after laparoscopy with pneumoperitoneum. Fourteen percent of trocar sites (16/114 port sites) developed wound implantations. No tumor growth was noted on the peritoneal surfaces other than in the incisional sites. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic-type procedure with pneumoperitoneum did not increase wound implantation in a syngeneic host/colon carcinoma rat model compared with the standard open incision technique.
First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Erysiphe heraclei on Celery in North America.

Since 1994, a fungal disease has been affecting celery (Apium graveolens) grown for seed in the central coast region of California. White, ectophytic mycelia and conidia, characteristic of a powdery mildew, were present on compound umbels, including the involucre, rays, raylets, flowers, and fruits. Celery with powdery mildew had twisted flower petals, and the disease possibly contributed to premature senescence and drying of the fruits. Powdery mildew was not observed on leaves. Mycelial growth was effused and amphigenous and had lobed appressoria. Conidiophores were straight, and cylindrical foot cells were followed by a longer cell and one or two shorter cells. Conidia were produced singly and were 36 to 44 × 11 to 16 μm. Fibrosin bodies were not observed. Germ tubes were located at the ends of conidia and formed lobed appressoria. Cleistothecia were not present. Based on these characteristics, the fungus was identified as Erysiphe heraclei (1). In California, parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a host o...
Testosterone impairs the acquisition of an operant delayed alternation task in male rats

The current study examined the effects of gonadectomy (GDX) and subsequent testosterone treatment of male Long-Evans rats on an operant variable delay spatial alternation task (DSA). Gonadally-intact rats (intact-B), GDX rats receiving implants that delivered a physiological level of testosterone (GDX-T), and GDX rats receiving blank implants (GDX-B) were tested for 25 sessions on a DSA task with variable inter-trial delays ranging from 0 to 18 s. Acquisition of the DSA task was found to be enhanced following GDX in a time and delay dependent manner. Both the GDX-T and the intact-B rats had lower performance accuracies across delays initially, relative to GDX-B rats, and this deficit persisted into subsequent testing sessions at longer delays. The GDX-T and intact-B rats also had a tendency to commit more perseverative errors during the early testing sessions, with both groups persisting in pressing a lever which had not been associated with reinforcement for at least two consecutive trials. However, both the GDX-T and intact-B groups were able to achieve performance accuracy similar to that of the GDX-B rats by the final sessions of testing. Overall, these results suggest that castration of adult male rats enhances their acquisition of an operant DSA task.
A new culture-free microbiotest for routine detection of cyanobacterial toxins

The Thamnotoxkit F was evaluated for detecting cyanobacterial toxins. This is a 24 hour bioassay using, as test organisms larvae of the freshwater anostracan crustacean Thamnocephalus platyurus hatched from cysts. Freeze-dried Microcystis aeruginosa samples from freshwaters throughout Hungary were tested. Good correlation was obtained between the results of intraperitoneal mouse bioassays and Thamnotoxkit F assays. The LC 50 's for purified microcystins- LR, -RR, and -YR ranged from 0.1 to 2.27 μg per mL, respectively in the Thamnotoxkit assay. The LC 50 of laboratory cultures of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii isolated from samples from Lake Balaton, was 0.574 mg lyophilized material per mL, in a four-laboratory trial. Although not developed originally for detecting cyanobacterial toxins, the Thamnotoxkit F has good potential as an initial screening procedure for toxicity assessment of cyanobacterial scums and blooms in freshwaters.