cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proliferation, Expansion, Effector Differentiation and Survival of GVH-Reactive T Cells Following Delayed DLI to Mixed Chimeras.

Donor leucocyte infusions (DLI) given to established mixed chimeras (MC) can eliminate normal and malignant hematopoietic cells without causing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). DLI given immediately following lethal irradiation lead to severe GVHD. We examined the proliferation, expansion, differentiation and survival of GVH-reactive T cells following delayed DLI and compared the outcomes to those observed when identical DLI were administered early following lethal irradiation (TBI). MC recipients were prepared by TBI of BALB/c mice and reconstitution with mixed BALB/c and CD45.2 C57BL/6 (B6) T-cell depleted bone marrow (TCD BM). 10 weeks later, we transferred 1 x 10 7 CD45.1 B6 and 5 x 10 6 2C transgenic (tg) splenocytes. CD8+ T cells from 2C tg mice bear TCR specific for recipient class I MHC L d . Polyclonal DLI-derived CD4+/CD8+ T cell responses were monitored by gating on CD45.1+ events and clonal 2C CD8+ T cell responses tracked using a clonotypic marker. For comparison, identical DLI together with TCD BM was administered to freshly irradiated BALB/c or B6 CD45.2 syngeneic recipients. MC recipients of delayed DLI developed a GVH reaction, as indicated by increases in donor chimerism, but no GVHD. In contrast, allogeneic recipients receiving DLI immediately following TBI developed lethal GVHD (median survival 32d vs. >100d post-delayed DLI, p hi , CD45RB lo , CD62L lo , CD49d+, CD27+) with similar kinetics to those observed in TBI mice developing GVHD. Despite the marked differences in trafficking to the gut, 2C CD8+ T cells in both groups of allogeneic recipients expressed equivalent levels of the gut homing receptor, α4β7. However, we also observed important differences: 1) IL-2Rαexpression was absent on 2C CD8+ T cells following delayed DLI, but was expressed at high levels (>50% by day +3) in freshly irradiated DLI recipients; 2) 2C CD8+ T cells showed greater reductions in expression of IL-7Rαfollowing delayed DLI; and 3) high rates of 2C CD8+ T cell apoptosis, as indicated by annexin V staining, were observed following delayed DLI with absolute numbers up to 6-fold greater than in TBI recipients. Thus, in contrast to responses in freshly irradiated mice that develop GVHD, GVH reactions induced by delayed DLI are characterized by delayed kinetics, a distinct distribution, marked apoptosis and reduced expression of cytokine receptors important for CD8+ T-cell survival.
Equivalent Circuit Models and Prony’s Analysis of Electromagnetic Designs Using Genetic Programing

Prior electromagnetic designs using Genetic Programing (GP) showed that GP based designs are competitive and often exceed those based on human expertise. Resulting topologies, however, are unconventional and are less understood. In this paper we propose equivalent circuit models and use Prony’s method analysis to explain the high-performance characteristics of the GP designs. Simulation and example analysis are focused on Artificial Magnetic Conductors (AMCs) designed using GP. Ansys Q3D Extractor is used to help determine the RLC component values of the complex computer designed pattern. The equivalent model and multiple resonant results from Prony’s method show that complex computer designed AMCs can be explained with electromagnetic and circuit theories.
Comparison of the Coagulation Profile of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients Undergoing Posterior Spinal Fusion With and Without Tranexamic Acid

Abstract Study Design Prospective, observational cohort study. Objective To improve the understanding of coagulation and bleeding mechanisms during spinal deformity surgery. Summary of Background Data Fibrinolysis is the mechanism of bleeding for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion. Antifibrinolytics have become popular; however, literature to support their use remains mixed. The mechanism of action has not been demonstrated. Methods The coagulation profile of 88 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion was analyzed. Standard coagulation laboratory investigations and thromboelastograms were drawn hourly through the case. Fifty-eight patients received no antifibrinolytic, whereas 30 patients received tranexamic acid by standardized protocol. The coagulation parameters, estimated blood loss, and transfusion requirements were compared in the two groups. Results The two cohorts had no differences in demographic or surgical characteristics. Mean age was 13.6 years, 83% were female, a mean of 11.1 levels were fused, and the mean duration of surgery was 209 minutes. The tranexamic acid cohort did not demonstrate a decrease in blood loss. The transfusion rate, however, dropped from 47% in the non–tranexamic acid cohort to 23% in the tranexamic acid cohort (p = .03). Standard coagulation parameters did not differ between the groups. Fibrinolysis was diminished in the tranexamic acid cohort as measured by a Fibrinolysis score (mean maximum value 2.0 without tranexamic acid vs. 0.7 with tranexamic acid, p Conclusions This study provides confirmation of antifibrinolytic activity during posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The presented data of fibrinolysis are proposed as standard measurements for future work on controlling blood loss during scoliosis surgery. Level of Evidence Level 2, prospective comparative study.
Interferons drive development of novel interleukin-15-responsive macrophages in the uterus

ABSTRACT Disruption in homeostasis of interleukin-15 (IL-15) is linked to poor maternal and fetal outcomes during pregnancy. The only cells described to respond to IL-15 at the early maternal-fetal interface have been natural killer (NK) cells. We now show a novel population of uterine macrophages that expresses the β chain of the IL-15 receptor complex (CD122) and responds to IL-15. CD122+ macrophages (CD122+Macs) are morphologic, phenotypic, and transcriptomic macrophages that can derive from bone marrow monocytes. CD122+Macs develop exclusively in the uterus and placenta with kinetics that mirror interferon (IFN) activity at the maternal-fetal interface. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) permits IFN to drive development of CD122+ macrophages. Neither Type-I nor Type-II IFNs are required to generate CD122+Macs in vivo, however. In response to IL-15, CD122+Macs activate the ERK signaling cascade and enhance production of proinflammatory cytokines after stimulation with the Toll-like receptor agonist CpG. Finally, we provide evidence of human cells that phenocopy murine CD122+Macs in secretory phase endometrium during the implantation window and in first-trimester uterine decidua. Our data support a model wherein IFNs local to the maternal-fetal interface direct novel IL-15-responsive macrophages with the potential to mediate IL-15 signals critical for optimal outcomes of pregnancy.
Connections between entropic and linear projections in asset pricing estimation

The concept of entropy has a long and distinguished history in the physical sciences and engineering, in -elds ranging from thermodynamics to image processing. Each of these applications employs a probability distribution that solves a relative entropy projection problem, i.e. an optimization problem with an entropy objective, subject to linear (e.g. moment) constraints. This paper develops the relationship between relative entropy project approaches and the better-known linear projection approaches to problems of estimation and performance diagnostics for stochastic discount factor models in asset pricing. Frequentist interpretations of relative entropy, enabled by large deviations theory, are used to unify the interpretation of the seemingly disparate procedures. c 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. JEL classi+cation: C111; C13
Synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel anticancer agent CBISC that induces DNA damage response and diminishes levels of mutant-p53.

Abstract A novel nitrogen mustard CBISC has been synthesized and evaluated as an anticancer agent. CBISC has been shown to exhibit enhanced cell proliferation inhibition properties against mutant p53 cell lines colorectal cancer WiDr, pancreatic cancer (MIAPaCa-2 and PANC-1), and triple negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468). In vitro mechanism of action studies revealed perturbations in the p53 pathway and increased cell death as evidenced by western blotting, immunofluorescent microscopy and MTT assay. Further, in vivo studies revealed that CBISC is well tolerated in healthy mice and exhibited significant in vivo tumor growth inhibition properties in WiDr and MIAPaCa-2 xenograft models. These studies illustrate the potential utility of CBISC as an anticancer agent.
Assessing Changes in Adolescents' Sleep Characteristics and Dietary Quality in the START Study, a Natural Experiment on Delayed School Start Time Policies.

BACKGROUND Sleep duration, quality, and timing may influence dietary quality. In adults, poor dietary quality is a risk factor for numerous chronic diseases. It is unclear how these various sleep domains influence adolescents' diets because prior population-based studies have not effectively manipulated sleep, did not include objective sleep measures, and had short follow-up times. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to examine 1) how adolescent sleep characteristics relate to dietary quality; and 2) how delay in high school start times (which lengthened sleep duration) affects dietary quality over 2 y. METHODS In the START study, adolescents (grades 9-11, n = 423) attending 5 high schools in the Minneapolis, Minnesota metropolitan area were annually assessed in 3 waves (2016-2018). At Baseline, all schools started "early" (07:30 or 07:45). From Follow-up 1 through Follow-up 2, 2 "policy change schools" shifted to later start times (to 08:20 and 08:50). Three "comparison schools" maintained their early start throughout. Sleep characteristics were measured with actigraphy. Mixed-effect regression models were used to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of sleep characteristics with dietary quality, and school start time policy change with dietary quality change. RESULTS Cross-sectionally, later sleep midpoint and onset were associated with dietary quality scores 1.6-1.7 lower (both P < 0.05). However, no prospective associations were observed between sleep characteristics and dietary quality in longitudinal models. Shifting to later school start time tended to be associated with a 2.4-point increase in dietary quality score (P = 0.09) at Follow-up 1, but was not associated with change in dietary quality scores at Follow-up 2 (P = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS High school students attending delayed-start schools maintained better dietary quality than students in comparison schools; however, differences were not statistically significant. Overall study findings highlight the complexity of the relation between sleep behavior and diet in adolescence.
Inhibitory Control in Early Childhood Aggression Subtypes: Mediation by Irritability.

The present study tested irritability as a mediator of inhibitory control’s (IC) associations with crossed form and function aggression subtypes over one year in early childhood (N = 300, Mage = 44.70 months, SD = 4.38 months). We hypothesized lower IC would predict increases in irritability, which would in turn predict increases in aggression overall (severity) and a predominance of reactive over proactive subtypes (directionality), and considered moderation by gender. Irritability mediated IC’s relations in the predicted direction for physical severity for girls only and relational severity for both genders. Lower IC predicted increases in irritability, which in turn predicted increasing predominance of reactive over proactive physical and relational aggression. The predicted indirect effect was significant for physical but not relational directionality. Findings highlight the viability of directionality scores for disentangling these effects, and that developmental associations between IC, irritability, and reactive functions of aggression are evident in early childhood.
The United States as a Developing Country: Studies in U.S. History in the Progressive Era and the 1920s

The history of the United States is in crucial respects the history of a developing country, not only in its transition from agricultural and commercial colonies to an industrial nation, but in modern times and the foreseeable future as well. The seven studies in this book, first published in 1992, are primarily concerned with the United States as a developing country in the early twentieth century, evolving from a competitive stage of capitalism to a corporate stage, and from an industrial to a 'postindustrial' society. The chapters treat the emergence and early phases of corporate capitalism and their implications for domestic affairs and foreign relations, the origins and character of corporate liberalism, the pivotal role of Woodrow Wilson in these areas, and the emergence of postindustrial trends. They also explore some critical linkages among economic, political, and cultural developments, in tracing parallels among Henry Adams in the Progressive Era, the 'Young Intellectuals' of the twenties, and the New Left in the sixties.
Teduglutide for safe reduction of parenteral nutrition requirements in adults: a systematic review (1035.11)

Teduglutide, a recombinant analogue of human glucagon-like peptide-2, is the first long-term medical therapy approved for the treatment of adults dependent on parenteral nutrition (PN). The aim of ...
On the absolute configurations of organometallic compounds—XII

Abstract The X-ray crystal structure and absolute configuration of [+]579-(η5-C5H5)Mo(CO)2[C4H3N-CH(=NR*] for R* = (S)-CH(CH)3(C6H5) have been determined from single crystal diffraction data. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P212121 with four molecules in a unit cell of dimensions a = 8.631(4), b = 12.973(5), and c = 15.948(7) A. The structure was solved by the Patterson method and refined to a final R value of 2.3% using 2620 independent data. The Mo atom has square pyramidal coordination, and the configuration at Mo is found to be (R) for the [+]579 diastereoisomer. The Mo-Cp distances average 2.330 A, with the two carbons of the ring closest to the Schiff base being the most eclipsed by the other ligands on Mo. The Mo-C(O) and Mo-N bond lengths and associated angles are contrary to previous cases where a “trans effect” was thought to be seen. Instead, the disparate Mo-N lengths are due to the greater affinity of the formally charged, deprotonated pyrrole nitrogen for Mo. Discrepancies between bonding properties of the present compound and its pyridine analogue are similarly explained. The phenyl ring of the optically active Schiff base is directed away from the Mo atom, which is characteristic of the non-preferred diastereoisomers of the other compounds in this series. The configuration of the optically active carbon is found experimentally to be (S), as expected from the absolute configuration of the (S)-α-phenylethylamine used.
A pilot staging system to predict persistent obstructive sleep apnea in children following adenotonsillectomy

Objectives/Hypothesis A recent meta-analysis by Friedman et al. found that 66% of children have resolution of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (TA). However, accurate predictors of persistent OSA in children despite surgery are difficult to identify. We evaluate the utility of staging children with OSA using characteristics predictive of adult palatoplasty success. Study Design A retrospective analysis of children who underwent sleep studies before and after TA in a tertiary care center from 2008 through 2011. Methods Tonsil size (TS)/modified Mallampati position score (MMP)/body mass index (BMI) z Score were used to categorize patients into a three- and four-stage tonsillectomy staging system. Stage 1 included patients with low MMP scores/large tonsils; stage 2 with low MMP scores/small tonsils or high MMP scores/large tonsils. Stage 3 included patients with high MMP scores/small tonsils. For the four-stage system, any patient with a BMI z Score ≥2.0 was stage 4. Results Thirty-five patients (14 females) were included (mean age, 6.8 years; range, 1.0–18.6 years). OSA severity ranged from mild (n = 6), moderate (n = 10), to severe (n = 19), with a mean respiratory disturbance index (RDI) of 20.9 before surgery and 2.4 after. Similar to results seen for adult palatoplasty, staging by TS/MMP/BMI corresponded with response to surgery. In stage 1 to 2, 11/17 (64.7%) children had RDI <1.5 postoperatively, with decreasing TA success rates in stages 3 to 4 at 10/18 (55.5%). Although these results were not statistically significant (P = .14), the trend was similar to the adult analysis. Conclusions A trend toward a dose-response relationship was seen between physical exam staging and persistent OSA after TA. Further data collection and analysis with a larger sample size are warranted. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 2013
Record High Wolf, Canis lupus , Pack Density

This report documents a year-around Wolf ( Canis lupus ) density of 18.2/100 km 2 and a summer density of 30.8/100 km 2 , in a northeastern Minnesota Wolf pack. The previous record was a summer density of 14.1/100 km 2 , for a Wolf pack on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
Nineteenth-century sediment yields from the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains

Land-use change can dramatically alter soil erosion and sediment yield in watersheds. This paper describes late 19th-century sediment yield reconstructed for two small, low-order catchments in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina at a time when each catchment had been partially cleared for agricultural activities and/or timber harvest. Historical sediment yield values are compared and contrasted to modern values obtained for the adjoining and better-known Piedmont province, and to modern values recorded in both provinces. The results indicate that had Blue Ridge land clearance equaled that of the Piedmont, historical sediment yield values would have been substantially higher than those recorded for the Piedmont. Secondly, despite differences in geology, physiography, and land-use intensity, sediment yield values trend similarly in both Blue Ridge and Piedmont regions where 19th-century agriculture and logging were replaced by 20th-century reforestation. Although early slope stabilization re...
Poly-separated and Ω-stable nilpotent groups

Let π be a set of primes. We will call a group π-separated if it can be decomposed as a central product of a π -torsion group of bounded exponent and a π -radicable group. It is easy to see that an abelian π -separated group can in fact be decomposed as a direct product of bounded and π -radicable factors (Lemma 1.1 below). A poly- π -separated group is one which can be obtained from π -separated groups by forming a finite series of group extensions. We will show here: Theorem 1. Every poly-π-separated nilpotent group is π-separated . The need for such a result arises in model theory in the case that π is the set of all primes, in which case we refer simply to separated and poly-separated groups. In connection with the conjecture that ω -stable simple groups are algebraic, it is useful to have a structure theory for solvable ω -stable groups analogous to the theory available in the algebraic case over algebraically closed fields. In particular the structure of nilpotent ω -stable groups is of interest, for example in connection with the known result [Zi1], [Ne] that the derived subgroup of a connected solvable ω -stable group of finite Morley rank is nilpotent. As a model-theoretic application of Theorem 1 we obtain: Theorem 2. If G is an ω-stable nilpotent group then G may be decomposed as a central product B * D with B and D 0- definable subgroups, B torsion of bounded exponent, and D radicable. In particular, B and D are ω-stable. Furthermore, ω · rk( B ∩ D ) ≤ rk D . Corollary. The ω-stable groups of finite Morley rank are exactly the central products B * D of ω-stable nilpotent groups of finite Morley rank with B torsion of bounded exponent, D radicable, and B ∩ D finite . In addition to the purely algebraic Theorem 1, these results depend on Macintyre's characterization [Mac] of the ω -stable abelian groups as exactly the separated ones.
Identification and control of edge leakage in mesa-isolated SIMOX MOSFETs

Summary form only given. Separation by implantation of oxygen (SIMOX) into silicon to obtain silicon-on-insulator substrates has emerged as the leading technology for radiation-hard integrated circuits. A key issue in building CMOS devices on SIMOX substrates is the device leaking current, which in turn determines the standby current of circuits. One cause of high leakage current is metal impurities incorporated during the oxygen implant. A second mechanism for leakage current in mesa-isolated SIMOX transistors is identified here. This current, which occurs along mesa edges, is more detrimental to circuit performance. It is random, and the probability of its occurrence increases with an increase in the number of edges, shorter-channel transistors, and/or longer source-drain anneal cycles. Measurements suggest that the random edge leakage is caused by enhanced lateral diffusion of source-drain dopants along the mesa edges. >
A sensitivity analysis of the estimation of calorimetric properties of coal fluids from chemical structural models

An analysis of the ability of a suite of analytical techniques to provide accurate estimates of ideal gas calorimetric properties of coal fluids has been made. The sensitivities of the estimations of calorimetric properties to analysis errors have been determined for the application of a group contribution chemical structural model for coal fluids using proton n.m.r., i.r., and elemental analysis data. The analysis shows that probable errors in the analytical data do not result in significant errors in the estimation of enthalpies. The results further indicate that the estimations are not adversely affected by elimination of i.r. data and sulphur and nitrogen elemental analyses, for this property. The structural model used is implicitly shown to be effective for estimation of this property as well. The specific results of this study are limited to the calorimetric properties, but the methodology presented is widely applicable to analysing the efficacy of data and models to represent such fluids for all properties of interest.
Nonlinear joint transform correlators

Abstract A joint power spectrum based processor called joint transform correlator is presented. The joint power spectrum, which is the intensity of the Fourier transform of the input scene displayed alongside the reference function to be detected, contains the cross-power spectrum of the reference function and the input scene. The correlation functions are obtained by applying an inverse Fourier transform to the joint power spectrum. Nonlinear transformations of the joint power spectrum modify the Fourier magnitudes of the reference function and the input scene while preserving their Fourier phases. By adjusting the nonlinear transformations, correlation like functions with a variety of characteristics can be generated in the output plane. This nonlinear processor is shift invariant and can produce at the output well-defined peaks identifying the presence and the location of the targets.
Sampling Fish Populations in the Coosa River, Alabama

Abstract Fish populations were sampled in two quarter-mile sections of the Coosa River near Childersburg, Alabama, during July and August, 1949. Sampling was done with hoop nets, wire baskets, and rotenone. In addition, the catch of a permanent fish trap was observed. The selectivity and limitations of each of these sampling methods are discussed. Since the methods used were to an appreciable extent complementary, it was possible to obtain significant information on nearly all important species. The most important species (by weight) taken were channel catfish, freshwater drum, smallmouth buffalo, flathead catfish, blue catfish, redhorse, and gizzard shad. None of the methods used was adequate for the sampling of game and pan species. The most important of these encountered were, however, white crappie, spotted black bass, and bluegill sunfish. Each of the methods failed completely to reveal the presence of one or more important species of fish. Since all sampling methods were selective, it was impossible...
Relationship between plasma glutamate levels and hypothalamic lesions in rodents

Abstract The relationship between plasma glutamate levels and the induction of hypothalamic lesions was studied in infant, weanling and adult mice. Plasma glutamate levels associated with the induction of hypothalamic lesions were 100–130, 380 and > 630 μmol/dl in infant, weanling and adult mice, respectively. Administration of the dose of monosodium l -glutamate (MSG) as a solution in infant formula or as a paste in synthetic diet markedly suppressed elevation of plasma glutamate and induction of hypothalamic lesions. Plasma glutamate levels resulting from the incorporation of large amounts of MSG in the diet, or in drinking water, were lower than those associated with the induction of hypothalamic lesions.
Geostatistical analysis of biomarkers of genotoxicity in cattle, Bos taurus and Bos taurus × Bos indicus , sentinels near industrial facilities

This study, performed at the behest of ranchers living and working down-prevailing wind from industrial facilities located in Calhoun County, Texas investigated locational risks to ecosystem health associated with proximity to specific industrial complexes. Concerns expressed were for potential genotoxicity in cattle resulting from the release of complex chemical mixtures. The Comet Assay and flow cytometric evaluation of variations in DNA content were utilized to evaluate DNA damage. Bayesian geo-statistical analysis revealed the presence of important spatial processes. The Comet assay’s optical density provided a strong indication of increased damage down-prevailing wind from the industrial complexes. Results indicated that proximity to and location down-prevailing winds from industrial facilities increased the locational risk of genotoxicity in this sentinel species.
ON CONSERVATION OF PROBABILITY IN THE LEE MODEL

Abstract Heisenberg's treatment of the Lee model in an indefinite metric with “dipole” or “complex” ghosts is extended to include more than one heavy particle and to include heavy particle motion. It is shown that with this extension new bound states of negative norm and real energy appear, which can, via a scattering process, lead to a failure of unitarity in the theory.
Evaluation of live, cold-adapted influenza A and B virus vaccines in elderly and high-risk subjects

We have evaluated the use of live cold-adapted influenza A and B virus vaccines in the elderly. Cold-adapted influenza A and B virus vaccines are safe and modestly immunogenic in individuals over 65 years of age. However, our studies and those of other groups have shown that immune response to cold-adapted vaccines in this age group are modest. Administration of combined cold-adapted influenza A and inactivated influenza vaccine has resulted in slightly higher frequencies of local and systemic humoral immune responses than inactivated vaccine alone in some, but not all, studies. In a double-blind field trial conducted in nursing homes over a 3 year period, combined cold-adapted influenza A (H3N2) and trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine resulted in a 60% decrease (95% CI, 18-82%) in the rate of laboratory documented influenza A compared with inactivated vaccine alone. Further studies of multivalent cold-adapted influenza vaccines used in combination with inactivated vaccine should be performed.
Political animals and social animals as biologically meaningful categories

This paper addresses itself to the question as to whether Homo is properly to be considered as a political animal, or whether Homo is best understood as merely a form of social animal which has evolved particularly complex survival stratagems. We will proceed primarily on the basis of the published work of the contemporary Swiss zoologist, Adolf Portmann, and argue for the view that there are solid grounds for distinguishing between social and political animals, and that Homo inhabits the realm of the political animal.
BID: A knowledge-based system to automate blocker design

Abstract In closed-die forging with flash, design of blockers is of critical importance. However, while finite element method-based computer simulation programs are gaining wider acceptance to evaluate completed die designs, actual die design itself still remains predominantly manual because determination of the proper blocker configuration is a very difficult task, an art acquired only through years of experience. Efforts to computerize blocker design so far are primarily based either on interactive graphics, or a set of fixed design procedures which do not take into account design variations due to geometry and/or process variables. This paper describes the development of an automated blocker design system named BID (Blocker Initial-guess Design), developed using the knowledge-based systems approach, which attempts to take these design variations into consideration.
Simultaneous optical spectroscopic measurement of hemoglobin and myoglobin saturations and cytochrome aa3 oxidation in vivo.

A method to simultaneously measure oxygenation in vascular, intracellular, and mitochondrial spaces from optical spectra acquired from muscle has been developed. In order to validate the method, optical spectra in the visible and near-infrared regions (600–850 nm) were acquired from solutions of myoglobin, hemoglobin, and cytochrome oxidase that included Intralipid as a light scatterer. Spectra were also acquired from the rabbit forelimb. Three partial least squares (PLS) analyses were performed on second-derivative spectra, each separately calibrated to myoglobin oxygen saturation, hemoglobin oxygen saturation, or cytochrome aa3 oxidation. The three variables were measured from in vitro and in vivo spectra that contained all three chromophores. In the in vitro studies, measured values of myoglobin saturation, hemoglobin saturation, and cytochrome aa3 oxidation had standard errors of 5.9%, 7.4%, and 12.2%, respectively, with little cross-talk between the in vitro measurements. In the progression from normal oxygenation to ischemia in the rabbit forelimb, hemoglobin desaturated first, followed by myoglobin, while cytochrome aa3 reduction occurred last. The ability to simultaneously measure oxygenations in the vascular, intracellular, and mitochondrial compartments will be valuable in physiological studies of muscle metabolism and in clinical studies when oxygen supply or utilization are compromised.
Comparison of C. elegans and C. briggsae Genome Sequences Reveals Extensive Conservation of Chromosome Organization and Synteny

To determine whether the distinctive features of Caenorhabditis elegans chromosomal organization are shared with the C. briggsae genome, we constructed a single nucleotide polymorphism–based genetic map to order and orient the whole genome shotgun assembly along the six C. briggsae chromosomes. Although these species are of the same genus, their most recent common ancestor existed 80–110 million years ago, and thus they are more evolutionarily distant than, for example, human and mouse. We found that, like C. elegans chromosomes, C. briggsae chromosomes exhibit high levels of recombination on the arms along with higher repeat density, a higher fraction of intronic sequence, and a lower fraction of exonic sequence compared with chromosome centers. Despite extensive intrachromosomal rearrangements, 1:1 orthologs tend to remain in the same region of the chromosome, and colinear blocks of orthologs tend to be longer in chromosome centers compared with arms. More strikingly, the two species show an almost complete conservation of synteny, with 1:1 orthologs present on a single chromosome in one species also found on a single chromosome in the other. The conservation of both chromosomal organization and synteny between these two distantly related species suggests roles for chromosome organization in the fitness of an organism that are only poorly understood presently.
Poisson cluster analysis of cardiac arrest incidence in columbus, ohio

AbstractBackground. Scarce resources in disease prevention and emergency medical services (EMS) need to be focused on high-risk areas of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Objective. Cluster analysis using geographic information systems (GISs) was used to find these high-risk areas and test potential predictive variables. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort analysis of EMS-treated adults with OHCAs occurring in Columbus, Ohio, from April 1, 2004, through March 31, 2009. The OHCAs were aggregated to census tracts and incidence rates were calculated based on their adult populations. Poisson cluster analysis determined significant clusters of high-risk census tracts. Both census tract-level and case-level characteristics were tested for association with high-risk areas by multivariate logistic regression. Results. A total of 2,037 eligible OHCAs occurred within the city limits during the study period. The mean incidence rate was 0.85 OHCAs/1,000 population/year. There were five significant geographi...
Fast Optical Imaging of Neural Activation in Isolated Retina

We demonstrated fast imaging of activation in isolated frog retina using intrinsic optical responses associated with electrophysiological function. Dynamic optical responses were routinely observed in single pass experiments with ~1 micron and <10 ms resolution.
Antiplatelet therapy after coronary stenting.

While dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has demonstrated benefit for two important cardiovascular indications, 1) prevention of future myocardial infarction and death following acute coronary syndromes and 2) prevention of stent thrombosis, the optimal duration of treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy after coronary stent placement is not known. While current guidelines have recommended treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy for between 1 month after receiving a bare metal stent (BMS) and 6 to 12 months after PCI with a drug eluting stent (DES), there are conflicting data to guide practice. Stent thrombosis is rare, and is declining over time following improvements in procedural technique and stent design, yet definitive data regarding the timing of safe discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy are not yet available. Furthermore, extended duration of antiplatelet therapy beyond 6–12 months may aid in the prevention of spontaneous MI and cardiac mortality, particularly in higher risk anatomic or clinical subgroups. Moderately sized randomized trials have recently demonstrated bleeding risk associated with longer durations of therapy, but these studies have been relatively limited in their power to exclude differences in rates of stent thrombosis, or clinically significant impact on the occurrence of myocardial infarction and death in this patient population. Large randomized trials powered to examine stent thrombosis, bleeding, and mortality and myocardial infarction, are underway that are expected to guide practice in the near future. Until that time it is most prudent to continue antiplatelet therapy for at least 6–12 months after coronary stent placement in suitable patients.
Cortical 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one levels after acute administration of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cocaine and morphine

The neuroactive steroid, 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregane-20-one (allopregnanolone) is a potent modulator of GABAA receptor function. Moreover, pharmacologically relevant concentrations of allopregnanolone are found in brain during physiological conditions (stress, pregnancy and menstrual cycle) and pharmacological challenge (ethanol, fluoxetine, olanzapine). Enhanced levels of neurosteroids are thought to contribute to the therapeutic effects of fluoxetine and various effects of ethanol via GABAA receptors. Moreover, neurosteroids influence rewarding effects of ethanol in some models and modulate activation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. Thus, it is possible that enhanced allopregnanolone levels are involved in the effects of abused drugs. To determine if other abused drugs elicit alterations in brain neurosteroid levels, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cocaine and morphine were administered to male rats. Cortical brain tissue and plasma were collected and analyzed for steroid concentrations using radioimmunoassays. Δ9-THC (5 mg/kg, IP) elevated cortical allopregnanolone levels to pharmacologically active levels, while morphine (15 mg/kg, SC) produced a small but significant increase. Cocaine (30 mg/kg, IP) did not alter allopregnanolone levels, nor did lower doses of Δ9-THC or morphine. Plasma progesterone levels were elevated in both Δ9-THC and cocaine-treated animals. Some, but not all, drugs of abuse produce increases in cortical allopregnanolone levels. In addition, increases in plasma steroid precursor levels do not always translate into increases in brain allopregnanolone levels.
Design, development, and evaluation of a second generation interactive Simulator for Engineering Ethics Education (SEEE2).

This paper describes a second generation Simulator for Engineering Ethics Education. Details describing the first generation activities of this overall effort are published in Chung and Alfred (Sci Eng Ethics 15:189–199, 2009). The second generation research effort represents a major development in the interactive simulator educational approach. As with the first generation effort, the simulator places students in first person perspective scenarios involving different types of ethical situations. Students must still gather data, assess the situation, and make decisions. The approach still requires students to develop their own ability to identify and respond to ethical engineering situations. However, were as, the generation one effort involved the use of a dogmatic model based on National Society of Professional Engineers’ Code of Ethics, the new generation two model is based on a mathematical model of the actual experiences of engineers involved in ethical situations. This approach also allows the use of feedback in the form of decision effectiveness and professional career impact. Statistical comparisons indicate a 59 percent increase in overall knowledge and a 19 percent improvement in teaching effectiveness over an Internet Engineering Ethics resource based approach.
John Skelton and the New Fifteenth Century

John Skelton's writing career took place roughly between 1488 and 1528, years that straddle two centuries and, most awkwardly, two epochs. Perhaps because of that awkwardness he has been a poet marginalized in our literary histories and critical discourse until quite recently. This overview essay suggests that to re-engage Skelton is to test alternative literary histories that think beyond the fifteenth century as a merely transitional moment and that put into play methodologies flexible enough to accommodate inter-related notions of aesthetics and context. This essay traces Skelton's critical tradition as a series of perspectives on the poet's own nimble engagements with form and history. The first section follows the story of formalist and historicist approaches to Skelton working in tension up until the last part of the twentieth century. The second section explores the interventions of the new Skelton scholars. The third and final sections speculate briefly about fresh directions in Skelton scholarship, noticing that many of the themes and questions raised around Skelton over the past century remain open for more extensive development.
Point Estimation of Reliability of a System Comprised of k Elements from the Same Exponential Distribution

Abstract Minimum variance unbiased estimators of reliability are developed for a series, parallel, and standby redundant system where the components are from a single exponentially distributed population. It is assumed that sampling information has been censored with respect to number of failures or test time.
Acceleration of black hole universe

Recently, Zhang slightly modified the standard big bang theory and developed a new cosmological model called black hole universe, which is consistent with Mach’s principle, governed by Einstein’s general theory of relativity, and able to explain all observations of the universe. Previous studies accounted for the origin, structure, evolution, expansion, and cosmic microwave background radiation of the black hole universe, which grew from a star-like black hole with several solar masses through a supermassive black hole with billions of solar masses to the present state with hundred billion-trillions of solar masses by accreting ambient matter and merging with other black holes. This paper investigates acceleration of the black hole universe and provides an alternative explanation for the redshift and luminosity distance measurements of type Ia supernovae. The results indicate that the black hole universe accelerates its expansion when it accretes the ambient matter in an increasing rate. In other words, i.e., when the second-order derivative of the mass of the black hole universe with respect to the time is positive $\ddot{M}(t) > 0$ . For a constant deceleration parameter $q = -M(t) \ddot{M}(t)/\dot{M}(t) \sim-0.6$ , we can perfectly explain the type Ia supernova measurements with the reduced chi-square to be very close to unity, χ red∼1.0012. The expansion and acceleration of black hole universe are driven by external energy.
The Single Individual in Ordinary Time: Theological Engagements with Sociobiology

Soren Kierkegaard and Dietrich Bonhoeffer provide provocatively individualistic, liturgical, Jesus-centered perspectives on anthropology that accentuate the neo-Hegelian, amoral, collectivist perspectives of geneticist Francis Collins, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, and entomologist/political philosopher E. O. Wilson. In the mix of the vagaries of scientific developments, the offense of Jesus Christ does not change, and it seems vital for Christians to testify explicitly against any worldview (economic and/or scientific) that presents human lives (whether self-given sacrificially or taken involuntarily) as the dross of a refined future. It is through the repetitive practice of Holy Communion that Christians consume the gift to see the world as gift, not for our own winning or saving.
A Survey on Hypervisor-Based Monitoring: Approaches, Applications, and Evolutions

When designing computer monitoring systems, one goal has always been to have a complete view of the monitored target and at the same time stealthily protect the monitor itself. One way to achieve this is to use hypervisor-based, or more generally out of virtual machine (VM)-based, monitoring. There are, however, challenges that limit the use of this mechanism; the most significant of these is the semantic gap problem. Over the past decade, a considerable amount of research has been carried out to bridge the semantic gap and develop all kinds of out-of-VM monitoring techniques and applications. By tracing the evolution of out-of-VM security solutions, this article examines and classifies different approaches that have been proposed to overcome the semantic gap—the fundamental challenge in hypervisor-based monitoring—and how they have been used to develop various security applications. In particular, we review how the past approaches address different constraints, such as practicality, flexibility, coverage, and automation, while bridging the semantic gap; how they have developed different monitoring systems; and how the monitoring systems have been applied and deployed. In addition to systematizing all of the proposed techniques, we also discuss the remaining research problems and shed light on the future directions of hypervisor-based monitoring.
SU‐FF‐T‐635: Investigation of Dosimetric Effect of Repiratory Lung Density Variation

Purpose: To investigate the dosimetric effect of respiratory lung density variation in proton and conventional x‐ray beam delivery. Method and Materials: 2D dose for proton and x‐ray beams have been calculated for homogenous slab water medium and for that with lung heterogeneity. The central‐axis depth‐dose curves were generated at different depths (4, 8, 10 cm) of lung heterogeneity as well as those with lung heterogeneity at fixed depth (3 cm) with various lung densities (0.3, 0.45, 0.6 g/cm3) for both proton and x‐ray beams. We used PLM (Lee and Sandison 2004a, b), analytic proton loss model, and DPM (Sempau et al 2000), Monte Carlo dose calculation model, for proton and x‐ray, respectively. Results: We found that protons spread more and penetrate deeper with lung heterogeneity introduced. We also found that x‐ray dose values at depth and lateral spread are affected significantly by lung heterogeneity. Central‐axis depth‐dose calculation shows that proton dose is more radically affected by the location of lung heterogeneity compared to that for x‐ray dose. However, the lung density change with fixed depth of lung heterogeneity shows that both beams are largely affected by the lung density changes. Specifically, the proton range is significantly affected by lung density variation while the maximum dose was affected similarly to that for x‐ray. Conclusion: It was found that the depth of lung heterogeneity and its density variations are challenging for proton therapy because the dose spread, range, and maximum dose are radically affected by them while for x‐ray beams, only maximum dose and doses at depths are significantly affected. The results suggest that the respiratory lung density variations during proton therapy need to be considered in addition to the lung target motion to avoid healthy lung tissue from receiving high dose.
Post-column reaction detection based on fluorescence energy transfer in the far red spectral region.

Abstract Post-column reaction detection may result in enhanced analytical sensitivity and selectivity. This paper describes an on-line HPLC with post-column fluorescence energy transfer assay using biotin as a model analyte. Biotin labeled with R -phycoerythrin was used as the donor labeled ligand and streptavidin labeled with an indodicarbocyanine dye (Cy5), the acceptor labeled binder protein. The use of these labels provided a detection wavelength in the far red spectral region which is more selective for biological samples. In the on-line system, biotin was injected into the HPLC system followed by Cy5 labeled streptavidin and R -phycoerythrin labeled biotin, post-column. The mixture was incubated on-line in an open tubular reactor coil maintained at 37°C. The measured response was the sensitized emission of Cy5 due to fluorescence energy transfer from R -phycoerythrin labeled biotin measured at 670 nm. Excitation was at 488 nm, which provided a large Stokes shift for reduction of scatter interference. The system was optimized with regard to the post-column reagents to obtain the minimum detectable concentration while maintaining appropriate dynamic range for the analysis of biotin. Biotin spiked in 0.01 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, showed a dynamic range of 304.0 pg/ml–122.20 ng/ml with a correlation coefficient of 0.993. The limit of detection for this assay was 304.0 pg/ml. The precision calculated at the blank ( n =6) was 4.14%.