cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NIST structures division: They don’t build the buildings — they make the buildings better

hen the hurricane winds blow, when the earthquakes rumble, when the floodwaters sweep through, when fire rages, why do some buildings come down while others stay up? Learning the answer — and then making improvements to the next generation building code — is the job of the Structures Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These scientists and engineers investigate structural failures caused by natural forces, as well as those resulting from errors in design and construction or material flaws. And August is one of the months of the year in which the assessment teams spend the most time out on the field due to such natural disasters as the massive flood in Alaska in 1967, Hurricane Camille in 1969, Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and the 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Turkey in 1999.
Divine Guilt in Aischylos

Any attempt to grapple with the issue of divine behaviour towards men in Aischylos or any other Greek thinker must begin with the question of expectations: what do the gods expect from men, and what, if anything, may men expect in return from the gods? A. W. H. Adkins has I think demonstrated clearly that in Homer at least the defining barrier between mortal and immortal is one of degree, not kind; the gods are gods not because of moral excellences or all-encompassing wisdom, but simply by virtue of their greater power. This power, and the capacity to defend it, is the essence of their τιμή, which they guard as jealously as any mortal ⋯γαθός. What is expected of men, therefore, is a healthy respect for divine τιμή, and an avoidance of any action, however innocent, which might seem to lessen divine status. Thus when Hermes in the first book of the Odyssey tells Aigisthos not to kill Agamemnon or to take his wife, he does so qua god, not moral adviser, and Aigisthos' transgression lies foremost in his rejection of that command. In the same way Hesiod's Prometheus offends (several times) against the prerogatives and τιμή of Zeus, and is appropriately punished; that he meant well is irrelevant to Hesiod, nor is there any interest in his rehabilitation. Examples in the lyric poets are by the nature of the genre less abundant, but we may certainly note Stesichoros 223 PMG, where Tyndareos' accidental slight of Aphrodite draws down the anger of the goddess on his daughters. Similar too is the fate of the daughters of Proitos, whose boast in Bakchylides 11 that their father is wealthier than Hera brings about their subsequent madness.
Ultrastructural evidence that specialized regions of the murine oviduct contribute a glycoprotein to the extracellular matrix of mouse oocytes

Previous studies have identified a glycoprotein (GP215) that is secreted by the murine oviductal epithelium and subsequently becomes sequestered within the perivitelline space of oocytes and developing embryos (Kapur and Johnson, Dev. Biol. 112:89-93, 1985; J. Exp. Zool. 238:249-260, 1986). The ultrastructural localizations of GP215 in the perivitelline space of ovulated oocytes and in the oviductal epithelium are described here. The glycoprotein is shown to be associated with a morphologically discrete extracellular matrix that provides a unique microenvironment for fertilization and early developmental events. In addition, putative secretory granules that contain this glycoprotein are observed in specific segments of the murine oviductal epthelium, suggesting regional differences in the composition of oviductal secretions.
Amygdala Responses to Human Faces in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Background To assess the amygdala response to emotional faces in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods Ten subjects with current OCD and 10 healthy control subjects underwent fMRI, during which they viewed pictures of fearful, happy, and neutral human faces, as well as a fixation cross. Results Across both groups, there was significant activation in left and right amygdala for the fearful versus neutral faces contrast. Data extracted from these functionally defined regions of interest indicated that OCD subjects exhibited a weaker response than control subjects bilaterally across all face conditions versus fixation. No group-by-face condition interactions were observed. Conclusions Contrary to findings in other anxiety disorders, there was no observed increase in amygdala responsivity to fearful versus neutral human faces in OCD as compared with healthy control subjects. Moreover, across all face conditions, amygdala responsivity was attenuated in OCD subjects relative to control subjects. Therefore, the present findings are consistent with abnormal amygdala function in OCD and are of a character that may distinguish OCD from other anxiety disorders.
The Power of Meaning: From Quantum Mechanics to Synchronicity

The startling and paradoxical discoveries in quantum mechanics and the Jungian concepts of acausality and synchronicity are described and examined in terms of their parallels and their implication ...
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis presenting as sarcoidosis

Pulmonary sarcoidosis and hypersensitivity pneu monitis are two disease entities that may have simi lar clinical, laboratory, and pathological features. A low index of suspicion for hypersensitivity pneu monitis combined with the overlapping features contribute to the difficulty of distinguishing the two diseases. Indeed, two case series suggest that four of 51 and two of 46 subjects originally diagnosed as having sarcoidosis showed clinical and histological characteristics more consistent with hypersensitivity pneumonitis.12 Because early recognition of hyper sensitivity pneumonitis can lead to complete rever sal of disease in many cases, it is important to make this diagnosis as early as possible. We present a case that was most likely misdiagnosed and resulted in continued workplace exposure, considerable morbidity, and unwarranted discharge from employment due to a probable work related illness.
Ion Counting from Explicit-Solvent Simulations and 3D-RISM

The ionic atmosphere around nucleic acids remains only partially understood at atomic-level detail. Ion counting (IC) experiments provide a quantitative measure of the ionic atmosphere around nucleic acids and, as such, are a natural route for testing quantitative theoretical approaches. In this article, we replicate IC experiments involving duplex DNA in NaCl(aq) using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, the three-dimensional reference interaction site model (3D-RISM), and nonlinear Poisson- Boltzmann (NLPB) calculations and test against recent buffer-equilibration atomic emission spectroscopy measurements. Further, we outline the statistical mechanical basis for interpreting IC experiments and clarify the use of specific concentration scales. Near physiological concentrations, MD simulation and 3D-RISM estimates are close to experimental results, but at higher concentrations (>0.7 M), both methods underestimate the number of condensed cations and overestimate the number of excluded anions. The effect of DNA charge on ion and water atmosphere extends 20-25 Afrom its surface, yielding layered density profiles. Overall, ion distributions from 3D-RISMs are relatively close to those from corresponding MD simulations, but with less Na þ binding in grooves and tighter binding to phosphates. NLPB calculations, on the other hand, systematically under- estimate the number of condensed cations at almost all concentrations and yield nearly structureless ion distributions that are qualitatively distinct from those generated by both MD simulation and 3D-RISM. These results suggest that MD simulation and 3D-RISM may be further developed to provide quantitative insight into the characterization of the ion atmosphere around nucleic acids and their effect on structure and stability.
Data pruning in consumer choice models

Common, if not ubiquitous, Marketing practice when estimating models for scanner panel data is to: (a) observe the data, (b) prune the data to a “manageable” number of brands or SKUs, and (c) fit models to the remaining data. We demonstrate that such pruning practice can lead to significantly different (and potentially biased) elasticities, and hence different managerial/practical outcomes, especially in the context of model misspecification. We first justify our claims theoretically by writing the general problem in a classic missing-data framework and demonstrate that commonly used pruning mechanisms (gleaned from current academic Marketing literature) can lead to a nonignorable missing data mechanism. Secondly, we summarize an extensive set of simulations that were run to understand the driving factors of that bias. The results indicate much greater pruning bias in those cases where model fit is poor (small $$R^{2}$$ ), random utility errors are correlated with the covariates, or the model is misspecified (e.g., a homogeneous logit is specified when a mixed-logit is true). Empirically, we also demonstrate our findings on the well-cited and highly utilized fabric softener data of Fader and Hardie (1996). Our empirical findings suggest a number of estimates that vary according to the way in which the data is pruned including the magnitude of market mix and attribute elasticities, and purchase probabilities, but that the pruning effect is smaller for better fitting models.
A model for HCMV infection in immunosuppressed patients

We propose a model for HCMV infection in healthy and immunosuppressed patients. First, we present the biological model and formulate a system of ordinary differential equations to describe the pathogenesis of primary HCMV infection in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed individuals. We then investigate how clinical data can be applied to this model. Approximate parameter values for the model are derived from data available in the literature and from mathematical and physiological considerations. Simulations with the approximated parameter values demonstrates that the model is capable of describing primary, latent, and secondary (reactivated) HCMV infection. Reactivation simulations with this model provide a window into the dynamics of HCMV infection in (D-R+) transplant situations, where latently-infected recipients (R+) receive transplant tissue from HCMV-naive donors (D-).
Amphiregulin Promotes Intestinal Epithelial Regeneration: Roles of Intestinal Subepithelial Myofibroblasts

Epidermal growth factor family plays critical roles in intestinal epithelial proliferation and differentiation. The precise function of amphiregulin (AREG), a member of the epidermal growth factor family, in intestinal biology is largely unknown. The present study attempted to address the functional roles of AREG in intestinal epithelial regeneration. Total body irradiation was performed, and intestinal regeneration was assessed in AREG knockout mice. Genetically disruption of AREG significantly impaired intestinal regeneration after radiation injury. It is known that prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) exerts radio-protective and growth-stimulatory effects on intestinal epithelium. We found that PGE(2) radio-protective action did not involve AREG. However, PGE(2) growth-stimulatory effects required functional AREG. Localization of AREG expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in regenerative intestine. The immunoreactivity of AREG was predominantly localized in intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts (ISEMF). Primary ISEMF cultures were established, and growth-stimulatory actions of ISEMF-generated AREG were demonstrated in cell coculture system. In addition, we found that the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway robustly induced AREG in cultured ISEMF. These studies suggest that AREG plays critical roles in intestinal epithelial growth. Modulation of levels of AREG by targeting ISEMF represents a novel strategy for treatment of certain intestinal disorders.
Endoscopic-assisted resection of intracranial epidermoid tumors.

Objective Intracranial epidermoid tumors are epithelially derived lesions that may present particular challenges to neurosurgeons, often encasing critical neurovascular structures and extending into multiple subarachnoid cisterns. We aimed to evaluate our recent experience with endoscopic assistance to craniotomy with microsurgical resection of these lesions. Methods A retrospective review of patients undergoing endoscopic-assisted craniotomy for resection of an epidermoid tumor at the Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California between 2009 and 2012 was conducted. In all patients, the surgical approach and tumor resection were first performed microscopically. This was followed by use of an angled endoscope to facilitate further inspection and additional resection of tumor using a two-surgeon technique. Results Twelve patients undergoing 13 consecutive endoscopic-assisted craniotomies were included in the analysis. The mean patient age was 45 years. The mean maximal tumor diameter was 4.0 cm (range, 2.4–5.8 cm). Surgery was for recurrent epidermoid in 6 of 13 cases (46%). Epidermoid tumor location included the cerebellopontine angle (9 patients, 75%), fourth ventricle (2 patients, 17%), and third ventricle (1 patient, 8%). Surgical approaches included retrosigmoid craniotomy (8 patients), suboccipital craniotomy (1 patient), suboccipital craniotomy with supracerebellar approach (1 patient), extradural temporopolar approach (1 patient), and subtemporal approach (1 patient). In 11 of 13 cases (85%), additional tumor was identified upon inspection with an angled endoscope, facilitating additional tumor resection in each case. Gross or deliberate near total resection was achieved in 7 of 13 cases (54%). Four patients (31%) had improvement of cranial nerve function. Postoperative neurological deficits included transient abducens and oculomotor nerve paresis in one patient each. Conclusions The endoscope is a safe and effective adjunct to the microscope in facilitating additional inspection and further resection of epidermoid tumors. Endoscopic-assisted surgery is particularly useful for identifying and removing additional tumor located around surgical corners.
Photolysis of alkyl iodides at 147.0 nm. The reaction H + CnH2n + 1I ? HI + CnH2n + 1

The 147 nm (8.4 eV) photolysis of gaseous C2H5I, n-C3H7I, and sec-C3H7I was investigated in the presence of and absence of HI. The main overall processes are: These dissociative processes occur mainly as a result of initial cleavage of the weak CI bond, followed by decomposition of the internally excited alkyl radicals. In all cases, approximately 5-10% of the alkyl radicals thus formed do not undergo dissociation at pressures around 3-7 torr. There is also evidence for the elimination of HI as well as CC cleavage in the primary dissociation. The former is indicated by deuterium labeling experiments and the formation of cyclopropane (Φ = 0.04) as a product in the photolysis of n-C3H7I. Because the processes listed above provide a constant source of H atoms whose quantum yield can be exactly determined, it was feasible to obtain accurate values for ka/kb: For thermally equilibrated H atoms (300 K), ka/kb is 0.44 ± 0.04, 0.57 ± 0.06, 0.95 ± 0.1, and 0.024 ± 0.01 for C2H5I, n-C3H7I, sec-C3H7I, and C2H5Br, respectively.
Retrotransposon R1Bm endonuclease cleaves the target sequence

The R1Bm element, found in the silkworm Bombyx mori, is a member of a group of widely distributed retrotransposons that lack long terminal repeats. Some of these elements are highly sequence-specific and others, like the human L1 sequence, are less so. The majority of R1Bm elements are associated with ribosomal DNA (rDNA). R1Bm inserts into 28S rDNA at a specific sequence; after insertion it is flanked by a specific 14-bp target site duplication of the 28S rDNA. The basis for this sequence specificity is unknown. We show that R1Bm encodes an enzyme related to the endonuclease found in the human L1 retrotransposon and also to the apurinic/apyrimidinic endonucleases. We expressed and purified the enzyme from bacteria and showed that it cleaves in vitro precisely at the positions in rDNA corresponding to the boundaries of the 14-bp target site duplication. We conclude that the function of the retrotransposon endonucleases is to define and cleave target site DNA.
Computer-assisted surgical techniques: can they really improve laser surgery?

ABSTRACTAs part of our Computer-Assisted Surgical Techniques (CAST) program, we use computers to guidesurgical lasers, create minimal incision widths, regulate the rate of tissue ablation, monitor the types of tissuebeing ablated with photo-acoustic feedback, and track and compensate for patient motions due to respirationand heart beat. The union of the computer, robotics and lasers can assist the surgeon and permit several newapplications. Although these advances in laser surgery appear to have obvious benefits, it is important toevaluate and quantify the clinical advantages. We have compared the CAST system to manually controlledlaser surgery and studied the wound healing after laser incision. We have found definite advantages to the CAST system. : However, the computer, alone, cannot compensate for the thermal damage lateral to the incisionsite. The results suggest the need for motion tracking and compensation to be a part of the CAST system.Keywords: Laser incision, wound healing, robotics, cutaneous incisions
On the Sterility of the Interracial Hybrids in Drosophila Pseudoobscura.

Offspring from interspecific crosses are frequently equal or superior to their parents in somatic vigor, and are, nevertheless, partially or completely sterile. The sterility is due to a disturbance in the process of gametogenesis usually involving a more or less complete lack of chromosome pairing at meiosis. The known instances of interspecific sterility fall into two groups. To the first group belong cases described by Karpechenko,(1) Clausen,(2) Tschermak and Bleier(3) and many others, who have found that the doubling of the chromosome complement of sterile hybrids results in the appearance of fertile allotetraploids showing a more or less complete chromosome pairing. To the second group belongs the case of the interracial hybrids in Drosophila pseudoobscura. As shown below, the doubling of the chromosomes does not influence here either the lack of chromosome pairing or sterility.
Vortices, stability, and turbulence

The transition process between laminar flow to turbulent flow is discussed in terms of a third state of fluid motion, vortical motion that is approximately periodic in space and/or time and displays symmetrical properties. The possibility that the transition from laminar to turbulent flow is accompanied by intermediate vortical states, with turbulence being an instability of the vortical states, is examined, with consideration given to the hypothesis that the turbulent state retains a memory of the vortex structures. Solutions are sought for the Navier-Stokes equations for a viscous liquid in a channel. Instances of inviscid vortical states and the presence of a three-dimensional instability are studied, demonstrating that transition phenomena can be explained qualitatively in terms of vortical state characteristics.
Predicting human performance by a channelized Hotelling observer model

A psychophysical experiment was conducted to measure the performance of human observers in detecting an exactly known signal against a random, nonuniform background in the presence of noise correlations introduced by post-detection filtering (postprocessing). In order to predict this human performance, a new model observer was synthesized by adding frequency-selective channels to the Hotelling observer model which we have previously used for assessment of image quality. This new `channelized' Hotelling model reduces approximately to a nonprewhitening (NPW) observer for images with uniform background and correlated noise introduced by filtering, and to a Hotelling observer for images with nonuniform background and no postprocessing. For images with both background nonuniformity and post processing, the performance of this channelized Hotelling observer agrees well with human performance while the other two observer models (NPW and Hotelling observer) fail.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The influence of temperature, initial length and electrical activity on the force-velocity relationship of the medial gastrocnemius muscle of the cat

Abstract The influence of muscle temperature, initial length and surface electrical activity on the force-velocity relationship of the medial gastrocnemius muscle of the cat was assessed. The results of these experiments showed that the velocity of contraction of the medial gastrocnemius at any load imposed on the muscle was substantially reduced by a small change in the temperature of the muscle. For example, when the temperature of the medial gastrocnemius was reduced from 38°C to 28°C, the V mx was reduced by about 50%. Although the velocity of contraction was less for any given load imposed on the muscle when the initial length of the muscle was less than or greater than the optimal length, the V mx (maximum velocity of shortening of the unloaded muscle) was independent of the initial length of the muscle. From this data base, an empirical model was derived for these relationships. The applications of this model in stimulating muscle in the paralyzed is discussed.
Spontaneous Closure of Atrial Septal Defect With Cardiac Failure in Infancy

Two serial cardiac catheterizations before the age of four months and another at six years confirmed spontaneous closure of a large atrial septal defect which caused congestive heart failure in infancy.
Applications of location models

The degree to which locational complexity and geographical complexity is represented in a location model is a critical decision that influences the quality of the application. Criteria which can be used to guide these decisions are presented and research that would better inform these decisions is described.
Personalization and Personality: Some Effects of Customizing Message Style Based on Consumer Personality

In this investigation, the extent to which a computer's message style influences consumers with different personality types is investigated. Two experiments are presented. In Experiment 1, a computer is used to display advice and information regarding products that the participant is asked to consider purchasing. In Experiment 2, a computer is used to present participants with a variety of news and entertainment selections. The results indicate that computers are more effective as agents of influence when the computer's message style matches the participant's personality type. Theoretical and practical implications of this finding are discussed.
Graft weight/recipient weight ratio: How well does it predict outcome after partial liver transplants?

Partial graft liver recipients with graft weight/recipient weight (GW/RW) ratios or= 0.8%. Between 1999 and 2008, 107 adult patients underwent partial graft liver transplants: 76 from live donors [living donor liver transplantation (LDLT)] and 31 from deceased donors [split liver transplantation (SLT)]. Of these, 22 had GW/RW or= 0.8% (64 with LDLT and 21 with SLT). The baseline demographics and median length of follow-up were similar. SFSS developed in 3 recipients with GW/RW or= 0.8% (9.4%; P = not significant). Other early complications were similar between the 2 groups. Inflow modification with splenic artery occlusion was performed in 13 recipients: 7 with GW/RW or= 0.8%. Graft survival at 1 year post-transplant did not differ (91% versus 92%; P = not significant). In conclusion, GW/RW did not appear to be the only determinant of outcome after partial liver transplantation. Using techniques such as inflow modification may help to prevent some of the problems seen with smaller grafts.
Nanofabrication Using Near-Field Optical Probes

Nanofabrication using near-field optical probes is an established technique for rapid prototyping and automated maskless fabrication of nanostructured devices. In this review, we present the primary types of near-field probes and their physical processing mechanisms. Highlights of recent developments include improved resolution by optimizing the probe shape, incorporation of surface plasmonics in probe design, broader use in biological and magnetic storage applications, and increased throughput using probe arrays as well as high speed writing and patterning.
Evolutionary biology: Survival of the fittest group

Experiments with social spiders find that colony size and composition affect colony survival in a site-specific manner, indicating that natural selection on group-level traits contributes to local adaptation. See Letter p.359 Evolutionary theory predicts that group selection could drive the evolution of traits in individuals that promote the success of their group which, in turn, will promote the long-term fitness interests of group constituents. However, there is scant experimental evidence in support of group selection. This study uses colonies of the social spider Anelosimus studiosus to investigate the evolution of a group-level trait, the ratio of docile to aggressive individuals in a colony. Wild colonies display characteristic, site-specific docile-to-aggressive ratios. Jonathan Pruitt and Charles Goodnight generated experimental colonies with varying docile-to-aggressive ratios, and established them in the wild. Colonies with ratios closer to the native ratio were more successful, and experimental colonies adjusted their ratio over two generations to what would have been favoured at their native site. This experimental evidence suggests that group-level selection is acting in the wild.
Oral communication apprehension and avoidance: The current status of treatment research

Current research in the treatment of oral communication apprehension and avoidance is critically reviewed. Three models are proposed to account for etiology, maintenance, and treatment. Each model's approach to treatment is then described: conditioned anxiety— systematic desensitization; negative cognitive appraisal—cognitive modification; skills deficit—skills training. Treatment research emerging from each of these theoretical models is discussed and evaluated with methodological and procedural problems delineated. Integrative conclusions are offered to the practitioner and researcher with recommendations to provide direction for future treatment research.
Microkinetic modeling and analysis of ethanol partial oxidation and reforming reaction pathways on platinum at short contact times

Abstract In this work, a novel microkinetic model for ethanol partial oxidation and reforming on platinum (Pt) is developed and validated with minimal parameter tuning against experimental data at short contact times. Mechanistic analysis of the surface chemistry indicates the presence of up to four reaction zones over the length of the catalyst, viz., (i) ethanol dehydration and oxidation, (ii) transition from ethanol oxidation to dry reforming, (iii) dry reforming of ethanol, and (iv) dry and steam reforming of methane. As the majority of the catalyst is dominated by dry reforming conditions, additional validation of the microkinetic model is carried out with methane dry reforming experiments on Pt/Al 2 O 3 . The proposed microkinetic model for ethanol partial oxidation and reforming is able to predict the dry reforming data without further adjustment of kinetic parameters.
Grapevine water use and the crop coefficient are linear functions of the shaded area measured beneath the canopy

Abstract The relationships among water use and the crop coefficient of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Thompson Seedless with several measures of canopy development were determined with the aid of a weighing lysimeter in the San Joaquin Valley of California. At various times during two growing seasons, vine leaf area, calculated leaf area index (LAI) and the amount of shade cast on the ground directly beneath the canopy were determined. Leaf area was estimated by measuring the length of all shoots on the vines within the lysimeter and determining the relationship between length and leaf area per shoot and calculating total vine leaf area or by destructive harvests of vines of similar size surrounding the lysimeter. Shaded area was determined in 1998 using a grid (with 50 cm2 individual sections) on the ground beneath the vine at solar noon and estimating the percent shade within each square. Total shade was calculated as the product of the area of all squares and the percent shade within each square. In 1999 shaded area was determined from an image of the shade beneath the canopy that was downloaded to a computer and the shade digitized with the use of a software program. Daily water use ranged from 4 to 60 L per vine across both years. Leaf area per vine ranged from 2 to 34 m2 per vine during the study. The amount of shade cast on the ground was a linear function of total vine leaf area although there were differences between years. The north and south curtains of the vines’ canopies were raised for a 2-week period in 1999 to simulate an overhead trellis system. The percent shaded area increased from 60 to 75% and vine water use increased from ∼42 L per vine before the curtains were raised to greater than 60 L per vine after being raised. The crop coefficient (Kc) increased from 0.9 to 1.3. Vine water use and the crop coefficient were linearly related to leaf area per vine, LAI and the amount of shade cast on the ground. However, the greatest R2 value (0.95) of the relationships with the Kc was that for shaded area compared to a R2 value of 0.87 for leaf area and LAI. The data indicate that due to the structure of a grapevine canopy the interception of light, as measured by the amount of shade cast on the ground, is a more important determinant of vine water use and the Kc than total leaf area or LAI.
A comparative analysis of human mesenchymal stem cell response to hypoxia in vitro: Implications to translational strategies

Abstract Purpose Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are particularly valuable for structural tissue replacement. We compared the response to hypoxia among human MSCs derived from four different clinically relevant sources as an adjunct to translational developments. Methods Immunophenotypically indistinguishable human MSC lineages derived from bone marrow (bmMSCs), adipose tissue (adMSCs), amniotic fluid (afMSCs), and umbilical cord blood (cbMSCs) were submitted to either room air or 1% O 2 , under otherwise standard culture conditions. Cell expansion and quantitative RT-PCR data were obtained at different time points. Statistical analysis was by two-way mixed model and the F-test (P Results The effect of hypoxia on expansion kinetics was dependent on cell source. Only prenatal sources of MSCs – afMSCs (P=0.002) and cbMSCs (P Conclusions Mesenchymal stem cell tolerance to hypoxia in vitro varies with cell source. Prenatal cells, particularly those derived from amniotic fluid, are more robust than their postnatal counterparts. HIF1-alpha may play a role in the amniotic fluid-derived cells' enhanced response. These findings should inform the choice of mesenchymal stem cells for prospective regenerative strategies.
Joseph Weizenbaum (19232008)

This article looks at the life of AI pioneer Joseph Weizenbaum, developer of the Eliza program.
IGF-I and IGFBP-2 Stimulate AMPK Activation and Autophagy, Which Are Required for Osteoblast Differentiation

IGF-I/insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2) coordinately stimulate osteoblast differentiation but the mechanisms by which they function have not been determined. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is induced during differentiation and AMPK knockout mice have reduced bone mass. IGF-I modulates AMPK in other cell types; therefore, these studies determined whether IGF-I/IGFBP-2 stimulate AMPK activation and the mechanism by which AMPK modulates differentiation. Calvarial osteoblasts and MC-3T3 cells expressed activated AMPK early in differentiation and AMPK inhibitors attenuated differentiation. However, expression of constitutively activated AMPK inhibited differentiation. To resolve this discrepancy we analyzed the time course of AMPK induction. AMPK activation was required early in differentiation (day 3-6) but down-regulation of AMPK after day 9 was also necessary. IGF-I/IGFBP-2 induced AMPK through their respective receptors and blocking-receptor activation blocked AMPK induction. To determine the mechanism by which AMPK functioned we analyzed components of the autophagosome. Activated AMPK stimulated ULK-1 S555 phosphorylation as well as beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B light-chain phosphatidylethanolamine conjugate (LC3II) induction. Inhibition of AMPK attenuated these changes and direct inhibition of autophagy inhibited differentiation. Conversely, expression of activated AMPK was associated with persistence of these changes beyond day 9 and inhibited differentiation. Blocking AMPK activation after day 9 down-regulated these autophagosome components and rescued differentiation. This allowed induction of mechanistic target of rapamycin and AKT, which suppressed autophagy. The results show that early induction of AMPK in response to IGF-I/IGFBP-2 followed by suppression is required for osteoblast differentiation. AMPK functions through stimulation of autophagy. The findings suggest that these early catabolic changes are important for determining the energy source for osteoblast respiration and down-regulation of these components may be required for induction of glycolysis, which is required during the final anabolic stages of differentiation.
Efficacy of High Voltage Pulsed Current for Healing of Pressure Ulcers in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of high voltage pulsed direct current (HVPC) for healing of pressure ulcers in patients with spinal cord injury. Seventeen patients having pressure ulcers in the pelvic region were randomly assigned to either an HVPC group or a placebo HVPC group. Treatments were given for 1 hour a day for 20 consecutive days. The HVPC protocol consisted of an aluminum-foil electrode placed over the ulcer and set at negative polarity in reference to the dispersive electrode placed on the thigh. Stimulator frequency was set at 100 pps, and an intensity of 200 V was used. Measurements of ulcer surface area were conducted before treatment and after treatment days 5, 10, 15, and 20. To measure ulcer area (in square millimeters), slides taken at each measurement time were projected at actual size, traced, and digitized. Percentage of change compared with pretreatment ulcer size was calculated for each measurement time. Ulcers in the HVPC group demonstrated significantly greater percentage-of-change decreases from their pretreatment size than did ulcers in the placebo group at days 5, 15, and 20. The results suggest that HVPC, in conjunction with good nursing care, can significantly increase the healing rate of pelvic ulcers in patients with spinal cord injury.
Carotenoid Absorption in Humans Consuming Tomato Sauces Obtained from Tangerine or High-β-Carotene Varieties of Tomatoes

Tomato sauces were produced from unique tomato varieties to study carotenoid absorption in humans. Tangerine tomatoes, high in cis-lycopene, especially prolycopene (7Z,9Z,7'Z,9'Z), and high-beta-carotene tomatoes as an alternative dietary source of beta-carotene were grown and processed. Sauces were served after 2 week washout periods and overnight fasting for breakfast to healthy subjects (n = 12, 6M/6F) in a randomized crossover design. The serving size was 150 g (containing 15 g of corn oil), tangerine sauce containing 13 mg of lycopene (97.0% as cis-isomers) and high-beta-carotene sauce containing 17 mg of total beta-carotene (1.6% as the 9-cis-isomer) and 4 mg of lycopene. Blood samples were collected 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9.5 h following test meal consumption and carotenoids determined in the plasma triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein fraction by HPLC-electrochemical detection. Baseline-corrected areas under the concentration vs time curves (AUC) were used as a measure of absorption. AUC0-9.5h values for total lycopene in the tangerine sauce group were 870 +/- 187 (nmol.h)/L (mean +/- SEM) with >99% as cis-isomers (59% as the tetra-cis-isomer). The AUC0-9.5h values for total beta-carotene and lycopene after consumption of the high-beta-carotene sauce were 304 +/- 54 (4% as 9-cis-carotene) and 118 +/- 24 (nmol.h)/L, respectively. Lycopene dose-adjusted triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein AUC responses in the tangerine sauce group were relatively high when compared to those in the literature and the high-beta-carotene group. The results support the hypothesis that lycopene cis-isomers are highly bioavailable and suggest that special tomato varieties can be utilized to increase both the intake and bioavailability of health-beneficial carotenoids.
The prognostic significance of positive peritoneal cytology and adnexal/serosal metastasis in stage IIIA endometrial cancer☆

Abstract Objective The clinical significance and optimal management of patients with stage IIIA endometrial cancer are controversial. We sought to determine whether recurrence and survival of patients with stage IIIA endometrial cancer differ with surgical pathologic findings (positive peritoneal cytology versus positive adnexae or serosa) and adjuvant treatment. Methods Retrospective single institution analysis of patients surgically staged for IIIA endometrial cancer at Duke University Medical Center from 1973 to 2002. Stage IIIA patients were stratified into positive cytology alone (group IIIA1, n =37) and positive adnexae or uterine serosa (group IIIA2, n =20). Comparison was made with previously reported group of 467 patients with surgical stage I/II disease. Recurrence and survival were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier estimations and Cox proportional hazards model. Results Mean age of 57 patients with stage IIIA endometrial cancer was 63. Adjuvant therapies were administered to 89% patients (74% radiotherapy, 4% chemotherapy, 19% progestins). Five-year overall (OS) and recurrence-free disease-specific survival (RFDSS) were 64% and 76%, respectively. Survival was similar comparing IIIA1 (62%) and IIIA2 (68%, p =0.999). RFDSS by adjuvant therapy was: external beam radiotherapy 89% ( n =10), intraperitoneal P 32 84% ( n =21), progestins 78% ( n =9), none 75% ( n =6). 61% recurrences included extrapelvic component. In multivariable analysis of stage I–IIIA patients ( n =517), positive cytology but not adnexal/serosal metastasis was predictive of death (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.06–2.73) and disease recurrence (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.07–2.71). Conclusion Among patients with stage IIIA endometrial cancer, metastasis to adnexae or serosa does not appear to confer worse prognosis than positive cytology alone. Positive cytology is an independent predictor of prognosis among patients with stage I–IIIA endometrial cancer. While optimal adjuvant therapy for these groups remains unclear, recurrence patterns suggest that systemic therapies are appropriate.
Minimal precedence constraints for integrated assembly and execution planning

Assembly planning is an important step in the design-to-fabrication conversion process. In order to maintain the maximum flexibility, it is important to minimally constrain the planning process. It is also important to generate plans that can be successfully completed in the most effective manner using the available assembly cell. In this research the authors define the minimal precedence constraint concept and address two issues: i) generation and representation of minimal precedence constraints for assembly components and ii) determination of the existence of a global execution plan by analyzing the minimal precedence constraint interactions with cell constraints. The minimal precedence constraint concept is also extended to determining constraints for liaisons as presented by DeFazio and Whitney (1987).
Fungistatic Effects of Controlled Atmospheres

The fungistatic effects of controlled atmospheres composed of increased CO(2) and decreased O(2) was studied in a manner such that the condition of stored fruit was not a factor in the growth of the fungi. Varying concentrations of O(2) and CO(2) were used. The fungi used were Botrytis alli, Rhizopus nigricans, and Penicillium expansum. The results showed that controlled atmospheres, within the limits of concentrations usable for fruit storage, are effective fungistatic agents.
Developmental Stage Oxidoreductive States of Chlamydia and Infected Host Cells

A defining characteristic of Chlamydia spp. is their developmental cycle characterized by outer membrane transfor- mations of cysteine bonds among cysteine-rich outer membrane proteins. The reduction-oxidation states of host cell compart- ments were monitored during the developmental cycle using livefluorescence microscopy. Organelle redox states were studied using redox-sensitive greenfluorescent protein (roGFP1) expressed in CF15 epithelial cells and targeted to the cytosol, mito- chondria, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The redox properties of chlamydiae and the inclusion were monitored using roGFP expressed by Chlamydia trachomatis following transformation. Despite the large morphological changes associated with chla- mydial infection, redox potentials of the cytosol (cyto(average,320 mV)), mitochondria (mito(average,345 mV)), and the ER ( ER(average,258 mV)) and their characteristic redox regulatory abilities remained unchanged until the cells died, at which pointcytoandmitobecame more oxidized and ERbecame more reduced. The redox status of the chamydial cyto- plasm was measured following transformation and expression of the roGFP biosensor in C. trachomatis throughout the devel- opmental cycle. The periplasmic and outer membrane redox states were assessed by the level of cysteine cross-linking of cysteine-rich envelope proteins. In both cases, the chlamydiae were highly reduced early in the developmental cycle and became oxidized late in the developmental cycle. The production of a late-developmental-stage oxidoreductase/isomerase, DsbJ, may play a key role in the regulation of the oxidoreductive developmental-stage-specific process. IMPORTANCE Infectious Chlamydiaorganisms have highly oxidized and cysteine cross-linked membrane proteins that confer environmental stability when outside their host cells. Once these organisms infect a new host cell, the proteins become reduced and remain reduced during the active growth stage. These proteins become oxidized at the end of their growth cycle, wherein infectious organisms are produced and released to the environment. How chlamydiae mediate and regulate this key step in their pathogenesis is unknown. Using biosensors specifically targeted to different compartments within the infected host cell and for the chlamydial organisms themselves, the oxidoreductive states of these compartments were measured during the course of in- fection. We found that the host cell redox states are not changed by infection with C. trachomatis, whereas the state of the chla- mydial organisms remains reduced during infection until the late developmental stages, wherein the organisms' cytosol and periplasm become oxidized and they acquire environmental resistance and infectivity.
Aneurysms of Medium-Sized Arteries in Marfan Syndrome

Marfan syndrome is a relatively common connective tissue disorder that causes skin, ocular, skeletal, and cardiovascular abnormalities. High morbidity and mortality occur with aortic aneurysm and dissection. Other large-artery aneurysms, including carotid, subclavian, and iliac artery aneurysms, have also been associated with Marfan syndrome. It is not clear whether small- to medium-sized artery aneurysms are associated with Marfan syndrome. This report describes 4 patients with Marfan syndrome who have associated small- to medium-sized artery aneurysms with several complications. Additional investigations are needed to determine whether Marfan syndrome can cause small- to medium-sized artery aneurysms and how patients with these aneurysms should be treated.
The Influence of the Media Environment on Physical Activity: Looking for the Big Picture:

The Influence of the Media Environment on Physical Activity: Looking for the Big Picture Media consumption is expected to continue to increase well into the future. With this in mind the author suggests opportunities to influence the media environment for the purposes of promoting physical activity. A research agenda focused on media consumption, media content, commercial considerations, promoting physical activity through the media, partnerships with industry, positioning, dissemination of proven methods, and environmental change is proposed.
Non-recursive FM demodulation of laser radar backscatter using time-frequency distributions

FM demodulation of noisy data suffers in output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performance due to the FM threshold for conventional bandpass/limiter FM discriminators. Our application of detecting and monitoring skin vibrations of a vehicle using a laser vibration sensor (LVS) requires the demodulation of potentially noisy data. We successfully implemented an FM demodulator based on estimation of instantaneous frequency through time-frequency distributions and achieved a 3-15 dB improvement in SNR performance. The LVS problem and demodulation approaches are described in this paper as well as results from simulated data and recorded LVS data. Processing time comparisons for different platforms are also discussed. >
Flexible Docking in PDZ domains using Elastic Network Model and Replica Exchange Molecular Dynamics

Molecular docking is a key tool for studying protein-ligand or protein-protein interactions and for designing new drugs. Majority of the current binding/docking methods attempt to predict the bound ligand by keeping the protein (receptor) fixed and moving the target ligand around the binding site while performing an energy minimization. Modeling of protein binding site flexibility is still a challenging problem due to the large conformational space that must be sampled and inaccurate energy function.Here, we discuss a new strategy for achieving successful flexible docking of peptides to PDZ domains. Due to promiscuous behavior of PDZ domain proteins, two different sets of conformations are obtained by perturbing the unbound structure along the normal modes of elastic network model (ENM) responsible for Class I and Class II type binding. A restrained replica exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) is applied to these perturbed structures to explore the conformational space of the protein receptor. After restrained-REMD, different peptides are docked to each individual snapshots of the receptor to generate a collection of docked complexes of different stabilities.
Temperature sensing by plants: a review and hypothesis

Abstract. The different effects which fast versus slow cooling have on such fundamental plant processes as ion transport, protoplasmic streaming, phloem translocation, growth, cell motility, water absorption and membrane potential are reviewed. When plant cells are rapidly cooled to non-injurious temperatures, many of the physiological ramifications of rapid-cooling stimulation are only transiently observed. It is proposed that these transient rapid-cooling-induced responses, sometimes elicited by temperature drops of only a few degrees centigrade, are manifestations of temperature sensing. The hypothesis is advanced that graded potentials, produced in response to rapidly falling temperature, are associated with graded increases in cytosolic free calcium. These transient increases in cytosolic free calcium give rise to many of the physiological effects elicited by rapid cooling. Other effects, however, such as those associated with alterations in membrane composition, gene expression and post-translational modifications of proteins, may persist longer. The questions of the possible physiological advantage of temperature sensing, and its implications for the study of chilling injury, are discussed.