cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The supra-additive hyperactivity caused by an amphetamine-chlordiazepoxide mixture exhibits an inverted-U dose response: negative implications for the use of a model in screening for mood stabilizers.

Abstract One of the few preclinical models used to identify mood stabilizers is an assay in which amphetamine-induced hyperactivity (AMPH) is potentiated by the benzodiazepine chlordiazepoxide (CDP), an effect purportedly blocked by mood stabilizers. Our data here challenge this standard interpretation of the AMPH–CDP model. We show that the potentiating effects of AMPH–CDP are not explained by a pharmacokinetic interaction as both drugs have similar brain and plasma exposures whether administered alone or in combination. Of concern, however, we find that combining CDP (1–12 mg/kg) with AMPH (3 mg/kg) results in an inverted-U dose response in outbred CD-1 as well as inbred C57Bl/6N and 129S6 mice (peak hyperactivity at 3 mg/kg CDP + 3 mg/kg AMPH). Such an inverted-U dose response complicates interpreting whether a reduction in hyperactivity produced by a mood stabilizer reflects a “blockade” or a “potentiation” of the mixture. In fact, we show that the prototypical mood stabilizer valproic acid augments the effects of CDP on hypolocomotion and anxiolytic-like behavior (increases punished crossings by Swiss–Webster mice in the four-plate test). We argue that these data, in addition to other practical and theoretical concerns surrounding the model, limit the utility of the AMPH–CDP mixture model in drug discovery.
Vortices in two dimensional chiral spin systems

Abstract We show that vortex configurations generate a mass gap (finite correlation length) for T > 0 in non-abelian chiral SU(N) ×SU(N) spin systems in two dimensions. These vortices and the fluctuations around them mutually stabilize each other in the infrared.
Large-Scale Visual Font Recognition

This paper addresses the large-scale visual font recogni- tion (VFR) problem, which aims at automatic identification of the typeface, weight, and slope of the text in an image or photo without any knowledge of content. Although vi- sual font recognition has many practical applications, it has largely been neglected by the vision community. To address the VFR problem, we construct a large-scale dataset con- taining 2, 420 font classes, which easily exceeds the scale of most image categorization datasets in computer vision. As font recognition is inherently dynamic and open-ended, i.e., new classes and data for existing categories are constantly added to the database over time, we propose a scalable so- lution based on the nearest class mean classifier (NCM). The core algorithm is built on local feature embedding, lo- cal feature metric learning and max-margin template se- lection, which is naturally amenable to NCM and thus to such open-ended classification problems. The new algo- rithm can generalize to new classes and new data at lit- tle added cost. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our approach is very effective on our synthetic test images, and achieves promising results on real world test images.
Airport configuration planning with uncertain weather and noise abatement procedures

This paper develops a runway resource allocation model that is suitable for airport strategical planning. The model optimizes the selection of landing and takeoff runways and allocates capacity according to air traffic demand by minimizing delay and noise costs. The multi-objective optimization model is subject to a number of constraints, related to operational procedures, runway configuration capacity, safety, and weather conditions. Because weather accuracy is far from the accuracy requirements to make a deterministic perfect decision at the right time, we provide a method to quantify weather forecast accuracy. By using the probability density function of forecast errors, we derive formulations to calculate the probability that a runway configuration satisfies safety constraints given the predicted wind, ceiling, and visibility. Therefore, the optimization model will generate a best solution in the sense of probability.
Periodicity of striate-cortex-cell receptive fields.

If striate cells had the simple bipartite or tripartite receptive fields (RF’s) classically attributed to them, they should be quite broadly tuned for spatial frequency. Most striate-cortex cells, however, are fairly narrowly tuned and would be expected to have more-periodic RF’s. We have examined this question in recordings of the responses of cat and monkey striate-cortex cells to gratings of increasingly large number of cycles, all centered on the cells’ RF’s. Simple cells narrowly tuned for spatial frequency were found to increase their responses with increasing numbers of stimulus cycles beyond the 1½ cycles expected from the classical RF shape. Broadly tuned simple cells were found to have less-periodic RF’s. Whereas narrowly tuned complex cells were also found to respond maximally to many stimulus cycles, other more broadly tuned complex cells did as well (possibly reflecting summation across many broadly tuned simple cells without regard to phase). A suppressive region was often seen just outside the excitatory two-dimensional spatial-frequency region, at off orientations and/or off spatial frequencies and around the whole RF in space. Most striate cells can thus be described as having periodic RF’s in the space domain such that they fire just to patterns whose local spatial-frequency spectra fall within a compact, restricted, roughly circular two-dimensional spatial-frequency region, with an encircling suppressive region in both the space and the frequency domains.
Imaging highly confined modes in sub-micron scale silicon waveguides using Transmission-based Near-field Scanning Optical Microscopy

We demonstrate a new technique for high resolution imaging of near field profiles in highly confining photonic structures. This technique, Transmission-based Near-field Scanning Optical Microscopy (TraNSOM), measures changes in transmission through a waveguide resulting from near field perturbation by a scanning metallic probe. Using this technique we compare different mode polarizations and measure a transverse optical decay length of lambda/15 in sub-micron Silicon On Insulator (SOI) waveguides. These measurements compare well to theoretical results.
Non-polar-oriented InGaN light-emitting diodes for liquid-crystal-display backlighting

— This article addresses spontaneously polarized light emission from GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) fabricated on electrically non-polar crystallographic orientations and application of spontaneously polarized emission for backlighting of liquid-crystal displays (LCDs). The first half of the article describes polarized light emission from GaN-based LEDs and its role in solid-state lighting technology. The second half reports on our experimental work to explore the potential of non-polar LEDs for LCD backlighting applications. Optical transmission of non-polar LED emission was characterized through a liquid-crystal layer. Extinction ratios of 0.21 were measured between zero and an applied bias voltage to the liquid-crystal cells. These extinction ratios are not particularly high yet; nevertheless, the experiment has demonstrated the potential of such non-polar LEDs for LCD backlighting.
Intermolecular vibrations and predissociative resonances in open-shell complexes

Intermolecular vibrational levels which lie above the OH (X 2$PRD) + Ar dissociation limit have been characterized by stimulated emission spectroscopy. OH-Ar complexes prepared in these levels undergo rotational or spin-orbit predissociation. The energies and lifetimes of these metastable states have been computed using a variational method and a flux projection technique. Analogous predissociative levels beyond the OH (A 2(Sigma) +) + Ar dissociation limit have been detected by laser-induced fluorescence and confirmed by hole-burning experiments. Intermolecular vibrational levels of NH-Ar have been probed in the vicinity of the NH c 1$PRD - a 1(Delta) transition, revealing information on the NH (c 1$PRD, a 1(Delta) ) + Ar interaction potentials.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A global supplier selection process for food packaging

Purpose – Numerous research articles and industry reports are currently available that deal with global sourcing, however, few articles and reports can be specifically found on sourcing packaging materials in the consumer packaged food (CPF) industry. The purpose of this paper is to understand and develop the supplier selection process and overall cost modeling that facilitates the selection of a high‐quality global supplier for low‐cost packaging materials used in large quantities for CPF products.Design/methodology/approach – To gain information relating to packaging material sourcing, a comprehensive literature search was conducted. Additionally, interviews with packaging material sourcing managers and directors were performed at a major global CPF products manufacturer. Knowledge gained from literature, industry interviews and available business data was used to develop a generic strategic outsourcing model and a closed loop business framework for selection of global suppliers of packaging material. T...
A hybrid option pricing model using a neural network for estimating volatility

The Black–Scholes (BS) model is the standard approach used for pricing financial options. However, although being theoretically strong, option prices valued by the model often differ from the prices observed in the financial markets. This paper applies a hybrid neural network which preprocesses financial input data for improving the estimation of option market prices. This model is comprised of two parts. The first part is a neural network developed to estimate volatility. The second part is an additional neural network developed to value the difference between the BS model results and the actual market option prices. The resulting option price is then a summation between the BS model and the network response. The hybrid system with a neural network for estimating volatility provides better performance in terms of pricing accuracy than either the BS model with historical volatility (HV), or the BS model with volatility valued by the neural network.
MicroRNA expression differentiates squamous epithelium from barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer

Current strategies fail to identify most patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) before the disease becomes advanced and incurable. Given the dismal prognosis associated with EAC, improvements in detection of early-stage esophageal neoplasia are needed. We sought to assess whether differential expression of microRNAs could discriminate between squamous epithelium, Barrett’s esophagus (BE), and EAC. We analyzed microRNA expression in a discovery cohort of human endoscopic biopsy samples from 36 patients representing normal squamous esophagus (n = 11), BE (n = 14), and high-grade dysplasia/EAC (n = 11). RNA was assessed using microarrays representing 847 human microRNAs followed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) verification of nine microRNAs. In a second cohort (n = 18), qRT-PCR validation of five miRNAs was performed. Expression of 59 microRNAs associated with BE/EAC in the literature was assessed in our training cohort. Known esophageal cell lines were used to compare miRNA expression to tissue miRNAs. After controlling for multiple comparisons, we found 34 miRNAs differentially expressed between squamous esophagus and BE/EAC by microarray analysis. However, miRNA expression did not reliably differentiate non-dysplastic BE from EAC. In the validation cohort, all five microRNAs selected for qRT-PCR validation differentiated between squamous samples and BE/EAC. Microarray results supported 14 of the previously reported microRNAs associated with BE/EAC in the literature. Cell lines did not generally reflect miRNA expression found in vivo. These data indicate that miRNAs differ between squamous esophageal epithelium and BE/EAC, but do not distinguish between BE and EAC. We suggest prospective evaluation of miRNAs in patients at high risk for EAC.
Recent findings on the viable but nonculturable state in pathogenic bacteria.

Many bacteria, including a variety of important human pathogens, are known to respond to various environmental stresses by entry into a novel physiological state, where the cells remain viable, but are no longer culturable on standard laboratory media. On resuscitation from this ‘viable but nonculturable’ (VBNC) state, the cells regain culturability and the renewed ability to cause infection. It is likely that the VBNC state is a survival strategy, although several interesting alternative explanations have been suggested. This review describes the VBNC state, the various chemical and physical factors known to induce cells into this state, the cellular traits and gene expression exhibited by VBNC cells, their antibiotic resistance, retention of virulence and ability to attach and persist in the environment, and factors that have been found to allow resuscitation of VBNC cells. Along with simple reversal of the inducing stresses, a variety of interesting chemical and biological factors have been shown to allow resuscitation, including extracellular resuscitation-promoting proteins, a novel quorum-sensing system (AI-3) and interactions with amoeba. Finally, the central role of catalase in the VBNC response of some bacteria, including its genetic regulation, is described.
Fractional moment spectra and related results

The authors consider the following problems: (a) What is the p.d.f. with maximum entropy subject to cumulant constraints? (b) Given that a signal consists of two harmonics of unknown frequencies, how can they determine whether both the harmonics are phase-coupled to another unobservable harmonic whose frequency is unknown? (c) When is it inappropriate to use cumulants in transient analysis and related problems where the signal is deterministic?. >
Chimpanzees Remember the Results of One-by-One Addition of Food Items to Sets Over Extended Time Periods

Four chimpanzees were highly accurate in selecting the larger of two concurrent accumulations of bananas in two opaque containers over a span of 20 min. One at a time, bananas were placed into the containers, which were outside the chimpanzees' cages. The chimpanzees never saw more than one banana at a time, and there were no cues indicating the locations of the bananas after they were placed into the containers. The performance of these animals matched that of human infants and young children in similar tests. The chimpanzees were successful even when the sets to be compared were sufficiently large (5 vs. 8, 5 vs. 10, and 6 vs. 10) to cast doubt on the possibility that the chimpanzees were using an object file mechanism. These chimpanzees are the first nonhuman animals to demonstrate extended memory for accumulated quantity.
Tests of executive functioning predict scores on the macandrew alcoholism scale

Abstract 1. 1. Previous work reported that tests of executive functioning (EF) predict the risk of alcoholism in subject populations selected for a “high density” of a family history of alcoholism and/or the presence of sociopathic traits. The current experiment examined the ability of EF tests to predict the risk of alcoholism, as measured by the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale (MAC), in outpatient subjects referred to a general neuropsychological testing service. 2. 2. Sixty-eight male and female subjects referred for neuropsychological testing were assessed for their past drinking histories and administered the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, the Trails (Part B) Test, and the MAC. Principal Components analysis (PCA) reduced the number of EF tests to two measures, including one that loaded on the WCST, and one that loaded on the Similarities, Picture Arrangement, and Trails tests. Multiple hierarchical regression first removed the variance from demographic variables, alcohol consumption, and verbal (i.e., Vocabulary) and non-verbal (i.e., Block Design) IQ, and then entered the executive functioning factors into the prediction of the MAC. 3. 3. Seventy-six percent of the subjects were classified as either light, infrequent, or non-drinkers on the Quantity-Frequency-Variability scale. The factor derived from the WCST on PCA significantly added to the prediction of risk on the MAC (p = 0063), as did scores on Block Design (p = 033). Relatively more impaired scores on the WCST factor and Block Design were predictive of higher scores on the MAC. The other factors were not associated with MAC scores. 4. 4. These results support the hypothesis that decrements in EF are associated with risk factors for alcoholism, even in populations where the density of alcoholic behaviors are not unusually high. When taken in conjunction with other findings, these results implicate EF test scores, and prefrontal brain functioning, in the neurobiology of the risk for alcoholism.
Study of Federated Criminal Justice Systems: Research Needs

This article is a plea for comparative study of criminal justice systems as systems. After listing the characteristics of federations and defining what is meant by a criminal justice system, it suggests that appreciation of the role that a well-designed and effectively operating criminal justice system can play in bringing stability to a federated governmental structure, and improved quality to the life style of those living within that structure, is worthy of the attention of scholars interested in federalism. The recommended approach is a focus on the decision-making processes in the system with attention being given to the pressures and 'other factors in the decision-making environment that affect outcome.It is suggested that scholars in the United States have a vested interest particularly in the study of the criminal justice systems of federated nations. Without both basic descriptive and issue-oriented scholarship, the literature necessary for development of insight into the mutual impact of governm...
Personal/Human Resources

This article presents reviews of several books including, “Manpower Planning and the Development of Human Resources,” by Thomas H. Patten, “Manpower Planning and Programming,” edited by E. H. Burack and J. W. Walker and “Performance in Organizations: Determinants and Appraisal,” by L. L. Cummings and D. P. Schwab.
Differential effects of deuterium oxide on the fluorescence lifetimes and intensities of dyes with different modes of binding to DNA.

Deuterium oxide (D2O) increases both the fluorescence lifetime and the fluorescence intensity of the intercalating dyes propidium iodide (PI) and ethidium bromide (EB) when bound to nucleic acid structures. We have used spectroscopic analysis coupled with conventional and phase-sensitive flow cytometry to compare the alterations in intensity and lifetime of various DNA-binding fluorochromes bound to DNA and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in the presence of D2O vs phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Spectroscopic and flow cytometric studies showed a differential enhancement of intensity and lifetime based on the mode of fluorochrome-DNA interaction. The fluorescence properties of intercalating probes, such as 7-aminoactinomycin D (7.AAD) and ethidium homodimer II (EthD II) were enhanced to the greatest degree, followed by the probes TOTO and YOYO, and the non-intercalating probes Hoechst 33342 (HO) and 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). The non-intercalating probe mithramycin (MI) gave unexpected results, showing a great enhancement of fluorescence intensity and lifetime in D2O, indicating that when staining is performed in PBS, much of the MI fluorescence is quenched by the solvent environment. Apoptotic subpopulations of HL-60 cells had a shorter lifetime compared to non-apoptotic subpopulations when stained with EthD II. These results indicate that accessibility of the dye molecules to the solvent environment once bound to DNA, leads to the differential enhancement effects of D2O on fluorescence intensity and lifetime of these probes.
Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament using free tendon graft

Twenty-seven patients were treated with an intraarticular tendon graft reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. The tendon of the extensor of the fifth toe was used in five patients and the tendon of the semi-tendinosus muscle used in 22 patients. Followup ranged from 2 to 9 years, averaging 5.4 years. Fifteen patients remained pain-free, nine complained of only occasional ache, and three had more severe discomfort. One of those patients ruptured the graft postoperatively. Twenty patients were able to return to recreational sports and three to competitive sports. All patients were able to return to their previous occupations. Nine patients had evidence of severe or moderately severe arthritic changes in the injured knee prior to surgery, and an additional five patients had chondromalacia or early arthritic changes. The severity of arthritic changes was directly related to the time interval between injury and reconstruction of the ligament and also to the severity of the injury. Patients with arthritic changes greatly benefited from reconstruction of the ligament. The stability of the reconstructed ligament did not change during the followup if integrity of other ligaments was preserved or reconstructed.
Physical Rehabilitation as an Agent for Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury

The initial level of injury and severity of volitional motor and clinically detectable sensory impairment has been considered the most reliable for predicting neurologic recovery of function after spinal cord injury (SCI). This consensus implies a limited expectation for physical rehabilitation interventions as important in the facilitation of recovery of function. The development of pharmacologic and surgical interventions has always been pursued with the intent of altering the expected trajectory of recovery after SCI, but only recently physical rehabilitation strategies have been considered to improve recovery beyond the initial prognosis. This article reviews the recent literature reporting emerging activity-based therapies that target recovery of standing and walking based on activity-dependent neuroplasticity. A classification scheme for physical rehabilitation interventions is also discussed to aid clinical decision making.
Hepatotoxicity Associated with Carvedilol

OBJECTIVE:To report a severe episode of pruritus and elevated serum transaminases in a patient who was receiving carvedilol.CASE SUMMARY:A 40-year-old white man who had been taking carvedilol for the treatment of cardiomyopathy presented to the emergency department with pruritus over his entire body. Laboratory tests showed elevated serum transaminases. Carvedilol was discontinued and the patient received hydroxyzine hydrochloride to relieve symptoms. Liver function test results returned to normal in three weeks. Approximately one year later the patient was started on metoprolol and within 10 days again developed pruritus. The patient was told to discontinue the metoprolol immediately. At the time the metoprolol was stopped the liver function test results were normal.DISCUSSION:To the best of our knowledge, the adverse reaction presented in this case report is rare. The etiology of this adverse reaction remains unknown but suggests a possible adverse reaction that may recur if the patient is switched to a...
Herpes simplex colitis in a child with combined liver and small bowel transplant

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) has been a rare cause of gastrointestinal (GI) infection, especially in immunocompromised patients. A variety of GI sites may be involved; however, only three reported cases of HSV colitis have been documented in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first report of HSV colitis in a small bowel transplant recipient.
Simulative inference about nonmonotonic reasoners

If one has attributed certain initial beliefs to an agent, it is sometimes possible to reason about further beliefs the agent must hold by observing what conclusions one's own reasoning mechanism draws when given the initial beliefs as premises. This technique is called simulative inference. In an earlier paper, we described a logic of belief in which the reasoning that generates beliefs is modeled explicitly as a computational process. We used this logic to characterize a class of computational inference mechanisms for which simulative inference is sound, under the assumption that the observer and the observed have similar mechanisms. In this paper, we present a different form of simulative inference, and show that unlike the earlier form, it is sound even for some mechanisms that perform defeasible inference.
Probe similarity and recognition of set membership: A parallel processing serial feature matching model

A model for memory scanning is proposed in which the encoded representation of a probe is compared in parallel with encoded representations of each item in the positive set. The within item matches are serial feature by feature comparisons that terminate when either a positive or negative criterion is reached. This model is shown to predict the results of a probe similarity experiment. The serial location of a similarity within an item affects negative reaction times, but the number of items in the positive set to which the probe is similar has no main effect. The model is also shown to yield predictions consonant with existing data on the relation between reaction times and set size and speed-accuracy trade offs.
The Flaxseed-Derived Lignan Phenolic Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside (SDG) Protects Non-Malignant Lung Cells from Radiation Damage

Plant phenolic compounds are common dietary antioxidants that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Flaxseed (FS) has been reported to be radioprotective in murine models of oxidative lung damage. Flaxseed’s protective properties are attributed to its main biphenolic lignan, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG). SDG is a free radical scavenger, shown in cell free systems to protect DNA from radiation-induced damage. The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro radioprotective efficacy of SDG in murine lung cells. Protection against irradiation (IR)-induced DNA double and single strand breaks was assessed by γ-H2AX labeling and alkaline comet assay, respectively. The role of SDG in modulating the levels of cytoprotective enzymes was evaluated by qPCR and confirmed by Western blotting. Additionally, effects of SDG on clonogenic survival of irradiated cells were evaluated. SDG protected cells from IR-induced death and ameliorated DNA damage by reducing mean comet tail length and percentage of γ-H2AX positive cells. Importantly, SDG significantly increased gene and protein levels of antioxidant HO-1, GSTM1 and NQO1. Our results identify the potent radioprotective properties of the synthetic biphenolic SDG, preventing DNA damage and enhancing the antioxidant capacity of normal lung cells; thus, rendering SDG a potential radioprotector against radiation exposure.
Analysis and characterization of oleogel consisting of beta-sitosterol and gamma-oryzanol in soybean oil

Unsaturated and trans fatty acids have been proven to contribute to negative health effects such as cardiovascular diseases. There is a demand for healthier alternatives that mimic similar properties in bakery applications. Oleogels, composed of beta-sitosterol (BS) and gamma-oryzanol (GO) in vegetable oil, have recently been studied as a healthy alternative. Previous research focused on the development of a gel consisting of low concentrations of sterol mixtures. The goal of this research was to characterize the physical properties of phytosterol oleogels (POs) composed of high concentrations of sterol mixtures (10-20%) in liquid soybean oil. Samples with different BS:GO ratios were prepared and characterized. Furthermore, three different cooling rates (2, 5, and 20°C/min) were applied during the cooling process to influence the properties of POs. Appearance of POs was observed using a colorimeter. The ability of the oleogel to retain liquid oil over time was determined through oil migration analysis. The effect of sterol concentration on crystal structure was analyzed using differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. Solid fat content (SFC) of oleogels at various sterol concentrations was determined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H NMR) spectroscopy. Additionally, the mechanical properties of oleogels were studied through small deformation rheology. Some compositions of phytosterol oleogels (POs) that had greater gelation properties displayed promising results for future use as a desirable substitute for hydrogenated oils. The sterol concentration, ratio of GO to BS, and cooling rate had a large effect on the physical properties of POs.
CELL WALL ULTRASTRUCTURE AND DIAZONIUM BLUE B REACTION OF SPOROPACHYDERMIA QUERCUUM, BULLERA TSUGAE, AND MALASSEZIA SPP.

Bullera tsugae and Malassezia spp., which demonstrated laminar cell walls, stained red to violet with diazonium blue B (DBB). Sporopachydermia quercuum, an Ascomycete which demonstrated twolayered cell walls, gave a negative staining reaction. The finely laminar ultrastructure of the cell walls of Malassezia spp., which was similar to that of Filobasidiella neoformans, and the positive DBB reaction suggest that Malassezia is a basidiomycetous genus.
Host Factors in Experimental Group A Streptococcal Infections the Role of Tissue Thromboplastin

Received for publication February 8, 1954. This investigation was supported by a research grant H313 from the National Heart Institute, of the National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service. * Present address: Department of Bacteriology, Medical School, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. host-parasite interaction and thereby play a significant role in the disease process.4 In a recent and similar study, group A streptococci were grown in an in vivo environment with the object of finding strept coccal factors of importance in the pathogenesis of this infection as well as host products which may contribute to the disease picture. A streptococcal product present in the experimental lesion was the subjec of a previous report.5 Cromartie and Watson6'7 have repo ted that extracts of the experimental streptococcal lesions in rabbit skin contained a product of the hosttissue which was toxic for mice and rabbits upon intravenous injection. The rapid death and symptoms of the animals suggested that the toxic factor was tissue thromboplastin similar to that reported by Thomas.8 Indirect evidence
The Gastrointestinal Immune System

The gastrointestinal immune system is in constant contact with gut luminal antigens and commensal bacteria. It has two major seemingly contradictory missions: (1) protect the intestine from pathogens but (2) induce immune tolerance to commensal bacteria and food antigens. The barrier function provided by epithelial cells and their products such as mucus secretion and antibacterial peptides serves as the first line of defense to prevent infection. The intestinal tract has highly organized lymphoid tissues such as Peyer’s patches and the mesenteric lymph node to surveillance pathogens in the intestine. The intestinal immune system develops immune tolerance to harmless antigens by producing suppressive cytokines and regulatory metabolites, which induce regulatory cells to suppress immune responses. The gut immune system recognizes pathogens with specialized receptors for pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Upon detection of pathogens, the intestinal immune system chooses to mount effective immune responses by activating immune effector cells such as innate immune cells, macrophages, eosinophils, mast cells, T cells, and B cells. Intestinal T and B cells express gut-homing receptors to migrate into the intestine. These lymphocytes fight pathogens through antigen-specific immune responses. Uncontrolled immune responses to harmless gut antigens can cause inflammatory bowel disease and food allergy. Vitamin A metabolites and short-chain fatty acids provide gut tissue-specific signals important for regulation of both immunity and tolerance.
On Critical Performance Race Theory: Principles, Pedagogy, and Loving Community

AbstractConcerns specific to race have re-surfaced in a way that strategically makes a space useful for realistic discourse in education. By combining performance as culture and critical race theory together, an attempt is made to construct a theoretical framework through which ongoing issues related to multicultural education generally, and race specifically, may be re-visited in search of a dialogical, performative, caring community. This author characterizes major principles of ‘critical performance race theory,’ examines various notions of pedagogy associated with power, culture, and race, and reflects on a sense of fundamental, global humanness. Taken for granted notions about the racial supremacy of one’s own can be disrupted through the progressive development of critically self-reflective dispositions (cautious, courageous, critical, caring, and change).
Filtration Markers as Predictors of ESRD and Mortality: Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis

Background and objectives Serum β-trace protein (BTP) and β-2 microglobulin (B2M) are associated with risk of ESRD and death in the general population and in populations at high risk for these outcomes (GP/HR) and those with CKD, but results differ among studies. Design, setting, participants, & measurements We performed an individual patient-level meta-analysis including three GP/HR studies (n=17,903 participants) and three CKD studies (n=5415). We compared associations, risk prediction, and improvement in reclassification of eGFR using BTP (eGFRBTP) and B2M (eGFRB2M) alone and the average (eGFRavg) of eGFRBTP, eGFRB2M, creatinine (eGFRcr), and cystatin C (eGFRcys), to eGFRcr, eGFRcys, and their combination (eGFRcr-cys) for ESRD (2075 events) and death (7275 events). Results Mean (SD) follow up times for ESRD and mortality for GP/HR and CKD studies were 13 (4), 6.2 (3.2), 14 (5), and 7.5 (3.9) years, respectively. Compared with eGFRcr, eGFRBTP and eGFRB2M improved risk associations and modestly improved prediction for ESRD and death even after adjustment for established risk factors. eGFRavg provided the most consistent improvement in associations and prediction across both outcomes and populations. Assessment of heterogeneity did not yield clinically relevant differences. For ESRD, addition of albuminuria substantially attenuated the improvement in risk prediction and risk classification with novel filtration markers. For mortality, addition of albuminuria did not affect the improvement in risk prediction with the use of novel markers, but lessened improvement in risk classification, especially for the CKD cohort. Conclusions These markers do not provide substantial additional prognostic information to eGFRcr and albuminuria, but may be appropriate in circumstances where eGFRcr is not accurate or albuminuria is not available. Educational efforts to increase measurement of albuminuria in clinical practice may be more cost-effective than measurement of BTP and B2M for improving prognostic information.
Intercepting Rogue Robots: An Algorithm for Capturing Multiple Evaders With Multiple Pursuers

We propose a distributed algorithm for the cooperative pursuit of multiple evaders using multiple pursuers in a bounded convex environment. The algorithm is suitable for intercepting rogue drones in protected airspace, among other applications. The pursuers do not know the evaders' policy, but by using a global “area-minimization” strategy based on a Voronoi tessellation of the environment, we guarantee the capture of all evaders in finite time. We present a decentralized version of this policy applicable in two-dimensional (2-D) and 3-D environments, and show in multiple simulations that it outperforms other decentralized multipursuer heuristics. Experiments with both autonomous and human-controlled robots were conducted to demonstrate the practicality of the approach. Specifically, human-controlled evaders are not able to avoid capture with the algorithm.
Neuropsychological Outcomes of Neonatal Herpes Encephalitis

Neuropsychological outcome and the relation to neuroimaging findings are studied in a cohort of 9 children between 2.5 and 13 years of age with neonatal herpes encephalitis, examined at Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden.
(Im)migrant Writing, Moving Homelands: Ha Jin 哈金

(IM)MIGRANT WRITING analyzes the double-voice in Ha Jin’s The Writer as Migrant (Migrant) and A Free Life (AFL), and uses the former to shed light on the latter. Migrant, a commentary on bilingual English writers, doubles as apologia; AFL, an immigrant tale, doubles as a linguistic voyage, wherein the author turns lexical displacement into creative possibility. Jin’s marshaling of Chinese and American tropes deliberately detaches the literary allusions from their national moorings, a figurative move in keeping with the idea of freedom in the novel, which is as much about transitioning to a second tongue as finding a new home. The themes explored in Migrant—the social role of a writer, writing in a second language, and the shifting contours of homeland—are fleshed out in AFL.
Assessment of Socio-scientific Reasoning: Linking Progressive Aims of Science Education to the Realities of Modern Education

Questions of what science education should be about and how the teaching and learning of science ought to be improved often connect back to scientific literacy. Zeidler, Berkowitz, and Bennett (Chap. 7, this volume) challenge us to consider a broad and progressive vision for scientific literacy. In this chapter, I delve into one aspect of this expansive notion of scientific literacy: socio-scientific reasoning. This construct is presented as a conceptual tool for linking progressive aims of education with the political realities of modern schooling.
Vasculitis syndromes: Tocilizumab - a new frontier for GCA therapy.

An unmet need exists for effective glucocorticoid-sparing agents for the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA). Tocilizumab, the first intervention to demonstrate substantial therapeutic benefits for patients with newly diagnosed or relapsing GCA, is changing the landscape of treatment and ushering in a new era of biologic therapy.
Value of bone marrow and spleen cell suspensions for survival of lethally irradiated dogs.

The protective effect of homologous spleen and homologous marrow and of autologous spleen and autologous marrow was studied in 85 mongrel dogs after their single exposure to lethal doses of total-body x radiation. In the autologous experiments the material was administered intravenously and intra- arterially immediately after irradiation, while in the homologous experiments the cell suspensions were given as late as 24 hr after irradiation. No protection was noted with these techniques at radiation dose levels of 600, 550, and 450 r. Survival was somewhat longer at 450 r than at 600 r for both treated and control groups. Within the ciable difference in survival at these radiation dosage levels. The delayed administration of homologous marrow up to 24 hours after irradiation and the use of antibiotics and cortisone were likewise without significant protection. In most animals of all groups, there was depression of the white blood cell count to less than 1,000 cells per mm by the 6th to 9th day, and at post-mortem examination, marrow and lymphoid aplasia were found. Significant protection was noted when autologous marrow was used at radiation dose levels of more » 400 r. White cell oount depression was less severe for the treated than for the control group. Surviving dogs were killed and were found to have normal hematopoietic and lymphatic systems. It is concluded that viable homologous or autologous spleen and marrow cell suspensions failed to protect the mongrel dog against supralethal doses of total-body radiation, but autologous marrow afforded some benefit at marginally lethal dosage levels. (auth) « less
In vivo lung perfusion rehabilitates sepsis-induced lung injury

Abstract Background Sepsis is the leading cause of lung injury in adults and can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Using a novel technique of isolated in vivo lung perfusion (IVLP), we hypothesized that normothermic IVLP will improve oxygenation and compliance in a porcine model of sepsis-induced lung injury. Methods Mature adult swine (n = 8) were administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 50 μg/kg over 2 hours) via the external jugular vein, followed by sternotomy and central extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannulation (right atrium to ascending aorta). The left pulmonary artery (inflow) and left superior and inferior pulmonary veins (outflow) were dissected out and cannulated to deliver isolated perfusion to the left lung. After 4 hours of normothermic IVLP with Steen solution, the left lung then underwent 4 hours of reperfusion after IVLP decannulation. Airway pressures and lung-specific pulmonary vein blood gases from the right lung (LPS control) and left lung (LPS + IVLP) of the same animal were compared. Results All animals demonstrated a significant reduction in the ratio of partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO 2 )/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO 2 ) (P/F ratio) and total lung compliance at 2 hours after the start of LPS infusion (mean, 469 ± 19.7 mm Hg vs 222.2 ± 21.4 mm Hg; P P = .01). Similarly, total lung compliance improved after IVLP of the left lung. The lung wet weight to dry weight ratio demonstrated reduced edema in rehabilitated left lungs (mean, 6.5 ± 0.3 vs 7.5 ± 0.4; P = .04). Conclusions IVLP successfully rehabilitated LPS-injured lungs compared to ECMO support alone in this preclinical porcine model.
Prediction of adenocarcinoma development using game theory

Recent research shows that gene expression changes appear to correlate well with the progression of many types of cancers. Using changes in gene expression as a basis, this paper proposes a data-driven 2-player game-theoretic model to predict the risk of adenocarcinoma based on Nash equilibrium. A key innovation in this work is the pay-off function which is a weighted composite of the expression of a cohort of tumor-suppressor genes (as one player) and an analogous cohort of oncogenes (as the other player). Another novelty of the model is its ability to predict the risk that a healthy sample will develop adenocarcinoma, if its associated gene expression is comparable to that of early-stage tumor samples. The model is validated using two of the largest publicly available adenocarcinoma datasets. The results show that i) the model is able to distinguish between healthy and cancerous samples with an accuracy of 93%, and ii) 95% of the healthy samples said to be at risk had gene expressions comparable to those of samples with stage I or stage II tumors, thereby predicting the imminent onset of adenocarcinoma.
To See or Not to See: A Wittgensteinian Look at Abbas Kiarostami's Close-up

Ludwig Wittgenstein's notion of aspect-seeing, and Stanley Cavell's notion of aspect-blindness, allow us to situate Abbas Kiarostami's quasi-documentary Close-Up (1990) as a radical revision of the...
Antiviral Agents: A New Beginning

Review of the statements I made at the last meeting four years ago showed that the major change that has occurred since then is not so much one of increased knowledge on antiviral drugs, but more importantly, one of attitude. The prevailing skepticism of the past has given way to optimism and determination. This determination is partially due to recent successes in the field, but more likely results from the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010—Chicago, IL

Father Langer knelt in the dark confessional. The click of the wooden slat sliding across the opening between himself and the monsignor brought his thoughts into focus. Father Langer swallowed hard.
Invited Talk: Representations to Mediate Geospatial Collaborative Reasoning: A Cognitive-Semiotic Perspective

This presentation will address the representation of geospatial information in the context of group work. The focus is on visual representations that mediate between human collaborators who are participating in a joint reasoning process, within a place and/or space-based problem context. The perspective developed for addressing the challenges involved builds upon the cognitive-semiotic approach outlined in How Maps Work, extending it to consider the issues that underlie creation of maps and related diagrams that work in a group work context. This context requires representations that depict not only geospatial information but also individual perspectives on that information, the process of negotiation among those perspectives, and the behaviors (work) of individuals participating in that negotiation.
Seismic behavior of glass fiber-reinforced polymer wall panels

Abstract Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) panels have been increasingly used for structural applications due to their light weight, corrosion resistance and construction-easiness. This study evaluates the seismic performance of GFRP wall panels based on comprehensive shaking table tests and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). A GFRP wall panel is experimentally subjected to harmonic ground motions of frequencies ranging from 10 to 15 Hz. A mass is attached to the top of the panel to simulate gravitational weight. The panel remains undamaged under a peak base acceleration of 2.1 g. Its FEA is conducted using Abaqus based on Rayleigh damping. There is a good correlation between the experimental and FEA results. Another FEA model is developed to study the seismic behavior of a Reinforced Concrete (RC) wall, which is validated by results from an existing study. The two FEA models are then used to compare the seismic performance of GFRP wall panels versus RC walls in terms of drift ratio and hysteretic behavior. It is found that while GFRP wall panels cannot replace RC walls in multi-story buildings due to their low stiffness, their performances are comparable to RC walls for low-rise buildings. Therefore, GFRP wall panels can be potentially used in low-rise buildings in seismic regions.
Pseudo-Volkmann Contracture: A Case Report and Review of the Current Literature.

Background Unlike the usual Volkmann contracture as a complication of pediatric forearm fracture, pseudo-Volkmann contracture is not a sequela of ischemia, but rather of a mechanical entrapment of the flexor myotendinous units in the fracture or adhesions. Methods PubMed search of the English literature was performed using the terminology entrapment and fracture and pseudo-Volkmann. Results Thirteen articles were identified that described cases of pseudo-Volkmann contracture in pediatric both-bone forearm fractures. Totally, 26 cases were reported in the English literature. Additionally, we describe two more cases in detail. Discussion Pseudo-Volkmann contracture is well described but uncommon. It most commonly involves the ring finger flexor digitorum superficialis but can occur in all fingers. This entrapment can be identified acutely with intentional examination by confirming full passive motion of the fingers after preferred treatment of both-bone forearm fractures in the pediatric patient. When contracture is identified on examination, surgical intervention to clear the entrapment from the fracture is effective and produces excellent results.