cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electron Spin Resonance and Electron Spin−Echo Modulation Studies of Synthesized NiAPSO-34 Molecular Sieve and Comparison with Ion-Exchanged NiH−SAPO-34 Molecular Sieve

The formation of monovalent nickel in NiAPSO-34 where nickel is believed to be incorporated into the framework of SAPO-34, and its interaction with several adsorbates are compared to Ni(I) species formed in NiH−SAPO-34, where Ni(II) is incorporated by solid-state ion exchange into known extraframework sites using electron spin resonance (ESR) and electron spin−echo modulation (ESEM) spectroscopies. Dehydration at temperatures above 573 K and hydrogen treatment at 573 K as well as γ-irradiation at 77 K produce one nickel species assigned by ESR as isolated Ni(I) in the two samples. Even though the ESR parameters of isolated Ni(I) species are similar after reduction, NiAPSO-34 and NiH−SAPO-34 show noticeable differences in their ESR characteristics after adsorption of various adsorbates, suggesting that Ni(I) in these two materials is in different sites. As a supplement to this, ESEM studies of 31P and 27Al, used to ascertain the location of the incorporated paramagnetic transition metal ion, also show sign...
Roles for thrombin and fibrin(ogen) in cytokine/chemokine production and macrophage adhesion in vivo

Extravascular coagulation leading to fibrin deposition accompanies many immune and inflammatory responses. Although recognized by pathologists for decades, and probably pathologic under certain conditions, the physiologic functions of extravascular coagulation remain to be fully defined. This study demonstrates that thrombin can activate macrophage adhesion and prompt interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production in vivo. Peritoneal macrophages were elicited with thioglycollate (TG) and then activated in situ, either by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or by injection of antigen into mice bearing antigen-primed T cells. Others previously established that such treatments stimulate macrophage adhesion to the mesothelial lining of the peritoneal cavity. The present study demonstrates that thrombin functions in this process, as macrophage adhesion was suppressed by Refludan, a highly specific thrombin antagonist, and induced by direct peritoneal administration of purified thrombin. Although recent studies established that protease activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) mediates some of thrombin's proinflammatory activities macrophage adhesion occurred normally in PAR-1-deficient mice. However, adhesion was suppressed in fibrin(ogen)-deficient mice, suggesting that fibrin formation stimulates macrophage adhesion in vivo. This study also suggests that fibrin regulates chemokine/cytokine production in vivo, as direct injection of thrombin stimulated peritoneal accumulation of IL-6 and MCP-1 in a fibrin(ogen)-dependent manner. Given that prior studies have clearly established inflammatory roles for PAR-1, thrombin probably has pleiotropic functions during inflammation, stimulating vasodilation and mast cell degranulation via PAR-1, and activating cytokine/chemokine production and macrophage adhesion via fibrin(ogen).
Fragments of the Roelofs effect: a bottom-up effect equal to the sum of its parts.

The Roelofs effect is a distortion of perceived space that occurs when a large frame whose center is offset left or right from the objective midline is presented visually to an observer and causes a bias in the observer’s subjective judgment of midline. Experiments were designed to test whether an isolated fragment (left or right end) of a Roelofs-inducing frame was capable of generating the Roelofs effect and to determine whether prior experience with intact frames would provide a top-down influence that would bias the Roelofs effect resulting from fragment presentation. Although the fragments did induce an effect, top-down information did not play a significant role even after a 5-day training paradigm. Instead, we found that the effect generated by an intact frame was equal in magnitude to the sum of the effects generated by the individual fragments. In addition, perception was found to be differentially affected by the two ends of the frame, with fragments falling in the right visual field causing a larger effect than those falling in the left.
Transcriptional regulation of surfactant proteins SP-A and SP-B by phorbol ester.

Abstract Phorbol esters such as 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) activate protein kinase C and have been previously shown to down-regulate surfactant proteins SP-A and SP-B in H441 adenocarcinoma cells. We used H441 cells and human fetal lung to further study the mechanism of TPA action and to examine physiologic relevance. In H441 cells, TPA (10 nM) treatment for 24 h decreased SP-A mRNA content to ∼5% of control cells, with half-maximal effect at ∼0.5 nM, and reduced SP-A gene transcription rate to 28% of control after 8 h exposure. In cells cultured in the presence of dexamethasone, which increases the low basal level of SP-B expression, TPA decreased both SP-B mRNA content (∼8% of control) and rate of transcription (7% of control). In cultured human fetal lung explants, TPA decreased SP-A and SP-B protein and mRNA in a time- and dose-dependent fashion, with half-maximal effect on mRNAs at ∼3 nM and ∼50% inhibition after 24 h of exposure, and similarly reduced SP-A and SP-B gene transcription (∼55% of control at 8–24 h). We conclude that TPA acts primarily at the level of gene transcription to down-regulate both SP-A and SP-B in H441 and fetal lung cells, and we speculate that inflammatory and other agents that act through PKC may modulate expression of the surfactant proteins and alter surfactant function in vivo.
Using randomization tests when errors are unequally correlated

Abstract Normal-theory statistical tests usually described as requiring uncorrelated errors can be performed if the dependency takes a particular form. i.e., equal correlation among the errors. However, even slightly unequal correlations among the errors are known to result in tests with undesirable properties (e.g., inflated type I error rates). Randomization tests were considered as alternatives to formal-theory procedures. A simulation study was performed to investigate whether the distributional behavior of the two-sample, independent groups randomization test was robust to departures from the assumption of equally correlated errors. The results suggest that the randomization test is not robust to such departures and reinforced the statistical dictum that significance tests should be avoided when errors are unequally correlated.
REVISION OF TICOREA AUBL. (RUTACEAE, GALIPEINAE)

Ticorea comprises five species, which occur in the Guianas, throughout the Amazonian basin, and on the lower eastern slopes of the Andes in Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Two of the five are described here as new: T. diandra, from eastern Ecuador and adjacent Peru, and T. froesii, from Maranhao and Para, Brazil.
Aberrant iron homeostasis, oxidative fiber enrichment, and activation of ketogenesis in muscle tissue of ISCU Myopathy patients.

ISCU Myopathy, a disease characterized by life-long exercise intolerance and impaired mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, is caused by deficiency of the Fe-S cluster scaffold protein ISCU. We performed gene expression analysis on muscle biopsies from ISCU Myopathy patients to elucidate which molecular processes were transcriptionally remodeled in response to impaired Fe-S cluster assembly. We found that ISCU depletion led to increased expression of the mitochondrial iron importer MFRN2 and the rate-limiting heme biosynthetic enzyme ALAS1. Gene expression and histologic studies demonstrated that patient muscle composition was shifted towards fewer glycolytic muscle fibers, more oxidative fibers, and increased capillary abundance. Paradoxically, mitochondrial fatty acid uptake and oxidation genes were coordinately up-regulated in patient muscles despite dramatic impairments of aconitase and succinate dehydrogenase activities. The ketogenic enzymes HMGCS2 and BDH1 were also significantly up-regulated, as was the secreted starvation response hormone, FGF-21. We propose that ketogenesis may be initiated to restore free coenzyme A levels and shunt fatty acid oxidation products to distal respiration-competent tissues when TCA cycle and/or respiratory chain function is sufficiently impaired in affected patient muscle fibers. Moreover, our work shows that plasma FGF21 is a sensitive non-invasive biomarker of ISCU Myopathy, in addition to other mitochondrial myopathies.
Use of a tapered fluidized bed as a Continuous bioreactor

Reactor systems based on tapered fluidized beds are being developed for aqueous bioprocesses in which adhering microorganisms or immobilized active biological fractions are used. The use of a fluidized bed prevents biomass buildup, accommodates particulates in the feed stream, is compatible with gas sparging, and allows easy removal or addition of the active materials. The tapered reactor tends to stabilize the fluidized bed, thus allowing a much wider range of operating conditions. Preliminary experimental results and an empirical mathematical model of the tapered bed indicate that bed stability is associated with a decreasing velocity and void-fraction profile up the bed and the pressure drop across the bed decreases with increasing flow rates. The tapered fluidized bed bioreactor is being evaluated for use in the enzymatic production of hydrogen, microbiological denitrification, and microbiological degradation of coal conversion aqueous waste streams. The enzyme catalyzed conversion of lactose to glucose and galactose was used in the evaluation of the reactor concept.
Design, analysis and performance of adhesively bonded composite patch repair of cracked aluminum aircraft panels

Abstract During its service life, an aircraft is subjected to sever structural and aerodynamic loads. These loads can cause damage or weakening of the structure especially for aging military and civilian aircraft thereby affecting its load carrying capabilities. Hence, a repair or reinforcement of the damaged or weakened part of the structure to restore the structural efficiency and thus assure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft has become an important issue in recent years to military and civilian aircraft operators. The US Air Force in recent years has shown considerable interest in the use of advanced composites to repair cracked metallic aircraft structures to enhance their life. One issue preventing using bonded composite patches, as a standard means of repairing damaged metallic aircraft structures is the fact that the integrity of the repairs is unknown. In this paper the design, analysis and durability of adhesively bonded composite patch repairs of cracked aircraft aluminum panels is reported. Pre-cracked 2024-T3 clad aluminum panels of 381 × 89 × 1.6 mm (15 × 3.5 × 0.063 in.) repaired with octagonal single sided boron/epoxy composite patch were used as test specimen. Two different composite ply configurations, 5- and 6-ply were investigated. Linear and non- linear finite element analyses were performed on the test specimen using 8-noded 24 degree of freedom (DOF) hexagonal elements for the aluminum panel, boron/epoxy patch and adhesive material subjected to uni-axial tensile loading. The stress distributions obtained were used to predict the increase in strength and durability of the repaired structure. A comparison of the stress values at critical points was made. The analysis also was used to validate various assumptions made in the design of the composite patch. Experimental investigations were conducted on the cracked aluminum panel repaired with a 5-ply composite patch as well as on two baseline-unpatched panels (one with a crack and one with no crack) by uni-axial tensile testing to validate the analytical results. The experiment was conducted on the Instron tension-testing machine. It was found that the maximum skin stress decreases significantly after the application of the patch and the region of maximum skin stress shifts from the crack front for an unpatched panel to the patch edges for a patched one.
Experimental and Numerical Modeling Studies of Laser Chemical Vapor Deposition on Moving Optical Fibers

An atmospheric-pressure laser-induced chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor has been developed that is capable of continuously depositing carbon protective films on moving optical fibers from several hydrocarbon precursors. The relationship between operating parameters and the carbon deposition temperature was investigated experimentally and the results indicate that they are highly dependent on the laser power density and the fiber’s drawing velocity. A computational heat transfer model was developed to calculate the fiber surface temperature during deposition and to provide a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles that govern laser heating and the carbon CVD processes. The surface temperatures obtained from experiments are compared with the calculated temperature in order to validate the numerical model.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
President's Page: Holding Hands, Sweaty Palms, and Silos

![Figure][1] David R. Holmes, Jr., MD, FACC ACC President Hands are the most unique attributes among primates, with particular significance for humans. They feed us, clothe us, allow us to communicate by written language (or keyboard), and allow us to express intimacy. Some of the most
Glucoregulatory Function among African Americans and European Americans with Normal or Pre-diabetic Hemoglobin A1c Levels

Abstract Objective A hemoglobin (Hb) A1c range of 5.7%–6.4% has been recommended for the diagnosis of prediabetes. To determine the significance of such “prediabetic” HbA1c levels, we compared glucoregulatory function in persons with HbA1c levels of 5.7%–6.4% and those with HbA1c Methods We studied 280 nondiabetic adults (142 black, 138 white; mean (± SD) age 44.2 ± 10.6 years). Each subject underwent clinical assessment, blood sampling for HbA1c measurement, and a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test at baseline. Additional assessments during subsequent outpatient visits included insulin sensitivity, using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-IR and the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp; insulin secretion, using HOMA-B and frequently samples intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT) and disposition index (DI); and measurement of fat mass, using DXA. Results Compared to subjects with HbA1c Conclusions Unlike glucose-defined prediabetes status, an HbA1c range of 5.7%–6.4% does not reliably identify individuals with impaired insulin action or secretion, the classical defects underlying the pathophysiology of prediabetes. Thus, HbA1c cannot validly replace blood glucose measurement in the diagnosis of prediabetes. If utilized as a screening test due to convenience, aberrant HbA1c values should be corroborated with blood glucose measurement before therapeutic intervention.
A self-consistent field analysis of spherical-mirror Fabry-Perot resonators

The integral equation for the field distributions of the resonant modes in a spherical-mirror Fabry-Perot resonator is solved in the limit of infinite Fresnel numbers. With this approximation the electric field is described in terms of Hermite-Gaussian functions and the resonance condition is obtained. The variations of nodal surface radii and characteristic mode dimensions are examined. A new definition of incremental mode volume leads to a minimum volume at a mirror spacing to mirror radius ratio of 1.5.
Magnetic-field dependence of the zero-bias conductance peak observed in Pb/BSCCO junctions

Recently, a lot of interest has been generated on the behavior of the zero-bias conductance peak (ZBCP) observed in high-Tc superconductor tunnel junctions. It is believed that the properties of the ZBCP suggest the pairing symmetry of the superconductor. The ZBCP shows interesting responses with temperature and applied fields. In this paper we report results of measurements of the ZBCP up to a magnetic field of 5 tesla. Many of our junctions use a Pb film as the counter electrode, which is superconducting when T ≤ 7.2 K and H ≤ 0.08 T. This provides us with a unique opportunity for studying the interaction between superconductors with different pairing symmetry.
Neuromodulatory effects of TRH upon swim and cholinergic analgesia.

Abstract In addition to short-acting analgesic actions by itself and modulation of analgesic responses induced by endogenous opioids and neurotensin, central administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) potentiates footshock analgesia. The present study evaluated the effects of TRH upon the neurohormonally-mediated though nonopioid analgesia induced by swims in rats. Intracerebroventricular TRH (10 and 50 μg) dose-dependently potentiated swim (21, 15, 2°C baths) analgesia on the tail-flick test, an effect which was not due to the hypothermic or basal pain threshold changes. Intravenous (8 mg/kg) TRH potentiated swim (21°C) analgesia; the 600:1 difference in potency between routes strongly suggests central sites of neuromodulatory action. Intracerebroventricular diketopiperazine (50 μg), a TRH metabolite, and RX77368 (50 μg), a TRH analogue, also potentiated swim (21°C) analgesia, effects also independent of hypothermia and basal reactivity to pain. Finally, given the excitatory interaction between TRH and acetylcholine as well as the cholinergic involvement in swim analgesia, intracerebroventricular TRH potentiated pilocarpine (10 mg/kg, IP) analgesia.
The surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation: The importance of tissue geometry and effective refractory period

Abstract Introduction: The Maze procedure was designed for the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). It has had a high success rate but does have decreased efficacy in patients with enlarged atria. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between the probability of maintaining AF and the geometry and effective refractory period (ERP) of atrial tissue. Methods: Isolated canine (n = 14) right atriums were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit (KH) solution. Baseline ERPs were obtained with KH and KH with acetylcholine (10E-3.5 M) from predetermined sites on the atrium utilizing single extra stimulus while unipolar electrograms were recorded from 250 sites. The tissue was then partitioned utilizing bipolar radiofrequency ablation and the ERPs were measured again with and without acetylcholine. Any section of tissue that maintained AF was then divided until it was no longer inducible. ERPs were measured in all sections after each ablation. Results: Mapping demonstrated that each tissue area was electrically isolated after ablating, while dye infusion revealed no flow abnormalities. The probability of AF was found to be significantly correlated with increasing tissue areas, widths and weights (p Conclusions: The probability of sustained atrial fibrillation occurring was significantly associated with increasing tissue area, width and weight and decreasing effective refractory periods. These data may lead to a better understanding of the mechanism of AF, and help to design more effective surgical procedures in the future.
20-Hydroxyecdysone induced aggregation of Drosophila S3 cells is inhibited by antibodies to a hormone-dependent extracellular glycoprotein.

The S3 cell line of Drosophila exhibits numerous responses to the molting hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone, including mitotic arrest, cell aggregation and extensive changes in cell surface and extracellular glycoproteins. We have produced polyclonal antibodies to a major hormone induced extracellular glycoprotein to investigate the role of this molecule in cell aggregation. This glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 110 kD (P110) is found primarily in the culture medium of hormone-induced cells. Upon reduction, the electrophoretic mobility of P110 is decreased, indicating the presence of internal disulfide bonds. Results from treatment of medium proteins with a cross-linking reagent indicate that the molecule is part of a higher molecular weight oligomer (300–400 kD). Fab fragments of anti P110 effectively inhibit the reaggregation of hormone-treated S3 cells, while preimmune Fab fragments have no effect. On the basis of these results, we propose that the P110 glycoprotein complex in the medium of hormone-treated cells functions in hormone-dependent cell-cell adhesion.
The effects of confinement on rotational tunneling

We have measured the effects of confinement on rotational tunnel splitting using neutron-backscattering spectroscopy for the molecular solid methyl iodide at low temperature. In particular, we have studied methyl iodide confined to porous glass disks with pore diameters ranging from 2.5 nm up to 20 nm. In bulk methyl iodide at low temperature, the tunnel peaks appear at ±2.4 μeV. In the largest pores, the tunnel peaks shift to slightly higher energy transfer and broaden. As the pore size decreases, the tunnel peaks shift to higher energy and broaden. In addition to these tunnel peaks, there is a broad spectral component, which we attribute to disordered methyl group dynamics located close to the pore walls. At the smallest confinement length scales, in pores that are 2.5 nm in diameter, there are no well-defined peaks and only this diffuse disordered spectral feature remains.
Abnormal Foveal Morphology in Ocular Albinism Imaged With Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

Objectives To evaluate the spectrum of foveal architecture in pediatric albinism and to assess the utility of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) in ocular imaging of children with nystagmus. Methods Spectral-domain OCT imaging was performed on study subjects in 3 groups: subjects with ocular albinism (OA) or suspected OA with foveal hypoplasia, with nystagmus, and with or without iris transillumination; a subject with oculocutaneous albinism and Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome; and control subjects. Dense volumetric scans of each fovea were captured using standard and handheld spectral-domain OCT devices. Images were postprocessed and scored for the presence and configuration of each retinal layer across the fovea. Results High-quality spectral-domain OCT images obtained from each subject revealed a range of abnormalities in subjects with OA or suspected OA and the subject with oculocutaneous albinism and Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome: persistence of an abnormal, highly reflective band across the fovea, multiple inner retinal layers normally absent at the center of the fovea, and loss of the normally thickened photoreceptor nuclear layer at the fovea when compared with that in control subjects. The optic nerve was elevated in multiple eyes of subjects with OA or suspected OA and the subject with oculocutaneous albinism and Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome. Conclusions A spectrum of foveal morphological abnormalities is seen in subjects with OA or suspected OA, which in some cases contrasted with previous studies using time-domain OCT. These OCT findings clarify the morphology of foveal hypoplasia seen clinically. This imaging modality may be useful in evaluating children.
A Bayesian Approach to Visual Size Classification of Everyday Objects

Humans are adept at size classification from visual images of objects. A challenging computer vision problem is that of automatic visual size classification. Current size classification systems assume controlled environments and use features geared towards a particular object category and pose. However, certain applications may require algorithms that can adapt to a variety of object categories and handle complex environments. In this paper, we propose a Bayesian approach to automatic visual size classification, inspired by human visual perception, for a more generalized and robust size classifier. Initial results show that the proposed approach can handle multiple object categories and is invariant to scale changes.
Accuracy and speed trade‐off in robot‐assisted surgery

Background Controlling surgical task speed and maintaining accuracy are vital components of robotic surgical skills. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between accuracy and speed for robot-assisted surgical skills. Methods Ten participants were asked to alternately touch two circular targets with various dimensions and distances between two targets, using the da Vinci Surgical System. The design of this study was based on Fitt's law. Statistical correlations between the index of difficulty (ID) and the movement time (MT), as well as the ID and the smoothness of the movement, were analysed. Results A significant linear correlation between MT and ID was shown. Speed was reduced to maintain accuracy as the level of task difficulty increased. There was no significant correlation between the smoothness of the movement and ID. Conclusions The trade-off between speed and accuracy plays an important role in robot-assisted surgical proficiency. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid Computation of Optimally Safe Tension Distributions for Parallel Cable-Driven Robots

In this paper, we present a novel linear-program formulation that yields "optimally safe" (OS) tension distributions in parallel cable-driven robots by the introduction of a slack variable. The slack variable also enables explicit computation of a near-optimal, feasible starting point. This, in turn, enables rapid computation of the OS tension distributions. The formulation also contains a parameter that can be used to steer cable tensions toward desired regions of operation. We present static results from two simulated robotic systems that demonstrate the ability of our formulation to avoid tension limits. Simulated execution of highly dynamic trajectories on both systems demonstrates rapid-computation abilities. Furthermore, we present experimental results from a real robotic system that further validate the importance of safe tension distributions.
Career development from adolescence through emerging adulthood: Insights from information technology occupations

Career development theories suggest that social-contextual experiences are influential in individuals' career interests, aspirations, and skill development and may be a source of gender and ethnic differences in certain career fields. In this mixed methods study, we examine the supportive and obstructive career-related experiences of 13 men and 13 women (modal age 25). Interviews focused primarily on the pathway toward or away from an information technology (IT) career. Thematic coding indicated that parents were mostly supportive, while experiences in school and work occasionally made individuals reconsider their career plans. Social influences often changed developmentally as participants entered full-time jobs. Gendered participation in IT was often attributed to women's perception that it is a male-oriented field.
Reduction of freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease by repetitive robot-assisted treadmill training: a pilot study

Parkinson's disease is a chronic, neurodegenerative disease characterized by gait abnormalities. Freezing of gait (FOG), an episodic inability to generate effective stepping, is reported as one of the most disabling and distressing parkinsonian symptoms. While there are no specific therapies to treat FOG, some external physical cues may alleviate these types of motor disruptions. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential effect of continuous physical cueing using robot-assisted sensorimotor gait training on reducing FOG episodes and improving gait. Four individuals with Parkinson's disease and FOG symptoms received ten 30-minute sessions of robot-assisted gait training (Lokomat) to facilitate repetitive, rhythmic, and alternating bilateral lower extremity movements. Outcomes included the FOG-Questionnaire, a clinician-rated video FOG score, spatiotemporal measures of gait, and the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 quality of life measure. All participants showed a reduction in FOG both by self-report and clinician-rated scoring upon completion of training. Improvements were also observed in gait velocity, stride length, rhythmicity, and coordination. This pilot study suggests that robot-assisted gait training may be a feasible and effective method of reducing FOG and improving gait. Videotaped scoring of FOG has the potential advantage of providing additional data to complement FOG self-report.
Hippo and Cardiac Hypertrophy A Complex Interaction

The Hippo/Yes-associated protein (Yap) pathway has recently received significant attention in the field of cardiac biology as it has come to light that it may hold great promise in the development of treatments for heart disease. First discovered in Drosophila, the Hippo/Yap pathway controls organ size during development in a highly conserved manner.1 The mammalian core Hippo kinase cascade includes Ste20-like kinases (Mst1/2), scaffolding proteins Sav and Mob, and large tumor suppressor kinases (Lats1/2). Upon phosphorylation by Mst kinases, Lats kinases target Yap for phosphorylation, leading to its sequestration in the cytoplasm.2 Conversely, when the Hippo pathway is inactive, Yap can translocate to the nucleus where it acts as a transcriptional coactivator for the TEAD family of transcription factors.3 In this role, Yap activates a gene expression program associated with cell proliferation and survival. Article, see p 891 The Hippo pathway has been shown to be a critical regulator of heart growth and development.4–6 Moreover, several reports have shown that modulating activity of the Hippo/Yap pathway can improve the heart’s response to murine models of cardiovascular disease and injury. The Olson and Martin groups showed that inhibition of Hippo components or expression of a constitutively active form of Yap (YapS112A) are each able to extend the normal window of cardiomyocyte proliferation into the adult stage, leading to improved cardiac function after injury.7,8 Our laboratory recently demonstrated that overexpression of miR-302/367, which targets the Hippo/Yap pathway, leads to increased cardiomyocyte proliferation in the adult murine heart.9 In moderation, this observed increase in Yap activity leads to functional regeneration and improved cardiac function after coronary ligation ischemic injury. However, long-term Yap activity activates a fetal gene expression program and causes cardiac dysfunction. Modulating the Hippo/Yap pathway to treat cardiac injury and disease …
RBF-based neurodynamic nearest neighbor classification in real pattern space

Superposition of radial basis functions centered at given prototype patterns constitutes one of the most suitable energy forms for gradient systems that perform nearest neighbor classification with real-valued static prototypes. It is shown in this paper that a continuous-time dynamical neural network model, employing a radial basis function and a sigmoid multi-layer perceptron sub-networks, is capable of maximizing such an energy form locally, thus performing almost perfectly nearest neighbor classification, when initiated by a distorted pattern. The proposed design scheme allows for explicit representation of prototype patterns as network parameters, as well as augmenting additional or forgetting existing memory patterns. The dynamical classification scheme implemented by the network eliminates all comparisons, which are the vital steps of the conventional nearest neighbor classification process. The performance of the proposed network model is demonstrated on binary and gray-scale image reconstruction applications.
Enhanced dynamic programming algorithms for series line optimization

Dynamic programming value iteration is made more efficient on a five-machine unreliable series line by characterizing the transient and "insensitive" states. Holding costs are minimized subject to a service level constraint in a make-to-stock system with backordering. State-space truncations are chosen by checking the recurrent class in previous runs. An approximate model is developed that reduces the number of machine states. Monotone control theory is used to restrict the search for a control switching surface. Numerical optimal policies are compared with the heuristic control point policy and several characteristics of optimal policies are identified.
Remarks on the Design

The curriculum presented here departs from traditional curricula in a number of ways. Further, some of our objectives do not appear explicitly in the design. This chapter presents remarks about the curriculum that may help the reader to interpret and evaluate it.
Lung Abscess in Patients with AIDS

We identified 31 patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and lung abscess. All patients had advanced HIV disease, and the mean CD4 cell count was 17/mm3 (range, 2-50/mm3). Twenty-two patients (71%) had previous opportunistic infections, and 24 (77%) had previous pulmonary infections. Symptoms at the time of presentation included fever (90% of patients), cough (87%), dyspnea (35%), pleuritic chest pain (26%), and hemoptysis (10%). The microbiological etiology was established for 28 patients, and the pathogens recovered were bacteria (65%), Pneumocystis carinii (6%), fungi (3%), and mixed microorganisms (16%). The pathogens included Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11), Streptococcus pneumoniae (6), P. carinii (5), Klebsiella pneumoniae (5), Staphylococcus aureus (4), Aspergillus species (3), viridans streptococcus (2), Haemophilus influenzae (1), Streptococcus milleri (1), Proteus mirabilis (1), and Cryptococcus neoformans (1). Mycobacterium tuberculosis was not isolated; two patients for whom a microbiological etiology was not established responded to antituberculous therapy. Patients were treated for 2-12 weeks; 25% of the patients received > 4 weeks of therapy. The outcome was poor: 36% of the patients had recurrences, and 19% died. In patients with AIDS, lung abscess is associated with advanced HIV infection, is due to a broad spectrum of pathogens, responds poorly to antibiotics, and has a poor prognosis.
Teasing out repetition from rote: an essay on two versions of will

In some circles of mathematics education, repetition and rote are somehow conflated in terms of their pedagogical uses and ramifications. In this paper, I argue for the separation of the two, relying upon a framework suggested by Martin Buber’s I–Thou ontology. In the presentation of Buber’s ideas, I highlight the notion of will-as-would-join-with-grace, to be contrasted with plain will. The merit of repetition in teaching and learning, as I argue, is not in automaticity—the common rationale—but in fostering and supporting a deepened sense of connection and/or intimacy to the object under study.
Functional Characterization of Burkholderia pseudomallei Trimeric Autotransporters

Burkholderia pseudomallei is a tier 1 select agent and the causative agent of melioidosis, a severe and often fatal disease with symptoms ranging from acute pneumonia and septic shock to a chronic infection characterized by abscess formation in the lungs, liver, and spleen. Autotransporters (ATs) are exoproteins belonging to the type V secretion system family, with many playing roles in pathogenesis. The genome of B. pseudomallei strain 1026b encodes nine putative trimeric AT proteins, of which only four have been described. Using a bioinformatic approach, we annotated putative domains within each trimeric AT protein, excluding the well-studied BimA protein, and found short repeated sequences unique to Burkholderia species, as well as an unexpectedly large proportion of ATs with extended signal peptide regions (ESPRs). To characterize the role of trimeric ATs in pathogenesis, we constructed disruption or deletion mutations in each of eight AT-encoding genes and evaluated the resulting strains for adherence to, invasion of, and plaque formation in A549 cells. The majority of the ATs (and/or the proteins encoded downstream) contributed to adherence to and efficient invasion of A549 cells. Using a BALB/c mouse model of infection, we determined the contributions of each AT to bacterial burdens in the lungs, liver, and spleen. At 48 h postinoculation, only one strain, Bp340::pDbpaC, demonstrated a defect in dissemination and/or survival in the liver, indicating that BpaC is required for wild-type virulence in this model.
Effects of fragmentation on artificial nest predation in a tropical forest in Kenya

Nest predation has been established as a leading source of reproductive failure in songbirds. Numerous studies, conducted primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, have linked high rates of nest predation with fragmentation and habitat edges. To date, virtually no such studies have been conducted in Tropical Africa. Here we investigate the effects of disturbance level and edge on depredation of artificial avian nests in six fragments of Kakamega Forest, Kenya. We found that nest losses were higher at the edge than in the interior as often reported in previous studies. Surprisingly, nest predation was highest in the least disturbed fragments. One possible explanation for these findings is that top predators are missing from Kakamega Forest, allowing nest predator populations to increase in all fragments, while in the highly disturbed fragments, domestic dogs might be surrogates for top predators. Alternatively, human activity may itself lead to a decline in mesopredator populations.
Why do B cell lymphoma fail to elicit clinically sufficient T cell immune responses

There is no doubt that human B cell lymphoma does not elicit a clinically sufficient T cell mediated immune response that results in tumor rejection. However, the mechanisms leading to this lack of T cell recognition and effector function are still not fully understood. Many potential mechanisms such as “ignorance” including “antigen silencing”, “tolerance” including “infectious tolerance” and “anergy” or “immunosuppression” have been identified in different model systems and all these could, in part, account for the lack of immune recognition in B cell lymphoma. Malignant B cells are poor antigen presenting cells and T cells in close proximity to the malignant cells are hyporesponsive with defects in T cell receptor signaling and cytotoxic effector function. This review will discuss recent in vitro findings in context of in vivo data in murine model systems relevant to B cell lymphoma. Understanding these complex defects of anti-lymphoma immune responses should allow us to redefine our immunotherapeutic ...
Climate Formation: Issues and Extensions

Climate has been viewed as a function of: (a) the organization's structure; (b) the organization's membership; and (c) more recently the memberships' efforts to understand the organization. The third view—interactionism—has been offered as a reconciliation of the objectivism of the first and the subjectivism of the second. The interactionist approach is extended here by a consideration of the roles of the workgroup, affect, corporate culture, symbolic management, and physical setting.
Simulation of labor: a study of the relationship between cesarean section rates and the time spent in labor

Cesarean delivery is the most common major abdominal surgery in many parts of the world. As of October 2012, the cesarean section rate in the United States was reported to be 32.8% in 2011, rising from 4.5% in 1970. Cesarean sections are associated with an increased risk of neonatal respiratory morbidity, increased risk of a hysterectomy and can cause major complications in subsequent pregnancies, such as uterine rupture. To evaluate the current cesarean delivery rate due to a "failure to progress" diagnosis, our goal was to replicate the delivery process for women undergoing a trial of labor. In this simulation we evaluate the Friedman Curve and other labor progression rules to identify circumstances in which the cesarean rate can be decreased through the analysis of the total length of time a woman spends in labor as well as the duration of time a woman remains in a cervical dilation stage.
Natural Number and Natural Geometry

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses how one can determine the content of a mental representation as it is found in the mind of an infant, an animal, or a member of a culturally remote community. Four cognitive systems found in infants, animals, and human adults across widely varying cultures give rise to representations with true numerical or geometrical content. The systems develop on the basis of little or no experience in numerically or geometrically structured environments and therefore are innate. Abstract concepts of natural number and Euclidean geometry build on these systems of core knowledge. The first core system of geometry is a system by which navigating humans and animals compute their own positions, and those of significant objects, by measuring properties of the surrounding terrain. Research on human cognitive development, animal cognition, cognition across cultures, and cognitive neuroscience provides evidence for two more core systems of number and geometry. The second number system serves to represent sets of up to three to four numerically distinct individuals, as well as the operation of adding one individual to a set. The second geometry system serves to represent the shapes of 2D visual forms and moveable objects, capturing the relations of length and angle that are invariant over changes in size.
Proposing a Benchmark Based on Vehicle Collision Data in Racial Profiling Research

Estimating the racial and ethnic proportions within a constantly changing population of drivers is difficult. Commonly called benchmarks, these estimates are the basis upon which researchers determ...
Intimate Partner Violence in the First 2 Years of Life Implications for Toddlers’ Behavior Regulation

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent in families with young children and challenges their healthy development. This study examined characteristics of IPV (e.g., mother- vs. partner-perpetrated, types and severity) and investigated potential effects of IPV on toddlers' behavioral regulation in a sample of families at risk for IPV. We also examined whether maternal depression and child-rearing attitudes and behavior would moderate IPV-child behavior links. These questions were addressed in a sample ( N = 400) of first-time adolescent mothers and their toddlers (1-2 years of age). Families were visited in their homes; data were collected via maternal report and observations. Partner- and self-perpetrated IPV was assessed using the Conflict Tactics Scale questionnaire; child behavior regulation was measured using the Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment questionnaire. Approximately 80% of families experienced psychological aggression; almost one third reported physical assault in the past year. Both physical and psychological IPV were associated with greater toddler behavior problems. Neither maternal depression, mothers' attitudes about corporal punishment, nor nonhostile interaction moderated IPV-behavior problem links, though mothers' reports of maltreating behavior did. Among children whose mothers did not use corporal punishment/physical violence, IPV did not differentially affect behavior problems. Children whose mothers used corporal punishment/physical violence with them showed behavior problems in the context of IPV (severe psychological aggression). Results underscore the importance of exposure to IPV during the first year of life, and the prevalence of IPV perpetrated by both mothers and their partners in families with adolescent mothers.
Methyl-accepting taxis proteins in Halobacterium halobium.

Abstract Methyl-accepting taxis proteins were identified and characterized in Halobacterium halobium, an archaebacterial species that is both chemotactic and phototactic. The data suggest direct involvement of methylation and demethylation in mechanisms of both chemotaxis and phototaxis and identify adaptation as the sensory process in which those reactions are likely to be involved. Analysis by electrophoresis and fluorography revealed methyl-accepting species, of apparent Mr between 90,000 and 135,000, that exhibited characteristics of sensory components. Those methyl-3H-labeled species were absent in a mutant blocked in taxis. Methylation of specific bands increased after positive chemostimuli and decreased after negative stimuli. Other methyl-3H-labeled bands, from 17 to 29 kd, exhibited features of biosynthetic intermediates, not of sensory components. Assay of rates of demethylation by measuring release of volatile forms of radiolabeled methyl groups revealed transient changes following chemo- or photostimuli that persisted for periods roughly equivalent to adaptation times. Negative chemostimuli induced increased rates of demethylation, as expected from fluorographic analysis, but positive chemostimuli also resulted in an increase. Photostimuli of either sign were followed by increases in rates of demethylation of shorter duration and lesser magnitude than chemostimuli-induced increases, a relationship that corresponded to differences in adaptation time.
Effects of Viewing Distance on the Responses of Vestibular Neurons to Combined Angular and Linear Vestibular Stimulation

Effects of viewing distance on the responses of vestibular neurons to combined angular and linear vestibular stimulation. The firing behavior of 59 horizontal canal–related secondary vestibular neu...
Violence against women in North Carolina.

Research shows that partner violence and sexual assault against women are significant statewide problems in North Carolina. This commentary provides an overview of the research on evidence-based interventions designed to prevent such violence, highlights current prevention efforts in North Carolina, and offers future directions. Language: en
Comparison of PP and PS reflectivities for fracture characterization

We present a method for inversion of fracture compliance matrix components from Wide Azimuth (WAZ) noisy synthetic PS-reflection data and show quantitatively that variations of reflection amplitude with offset and azimuth (AVOA) for converted PS-waves are more informative for fracture characterization than P-waves. We consider monoclinic symmetry for fractured reservoir (parameters chosen from Woodford shale), which can be formed by two or more sets of vertical fractures embedded in a VTI background. Components of effective fracture compliance matrices for a medium with monoclinic symmetry are related to the characteristics of the fractured medium. Monte Carlo simulation results show that inversion of PS reflection data is more robust to uncertainties in our a priori knowledge (VTI parameters of unfractured rock) than PP reflection data. Also we show that while inversion of PP reflections is sensitive to contrasts in elastic properties of upper and lower media, inversion of PS reflectivities is robust with respect to such contrasts.