cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Total lymphoid irradiation and antigen-specific tolerance: future therapy for experimental myasthenia gravis?

Abstract Total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) is effective in the immunosuppressive treatment of human and experimental autoimmune disorders, including experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). Under certain circumstances, TLI may facilitate the induction of specific tolerance to antigens present during or shortly after the TLI treatment. This study was designed to determine whether TLI could induce or enhance tolerance to acetylcholine receptor (AChR), the antigen in myasthenia gravis, or to other antigens. We presented the antigens in various potentially tolerogenic forms to rats that were first pre-treated with TLI, or controls treated with sham irradiation. Injection of deaggragated human gamma globulin (HGG), a classical tolerogen, was most effective; it produced antigen-specific tolerance, which was significantly enhanced by pre-treatment with TLI. Injection of HGG coupled to rat peritoneal cells induced a moderate degree of specific tolerance; in this case, pre-treatment with TLI added only nonspecific suppression. In contrast, AChR, either in solubilized form with no adjuvant, or coupled to syngeneic rat pertoneal cells, failed to induce tolerance, and actually primed to immune system system, when given alone or in conjunction with TLI. Subsequent challenge with AChR resulted in an enhanced (secondary) anti-AChR antibody response. These results show that the nature of the antigen itself may predispose to tolerance or to immune stimulation. AChR appears to be highly immunogenic. However, if a tolerogenic fragment or form of AChR can be identified, its use in combination with TLI may result in specific tolerance. If such specific tolerance can be induced during an ongoing autoimmune reaction to AChR, it would be an effective treatment for myasthenia gravis.
The cytoskeleton and the regulation of gluconeogenesis: a hypothesis.

Previous data from our laboratory indicated a role for the cytoskeleton in the hormonal stimulation of gluconeogenesis. To gain further insight into the role of the cytoskeleton in the regulation of gluconeogenesis, we performed further experiments to examine the possibility that the cytoskeleton is involved in the glucagon-mediated changes in calcium distribution. Perfused livers or isolated liver cells were pretreated with either cytochalasin B or colchicine, agents that disrupt microfilaments and microtubules, respectively. Pretreatment with either agent significantly decreased the glucagon-evoked efflux of labeled calcium. Pretreatment with colchicine was more effective in blocking the influx of calcium into the cells than pretreatment with cytochalasin B. These drugs also prevented the characteristic increase in O(2) uptake, which is usually observed after glucagon administration. Thus, an intact cytoskeleton seems to be a prerequisite for the glucagon-evoked changes in calcium distribution to occur. These changes in calcium fluxes were shown previously to be an essential link in the chain of events leading to the metabolic effects of glucagon. Based on these results and on data obtained by others, a hypothesis is presented here. The hypothesis presumes that the cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in the regulation of gluconeogenesis. The hypothesis further assumes that the cytoskeleton influences gluconeogenesis in 3 ways: (1) by influencing the process of calcium signaling; (2) by changing the rate of enzymatic reactions through association and dissociation of enzymes with the cytoskeleton; and (3) by altering the position of intracellular organelles and the movements of molecules. Each of these points is discussed separately. It is known that the intracellular environment exists as a dense mesh in dynamic motion. According to our hypothesis, hormonal stimulation changes this environment by affecting the ionic composition in the cytosol and the structure of the cytoskeleton. Motion and conformational changes by the cytoskeleton play crucial regulatory functions, influencing metabolic processes.
Profile of Lawrence Grossberg: Critical intersections among cultural, performance and communication studies

BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME: ESSAYS ON CULTURAL STUDIES. By Lawrence Grossberg. Durham: Duke University Press, 1997; pp. ix‐431; $18.95. DANCING IN SPITE OF MYSELF: ESSAYS ON POPULAR CULTURE. By Lawr...
Continuum description of hysteresis damping of vibrations

Abstract A continuum description of hysteresis damping of vibrations is constructed based on the assumption that the hysteresis in the elastic response is due to the occurrence of small plastic strains below the over-all elastic limit of the material. The associated constitutive law describing elasticity with hysteresis is developed assuming the plastic strain rate for loading is dependent only on the stress and stress rate. It is shown that the constitutive law so developed yields the well-known Kimball-Lovell quadratic damping law for sufficiently low stress levels and that it provides additional terms for describing damping when higher stress levels are involved. The theory is applied to the free lorsional vibration of wires and is shown to yield exponential amplitude decay for low stress levels. At higher stresses, the decay is found to be greater than this limiting exponential form in accordance with long standing experience. Detailed theoretical results are compared with measurements of the torsional response of a soft copper wire and the description is found to be excellent.
Effects of concord grape juice on appetite, diet, body weight, lipid profile, and antioxidant status of adults.

Objective: Concord grape juice (CGJ) is a rich source of phenolic antioxidants, with a range of putative health benefits. However, high beverage energy and fructose intake may lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, respectively. This study assessed the effects of CGJ consumption for 12 weeks on appetite, diet, body weight, lipid profile, and antioxidant status.Methods: Seventy-six men and women aged 18 to 50 years with a body mass index of 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2 consumed either 480 mL CGJ, 480 mL substitute (polyphenol-free) grape-flavored drink (SGD), or no beverage (NTG) daily for 12 weeks. Anthropometric indices were measured biweekly, dietary intake and appetite were assessed 4 times during the study, and plasma oxygen radical absorbance capacity, lipids, and oral glucose tolerance were assessed at baseline and week 12.Results: Compared to baseline, the SGD group reported a reduction in fullness (p < 0.005) and gained 1.6 kg (p < 0.05). No significant changes in body weight or composition were observ...
Posterolateral hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a rare, but clinically significant variant of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Posterolateral hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a rare variant of HCM. Segmental HCM is seen in 12% of cases of HCM. Among the patterns of segmental HCM, posterolateral HCM is the least common type. Our case of an 18-year old male documents this unusual type of cardiomyopathy. In this form of HCM, left ventricular thickness and the extent of hypertrophy might be underestimated by 2-dimensional echocardiography. This case illustrates the echocardiographic and pathologic features of posterolateral HCM.
High-resolution Mueller matrix polarimetry of thin film PLZT electro-optic modulators

A thin-film lead-lanthanum-zirconate-titanate (PLZT) electro-optic spatial light modulator has been characterized with the Mueller matrix imaging polarimeter (MMIP). The MMIP is a dual rotating-retarder polarimeter which illuminates a sample with calibrated polarized states and analyzes the existing polarized state over a spatially-resolved image of the sample images of the retardance magnitude and retardance fast axis orientation reveal the relative electric field strengths in the PLZT 9/65/35 material. By measuring Mueller matrix images of the device at several different applied voltages, a quadratic electro-optic coefficient of 2 X 10-16 (m/V)2 was determined in the modulator active regions.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Air-Side Heat-Transfer Enhancement by a New Winglet-Type Vortex Generator Array in a Plain-Fin Round-Tube Heat Exchanger

The impact of a vortex-generation technique for air-side heat-transfer improvement is experimentally investigated through full-scale wind-tunnel testing of a plain-fin round-tube heat exchanger under dry-surface conditions. Inspired by the formation locomotion of animals in nature, a new vortex generator (VG) array deployed in a "V" is proposed in the present work, aiming to create constructive interference between vortices. The array is composed of two delta-winglet pairs and placed at an attack angle of 10 deg or 30 deg. Its effectiveness is compared with a baseline configuration and two conventional single-pair designs placed at 30 deg, a small pair with half the area of the array and a large pair with the same area as the array. The frontal air velocity considered ranges from 2.3 m/s to 5.5 m/s, corresponding to a Reynolds number range based on the hydraulic diameter of 1400―3400. The experimental results show little impact of the 10 deg array and a moderate heat-transfer improvement of up to 32% for the small pair, both introducing additional pressure loss of approximately 20―40%. For the 30 deg array and the large pair, similar augmentation of 25―55% in air-side heat-transfer coefficient is obtained accompanied by average pressure drop penalties of 90% and 140%, respectively. Performance evaluation using the criteria of the modified area goodness factor and the volume goodness factor indicates the superiority of the heat exchanger enhanced by the 30 deg array among all the investigated VGs. The VG array is found more effective at comparatively low Reynolds numbers, representative of many heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration applications and compact heat-exchanger designs.
MODELING THE BRAIN'S OPERATING SYSTEM USING VIRTUAL HUMANOIDS

Much of the allocation of human resources to tasks is studied under the rubric of "attention". However this is a very low-dimensional characterization of a system that has many degrees of freedom. ...
A radiological study of the effect of elevated intravesical pressures on ureteral calibre and peristalsis in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction

Simultaneous radiographic studies of ureteral calibre, ureteral peristaltic activity and intravesical pressures were obtained in 9 patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction. In all patients, as the intravesical pressure was increased and the bladder filled, the ureters became dilated and ureteral peristalsis diminished. Peristalsis ceased in those patients with an upper motor neurone lesion in whom the maximal intravesical pressures exceeded 37 mm./Hg. Ureteral peristalsis also ceased in patients with a lower motor neurone lesion when intravesical pressures above 37 mm/Hg. were induced by the Crede manoeuvre (manual expression). Clinical observations at Stanford Medical Center have shown that paraplegic patients treated by continuous catheter drainage have fared better than those on catheter-free therapy. The present investigation reinforces the concept that continuous bladder drainage is the management of choice in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction.
Remarks on the Circumcenter of Mass

Suppose that to every non-degenerate simplex \(\Delta \subset {\mathbb R}^n\) a ‘center’ \(C(\Delta )\) is assigned so that the following assumptions hold: (i) The map \(\Delta \rightarrow C(\Delta )\) commutes with similarities and is invariant under the permutations of the vertices of the simplex; (ii) The map \(\Delta \rightarrow \mathrm {Vol}(\Delta ) C(\Delta )\) is polynomial in the coordinates of the vertices of the simplex. Then \(C(\Delta )\) is an affine combination of the center of mass \(CM(\Delta )\) and the circumcenter \(CC(\Delta )\) of the simplex: $$\begin{aligned} C(\Delta ) = t CM(\Delta ) + (1-t) CC(\Delta ), \end{aligned}$$ where the constant \(t\in {\mathbb R}\) depends on the map \(\Delta \mapsto C(\Delta )\) (and does not depend on the simplex \(\Delta \)). The motivation for this theorem comes from the recent study of the circumcenter of mass of simplicial polytopes by the authors and by A. Akopyan.
Adenoma detection rates vary minimally with time of day and case rank: a prospective study of 2139 first screening colonoscopies

Background Adenoma detection rate is an important measure of colonoscopy quality; however, factors including procedure order that contribute to adenoma detection are incompletely understood. Objective The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate factors associated with adenoma detection rate. Design Prospective cohort study. Data were collected on patient and physician characteristics, trainee participation, time of day, and case rank. Setting Outpatient tertiary-care center. Patients This study involved consecutive patients presenting for first screening colonoscopies. Main Outcome Measurements Adenoma and polyp detection rates (proportion of cases with one or more lesion detected) and ratios (mean number of lesions detected per case). Results A total of 2139 colonoscopies were performed by 32 gastroenterologists. Detection rates were 42.7% for all polyps, 25.4% for adenomas, and 5.0% for advanced adenomas. Adenoma detection was associated with male sex and increasing age on multivariate analysis. In the overall study cohort, time of day and case rank were not significantly associated with detection rates. In post hoc analysis, polyp and adenoma detection rates appeared lower after the fifth case of the day for endoscopists with low volumes of cases and after the tenth case of the day for endoscopists with high volumes of cases. Limitation Single center. Conclusion Overall, time of day and case rank did not influence adenoma detection rate. We observed a small but significant decrease in detection rates in later procedures, which was dependent on physician typical procedure volume. These findings imply that colonoscopy quality in general is stable throughout the day; however, there may be a novel "stamina effect" for some endoscopists, and interventions aimed at improving colonoscopy quality need to take individual physician practice styles into consideration.
Nitrogen and carbon leaching in agroecosystems and their role in denitrification potential.

The drainage of water and leaching of dissolved constituents represent major components of agroecosystem mass budgets that have been exceedingly difficult to measure. Equilibrium-tension lysimeters (ETLs) were used to monitor drainage, nitrogen (N), and carbon (C) leaching through Piano silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Argiudoll) for a 4-yr period in a restored prairie and N-fertilized no-tillage and chisel-plowed maize (Zea mays L.) agroecosystems. Mean drainage recorded during 4 yr for the prairie, no-tillage, and chisel-plowed ecosystems totaled 461, 1116, and 1575 mm and represented 16, 33, and 47% of precipitation plus melting of drifted snow received, respectively. Total inorganic N leaching losses during the 4-yr period for the prairie, no-tillage, and chisel-plowed ecosystems were 0.6, 201, and 179 kg N ha -1 , respectively. Inorganic N leaching represented 26 and 24% of applied fertilizer N additions to the no-tillage and chisel-plowed agroecosystems. Total dissolved C leaching losses were 119, 435, and 502 kg C ha -1 for the prairie, no-tillage, and chisel-plowed ecosystems, respectively. Sufficient dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrate N (NO 3 - -N) existed in the prairie and agroecosystems to support subsoil denitrification. Potential denitrification, however, was limited by insufficient lengths of saturated soil conditions in all three ecosystems, the supply of DOC in the agroecosystems, and the supply of nitrate N in the prairie. Based on available DOC and nitrate N, the maximum contribution of denitrification below the root zone in the agroecosystems was less than 25% of the total amount of leached nitrate N and the probable contribution of denitrification was much less.
287 EFFECTS OF ANDROGENS IN SICKLE CELL DISEASE WITH SEVERE GROWTH RETARDATION

Eight sickle cell patients, 9-15 yr., with severe growth retardation, retarded bone age and delayed puberty had normal serum concentrations of T4,T3,PRL after chlorpromazine stimulation, and normal adrenal functions measured by circadian variation of plasma cortisol, plasma cortisol during hypoglycemia, ACTH and metyrapone tests. hGH response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia was abnormally low in 4/8. Four males and 3 females had elevated plasma concentrations of LH and FSH; 4 males had low plasma testosterone and 3 females had low plasma estradiol. The severe growth retardation seems to result from a primary gonadal hypofunction associated in some cases with hGH deficiency. Ethylestrenol, a synthetic androgen, was administered for one year at 2 to 4 mg daily. Range of growth rate before therapy was 1.2-4.9 cm/yr; during therapy was 3.6-15.6 cm/yr. There was no acceleration in bone age. No significant changes in Hgb., Hct., reticulocyte count and fetal Hgb occurred. A striking finding was a consistent increase in red cell mass measured by 51Cr tagging of the RBC. There was a tendency towards a further shortening of an already short 51Cr RBC survival in 4/6. There were no consistent changes in an already very low plasma 59Fe disappearance rate. Ethylestrenol, was found to stimulate growth without accelerating bone maturation, and to increase red cell mass without prolonging red cell survival. Supported by NIH Grant RR-318
A quasiclassical trajectory study of the (H2 + D2)+ system

Abstract We have applied the quasiclassical trajectory method to investigate the effect of vibration and translational energy on the reaction dynamics of H + 2 + D 2 and D + 2 + H 2 . Two vibrational states (ν + = 0 and 3) of the charged diatom and five translational energies ( E T = 0.23, 1.1, 2.1, 4.1, and 6.1 eV) are examined in this study. Using diatomics-in-molecules potential energy surfaces, the reaction is assumed to be diabatic (no charge hopping) until the reactants are within 8.0 bohr and then adiabatic. This simple theoretical description of the reaction gives good agreement with the experimental results.
Therapeutic interventions against reperfusion injury in skeletal muscle.

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in the skeletal muscle is inevitable in many vascular and musculoskeletal traumas, diseases, free tissue transfers, and during time-consuming reconstructive and transplantation surgeries. Although skeletal muscle has a higher tolerance to ischemia than other organs, prolonged ischemia can still result in significant complications, including muscle necrosis and apoptosis. One of the major goals in the treatment of ischemia is early restoration of blood flow (reperfusion) to the area at risk. However, reperfusion has led to a new pathophysiologic condition called “reperfusion injury,” a phenomenon which actually provokes a distinct degree of tissue injury. The purpose of this review is to examine the current state of understanding of I/R injury as well as to highlight recent developments on I/R interventions including our own experience in this particular field. We expect, as our acquired experience and the increased knowledge of underlying mechanisms of I/R injury, more effective interventions aimed to reduce I/R injury will be developed to interfere with or modulate this particular pathophysiologic processes.
Everyday Life in Fascist Venice, 1929–1940

Venice is a unique city – perhaps too unique to serve as a case study of the Fascist regime's attempt at creating a totalitarian culture. This is, however, what Kate Ferris attempts to do in her st...
Predictors of engagement in continuing care following residential substance use disorder treatment

Abstract Background Patients in intensive SUD programs who subsequently participate in continuing care for a longer interval have better outcomes than those who participate for a shorter interval. We sought to identify patient and program factors associated with duration of engagement in SUD continuing care after residential/inpatient treatment. Methods Patients ( n = 3032) at 15 geographically diverse SUD residential treatment programs provided data on demographics, symptom patterns, recovery resources, and perceptions of treatment environment. We identified patient characteristics associated with the number of consecutive months of engagement in continuing care. We then consolidated and classified risk factors into an integrated model. Results Being African American, having more SUD and psychiatric symptoms, more resources for recovery, and perceiving the treatment staff as being supportive were associated with longer engagement in continuing care. African Americans’ engagement in continuing care was 17% longer than Caucasians’. The positive effect of being African American was partially mediated by having taken actions toward changing use, and by the presence of psychotic symptoms. Conclusion These results extend previous research on the predictors of continuing care engagement after residential SUD programs. Clinicians can use information about characteristics that put patients at risk for shorter engagement in continuing care to target patients who might benefit from interventions to increase engagement in continuing care.
Stimulated photorefractive backscatter leading to six-wave mixing and phase conjugation in iron-doped lithium niobate

The generation of multiple waves during near-oblique incidence of a 532 nm weakly focused beam on photorefractive iron-doped lithium niobate in a typical reflection geometry configuration is studied. It is shown that these waves are produced through two-wave coupling (self-diffraction) and four-wave mixing (parametric diffraction). One of these waves, the stimulated photorefractive backscatter produced from parametric diffraction, contains the self-phase conjugate. The dynamics of six-wave mixing and its dependence on crystal parameters, angle of incidence, and pump power are analyzed. What we believe to be a novel order analysis of the interaction equations provides further insight into experimental observations in the steady state. The quality of the backscatter is evaluated through image restoration, interference experiments, and visibility measurement. Reduction of two-wave coupling may significantly improve the quality of the self-phase conjugate.
The attenuation of perceived image smear during saccades

Abstract The perception of image smear for a target flashed during a saccade is attenuated if the target remains visible after the eye movement ends, a result that has been attributed to backward masking. In this experiment, normal observers matched the length of perceived smear in two conditions that were designed to produce comparable retinal stimulation and, therefore, similar amounts of masking. In the saccade condition, a small stationary bright dot was illuminated for 5–640 ms, starting near the onset of a horizontal saccade. In the fixation condition, the bright dot moved right or left at 50, 100, or 200° s −1 while the observer viewed a stationary target and, thereafter, remained stationary. As expected, in the saccade condition perceived smear first increased and then decreased as the duration of the flashed dot extended beyond the duration of the eye movement. However, perceived smear was substantially greater in the fixation condition for stimulus durations that were longer than the period of dot motion. Under the conditions of our experiment, the attenuation of perceived image smear during saccades is attributable primarily to the operation of an extraretinal eye movement signal, rather than to backward masking.
Oscillation damping contributions of variable-speed wind generators in the Eastern Interconnection (EI)

The United States Eastern Interconnection (EI) might go through some profound changes due to the increasing penetration of wind power in this bulk grid, such as the worsening of inter-area oscillations across the interconnection. However, the fast response speed of power electronics devices makes it possible for properly-timed electrical power from variable-speed wind generators to be injected into the power grid. These electronics devices can be controlled in a fast manner and, thus, can significantly contribute to oscillation damping if implemented with appropriate control schemes. In this paper, a user-defined wind electrical control model with a wind oscillation damping controller is built in PSS®E. Then a dynamic case, with realistic penetration of wind power, is created based on the 16,000-bus EI dynamic model. Taking advantage of the user-defined wind electrical control model and EI system dynamic model, the potential contribution of variablespeed wind generators to the EI system oscillation damping is evaluated. Simulation results demonstrate that, at current and future penetration levels, wind generators represent a promising tool for damping oscillations in the EI.
Time-resolved x-ray scattering study of ordering kinetics in SbCl5-intercalated graphite

The kinetics of ordering are studied in ${\mathrm{SbCl}}_{5}$-intercalated graphite by utilization of x-ray synchrotron radiation and position sensitive detection. Analysis of the time-dependent scattering function (Lorentzian) confirms that the ordering obeys an algebraic growth law until defect pinning sets in. We obtain evidence for a novel kinetic phenomenon in which thermal roughening is suppressed in the unpinned state.
Conditional density-based analysis of T cell signaling in single-cell data

Cellular circuits sense the environment, process signals, and compute decisions using networks of interacting proteins. To model such a system, the abundance of each activated protein species can be described as a stochastic function of the abundance of other proteins. High-dimensional single-cell technologies, such as mass cytometry, offer an opportunity to characterize signaling circuit-wide. However, the challenge of developing and applying computational approaches to interpret such complex data remains. Here, we developed computational methods, based on established statistical concepts, to characterize signaling network relationships by quantifying the strengths of network edges and deriving signaling response functions. In comparing signaling between naive and antigen-exposed CD4(+) T lymphocytes, we find that although these two cell subtypes had similarly wired networks, naive cells transmitted more information along a key signaling cascade than did antigen-exposed cells. We validated our characterization on mice lacking the extracellular-regulated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) ERK2, which showed stronger influence of pERK on pS6 (phosphorylated-ribosomal protein S6), in naive cells as compared with antigen-exposed cells, as predicted. We demonstrate that by using cell-to-cell variation inherent in single-cell data, we can derive response functions underlying molecular circuits and drive the understanding of how cells process signals.
Exchange rates and food in the European Community

Abstract The workings of the agri-monetary system in the European Community are not widely understood and seldom analyzed. This paper provides a simple theoretical framework that highlights the main features of the system and explains the policy options and potential costs and benefits that accrue to agricultural producers within the Community as exchange rates continue to fluctuate.
The g-factors of isomeric states in127, 128Xe

Excited states in127, 128Xe were populated in the reaction9Be+122Sn atElab=38 MeV. The de-excitation of the isomeric states 7/2+ in127Xe and 8− in128Xe was studied using angular distribution and TDPAD methods on molten122Sn targets. The results are $$\begin{gathered} T_{1/2} (7/2^ + ) = 37 \pm 1 ns, g(7/2^ + ) = + 0.241 \pm 0.009 \hfill \\ T_{1/2} (8^ - ) = 83 \pm 2 ns, g(8^ - ) = - 0.036 \pm 0.009. \hfill \\ \end{gathered}$$
Noninvasive Real-Time Fluorescence Imaging of the Lymphatic uptake of BSA–IRDye 680 Conjugate Administered Subcutaneously in Mice

The goal of our studies was to determine lymphatic uptake of bovine serum albumin (BSA) using real-time noninvasive fluorescence imaging. BSA labeled with near-infrared dye (IRDye) 680 was used as a model protein–dye conjugate. The conjugation of BSA with IRDye 680 was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography and SDS-PAGE demonstrated that the IRDye 680-labeled BSA conjugate in the lymph node (LN) homogenate samples was stable at physiological temperature (37°C) for at least 5 days. Whole-body noninvasive optical imaging of hairless SKH-1 mice was performed after subcutaneous (s.c.) injection (dose = 0.1 mg/kg) into the front footpad. Noninvasive fluorescence imaging demonstrated that BSA–IRDye 680 conjugates were dynamically taken up by the lymphatic system, accumulated in the axillary LNs and then cleared, indicating that lymphatic transport plays a role in the absorption of BSA. Ex vivo tissue imaging of LN homogenates provided confirmatory data with respect to the uptake of fluorescent-labeled BSA determined by in vivo imaging. Noninvasive real-time imaging of LNs provides a novel tool for evaluating uptake and accumulation of fluorescent-labeled proteins by the lymphatic system after s.c. injection in a mouse model. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 101:1744–1754, 2012
The Professor's Dream: Getting Students to Talk and Read Intelligently.

their personal insecurities about speaking up, how much can we faculty expect them to get out of a reading unless it is rudimentary? Can we give students a chapter from Max Weber, Kenneth Waltz, Peter Evans, or any other serious theorist and expect them to comprehend and retain the material and speak intelligently in class as the Socratic method demands? Many students want to prepare and participate more effectively, but do not know how. Texts are often too easy and straightforward, and do not teach students how to analyze complex, sophisticated material on their own. Yet more sophisticated readings, unassisted, leave them at sea. For the past several years, we have experimented with a modified Socratic approach that is designed to allow us to teach undergraduate courses using advanced concepts and readings, simultaneously affording students fair opportunity to carry the bulk of discussion in class in a way that succeeds. The system outlined below is a flexible mechanism for
A model-driven approach for remote machine control

The objective of this research is to develop a set of enabling technologies for Web-based remote machining in a decentralized environment. Particularly, this paper presents our latest development on 3D model-based and sensor-driven remote machining. Once a product design is given, its process plan and NC codes are generated by using a distributed process planning (DPP) system. The NC codes are then used for remote machining via a standard Web browser. In this paper, the focus is given to the concept and prototype implementation of the technology. A case study of a test part machining on a 5-axis milling machine is also completed for testing and validation. It is expected that the developed technology can also be applied to design verification as well as production in a distributed manufacturing environment.
Cognitive Effects of Nicotine: Genetic Moderators

Cigarette smoking is the main preventable cause of death in developed countries, and the development of more effective treatments is necessary. Cumulating evidence suggests that cognitive enhancement may contribute to the addictive actions of nicotine. Several studies have demonstrated that nicotine enhances cognitive performance in both smokers and non-smokers. Genetic studies support the role of both dopamine (DA) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) associated with nicotine-induced cognitive enhancement. Based on knockout mice studies, beta2 nAChRs are thought to be essential in mediating the cognitive effects of nicotine. alpha7nAChRs are associated with attentional and sensory filtering response, especially in schizophrenic individuals. Genetic variation in D2 type DA receptors and the catechol-O-methyltransferase enzyme appears to moderate cognitive deficits induced by smoking abstinence. Serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene variation also moderates nicotine-induced improvement in spatial working memory. Less is known about the contribution of genetic variation in DA transporter and D4 type DA receptor genetic variation on the cognitive effects of nicotine. Future research will provide a clearer understanding of the mechanism underlying the cognitive-enhancing actions of nicotine.
Inhibition of Th2 Adaptive Immune Responses and Pulmonary Inflammation by Leukocyte Ig-Like Receptor B4 on Dendritic Cells

We previously established that the inhibitory receptor LILRB4 mitigates LPS-induced, neutrophil-dependent pathologic effector mechanisms in inflammation. We now report that LILRB4 on dendritic cells (DCs) counterregulates development of an adaptive Th2 immune response and ensuing inflammation in a model of allergic pulmonary inflammation, initiated by inhalation sensitization with OVA and LPS followed by airway challenge with OVA. We found that Lilrb4 −/− mice had significantly exacerbated eosinophilic pulmonary inflammation, as assessed in bronchoalveolar lavage and lung tissue, as well as elevated levels of OVA-specific IgE and Th2 cytokines produced by OVA-restimulated lymph node cells. LILRB4 was preferentially expressed on MHC class II high CD86 high OVA-bearing DCs in lung-draining lymph nodes after sensitization or challenge. Moreover, the lymph nodes of Lilrb4 −/− mice had significantly more of these mature DCs after challenge with OVA, which was accompanied by significantly more IL-4–producing lymphocytes, compared with Lilrb4 +/+ mice. Sensitization of naive Lilrb4 +/+ mice by transfer of OVA-LPS-pulsed Lilrb4 −/− bone marrow-derived DCs was sufficient to confer exacerbated allergic lung pathology upon challenge with OVA, compared with mice that received Lilrb4 +/+ bone marrow-derived DCs. Our findings establish that maturation and migration of pulmonary DCs to lymph nodes in response to Ag and an innate immune stimulus is associated with upregulated expression of LILRB4. In addition, this receptor attenuates the number of these mature DCs and attendant IL-4–producing lymphocytes in the lymph nodes, and accordingly, the ability of DCs to elicit pathologic Th2 pulmonary inflammation.
The Concept of Equifinality in Taphonomy

The term "equifinality" was coined by Ludwig von Bertalanffy as he worked to develop general system theory. In 1949 he defined equifinality as reaching the "same final state from different initial states" in an open system, one capable of "exchanging materials with its environment. " Taphonomists have typically defined equifinality as reaching the same final state from different initial conditions and in different ways, without consideration of whether a system was open or closed. Natural historical processes involving organic tissues comprise open systems. Whether two alternate taphonomic hypotheses can be distinguished or not can be construed as a problem of taphonomic equifinality, or it can be construed as a problem of statistical indistinguishability. For both, the epistemological problem reduces to one of classification. The production of much greater knowledge and understanding of the many reasons (cause-effect relations) why skeletal part frequencies vary has resulted from use of the equifinality concept because that concept demands innovative analyses of previously unimagined variables.
The Use of the Silicon Transistors as Damage Monitors in Reactor Neutron Metrology

Measurements of neutron induced damage to silicon bipolar transistors using Cf-252 sources have been performed in order to establish a technique for use in fast neutron metrology. A general purpose n-p-n bipolar transistor (PN2222A) was chosen as the radiation damage monitor, and the change in inverse d. c. current gain before and after irradiation was chosen as the damage parameter for the measurements. A controlled annealing cycle after retrieval of transistors from the exposure and prior to gain measurements was carried out to overcome the problem of partial annealing of damage during exposure.
E-Predict: a computational strategy for species identification based on observed DNA microarray hybridization patterns

DNA microarrays may be used to identify microbial species present in environmental and clinical samples. However, automated tools for reliable species identification based on observed microarray hybridization patterns are lacking. We present an algorithm, E-Predict, for microarray-based species identification. E-Predict compares observed hybridization patterns with theoretical energy profiles representing different species. We demonstrate the application of the algorithm to viral detection in a set of clinical samples and discuss its relevance to other metagenomic applications.
Brain photoreceptor pathways contributing to circadian rhythmicity in crayfish.

Freshwater crayfish have three known photoreceptive systems: the compound eyes, extraretinal brain photoreceptors, and caudal photoreceptors. The primary goal of the work described here was to explore the contribution of the brain photoreceptors to circadian locomotory activity and define some of the underlying neural pathways. Immunocytochemical studies of the brain photoreceptors in the parastacid (southern hemisphere) crayfish Cherax destructor reveal their expression of the blue light-sensitive photopigment cryptochrome and the neurotransmitter histamine. The brain photoreceptors project to two small protocerebral neuropils, the brain photoreceptor neuropils (BPNs), where they terminate among fibers expressing the neuropeptide pigment-dispersing hormone (PDH), a signaling molecule in arthropod circadian systems. Comparable pathways are also described in the astacid (northern hemisphere) crayfish Procambarus clarkii. Despite exhibiting markedly different diurnal locomotor activity rhythms, removal of t...
ET or EC? [SETI@Home project]

Discusses the SETI@Home project and the problems caused by ethically challenged (EC) participants who attempt to cheat and send back fake results in order to improve their ranking on the project Web site.
Lithium 2‐Lithiophenoxide

[55274-02-7] C6H4Li2O (MW 105.98) InChI = 1S/C6H5O.2Li/c7-6-4-2-1-3-5-6;;/h1-4,7H;;/q;;+1/p-1 InChIKey = MJBRTMMRTNBFTK-UHFFFAOYSA-M (reacts with electrophiles to give substituted phenols) Solubility: sol ethereal solvents. Preparative Methods: conveniently prepared and used in situ by one of two methods. The first reported preparation1 involves the treatment of o-bromophenol with n-Butyllithium at 25 °C to generate the dilithio species (eq 1). A subsequent report2 described an alternative preparation by directed ortho deprotonation of phenol with tert-Butyllithium (eq 2). (1) (2) Handling, Storage, and Precautions: moisture sensitive; freshly prepare before use. Long term stability has not been determined. Reactions should be run under an inert atmosphere.
Energetics in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract Mitochondria have been linked to both necrotic and apoptotic cell death, which are thought to have a major role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent evidence shows that nuclear gene defects affecting mitochondrial function have a role in the pathogenesis of Friedreich's ataxia, Wilson's disease and hereditary spastic paraplegia. There is also accumulating evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction might have a role in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. If this is so, a number of therapeutic targets are implicated that might result in novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Free to Be Me? Black Professors, White Institutions

This study examines the identity negotiation and communication strategies that Black professors employ when interacting in predominantly White institutional settings. Data were collected through a ...
Vinyl chloride from acetylene and hydrogen chloride: Catalytic-rate studies

The reaction rate of gaseous acetylene and hydrogen chloride was studied experimentally on a mercuric chloride–activated carbon catalyst at pressures from 1 to 4 atm. and temperatures of 167°, 212°, and 257°F. The measurements were made in a differential reactor packed with mercuric chloride impregnated on activated carbon, the data being taken to obtain the separate effect of the partial pressure of each of the components on the rate. The results indicated that hydrogen chloride was strongly adsorbed on the catalyst and that vinyl chloride was also adsorbed to a significant extent. A rate equation, which well represented the data, was developed from the following postulates: (a) acetylene is adsorbed on the catalyst on one type of site, (b) hydrogen chloride and vinyl chloride are adsorbed on a different kind of site, (c) the formation of vinyl chloride occurs by reaction of adsorbed acetylene and adsorbed hydrogen chloride, and (d) the rates of adsorption and desorption are fast compared with the formation rate of vinyl chloride.
Characterization of molybdenum thin films for micromechanical structures

Characteristics of sputter-deposition, patterning, and sacrificial-layer etching for the formation of free-standing molybdenum structures are described. Stress measurement, etching, and deposition techniques are discussed. It is shown that sacrificial layer material has a strong influence on residual stress, and that long sacrificial layer etching times degrade film quality. For these reasons, aluminum is superior to SiO/sub 2/ as a sacrificial layer for molybdenum. Appropriate wet and dry etching processes have been developed for patterning molybdenum and for removing the sacrificial layer. It is found that sputtering current and speed of rotation have little effect on film stress. These and other parameters are characterized so as to give control of film stress as deposited. X-ray diffraction measurements have revealed that the orientation of metal grain is determined by the direction of wafer rotation under the sputtering target. >
Determination of the Wiener molecular branching index for the general tree

Abstract : Contemporary chemistry is focusing to an ever-increasing extent on the relationships between the structure of molecules and their physicochemical properties. In particular, there has been widespread usage of topological graphs and matrices for the characterization of both individual molecular species and a variety of intermolecular interactions. Our prime focus of interest here will center on the distance matrix, and more especially on its derivation for the important class of graphs commonly referred to as chemical trees. The many applications of the distance matrix, D(G), and the Wiener branching index, W(G), in chemistry are briefly outlined. W(G) is defined as one half the sum of all the entries in D(G). A recursion formula is developed enabling W(G) to be evaluated for any molecule whose graph G exists in the form of a tree. This formula, which represents the first general recursion formula for trees of any kind, is valid irrespective of the valence of the vertices of G or of the degree of branching in G. Several closed expressions giving W(G) for special classes of tree molecules are derived from the general formula. One illustrative worked example is also presented. Finally, it is shown how the presence of an arbitrary number of heteroatoms in tree-like molecules can readily be accommodated within our general formula by appropriately weighting the vertices and edges of G.
Linear Baroclinic Instability in Extended Regime Geostrophic Models

The linear wave and baroclinic instability properties of various geostrophic models valid when the Rossby number is small are investigated. The models are the ‘‘L1’’ dynamics, the ‘‘geostrophic potential vorticity’’ equations, and the more familiar quasigeostrophic and planetary geostrophic equations. Multilayer shallow water equations are used as a control. The goal is to determine whether these models accurately portray linear baroclinic instability properties in various geophysically relevant parameter regimes, in a highly idealized and limited set of cases. The L1 and geostrophic potential vorticity models are properly balanced (devoid of inertio-gravity waves, except possibly at solid boundaries), valid on the b plane, and contain both quasigeostrophy and planetary geostrophy as limits in different parameter regimes; hence, they are appropriate models for phenomena that span the deformation and planetary scales of motion. The L1 model also includes the ‘‘frontal geostrophic’’ equations as a third limit. In fact, the choice to investigate such relatively unfamiliar models is motivated precisely by their applicability to multiple scales of motion. The models are cast in multilayer form, and the dispersion properties and eigenfunctions of wave modes and baroclinic instabilities produced are found numerically. It is found that both the L1 and geostrophic potential vorticity models have sensible linear stability properties with no artifactual instabilities or divergences. Their growth rates are very close to those of the shallow water equations in both quasigeostrophic and planetary geostrophic parameter regimes. The growth rate of baroclinic instability in the planetary geostrophic equations is shown to be generally less than the growth rate of the other models near the deformation radius. The growth rate of the planetary geostrophic equations diverges at high wavenumbers, but it is shown how this is ameliorated by the presence of the relative vorticity term in the geostrophic potential vorticity equations.
Low-bending-loss single-mode fibers for fiber-to-the-home

Recent progress on low-bending-loss single-mode optical fibers for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) is reviewed. Designing and manufacturing for three types of fibers-a step-index-profile fiber, a trench-index-profile fiber, and a holey fiber-are discussed. The trench-index-profile fibers and the holey fibers are confirmed to be candidates for indoor wiring because of their low bending losses, as well as splice losses.
Low-Income Single Fathers in an African American Community and the Requirements of Welfare Reform

This study examines the impact of state welfare reform policies on the paternal involvement of low-income single fathers. Life history interviews were conducted with 40 African American fathers participating in a community-based parenting program in Chicago. Men's rightful claims to fatherhood were constructed through voluntary involvement with their children and enforced paternity establishment. Welfare policies gave precedence to child support and providing and dismissed fathers' in-kind caregiving. Policy requirements reflected limited understanding of related caregiving and providing aspects of fatherhood as they vary across race and class. Family welfare policies that prioritize finances over care may curtail paternal involvement altogether; they may also adversely affect the well-being of poor children, who could benefit from the potential commitment of their fathers.