cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neurofibromatosis-1 Heterozygosity Increases Microglia in a Spatially- and Temporally-Restricted Pattern Relevant to Mouse Optic Glioma Formation and Growth

Whereas carcinogenesis requires the acquisition of driver mutations in progenitor cells, tumor growth and progression are heavily influenced by the local microenvironment. Previous studies from our laboratory have used Neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1) genetically engineered mice to characterize the role of stromal cells and signals to optic glioma formation and growth. Previously, we have shown that Nf1+/- microglia in the tumor microenvironment are critical cellular determinants of optic glioma proliferation. To define the role of microglia in tumor formation and maintenance further, we used CD11b-TK mice, in which resident brain microglia (CD11b+, CD68+, Iba1+, CD45low cells) can be ablated at specific times after ganciclovir administration. Ganciclovir-mediated microglia reduction reduced Nf1 optic glioma proliferation during both tumor maintenance and tumor development. We identified the developmental window during which microglia are increased in the Nf1+/- optic nerve and demonstrated that this accumulation reflected delayed microglia dispersion. The increase in microglia in the Nf1+/- optic nerve was associated with reduced expression of the chemokine receptor, CX3CR1, such that reduced Cx3cr1 expression in Cx3cr1-GFP heterozygous knockout mice led to a similar increase in optic nerve microglia. These results establish a critical role for microglia in the development and maintenance of Nf1 optic glioma.
A result on integral symmetric matrices

Let A be an integral matrix such that det A = 1 mod m A ≡ AT mod m, where m is odd. It is shown that a symmetric integral matrix B of determinant 1 exists such that B ≡ A mod m. The result is false if m is even.
Mycosporine‐Like Amino Acid Intercalibration Effort Using Replicate Samples

The measurement of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) has several inherent problems, including the lack of commercial standards for identification and quantification. This symposium provided the opportunity to coordinate analyses with six laboratories actively involved in MAA research. Two samples were provided to each laboratory and included freeze-dried nori (Porphyra sp.) and a freeze-dried (filtered) sample of the cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa Kutzing. Each laboratory provided extraction methodologies, chromatograms of the identified peaks, as well as estimates of the concentration of each analyte. All laboratories were able to identify major chromatographic components of the samples (Porphyra: shinorine, porphyra, mycosporine 2-glycine, asterina, palythine; Microcystis: shinorine, porphyra). Sequential cold (4 °C for 18 h) and hot (45 °C for 2 h) extractions of the same sample resulted in differing analyte recovery. Several currently unidentified compounds were observed in freshwater samples.
Independence of the differentiation of masculine and feminine sexual behavior in rats

Abstract Male rats received Silastic implants of the aromatase inhibitor, 1,4,6-androstatriene-3, 17-dione (ATD), on days 2–10 of life. Controls received blank implants. There were no differences in the masculine sexual behavior of ATD and control males when they were tested as gonadally intact adults. In contrast, even without exogenous hormone treatment, nine of 14 ATD males exhibited lordosis behavior, whereas only one of 12 controls did so. In addition, during a sexual preference test in which access was provided to both a sexually receptive female and to a stud male, there was no difference in the proportions of ATD ( 11 14 ) and control ( 7 12 ) males that copulated with the stimulus female; however, seven of the ATD males also exhibited feminine sexual behavior including some instances of solicitation. Only one of the control males showed any lordosis behavior. In general, all animals spent more time with the stimulus female than with the stud male. At the termination of preference testing, all animals were castrated and then tested twice for feminine sexual behavior under exogenous estradiol benzoate and progesterone. All of the ATD males showed lordosis behavior with a mean lordosis quotient (LQ) of 85; and 11 of the 14 also showed solicitation behavior. Only five of 12 control males exhibited lordosis ( X LQ = 59 ) and only one showed solicitation behavior. These results indicate that the propensity of males to show feminine sexual behavior can be manipulated independently of the capacity for masculine sexual behavior. Moreover, our results suggest that the process of defeminization may occur primarily postnatally in rats since treatment during that period results in substantial increments in later feminine sexual behavior including solicitation behaviors.
A theoretical comparison of CO bonding on the Fe(100) surface

Abstract Unrestricted Hartree-Fock (UHF) cluster calculations with the Constrained Space Orbital Variation (CSOV) analysis are used to compare the bonding in vertical on-top, vertical bridging and tilted CO on the Fe(100) surface. Large charge transfers and strong back donation effects are found in the tilted CO cluster consistent with the expectation that this structure is a precursor to CO dissociation. The UHF calculations also reveal that mainly minority spin Fe d electrons are donated to the CO π ∗ orbitals. A qualitative interpretation of the recent spin polarized photoemission spectra for tilted CO on Fe(100) is presented.
Explaining Disproportionately High Rates of Adverse Birth Outcomes among African Americans: The Impact of Stress, Racism, and Related Factors in Pregnancy.

Compared with European Americans, African American infants experience disproportionately high rates of low birth weight and preterm delivery and are more than twice as likely to die during their 1st year of life. The authors examine 5 explanations for these differences in rates of adverse birth outcomes: (a) ethnic differences in health behaviors and socioeconomic status; (b) higher levels of stress in African American women; (c) greater susceptibility to stress in African Americans; (d) the impact of racism acting either as a contributor to stress or as a factor that exacerbates stress effects; and (e) ethnic differences in stress-related neuroendocrine, vascular, and immunological processes. The review of literature indicates that each explanation has some merit, although none is sufficient to explain ethnic disparities in adverse birth outcomes. There is a lack of studies examining the impact of such factors jointly and interactively. Recommendations and cautions for future research are offered.
Time to relapse following treatment for methamphetamine use: A long-term perspective on patterns and predictors

Abstract Introduction This paper describes methamphetamine (MA) use patterns, specifically the duration of continuing abstinence (“time to relapse”) for periods averaging 5 years post-discharge from treatment for MA use, and the relationship with selected user and treatment characteristics. Methods A sample of 350 treatment admissions from a large county substance use disorder (SUD) treatment system was randomly selected (within gender, race/ethnicity, treatment modality strata). Retrospective self-report data are from natural history interviews (NHI) conducted approximately 3 years after treatment and a follow-up of 2–3 years later. Relapse is defined as any use of MA with time as the number of months of continuous MA abstinence after treatment discharge until relapse. This outcome was constructed from a monthly MA use timeline using NHI data. A Cox model was used to examine time to relapse and predictors. Results Sixty-one percent of the sample relapsed to MA use within 1 year after treatment discharge and 14% during years 2–5. Significant protective factors predicting longer time to relapse included having experienced serious MA-related psychiatric/behavioral problems (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.75, p = 0.027), longer duration of the index treatment episode (HR = 0.93, p = 0.001), and participating in self-help or other treatment during the post-treatment abstinence period (HR = 0.29, p Conclusions Results contribute a long-term perspective on patterns of MA use following treatment and support a need for early post-treatment and long-term continuing care and relapse-prevention services.
The Use of Biologic Scaffolds in the Treatment of Chronic Nonhealing Wounds

Significance: Injuries to the skin as a result of illness or injury, particularly chronic nonhealing wounds, present a major healthcare problem. Traditional wound care approaches attempt to control the underlying causes, such as infection and ischemia, while the application of wound dressings aims to modify a poorly healing wound environment into a microenvironment more closely resembling an acute wound allowing the body to heal the wound naturally. Recent Advances: Regenerative medicine approaches, such as the use of biologic scaffold materials comprising an intact extracellular matrix (ECM) or individual components of the ECM, are providing new therapeutic options that focus upon the provision of biochemical cues that alter the wound microenvironment to facilitate rapid restoration of normal skin architecture. Critical Issues: The incidence of chronic nonhealing wounds continues to increase. For example, between 15% and 20% of diabetics are likely to develop chronic, nonhealing foot wounds creating an increasing burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Future Directions: Developing a thorough understanding of wound microenvironment and the mechanisms by which biologic scaffolds work in vivo has the potential to markedly improve outcomes in the clinical translation for the treatment of chronic wounds.
An experimental appraisal of the load-deformation properties of A325 high-strength bolts

Current specifications and testing procedures of high-strength bolts are based on the results of early research performed in the late 1950s and the early 1960s using the testing technology available at that time. Within the past few decades, the development of new, advanced testing equipment and computerized data acquisition systems has brought about significantly improved capabilities for materials testing. In light of these advancements, conducting a new set of bolt tests was considered essential in appraising the load deformation properties of high-strength bolts using the new testing technology. In this study, samples of randomly obtained A325 high-strength bolts were tested in accordance with the ASTM standard test methods, utilizing a servo controlled universal testing machine and a computerized data acquisition system. This equipment differs from that used in the early research in the accuracy of the data collected and the existence of many available options for specimen loading. The new testing technology provides an easy determination of the yield point, the proof load, and ductility of the bolts. The study aimed at experimentally determining the load-deformation properties of high-strength bolts and comparing them with those generated by early research. The proof load, the yield strength, and the teasile strength obtained were much higher than the specified ASTM and AISC values. Additional studies were pursued to gain an improved understanding of the behavior of the bolts as affected by the exposed thread length in the grip. The tested bolts showed higher strength and lower ductility as the number of the thread exposed in the grip length decreased.
Systemic mastocytosis with plasma cell dyscrasia: Report of a case

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) comprises a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by infiltration of bone marrow and other tissues by neoplastic mast cells. A subset of patients with SM has associated hematologic malignancy usually of myeloid origin and comprises an entity termed systemic mastocytosis with associated clonal hematological non-mast cell lineage disease (SM-AHNMD) by the current WHO classification. Reports of clonal lymphoid malignancies associated with SM are rare. We describe a patient who was simultaneously diagnosed with indolent SM and a plasma cell dyscrasia fitting the definition of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). We also discuss the pathologic interaction between the neoplastic mast cells of SM and the lymphoid/plasma cell malignancy when these two entities coexist.
Tissue engineering: a glue for biomaterials.

Wall paint gives the best result if the surface is primed with an undercoat. The same concept, applied to biomaterials, yields successful fixation of implant and tissue integration.
High School Economic Education and Access to Financial Services

This study provides a long-term assessment of economic education by examining an individual's decision to have a bank account. Using the results of a nationwide telephone survey, high school courses in economics and business reduced the probability that an adult was unbanked, ceteris paribus. In addition, adults who demonstrated a higher level of understanding of basic economic concepts were less likely to be unbanked. The results indicated that an individual's understanding of the economic system was as important as formal coursework in explaining access to basic financial services.
The Value of Chlorine in Producing Low Bacterial Count Milk

Summary Seven cows were used to determine the value of using a chlorine solution for washing udders and rinsing milking machine teat cups. Bacterial counts were made as follows on (1) water in which the teats had been dipped, (2) samples of wash water, (3) milk samples, and (4) samples of water used to rinse the teat cups after they had been dipped. The use of chlorine in the wash water and teat cup rinse water reduced the number of bacteria in the wash water 93.8 per cent, in the teat rinse water 36.2 per cent, in the milk 34.2 per cent, and in the teat cup rinse water 42.7 per cent. While the bacterial count of the milk produced without the use of chlorine is fairly low and well within the limits set by the Standard Milk Ordinance, the value of chlorine under less sanitary conditions is clearly evidenced. The use of chlorine in udder wash water and in teat cup rinse water in the milking procedure is beneficial in reducing the number of bacteria in the milk produced.
Paradigm Shifts, Rock Art Studies, and the “Coso Sheep Cult” of Eastern California

One of the more spectacular expressions of prehistoric rock art in all of North America is the petroglyph concentration in the Coso Range of eastern California. These glyphs have played a prominent role in attempts to understand forager religious iconography. Four decades ago, Heizer and Baumhoff (1962) concluded that Great Basin petroglyphs were associated with hunting large game and were intended to supernaturally increase success in the hunt. Similarly, in their seminal work Grant et al. (1968) concluded that the mountain sheep drawings of the Coso region bolstered the “hunting magic” hypothesis. However, this hypothesis has become increasingly marginalized by a prevailing view that considers most rock art as an expression of individual shamanistic endeavor (cf. Lewis-Williams and Dowson, 1988; Whitley, 1994; Whitley and Loendorf, 1994). This article explores comparative ethnologic and archaeological evidence supporting the hunting magic hypothesis. I place this explanatory framework in a larger contex...
A note on A comparative analysis of Rorschach forms with altered stimulus characteristics by E. E. Baughman.

(1955). A Note on “A Comparative Analysis of Rorschach Forms with Altered Stimulus Characteristics” by E. E. Baughman. Journal of Projective Techniques: Vol. 19, No. 4, pp. 465-466.
On Helicases and other motor proteins

Helicases are molecular machines that utilize energy derived from ATP hydrolysis to move along nucleic acids and to separate base-paired nucleotides. The movement of the helicase can also be described as a stationary helicase that pumps nucleic acid. Recent structural data for the hexameric E1 helicase of papillomavirus in complex with single-stranded DNA and MgADP has provided a detailed atomic and mechanistic picture of its ATP-driven DNA translocation. The structural and mechanistic features of this helicase are compared with the hexameric helicase prototypes T7gp4 and SV40 T-antigen. The ATP-binding site architectures of these proteins are structurally similar to the sites of other prototypical ATP-driven motors such as F1-ATPase, suggesting related roles for the individual site residues in the ATPase activity.
Bretylium tosylate enhances salt taste

Bretylium tosylate (BT), an antifibrillary drug, was found to potentiate the taste of NaCl and LiCl in both humans and rats. Application of 1 mM BT (pH 6.3) to the human tongue statistically potentiated the taste of 0.2 M NaCl and 0.2 M LiCl by 33.5% and 12.5% respectively. Electrophysiological taste responses from nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) in rat for both hyposmotic and hyperosmotic concentrations of NaCl and 0.1 M LiCl were also increased by 30 to 40% after application of 1 mM BT. This potentiation induced by BT was reduced by amiloride in both humans and rats. Furthermore, amiloride became ineffective in inhibiting taste responses to NaCl in the presence of BT.
Relationship of early infant state measures to behavior over the first year of life in the tufted capuchin monkey (Cebus apella)

Data on activity states were collected from 29 group-housed capuchin monkey (Cebus apella) infants for 3 h each week from birth to 11 weeks of age. The amounts of time spent in sleeping/drowsy, alert-quiet, and alert-active states were measured in these subjects. Videotaped observations of these infants were recorded 3 times/week in the home cage over the first year of life and were scored for a number of social and exploratory behaviors. The extent to which early infant activity state scores predicted later behavior in the home cage was examined. Infant state measures correlated significantly with home cage behavior during months 2-6 in that infants that had been more active in early infancy spent more time alone, with other animals, and in exploration and play and less time with mothers than did quieter infants. Early state measures were less successful in predicting home cage scores beyond 8 months of age, whereas differences in behavior attributable to housing variables became more salient in the latter part of the first year. There was also a negative correlation between mother and infant activity in months 2 and 3, in that more sedentary mothers tended to have more active infants.
Hyaluronic acid: the role of divalent cations in conformation and packing.

Abstract X-ray diffraction data typical of helical structures have been obtained from strontium and calcium salts of hyaluronic acid. The data indicate three disaccharides in each helix repeat with an average pitch of 2.84 nm and therefore suggest a conformational similarity with other highly extended hyaluronate polymorphs, the packing of which in crystalline arrays is influenced both by the particular cation involved and by the extent of hydration. Intensity data from a high humidity calcium salt were used in a detailed structure refinement. Six chains were found to pack in a trigonal unit cell with symmetry P 3 2 12 and dimensions a = b = 2.093 nm, c = 2.830 nm. The polyanion conformation is stabilized by O(3) A O(5) B and O(4) B O(5) A hydrogen bonds across the (1 → 4) and (1 → 3) linkages, respectively. Both crystallographic and steric considerations imply a non-equivalence of the three disaccharide residues in each helix turn. Adjacent antiparallel chains are tied together through COO − Ca 2+  − OOC bridges while the co-ordination of each Ca 2+ ion is completed by three pairs of dyadically related water molecules. These water molecules are also extensively hydrogen-bonded to the polyanions. Sensitivity of the a and b unit cell dimensions to the ambient relative humidity further supports the conclusion that water of hydration surrounds the polyanions. Consideration of isolation and purification procedures together with elemental analysis for a large number of hyaluronate samples demonstrates the importance of divalent cations, even in small quantities, in inducing extended 3-fold helical conformations. If interactions between chain segments have a role in determining the properties of hyaluronate-containing tissues and fluids then it is likely, because of the abundant calcium which is also present, that any polymer secondary structures usually will be similar to the conformer described in this study.
Effect of the initial orientation on the reaction attributes for Li + FH → Lif + H on an AB initio surface

Results of a three-dimensional quasiclassical trajectory investigation of the orientation dependence of the reaction cross section and the product energy distribution are reported for the title reaction on an ab initio potential-energy surface. The reaction is preferred at the F end rather than at the H end of the molecule. Also, the attack by the Li atom at the F end of the molecule leads to a large product rotational excitation while a broadside attack favors a higher vibrational excitation. This is attributed to the collissions occuring at larger impact parameters for the former than for the latter.
Dityrosine as a product of oxidative stress and fluorescent probe.

Dityrosine can be a natural component of protein structure, a product of environmental stress, or a product of in vitro protein modification. It is both a cross-link and a fluorescent probe that reports structural and functional information on the cross-linked protein molecule. Diverse reactions produce tyrosyl radicals, which in turn may couple to yield dityrosine. Identification and quantitation of dityrosine in protein hydrolysates usually employs reversed phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) or gas chromatography. RP-HPLC of protein hydrolysates that have been derivatized with dabsyl chloride gives a complete amino acid analysis that includes dityrosine and 3-nitrotyrosine. Calmodulin, which contains a single pair of tyrosyl residues, undergoes both photoactivated and enzyme-catalyzed dityrosine formation. Polarization measurements, employing the intrinsic fluorescence of dityrosine, and catalytic activity determinations show how different patterns of inter- and intramolecular cross-linking affect the interactions of calmodulin with Ca2+ and enzymes.
First-principles theory of frozen-ion flexoelectricity

We demonstrate that the frozen-ion contribution to the flexoelectric coefficient is given solely in terms of the sum of third moments of the charge-density distortions induced by atomic displacements, even for ferroelectric or piezoelectric materials. We introduce several practical supercell-based methods for calculating these coefficients from first principles, and demonstrate them by computing the coefficients for C, Si, MgO, NaCl, SrTiO${}_{3}$, BaTiO${}_{3}$, and PbTiO${}_{3}$. Three important subtleties associated with pseudopotentials, the treatment of surfaces, and the calculation of transverse components are also discussed.
1 Classification of childhood arthritis: a work in progress

The classification of chronic childhood arthritis has challenged physicians for a century. Currently used classifications are all based on clinical characteristics and because they are frequently used imprecisely, communication of scientific data has been difficult. The new classification of the International League of Associations of Rheumatologists (ILAR) represents the results of an international effort to clarify the classification of this group of diseases based on identification of clinically homogeneous groups. This classification process is ongoing, and will reflect the results of scientifically based studies as they become available.
An alternate linear algorithm for the minimum flow problem

We present an alternate linear algorithm for finding the minimum flow in (s, t)-planar networks using a new concept of minimal removable sets developed here. The iterative nature of the algorithm facilitates the adjustment of solutions for systems in developmental stages. The minimum flow algorithm presented here requires O(|V|) time, where V denotes the set of vertices. The minimum flow problem arises in many transportation and communication systems.
The “area centralis” of the owl monkey (Aotes trivirgatus)

Abstract Using the method of enzymatic digestion, the vascular architecture of the central retina has been studied inRhesus and in the nocturnal owl monkey,Aotes. Whereas the central area of the Rhesus retina exhibits an avascular zone, the corresponding region inAotes is supplied with a continuous capillary network derived from the retinal vessels. In addition, theAotes retina is afoveate and relatively uniform histologically, i.e. as regards the distribution of receptors and neuronal cells. Thus, the central retina ofAotes possesses none of the structural features common to thearea centralis of diurnal monkeys. These findings are discussed in relation to theories concerning the functional significance of the anthropoid fovea. Some observations have been made also on the nature of the photoreceptors inAotes. Although the percipient elements are predominantly rods, a number of cone cells can be detected in thin sections cut from both central and peripheral retina. The possibility that these cones subserve photopic vision inAotes is considered.
The isomers of phenalene and their singlet and triplet states: A Hartree–Fock and density functional computational investigation

Abstract Each of the isomers of phenalene, 1 H -, 2 H -, 3a H -, and 9b H -phenalene, as well as the cation, neutral radical, and anion in the phenalenyl system, have been examined at the Hartree–Fock 6-31G(d) and the density functional B3LYP/6-31G(d) levels of theory. The structures and properties of the phenalenes were determined as both singlets and triplets. While the data indicate that both the 9b H - and the 1 H -isomer will exist as ground state singlets, the 2 H - and 3a H -phenalenes are predicted to exist as ground state triplets; only the synthesis of the 1 H -isomer has been reported in the literature. Structurally, 1 H - and 2 H -phenalene are planar systems, 3a H - and 9b H -phenalene are non-planar systems puckered at the saturated carbon, and the cation, neutral radical, and anion of phenalenyl are planar D 3h systems.
Inactivity as a major factor in adult obesity

Abstract Daily activities of seven obese and six lean subjects were studied by recording time in bed, the time out of bed, and the time standing. A new device was developed and described to measure the time spent in the upright standing position. This simple clock timer depends the 90° angle change from sitting to standing. It was found that the obese subjects spend 15 per cent less time each day on their feet and 17 per cent less time while they are out of bed on their feet. The obese subjects also spend significantly more time in bed than the lean subjects.
The Book of GENESIS: Exploring Realistic Neural Models with the GEneral NEural SImulation System

This publication explains how to use the GENESIS simulation/modeling software system available through the Internet file-server at the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA. The first part of the book consists of edited contributions from an international team of neural networks researchers working with GENESIS. They show the user the kind of models/simulations which can be created by using the software. The second part is a step-by-step tutorial for all professionals, researchers and students working in the area of neural networks and the cognitive sciences.
Near-IR absorption transition of 3H4 to 3F2 for UCl62− complex in M2ZrCl6 host crystals (M = K+, Rb+, and Cs+): an experimental and theoretical study

Abstract The near-IR electronic transition from ground-state Г 1 of 3H4 to the excited-state Г 3 of 3F2 for the UCl62− complex in three M2ZrCl6 host crystals (M = K+, Rb+, and Cs+) has been investigated experimentally and theoretically. The vibration frequency of the excited state is found to be sensitive to the alkaline ion substitution and the frequency variation follows the trend predicted by the ‘counterion effect’. In contrast to previous studies, the apparent anomaly in the intensity ratio of the two vibronic peaks from the prediction of a Boltzmann distribution relationship is attributed to the vibration frequency difference between the ground and the excited state. This new interpretation is supported by computer simulation of the experimental optical spectra.
Distinct effector memory CD4+ T cell signatures in latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, BCG vaccination and clinically resolved tuberculosis.

Two billion people worldwide are estimated to be latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and are at risk for developing active tuberculosis since Mtb can reactivate to cause TB disease in immune-compromised hosts. Individuals with latent Mtb infection (LTBI) and BCG-vaccinated individuals who are uninfected with Mtb, harbor antigen-specific memory CD4+ T cells. However, the differences between long-lived memory CD4+ T cells induced by latent Mtb infection (LTBI) versus BCG vaccination are unclear. In this study, we characterized the immune phenotype and functionality of antigen-specific memory CD4+ T cells in healthy BCG-vaccinated individuals who were either infected (LTBI) or uninfected (BCG) with Mtb. Individuals were classified into LTBI and BCG groups based on IFN-γ ELISPOT using cell wall antigens and ESAT-6/CFP-10 peptides. We show that LTBI individuals harbored high frequencies of late-stage differentiated (CD45RA−CD27−) antigen-specific effector memory CD4+ T cells that expressed PD-1. In contrast, BCG individuals had primarily early-stage (CD45RA−CD27+) cells with low PD-1 expression. CD27+ and CD27− as well as PD-1+ and PD-1− antigen-specific subsets were polyfunctional, suggesting that loss of CD27 expression and up-regulation of PD-1 did not compromise their capacity to produce IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2. PD-1 was preferentially expressed on CD27− antigen-specific CD4+ T cells, indicating that PD-1 is associated with the stage of differentiation. Using statistical models, we determined that CD27 and PD-1 predicted LTBI versus BCG status in healthy individuals and distinguished LTBI individuals from those who had clinically resolved Mtb infection after anti-tuberculosis treatment. This study shows that CD4+ memory responses induced by latent Mtb infection, BCG vaccination and clinically resolved Mtb infection are immunologically distinct. Our data suggest that differentiation into CD27−PD-1+ subsets in LTBI is driven by Mtb antigenic stimulation in vivo and that CD27 and PD-1 have the potential to improve our ability to evaluate true LTBI status.
The effect of various drugs on caries and periodontal disease in albino hamsters

Abstract Young albino hamsters, which harbour a cariogenic microflora, develop caries when fed a high-carbohydrate low-fat diet. Caries inhibitors are evaluated on the basis of their potential to arrest active lesions in first and second molars, and to prevent lesions in third molars after eruption. Penicillin arrested lesions and prevented new lesion formation. Thiostrepton (crystalline) was not cariostatic. Sodium fluoride was more effective in preventing new lesions than in arresting older ones. Sodium metabisulfite retarded activity. Diabasic sodium phosphate and sodium phytate were not effective inhibitors. Numerous attempts were made to implant a cariogenic streptomycin-resistant streptococcus in the mouth of test animals in order to find the effect of the various agents on the microflora. Early failures with these implantations, presumably due to lowered pathogenicity of the streptomycin-resistant streptococcus, were later overcome by development of more virulent strains. Penicillin depressed these streptococci, but sodium fluoride and phosphates did not. Caries tended to recur following withdrawal of the penicillin and sodium metabisulfite; but cavity-free teeth, as the result of fluoride treatment, continued to remain intact for long periods of time. Penicillin helped to maintain healthy periodontal tissues. Gingival disease and bone resorption was not uncommon in the other groups.
Using metagenomic analyses to estimate the consequences of enrichment bias for pathogen detection.

Enriching environmental samples to increase the probability of detection has been standard practice throughout the history of microbiology. However, by its very nature, the process of enrichment creates a biased sample that may have unintended consequences for surveillance or resolving a pathogenic outbreak. With the advent of next-generation sequencing and metagenomic approaches, the possibility now exists to quantify enrichment bias at an unprecedented taxonomic breadth. We investigated differences in taxonomic profiles of three enriched and unenriched tomato phyllosphere samples taken from three different tomato fields (n = 18). 16S rRNA gene meteganomes were created for each of the 18 samples using 454/Roche’s pyrosequencing platform, resulting in a total of 165,259 sequences. Significantly different taxonomic profiles and abundances at a number of taxonomic levels were observed between the two treatments. Although as many as 28 putative Salmonella sequences were detected in enriched samples, there was no significant difference in the abundance of Salmonella between enriched and unenriched treatments. Our results illustrate that the process of enriching greatly alters the taxonomic profile of an environmental sample beyond that of the target organism. We also found evidence suggesting that enrichment may not increase the probability of detecting a target. In conclusion, our results further emphasize the need to develop metagenomics as a validated culture independent method for pathogen detection.
Lower incidence of hypo-magnesemia in surgical intensive care unit patients in 2011 versus 2001.

Background: Hypo-magnesemia is described to occur in as many as 65% of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Magnesium (Mg) is a cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions involving energy metabolism, protein, and nucleic acid synthesis. The membrane pump that creates the electrical gradient across the cell membrane is dependent on Mg, and it is important in the activity of electrically excitable tissues. Since Mg regulates the movement of calcium in smooth muscle cells, it is also important in peripheral vascular tone and blood pressure. Studies have linked hypo-magnesemia to multiple chronic diseases and to a higher mortality rate. Methods: To explore trends within our own tertiary care surgical ICU, we sampled our patients’ laboratory records in 2001 and in 2011. Hypo-magnesemia in our ICU is defined as an Mg less than 2.0 mg/dL. Results: This retrospective review of all SICU patients from October to December revealed that there was a significant increase (P 2 mg/dL) between 2001 (52.5%) and 2011 (67.0%). Conclusions: There was not only more monitoring of Mg in 2011, but a lower incidence of hypo-Mg compared to 2001. Possible explanations include changing patterns of antibiotic and diuretic use, less amphotericin use, more frequent laboratory surveillance, and better trained ICU practitioners. J Clin Med Res. 2015;7(4):253-256 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jocmr2101w
Behavioral effects of cocaine alone and in combination with ethanol or marijuana in humans

Intranasal cocaine (COC) and oral ethanol (ETOH) were administered to one group of seven research volunteers during daily experimental sessions. Following the determination of baseline subjective and performance measures, an ETOH cocktail (0, 19.4, 38.7 or 58.1 g of ETOH in lemonade) was consumed over a 10-min period. COC hydrochloride (4, 48, 96 mg) was inhaled 35-min after the start of ETOH drinking. In a separate experiment, seven research volunteers received intravenous cocaine and smoked marijuana (MJ), alone and in combination during daily experimental sessions. Following the determination of baseline measures, a 1-g MJ cigarette (0-2.7% delta 9-THC, w/w) was smoked and 13 min after the start of MJ smoking COC hydrochloride (0, 16, 32 mg) was given intravenously. ETOH increased simple-reaction time and decreased DSST trials. COC decreased DSST trials, increased incorrect responses on a list-learning task and attenuated the effect of ETOH on DSST performance. Only combinations of the high COC dose and the high MJ dose increased errors on a repeated acquisition task. Intranasal COC increased ratings of 'Stimulated,' and 'High' and LSD scores on the ARCI which were unaffected by ETOH. Increased ratings of 'Sedated' following ETOH alone were attenuated by intranasal (i.n.) COC. Intravenous COC and smoked MJ alone both increased ratings of 'Stimulated' and 'High.' There was a trend for combinations of i.v. COC and MJ to prolong these elevations. The results suggest that the interactive effects of COC in combination with ETOH or MJ, after acute administration, are subtle and in need of further analyses to better understand polydrug abuse.
Bounds on performance for multiple target tracking

A theoretical lower bound on mean-square-estimation error is derived for tracking in dense multiple-target environments. This family of bounds is computationally tractable, because it does not require computing the optimal estimate. Computational complexity can be traded for tightness of the lower bounds by varying the number of hypotheses considered. The theory can be used to study the fundamental limitations of tracking performance, as an alternative to pursuing an endless quest for better algorithms. However, for some applications, the use of the theory could show that there is substantial room for algorithmic improvement. >
A Multi-Team Extension of the Consensus-Based Bundle Algorithm

The Consensus-Based Bundle Algorithm (CBBA) is incorporated into a hierarchical concept of operation. In the Team CBBA each team of unmanned vehicles plans for all agents in the team to service a set of tasks. This team planning is carried out separately using the traditional CBBA. An “outer-loop” Team CBBA strategy is presented that coordinates planning between teams of agents. The hierarchical structure of the Team CBBA gives an manageable architecture for large numbers of unmanned agents through human centered operations. This is because each (small) team would be managed by a human operator with the Team CBBA coordinating between teams.
Performance comparisons of tunneling field-effect transistors made of InSb, Carbon, and GaSb-InAs broken gap heterostructures

Band-to-band tunneling transistors (TFETs) made of InSb, Carbon, and GaSb-InAs broken gap heterostructures are simulated using an atomistic and full-band quantum transport solver. The performances of two-dimensional single-gate and double-gate devices as well as three-dimensional gate-all-around structures are analyzed and compared to find the most promising TFET design. All transistor types are able to provide a region with a steep subthreshold slope, but despite their low band gap, InSb-and C-based (graphene nanoribbons and carbon nanotubes) devices do not offer high enough ON-currents, contrary to GaSb-InAs broken gap structures. However, the nanoribbon and nanotube TFETs can operate at much lower supply voltages than the III–V transistors.
Phase transitions and heat conduction in post-glacial rebound

SUMMARY We have developed a method for including phase boundary conditions into post-glacial rebound models that allows for conduction of latent heat away from the boundary. This method returns the chemical boundary results if latent heat conducts away from the phase boundary too slowly to allow the transition to proceed, as is commonly argued. This is not necessarily the case, however. For example, the secular change of the geoid and the vertical uplift rates for phase boundaries with latent heat conduction can differ from the chemical boundary results by up to 10 and 15 per cent, respectively. When modelling the phase transition, we consider two scenarios: the latent heat is released either at a narrow boundary that separates the two phases or over a thick mixed region of the two phases. In the case where the phase transition occurs over a thick enough region (5‐10 km), the final results are close to the results obtained by considering a phase boundary that ignores the release of latent heat completely. This thick boundary formulation also suggest that the phase boundaries could respond nearly instantaneously, changing both the elastic load and body Love numbers. However, we have not considered kinetics, the energetics of the mechanisms of the phase transitions, in this formulation. This work suggests a greater knowledge of the kinetics near equilibrium phase transitions is required. A naive calculation indicates that the kinetics will not be a significant factor for post-glacial rebound but will be a limiting factor for earth tides.
Is the Open Way a Better Way? Digital Forensics Using Open Source Tools

The subject of digital forensics can be quite challenging. Digital forensics is in its infancy and teaching digital forensics includes the techniques as well as the tools that assist in the process. This article discusses the tools used in computer forensics, compares an open source tool to two commercial tools, and the advantages and disadvantages of all three tools in an academic environment. A team of four senior students sponsored by two faculty members established the project scope and requirements, presented three prototypes, and detailed the considerations of using open source tools. The same image was used to measure the performance of each software tool. The team found that the three tools provided the same results with different degrees of difficulty. The end results indicate that open source tools are a very good verification of evidence found using other products and should be included in the academic environment
Report on AMSPDC activities and initiatives: 2007 to 2009.

Several academic pediatric organizations have completed strategic planning initiatives in the past couple of years, and AMSPDC has joined those ranks. For AMSPDC, the decision to develop a strategic plan was spurred by the realization that it has never developed mission, vision, or values statements since its founding in 1964, when such statements were not the norm of the day. The strategic planning process began in March 2007, with a day-long facilitated retreat. Past and current officers participated in discussions (and, sometimes, debates) about the purpose of AMSPDC and our future goals. In the next 2 years, teams of chairs suggested and critiqued a variety of mission, vision, and values statements as a framework to guide our future course of action. In March 2009, the membership ratified the following mission, vision, and values statements. The mission of the AMSPDC is to pursue optimal health outcomes of children through the development of successful academic pediatric departments across North America. The vision of the AMSPDC is to be the major voice for academic pediatrics in North America. The AMSPDC upholds the following core values: 1) The rights of all children to high quality health care and optimum health outcomes; 2) Professionalism with one another, colleagues, trainees, and staff; 3) Life-long learning and professional development; 4) Cutting edge discovery and scholarship; 5) Innovative and outcomes-based education and training; 6) Family-centered and culturally competent health care; 7) Advocacy on behalf of children; and 8) Collaborative relationships with other child-focused organizations. Please note that these mission and vision statements include the phrase ‘‘across North America.’’ This is because the membership includes the pediatric department chairs of the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
Product Safety Regulation as a Model for Financial Services Regulation

Because of product safety regulations, exploding toasters and other dangerous products are rare in the American marketplace. Despite the fact that financial products can also be dangerous, with terms as incomprehensible as an electrical wiring diagram, regulation is far less comprehensive. Most financial regulation turns on the identity of the issuer—federal bank, state thrift, and private issuer—rather than on the product itself. Instead of using safety experts, financial products are regulated mainly by agencies whose principal responsibility is to protect the profitability of the financial institutions that issue the products. A Financial Product Safety Commission would provide coherent regulation of financial products, eliminating their most dangerous features.
Influence of Interpersonal Violence and Community Chaos on Stress Reactions in Children

This study evaluated the separate and additive contributions of direct violent victimization, witnessed violence, and community chaos to children's posttraumatic stress reactions and behavior problems. Participants were 181 African American youths residing in low-income urban communities. Regression analyses revealed direct victimization to be most predictive of behavior problems and community chaos most predictive of posttraumatic stress reactions in children. Path models established community chaos as a mediator of the relation between witnessed violence and posttraumatic stress reactions and the relation between witnessed violence and behavior problems. Community chaos did not mediate the relation between direct victimization and posttraumatic stress reactions or behavior problems; however, a significant direct contribution of violent victimization to behavior problems was established. Findings support the emphasis placed on community chaos and instability in exacerbating stress reactions in the presen...
The Adolescent Brain

Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by suboptimal decisions and actions that are associated with an increased incidence of unintentional injuries, violence, substance abuse, unintended pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases. Traditional neurobiological and cognitive explanations for adolescent behavior have failed to account for the nonlinear changes in behavior observed during adolescence, relative to both childhood and adulthood. This review provides a biologically plausible model of the neural mechanisms underlying these nonlinear changes in behavior. We provide evidence from recent human brain imaging and animal studies that there is a heightened responsiveness to incentives and socioemotional contexts during this time, when impulse control is still relatively immature. These findings suggest differential development of bottom-up limbic systems, implicated in incentive and emotional processing, to top-down control systems during adolescence as compared to childhood and adulthood. This developmental pattern may be exacerbated in those adolescents prone to emotional reactivity, increasing the likelihood of poor outcomes.
GM-CSF provides autocrine protection for murine alveolar epithelial cells from oxidant-induced mitochondrial injury

Exposure of mice to hyperoxia induces alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) injury, acute lung injury and death. Overexpression of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in the lung pro...
An investigation of dynamic pulse buckling of thick rings

An extension to the linearized analytical solution is made using a finite difference scheme which incorporates a non linear moment curvature relationship to model the effects of elastoplastic behavior and strain rate reversal on the buckle formation. The finite lement solution to the problem is formulated with the non linear code, ADINA