cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of centrosome abnormalities and angiogenesis in epidermal‐targeted p53172H mutant and p53‐knockout mice after chemical carcinogenesis: Evidence for a gain of function

We previously developed a transgenic mouse model that expresses in the epidermis a murine p53172R-->H mutant (p53m) under the control of a human keratin-1-based vector (HK1.p53m). In contrast to mice with wild-type p53 and p53-knockout mice, HK1.p53m mice exhibit increased susceptibility to chemical carcinogenesis, with greatly accelerated benign papilloma formation, malignant conversion, and metastasis. In the study presented here, we examined the expression pattern of several differentiation markers and observed that p53m tumors exhibited a less differentiated phenotype than tumors elicited in non-transgenic mice. Metastasis in p53m tumors was also associated with a poorly differentiated phenotype. To determine whether genomic instability was associated with a putative gain-of-function role for this p53m, in situ examination of centrosomes was performed in HK1.p53m and equivalent p53-null papillomas. In contrast to HK1.p53m papillomas, which had centrosome abnormalities at high frequencies (75% of cells contained more than three centrosomes/cell), p53-null tumors exhibited few abnormal centrosomes (4% of cells contained more than three centrosomes/cell). To determine whether angiogenesis played a role in the rapid progression of p53m tumors, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, a promoter of angiogenesis, and thrombospondin-1, an inhibitor of angiogenesis, was examined in tumors derived from either p53m or p53-knockout mice. Regardless of their p53 status (wild type, p53m, p53-/-), all of the papillomas exhibited similar levels of vascular endothelial growth factor expression and decreased expression of thrombospondin-1 as did normal epidermis. In addition, tumors from different p53 genotypes showed a similar density of blood vessels. Because p53 status did not appear to play an overt role in angiogenesis, these data suggest that p53m accelerates tumorigenesis primarily by exerting a gain of function associated with genomic instability.
Fast Full Wave Seismic Inversion using Source Encoding.

Full Wavefield Seismic Inversion (FWI) estimates a subsurface elastic model by iteratively minimizing the difference between observed and simulated data. This process is extremely compute intensive, with a cost on the order of at least hundreds of prestack reverse time migrations. For time-domain and Krylov-based frequency-domain FWI, the cost of FWI is proportional to the number of seismic sources inverted. We have found that the cost of FWI can be significantly reduced by applying it to data processed by encoding and summing individual source gathers, and by changing the encoding functions between iterations. The encoding step forms a single gather from many input source gathers. This gather represents data that would have been acquired from a spatially distributed set of sources operating simultaneously with different source signatures. We demonstrate, using synthetic data, significant cost reduction by applying FWI to encoded simultaneous-source data.
The influence of glutathione depleting agents on human platelet function

Human platelets were dose- and time-dependently depleted of intracellular glutathione (GSH) by treatment with the chemical oxidizing agents diamide and N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), and by formation of chemical conjugates with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) catalyzed by GSH-S-transferase. In addition to effects upon GSH, these agents also inhibited platelet GSH-peroxidase activity. The inhibitory effect of CDNB was selective for GSH-peroxidase, while diamide and NEM treatment caused inhibition of several other cytosolic enzymes tested. Arachidonic acid (AA) induced aggregation and secretion responses measured in platelets depleted of GSH by diamide and NEM were attenuated. In contrast, these platelet functions remained identical to control following GSH depletion by CDNB treatment, suggesting that GSH is not required for normal platelet aggregation or secretion. Effects of diamide and NEM apart from their action on GSH may account for the platelet dysfunction induced by these compounds.
A network of transcriptional and signaling events is activated by FGF to induce chondrocyte growth arrest and differentiation

Activating mutations in FGF receptor 3 (FGFR3) cause several human dwarfism syndromes by affecting both chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation. Using microarray and biochemical analyses of FGF-treated rat chondrosarcoma chondrocytes, we show that FGF inhibits chondrocyte proliferation by initiating multiple pathways that result in the induction of antiproliferative functions and the down-regulation of growth-promoting molecules. The initiation of growth arrest is characterized by the rapid dephosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) p107 and repression of a subset of E2F target genes by a mechanism that is independent of cyclin E–Cdk inhibition. In contrast, hypophosphorylation of pRb and p130 occur after growth arrest is first detected, and may contribute to its maintenance. Importantly, we also find a number of gene expression changes indicating that FGF promotes many aspects of hypertrophic differentiation, a notion supported by in situ analysis of developing growth plates from mice expressing an activated form of FGFR3. Thus, FGF may coordinate the onset of differentiation with chondrocyte growth arrest in the developing growth plate.
Effect of Adding Enzymes to Barley Diets at Different Ages of Pullets on Laying House Performance

Abstract PREVIOUS studies at this station have shown that additions of various enzyme preparations to barley diets for laying White Leghorn pullets did not enhance rate of lay nor decrease feed required per dozen eggs produced (Berg, 1959). This was in contrast to results with young chicks which had shown that supplementation of barley diets with fungal or bacterial enzyme preparations increased growth rate and improved feed efficiency (Jensen et al., 1957; Berg, 1959). In the first experiments where no response to enzymes was obtained, enzymes were added to the diets of the pullets when they were 29 weeks of age and in full lay. Since chicks were known to respond in growth rate to enzyme supplementation of barley diets, the question was raised as to the effect of age at time of enzyme additions to the diet on subsequent laying house performance. This paper will present the results of a …
“Re-Imagining” Hegemony and Misogyny in the Contemporary Slasher Remake

Abstract Recently, cinema has been inundated with 1970s/1980s “slasher” horror canon “re-imaginings,” such as Halloween (2007). Comparing remakes to originals, the remake texts allegorically address contemporary concerns and power structures. Cultural implications of slasher remakes include hyperemphasis of the originals' hegemony and misogyny. Ironically, the remakes contain optimistic endings, pointing to hegemonic, misogynistic futures.
Alice in NANDAIand

This entertainment was created for the 1991 student–faculty banquet at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, which honored the graduating seniors. Traditionally, groups of juniors, seniors, and faculty present a skit at this event that recalls some aspect of the year's activities. Because nursing diagnosis received more emphasis in junior coursework this year than in previous years, the faculty agreed to use this theme for their presentation. The author volunteered because she enjoys writing parody and has a fondness for the works of Lewis Carroll. The cast, which included one member of the NANDA Board of Directors, consisted of undergraduate faculty from all clinical areas.
Quantitative Microscopy of Hepatic Changes Induced by Phenethyl Isothiocyanate in Fischer-344 Rats Fed Either a Cereal-Based Diet or a Purified Diet:

Hepatic changes induced by phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) in the liver of rats were determined by quantitative microscopy. Groups of male Fischer-344 rats were fed either a standard, cereal-based diet (Wayne rodent meal) or a purified diet (AIN-76A) containing PEITC at concentrations of 0.75 and 6.0 mmol/kg for 13 wk. Severe hepatic lipidosis was observed in control rats fed the purified diet. Addition of PEITC to the purified diet significantly reduced lipid content in hepatocytes. In contrast, lipid content in the liver of the rats fed the cereal-based diet containing PEITC was greater than in control rats maintained on the same diet. In addition, dose-related reductions in hepatocyte, lipid droplet, peroxisome, and mitochondrial volumes were observed in PEITC-treated rats fed the cereal-based diet. These results indicate that PEITC exerts differential effects on the liver of rats fed either the cereal-based or purified diet.
The dynamics of plume–ridge interaction—III. The effects of ridge migration

Summary To investigate how the migration of ridges influences their interaction with nearby mantle plumes, we study a thin-layer model in which a point source (analogous to a plume stem) releases buoyant fluid at a rate Q into a viscous corner flow driven by a ridge-like surface-boundary condition. The ridge has a half-spreading rate U, and migrates relative to the point source at a constant speed Um and azimuth θ from the plate-spreading direction. Numerical solutions of the governing differential equation yield predictions of the lateral extent W of plume fluid along the ridge (‘waist width’) which we compare with observed waist widths for 11 on- and near-ridge hotspots. The main dynamical effect of ridge migration is to increase the maximum interaction distance for a ridge receding from a plume, and to decrease this distance for a ridge approaching a plume. Models including normal (√ age) thickening and plume-induced thinning of the lithosphere show that both effects have only a small (maximum ∼ 20 per cent) influence on the dynamics. Our results suggest that the volume fluxes Q of five plumes far from ridges (Sala y Gomez, St. Helena, Great Meteor, Reunion and Kerguelen) may be two to three times higher than previously estimated.
Four new species and one new combination in the Malagasy endemic genus Micronychia Oliv. (Anacardiaceae)

Randrianasolo A. & Lowry II P. P. 2009. — Four new species and one new combination in the Malagasy endemic genus Micronychia Oliv. (Anacardiaceae). Adansonia, ser. 3, 31 (1): 157-168.
Constitutionalism in the United States: From Theory to Politics

Past anniversaries of the signing and ratification of the US Constitution were marked by awed self-congratulation and public indifference and the bicentennial was no exception.2 The Constitution was once again proclaimed an unqualified success; a document which established a framework for government in the late eighteenth century that survives today essentially unchanged.3 The rhetoric of the bicentennial confirmed the judgment of Sanford Levinson and others that an essential element of the American civil religion is reverence and veneration of the Constitution.4 While I think the bicentennial assertions of the Constitution's success are extremely questionable, I do not propose to argue with them. Claims that the US Constitution is a magnificent document which 'embodies the American spirit, the American Dream',5 are not really open to rational debate. They are expressions of quasi-religious faith and patriotic sentiment and are not advanced on the basis of argument. It is questionable whether such assertions even have the Constitution as their subject-they seem to use the Constitution as a symbol for the nation as a whole. As revered as the Constitution may be, it is primarily a political institution and deserves to be evaluated as we evaluate other fallible human projects. More sober judgments are available concerning the Constitution's success. Distinguished groups of lawyers, judges, and academics gathered by the American Academy of Political and Social Science in 1976 and the American Assembly in 1987 concluded that, despite the vast changes of the twentieth century and the numerous problems of governance facing the United States, no changes in the
Public and firm interests in public service diversifications

Public service organization's increasingly are considering diversification into new “for-profit” or “high-profit” enterprises. Such undertakings offer a number of potential benefits to both the organization and the public. They also have potential problems. This article examines some of the major types of benefits and problems in hopes that both public service managers and public policy makers will give a balanced consideration to these diversification efforts.
Effects of L1 Blockade on Sensory Axon Outgrowth and Pathfinding in the Chick Hindlimb

In the developing chick hindlimb, sensory axons, which grow together in bundles as they extend distally, and the motoneuron axons they encounter express the cell adhesion molecule L1. Following injection of function-blocking anti-L1 antibodies into the limb at stage 25, some sensory axons choose inappropriate peripheral nerves even though motoneuron pathfinding is unaffected. Here, to further elucidate L1's role, we assessed the effects of this perturbation using pathway tracing, immune labeling, confocal microscopy, and electron microscopy. After L1 blockade, sensory axons were still bundled and closely apposed. However, clear signs of decreased adhesion were detectable ultrastructurally. Further, sensory axons grew into the limb more slowly than normal, wandering more widely, branching more frequently, and sometimes extending along inappropriate peripheral nerves. Sensory axons that ultimately projected along different cutaneous nerves showed increased intermixing in the spinal nerves, due to errors in pathfinding and also to a decreased ability to segregate into nerve-specific fascicles. These results suggest that, in the highly complex in vivo environment, as in tissue culture, L1 stimulates axon growth and enhances fasciculation, and that these processes contribute to the orderly, timely, and specific growth of sensory axons into the limb.
Intensity Calibration and Sensitivity Comparisons for CCD/Raman Spectrometers:

A calibrated tungsten source combined with a fiber optic was used to correct Raman spectra for instrumental response. With the placement of the fiber output at the Raman sample position, the product of throughput, collection efficiency, quantum efficiency, and sampled area could be assessed. This product is related to a spectrometer figure of merit, which provides a quantitative comparison of spectrometer sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio. Four spectrometer configurations were compared to illustrate the approach. An additional feature of the white light calibration is correction of relative Raman peak intensities. This issue is particularly important due to the substantial differences between CCD quantum efficiency curves and those of photomultipliers or intensified photodiode arrays.
Swarming Behavior: Evidence for Communication in Social Wasps

Behavior of wasps at sites around swarms and along emigration routes suggests the use of odor marks. Wasps perform breaking runs through swarms, resulting in dispersal of clustered wasps. Orientation in flight of swarm mates to specific trail sites facilitates swarm emigration to the new nest.
Spray Size Evolution of Diesel Sprays

Variations of fuel spray characteristics during cyclic operation is directly correlated to efficient operation of an engine. Measurements of drop size distribution and drop concentration under transient conditions during injection are difficult. A very rapid and synchronized measurement technique is necessary for sectional and temporal analysis of an intermittent spray during approximately 50 ms after each injection. A pulsed-spray sizer based on Fraunhofer diffraction pattern analysis was modified so that the repeatability of each injection can be determined by an obscuration-trace measurement. The sizer with a built-in adjustable delay was synchronized to the needle-lift of the injector and the drop size data were captured over 20 microseconds. For every single injection, the attenuation of the transmitted beam monitoring the arrival, the duration, and the drop concentration in the spray was recorded and stored on a digital scope. A solenoid controlled the position of the rack on the fuel line and ensured single injection. The obscuration-trace was used as a “fingerprint” in testing the reproducibility of successive injections. Drop size measurements were statistically averaged over many reproducible cycles.© 2006 ASME
Selective cine coronary arteriography and vectorcardiographic diagnoses: Correlative study of one hundred patients

Abstract One hundred patients were studied with cine coronary arteriography and vectorcardiograms (VCG's). Coronary artery narrowing was estimated and correlated with vectorcardiographic diagnoses of myocardial infarcts and/or fibrosis. An anatomically and physiologically derived computer model of the myocardium was used as a means of interpreting the spatial VCG with regard to the size and site of destructive lesions within 12 myocardial subdivisions. Standard VCG criteria for large myocardial infarcts as well as new criteria for identification of smaller lesions were compared with coronary arteriographic findings. Myocardial lesions were identified as “scallops” in the QRS-E loop and their size was estimated by the magnitude and duration of deviation from a smooth progression of the VCG loop. A significant statistical correlation was found between the presence of severe coronary artery disease and vectorcardiographic evidence of large myocardial infarcts. VCG diagnoses of “small” and “medium” lesions had no statistical correlation with hemodynamically significant coronary artery disease. There was no significant statistical correlation between coronary arteriographic findings and VCG localization of infarcts. This is most likely due to anatomical variation in regional arterial supply and collateral vessel formation and is supported by a previous observation that the degree of coronary arteriographic change is inconsistent with the degree of ventricular dysfunction as demonstrated by ventricular angiograms. The VCG appears to be a useful clinical adjunct in the diagnosis of severe coronary artery disease and large myocardial infarcts. However, there is no evidence that smaller lesions predicted by VCG relate to the size or location of small scars in the myocardium.
Social/Behavioral Variables Related to Success in General Education

The purpose of this research was to identify social/behavioral variables that are necessary for students' success in general education. The first study included 96 elementary school students who were rated by their general education teachers as either successful or unsuccessful in the mainstream environment. The study investigated differences between the two groups on (a) demographic variables, including sex, ethnicity, grade level, and socioeconomic status; and (b) social/behavior variables in three domains (peer relationships, coping skills, and work habits). The follow-up study examined 75 of the original participants on the same variables. Significant differences between successful and unsuccessful students were found on socioeconomic status and all three of the social/behavioral variables. Specific behaviors that were most critical for students' success in the mainstream were identified. The findings support the premise that students' success in general education is determined in part by social/behav...
PPARα suppresses insulin secretion and induces UCP2 in insulinoma cells

Fatty acids may promote type 2 diabetes by altering insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, a process known as lipotoxicity. The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. To test the hypothesis that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) has a direct effect on islet function, we treated INS-1 cells, an insulinoma cell line, with a PPARalpha adenovirus (AdPPARalpha) as well as the PPARalpha agonist clofibric acid. AdPPARalpha-infected INS-1 cells showed PPARalpha agonist- and fatty acid-dependent transactivation of a PPARalpha reporter gene. Treatment with either AdPPARalpha or clofibric acid increased both catalase activity (a marker of peroxisomal proliferation) and palmitate oxidation. AdPPARalpha induced carnitine-palmitoyl transferase-I (CPT-I) mRNA, but had no effect on insulin gene expression. AdPPARalpha treatment increased cellular triglyceride content but clofibric acid did not. Both AdPPARalpha and clofibric acid decreased basal and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Despite increasing fatty acid oxidation, AdPPARalpha did not increase cellular ATP content suggesting the stimulation of uncoupled respiration. Consistent with these observations, UCP2 expression doubled in PPARalpha-treated cells. Clofibric acid-induced suppression of glucose-simulated insulin secretion was prevented by the CPT-I inhibitor etomoxir. These data suggest that PPARalpha-stimulated fatty acid oxidation can impair beta cell function.
A Sustainable, Systematic Process for Continuous Program Improvement

The USA Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) adopted recently a new set of criteria for evaluating engineering programmes. One of these (criterion 3) refers to programme outcomes and assessment. In this article, the author describes the design and implementation of a sustainable, systematic process for defining and assessing programme outcomes. This process involves analysing each outcome into elements, defining a set of attributes for each element, selecting outcome indicators and performance targets, and developing special rubrics for an accurate assessment of student skills. The author also describes a systematic way of addressing specific programme outcomes through course and curriculum design. Each outcome is assessed in a group of selected courses in an effort coordinated by several faculty members. Course changes are implemented as necessary to increase students' achievements in critical areas. The focus of this effort is to create a process that facilitates the continuous improvement of a programme.
Does intergenerational mobility shape psychological distress? Sorokin revisited

Drawing from Sorokin's hypothesis that socially mobile individuals are at greater risk of experiencing psychological distress than their non-mobile counterparts, we investigate whether intergenerational occupational mobility influences psychological distress, as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. Using data for men from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS) and Sobel's Diagonal Mobility Models, we find little evidence for Sorokin's hypothesis; mobile individuals are no more likely to be psychologically distressed than their non-mobile counterparts. In fact, one group of mobile men - those who left their farming origins - are actually less distressed than the sons who remain as farmers and non-mobile men in higher-ranked social classes. We speculate that this reflects the fact that farming became very arduous during the late 20th century and these mobile sons of farmers appreciate their improved life chances. Our findings suggest that the association between mobility and psychological distress varies across specific class backgrounds and is contingent upon the broader social and economic context.
Current transport modeling and experimental study of THz room temperature ballistic deflection transistors

In this paper, two different theoretical models, Comsol Multiphysics™ (a Finite Element Analysis tool), and a field solver Atlas/Blaze from Silvaco, are compared qualitatively to study the effect of the deflector position, its size and electric field on the charge transport and its distribution along the channel, resulting in current outputs and leakages in ballistic deflection transistors (BDT). Silvaco simulations and experimental results were then used to study the lateral charge transport as a result of variation in electric field distribution, which controls the charge current along the channel in BDT. The electric field dependence of gain is also studied with experimental and theoretical results.
Temporal-spatial fuzzy logic algorithm for effective dynamic load balancing in distributed 3D graphics engine

To implement computationally-intensive tasks, typically, various levels of parallelism are used. Depending on the applications, the best possible results are produced by different parallelism approaches. Pipelining is an example of hardware-implemented parallelism; multithreading is effective for the software that supports it. In this paper, we propose a fuzzy logic algorithm for dynamic load balancing in a distributed cluster performing 3D video rendering for a simulated robotic vision tests. We present results taken from a production processing environment, rather than simulations. We have tested the algorithm within comprehensive virtual reality simulator Initiative Software Earth (ISE), a project of Computer Engineering Framework (CEF). The experimental results gathered on 50+ core Linux cluster, demonstrate that the proposed approach performs better compared to conventional methods such as static and gradient load balancing.
Application of infrared remote sensing to constrain in-situ estimates of ice crystal particle size during SPartICus

Abstract. In a prior paper (Cooper and Garrett, 2010), an infrared remote sensing technique was developed that quantifies the effective radius re of ice crystals in cirrus clouds. By accounting for a broad range of expected inversion uncertainties, this retrieval scheme isolates those radiometric signatures that can only occur if the cirrus has nominally "small" values of re below 20 μm. The method is applicable only for specific cloud and atmospheric conditions. However, it can be particularly useful in constraining in-situ estimates of cirrus cloud re obtained from aircraft. Recent studies suggest that airborne measurements may be compromised by the shattering of ice crystals on airborne instrument inlets, so robust, independent confirmation of these measurements is needed. Here, we expand the Cooper and Garrett (2010) retrieval scheme to identify ice clouds that are likely to have "large" values of re greater than 20 μm. Using MODIS observations, we then compare assessments of cirrus cloud re with in-situ measurements obtained during three test cases from the 2010 SPartICus campaign. In general, there is good agreement between retrievals and in-situ measurements for a "small" and "large" crystal case. For a more ambiguously "small" re case, the 2D-S cloud probe indicates values of re that are slightly larger than expected from infrared retrievals, possibly indicating a slight bias in the 2D-S results towards large particles. For our test cases, there is no evidence to suggest that an FSSP-100 with unmodified inlets produces measurements of re in cirrus that are strongly biased low.
Partial resistance to black spot disease in diploid and tetraploid roses: general combining ability and implications for breeding and selection

Black spot disease, incited by the fungus Diplocarpon rosae Wolf, is the most important disease of roses (Rosa hybrida L.) in the outdoor landscape. Though partial resistance exists in cultivated germplasm, the genetic basis of this trait has not yet been elucidated. Six diploid and six tetraploid rose cultivars were crossed in two factorial combining ability arrays. Whole plant and detached leaf inoculation methods were used to assess partial resistance under two different disease pressures using a characterized single-spore isolate. Parents from both arrays had significant general combining ability effects across multiple inoculation methods and environments. Specific combining ability was not significant for either array. Parent per se performance was highly correlated with progeny performance on a family mean basis. High positive correlations among whole plant and detached leaf inoculation methods indicate that detached leaf assays can substitute for whole plant assays. Based on these results, a breeding strategy including parental selection and early, among-family selection is proposed. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of combining ability for disease resistance in rose.
Nutrient provisioning facilitates homeostasis between tsetse fly (Diptera: Glossinidae) symbionts

Host-associated microbial interactions may involve genome complementation, driving-enhanced communal efficiency and stability. The tsetse fly (Diptera: Glossinidae), the obligate vector of African trypanosomes (Trypanosoma brucei subspp.), harbours two enteric Gammaproteobacteria symbionts: Wigglesworthia glossinidia and Sodalis glossinidius. Host coevolution has streamlined the Wigglesworthia genome to complement the exclusively sanguivorous tsetse lifestyle. Comparative genomics reveal that the Sodalis genome contains the majority of Wigglesworthia genes. This significant genomic overlap calls into question why tsetse maintains the coresidence of both symbionts and, furthermore, how symbiont homeostasis is maintained. One of the few distinctions between the Wigglesworthia and Sodalis genomes lies in thiamine biosynthesis. While Wigglesworthia can synthesize thiamine, Sodalis lacks this capability but retains a thiamine ABC transporter (tbpAthiPQ) believed to salvage thiamine. This genetic complementation may represent the early convergence of metabolic pathways that may act to retain Wigglesworthia and evade species antagonism. We show that thiamine monophosphate, the specific thiamine derivative putatively synthesized by Wigglesworthia, impacts Sodalis thiamine transporter expression, proliferation and intracellular localization. A greater understanding of tsetse symbiont interactions may generate alternative control strategies for this significant medical and agricultural pest, while also providing insight into the evolution of microbial associations within hosts.
Interleukin-27 Receptor Limits Atherosclerosis in Ldlr−/− Mice

Rationale: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall. Several proinflammatory cytokines are known to promote atherosclerosis, but less is known about the physiological role of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Interleukin (IL)-27 is a recently discovered member of the IL-6/IL-12 family. The IL-27 receptor is composed of IL-27 receptor A (WSX-1) and gp130 and is required for all established IL-27 signaling pathways. The expression of the IL-27 subunit Ebi3 is elevated in human atheromas, yet its function in atherosclerosis remains unknown. Objective: The aim of this study was to test the role of IL-27 receptor signaling in immune cells in atherosclerosis development. Methods and Results: Atherosclerosis-prone Ldlr −/− mice transplanted with Il27ra −/− bone marrow and fed Western diet for 16 weeks developed significantly larger atherosclerotic lesions in aortic roots, aortic arches, and abdominal aortas. Augmented disease correlated with increased accumulation of CD45 + leukocytes and CD4 + T cells in the aorta, which produced increased amounts of IL-17A and tumor necrosis factor. Several chemokines, including CCL2, were upregulated in the aortas of Ldlr −/− mice receiving Il27ra −/− bone marrow, resulting in accumulation of CD11b + and CD11c + macrophages and dendritic cells in atherosclerotic aortas. Conclusions: The absence of anti-inflammatory IL-27 signaling skews immune responses toward T-helper 17, resulting in increased production of IL-17A and tumor necrosis factor, which in turn enhances chemokine expression and drives the accumulation of proatherogenic myeloid cells in atherosclerotic aortas. These findings establish a novel antiatherogenic role for IL-27 receptor signaling, which acts to suppress the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and to curb the recruitment of inflammatory myeloid cells into atherosclerotic aortas.
Extent and Determinants of Thermogenic Responses to 24 Hours of Fasting, Energy Balance, and Five Different Overfeeding Diets in Humans

Context: Individual variation in the ability to convert excess calories to heat and the effects of dietary macronutrient composition are unclear. Objective: Stability and determinants of the energy expenditure (EE) response to overconsumption were assessed. Design, Setting, and Participants: Twenty subjects (75% male) with normal glucose regulation were evaluated during 24 hours each of energy balance, fasting, and 5 different diets with 200% energy requirements in a clinical research unit. Interventions: Five 1-day overfeeding diets were given in random order: high carbohydrate (75%) and low protein (3%); high carbohydrate and normal protein (20%); high fat (46%) and low protein; high fat (60%) and normal protein; and balanced (50% carbohydrates, 20% protein). Main Outcome Measures: The 24-hour EE, sleeping EE, and thermic effect of food (TEF) during each diet were measured with a metabolic chamber. Appetitive hormones were measured before and after the diets. Results: The EE response to overfeeding exhi...
Data acquisition and control for an innovative thermal conductivity apparatus using LabVIEW® virtual instrument

An innovative method and a novel re­ search apparatus are being developed and tested to measure the thermal conductivity ofnon-Newtonian fluids while they are subjected to shearing flow. The emphasis here is given to the apparatus' instrumen­ tation and computerized data acquisition and con­ trol, while a detailed description of the mechanical design and test results will be presented elsewhere. The measurement and control are accomplished and integrated by using a computerized data acquisition system and a comprehensive virtual instrument, de­ veloped using the LabVIEW® application software. In addition, this system allows for easy modification and enhancement ofvirtual (software) instrument by modification of the software program. © 1998 Na­ tional Instruments. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Lab Robotics and Automation 10: 107-111, 1998
Fourier Series Analysis of Epicyclic Gearbox Vibration

Synchronous averaging is difficult to use with epicyclic gear systems because the dominant frequencies are slightly skewed and asymmetrical. This Tech Brief uses Fourier series analysis to add new insight to this phenomenon. The results are illustrated on vibration data recorded from a Cobra AH-1S helicopter gearbox.
Phase Resetting of the Respiratory Oscillator-Experiments and Models

Breathing involves an oscillatory process that causes rhythmic alternation between inspiration and expiration. Either of these parts of the respiratory cycle can be perturbed by various stimuli. When the oscillator recovers its initial rhythm after such stimuli, its phase may be reset relative to that of the control. The amount of resetting depends upon two factors, one of which is the strength of the stimulus and the other the time in the cycle at which it is given.
Binding of pertussis toxin to eucaryotic cells and glycoproteins.

The binding of pertussis toxin and its subunits to cell surface receptors and purified glycoproteins was examined. The interaction of pertussis toxin with components of two variant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines was studied. These cell lines are deficient in either sialic acid residues (LEC 2) or sialic acid and galactose residues (LEC 8) on cell surface macromolecules. The binding of pertussis toxin to components of these cells differed from the binding of the toxin to wild-type components. Although the toxin bound to a 165,000-dalton glycoprotein found in N-octylglucoside extracts of wild-type cells, it did not bind to components found in extracts of LEC 2 cells. In contrast, the toxin bound to components found in extracts of LEC 8 cells, which are variant cells that contain increased amounts of terminal N-acetylglucosamine residues on cell surface macromolecules. These results suggest that the receptor for pertussis toxin on CHO cells contains terminal acetamido-containing sugars. The cytopathic effect of the toxin on both types of variant cells was much reduced compared with its effects on wild-type cells. Thus, optimal functional binding of pertussis toxin appears to require a complete sialyllactosamine (NeuAc----Gal beta 4GlcNAc) sequence on surface macromolecules. In addition to studying the nature of the eucaryotic receptor for pertussis toxin, we examined corresponding binding sites for glycoproteins on the toxin molecule. Binding of both S2-S4 and S3-S4 dimers of the toxin to cellular components and purified glycoproteins was observed. The two dimers bound to a number of glycoproteins containing N-linked oligosaccharides but not O-linked oligosaccharides, and differences in the binding of the two dimers to some glycoproteins was noted. These data indicate that the holotoxin molecule contains at least two glycoprotein-binding sites which may have slightly different specificities for glycoproteins. Images
High-value care in the surgical intensive care unit: effect on ancillary resources.

Abstract Background Changes in health care policies have influenced transformations in hospital systems to be cost-efficient while maintaining robust outcomes. This is particularly important in intensive care units where significant resources are used to care for critically ill patients. We sought to determine whether high-value care processes (HVCp) implemented in a surgical intensive care unit (SICU) have an impact on commonly used ancillary tests. Materials and methods An implementation phase using a Lean Six Sigma approach was performed in October 2014 at a 24-bed large academic center SICU with aims to decrease orders of excessive daily laboratory tests and X-rays. The HVCp implemented included use of daily checklists, staff education, and visual reminders emphasizing the importance of appropriate laboratory tests and chest X-rays. Preintervention (July 2014–October 2014) and post-intervention (November 2014–June 2015) phases were compared. Results Average SICU census, case mix index (4.3 versus 4.4, P = 0.57), all patient refined severity of illness (3.2 versus 3.2, P = 0.91), and SICU mortality (7.1% versus 5.1%, P = 0.18) were similar in both phases. A significant reduction of excessive laboratory tests was evident after the implementation period. Eight hundred sixty-five arterial blood gases/mo were obtained in the preintervention phase compared with 420 arterial blood gases/mo after intervention ( P = 0.004), representing a 51.4% reduction. Similar results were obtained with complete blood counts, basic metabolic profiles, coagulation profiles, and chest X-rays (12%, 17.8%, 30.2%, and 20.3% reductions, respectively), a total estimated cost savings of $59,137/mo and prevention of excess phlebotomy of approximately 4 L of blood/mo. Conclusions By implementing an HVCp including a checklist, visual reminders, and provider education, we significantly reduced the use of commonly ordered ancillary tests in the SICU without affecting outcomes, resulting in an annual cost savings of $710,000.
@Stake: A Game to Facilitate the Process of Deliberative Democracy

Public engagement in government decision-making is often hindered by a lack of diversity, underutilization of digital tools, and unclear feedback mechanisms - a problem made acute in the context of historically low levels of trust in American government [5]. But one thread of democratic innovation is in mini-publics for deliberation and discussion. Games are a productive mechanism for this. @Stake is a game designed to build deliberative capacity through role-play and ideation. The present research examines the use of @Stake within a Participatory Budgeting process and presents evidence that it leads to increased empathy and creativity in the civic process.
Effects of a Perfluorochenical Emulsion on Propranolol Binding by Alpha-I-Acid Glycoprotein

The binding of propranolol by a perfluorochemical emulsion (PFCE), cXiacid glycoprotein (AGP), and their mixtures was examined by a dialysis exchange method at 37°C. A sedimentation method was used to verify propranolol binding by the PFCE. Binding of 100 and 500 ng/ml drug by 100, 75, 50 and 25% v/v concentrations of the PFCE or of 0.067% AGP was determined. Propranolol was highly bound by the PFCE with a percent free propranolol in undiluted PFCE of 13.1% at both 100 and 500 ng/ml propranolol. Propranolol was moderately bound by AGP. The percent free propranolol in 0.067% AGP was 31.4% and 32.4% for 100 and 500 ng/ml propranolol, respectively. The percent bound propranolol was not significantly different when the emulsion was diluted to 75 and 50% v/v with 0.067% AGP solution rather than buffer. When the PFCE was further diluted to 25% v/v with the 0.067% AGP solution the percent free propranolol was significantly lower than in the 25% v/v PFCE alone or 75% v/v protein solution alone. Thus, the PFCE has a relatively large affinity and capacity for propranolol. Propranolol did not partition from buffer to the PFC liquid. This indicates that propranolol bound by the PFCE is associated only with the emulsifiers.
The Progress and Strategy of Measles Control and Prevention In Anhui Province

Objective To analyze the course of measles control and prevention and its existing problems in Anhui province,and propose the countermeasures and suggestions for achieving the goal of measles elimination in whole province.Method Using epidemiological method,data of reported measles cases from 1950 to 2010 was analyzed.Results The work of measles control and prevention in Anhui province could be divided into five periods,that is,the natural infection period,the pre-vaccine period,the EPI period,the accelerated control period and the pre-elimination period respectively.Since EPI on children was implemented in 1978,the measles outbreaks had been controlled effectively by taking the comprehensive control measures which focused on measles vaccination,but,so far as the some measures still need to be enhanced and improved.Conclusion By taking the comprehensive control measures which focused on measles vaccination,the incidence and the mortality of measles in Anhui province declined effectively,and the work of measles control and prevention had got obvious achievements.Active,effective and scientific countermeasures need to be taken to achieve the goal of measles elimination.
ELEVATED PROSTATE-SPECIFIC ANTIGEN : A CASE REPORT AND ANALYSIS

Prostate cancer is a frequent concern of the clinician caring for older male patients. The certainty of arriving at the correct diagnosis is related to the presenting patient's risk for prostate cancer, the results of the digital rectal examination, and the value of the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA). A case report of a patient with acute urinary retention and an elevated PSA is presented. Possible explanations for the elevated PSA are discussed. The clinician's intuitive thought process is compared with an analytic approach using calculated probabilities. Several factors that complicate the estimation of the likelihood of prostate cancer are discussed.
Safe Distance for Machinery Actuators: Is After-Reach Speed a Constant?

A common setup for industrial machines is to install a pair of actuator buttons a safe distance from the point of operation. Safety codes specify that minimum distance by assuming a constant hand speed of 1.6 m/s. To examine the adequacy of that value, a simulated power press with a moving ram was set up for measuring actual hand speed for three placements of the buttons. For each placement, a randomized complete block experiment with nine students provided after-reach hand speed data. Results indicated that after-reach hand speed is not a constant because it varies both with placement of the buttons and distance within placement.
Toward a Deeper Understanding of the Technology Acceptance Model: An Integrative Analysis of TAM

Generally speaking, technology acceptance model (TAM, Davis, et al., 1989; Davis, 1989) is a successful model and prior studies have explored the TAM from different perspectives and many antecedents have been identified. However, the overview of TAM shows that the explanatory power of TAM is limited. Furthermore, more and more inconsistencies in results appeared along with the development of TAM. Motivated by these two problems, an analytical literature review is conducted in order to get a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of TAM. Eighteen TAM research articles were selected, based on which the TAM structures as well as the relationships in it were analyzed. Therefore, this study consists of two major parts. The first one is a literature review of TAM, in which the relationships and major concepts of the factors within or out of the original TAM are discussed. Based on the discussion of the first part, the second part includes a new model that highlights the moderating factors that may account for the inconsistencies in prior research. They are gender, user professions, experience, firm size, type of technology, and voluntariness. Despite the limitations, this study highlights the moderating factors that may account for the inconsistencies in prior research. The implications for future research and practice are also discussed.
Atrioesophageal fistula formation with cryoballoon ablation is most commonly related to the left inferior pulmonary vein

Background Collateral damage has been reported with use of the cryoballoon for pulmonary vein isolation. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and characteristics associated with atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) after cryoballoon use. Methods Cases of AEF reported with use of the cryoballoon since 2011 were collected from the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database, publications, and the manufacturer's database. Lowest balloon temperatures were compared with matched control patients undergoing cryoballoon ablation without AEF formation. Location of AEF was compared with AEF associated with radiofrequency ablation. Results A total of 11 cases of AEF were identified from a worldwide experience that exceed 120,000 cases. Mean age was 60 (range 31–78 years), and 80% of patients were male. Although mean lowest balloon temperatures were no different between patients with AEF and those with no AEF (–58.5°C ± 7.2°C vs –56°C ± 2.6°C, P = NS), balloon inflation times were longer in patients with AEF (238.8 ± 54.8 seconds vs 178.1 ± 37.5 seconds in the non-AEF group, P ≤.001) All cases of AEF for which location was identified occurred in relation to the left pulmonary veins. The left inferior pulmonary vein (LIPV) was involved in 8 of 10 patients with cryoballoon compared to 0 of 11 patients in the radiofrequency group ( P Conclusion AEF after cryoballoon use is rare (
Interference Avoidance With Limited Feedback

Interference avoidance (IA) is an adaptive modulation technique by which transmitters in a wireless communication system are optimized using feedback from the receiver in order to minimize interference and better suit the environment in which they operate. In this paper we study IA algorithms in the context of limited feedback and evaluate system performance as a function with which the interference information is quantized for transmission over the feedback channel. Numerical results obtained from extensive simulations indicate that non-uniform scalar quantization requiring as little as 2 bits per scalar value for encoding imply performance very close to that when no quantization is applied.
Development of real-time control of Commercial Off-The-Shelf inverter/charger for Energy Management of microgrids

Microgrids are generally comprised of a number of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) which may be renewable or non-renewable sources. Due to the intermittent nature of wind and solar resources, batteries are commonly used to ensure power quality and reliability. A central Energy Management System (EMS) is necessary to coordinate operation for the most economical utilization of all microgrid resources. This paper presents the control of a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) battery inverter/charger and battery SOC monitoring using CAN protocol. The CAN protocols are dispatched by an OPAL-RT real-time digital simulator. The proposed approach is well suited for commercial microgrids as well as testbeds, leading to a reduced cost of the overall system, by using a COTS inverter instead of costly custom equipment. The results shows the speed of response of commands sent to the inverter/charger as well as the controllability.