cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel Oral Nanoparticle Formulation of Sustained Release Naloxone with Mild Withdrawal Symptoms in Mice

Chronic use of opioids can lead to tolerance, dependence, abuse, and addiction. This in turn can result in dose escalation and opioid overdose. Opioid overdose can be fatal due to severe opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD). Naloxone, a nonspecific antagonist of the mu-opioid receptors, is used for the reversal of OIRD. However, one of the major challenges of using naloxone is its short elimination half-life, which is significantly shorter compared to many opioid analgesics. Thus, renarcotization and rapid return to full respiratory depression might occur, specifically in individuals who have taken large doses or long-acting opioid formulations. Additionally, because of the very low oral bioavailability of naloxone, an oral formulation is not currently available. This study examines in mice a novel oral formulation of naloxone based on polymer nanoparticles (NP-naloxone). A single dose of 1 or 5 mg/kg NP-naloxone was highly effective at inhibiting the activating effects of repeated administration of 10 mg/kg morphine for at least up to 24 h. Onset of action was approximately 5 min. Reversal of morphine-induced locomotion was already detected within 1 min and a full effect of returning to baseline activity levels was observed within 5 min. Importantly, at 1 mg/kg, NP-naloxone precipitated very minimal withdrawal behaviors. At the 5 mg/kg dose, NP-naloxone precipitated approximately 40% of the jumping withdrawal behaviors of injectable naloxone. Thus, this study demonstrates that orally administered naloxone based on polymer nanoparticles has high potential to be developed to circumvent OIRD and withdrawal symptoms.
Presacral Neurectomy: Literature Update and Surgical Approach

Study Objective This video will summarize the current literature and guidelines regarding presacral neurectomy (PSN), proper patient selection and surgical approach. We will identify the anatomy in the presacral space, relevant pelvic neuroanatomy and surgical pearls for performing PSN. The viewer will be able to apply key points from this video to clinical practice, allowing for optimization of PSN outcomes. Design N/A Setting Academic teaching hospital. Patients or Participants N/A Interventions PSN is a technically advanced pelvic denervation procedure. PSN has utility in addressing chronic pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea that specifically has a midline component. This video highlights the ongoing importance of effective patient selection, knowledge of anatomy and surgical expertise when performing PSN. Measurements and Main Results N/A Conclusion Presacral neurectomy remains a useful tool for the appropriately trained surgeon in the management of chronic pelvic pain.
The relationship between kidney function and body mass index before and after bariatric surgery in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Abstract Background Improvements in kidney function post–bariatric surgery may be related to weight loss–independent effects. Objectives To characterize the dynamic relationship between body mass index (BMI) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) before and after bariatric surgery in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Setting Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) health system. Methods We conducted an observational, retrospective cohort study of patients with CKD stage 3 or higher who received bariatric surgery at the KPSC health system between 2007–2015. Bariatric surgery procedures included primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) procedures. Outcomes consisted of mean trajectory estimates and correlations of BMI and eGFR taken between 2 years before and 3 years after surgery. Multivariate functional mixed models were used to estimate how BMI and eGFR trajectories evolved jointly. Results A total of 619 RYGB and 474 SG patients were included in the final analytic sample. The measurements were available before surgery for a median time of 1.9 years for SG and 1.8 years for RYGB patients. Median follow-up times after surgery were 2.8 years for both SG and RYGB patients. The mean age at the time of surgery was 58 years; 77% of patients were women; 56% of patients were non-Hispanic White; the mean BMI was 44 kg/m2; 60% of patients had diabetes mellitus; and 84% of patients had hypertension. Compared to the presurgery eGFR declines, the postsurgery declines in eGFR were 57% slower (95% credible interval [CrI], 33%–81%) for RYGB patients and 55% slower (95% CrI, 25%–75%) for SG patients. The mean correlation between BMI and eGFR was negligible at all time points. Conclusion Though bariatric surgery slowed declines in eGFR up to 3 years after surgery, changes in eGFR tracked poorly with changes in BMI. This study provides evidence that the kidney-related benefits of bariatric surgery may be at least partly independent of weight loss. Confirming this hypothesis could lead to mechanistic insights and new treatment options for CKD.
National vaccine coverage trends and funding in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Abstract Background From 2006 to 2011 nearly 174,000 deaths were prevented in Latin America and the Caribbean through vaccination of children under five, which is widely attributed to the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). Despite near global adoption of EPI recommendations, vaccination coverage shows substantial variation across world regions. Causes for low immunizations within regions are multifaceted and include vaccination program costs. To date, publications regarding vaccine coverage across Latin America and the Caribbean are not readily available. This study aimed to: (1) compare vaccine coverage trends across nations within the region; and (2) assess whether national immunization program expenditures are correlated with vaccine coverage. Methods Coverage for nine vaccines were collected by nation using publicly available data from WHO. National immunization program expenditures for each country were collected from the World Bank Index. The proportion of countries achieving 90% coverage in the years 2013 and 2017 for each vaccine were compared. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to measure the relationship between financing variables and DTP3 coverage for 2017. Results In 2017, fewer Latin American and Caribbean nations were able to achieve 90% vaccine coverage for five vaccines compared to 2013. Mostly weak to moderate positive relationships were found between national immunization program expenditures and DTP3 coverage for 2017. Excluding Haiti, a weak negative relationship was found between total government expenditure on vaccines per infant and DTP3 coverage for 2017. Countries across Latin America and the Caribbean were largely self-reliant in funding vaccine expenditures. Conclusions Fewer countries across Latin America and the Caribbean are currently achieving optimum national vaccine coverage and weak to moderate relationships between routine immunization and vaccine expenditures and coverage were observed. Additional factors contributing to national vaccine coverage should be concomitantly examined to implement strategies which optimize delivery of childhood immunizations.
Bridging length scales in granular materials using convolutional neural networks

Granular materials are complex systems whose macroscopic mechanics are governed by particles at the grain-scale. The need to understand their grain-scale behavior has motivated significant experimental and modeling efforts. Bridging the grain-scale with the continuum scale is important in order to develop constitutive theories based on grain-scale behavior, as well as for interpreting the results of grain-scale models and experiments from a macroscopic context. In this work, we present a new data-driven framework based on convolutional neural networks to bridge the grain-scale and continuum scale in granular materials. We use this framework to obtain a micromechanical model of stress and demonstrate that spatial correlations at the grain-scale are critical for bridging length scales. Our results suggest that it is possible to learn data-driven relationships between the grain-scale and macroscale even if we have limited knowledge about the physical state of a granular system. We also observed that it is possible to train a model to predict macroscopic stress using only a subset of the contact data for each time step. This points to the discovery of a new pattern in granular systems, whereby any spatially correlated subset of contact data is sufficient to model macroscopic stress, regardless of how much force they may be carrying. Finally, we demonstrated that our framework is robust with potential for generalizability in time.
Chi-square-based steganalysis method against modified pixel-value differencing steganography

Pixel-value differencing (PVD) steganography can embed a large quantity of information and effectively resist regular/singular (RS) detection. Recent steganography techniques that are based on PVD have only focused on improving embedding capacity and image quality. In terms of security, PVD steganography has typically only been tested against well-known RS detection analysis or pixel difference histogram attacks. Modified PVD (MPVD) is an improved method that eliminates certain detectable features of PVD, thereby increasing security. State-of-the-art studies in steganalysis have attempted to detect MPVD steganography by using features of the differences between cover images and stego images, and they have generated models to test suspicious images. However, these methods have low accuracy when the embedding capacity is low. In this study, we propose a chi-square goodness-of-fit-based steganalysis technique that can be applied to MPVD steganography. Experimental results demonstrate that the method effectively detects MPVD steganography even when the embedding ratio is low. Furthermore, the accuracy, precision, and implementation of the method are better than those of existing state-of-the-art techniques in detecting data hidden using MPVD steganography. Therefore, the proposed method contributes to the security analysis of PVD-extended steganography.
Carbon-fiber reinforced polymer composites: A comparison of manufacturing methods on mechanical properties

Abstract Carbon-fiber reinforced polymer composite materials are used throughout industry for their excellent mechanical properties; in particular, these composites boast high specific stiffnesses and specific strengths. However, current limitations on manufacturing, which vary greatly based on the technology that is utilized, restrict access to composite materials in a variety of applications. Traditional wet hand-layups offer a large diversity of viable constituent materials, but the fabrication geometry is limited and the manual process is time-consuming. In contrast, fiber 3D-printing (F3DP) allows for the production of complex geometries and requires little manual labor. In this study, laminates with continuous carbon fiber reinforcement printed using a commercially-available 3D printer are compared to carbon fiber fabric-resin composites produced using manual layup techniques. Cross-ply [0,90,0,90,0]T laminates were fabricated and subject to mechanical testing in uniaxial tension and flexure. After normalization with respect to fiber volume fraction, we found that the tensile strength and stiffness of cross-ply carbon fiber composites manufactured using F3DP were higher than the tensile strength and stiffness of cross-ply specimens manufactured by a traditional hand-layup method; however, the hand-layup specimens exhibited higher strength and stiffness in flexure. The difference in material properties evident between the two fabrication methods suggests that each has its own suitable application. We anticipate that further studying the failure response of printed, fiber-reinforced composite materials to various loading modalities will give insight into potential areas of improvement for F3DP material selection and printing processes, particularly relating to void reduction. On a broader scale, comparing and analyzing the mechanical properties of composite laminates produced in these various methods will provide perspective on the viability of novel additive manufacturing methods for large-scale production and industrial applications.
Thermal Inactivation Kinetics of Salmonella and Enterococcus faecium NRRL-B2354 on Whole Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica L.).

ABSTRACT Intervention technologies for inactivating Salmonella on whole chia seeds are currently limited. Determination of the thermal inactivation kinetics of Salmonella on chia seeds and selection of an appropriate nonpathogenic surrogate will provide a foundation for selecting and optimizing thermal pasteurization processes for chia seeds. In this study, chia seed samples from three separate production lots were inoculated with a five-strain Salmonella cocktail or Enterococcus faecium NRRL-B2354 and equilibrated to a water activity of 0.53 at room temperature (25°C). After equilibration for at least 3 days, the inoculated seeds were subjected to isothermal treatments at 80, 85, or 90°C. Samples were removed at six time points, and surviving bacteria were enumerated. Whole chia seeds were diluted in a filter bag at 1:30 because bacterial recovery with this method was similar to that obtained from ground seeds. Survivor data were fitted to consolidated models: one primary model (log linear or Weibull) and one secondary model (Bigelow). E. faecium had higher thermal resistance than did Salmonella, suggesting that E. faecium may be a suitable conservative nonpathogenic surrogate for Salmonella. The Weibull model was a better fit for the survivor data than was the log-linear model for both bacteria based on the lower root mean square error and corrected Akaike's information criterion values. Lipid oxidation measurements and fatty acid concentrations were significantly different from those of the control samples, but the overall magnitude of the differences was relatively small. The thermal inactivation kinetics of Salmonella and E. faecium on chia seeds may be used as a basis for developing thermal pasteurization processes for chia seeds. HIGHLIGHTS
Jordan Higher Bi- Homomorphism and Co- Jordan Higher Bi- Homomorphism on Banach Algebra

قدمت​ مفاهيم التشاكل الثنائي من الرتب العليا وتشاكل جوردان الثنائي من الرتب العليا ودرست العلاقة بين تشاكل جوردان الثنائي والعادي من التشاكل الثنائي من الرتب العليا وكذلك قدمت مفاهيم ​​تشاكل الثنائي العكسي من الرتب العليا وتشاكل جوردان الثنائي العكسي من الرتب العليا وكذلك درست العلاقة بينهمافي جبر بناخ.
Impact of delayed device re-implantation on outcomes of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic device related infective endocarditis.

BACKGROUND Optimal timing of cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) re-implantation following device removal due to infection is undefined. Multinational guidelines reflect this and include no specific recommendation for this timing, while others have recommended waiting at least 14 days in cases of CIED related infective endocarditis (CIED-IE). The current work seeks to clarify this issue. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed institutional data at Mayo Clinic, Minnesota of patients aged ≥ 18 years who developed CIED-IE from January 1, 1991 to February 1, 2016. CIED-IE was defined as echocardiogram reported device lead or valvular vegetation. Regression analyses were used to relate the risk of clinical outcomes to the interval between CIED removal and re-implantation and the location of vegetations. RESULTS A total of 109 patients met study inclusion criteria. A majority (68.8%) of patients were men and the median age was 68.0 years. Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) was performed in 95.4% of patients, with valve vegetations detected in 33.9% (n = 37). Survival analysis comparing patients in whom device re-implantation was < 14 days vs. ≥14 days, and further categorized by those with and without valve vegetation, showed a significant difference (P = 0.028); patients with valve vegetation and reimplantation interval < 14 days had the lowest (58.7%) 12-month survival. When adjusted for valve vegetation, longer time interval for reimplantation trended toward increased hospital length of stay (P = 0.079). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the recommended 14-day delay between CIED extraction and re-implantation in CIED-IE patients is associated with a survival benefit, but longer length of hospital stay following re-implantation.
A Descriptive analysis of urine drug screen results in patients with opioid use disorder managed in a primary care setting.

Urine drug screening (UDS) is commonly used as part of treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), including treatment with buprenorphine-naloxone for OUD in a primary care setting. Very little is known about the value of UDS, the optimum screening frequency in general, or its specific use for buprenorphine treatment in primary care. To address this question, we thought that in a stable population receiving buprenorphine-naloxone in the primary care setting it would be useful to know how often UDS yielded expected and unexpected results. We present a descriptive analysis of UDS results in patients treated with buprenorphine-naloxone for OUD in a primary care setting over a two-year period. An unexpected test result is: A total of 161 patients received care during the study period and a total of 2588 test results were analyzed from this population. We found that 64.4% of the patient population (n = 104 patients) demonstrated both treatment adherence (as measured by buprenorphine positive test results) and no apparent unexpected test findings, as defined by negative tests for opioids, methadone, cocaine and heroin. Of the 161 patients, 20 results were positive for opioids, 5 for methadone, 39 for heroin and 2 for cocaine. Analysis at the UDS level demonstrated that, of the 2588 test results, 38 (1.5%) results did not have buprenorphine. Of the 2588, 28 (1.1%) test results were positive for opioids, 8 (0.3%) were positive for methadone, 39 (1.5%) for cocaine and 2 (0.1%) for heroin. Given that the majority of patients in our study had expected urine results, it may be reasonable for less frequent urine testing in certain patients.
Perfect Ternary Arrays

A perfect ternary array is an r-dimensional array with entries 0, +1 and —1 such that all of its out-of-phase periodic autocorrelation coefficients are zero. Such an array is equivalent to a group developed weighing matrix. These can therefore be considered as elements in the group ring ℤG for a suitable abelian group G. Using this approach, we provide a comprehensive survey of these objects, restricting our attention mostly to the one-and two-dimensional (so called cyclic and bicyclic) cases.
Sustainable Energy and Mineral Resource Extraction and Consumption—Can a Viable Biosphere Be Preserved?

Modern societies have utilized fossil energy, water, and most other Earth materials at consumption rates far exceeding those of planetary replenishment. The well-known collapse of isolated island communities shows that overexploitation of the environment ultimately ends in disaster. It is now apparent that humanity must reach a steady-state stewardship of the Earth employing efficient, universal mineral resource recovery, recycling, substitution, dematerialization, and conservation. The goal of consumption of renewable resources at or below recharge rates and near-total recycling of non-renewable Earth materials can only be achieved employing universally available, inexpensive energy. However, the Second Law of Thermodynamics dictates that a part of the nonrenewable mineral resource base and most of the spent energy are irretrievably lost as entropy increase. Research-pioneered technological advances leading to the production and ubiquitous availability of environmentally benign, cheap energy will be required in order to reach the sustainable utilization of mineral resources. The principal, virtually unlimited, renewable energy sources appear to be solar and fusion power.
Ultrastructural changes in the equine colonic mucosa after ischaemia and reperfusion.

Summary Reason for performing study: Ultrastructural changes in the epithelium can provide information on early changes in barrier properties, repair and inflammation in equine colon after ischaemia and reperfusion (I/R). Objectives: To describe the morphology and ultrastructure of the epithelium in equine large colonic mucosa after I/R, and the response of inflammatory cells to injury. Methods: Ischaemia was induced for 1 h followed by 4 h of reperfusion in a 40 cm segment of the pelvic flexure in 6 horses. Mucosal biopsies before and after ischaemia, and after 1, 2 and 4 h of reperfusion were fixed in glutaraldehyde/ paraformaldehyde and osmium tetroxide, and embedded in epon. Morphological and ultrastructural changes were evaluated in toluidine blue-stained semithin sections by light microscopy and in thin sections stained with uranyl acetate/ lead citrate by transmission electron microscopy. Results: Ischaemia caused swelling of epithelial cells and their organelles, opening of tight junctions, detachment from the basement membrane, early apoptosis and single cell necrosis. Autophagy was a prominent feature in epithelial cells after ischaemia. Reperfusion was characterised by apoptosis, epithelial regeneration and restoration of apical cell junctions. Phagocytic-like vacuoles containing cellular debris and bacteria were evident in epithelial cells after reperfusion. Paracellular and subepithelial clefts formed, accompanied by infiltration of neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils into the epithelium. Subepithelial macrophages and luminal neutrophils had increased phagocytic activity. Conclusions: Ischaemia caused ultrastructural damage to the colonic epithelium, but epithelial cells recovered during reperfusion. Potential relevance: Transmission electron microscopy can demonstrate subtle ultrastructural damage to epithelial cells and evidence of recovery after I/R in equine colon.
Naftifine (Naftin) in Pediatrics

To the Editor.— We recently examined two children with tinea corporis who were unresponsive to naftifine therapy. Fungal cultures grew Trichophyton tonsurans and their clinical lesions subsequently cleared with clotrimazole. This experience and the presence of naftifine advertisements in Pediatrics (March 1992) prompted us to share information regarding this medication with fellow pediatricians. Naftifine hydrochloride (Naftin) 1% cream, an allylamine antifungal agent, the first of its kind available in the United States, has been reported to be highly effective in the treatment of tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and tinea corporis.
Practical Applications of NMR Spectroscopy in Preclinical Drug Metabolism Studies

Over the past 15 years, NMR spectroscopy has been increasingly utilized in preclinical drug discovery as tool for addressing a wide variety of issues encountered in drug metabolism studies. Previously unobtainable quantitative and qualitative data regarding concentrations and structures of drug metabolites have enabled project teams to understand the structure–activity relationships and make informed decisions regarding the fate of drug candidates earlier in the discovery process. Keywords: pharmaceutical; drug; spectroscopy; hepatic microsomes; glucuronide
The effect of drugs on orthodontic tooth movement.

Structured Abstract Authors – Krishnan V, Davidovitch Z Objective – Molecules produced in various diseased tissues, or drugs and nutrients consumed regularly by patients, can reach the mechanically stressed paradental tissues through the circulation, and interact with local target cells. The combined effect of mechanical forces and one or more of these agents may be inhibitory, additive or synergistic. The objective of this review is to outline the mechanisms of action and effects of some commonly used drugs on tissue remodeling and orthodontic tooth movement. Design – All the existing published literature on the effects of various drugs that are prescribed by orthodontists, which are consumed by patients for systemic diseases and those that are known to promote and retard the tooth movement process was obtained and subjected to thorough review process. Results – All the drugs reviewed have therapeutic effects, as well as side effects, that may influence the cells targeted by orthodontic forces. Therefore, it is imperative that the orthodontist pays close attention to the drug consumption history of each and every patient, before and during the course of orthodontic treatment. When the use of drugs is revealed, their effects and side effects on tissue systems should be explored, to determine their potential influence on the outcome of mechanotherapy. Conclusion – Drug-consumption history must be an integral part of every orthodontic diagnosis and treatment plan.
The histidine kinase homologue DhkK/Sombrero controls morphogenesis in Dictyostelium.

A key event in Dictyostelium development is the formation of the Mexican hat. This corresponds to a commitment step in morphogenesis that irreversibly signals progression from the slug stage to the fruiting body. We describe the characterization of the dhkK gene that controls this morphogenetic step. Null mutants of dhkK repeatedly attempt, and fail, to undergo morphogenesis from the slug to the Mexican hat, causing them to exhibit a “slugger” phenotype, which cannot be corrected by co-development with wild-type cells. The dhkK gene encodes a putative receptor histidine kinase whose expression is enriched in prestalk cells in the slug. Uniquely for a histidine kinase, DhkK is located in the nuclear envelope. Entry into culmination requires the DhkK response regulator domain, which appears to directly regulate cyclic AMP signaling.
Opposing actions of calcium and magnesium ions on the metabolic effects of epinephrine in rat heart

Abstract The actions of magnesium and calcium ions on the metabolic and contractile effects of epinephrine were studied in the isolated, perfused rat heart. The breakdown of high energy phosphate and increase in glycogenolysis produced by epinephrine were markedly inhibited in the presence of 20 mM magnesium ions in the perfusion fluid. This depressant effect of magnesium was overcome by raising the extracellular concentrations of calcium. Epinephrine caused a large increase in phosphorylase a activity in hearts perfused with control or a high magnesium medium, although glycogenolysis was severely depressed by excess magnesium. Epinephrine-induced glycogenolysis. as measured by lactate efflux, responded rapidly to alterations in the magnesium concentration in the perfusion fluid in the absence of corresponding changes in force of contraction. It is apparent that, in the heart stimulated by a catecholamine, carbohydrate metabolism is more readily affected by divalent cations than is myocardial contraction.
Modeling and Validation of Automotive Engines for Control Algorithm Development

There is considerable interest in coordinated automotive engine/transmission control to smooth shifts, and for traction control of front wheel vehicles. This paper outlines a nonlinear dynamic engine model of a port fuel-injected engine, which can be used for control algorithm development. This engine model predicts the mean engine brake torque as a function of the engine controls (i.e., throttle angle, spark advance, fuel flow rate, and exhaust gas recirculation (E. G. R.) flow rate)
87 Squamous Metaplasia and Necrosis of Trachea and Larynx after Nasotracheal Intubation of Premature Infants

Potential hazards of intubation to larnygeal function have not been emphasized in the newborn and the cause of difficulties encountered at extubation are not clear. We examined at autopsy the trachea of 13 infants with respiratory distress, aged 14 to 98 days, who had been intubated for 9 to 44 days. Extensive diffuse necrosis of the mucosa, at times of cartilage rings, was seen in 4, multifocal squamous metaplasia in 2 and diffuse metaplasia in 6. These changes, related to decubital ulceration by a tightly fitted tube, and chronic irritation, explain the inability of the trachea to remove bronchial secretion after extubation. The spectrum of early and late changes was followed in 25 larynxes. Besides known alterations such as ulcers, metaplasia and granulomas, there were deep lesions attributed to compression of vessels between the tube and the cartilages. Most striking was the necrosis and atrophy of intrinsic laryngeal muscles, even with a relatively preserved mucosa. This might well lead to permanent laryngeal dysfunction. (SPR)
Nonparametric regression using local kernel estimating equations for correlated failure time data

We study nonparametric regression for correlated failure time data. Kernel estimating equations are used to estimate nonparametric covariate effects. Independent and weighted-kernel estimating equations are studied. The derivative of the nonparametric function is first estimated and the nonparametric function is then estimated by integrating the derivative estimator. We show that the nonparametric kernel estimator is consistent for any arbitrary working correlation matrix and that its asymptotic variance is minimized by assuming working independence. We evaluate the performance of the proposed kernel estimator using simulation studies, and apply the proposed method to the western Kenya parasitaemia data.
The 9-xanthenylmethyl group: a novel photocleavable protecting group for amines

Abstract The 9-xanthenylmethyl group has been investigated as a photocleavable protecting group for amines. Several amines, including two amino acids, were protected in good to very good yield. Irradiation of the protected substrates in neutral solution regenerated the starting amines in good to excellent yield.
Immune privilege, T-cell tolerance, and tissue-restricted autoimmunity.

The eye is one of several specialized organs/tissues that display immune privilege, i.e. sites that permit foreign tissue grafts to enjoy prolonged (or even indefinite) survival. Immune privilege is an active, rather than a passive, process in which specialized tissues/sites and the immune system collaborate in providing immune protection without the risk of immunopathogenic injury to the tissue itself. Among the mechanisms that have been found to contribute to immune privilege is tolerance of peripheral T cells. Over the past few years, investigators have demonstrated at least four different pathways by which immune privilege can lead to T-cell tolerance: clonal deletion, clonal anergy, immune deviation, and T-cell suppression. In the case of the eye, privilege exists in part because antigens introduced into the eye are captured by distinctive local antigen-presenting cells that migrate via the blood to the spleen. At that site, they generate a stereotypic systemic immune response that is deficient in CD4+ T cells that mediate delayed hypersensitivity and that help B cells to secrete complement-fixing antibodies, yet replete with CD8+ T cells that function as cytotoxic cells and as regulatory cells. This response, termed anterior chamber associated immune deviation (ACAID), is mediated by antigen-specific regulatory T cells that secrete TGFbeta in an autocrine fashion and suppress effector functions of inflammogenic CD4+ T cells. Because intraocular inflammation is deleterious to vision, ACAID and immune privilege are considered to be evolutionary adaptations that enable the eye to benefit from immune protection against pathogens without suffering blindness from immune injury.
Reduced words and a length function for G(e,1,n)

Abstract In the first part of this paper we study normal forms of elements of the imprimitive complex reflection group G(e,1,n). This allows to prove a conjecture of Broue on basis elements and the canonical symmetrizing form of the associated cyclotomic Hecke algebra. Secondly we introduce a root system for G(e,1,n) and study the associated length function. This has many properties in common with the usual length function for finite Weyl groups.
On the meaning of life: A qualitative interpretive meta synthesis of the lived experience of life without parole:

SummaryThis Qualitative Interpretive Meta Synthesis (QIMS) develops a more complete understanding of the lived experience of serving a Life Without Parole (LWOP) sentence by synthesizing the results of existing qualitative studies focused on this population. The four studies selected for this QIMS contain interviews with 86 male prisoners serving a sentence of LWOP. The current synthesis uses phenomenology and grounded theory as methods to obtain a new understanding from the limited data on this specialized vulnerable population.FindingsThe conceptual model emerging from this QIMS indicates that prisoners experience the sentence of LWOP with feelings of deep loss which mimic the grief response of the dying patient as described by Kubler-Ross (1969). Upon the initial shock of sentencing and imprisonment, inmates pass through stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and ultimately, acceptance. In order to cope with the harsh reality of life imprisonment, ‘lifers’ find ways to exercise personal choic...
Role of chlorides in hot corrosion of a cast Fe–Cr–Ni alloy. Part II: thermochemical model studies

Abstract In many high temperature applications severe degradation of alloys is caused by thin deposits of molten salts, especially alkali metal sulfates, alkali metal chlorides and mixtures of these salts. Calculations of multi-component thermochemical equilibria in systems involving (initially) metal/salt/gas as a function of local oxygen activity can help identify the important hot corrosion reactions. Such calculations for four pure salts (KCl, NaCl, Na 2 SO 4 , and K 2 SO 4 ) and a mixture of these salts in contact with an Fe–20%Cr alloy at 800 °C are presented. The results predict that the compositions of gas, oxide, (sulfide, when sulfate was input) and salt phases depend strongly upon the salt chosen and upon the local oxygen activity. In some cases the equilibrium salt composition is significantly changed by reactions with metal or oxide phases. The calculated results for the salt mixture were compared with experimental data from part I of this paper. The model calculations have led to the identification of two new factors that support faster hot corrosion rates in an alkali chloride + sulfate salt compared to that in alkali sulfate alone. First, alkali chlorides, unlike sulfates, support a continuous salt pathway from ambient to the metal/scale interface, allowing oxidant to be efficiently transported to oxidize metal. Secondly, under oxidizing conditions alkali chlorides have a higher solubility of dissolved Fe- and Cr-containing species than that in alkali sulfates. Both of these factors support higher transport rates, which according to the fluxing theory of hot corrosion will lead to faster corrosion.
The tissue distribution of triacylglycerol lipase, monoacylglycerol lipase and phospholipase a in fed and fasted rats

Abstract Triacylglycerol lipase (triglyceride lipase), monoacylglycerol lipase (monoglyceride lipase) and phospholipase A activities were measured in heparin extracts and acetone-ether powders from adipose tissue, heart, diaphragm, and liver of fed and fasted rats. In fed rats triacylglycerol lipase activity was highest in adipose tissue and decreased significantly during fasting (P Results with heparin extract in the present study support the concept that the main source of monoacylglycerol lipase and phospholipase A activities in postheparin plasma is the liver, but triacylglycerol lipase is heterogeneous in origin and its appearance in plasma dependent on experimental conditions. Furthermore, several triacylglycerol lipase pools may exist in tissues (for example, capillary endothelial surfaces and intracellular); these may differ in heparin extracts and acetone powders. Finally, the type of triacylglycerol lipase activity found is dependent on the type of substrate and enzyme source.
Atmospheric Temperature Effect for Mesons Far Underground

A continuation of measurements previously reported has led to verification of the positive temperature effect for $\ensuremath{\mu}$ mesons detected at 1574 m.w.e. underground, which are created in the atmosphere with an average energy of about 8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{11}$ ev. The new result for the temperature coefficient at this depth is 0.33\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.13 percent per deg C; and this value combined with the previous measurement yields an average of 0.46\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.11 percent per degree, agreeing with the value expected if the $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\mu}$ decay process is responsible for all, or most, of these $\ensuremath{\mu}$ mesons.
Impact of improvements in HYLIFE-II on safety, performance and cost

Abstract The HYLIFE-II fusion power plant conceptual design has evolved and improved continually over the past four years to its present form. This paper describes the FY93 reference case H1-B (nominally 1 GW(e) net output) and the enhanced case HE-B (nominally 2 GW(e) net output), which take advantage of improvements in the tritium management system to eliminate the intermediate loop and the intermediate heat exchangers (IHXs). The improvements in the heat-transport system and the steam power plant are described and the resulting cost reductions are evaluated. The new estimated cost of electricity (in 1990 dollars) is 5.1¢ kWh−1 for reference case H1-B and 3.6¢ kWh−1 for the enhanced case HE-B.
Population genetics of the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) across multiple spatial scales.

Conservation genetics is a powerful tool to assess the population structure of species and provides a framework for informing management of freshwater ecosystems. As lotic habitats become fragmented, the need to assess gene flow for species of conservation management becomes a priority. The eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) is a large, fully aquatic paedamorphic salamander. Many populations are experiencing declines throughout their geographic range, yet the genetic ramifications of these declines are currently unknown. To this end, we examined levels of genetic variation and genetic structure at both range-wide and drainage (hierarchical) scales. We collected 1,203 individuals from 77 rivers throughout nine states from June 2007 to August 2011. Levels of genetic diversity were relatively high among all sampling locations. We detected significant genetic structure across populations (Fst values ranged from 0.001 between rivers within a single watershed to 0.218 between states). We identified two genetically differentiated groups at the range-wide scale: 1) the Ohio River drainage and 2) the Tennessee River drainage. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) based on landscape-scale sampling of basins within the Tennessee River drainage revealed the majority of genetic variation (∼94–98%) occurs within rivers. Eastern hellbenders show a strong pattern of isolation by stream distance (IBSD) at the drainage level. Understanding levels of genetic variation and differentiation at multiple spatial and biological scales will enable natural resource managers to make more informed decisions and plan effective conservation strategies for cryptic, lotic species.
Program tools for algorithm animation

This paper proposes graphics primitives for constructing programs for algorithm animation. Our experiments show that these primitives can reduce program development time. Future directions of the current research is also discussed.
The axisymmetric jet counterflow problem

A numerical method for computing the flow field of an underexpanded axisymmetric supersonic jet flowing counter to a uniform supersonic stream is described. The strong shock waves and shear layers which occur in the flow are treated as normal and tangential discontinuities bounding regions of inviscid flow. Within the regions, the unsteady gasdynamic equations are solved in integral form on a moving computational mesh. As the numerical flow field evolves, the mesh is deformed according to the jump relations applied at the discontinuities, thus determining their positions as part of the solution. Also presented are computed results obtained for a wide range of jet total pressure. The standoff distances of the bow shock and jet shock are in good agreement with those measured experimentally, thus demonstrating the accuracy of the numerical method.
Aureomycin nitrate, its preparation and identification

Aureomycin hydrochloride does not show any promise as a reagent for qualitative detection or quantitative estimation of any of the common cations or aidons. The well developed crystals of the rather insoluble nitrate may be used for the identification of aureomycin. The low solubility of the nitrate may give a better stability as compared with the hydrochloride, which would be of interest to the pharmacist.
Valsalva leak point pressure: steps toward standardization.

Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) has been used as the urodynamic indicator of intrinsic sphincteric deficiency in patients with stress urinary incontinence. However, further validation of VLPP as a tool for diagnosis and assessment of treatment outcome has been delayed mainly because of the lack of a universally accepted standardized methodology. The urodynamic parameters in need of standardization for measurement of VLPP include urethral catheter size, zeroing of the transducer, patient position, bladder volume, type of stress, and timing of measurement. Such standard-ization likely will allow for further validation of VLPP and its use in distinguishing the right treatment options for the correction of stress urinary incontinence.
Heterozygosity in inbred strains of the tree-hole mosquitoAedes triseriatus

Inbred stocks of the tree-hole mosquitoAedes triseriatus from four localities were developed using full-sib mating. The progress of inbreeding was followed electrophoretically at eight variable and six less variable enzyme loci. Rates of fixation of several of these loci were substantially lower than expected. Discrepancies between observed and expected fixation values were evident in the early stages of inbreeding and became larger as inbreeding progressed.Odh, Hbd, Pgm, andHk-4 were usually not fixed. By the F12 and F14 generations of brother-sister mating, most individuals in the two lines were heterozygotes (Odh andHbd in the TK lines andOdh, Hbd, Pgm, andHk-4 in the TV lines). The probability of maintaining heterozygosity at several selectively neutral and unlinked loci simultaneously is very low.Odh, Hbd, Pgm, andHbd loci are linked to lethal recessives on chromosome 2, creating a balanced lethal system which in turn accounts for the heterozygosity in these inbred mosquitoes.
Systemic effects of inhaled corticosteroids in children.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are first-line therapy for persistent asthma in children. Major safety concerns about long-term ICS therapy include suppression of adrenal function, growth, and bone development. Proper interpretation of ICS safety studies requires knowledge of differences between various ICS drug/delivery device systems. RECENT FINDINGS Dosage, type of inhaler device used, patient technique, and characteristics of the individual drug influence systemic effects of ICS. Reports of adrenal insufficiency occur but are rare and are confined to children receiving high doses of ICS. Dose-related inhibition of growth is detectable as ICS dosage increases, but appears temporary, more pronounced in childhood, and is not associated with reduction in final height. Moderate-dose ICS therapy is not associated with significant changes in measurements of bone density, but more studies of high doses and of therapy in adolescents are needed. SUMMARY Recent studies confirm that benefits of ICS, properly prescribed and used, clearly outweigh not only their potential adverse effects but also the risks associated with poorly controlled asthma.
Cue-evoked dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens shell tracks reinforcer magnitude during intracranial self-stimulation

The mesolimbic dopamine system is critically involved in modulating reward-seeking behavior and is transiently activated upon presentation of reward-predictive cues. It has previously been shown, using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry in behaving rats, that cues predicting a variety of reinforcers including food/water, cocaine or intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) elicit time-locked transient fluctuations in dopamine concentration in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell. These dopamine transients have been found to correlate with reward-related learning and are believed to promote reward-seeking behavior. Here, we investigated the effects of varying reinforcer magnitude (intracranial stimulation parameters) on cue-evoked dopamine release in the NAc shell in rats performing ICSS. We found that the amplitude of cue-evoked dopamine is adaptable, tracks reinforcer magnitude and is significantly correlated with ICSS seeking behavior. Specifically, the concentration of cue-associated dopamine transients increased significantly with increasing reinforcer magnitude, while, at the same time, the latency to lever press decreased with reinforcer magnitude. These data support the proposed role of NAc dopamine in the facilitation of reward-seeking and provide unique insight into factors influencing the plasticity of dopaminergic signaling during behavior.
Gender differences in pre‐adolescent reactance to age‐categorized television advisory labels

Use of age‐categorized television program ratings (TV‐Y, TV‐Y7, TV‐G, TV‐PG, TV‐14, and TV‐M) was assessed for 203 fourth and fifth graders from Missouri and California. Ability to distinguish between pairs of rating codes was low, and uses of codes for program selection and as part of parental viewing rules was also low. Girls reported significantly more parental viewing rules than boys and were significantly more likely to prefer age‐appropriate programs: a tainted‐fruit effect. Boys were more likely than girls to prefer age‐inappropriate programs: a forbidden fruit effect.
Online Spaced Education Generates Transfer and Improves Long-Term Retention of Diagnostic Skills: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Retention of learning from surgical training is often limited, especially if the knowledge and skills are used infrequently. Using histopathology diagnostic skills as an experimental system, we compared knowledge transfer and retention between bolus Web-based teaching (WBT) modules and online spaced education, a novel email-based method of online education founded on the spacing effect. Study Design All US urology residents were eligible to participate. Enrollees were randomized to 1 of 2 cohorts. Cohort 1 residents received 3 cycles/repetitions of spaced education on prostate-testis histopathology (weeks 1 to 16) and 3 WBT modules on bladder-kidney (weeks 14 to 16). Cohort 2 residents received 3 cycles of spaced education on bladder-kidney (weeks 1 to 16) and 3 WBT modules on prostate-testis (weeks 14 to 16). Each daily spaced education email presented a clinical scenario with histopathology image and asked for a diagnosis. Participants received immediate feedback after submitting their answers. Each cycle/repetition was 4 weeks long and consisted of 20 questions with unique images. WBT used the identical content and delivery system, with questions aggregated into three 20-question modules. Long-term retention of all 4 topics was assessed during weeks 18 to 45. Results Seven-hundred and twenty-four urology residents enrolled. Spaced education and WBT were completed by 77% and 66% of residents, respectively. Spaced education and WBT generated mean long-term score increases of 15.2% (SD 15.3%) and 3.4% (SD 16.3%), respectively (p Conclusions Online spaced education generates transfer of histopathology diagnostic skills and substantially improves their long-term retention. Additional research is needed to determine how spaced education can optimize learning, transfer, and retention of surgical skills.