cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uncovering Cell-Specific Mechanisms in Sex Differences in TLR4-Dependent Pain

Uncovering how different cell types recognize and respond to danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) could lead to new therapeutic insights and a better understanding of basic mechanisms of pain plasticity. Recent studies have bought to light the necessity to discern sex-specific differences in various pain modalities and different cell-types that mediate these differences. These studies begin to uncover the role of neuroimmune interactions to mediate pain states in a sex-specific fashion. However, direct nociceptor activity and intrinsic properties in the context of immune action have not been at the forefront. DAMPs are produced in a broad variety of tissue injury paradigms and are linked to the generation of pain and pain plasticity underlying chronic pain. High-mobility group-box 1 (HMGB1) is a major DAMP that regulates pain states, it is produced after injury, and activates toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4). Here we have employed a transgenic model that allows for cre-mediated reactivation of a floxed-null TLR4 allele, utilizing NaV1.8 and LysozymeM to drive cre expression in peripheral nociceptors or macrophages, respectively. We observed a robust sexual dimorphic behavioral effect in mechanical hypersensitivity and hyperalgesic priming when TLR4 is reactivated in peripheral macrophages in males versus nociceptors in females. After intraplantar administration of HMGB1, wild-type (WT) littermates of both sexes show a mechanical hypersensitivity that is recapitulated in males when TLR4 is only in macrophages and in females when TLR4 is active only in nociceptors. Conversely, macrophage TLR4 reactivated females and nociceptor TLR4 reactivated males did not develop mechanical hypersensitivity. Moreover, these cell-specific reactivated animals were also associated with increased hyperalgesic priming precipitated by prostaglandin E2 injection in respective groups (macrophages in males and nociceptors in females). Collectively our work demonstrates a cell-specific effect of TLR4 in acute pain plasticity and in the transition to a chronic pain state, pointing to clear sex differences.
Curbing Digital Distractions in the Classroom.

Whether banking, communicating, watching television, or shopping, people can now do nearly anything on their personal digital devices. This digital access even extends to the college classroom where students use their personal devices for a multitude of non-class related purposes. Findings from a survey of 193 college undergraduates found that during class, students access particular types of platforms more frequently than others, providing insight into what they are doing when they are on their devices. Overall, students more often engage in accessing class information, utilizing online communication, using online photo sharing, and information seeking than other platforms. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations for educators are offered.
Pedagogical Practices of Mobile Learning in K-12 and Higher Education Settings.

The advancement of mobile technology has influenced teaching and learning at various educational levels. The mobility, ubiquity, and connectivity of mobile devices help to foster meaningful learning experience across contexts and in different subject areas. Positive results from mobile learning have been reported in the current literature. To help to further the discussion and provide references for practitioners at various educational levels, this paper categorizes main pedagogical practices of mobile learning in K-12 and higher education settings into nine types: situated learning, communication and collaborative learning, game-based learning, inquiry-based learning, informal learning, personalized learning, behaviorist learning activities, learning content access and review, student engagement and motivation. Mobile learning in distance education is also discussed.
Are we modeling the properties of unconventional shales correctly

Abstract Technological advancements have led to impressive growth in hydrocarbon (HC) production from unconventional shale reservoirs. However, major limiting factors in shale gas development are i) low recovery of gas in place (
A 100,000-to-1 high dynamic range (HDR) luminance display for investigating visual perception under real-world luminance dynamics

Abstract Background Real-world illumination challenges both autonomous sensing and displays, because scene luminance can vary by up to 109-to-1, whereas vision models have limited ability to generalize beyond 100-to-1 luminance contrast. Brain mechanisms automatically normalize the visual input based on feature context, but they remain poorly understood because of the limitations of commercially available displays. New method Here, we describe procedures for setup, calibration, and precision check of an HDR display system, based on a JVC DLA-RS600U reference projector, with over 100,000-to-1 luminance dynamic range (636–0.006055 cd/m2), pseudo 11 bit grayscale precision, and 3 ms temporal precision in the MATLAB/Psychtoolbox software environment. The setup is synchronized with electroencephalography (EEG) and infrared eye-tracking measurements. Results We show display metrics including light scatter versus average display luminance (ADL), spatial uniformity, and spatial uniformity at high spatial frequency. We also show a luminance normalization phenomenon, contextual facilitation of a high contrast target, whose discovery required HDR display. Comparison with existing methods This system provides 100-fold greater dynamic range than standard 1000-to-1 contrast displays and increases the number of gray levels from 256 or 1024 (8 or 10 bits) to 2048 (pseudo 11 bits), enabling the study of mesopic-to-photopic vision, at the expense of spatial non-uniformities. Conclusions This HDR research capability opens new questions of how visual perception is resilient to real-world luminance dynamics and will lead to improved visual modeling of dense urban and forest environments and of mixed indoor-outdoor environments such as cockpits and augmented reality. Our display metrics code can be found at https://github.com/USArmyResearchLab/ARL-Display-Metrics-and-Average-Display-Luminance .
Combined rituximab and plasmapheresis or plasma exchange for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in adult kidney transplant recipients: a meta-analysis

To demonstrate the efficacy of combined rituximab and plasmapheresis (PP)/plasma exchange (PE) therapy for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in transplanted kidneys (ptFSGS). We searched MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Library for eligible publications. Only observational studies or clinical trials containing patients’ age > 18 years were included for full-text extraction. A total of eight observational studies (n = 85) were included in meta-analyses. With a median follow-up of 18 months (IQR 4.4), combination therapy of RTX-PP/PE in patients with ptFSGS resulted in overall remission rate of 72.7% (95% CI 52.3–86.6%) with a significant reduction of proteinuria and serum creatinine levels. Complete remission was 41.0%, while partial remission was 31.7%. The mean difference of serum creatinine levels between pre- and post-treatment was − 0.65 mg/dL (95% CI − 1.15 to − 0.14). The mean difference of the degree of proteinuria between pre- and post-treatment was − 4.79 g/day (95% CI − 7.02 to − 2.56). Subgroup analyses were performed after adjusted for study year, type of intervention, and primary pre-transplant lesion. Patients with recurrent FSGS tended have lesser reduction in the degree of proteinuria compared to patients with de novo FSGS. Incidence of serious adverse events with combined RTX-PP/PE therapy was 0.12 event/year. We conclude that combined RTX-PP/PE therapy may be considered as an alternative treatment of ptFSGS in achieving remission by lowering proteinuria and serum creatinine levels. However, the efficacy of combined RTX-PP/PE therapy must be confirmed in randomized-controlled trials.
Results analysis of 24 h urine volume for two consecutive days in different populations in Huangfan plain of Jiangsu Province

Objective To mater the basic situation of urine volume in Huangfan plain in different populations of Jiangsu Province and to provide a basis for prevention and control of high iodine. Methods The households with drinking water iodine content in 10-150 μg/L in the 18 administrative villages of Guanshan, Suicheng, Taoyuan and Weiji were selected as investigation objects; the urinary iodine median of the four villages was 48.9, 77.9, 97.1 and 111.6 μg/L, respectively. Children 8-10 years old and women 28-49 years old were investigated. For two consecutive days, 24 h urine volume was measured. Results One hundred and sixty-seven children who were 8-10 years old were investigated. Their urine volume was (775 ± 343) ml for the first 24 h, and was (760 ± 337) ml for the second 24 h. One hundred and sixty-two women who were 28-49 years old were investigated. Their urine volume was (1 368 ± 542) ml for the first 24 h, and was (1 254 ± 487) ml for the second 24 h. The mean urine volume of children was lower than the normal level which is 1 000 ml daily for 6-12 years old children, and the mean urine volume of women was lower than the normal level which is 1 500 ml daily for people over 12 years old and adults (t =-8.450, -9.248,-3.054,-6.393, all P 0.05). There were 89 boys of the 167 investigated children, and 78 girls. There was no difference of 24 h urine output between boys and girls in the first and second days (t = 1.447, 0.803, all P > 0.05). There were 59 children of 8 years old, 60 children of 9 years old, and 48 children of 10 years old. Children's 24 h urine output of the first day was not different among different age groups (F = 2.184, P > 0.05), but the second day was different (F = 3.477, P 0.05). Conclusion The 24 h urine output of women and children in Jiangsu Huangfan plain is lower than the average of general population. Key words: Urine; Child; Women; Huangfan plain
Validity Issues in Direct Behavioral Observation: Applications for Behavioral Assessment in the Classroom:

Although behavioral assessment has become a widely employed and accepted technology in the field of school psychology, relatively little attention has been given to the issue of validity. This article examines validity issues and concerns as they relate to a specific aspect of behavioral assessment, direct behavioral observation. Specific emphasis is placed on the valid use of this technology in classroom situations with children.
Differential effects of emotional valence on mnemonic performance with greater hippocampal maturity

Abstract The hippocampal formation (HF) facilitates the creation of declarative memories, with subfields providing unique contributions to the discriminability and generalizability of events. The HF itself and its connections with other structures exhibit a protracted development. Maturational differences across subfields facilitate a shift towards memory specificity, with peri-puberty sitting at the inflection point. Peri-puberty also happens to be a sensitive period in the development of anxiety disorders. Taken together, we believe HF development is critical to negative overgeneralization, a common feature of anxiety disorders. To investigate the role of the HF in behavioral discrimination and generalization we examined the relation between behavior and cross-sectional indices of HF maturity derived from subfield volume. Participants aged 9-14 years, recruited from clinical and community sources, performed a recognition task with emotionally valent (positive, negative) and neutral images. T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted structural scans were collected. Partial least squares correlations were used to derive a singular metric of maturity for both HF volume and structural connectivity. We found our volumetric HF maturity index was positively associated with discrimination for neutral images and generalization for negative images. Hippocampal-medial prefrontal cortex structural connectivity maturity metric evidenced a similar trend with behavior as the HF volumetric approach. These findings are important because they reflect a novel developmentally related balance between discrimination and generalization behavior supported by the hippocampus and its connections with other regions. Maturational shifts in this balance may contribute to negative overgeneralization, a common feature of anxiety disorders that escalates during the same developmental window. Significance Statement The hippocampal formation (HF) facilitates declarative memory specificity and is composed of subfields whose development during adolescence overlaps with the onset of anxiety disorders. Aberrations in mechanisms governing memory specificity may contribute to negative overgeneralization in anxious youth. Participants completed an emotional memory discrimination task while in the scanner. Using a multivariate maturity metric based on subfield volume we found individuals with more “mature” HF were better at differentiating similar neutral images and more likely to generalize similar negative images. These findings are important because they capture a novel developmental mechanism related to the balance between discrimination and generalization. Shifts in this balance, may contribute to negative overgeneralization, a common feature of anxiety disorders.
Multidrug resistant Aeromonas infection following medical leech therapy: A case report and development of a joint antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention protocol.

Abstract Objective Aeromonas sp. infections are a recognized complication of medical leech therapy (MLT). In patients requiring MLT, ciprofloxacin or trimethoprim–sulphamethoxazole are commonly used to prevent such nosocomial infections. After a patient at our institution developed a MLT-associated multi-drug resistant (MDR) Aeromonas infection, we developed and evaluated a joint antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention protocol for MLT at our institution. Methods We describe a case of a surgical site infection with MDR Aeromonas following MLT that was resistant to typically prescribed prophylactic antimicrobials, and development of a new leech culture protocol to proactively monitor for antimicrobial resistance among our institution’s leech supply. We also report the rates of MLT-associated infections prior to and following implementation of this protocol and the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles detected in leech culture at our institution. Results Between October 2014 and February 2018, 46 patients received MLT at our institution. Other than the case described in this report, no other instances of MLT-related infections were noted during this time period. Culture results from 22 leeches in six batches since February 2018 showed that all were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, TMP-SMX, and ceftriaxone. Since initiation of a leech culture protocol, no further cases of MLT-associated infections have been reported at our institution. Conclusions In light of increasing antimicrobial resistance and the potentially devastating consequences of MLT-associated infections, institutions offering MLT should be aware of these risks and ensure that protocols are in place to minimize infection risks for patients.
Esophageal Foreign Body Management in Children: Can It Wait?

Introduction: Pediatric foreign body ingestion remains a common reason for emergency department (ED) visits. Button battery ingestion is an established surgical emergency, requiring immediate remov...
Special Education Meetings: The Role of the Facilitator in Districts Serving Rural Communities:

Special education professionals serve as facilitators of Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings. This study explores how facilitators see their IEP meeting roles and probes further in...
Acute Kidney Injury Associated with Late-Onset Neonatal Sepsis: A Matched Cohort Study.

Objectives To determine incidence and severity of acute kidney injury (AKI) within 7 days of sepsis evaluation and to assess AKI duration and the association between AKI and 30-day mortality. Study design Retrospective, matched cohort study in a single-center level IV neonatal intensive care unit. Eligible infants underwent sepsis evaluations at ≥72 hours of age during calendar years 2013-2018. Exposed infants (cases) were those with culture-proven sepsis and antimicrobial duration ≥5 days. Nonexposed infants (controls) were matched 1:1 to exposed infants based on gestational and corrected gestational age, and had negative sepsis evaluations with antibiotic durations Results Among 203 episodes of late-onset sepsis, 40 (20%) developed AKI within 7 days after evaluation, and among 193 episodes with negative cultures, 16 (8%) resulted in AKI (P = .001). Episodes of sepsis also led to greater AKI severity, compared with nonseptic episodes (P = .007). The timing of AKI onset and AKI duration did not differ between groups. Sepsis was associated with increased odds of developing AKI (aOR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.5-6.2; P = .002). AKI was associated with increased 30-day mortality (aOR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.3-15.6; P = .017). Conclusions Infants with late-onset sepsis had increased odds of AKI and greater AKI severity within 7 days of sepsis evaluation, compared with age-matched infants without sepsis. AKI was independently associated with increased 30-day mortality. Strategies to mitigate AKI in critically ill neonates with sepsis may improve outcomes.
Influence of surface and interface roughness on X-ray and extreme ultraviolet reflectance: A comparative numerical study

The influence of surface and interface roughness on X-ray and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) reflectometry is becoming increasingly important as layer thicknesses decrease to a few nanometers in next-generation nanodevices and multilayer optics. Here we simulate two different approaches for numerically modeling roughness, the Nevot–Croce factor and the graded-interface method, in the Parratt formalism of calculating the complex reflectance of multilayer systems. The simulations were carried out at wavelengths relevant to widely used metrology techniques, including 0.154 nm for X-ray reflectometry and 13.5 nm for EUV lithography. A large discrepancy is observed between the two approaches in several situations: when the roughness is large with respect to the wavelength, for interfaces with large changes in refractive index across the boundary, as well as around reflectance peaks due to interference effects. Caution is thus required when using either approach to model roughness in these situations.
UGASP: User and Group Aware Shopping Planner

We present a prototype system for planning shopping-related trips in the settings in which an individual may need to purchase a collection of items for which the requests originate from different categories of groups. Specifically, we consider scenarios in which the user is affiliated with a family and other (multiple) social circles – with varying temporal duration (e.g., from a specific party/event, to longer lasting preference-based memberships such as chess playing, reading club, etc.). Each of the groups may have its separate list of items to be purchased at a given time – e.g., grocery for the family; wine and cheese for a social event – however: (1) a particular individual may be a member of multiple (different) groups; (2) a particular group may have different shopping list (for different purposes); and (3) a user may be at different location at times when different requests originate. Our UGASP (User and Group Aware Shopping Planner) system aims at: (1) Generating trajectories for individuals to complete part of the purchase list, based on their group memberships; (2) Calculating new trajectories, based on updates of the purchase assignments to different users.
Enlisting Composition: How First-Year Composition Helped Reorient Higher Education in the GI Bill Era

Composition historians have long argued that writing programs were radically transformed in the post-WWII era as a consequence of GI Bill enrollments. But, rising enrollments in this period were not just the cause of huge expansions in first-year writing programs. Rather, first-year composition helped to bring about huge expansions in higher education. Immediately preceding the introduction of the GI Bill, first-year composition became a de facto curricular requirement for institutions that wanted to be eligible for GI Bill funds. Not surprisingly, there was a wave of institutional transformations near the end of WWII as single-purpose institutions became multi-purpose state colleges to attract the newly established Federal largesse. First-year composition helped facilitate these changes around the country as institutions adopted or reformed first-year offerings to become GI Bill eligible.
Conversion of ethanol to 1,3-butadiene over Na doped ZnxZryOz mixed metal oxides

Abstract Despite numerous studies on different oxide catalysts for the ethanol to 1,3-butadiene reaction, few have identified active sites (i.e., type of acidity) correlated to the catalytic performances. In this work, the type of acidity needed for ethanol to 1,3-butadiene conversion has been studied over Zn/Zr mixed oxide catalysts. Specifically, synthesis method, Zn/Zr ratio, and Na doping have been used to control the surface acid–base properties, as confirmed by characterizations such as NH3-TPD and IR-Py techniques. The 2000 ppm Na doped Zn1Zr10Oz-H with balanced base and weak Bronsted acid sites was found to give not only high selectivity to 1,3-butadiene (47%) at near complete ethanol conversion (97%), but also exhibited a much higher 1,3-butadiene productivity than other mixed oxides studied.
A computational tool for patient specific dosimetry and radiobiological modeling of selective internal radiation therapy with 90Y microspheres

In recent years we have witnessed tremendous progress in selective internal radiation therapy. In clinical practice, quite often, radionuclide therapy is planned using simple models based on standard activity values or activity administered per unit body weight or surface area in spite of the admission that radiation-dose methods provide more accurate dosimetric results. To address that issue, the authors developed a Matlab-based computational software, named Patient Specific Yttrium-90 Dosimetry Toolkit (PSYDT). PSYDT was designed for patient specific voxel-based dosimetric calculations and radiobiological modeling of selective internal radiation therapy with 90Y microspheres. The developed toolkit is composed of three dimensional dose calculations for both bremsstrahlung and beta emissions. Subsequently, radiobiological modeling is performed on a per-voxel basis and cumulative dose volume histograms (DVHs) are generated. In this report we describe the functionality and visualization features of PSYDT.
Extracting an entanglement signature from only classical mutual information

We use classical mutual information to characterize two photons measured in three mutually unbiased bases. We theoretically and experimentally compare entangled and separable states and find a bound on the information capacity of the pair.
Association between HLA class II genes and autoantibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides (CCP) affects severity of rheumatoid arthritis

Objective. The functional role of HLA class II molecules in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unclear. HLA class II molecules are involved in the interaction between T and B lymphocytes required for long-lived B cell responses and generation of highaffinity IgG antibodies. We undertook this study to investigate the relationship between HLA class II gene polymorphisms and RA-specific IgG antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP antibodies). Methods. High-resolution HLA–DR and DQ typing and anti–CCP-2 antibody testing were performed on 268 RA patients from the Early Arthritis Clinic cohort at the Department of Rheumatology of the Leiden University Medical Center. The presence of anti-CCP antibodies was analyzed in carriers of the different DR and DQ alleles. Disease progression was measured over a period of 4 years by scoring radiographs of the hands and feet using the Sharp/van der Heijde method. Results. Carriership of the individual alleles HLA–DRB1*0401, DRB1*1001, DQB1*0302, and DQB1*0501 was associated with the presence of antiCCP antibodies. Carriers of DQ–DR genotypes containing proposed RA susceptibility alleles were significantly more often anti-CCP antibody positive. Carriership of one or two HLA–DRB1 shared epitope (SE) alleles was significantly associated with production of anti-CCP antibodies (odds ratio [OR] 3.3, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.8–6.0 and OR 13.3, 95% CI 4.6–40.4, respectively). An increased rate of joint destruction was observed in SE, anti-CCP patients (mean Sharp score 7.6 points per year) compared with that in SE, anti-CCP patients (2.4 points per year) (P 0.04), SE, anti-CCP patients (1.6 points per year) (P < 0.001), and SE, anti-CCP patients (1.6 points per year) (P < 0.001). Conclusion. HLA class II RA susceptibility alleles are associated with production of anti-CCP antibodies. Moreover, more severe disease progression is found in RA patients with both anti-CCP antibodies and SE alleles.
Structural Effects on Arthrobacter Methylene Hydroxylase Activity

Arthrobacter 4-44-2 (ATCC 25581), capable of subterminal oxidation of n-hexadecane to 2-, 3-, and 4-alcoholic and ketonic products, was examined for the ability of this methylene hydroxylase capability to be induced and repressed and for structural relationships influencing methylene function oxidation. Induction was best carried out by use of n-alkanes from 10 to 16 carbons in length and was especially strong with methylcyclohexane among cyclic compounds tested. Induction was not observed with several related alcohols, 1-unsaturated compounds, or methoxy and ethoxy compounds tested. After induction, n-alkanes 14 and 16 carbons in length were transformed to the corresponding internal oxidation products; however, no activity was observed with even-carbon alkanes of shorter chain length. Hexadecene-1 and all alcohols tested, including cyclododecanol, were transformed to corresponding ketonic or aldehydic products. Cyclic compounds tested, including cyclododecane, were not oxidized by induced cells, suggesting that a methyl group plays a role in orientation of the substrate for the methylene hydroxylation but that the methyl function was not as critical after completion of the hydroxylation step regardless of structural configuration. Acetate strongly repressed induction of n-hexadecane methylene hydroxylase activity. Inducibility of methylene hydroxylase activity was confirmed by use of cell-free systems with methylcyclohexane as an inducer. A stimulation of methylene hydroxylase activity by addition of reduced pyridine nucleotides and ferrous ion was indicated.
Transmembrane signaling by the human insulin receptor kinase. Relationship between intramolecular beta subunit trans- and cis-autophosphorylation and substrate kinase activation.

To examine the role of intramolecular beta subunit trans- and cis-autophosphorylation in signal transduction, the vaccinia virus/bacteriophage T7 expression system was used to generate insulin holoreceptors composed of a kinase-defective half-receptor precursor (alpha beta A/K or alpha beta A/K.delta CT) and a kinase-active half-receptor precursor (alpha beta delta CT or alpha beta WT). In the alpha beta A/K-alpha beta delta CT hybrid insulin receptor, insulin stimulated a 20-fold increase in intramolecular beta subunit trans-phosphorylation, whereas cis-phosphorylation increased only 3-fold over the basal state. Similarly, in the alpha beta WT-alpha beta A/K.delta CT hybrid insulin receptor, insulin stimulated trans-phosphorylation approximately 30-fold and cis-phosphorylation only 3-fold over the basal state. Although cis-phosphorylation of the kinase-functional alpha beta half-receptor was observed within these hybrid receptor species, this was not sufficient to stimulate exogenous substrate kinase activity. These data demonstrate that insulin primarily activates an intramolecular beta subunit trans-phosphorylation reaction within the insulin holoreceptor and suggest that this reaction is necessary for activation of the holoreceptor. Furthermore, our results suggest a molecular basis for the dominant-negative phenotype observed in insulin-resistant patients possessing one kinase-defective insulin receptor allele.
Education in the Gulf Monarchies: Retrospect and Prospect.

For the last several decades there has been tremendous expansion in the educational facilities in all the six Gulf monarchies (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates). The quality of education, however, does not correspond to the needs of Gulf societies. This study examines three of the apparent deficiencies in the educational system in the region: the mismatch between traditional and modern learning, the imbalance between indigenous and expatriate labor forces, and the gap between men and women. The paper concludes that a fundamental change in the quality of education needs to be made in order to overcome these imbalances.
Formation process of kaolinite from the amorphous mixture of silica and alumina

The formation process of kaolinite from the amorphous mixture of silica and alumina by hydrothermal reaction was studied by XRD, IR, DTA-TG, TEM, and high-resolution solid state 29 Si- and 27 Al-MAS/NMR. The amorphous mixture of the starting material prepared with commercially available silica-sol and alumina-sol was hydrothermally treated with distilled water in a Teflon pressure vessel at 220°C for a reaction time varying from 1 to 144 hours. The Q 4 state component of the amorphous starting material changed into an intermediate amorphous Q 3 state. The intermediate amorphous phase converted into crystalline kaolinite with spherical shape (Q 3 state). The yield and crystallinity of kaolinite increased with an increase in the reaction time
Contrast mechanism of ultrasonic atomic force microscopy

In this paper, ultrasonic atomic force microscopy (U-AFM) was examined both experimentally and theoretically as a source of a high definition visualization of the boundary between materials. Specifically, a sample of diffusion bonded steel-Cu-Si3N4 was vibrated at its first resonant frequency, f=133.43 kHz, and the boundaries were examined. The experimental results show that the contrast between materials can be measured accurately by the change in the elastic properties of the materials. Moreover, it was found that this method is superior to the standard atomic force microscope (AFM) topological measurements. Numerical simulation based on the finite element method (FEM) was also carried out and compared with the experiment results. In general, the theoretical results fit the experimental findings and strengthen the interpretation that the nature of the contrast between materials is highly dependant on the elasticity of the material. Furthermore, the amplitude images were shown to produce higher contrast than phase images.
Debating humoral immunity and epistemology: the rivalry of the immunochemists Jules Bordet and Paul Ehrlich.

Les argumentations de Bordet (J.) et Ehrlich (P.) sur la nature de l'immunite humorale et les mecanismes de protection des anticorps et du complement nous informent egalement sur leurs points de vue metascientifiques respectifs
A Random Walk with Both Lagrangian and Eulerian Statistics

Publisher Summary This chapter looks at an unsolved problem in the kinematics of turbulent motion, which is that of relating the (Lagrangian) statistical functions following a fluid particle to the (Eulerian) statistical functions of the flow field in space-time. Lacking a solution to this physical problem, it may be instructive to devise and study a random walk which displays both Lagrangian and Eulerian features. The chapter discusses that the traditional elementary random walk on an equal-step lattice is specified by the fixed probability that the particle moves to the right or the left at each jump. With these probabilities each equal to ½, the familiar binomial probability density is found for particle displacement after any finite number of jumps. It also discusses that each point of the space-time lattice has a statistically specified instruction telling the particle what to do. At any time the spatially distributed instructions are a simple Markov chain; the temporally distributed instructions at any point of time are another simple Markov chain. This “instruction field” is regarded as a random, binary, Eulerian velocity field on the space-time lattice.
An MHD simulation model of time‐dependent global solar corona with temporally varying solar‐surface magnetic field maps

[1] We present a model of a time-dependent three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamics simulation of the sub-Alfvenic solar corona and super-Alfvenic solar wind with temporally varying solar-surface boundary magnetic field data. To (i) accommodate observational data with a somewhat arbitrarily evolving solar photospheric magnetic field as the boundary value and (ii) keep the divergence-free condition, we developed a boundary model, here named Confined Differential Potential Field model, that calculates the horizontal components of the magnetic field, from changes in the vertical component, as a potential field confined in a thin shell. The projected normal characteristic method robustly simulates the solar corona and solar wind, in response to the temporal variation of the boundary Br. We conduct test MHD simulations for two periods, from Carrington Rotation number 2009 to 2010 and from Carrington Rotation 2074 to 2075 at solar maximum and minimum of Cycle 23, respectively. We obtained several coronal features that a fixed boundary condition cannot yield, such as twisted magnetic field lines at the lower corona and the transition from an open-field coronal hole to a closed-field streamer. We also obtained slight improvements of the interplanetary magnetic field, including the latitudinal component, at Earth.
An Evidence-Based Approach to Reduce Nuisance Alarms and Alarm Fatigue

decisions about where to program alarm settings, Masimo Corp. based in Irvine, CA conducted an analysis of 32 million pulse oximetry (SpO 2 ) data points from 10 hospital general post-surgical care areas. Each hospital was equipped with a Masimo Patient SafetyNetTM remote monitoring and clinician notification system, which continuously captures and stores time-stamped SpO 2 data with a one-second resolution. This paper reports on the results of a retrospective analysis conducted by the company to determine the incidence of alarms at various alarm threshold and delay settings.
Solvatochromic Studies on Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatographic Phases. 1. Synthesis and Solvent Effects of a New Merocyanine Dye, 4,6-Dichloro-2-[2-(1-methyl-4-pyridinio)vinyl]- phenolate

A new merocyanine dye with a stilbazolium betaine structure has been synthesized and characterized by its UV−visible absorption. This compound, 4,6-dichloro-2-[2-(1-methyl-4-pyridinio)vinyl]phenolate (DCMPVP), has an absorption wavelength shift of 166 nm across 13 polar solvents, with peak positions ranging from 454.8 nm in water to 620.9 nm in ethyl acetate. Correlation of the absorption energy of DCMPVP by least-squares fitting with the Kamlet−Taft dipolarity/polarizability, π*, and hydrogen-bond-donating ability, α, yields a regression equation of ΔEmax (kcal/mol) = (9.0 ± 1.1)π* + (10.1 ± 0.5)α + (41.8 ± 0.8). The pKa value of 6.26 is lower than those for other non-chlorinated derivatives of stilbazolium dyes. This dye is a suitable indicator for a variety of neutral and weak acidic media, including chromatographic phases.
THE MECHANISM OF ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK STUDIES ON FERMENT ACTION. XXIII.

1. The serum ferments are practically unaltered by a primary injection of foreign protein. 2. During the course of sensitization the injection of the antigen is followed by the mobilization of a non-specific protease which increases in rapidity and intensity as the maximum period of sensitization is reached. 3. Acute shock is accompanied by: (a) The instantaneous mobilization of a large amount of non-specific protease; (b) a decrease in antiferment; (c) an increase in non-coagulable nitrogen of the serum; (d) an increase in amino-acids; (e) a primary decrease in serum proteoses. 4. Later there is a progressive increase in the non-coagulable nitrogen, in proteoses, and in serum lipase. 5. The acute intoxication is brought about by the cleavage of serum proteins (and proteoses) through the peptone stage by a non-specific protease. 6. The specific elements lie in the rapid, mobilization of this ferment and the colloidal serum changes which bring about the change in antiferment titer.
Exercise and Cognitive Function: Can Working Out Train the Brain, Too?

Studies exploring the relationship between physical activity, fitness, and cognitive function vary across the lifespan in terms of both their number and the apparent strength of the associations. Studies of children are relatively few in number but generally show a positive association between physical activity and cognitive function. Studies of younger adults are even more scarce; findings are equivocal and do not support the hypothesis that greater physical activity or fitness benefits cognitive function. Studies of older adults suggest that greater physical activity and fitness may improve or at least maintain cognitive function. Increasing physical activity may improve cognitive function, especially executive function in elderly persons. A veritable handful of studies suggest that long-term strength training may have cognitive benefits for elderly persons. Regular exercise and greater aerobic fitness are associated with greater brain volume, improved neurophysiological responses to stimuli as measured...
Characterization of a MAPK Scaffolding Protein Logic Gate in Gonadotropes

In the pituitary gonadotropes, both protein kinase C (PKC) and MAPK/ERK signaling cascades are activated by GnRH. Phosphoprotein-enriched in astrocytes 15 (PEA-15) is a cytosolic ERK scaffolding protein, which is expressed in LβT2 gonadotrope cells. Pharmacological inhibition of PKC and small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of Gαq/11 revealed that GnRH induces accumulation of phosphorylated PEA-15 in a PKC-dependent manner. To investigate the potential role of PEA-15 in GnRH signaling, we examined the regulation of ERK subcellular localization and the activation of ribosomal S6 kinase, a substrate of ERK. Results obtained by cellular fractionation/Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry revealed that GnRH-induced accumulation of phosphorylated ERK in the nucleus was attenuated when PEA-15 expression was reduced. Conversely, in the absence of GnRH stimulation, PEA-15 anchors ERK in the cytosol. Our data suggest that GnRH-induced nuclear translocation of ERK requires its release from PEA-15, which occurs upon PEA-15 phosphorylation by PKC. Additional gene-silencing experiments in GnRH-stimulated cells demonstrated that ribosomal S6 kinase activation was dependent on both PEA-15 and PKC. Furthermore, small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of PEA-15 caused a reduction in GnRH-stimulated expression of early response genes Egr2 and c-Jun, as well as gonadotropin FSHβ-subunit gene expression. PEA-15 knockdown increased LHβ and common α-glycoprotein subunit mRNAs, suggesting a possible role in differential regulation of gonadotropin subunit gene expression. We propose that PEA-15 represents a novel point of convergence of the PKC and MAPK/ERK pathways under GnRH stimulation. PKC, ERK, and PEA-15 form an AND logic gate that shapes the response of the gonadotrope cell to GnRH.
Vertebral deformities identified by vertebral fracture assessment: associations with clinical characteristics and bone mineral density.

Abstract Whether vertebral fractures identified on radiographs are painful or not, they are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Vertebral fractures on X-rays correlate with low bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine and hip in addition to several clinical characteristics. Evidence suggests that vertebral deformities detected by X-ray and by vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) show good agreement. We examined the relationship between VFA-detected vertebral deformities and patient characteristics as well as BMD by analyzing the records of 432 patients who had undergone dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans with VFA. Patients' demographic data and T-scores were obtained from patient questionnaires and DXA scans. We categorized vertebral deformities by type and severity. Patients with vertebral deformities were significantly older and more likely to report a history of fracture after childhood. Significantly more estrogen use was reported in patients without deformity. Those with deformities had significantly lower T-scores at the femoral neck and total hip but not at the spine. Increased severity and number of deformities correlated with lower T-scores at the total hip and femoral neck but not the spine. In conclusion, vertebral deformities detected by VFA, like those on X-ray, correlate with both clinical characteristics and reduced bone mass at the hip. These relationships, in addition to rapid performance, convenience, and minimal radiation exposure, indicate VFA-detected vertebral deformities are a valuable adjunct in identifying patients in need of additional evaluation and treatment.
Keck interferometer autoaligner

A key thrust of NASA's Origins program is the development of astronomical interferometers. Pursuing this goal in a cost-effective and expedient manner from the ground has led NASA to develop the Keck Interferometer, which saw first fringes between the twin 10m Keck telescopes in March of 2001. In order to enhance the imaging potential of this facility, and to add astrometric capabilities for the detection of giant planets about nearby stars, four 1.8 m 'outrigger' telescopes may be added to the interferometer. Robust performance of the multi-aperture instrument will require precise alignment of the large number of optical elements found in the six optical beamtrains spread about the observatory site. The requirement for timely and reliable alignments dictated the development of an automatic alignment system for the Keck Interferometer. The autoaligner consists of swing-arm actuators that insert light-emitting diodes on the optical axis at the location of each optical element, which are viewed by a simple fixed-focus CCD camera at the end of the beamtrain. Sub-pixel centroiding is performed upon the slightly out-of-focus target spots using images provided by a frame grabber, providing steering information to the two-axis actuated optical elements. Resulting mirror-to-mirror alignments are good to within 2 arcseconds, and trimming the alignment of a full beamtrain is designed to take place between observations, within a telescope repointing time. The interactions of the autoaligner with the interferometer delay lines and coude trains are discussed in detail. The overall design of the interferometer's autoaligner system is presented, examining the design philosophy, system sequencing, optical element actuation, and subsystem co-alignment, within the context of satisfying performance requirements and cost constraints.
In-situ Feature-Based Objects Tracking for Large-Scale Scientific Simulations

Emerging scientific simulations on leadership class systems are generating huge amounts of data. However, the increasing gap between computation and disk I/O speeds makes traditional data analytics pipelines based on post-processing cost prohibitive and often infeasible. In this paper, we investigate an alternate approach that aims to bring the analytics closer to the data using data staging and the in-situ execution of data analysis operations. Specifically, we present the design, implementation and evaluation of a framework that can support in-situ feature-based object tracking on distributed scientific datasets. Central to this framework is the scalable decentralized and online clustering (DOC) and cluster tracking algorithm, which executes in-situ (on different cores) and in parallel with the simulation processes, and retrieves data from the simulations directly via on-chip shared memory. The results from our experimental evaluation demonstrate that the in-situ approach significantly reduces the cost of data movement, that the presented framework can support scalable feature-based object tracking, and that it can be effectively used for in-situ analytics for large scale simulations.
A third way

New philosophies on climate policy are well and good, but to be meaningful they must be translated into concrete policy options.
Identifying facsimile duplicates using radial pixel densities

A method for detecting full layout facsimile duplicates based on radial pixel densities is proposed. It caters for facsimiles, including text and/or graphics. Pages may be positioned upright or inverted on the scanner bed. The method is not dependent on the computation of text skew or text orientation. Using a database of original documents, 92% of non-duplicates and upright duplicates as well as 89% of inverted duplicates could be correctly identified. The method is vulnerable to double scanning. This occurs when documents are copied using a photocopier and the copies are subsequently transmitted using a facsimile machine.
Deformation-induced phase transformation in zinc sulphide

La transformation d'une phase hexagonale metastable en une phase cubique peut etre atteinte par deformation plastique a temperature ambiante en appliquant une contrainte de cisaillement le long du plan de glissement (111)
Chronic complications of short bowel syndrome

Summary Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a clinical condition characterized by a loss of intestinal length or competence resulting in a malabsorption of nutrients, fluids, and/or electrolytes. The likelihood that enteral autonomy can be restored in a patient with SBS is influenced by the length, location and function of the remaining bowel. SBS is a complex disease and encounters multiple acute and chronic complications. The real challenge in SBS comes from managing the many chronic complications that arise. The most common problems that can be found in the acute or chronic stages are diarrhoea, fluid and electrolytes abnormalities, and nutrient loss. Many of the chronic complications come from the use of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), including catheter-associated infection, venous thrombosis, metabolic complications, anaemia, hepatic dysfunction, demineralization of bone and rickets. Complications not related to TPN include bacterial overgrowth, nutritional deficiencies and renal stones. It is our aim to review the evidence found in the literature regarding the risk factors, diagnosis and management of chronic complications of SBS.