cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory Cells are Sources of Polyamines that Induce Alveolar Macrophage to Undergo Apoptosis During Pneumocystis Pneumonia

PNEUMOCYSTIS is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals such as patients with AIDS. Alveolar macrophages are critical in the clearance of Pneumocystis organisms. However, the number of alveolar macrophages is decreased by approximately 60% during Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP) (Lasbury, Durant, and Lee 2003). One mechanism that reduces the alveolar macrophage number is apoptosis (Lasbury et al. 2006). High concentrations of polyamines are known to induce apoptosis, and we have found that the levels of some polyamines (spermidine, acetylspermine, and acetylspermidine) are greatly increased in Pneumocystis-infected lungs and that these polyamines can induce normal alveolar macrophages to undergo apoptosis. We also have found that bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids from Pneumocystis-infected animals can induce apoptosis in normal alveolar macrophages, but this apoptosis-inducing ability of the BAL fluid is lost when the polyamines are depleted. These results suggest that high polyamine levels induce apoptosis in alveolar macrophages during PcP. Pneumocystis organisms produce and excrete polyamines (Chin et al. 1996), but it is unknown whether host cells also produce polyamines during PcP. To identify cells that produce polyamines during Pneumocystis infection, we examined the differential expression of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), a key enzyme on the production of polyamines. We also investigated the uptake of polyamines by alveolar macrophages from Pneumocystis-infected rats.
Distinct genetic influences on locomotor senescence in Drosophila revealed by a series of metrical analyses.

Abstract Decline of locomotor function is a prominent feature of aging in most species. We previously described a series of metrical analyses for quantifying functional declines associated with aging. Here, we have applied these metrics to elucidate differences in the nature of locomotor senescence between Drosophila cohorts from four different genetic backgrounds (Canton-S, Oregon-R, Samarkand and Lausanne-S) and two long-lived mutant strains, Indy 206 and chico 1 . These analyses demonstrate that senescence of locomotor function in Oregon-R and Canton-S proceeds more rapidly than in Samarkand and Lausanne-S flies. Our analyses also show that while chico 1 and Indy mutants both exhibit attenuated locomotor declines, the impact of chico loss of function on locomotor senescence is substantially greater. Our studies illustrate how important differences in functional senescence characteristics can be unveiled by in-depth analysis on functional senescence data sets.
Optimal layout of a truss for alternative loads

The paper is concerned with the following problem: two alternative loads with the same point of application, A, are to be transmitted to a rigid foundation by a plane truss of minimum weight whose load factors for plastic collapse under one or the other load are not to exceed a given value. A necessary and sufficient condition for global optimality is established and used to determine the optimal layout of the truss.
Harnessing Non-Uniform Transmit Power Levels for Improved Sequence Based Localization

Sequence-based localization (SBL) is a technique whereby a node is localized based on the ranked sequence of signal strengths obtained from a set of beacon nodes. SBL effectively partitions the area into regions corresponding to unique ranked sequences. Prior work has developed SBL under the assumption that all beacons have the same transmit power. In this work, we consider beacons with unequal transmit power for sequence-based localization and present heuristic algorithms for joint transmit power optimization and beacon placement. We show through comprehensive simulations that a novel enhancement of SBL utilizing optimized non-uniform transmit powers, coupled with careful beacon placement, which we refer to as NU-SBL, can dramatically improve the area partitioning compared to traditional SBL. However, in evaluating these schemes under stochastic fading, we find that the original SBL with optimized location performs nearly as well or slightly better than NU-SBL in many cases. We introduce another scheme, that we refer to as NU-SBL-ZOOM, which further allows the power levels to be optimized non-uniformly so as to focus in on a particular smaller region within the larger localization space. NU-SBL-ZOOM is found to perform much better in terms of both area partitioning as well as location error in the presence of fading.
Inflation in universes with a massive scalar field

Abstract We discuss the evolution of toy universes coupled to a massive scalar field. Under most initial conditions such a universe enters an inflationary phase from which it emerges naturally. When the universe is anisotropic or inhomogeneous, the anisotropy or inhomogeneity freezes during the inflationary phase.
Transport coefficients of moderately dense gases: A direct-summation procedure

Abstract A diagrammatic technique is used to obtain a direct summation of terms in the Laplace-transform method of evaluating transport coefficients of moderately dense gases. All explicit factors of e−1 in the individual terms disappear after the summation. The final expression for the partially averaged resolvent operator, I (p1), is equivalent to that obtained using the inversion technique. The advantage of the present method is that it is more compact and straightforward than the inversion technique and eliminates all explicit factors of e−1 to all orders in the density. The implicit e dependence of the terms is not affected.
Comparison of DNA content in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as measured by flow cytometry and cytogenetics

Specific cytogenetic changes such as t(14;18) and t(8;14) are associated with specific histologic subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and may predict disease outcome. Nonspecific cytogenetic changes include other structural rearrangements or numerical changes such as monosomies and trisomies, which may cause changes in total cellular DNA content. In many solid tumors, the presence of abnormal DNA content may be predictive of clinical behavior. NHL biopsies, however, contain normal (diploid) as well as abnormal cells, and DNA changes in the peridiploid range are detectable by cytogenetic analysis, but not consistently by flow cytometry. In the present study, we performed flow cytometric and cytogenetic analysis of DNA on biopsies from 129 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Cytogenetic studies were successful on 88 (68%) of the samples. There was 55% concordance between flow cytometric and cytogenetic techniques in detecting aneuploid DNA content, with the majority of discrepancies occurring in the peridiploid range. We also detected six samples which were aneuploid by flow cytometry, but diploid by cytogenetics. We suggest that a reasonable approach to determine DNA content, as it relates to prediction of outcome in NHL, would be to combine data from both of these techniques and analyze the results in terms of ranges of DNA rather than by categorizing as diploid versus aneuploid.
Studies in pregnant rats, rabbits and monkeys with lithium carbonate

Abstract Lithium carbonate was examined for absorption and effects on fetal development, reproduction, gestation and lactation in rats. Companion studies were completed in rabbits and rhesus monkeys in which pregnant females received lithium carbonate during organogenesis. A low incidence of maternal mortality occurred at the highest dose levels administered to rats (4.05 meq/kg/day) and rabbits (1.08 meq/kg/day). Body weight gain of neonatal rats was somewhat inhibited when nursing females were given 4.05 meq/kg/day. No drug-related congenital abnormalities were detected in either rats, rabbits or monkeys. Lithium carbonate appears to have no serious effect on reproduction in these 3 species at maximum subtoxic levels.
Gastrointestinal function during the menstrual cycle.

Gastrointestinal (GI) complaints (e.g., diarrhea, constipation) are common complaints of women perimenstrually and during pregnancy. The present study looked at the relationship between menstrual cycle phase, daily stool number and consistency over two months, and intragastric pressure changes during fasting and in response to a liquid bolus at two points in the menstrual cycle. The seven subjects, ages 25 to 44, who participated in the study also completed a menstrual history questionnaire. Stool consistency was looser in the early menstrual period as compared to midcycle in all but one subject. Of the six subjects in whom pressure recordings were obtained, four exhibited greater intragastric pressure changes during early menses as compared to midcycle. One subject reported constipation and two subjects reported diarrhea in relation to the menstrual cycle. These preliminary results indicate that menstrual cycle phase may indeed affect bowel function.
Poly(vinyl) alcohol coating of the support layer of reverse osmosis membranes to enhance performance in forward osmosis

Abstract Membrane hydrophilicity influences the transport of water through the membrane in osmotically driven separations such as forward osmosis. In this paper, we coated the polysulfone support layer of two types of commercially available reverse osmosis membranes (brackish water and seawater) with hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The aim of this was to increase the support layer hydrophilicity and, correspondingly, the rate of water transport through the membrane. Previous work with polydopamine coatings of the polysulfone support of reverse osmosis membranes has yielded promising results. In this work, we explore more readily available materials. Specifically, we studied the effects of two different PVA crosslinking agents – maleic acid and glutaraldehyde – on the resultant membrane properties and osmotic performance. For seawater membranes we found that PVA crosslinked to a limited degree with maleic acid creates a significant improvement in water flux in RO and FO systems, as compared to membranes with PVA crosslinked by glutaraldehyde. However, brackish water membranes did not have comparably significant changes in membrane performance. We conclude that the smaller pores of the brackish water membrane become clogged, and this effect is magnified by the lack of fractional free volume available within PVA that is highly crosslinked with glutaraldehyde.
Specification of Boundaries of Constructed Types through Use of the Pattern Variable

* Dr. Marvin Bressler, of New York University, has encouraged me in worrying about the problem attacked in the following pages since 1955. His critical comments and suggestions and those of Drs. Albert K. Cohen and Sheldon Stryker, of Indiana University, have been most helpful in bringing to this paper whatever clarity it may have. Lapses still remaining result from my stubbornness and not from any lack of critical acumen on their parts. A shorter version of this paper was presented at the annual meetings of the Ohio Valley Sociological Society, East Lansing, Michigan, May 4 and 5, 1962. 1 The term "constructed type" has been closely associated with the name of Howard Becker. See, for example, his "Constructive Typology in the Social Sciences," in Harry E. Barnes, Howard Becker, and Frances B. Becker, Contemporary Social Theory (New York: Appleton-Century, 1940), pp. 17-46, or his "Interpretive Sociology and Constructive Typology," in Georges Gurvitch and Wilbert E. Moore (eds.), Twentieth Century Sociology (New York: Philosophical Library, 1946), pp. 70-95. Two other particularly useful articles are Paul F. Lazarsfeld, "Some Remarks on the Typological Procedures in Social Research," Zeitschrift fiir Sozialforschung, 6:119-38 (1937) and William J. Goode, "A Note on the Ideal Type," American Sociological Review, 12:394-401 (1947). A useful definition of the term, and one which includes most of the current types of use is that of John McKinney: ". . . the constructed type is a purposive, planned selection, abstraction, combination, and accentuation of a set of criteria that have empirical referents, and that serves as a basis for comparison of empirical cases ... ." See his article "Constructive Typology and Social Research," in John T. Doby et al. (eds.), An Introduction to Social Research (Harrisburg, Pa.: Stackpole, 1954), p. 147. 2 See, e.g., the section on "Concepts and Indices," in Paul F. Lazarsfeld and Morris Rosenberg (eds.), The Language of Social Research (Glencoe, Ill.: Free Press,
Cognitive assessment in social anxiety and social phobia

Abstract Several current theories of social anxiety and social phobia emphasize cognitive processes. The recent emphasis on cognition in psychopathology has led to the development of a variety of cognitive assessment techniques. This review discusses the major assessment instruments developed for the investigation of social anxiety, with particular emphasis on findings from the social phobia studies that have included cognitive assessment. The measures reviewed assess selfstatements, irrational beliefs, attributions, schemata, expectancies, and self-focused attention. Future directions are discussed, and it is suggested that studies on both the psychopathology and treatment of social phobia include cognitive assessment measures for a more complete understanding of the disorder.
Reduction of the transient outward potassium current in canine X-linked muscular dystrophy.

BACKGROUND The xmd dog develops a cardiomyopathy similar to that seen in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. In both the canine and human diseases, ECG abnormalities may precede the development of overt cardiac pathological lesions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether specific cellular electrical abnormalities occur in dystrophic ventricular tissue. METHODS AND RESULTS Action potentials were recorded in epicardial tissue strips obtained from normal and xmd dogs. Phase 1 amplitude was increased from 86.8 +/- 2.7 mV in normal dogs to 94.3 +/- 1.8 mV in xmd dogs (mean +/- SEM; P < .05). The 4-aminopyridine-sensitive transient outward potassium current (Ito), as recorded in isolated epicardial myocytes using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, was reduced in xmd dogs compared with age-matched normal dogs. Cell capacitance also was reduced significantly in xmd compared with normal cells, as was the current density (3.6 +/- 0.3 versus 5.4 +/- 0.8 pA/pF, respectively). No differences were observed in the time constants of current decay or in the kinetics of recovery from inactivation between groups. The slope factor (k) of steady-state inactivation was significantly greater in xmd compared with normal cells (7.2 +/- 0.9 versus 5.4 +/- 0.5, respectively), whereas the V1/2 of inactivation did not differ (-38.2 +/- 2.4 versus -36.8 +/- 1.6 mV, respectively). CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that the magnitude of Ito is reduced in dystrophic epicardial myocytes, resulting in an increase in phase 1 amplitude. The reduction of Ito may alter the balance of inward and outward currents in dystrophic myocardium and thereby contribute to the development of cardiac pathology.
Properties of Rapidly-Grown rtr silicon sheet and their effects on solar cell processing

Silicon sheet grown by the Ribbon-to-Ribbon (RTR) crystal growth method exhibits characteristics that are unusual relative to solar cell processing on conventional silicon wafers. One such characteristic is the low (5-15 ym) minority carrier diffusion length observed in as-grown ribbons. This value is increased to as high as 100 ym due to a two step getter ing effect that results from the normal process sequence used for solar cell fabrication. A second characteristic reported here is a dense macroscopic dendritic structure which occurs at the higher growth rates. This presents a very irregular, non-planar surface onto which solar cells can be fabricated. The characteristics of solar cells made on dendritic ribbon are similar to those made on ribbons that do not contain dendrites.
Temporal and spatial variations in maximum river discharge from a new Russian data set

[1] Floods cause more damage in Russia than any other natural disaster, and future climate model projections suggest that the frequency and magnitude of extreme hydrological events will increase in Russia with climate change. Here we analyze daily discharge records from a new data set of 139 Russian gauges in the Eurasian Arctic drainage basin with watershed areas from 16.1 to 50,000 km2 for signs of change in maximum river discharge. Several hypotheses about changes in maximum daily discharge and their linking with trends in precipitation over the cold season were tested. For the magnitude of maximum daily discharge we found relatively equal numbers of significant positive and negative trends across the Russian Arctic drainage basin, which draws into question the hypothesis of an increasing risk of extreme floods. We observed a significant shift to earlier spring discharge, which is consistent with documented changes in snowmelt and freeze-thaw dates. Spatial analysis of changes in maximum discharge and cold season precipitation revealed consistency across most of the domain, the exception being the Lena basin. Trends in maximum discharge of the small- to medium-sized rivers were generally consistent with aggregated signals found for the downstream gauges of the six largest Russian rivers. Although we observe regional changes in maximum discharge across the Russian Arctic drainage basin, no evidence of widespread trends in extreme discharge can be assumed from our analysis.
Teaching interlocutor relationships in electronic classrooms

Abstract This article presents a pedagogy for teaching writing students a theory of interlocutor relationships in synchronous computer conferencing (SCC), also known as chat. The interlocutor relationship theory is a tool for analyzing online discourse as part of a pedagogy designed to make students more sensitive to audience issues in chat. I have constructed four major categories of interlocutor relationships along a continuum of degrees of conflict: agonistic, hierarchical, dialectical, and empathic relationships. I argue that the application of this rhetorical theory provides students and instructors with a heuristic for collaboratively analyzing and constructing interlocutor relationships throughout the composing process. The purpose of this project is to provide instructors and students with strategies for dealing with the close connections among rhetoric and ethics in chat.
Toward an "Intent" Model of Conflict Management Among Principal Parties

The paper notes the relative neglect, within the conflict literature, of conflict management activities by the principal parties themselves. In part, this is asserted to reflect the legacy of behaviorism and experimental gaming. The authors lay a groundwork for a theory of conflict management activities among principal parties by examining the role of attributed intent within conflict episodes. A literature review indicates that attribution of other party's intent is a central activity in conflict episodes, and that these attributions play a crucial mediating role in shaping each party's reactions to the other's behavior-specifically mediating hostility and retaliation. The authors also present attributional data from executives which indicate that there are strong biases in the perception of intent-namely that individuals tend to see themselves as cooperative and reasonable, but attribute competitiveness and unreasonableness to the other party. Given their importance and ambiguity, attributions of intent...
Image based estimation of pedestrian orientation for improving path prediction

Pedestrian protection is an essential component of driver assistance systems. A pedestrian protection system should be able to predict the possibility of collision after detecting the pedestrian, and it is important to consider all the cues available in order to make that prediction. The direction in which the pedestrian is facing is one such cue that could be used in predicting where the pedestrian may move in future. This paper describes a novel approach to determine the pedestrianpsilas orientation using Support Vector Machine (SVM) based scheme. Instead of providing a hard decision, this scheme estimates the discrete probability distribution of the orientation. A Hidden Markov Model (HMM) is used to model the transitions between orientations over time and the orientation probabilities are integrated over time to get a more reliable estimate of orientation. Experiments showing the performance of estimating orientations are described to show the promise of the approach.
Relational Oriented Systems Engineering and Technology Tradeoff Analysis (ROSETTA) Environment

The Rosetta stone provided a means to translate between the Greek, Hieroglyphics, and Egyptian demotic languages by having the same text (a decree) repeated in all three languages. In the same way, the Relational-Oriented Systems Engineering and Technology Tradeoff Analysis (ROSETTA) Environment provides a means to translate between theoretical mathematics, subject-matter expert driven analysis, and modeling and simulation, by representing a single problem using all three types of analysis and highlighting the commonalities and differences between the different representations of the problem. ROSETTA leverages the Relational-Oriented Systems Engineering (ROSE) framework to create a direct mapping between the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) methodology and standard quantitative conceptual design space exploration techniques leveraged in technology forecasting and trade studies. These mappings then leverage the mathematical foundations of relational orientation as discussed by Dickerson to ensure precision.
Cross-Immunoreactivity between Bacterial Aquaporin-Z and Human Aquaporin-4: Potential Relevance to Neuromyelitis Optica

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the CNS that is mediated, in part, by a self-reactive Ab against the astrocyte aquaporin-4 protein. In the current study, we examined the possibility and the biological significance of cross-immunoreactivity between bacterial aquaporin-Z and human aquaporin-4 proteins. Sequence-alignment analysis of these proteins revealed several regions of significant structural homology. Some of the homologous regions were also found to overlap with important immune and disease-relevant epitopes. Cross-immunoreactivity between aquaporin-Z and aquaporin-4 was investigated and ascertained in multiple immune-based assays using sera from patients with neuromyelitis optica, immune mouse serum, and Abs raised against aquaporin-Z. The biological significance of this phenomenon was established in series of experiments demonstrating that induction of an immune response against aquaporin-Z or its homologous regions can also trigger an autoimmune reaction against aquaporin-4 and inflammation of the CNS. Our study indicates that the autoimmune response against aquaporin-4 in neuromyelitis optica may be triggered by infection-induced cross-immunoreactivity and presents a new perspective on the pathogenesis of this disease.
The anodic dissolution of beryllium in non-aqueous solutions☆

The anodic dissolution of Be was studied in Cl− and Cl04− solutions of methanol, ethanol and N,N-dimethylformamide with water contents < 0.1 g/l at 25°C. The apparent valences of Be ions going into solution ranged from 0.37 to 1.8. The lower values were obtained in alcohol solutions with Cl−. Considerable gas evolution was noted from the Be surface. The low and anomalous valences are attributed mainly to a chemical dissolution of the metal by reaction with the solution. This reaction is reported to be catalysed by Cl−. Theeffect of the low watercontent is to hinder the reforming of an oxide or hydroxide film that protects the Be from chemical attack. The numerical value of the valence is mainly dependent on the rate that the Be will chemically react with the media once a current flows that disrupts the surface film.
PATHWAYS FROM INFANT EXPOSURE TO MARITAL CONFLICT TO PARENT-TODDLER ROLE REVERSAL

We know that exposure to marital conflict places infants at risk, but we know less about processes. One process may be role reversal, when a distressed parent looks to the child to meet unmet needs for comfort, intimacy, or companionship. A parent in marital conflict may be particularly prone to role reversal, which in turn adversely affects child development. The current study examined pathways from infants' exposure to marital conflict at 12 months to role reversal at 24 months. We sampled low-middle socioeconomic status (SES) families with their first child (N = 128). Independent observers assessed marital conflict (in a problem-solving task) and role reversal (in a story-telling task). We found that each parent's conflict behavior predicted the other parent's role reversal. In a direct pathway, mother's conflict behavior towards father led directly to father's role reversal with the child. In an indirect pathway, father's conflict behavior towards mother led to his withdrawal from her, which in turn led to mother's role reversal with the child. Clinical implications are discussed within a developmental psychopathology framework in terms of preventive interventions to offset the deleterious effect of marital conflict and role reversal on child development.
Errors in accelerometer calibration using laser interferometry due to harmonic distortion and cross motion in the applied motion

The development of mechanical vibration generators (shakers) used in the precise calibration of accelerometers requires minimizing the amount of distortion and cross (transverse) motion present in the vibration of the moving element of the shaker. It is well known that both distortion and cross motion can introduce significant errors in the calibration of accelerometers. Potential effects on measured sensitivity due to the presence of harmonic distortion were determined experimentally. Varying amounts of harmonic distortion were systematically introduced into the drive signal of a shaker. Changes in the measured sensitivity of an accelerometer were noted for these varied amounts of distortion and compared with theoretical predictions. Measurements of the sensitivity of an accelerometer were also made using moving elements having varying amounts of cross motion in order to experimentally determine potential effects due to the presence of cross motion on measured sensitivity. The results of this study should be helpful in the development of error budgets for accelerometer calibration systems and in the design of shakers used as a part of such systems.
Concepts, challenges, and prospects on Multiagent Data Warehousing (MADWH) and Multiagent Data Mining (MADM)

Multiagent Data Warehousing (MADWH) and Multiagent Data Mining (MADM) presents a multidimensional agent-oriented approach for brain modelling and decision making based on the hypothesis that a brain system consists of a society of semiautonomous neural agents and full autonomy is the result of coordination of semiautonomous functionalities. The agent-oriented approach leads to the following concepts, challenges, and prospects: agent laws, agentisation, agent discovery, law discovery, self-organisation, and reorganisation; mining agent association rules in 1st-order logic; modelling full autonomy as the result of coordination of semiautonomous agents; modelling evolving processes like growing and aging; modelling healthy states as well as unhealthy states of biological systems.
Review of the Fisheries of the Salton Sea, California, USA: Past, Present, and Future

The Salton Sea is an endorheic, 980-km2 salt lake in the Sonoran Desert of southern California. The historical fish community switched from freshwater to marine species as salinity increased due to evaporation and brackish water inflows. Three species, bairdiella (Bairdiella icistia), orangemouth corvina (Cynoscion xanthulus), and sargo (Anisotremus davidsoni), established from introductions beginning in 1929. Thirty-four marine fish species from the northern Gulf of California were introduced between 1929 and 1956. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, a hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus x O. urolepis hornorum) invaded the Salton Sea and became dominant by numbers and weight. Research has shown that nearshore and estuarine areas have the highest catch rates of tilapia (over 11 kg/50 m net/h). Orangemouth corvina, bairdiella, sargo, and the hybrid tilapia grew faster, but had shorter life spans than conspecifics elsewhere, and Salton Sea conspecifics of 50 years ago. All four species aggregated alo...
Fluoride Uptake by Enamel from Zinc Phosphate Cement Containing Stannous Fluoride

The fluoride concentrations in enamel blocks that were cemented to an orthodontic band with a zinc phosphate cement containing 10% stannous fluoride were significantly higher than those in control enamel blocks or blocks that received a conventional zinc phosphate cement.
Supercooling as a Viable Non-Freezing Cell Preservation Method of Rat Hepatocytes

Supercooling preservation holds the potential to drastically extend the preservation time of organs, tissues and engineered tissue products, and fragile cell types that do not lend themselves well to cryopreservation or vitrification. Here, we investigate the effects of supercooling preservation (SCP at -4oC) on primary rat hepatocytes stored in cryovials and compare its success (high viability and good functional characteristics) to that of static cold storage (CS at +4oC) and cryopreservation. We consider two prominent preservation solutions a) Hypothermosol (HTS-FRS) and b) University of Wisconsin solution (UW) and a range of preservation temperatures (-4 to -10 oC). We find that there exists an optimum temperature (-4oC) for SCP of rat hepatocytes which yields the highest viability; at this temperature HTS-FRS significantly outperforms UW solution in terms of viability and functional characteristics (secretions and enzymatic activity in suspension and plate culture). With the HTS-FRS solution we show that the cells can be stored for up to a week with high viability (~56%); moreover we also show that the preservation can be performed in large batches (50 million cells) with equal or better viability and no loss of functionality as compared to smaller batches (1.5 million cells) performed in cryovials.
Mindfulness Moderates the Relationship Between Disordered Eating Cognitions and Disordered Eating Behaviors in a Non-Clinical College Sample

Psychological flexibility and mindfulness are two related, but distinct, regulation processes that have been shown to be at the core of psychological wellbeing. The current study investigated whether these two processes independently moderated the association between disordered eating cognitions and psychological distress as well as the relation between disordered eating cognitions and disordered eating behaviors. Non-clinical, ethnically diverse college undergraduates completed a web-based survey. Of 278 participants (nfemale = 208; nmale = 70) aged 18–24 years old, disordered eating cognitions, mindfulness, and psychological flexibility were related to psychological distress after controlling for gender, ethnicity, and body mass index. Disordered eating cognitions and mindfulness accounted for unique variance in disordered eating behaviors. Finally, mindfulness was found to moderate the association between disordered eating cognitions and disordered eating behaviors.
Human performance using virtual reality tumor palpation simulation

Abstract Medical education has a strong need for palpation training in the detection of subsurface tumors. A virtual reality training simulation was created to address this need. Utilizing the Rutgers Master II force feedback system, the simulation allows the trainee to perform a patient examination and palpate (touch) the patient's virtual liver to search for hard regions beneath the surface. When the user's fingertips pass over a ‘tumor’, experimentally determined force/deflection curves are used to give the user the feeling of an object beneath the surface. A graphical user interface was developed to facilitate navigation as well as provide a training quiz. The trainee is asked to identify the location and relative hardness of tumors, and performance is evaluated in terms of positional and diagnosis errors. The results of this training simulation are in agreement with biomechanical analysis.
Isolated Bronchial Telangiectasia

Bleeding from telangiectases of the peripheral airways is described in a patient with hemoptysis of two-and-one-half years duration. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy demonstrated many discrete networks of vessels, some of which showed signs of recent bleeding in segmental and subsegmental bronchi. There were no lesions of the skin or other mucosal surfaces, and there was no family history of bleeding. To our knowledge, hemoptysis from telangiectases isolated in the bronchial tree has not been previously described.
Observational characteristics of double tropopauses

[1] Temperature profiles in the extratropics often exhibit multiple tropopauses (as defined using the lapse rate definition). In this work we study the observational characteristics of double tropopauses based on radiosondes, ERA40 reanalysis, and GPS radio occultation temperature profiles. Double tropopauses are associated with a characteristic break in the thermal tropopause near the subtropical jet, wherein the low latitude (tropical) tropopause extends to higher latitudes, overlying the lower tropopause; this behavior can extend to polar latitudes. Tropopause statistics derived from radiosondes and GPS data show good agreement, and GPS data allow mapping of double tropopause characteristics over the globe. The occurrence frequency shows a strong seasonal variation over NH midlatitudes, with ∼50-70% occurrence in profiles during winter, and a small fraction (∼10%) over most of the hemisphere during summer (with the exception of a localized maximum over the poleward flank of the Asian monsoon anticyclone). SH midlatitude statistics show a smaller seasonal variation, with occurrence frequencies of ∼30-50% over the year (maximum during winter). Over the extratropics, the occurrence frequency is substantially higher for cyclonic circulation systems. Few double tropopauses are observed in the tropics. Ozone measurements from balloons and satellites show that profiles with double tropopauses exhibit systematically less ozone in the lower stratosphere than those with a single tropopause. Together with the meteorological data, the ozone observations identify double tropopauses as regions of enhanced transport from the tropics to higher latitudes above the subtropical jet cores.
Measles may be a Risk Factor for Malignant Brain Tumors

BACKGROUND A possible risk factor for brain tumor might be measles, since late neurologic sequelae are part of measles pathology. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a devastating neurologic illness, is prone to develop years after measles infection. METHODS Because measles damage to the brain might increase the risk of brain tumor, we examined the relationship of measles incidence in 1960 and brain tumor incidence in 50 US States and the District of Columbia, 2004-2007. Data on number of cases of measles by state in 1960 are from the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. In 1960 measles was a childhood illness. We calculated measles incidence by obtaining the population of each state from the 1960 US Census and then age adjusting our results to the cumulative percent of the state population under age 21, since this would have been the measles-infected group. Data on the percentage white population by state are from the US Census (www.census.gov). Age-adjusted incidence (to the 2000 US standard population) of brain tumors is from the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States 2011 report. RESULTS There was a significant correlation between 1960 measles incidence and incidence of malignant brain tumors in persons 20 and older in 2004-2007 (r=0.321, p=0.026). Because glioblastoma is more frequent in whites and males, multivariate linear regression was performed with tumor incidence as the dependent variable, measles incidence, percent white population, and sex ratio by state as independent variables. Measles incidence was significantly correlated with malignant brain tumor incidence (β=0.361, p<0.001) and independent of the effect of race (β=0.734, p<0.001) and sex ratio m/f (β=-0.478, p<0.001). There was no correlation of measles incidence with brain tumor incidence in persons younger than 20. CONCLUSION Inflammation is a critical component of tumor development. The inflammation of measles-induced subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, even subclinical cases, could well promote tumor formation, since many tumors arise from sites of infection, chronic irritation and inflammation.
Effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on mindful eating, sweets consumption, and fasting glucose levels in obese adults: data from the SHINE randomized controlled trial

We evaluated changes in mindful eating as a potential mechanism underlying the effects of a mindfulness-based intervention for weight loss on eating of sweet foods and fasting glucose levels. We randomized 194 obese individuals (M age = 47.0 ± 12.7 years; BMI = 35.5 ± 3.6; 78% women) to a 5.5-month diet-exercise program with or without mindfulness training. The mindfulness group, relative to the active control group, evidenced increases in mindful eating and maintenance of fasting glucose from baseline to 12-month assessment. Increases in mindful eating were associated with decreased eating of sweets and fasting glucose levels among mindfulness group participants, but this association was not statistically significant among active control group participants. Twelve-month increases in mindful eating partially mediated the effect of intervention arm on changes in fasting glucose levels from baseline to 12-month assessment. Increases in mindful eating may contribute to the effects of mindfulness-based weight loss interventions on eating of sweets and fasting glucose levels.
KAPOSI’S SARCOMA AND TRANSPLANTATION

Kaposi's sarcoma is a tumour of multicentric origin, composed of endothelium-lined vascular spaces and spindle-shaped cells. The incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma in transplant recipients is 400--500 times greater than that in the general population, and is rising within the transplant population, currently comprising more than 5% of all de novo neoplasms in this group. The exact pathogenesis is still unknown but DNA sequences from human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) are present in the different clinical variants of Kaposi's sarcoma. Risk factors associated with development of these tumours posttransplantation include the geographical origin of the patient, HSV-8 infection before and after transplantation, and the immunosuppressive regimen used, but the importance of each factor remains to be determined. Apart from conventional treatment with surgical excision, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, cessation, reduction or modification of immunosuppressive therapy has been shown to be effective in a significant number of patients. This article reviews recent advances in our understanding of Kaposi's sarcoma after transplantation.
Energy scavenging based on a single-crystal PMN-PT nanobelt

Self-powered nanodevices scavenging mechanical energy require piezoelectric nanostructures with high piezoelectric coefficients. Here we report the fabrication of a single-crystal (1 − x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 − xPbTiO3 (PMN-PT) nanobelt with a superior piezoelectric constant (d33 = ~550 pm/V), which is approximately ~150%, 430% and 2100% of the largest reported values for previous PMN-PT, PZT and ZnO nanostructures, respectively. The high d33 of the single-crystalline PMN-PT nanobelt results from the precise orientation control during its fabrication. As a demonstration of its application in energy scavenging, a piezoelectric nanogenerator (PNG) is built on the single PMN-PT nanobelt, generating a maximum output voltage of ~1.2 V. This value is ~4 times higher than that of a single-CdTe PNG, ~13 times higher than that of a single-ZnSnO3 PNG and ~26 times higher than that of a single-ZnO PNG. The profoundly increased output voltage of a lateral PNG built on a single PMN-PT nanobelt demonstrates the potential application of PMN-PT nanostructures in energy harvesting, thus enriching the material choices for PNGs.
Late Paleozoic climate dynamics revealed by comparison of ice-proximal stratigraphic and ice-distal isotopic records

Newly resolved stratigraphic records from late Paleozoic, ice-proximal basins of Gondwana provide an ideal framework for interpreting independently derived, temporal trends in the stable carbon and oxygen isotope compositions of paleotropical marine carbonates. Similarities in the timing and mode of environmental changes inferred from direct (stratigraphic) and proxy (isotopic) records suggest nearsimultaneous climate variations that may be traced across high-latitude Gondwana and into the tropical to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. These results draw attention to the potential for using the records of widespread climate events as correlation tools. Disparities among records refl ect differences in how climate signals are imparted on available climate indicators and, secondarily, the limitations of existing chronostratigraphic resolution, thereby highlighting the various controls on late Paleozoic climate. Results suggest that paleogeography played a major role in controlling both the onset and demise of the late Paleozoic ice age, which apparently began in the middle to upper Visean, reached an acme in the Early Permian, and deteriorated through the Middle Permian. The internal pacing and intensity of glaciation through this interval were modulated mainly by flin atmospheric pCO 2 , controlled largely by C org sequestration in terrestrial environments.
Influence and implications of sevoflurance preconditioning on oxygen free radicals in pediatric patients under cardiopulmonary bypass

Objective To explore the influence of sevoflurance preconditioning on oxygen free radicals and its implications in pediatric patients under cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB).Methods Thirty-eight pediatric patients with ventricular septal defect were divided into two groups.Sevoflurance were inhaled for 30 minutes and followed by 10 minutes air-oxygen mixture washout in group S after tracheal intubation.Group C inhaled air-oxygen mixture only.Blood samples were obtained for determination of serum concentration of MDA and activity of SOD after induction of anesthesia,before CPB and at 5,10,30 minutes after aortic unclamping.The serum concentration of cTnI and activity of CK-MB were detected after induction of anesthesia and at 6 hours after aortic unclamping.Results Compared to the group C,the serum concentration of cTnI and activity of CK-MB were significantly lower at 6 hours after aortic unclamping,the serum concentration of MDA was significantly lower and the serum SOD activity was significantly higher at 5,10,30 minutes after aortic unclamping in group S.But the serum concentration of MDA before CPB in group S was significantly higher than that in group C(P0.05).Conclusions Sevoflurance preconditioning can inhibit oxygen free radicals during CPB through inducing a few oxygen free radicals at stage of preconditioning.So it can exert protective effects on acute ischemia/reperfusion heart.
Discrepancies between Female Student Perception and Reality of the Engineering Industry

AbstractDemographic trends predict a shortage of engineers, with women being one group targeted to fill this gap. Although the percentage of engineering degrees attained by women has increased, there has not been an equal increase in the number of women working in the industry. This means that women are either leaving the industry after they enter or not entering at all. The purpose of this study was to identify what can be done in the education of female engineering students to better prepare them for the engineering workforce reality and culture. A survey was conducted to collect information from female architectural engineering students about their perception of the industry. The results were then compared to the actual conditions of the workforce. The goal was to identify areas of discrepancy between perception and reality so that these areas can be addressed before students enter the workforce. The hope is that, with a better understanding of their career environment, women will be better prepared to...
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis immunizations in adults

Although only few cases of diphtheria are reported annually in the United States, substantial numbers of adults have declining levels of protective serum antitoxin. A recent outbreak of diphtheria in Sweden emphasizes the importance of reimmunizing adults in diphtheria toxoid, included as part of routine use of tetanus/diphtheria toxoid. Tetanus is a completely preventable disease. Yet, most of the 60 to 100 annual cases of tetanus occur in older adults with no prior history of immunization. Tetanus immunization should be a routine part of medical care of all adults. Research currently is aimed at improving the efficacy and safety of pertussis vaccine. Future vaccines may be useful in protecting health care workers and other adults who have extensive contact with children against pertussis.
“I’m Not Gonna Be Like ‘That Guy’”: Examining Antidrug Shock Advertising through the Eyes of “That Guy”

ABSTRACTShock advertising antidrug campaigns pose significant implications for methamphetamine (meth) addicts. In recent years, the Montana Meth Project public service campaign has broadcast a series of advertisements containing shocking and disturbing images of meth addicts in an attempt to prevent meth use. Although intended to warn teens about the dangers of meth, the shock-based advertising reaches another population: meth addicts, unintentionally exposing them to a labeling process. This study examines the effects of Montana’s advertisements on the worldview of 20 recovering meth addicts using interviews. Results highlight the unintended consequences of shock advertising on those attempting to reintegrate into the non-using community, suggesting that the campaign negatively impacts addicts’ worldviews and creates stereotypes, stigma, and differential treatment of meth users. Ultimately, this antidrug scare campaign appears to be a barrier to reintegration for meth addicts.
Palestinian engagement with the International Criminal Court: From preliminary examination to investigation?

ABSTRACTThis article examines a number of key legal issues related to recent Palestinian moves at the International Criminal Court (ICC). It begins by describing the technicalities of these moves in light of article 12(3) of the 1998 Rome Statute of the ICC and the ICC’s accession regime. It then turns to some of the considerations that ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda will have to bear in mind when she decides whether to escalate her preliminary examination to an investigation. These are the questions of jurisdiction, admissibility, and the “interests of justice.” While it is difficult to predict whether Bensouda will initiate an investigation, it is likely that Palestinian engagement with the ICC will continue to pose a significant obstacle to rapprochement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The Palestinian moves have fundamentally challenged the bilateral negotiation imperative that emerged between Israel and the PLO in September 1993.
Flappers and the Igbo Women’s War of 1929 (with Marc Matera)

Conservatives had attributed their electoral victory of 1924 to the votes of women, whom the party had wooed and the Daily Mail targeted in a campaign urging them to cast their ballot for the party that would bring “peace, law and order, and a stable Government.”