cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vertebrate biodiversity losses point to a sixth mass extinction

The human race faces many global to local challenges in the near future. Among these are massive biodiversity losses. The 2012 IUCN/SSC Red List reported evaluations of ~56 % of all vertebrates. This included 97 % of amphibians, mammals, birds, cartilaginous fishes, and hagfishes. It also contained evaluations of ~50 % of lampreys, ~38 % of reptiles, and ~29 % of bony fishes. A cursory examination of extinction magnitudes does not immediately reveal the severity of current biodiversity losses because the extinctions we see today have happened in such a short time compared to earlier events in the fossil record. So, we still must ask how current losses of species compare to losses in mass extinctions from the geological past. The most recent and best understood mass extinction is the Cretaceous terminal extinction which ends at the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) border, 65 MYA. This event had massive losses of biodiversity (~17 % of families, >50 % of genera, and >70 % of species) and exterminated the dinosaurs. Extinction estimates for non-dinosaurian vertebrates at the K–Pg boundary range from 36 to 43 %. However, there remains much uncertainty regarding the completeness, preservation rates, and extinction magnitudes of the different classes of vertebrates. Fuzzy arithmetic was used to compare recent vertebrate extinction reported in the 2012 IUCN/SSC Red List with biodiversity losses at the end of K–Pg. Comparisons followed 16 different approaches to data compilation and 288 separate calculations. I tabulated the number of extant and extinct species (extinct + extinct in the wild), extant island endemics, data deficient species, and so-called impaired species [species with IUCN/SSC Red List designations from vulnerable (VU) to critically endangered (CR)]. Species that went extinct since 1500 and since 1980 were tabulated. Vertebrate extinction moved forward 24–85 times faster since 1500 than during the Cretaceous mass extinction. The magnitude of extinction has exploded since 1980, with losses about 71–297 times larger than during the K–Pg event. If species identified by the IUCN/SSC as critically endangered through vulnerable, and those that are data deficient are assumed extinct by geological standards, then vertebrate extinction approaches 8900–18,500 times the magnitude during that mass extinction. These extreme values and the great speed with which vertebrate biodiversity is being decimated are comparable to the devastation of previous extinction events. If recent levels of extinction were to continue, the magnitude is sufficient to drive these groups extinct in less than a century.
Oxygen Therapy in Sleep-Disordered Breathing.

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is highly prevalent in adults and leads to significant cardiovascular and neurologic sequelae. Intermittent hypoxia during sleep is a direct consequence of SDB. Administration of nocturnal supplemental oxygen (NSO) has been used as a therapeutic alternative to positive airway pressure (PAP) in SDB. NSO significantly improves oxygen saturation in OSA but is inferior to PAP in terms of reducing apnea severity and may prolong the duration of obstructive apneas. The effect of NSO on daytime sleepiness remains unclear, but NSO may improve physical function-related quality of life in OSA. Its effects on BP reduction remain inconclusive. The effects of NSO vs PAP in OSA with comorbid COPD (overlap syndrome) are unknown. NSO is effective in reducing central sleep apnea related to congestive heart failure; however, its impact on mortality and cardiovascular clinical outcomes are being investigated in an ongoing clinical trial. In conclusion, studies are inconclusive or limited regarding clinical outcomes with oxygen therapy compared with sham or PAP therapy in patients with OSA and overlap syndrome. Oxygen does mitigate central sleep apnea. This review examines the crucial knowledge gaps and suggests future research priorities to clarify the effects of optimal dose and duration of NSO, alone or in combination with PAP, on cardiovascular, sleep, and cognitive outcomes.
Towards Real-Time Non-Gaussian SLAM for Underdetermined Navigation

This paper presents a method for processing sparse, non-Gaussian multimodal data in a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) framework using factor graphs. Our approach demonstrates the feasibility of using a sum-product inference strategy to recover functional belief marginals from highly non-Gaussian situations, relaxing the prolific unimodal Gaussian assumption. The method is more focused than conventional multi-hypothesis approaches, but still captures dominant modes via multi-modality. The proposed algorithm exists in a trade space that spans the anticipated uncertainty of measurement data, task-specific performance, sensor quality, and computational cost. This work leverages several major algorithm design constructs, including clique recycling, to put an upper bound on the allowable computational expense – a major challenge in non-parametric methods. To better demonstrate robustness, experimental results show the feasibility of the method on at least two of four major sources of non-Gaussian behavior: i) the first introduces a canonical range-only problem which is always underdetermined although composed exclusively from Gaussian measurements; ii) a real-world AUV dataset, demonstrating how ambiguous acoustic correlator measurements are directly incorporated into a non-Gaussian SLAM solution, while using dead reckon tethering to overcome short term computational requirements.
Policing and public health calls for service in Philadelphia

This contribution outlines various spatial and temporal aspects of medical or public-health related calls for service from the public to police in Philadelphia in 2019. These incidents comprise about 8% of the police department’s workload that originates from the public. Calls appear to be highly concentrated in a few areas, and specifically the Center City and Kensington neighborhoods. They are also more likely to occur late afternoon and evening. The article shows that some medical or public health activity initially masquerades as crime or other policing work and some events eventually determined to be police/crime activity can initially appear to be public health related. About 20% of activity in this area does not appear predictable from the initial call type as handled by police dispatch.
Salivary ZG16B Expression Loss Marks Onset of Oral Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease and Exocrine Gland Dysfunction

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) targets include the oral mucosa and salivary glands after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Without incisional biopsy, no diagnostic test exists to confirm oral cGVHD. Consequently, therapy is often withheld until severe manifestations develop. This proteomic study examined saliva and human salivary gland for a biomarker profile at first onset of oral cGVHD prior to initiation of topical steroid therapy. Whole saliva collected at onset of biopsy-proven oral GVHD was assessed using liquid chromatography coupled tandem mass spectrometry with identification of 569 proteins, of which 77 significantly changed in abundance. ZG16B, a secretory lectin protein, was reduced 2-fold in oral cGVHD saliva (p < 0.05), and significantly decreased in salivary gland secretory cells affected by cGVHD. Single-cell RNAseq analysis of healthy MSG localized ZG16B expression to two discreet acinar cell populations. Reduced ZG16B expression may indicate specific cGVHD activity and possibly general salivary gland dysfunction.
Congenital segmental dilatation of intestine with different morphology: A case report

Background: Congenital segmental dilatation of intestine is a rare entity characterized by a localized dilated segment of the intestine. It manifests as neonatal intestinal obstruction. Occurrence with another surgical anomaly may masquerade it and complicate the treatment course. Case Presentation: A 1-day-old male neonate with anorectal malformation underwent colostomy as first stage of the treatment. The stoma did not function postoperatively. At repeat surgery, congenital segmental dilatation of the ileum, with slightly different morphology, was found. Resection of the lesion and ileostomy were formed. Postoperative course remained uneventful. Conclusion: Congenital segmental dilatation of intestine may be missed at initial surgery. Complete surgical resection is curative.
History of IMRT

The goal of the intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) process is to deposit a custom three-dimensional dose distribution into the target volume of a patient with extreme accuracy and precision. Computer optimization can generate treatment plans consisting of spatially nonuniform radiation beams that produce a relatively uniform dose distribution within a target volume. A number of clinical studies have demonstrated superior dose distributions with IMRT compared to conventional radiation therapy. An important corollary is the reduced acute radiation toxicity as a result of normal tissue avoidance and ability to perform dose escalation. Within the past 25 years, this concept has progressed from theory to prototype delivery systems to wide and universal acceptance of IMRT as a necessary standard of good radiotherapy delivery practice. This article surveys the essential early contributions of our insightful pioneers and explores some of the early IMRT innovations, achievements, and controversies. It does so with a view toward sharing the experience of a firsthand observer.
Body, Evolution of

The earliest stages in the evolution of the human body (2–6 Ma) involved a gradual adaptation to terrestrial bipedality through various structural modifications. Body size in these early ancestors was smaller, but sexual dimorphism larger than in modern humans. With the evolution of Homo erectus about 1.5–2.0 Ma, essentially modern body proportions and levels of sexual dimorphism were established. Body size reached a peak between about 50 000 and 500 000 years ago and has declined on average since then. Body shape variation among both earlier Homo and modern humans is strongly conditioned by climatic adaptation.
IMMUNOLOGY AND ENDOMETRIOSIS: Fact, Artifact, or Epiphenomenon?

Endometriosis is a complex and intriguing disease. If retrograde menstruation normally occurs, then why do all women not develop endometriosis? The exact prevalence of endometriosis is unknown; however, a 20% to 90% prevalency rate has been reported in women with pelvic pain and infertility. This article reviews the factors involved.
Ensemble Activity and Behavior—What's the Code?

The brain represents information in a distributed code, carried by action potentials in ensembles of neurons. Ensemble activity can now be monitored by multielectrode arrays in behaving animals. Deadwyler and Hampson describe recent results that illustrate how the brain may code behavior in ensembles of neurons.
Heated dorsal hand vein sampling for metabolic studies: a reappraisal.

The purpose of the current study was to determine the accuracy of a given heated dorsal hand vein (HDHV) measurement in predicting a simultaneous arterial measurement and to validate this technique...
The performance of three CAMAC controllers in a real-world simulation

Summary form only given. The performance of three popular CAMAC controllers has been studied. The model 8901A from LeCroy Corporation, the model 3922 from KineticSystems corporation, and the model 73A from Jorway Corporation were connected to a dual processor computer via PCI host adapters. A National Instruments PCI-GPIB card was used for the 8901A, the KineticSystems model 2915 card was used for the 3922, and an ADAPTEC 2940 SCSI card was used for the Jorway 73A. The KmaxNT software environment running in Windows NT provided a convenient testbed. Access to the host adapters was accomplished using the vendor supplied drivers and API libraries. Single word transfer rates, block transfer rates and LAM detection latencies were measured. Data transfer rates were measured by reading data from an SCM-593, CAMAC dataway display. LAMs were detected by running a polling routine in a separate thread on the dual processor host. Transfer times and latencies were measured using high resolution software timers. For block transfer rates, software overhead and bus arbitration times were estimated by observing the transfer times as a function of block size.
Quality figures and error bars for autoscaled digisonde vertical incidence ionograms

[1] An expert system for validating ionograms autoscaled by the University of Massachusetts-Lowell system Automatic Real Time Ionogram Scaler with True Height (ARTIST) is described. The expert system is implemented as a FORTRAN program QualScan. QualScan reads in the standard archiving output file that is created by ARTIST, which is an ASCII summary of the salient information about the scaled trace, and attempts to determine if the scaled trace is a valid representation of the actual ionogram. It provides an overall quality figure for the scaled trace, based mainly on its reasonableness, and defines error bars for the main F2 layer parameters and for the F2 plasma frequency profile. QualScan can be used on a single ionogram for real-time operations or on a batch of ionograms for qualifying data to be stored in ionospheric databases. QualScan typically “fails” one-third of ionograms from low-latitude and midlatitude sites.
An Elective Course to Engage Student Pharmacists in Elementary School Science Education

Objective. To develop and assess the impact of an elective course (HealthWISE) on student pharmacists’ skills in communication and health promotion and elementary school students’ knowledge of and attitudes toward science. Design. Three colleges and schools of pharmacy collaborated to develop a 1-credit elective course that used online and classroom teaching and learning techniques to prepare student pharmacists to teach science in elementary school classrooms. Student pharmacists delivered 6 science lessons to elementary students over the course of 2 months. Assessment. In weekly journal reflections and a final paper, student pharmacists reported improved communication and health promotion skills. Elementary teachers reported they were satisfied with student pharmacists’ performance in the classroom. On pretest and posttest evaluations, elementary students demonstrated increased science knowledge and enhanced enthusiasm for science following the lessons taught by student pharmacists. Conclusions. The HealthWISE elective course provided positive benefit for student pharmacists, elementary school teachers, and elementary students.
Moxonidine, a selective imidazoline-1 receptor agonist, suppresses the effects of ethanol withdrawal on the acoustic startle response in rats

Abstract Background: There is a need for improved treatments for ethanol withdrawal in humans. Previously, ethanol withdrawal has been shown to enhance the acoustic startle response in rats. Because many ethanol withdrawal symptoms are caused by autonomic hyperactivity, we examined the effects of two antihypertensives, the imidazoline(I) 1 agonist moxonidine and the α 2 -adrenergic partial agonist clonidine, on the ethanol-withdrawal-enhanced acoustic startle response in rats. d-amphetamine-enhanced startle served as a positive control. Methods: Male, Long-Evans rats were made ethanol-dependent through unlimited access to liquid diet containing 6.7% v/v ethanol for 10 days. The concentration of ethanol was reduced to 3.3% v/v on the 11th day. On the 12th day, the rats received control diet. The acoustic startle response was tested 24 hours following the withdrawal of ethanol. Control rats were maintained on control liquid diet throughout the experiment. Results: As has been shown previously, withdrawal from the chronic ingestion of ethanol significantly enhanced the acoustic startle response. Pretreatment with moxonidine (0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/kg, subcutaneously), but not clonidine (0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 mg/kg, subcutaneously), significantly attenuated the ethanol withdrawal-induced elevation of the acoustic startle response. Moxonidine did not suppress the elevation in the startle response caused by d-amphetamine. Conclusions: These results indicate that I 1 receptors can play an important role in ethanol withdrawal and that moxonidine may be useful for the treatment of ethanol withdrawal in humans.
Host-feeding patterns of Florida mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) VI. Culex (Melanoconion).

Host-blood sources of 5 species of Culex (Melanaconion) from swamp-hammocks near Vero Beach and in the Everglades National Park were investigated. Precipitin test results suggest that Culex erraticus and Culex iolarnbdis feed primadly on birds, particularly Ciconiiformes, and Culex pilosus and Culex peceator feed predominantly on reptiles. In contrast, Culex Opisthopus feeds on a variety of mammals, including an unusually high pmportion of rodents. Hemoglobin crystallization tests on Cx. opisthopus blood meals revealed that rodem hosts in the Everglades (Mahogany Hammock) are mainly Hispid Cotton Rats ( Sigmodon hispidus ) and Colton Mice ( Peromyscus gossypinus ). These data indicate that Cx. opisthopus is the Cx. (Melanoconion) vectoring enzootic VEE virus among rodents in South Florida.
The Inheritability of Identity: Children's Understanding of the Cultural Biology of Race

4 experiments explored adult and grade school children's beliefs about inheritability ofidentity, particularly the one-drop rule that defines children of mixed-race parents as belonging to the racial category of the minority parent. In Study 1, 8- and 12-year-olds (N = 32) and adults (N = 43) were asked the category membership of mixed-race children and the degree to which they resembled each parent. Study 2 investigated whether the same-aged children (N = 36) and adults (N = 18) expected mixed-race children to have white, black, or intermediate features. Study 3 explored children's (N = 46) expectations about the inheritability of the same properties in animals. Older children, like adults, were found to believe that mixed-race children have black racial features. Adults additionally believe that such children inherit the categorical identity of the minority parent. Study 4 repeated the same tasks with black and white children (N = 39) attending an integrated school. Unlike children attending a predominantly white school, children in the integrated school (regardless of race) expect mixed-race children to have intermediate racial features.
Maximization theory in behavioral psychology

Maximization theory, which is borrowed from economics, provides techniques for predicing the behavior of animals - including humans. A theoretical behavioral space is constructed in which each point represents a given combination of various behavioral alternatives. With two alternatives - behavior A and behavior B - each point within the space represents a certain amount of time spent performing behavior A and a certain amount of time spent performing behavior B. A particular environmental situation can be described as a constraint on available points (a circumscribed area) within the space. Maximization theory assumes that animals always choose the available point with the highest numerical value. The task of maximization theory is to assign to points in the behavioral space values that remain constant across various environmental situations; as those situations change, the point actually chosen is always the one with the highest assigned value.Maximization theory is an alternative to reinforcement theory as a description of steady-state behavior. Situations to which reinforcement theory has been directly applied (such as reinforcement of rats pressing levers and pigeons pecking keys in Skinner boxes) and situations to which reinforcement theory has occasionally been extended (such as human economic behavior and human self-control) can be described by maximization theory. This approach views behavior as a quantitative outcome of the interaction of the putative instrumental response, the reinforcer, and the other activities available in the situation. It provides new insight into these situations and, because it takes context into account, has greater predictive power than reinforcement theory.
Placental 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in normotensive and pre-eclamptic pregnancies

Apparent mineralocorticoid excess and licorice induced hypertension, both hypertensive disorders, have been attributed to a defect in the enzyme 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-HSD), which interconverts cortisol to cortisone. Therefore, we undertook this study to determine the role of human placental 11 beta-HSD activity in preeclampsia, which is a hypertensive disorder in pregnancy. 11 beta-HSD activities were determined in placentas of 17 normotensive and 11 preeclamptic patients matched for gestational age at 34-42 weeks. Cortisol levels in umbilical venous and arterial sera were also determined for both groups. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test, significance at p < 0.05. 11 beta-dehydrogenase (oxidation activity of 11 beta-HSD) activity was significantly lower in placentas of preeclamptic compared to normotensive patients (0.19 +/- 0.09 vs. 0.26 +/- 0.08 mmoles/min/placenta, p = 0.02). Cortisol level in umbilical cord blood was significantly higher in the preeclamptic group (14.99 +/- 14.08 vs. 6.71 +/- 3.69 g/dL, p = 0.02). The decreased 11 beta-HSD activity is accompanied by an expected increase in umbilical cord blood cortisol level and decrease in fetal weight. This enzyme may play an important role in influencing fetal growth.
The Social Transition in the North: collection and data access protocols.

Objective. These protocols were designed to provide access to the Social Transition in the North (STN) collection and data set. Method. Staff at the (UAA) Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies (ICHS) reviewed, organized, inventoried, and cataloged the STN collection. Results. Most of the materials in the collection are available from the UAA Archives and Manuscripts Department, Consortium Library. Documents and data containing sensitive information are maintained by ICHS to assure confidentiality of research participants. Conclusion. These access protocols allow researchers to obtain access to this valuable data set consistent with US research policy while protecting the integrity of the data and the confidentiality of the participants. (Int J Circumpolar Health 2004; 63 suppl 1:53-56) Keywords: Alaska and Russian Indigenous communities, archives, data set
Individual Differences in Temperament of Dairy Goats and the Inhibition of Milk Ejection

Ways of describing individual differences in behavior of dairy goats were explored and differences in the inhibition of milk ejection were examined in relation to these behavioral measures. Factor analysis of observers' ratings provided a reliable method for characterizing individual differences in dairy goat behavior in free-running interactions with dairymen in a modern milking parlor. Results from this method compared favorably with direct recordings of discrete behavior measures monitored in controlled experimental conditions. Both observer rating (rs = 0.75) and direct recording (rs = 0.84) measures also correlated with previously reported differences in behavior observed 16–19 months earlier. Different early rearing experiences contributed to the development of stable, long-term differences in the behavioral expression of temperament. Behavioral differences were, in turn, associated with differences in the inhibition of milk ejection during routine milking procedures. Dam-reared goats consistently showed greater behavioral responsiveness in novel situations and exhibited higher levels of milk ejection impairment relative to human-reared goats.
A computing method for the simulation of non-steady state burning of solid propellants

Computer simulation of the non-steady state burning of solid propellants is achieved by the integration of the partial differential equation describing this phenomenon. The problem is of the parabolic type, with a moving boundary. A continuous-space-discrete-time approximation algorithm is applied to obtain differential-difference equations which can be solved sequentially. However, the integration of these equations cannot take place unless they are transformed to stable forms (from the computation point of view). Such a transformation is obtained by a method of decomposition which also takes care of the mixed boundary values problem. This new computing method is intended for hybrid computers, but can be implemented on digital computers. Results of a program on an IBM 7094 are shown. They have been found to be faster and more accurate than classical finite-differences methods previously used.
The gene for the APC-binding protein β-catenin (CTNNB1) maps to chromosome 3p22, a region frequently altered in human malignancies

β-Catenin is one of the E-cadherin associated proteins involved in the process of cellular adhesion. It has recently been shown to interact with the APC protein whose gene is known to be mutated in the germline of familial adenomatous polyposis patients. This interaction implies that β-catenin is a potential regulator of the APC gene. The localization of the human β-catenin gene (CTNNB1) to chromosome 3p22, by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), has linked the gene to a region that is frequently altered in several human malignancies. The location of the gene and the protein interactions suggest the importance of β-catenin in the etiology of various human cancers.
The Archaeology of Regions: From Discrete Analytical Toolkit to Ubiquitous Spatial Perspective

In the 1970s and 1980s, regional analysis was an influential part of archaeological research, providing a discrete set of geographical tools inspired by a processual epistemological and interpretive perspective. With the advent of new technologies, new methods, and new paradigms, archaeological research on regional space has undergone significant changes. This article reviews the state of regional archaeology, beginning with a consideration of its history and a discussion of the fundamental issues facing regional investigations before focusing on developments over the last several years. On one hand, the diversification of archaeological theory has created new paradigms for thinking about human relationships with one another and with the physical environment across regional space; in this regard, historical ecology, landscape archaeology, and evolutionary theory have been particularly influential in recent years. This has led to a corresponding diversification of the traditional methods of regional analysis. Most notably, the advent of powerful digital technologies has introduced new tools, especially those from the geographic information sciences, that build on the quantitative methods of past approaches. The investigation of regional data is no longer based on a discrete toolkit of simple mathematical and graphical procedures for representing spatial relationships. Instead, regional archaeology has matured into a diversity of multiscalar spatial and geostatistical techniques that inform many areas of archaeological inquiry.
Discovery of two cosmic X-ray bursts in 1970

Two bursts of high-energy photons have been discovered during analysis of 2 1/2 years of data from NRL's solar X-ray detector on OSO-6. Both bursts were simultaneously observed by the OGO-5 hard X-ray spectrometer (Kane, 1975). The bursts occurred at about 18 087 s UT on 25 January, 1970, and about 56 532 s UT on 1 October, 1970. The October event was also observed by Vela 5A; however, none of the Vela detectors observed the January event which had an intensity of about 2×10−5 ergs cm−2. Based on these new data, the number of bursts with intensities above about 10−5 ergs cm−2 appears to be about 50% higher than the Vela data alone would indicate.
Transmitted near-infrared microscopy of coal☆

Abstract Thin sections of an eastern Kentucky high-splint coal (high-volatile bituminous) from the Thiessen collection have been studied using transmitted infrared microscopy. Several normally opaque structures in the inertinite maceral group were observed to transmit in the near infrared (700–1200 nm). These same structures were also found to be birefringent, consisting of variably oriented optical domains similar in appearance to a polycrystalline material. This technique may prove valuable in studies of seam profiles and correlations.
Solution properties of isoprene-styrene block copolymers

Abstract Two series of well characterized styrene-isoprene two-block copolymers have been synthesized, with weight fractions 50 and 75 per cent styrene. Their intrinsic viscosities have been studied in a number of solvents and over a wide range of molecular weights. In general the intrinsic viscosities are close to the weighted average of the corresponding homopolymers of equal molecular weight. There is discussion of the implications of these results with regard to the configuration of block copolymers in solution.
Stereo Mission Overview

NASA's Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO) mission began as a concept study in 1997 and was confirmed as a follow on to NASA's highly successful line of Solar observing missions. Launched on October 25, 2006 the twin observatories will take unprecedented images of the sun from a unique off the sun-earth axis angle in 3-D. Along with the suite of ultraviolet and visible light imagers the mission also carries an array of state of the art energetic particle detectors and electromagnetic sensors to enable better understanding of the dynamics of the sun's coronal mass ejections and solar wind.
ISOLATION OF NATURALLY OCCURRING TECHNETIUM

About l m mu g of Tc/sup 99/ was isolated from several kg of Belgian Congo pitchblende. The amount of Tc found in the ore appears to be in good agreement with the calculated value. The analytical procedure for the dissolution of the pitchblende, removal of Cu, Mo, Re, and Ru, and the final isolation of Tc is given. Counting results of two separate samples are tabulated. (P.C.H.)
Abstract 3844: Targeting macrophages as a novel therapeutic approach for malignant pleural mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a life-threatening tumor, induced by inhalation of asbestos fibers that is largely resistant to most chemotherapeutic drugs. Using a combination of immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, we have evaluated both the presence and composition of leukocytes residing in human mesotheliomas, and have found that 1) epithelioid and mixed mesothelioma tumor subtypes contain higher percentages of CD45+ leukocytes than sarcomatous tumors, and 2) macrophages represent the most abundant immune cell subtype in mesothelioms, regardless of type (31 ± 4.6% of total CD45+). Indeed, the percentage of macrophages in mesotheliomas exceeded that found in other thoracic malignancies thus far evaluated (NSCLC cancer, 9%; esophageal, 4%). In view of recent data indicating that macrophages potentiate cancer development in some settings, and that macrophages can be targeted therapeutically to minimize some aspects of tumor progression, we investigated whether macrophages could be targeted to alter the chemosensitivity of human mesotheliomas. To address this question, we adapted a 3-dimensional (3D) spheroid growth model, enabling heterotypic culture of mesotheliomal cells and macrophages. Our data indicate that mesothelioma chemoresistance can be lowered by co-incubation with macrophages. However, the magnitude of the altered response is dependent upon macrophage phenotype. Macrophage phenotype and bioactivity is modulated by TH1 and TH2 cytokine exposure that in turn regulate either an M1 (IFN-γ & LPS) or M2 (IL-4) phenotype. M1-polarized macrophages increased the response of malignant mesothelioma spheroids to pro-apoptotic chemotherapeutic agents, including gemcitabine. Furthermore, our preliminary data indicate that primary human tumor-associated macrophages, isolated from untreated malignant mesotheliomas, exhibit similar pro-apoptotic effects when polarized with M1 cytokines, indicating that cytokine re-polarization of macrophages in mesotheliomas to an M1 phenotype could enhance efficacy of cytotoxic therapy. This work was supported by grants from the NCI and a DoD Mesothelioma Program grant PR080717 to Broaddus and Coussens Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3844.
Effect of storage conditions on increase in aflatoxins in cottonseed: a small lot study.

Small lots of cottonseed with low aflatoxin contamination were stored at 15, 18 and 22% moisture at 80 and 85 F. Maximum aflatoxin content was reached within 30 days’ storage. The range in moisture content was sufficient to cause a 10-fold increase in aflatoxin content between seed stored at 15.1 and 21.8% moisture. Aeration caused about a five-fold mean increase in aflatoxin content.
Evidence of many-body, fermi-energy edge singularity in InN films grown on GaN buffer layers

We observed the strong enhancement of photoluminescence intensities close to electron Fermi energy as the result of the breakdown of k-selection rule for radiaitive recombination due to the localization of holes in InN films.
On correlation of data in copolymerization

Equation (3) is potentially useful for bringing out inconsistencies between experimental data and theoretical correlations and predictions of behaviors of monomers in copolymerizations. Equation (3) is a modification of Ham's eq. (1). His eqs. (1) and (4) are approximations which are sometimes quite good, and sometimes very poor.
Quality factors for alpha particles emitted in tissue

A concept of a mean or dose averaged quality factor was defined in ICRP Publication 26 using relationships for quality factor as a function of LET. The concept of radiation weighting factors, wR, was introduced in ICRP Publication 60 in 1990. These are meant to be generalized factors that modify absorbed dose to reflect the risk of stochastic effects as a function of the quality of the radiation incident on the body or emitted by radioactivity within the body. The values of wr are equal to 20 for all alpha particles externally or internally emitted. This note compares the dose averaged quality factor for alpha particles originating in tissue using the old and revised recommendations for quality factor as a function of LET. The dose averaged quality factor never exceeds 20 using the old recommendations and is never less than 20 with the revised recommendations.
Skin cancer in skin of color.

Skin cancer is less common in persons with skin of color than in light-skinned Caucasians but is often associated with greater morbidity and mortality. Thus, it is crucial that physicians become familiar with skin cancer in persons of color so as to maximize the likelihood of early detection of these tumors. In dark-skinned ethnic groups, squamous cell carcinoma is most common; squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma usually occur on nonsun-exposed sites; and ultraviolet radiation is not an important etiologic factor for skin cancer with the exception of basal cell carcinoma. Races of intermediate pigmentation, such as Hispanics and Asians, share epidemiologic and clinical features of dark-skinned ethnic groups and Caucasians. Skin cancers pose a significant risk in skin of color and clinicians should focus on preventive measures in these groups such as regular skin exams, self-examination, public education, and screening programs. Learning objective At the completion of this learning activity, participants should be familiar with the epidemiology and unique clinical features of skin cancer in skin of color and be aware of strategies to prevent skin cancer in skin of color.
Neutralization-sensitive merozoite surface antigens of Babesia bovis encoded by members of a polymorphic gene family

Monospecific antibodies against native and recombinant versions of the major merozoite surface antigen (MSA-1) of Babesia bovis neutralize the infectivity of merozoites from Texas and Mexico strains in vitro. Sequence analysis shows that MSA-1 and a related, co-expressed 44 kDa merozoite surface protein (MSA-2) are encoded by members of a multigene family previously designated BabR. BabR genes, originally described in Australia strains of B. bovis, are notable because their marked polymorphism is apparently mediated by chromosomal rearrangements, but protein products of BabR genes have not previously been identified. The 3' terminal 173 nucleotides of the MSA-1 gene, including 60 nucleotides of untranslated sequence, are highly similar to the 3' terminal sequences of BabR 0.8 (84% identity) and MSA-2 (94% identity). Alignment of the predicted protein sequences demonstrates significant overall homology between MSA-1 and MSA-2, and between both proteins and the amino terminal BabR sequence. MSA-1 nucleic acid probes also hybridize weakly to genomic DNA from the Australia 'L' strain, even though this strain does not express merozoite surface epitopes cross-reactive with MSA-1 or MSA-2. Hybridization of these same probes to genomic DNA from the cloned Mexico strain reveals a pattern of bands compatible with two copies each of MSA-1 and MSA-2. Proteins encoded by this B. bovis gene family have been designated variable merozoite surface antigens (VMSA). The extent and mechanism of VMSA polymorphism among strains will be important when evaluating the role these surface proteins have in the host-parasite interaction, including immunity to blood stages.
Examination and expansion of the substrate range of m-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase

The gene encoding m-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase (mobA) was cloned from Comamonas testosteroni GZ39. MobA converts m-hydroxybenzoate and to a lesser extent p-hydroxybenzoate to protocatechuate. To explore the structural and functional relationships in phenolic acid monooxygenases, MobA was subjected to in vitro mutagenesis by error-prone PCR and the mutant MobAs were screened for their ability to oxidize phenol or 3-aminophenol. A mutant MobA with a single V257A substitution was able to transform phenol to catechol, providing the first example of monooxygenase acting on phenolic acids that can also hydroxylate phenol. The mutant MobA also has enhanced ability to transform resorcinol, hydroquinone, p-hydroxybenzoate, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoate, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate, 3-chlorophenol, 4-chlorophenol, 4-chlororesorcinol, and 4-nitrophenol. Several MobA mutants were obtained for their ability to transform 3-aminophenol to a related substituted catechol. Mutant MobAs with single amino acid substitutions (H135P, A400G, or D416A) were derived from these mutants and verified for their ability to transform 3-aminophenol.
Versatile computer program for absorbing optical thin film systems

The program for the synthesis of nonabsorbing thin film systems by the method of gradual evolution [ J. A. Dobrowolski , Appl. Opt.4, 937 ( 1965)] has been extended to include new features and to handle absorbing materials. In the analysis mode the new program calculates the spectral transmittance, reflectance, and absorptance of any absorbing multilayer system for any angle of incidence or plane of polarization. The CIE chromaticity coordinates of the coating can also be calculated. Information on the stability of the system is obtained from an automatically repeated analysis with randomly perturbed values of the construction parameters. As in the original program the synthesis mode does not presuppose a starting design; a layer system consisting of real absorbing or nonabsorbing coating materials may be gradually evolved. The evolution and refinement are governed by the value of a merit function defined specially for each problem. In the new program it is possible to control the sensitivity of the system performance to changes in the construction parameters. The monitoring information mode yields data useful for the construction of a multilayer. The construction parameter determination mode deduces the actual parameters from the measured performance of the system. The operation of the program is illustrated by examples.
Diagnosing PTSD: Lessons From Neuropsychology

Problematic diagnostic issues related to neurocognitive conditions have been well documented in research using neuropsychological instruments. However, due to the nature of differing assessment met...
High-speed concatenation of frequency ramps using sampled grating distributed Bragg reflector laser diode sources for OCT resolution enhancement

Wavelength tunable sampled grating distributed Bragg reflector (SG-DBR) lasers used for telecommunications applications have previously demonstrated the ability for linear frequency ramps covering the entire tuning range of the laser at 100 kHz repetition rates1. An individual SG-DBR laser has a typical tuning range of 50 nm. The InGaAs/InP material system often used with SG-DBR lasers allows for design variations that cover the 1250 to 1650 nm wavelength range. This paper addresses the possibility of concatenating the outputs of tunable SGDBR lasers covering adjacent wavelength ranges for enhancing the resolution of OCT measurements. This laser concatenation method is demonstrated by combining the 1525 nm to 1575 nm wavelength range of a "C Band" SG-DBR laser with the 1570nm to 1620 nm wavelength coverage of an "L-Band" SG-DBR laser. Measurements show that SGDBR lasers can be concatenated with a transition switching time of less than 50 ns with undesired leakage signals attenuated by 50 dB.
On-shell theory of two-step processes☆

Abstract A general and exact distorted wave theory of multi-step processes is discussed which involves only transition amplitudes to intermediate states which conserve energy. Two-step processes are identified with those terms in the general theory for which the DWBA approximation can be used at each step. Conservation of energy in the intermediate stages allows the post-prior relation to be used and thus makes successive transfer amplitudes for light ions calculable via a zero-range calculation at each stage. This method is applied to the (p, t) reaction leading to the unnatural parity state (3+) in the 206Pb nucleus. Interference between intermediate states involving triplet- and singlet-state deuterons is investigated and found to be less than previously predicted. The (p → d → t) process is found to be the dominant two-step process for the 208Pb(p, t)206Pb(3+) reaction at Ep = 35 MeV.
An Evaluation of the Paired Reading Program Using Competency-Based Training:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Paired Reading (PR) method using a competency-based training program with parents of children who are poor readers. PR consists of two phases: simultaneous and independent reading. The PR method focuses on parent modeling, practice, praise and a positive atmosphere. Fifty-two parents of second and third graders receiving Chapter 1 services and fourth graders who received Chapter 1 services in the year prior were recruited for this study. Participants were assigned to either the experimental (PR) condition where they were trained to use the PR Program through a competency-based training format or to a wait-list control condition. Twenty-four of the 26 parents in the PR condition participated in the training. Parents were asked to read with their child using the PR method five times a week, for 10 to 15 minutes, across eight weeks and to tape record their reading sessions. Seven of those 24 parents returned all eight audio recordings of the ...
Adaptation of a relocatable head frame for stereotactic radiotherapy.

Abstract An important role of the maxillofacial prosthodontist is to support the radiotherapist in the administration of therapy. For example, a device can be made that properly and repeatedly positions the patient for each radiation treatment. This article describes a procedure for adapting a relocatable head frame to be used during stereotactic radiotherapy, a treatment modality for malignant intracranial tumors. (J Prosthet Dent 2000;84:585-8.)
Human SLUG does not directly bind to CtBP1.

SLUG is a member of a superfamily of zinc-finger transcriptional repressors [1-3]. SLUG and its family members are involved in tumor progression [1]. SLUG is implicated to induce epithelial to mesenchymal transition in many cells [2]. The different family members are now grouped into two families: Snail and Scratch. Vertebrates have three Snail members: SNAIL (new name SNAIL1), SLUG (now named SNAIL2), and SNAIL3 (formerly SMUC) [2,3]. Human cells have two SCRATCH proteins: SCRATCH1 and SCRATCH2. Human breast cells we have studied so far do not express SCRATCH transcripts (M.K. Tripathi and G. Chaudhuri, unpublished). Human SLUG gene is located at chromosome 8q11, has 3 exons and 2 introns, is transcribed into a ~2.1-kb mRNA (Accession No.{"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"NM_003068","term_id":"324072669","term_text":"NM_003068"}}NM_003068), and encodes a C2H2-type zinc finger transcription factor protein with 268 amino acids [4]. The encoded protein acts as a transcriptional repressor that binds to E2-box motif (5′-CACCTG-3′) [4,5]. Although many genes have the E2-box sequences at their promoters, only the expressions of few proteins are experimentally shown to be regulated by SLUG. In human mammary epithelial cells, SLUG is shown to negatively regulate the E-cadherin [5], aromatase [6], PUMA [7], BRCA2 [8], claudin-1 [9], integrin alpha3, beta1, and beta4 [10] and, cytokeratin 8 and 19 [11] gene expressions. Other genes that are potentially down regulated inside the human breast cells by SLUG may include those of VE-cadherin, other claudins, occludins, desmoplakin, and mucin-1 [2,3]. Majority of the genes that are down regulated by SLUG are directly or indirectly involved in cell–cell adhesion and their inhibition thus may induce dislodging of the cells and metastasis [3]. The exact mode of action of human SLUG is not known. While the C-terminal zinc-finger domains of SLUG are responsible for DNA binding, the N-terminal domain are predicted to be responsible for the recruitment of co-repressor molecules at the target gene promoter. SLUG has a domain with 20 amino acid residues at its N-terminus known as SNAG domain. The SNAG domain was originally characterized in the growth factor independence-1 (Gfi-1) oncoprotein, where it forms part of the first 20 amino acids that suffice for transcriptional repression [2,4]. Itis proposed that SLUG binds to the E2-box sequence of the DNA through its C-terminal zinc-finger domains and then recruits either CtBP1 [4,8] or a SNAG-domain binding protein (e.g., Sin3A) as a co-repressor. The co-repressor then recruits histone deacetylase (e.g., HDAC1) at the promoter to silent the target gene expression by chromatin remodeling [8]. Here we show evidence that hSLUG does not interact directly with hCtBP1.