cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Silicic Acid Batch Adsorption Procedure for the Partial Purification of Interleukin-2 from Cultures of Primary Lymphocytes and Long-Term T-Cell Lines

Silicic acid (SA; approximately H2SiO3 or as hydrated silica, SiO·H2O) has been used by many investigators as a solid matrix for adsorption chromatography. This subject has been reviewed by Huaser (1955) and Unger (1979). Particularly noteworthy is the utilization of SA for the separation of natural lipid mixtures and highly polar complexes (Hirsch and Ahrens, 1958; Mangold and Malins, 1960). SA possesses a surface that can have widely varying properties because of the random distribution of different groups, including: (1) silanol groups (-Si-OH), (2) siloxan groups (-Si-O-Si), and (3) hydrated silanol groups (-Si-OH·H2O) (Smith, 1969). As with silica gel (SiO2), the adsorptive activity of SA is due primarily to surface silanol groups, and these sites are hydrogen-binding, weakly acidic, and therefore polar (Freeman, 1982). A reaction of silica with chlorosilanes results in the formation of siloxane-type phase matrices that are widely used in reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (rpHPLC) for protein isolation and analysis (Voelter, 1981).
Stress and food choices: Examining gender differences and the time horizon framing effect

Abstract The number of people facing daily stress is on the rise in the United States. Further, there is increasing evidence of stress induced obesity and other food-related health risks. This study tested the effects of self-reported stress on choosing indulgent and healthy food options in the context of menu promotions at restaurants. The study proposed that time horizon message framing (expansive vs. limited) on restaurant menus influences the effectiveness of advertising messages aimed at preventing unhealthy food choices and promoting healthy choices. Further, this study examined gender differences in stress induced eating. The current findings shed new light on time horizon message framing, which encourages stressed consumers to make healthy choices. The results showed that food choices can be altered using time horizon messages. That is, stressed individuals tend to choose healthier options when the message is framed in terms of expansive time and more indulgent food than when the message is focused on a limited time frame. Restaurant managers are advised to establish creative marketing strategies to spur interest in healthy menu items and emphasize the benefits of healthy food items.
A two-stage chance-constrained stochastic programming model for a bio-fuel supply chain network

Abstract This study presents a two-stage chance-constrained stochastic programming model that captures the uncertainties due to feedstock seasonality in a bio-fuel supply chain network. The chance-constraint ensures that, with a high probability, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) will be utilized for bio-fuel production. To solve our proposed optimization model, we use a combined sample average approximation algorithm. We use the state of Mississippi as a testing ground to visualize and validate the modeling results. Our computational experiments reveal some insightful results about the impact of MSW utilization on a bio-fuel supply chain network performance.
Platform for Quantitative Evaluation of Spatial Intratumoral Heterogeneity in Multiplexed Fluorescence Images

We introduce THRIVE (Tumor Heterogeneity Research Interactive Visualization Environment), an open-source tool developed to assist cancer researchers in interactive hypothesis testing. The focus of this tool is to quantify spatial intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH), and the interactions between different cell phenotypes and noncellular constituents. Specifically, we foresee applications in phenotyping cells within tumor microenvironments, recognizing tumor boundaries, identifying degrees of immune infiltration and epithelial/stromal separation, and identification of heterotypic signaling networks underlying microdomains. The THRIVE platform provides an integrated workflow for analyzing whole-slide immunofluorescence images and tissue microarrays, including algorithms for segmentation, quantification, and heterogeneity analysis. THRIVE promotes flexible deployment, a maintainable code base using open-source libraries, and an extensible framework for customizing algorithms with ease. THRIVE was designed with highly multiplexed immunofluorescence images in mind, and, by providing a platform to efficiently analyze high-dimensional immunofluorescence signals, we hope to advance these data toward mainstream adoption in cancer research. Cancer Res; 77(21); e71-74. ©2017 AACR.
Mandatory Life and the Death of Equitable Discretion

This essay is a contribution to a book that asks the question whether life without parole (LWOP) is the new death penalty. The essay claims that the punishment - at least in its mandatory form - is not so much the new death penalty as the old one (but not quite). Specifically, contemporary capital punishment expressly admits - indeed requires - an equitable determination. That is, before imposing the death penalty, the capital-sentencing jury is called upon to exercise practical wisdom based on everyday experience to reach a commonsense determination of normative blameworthiness - to consider not only the particulars of the criminal incident but also the social and psychological circumstances of the defendant. By contrast, LWOP is frequently a mandatory punishment over which a jury holds no equitable sway. In this way, mandatory LWOP bears a closer resemblance to the historical mandatory death penalty. But, significantly, the analogy between the historical death penalty and modern mandatory LWOP is imperfect. Although the pre-modern jury lacked power over the sentencing determination, it enjoyed considerable influence over the guilt determination, both because common-law liability rules were more flexible and because the pre-modern jury was arbiter of both law and fact. Thus, the pre-modern jury retained robust authority to circumvent mandatory penalties in equitably problematic cases. Comparatively, the modern LWOP jury is hamstrung by a more substantively and procedurally rigid and formalized criminal-justice system. Thus, the LWOP jury lacks the equitable safety valves that tempered application of both the historical death penalty and its modern capital corollary. To the extent an opportunity for equitable discretion remains in mandatory LWOP regimes, it rests wholly with the professional prosecutor, who controls the charging decision, but who concurrently has an institutional incentive to charge high to maximize bargaining power. In such circumstances, the prime determinate of whether a defendant receives an LWOP sentence is not normative blameworthiness but willingness to plead guilty. Mandatory LWOP is, thus, a punishment that only the interested prosecutor can temper effectively, but that the prosecutor has the least interest in tempering for equitable reasons alone.
Kinetic Basis for the Impaired Oxygenation of Eicosapentaenoate by Prostaglandin Endoperoxide Synthase

Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase (PES) oxygenates certain 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids as the first committed step in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins. Both steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesis, and therefore, it has been postulated that prostaglandin overproduction may be a pathophysiologic mechanism common to a number of chronic inflammatory and thromboembolic diseases. Epidemiologic studies have shown that many eicosanoidrelated diseases are prevalent in populations that consume large amounts of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFA), but less frequent in populations that consume large amounts of n-3 PUFA. As neither n-3 nor n-6 PUFA can be synthesized de novo in human tissues, the common substrate acids for prostaglandin biosynthesis must be derived from the diet. The n-3 PUFA, 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3), is a less effective substrate for PES than the n-6 PUFA, 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (20:4n-6 or arachidonate). Therefore, it has also been postulated that the overproduction of prostaglandins may be inhibited by dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids [1].
Layer-by-Layer Assembly Modulated by Host–Guest Binding

A strategy has been devised for improving the quality of polyelectrolyte multilayers formed via the layer-by-layer technique. This strategy involves host–guest complexation of the pendant ions of a polyelectrolyte to reduce their affinity toward the pendant ions of a complementary polyelectrolyte. Evidence for the effectiveness of this approach has been obtained on the basis of film thickness, permeability, and surface roughness measurements of polyelectrolyte multilayers derived from poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) and poly(diallyldimethyammonium chloride), using β-cyclodextrin as a host molecule.
Stratifying nonfunctional pituitary adenomas into two groups distinguished by macrophage subtypes

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) polarize to M1 and M2 subtypes exerting anti-tumoral and pro-tumoral effects, respectively. To date, little is known about TAMs, their subtypes, and their roles in non-functional pituitary adenomas (NFPAs). We performed flow cytometry on single cell suspensions from 16 NFPAs, revealing that CD11b+ myeloid cells comprise an average of 7.3% of cells in NFPAs (range = 0.5%-27.1%), with qPCR revealing most CD11b+ cells to be monocyte-derived TAMs rather than native microglia. The most CD11b-enriched NFPAs (10-27% CD11b+) were the most expansile (size>3.5 cm or MIB1>3%). Increasing CD11b+ fraction was associated with decreased M2 TAMs and increased M1 TAMs. All NFPAs with cavernous sinus invasion had M2/M1 gene expression ratios above one, while 80% of NFPAs without cavernous sinus invasion had M2/M1<1 (P = 0.02). Cultured M2 macrophages promoted greater invasion (P < 10-5) and proliferation (P = 0.03) of primary NFPA cultures than M1 macrophages in a manner inhibited by siRNA targeting S100A9 and EZH2, respectively. Primary NFPA cultures were of two types: some recruited more monocytes in an MCP-1-dependent manner and polarized these to M2 TAMs, while others recruited fewer monocytes and polarized them to M1 TAMS in a GM-CSF-dependent manner. These findings suggest that TAM recruitment and polarization into the pro-tumoral M2 subtype drives NFPA proliferation and invasion. Robust M2 TAM infiltrate may occur during an NFPA growth phase before self-regulating into a slower growth phase with fewer overall TAMs and M1 polarization. Analyses like these could generate immunomodulatory therapies for NFPAs.
Short-Term User Authentication Using Eyebrows Biometric For Smartphone Devices

With the unprecedented mobile technology revolution, biometrics have become a viable alternative to PINs and passwords for secured mobile access and transactions. Recent research has shown the potential of eyebrows as an independent biometric modality for recognition. Eyebrows leverage the benefit of being one-sixth of the facial region, and is therefore computationally efficient and offer fast throughput. The aim of this paper is to exploit eyebrow region for mobile user authentication, and to show the impact factor such as eyeglasses existence on eyebrow-based user authentication. To this aim, Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG), a local descriptor, and GIST, a global descriptor, extracted from left and right eyebrow regions are evaluated. The reported results on a publicly available VISOB dataset collected through mobile devices. show a minimum Equal Error Rate (EER) of 3.23% and Area under curve (AUC) of 0.9916 obtained from fusion of left and right eyebrow regions at score level using GIST descriptor. Further, comparative evaluation with existing methods is performed by evaluating the proposed method on FERET face dataset obtaining minimum Equal Error Rate (EER) of 1.08% and Area under curve (AUC) of 0.9990 on fusion of left and right eyebrow regions at score level without eyeglasses using HOG descriptor.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol intoxication is associated with increased prefrontal activation as assessed with functional near-infrared spectroscopy: A report of a potential biomarker of intoxication.

Abstract The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), binds to cannabinoid receptors (CB1) present in high concentrations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). It is unknown whether the PFC hemodynamic response changes with THC intoxication. We conducted the first double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of the effect of THC intoxication on functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measures of PFC activation. Fifty-four adult, regular (at least weekly) cannabis users received a single oral dose of synthetic THC (dronabinol; 5–50 mg, dose individually tailored to produce intoxication) and identical placebo on two visits at least one week apart. fNIRS recordings were obtained during a working memory task (N-Back) at three timepoints: before THC/placebo, at 100 min (when peak effects were expected), and at 200 min after THC/placebo administration. Functional data were collected using a continuous-wave NIRS device, with 8 sources and 7 detectors arrayed over the forehead, resulting in 20 channels covering PFC regions. Participants also completed frequent heart rate measures and subjective ratings of intoxication. Approximately half of participants reported significant intoxication. Intoxication ratings were not correlated with dose of THC. Increases in heart rate significantly correlated with intoxication ratings after THC dosing. Results indicated that 100 min after THC administration, oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) response significantly increased from pre-dose HbO levels throughout the PFC in participants who reported significant intoxication. Changes in HbO response significantly correlated with self-reported intoxication at 100 min after THC administration. Among those who reported intoxication, HbO response decreased at 200 min after THC, when intoxication had largely resolved, compared to the peak THC time point. This study demonstrates that THC intoxication causes increased PFC activity, and fNIRS of the PFC can measure this effect. Increased neural activation in PFC represents a potential biomarker for cannabis intoxication.
Building a Private Bitcoin-Based Payment Network Among Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations

Mass penetration and market dominance of Electric Vehicles (EVs) are expected in the upcoming years. Due to their frequent charging needs, not only public and private charging stations are being built, but also V2V charging options are considered. This forms a charging network with various suppliers and EV customers which can communicate to schedule charging operations. While an app can be designed to develop matching algorithms for charging schedules, the system also needs a convenient payment method that will enable privacy-preserving transactions among the suppliers and EVs. In this paper, we adopt a Bitcoin-based payment system for the EV charging network payments. However, Bitcoin has a transaction fee which would be comparable to the price of the charging service most of the time and thus may not be attractive to users. High transaction fees can be eliminated by building a payment network in parallel to main ledger, with permission and signatures. In this paper, we design and implement such a network among charging stations and mobile EVs with flow, connectivity and fairness constraints, and demonstrate results for the feasibility of the scheme under different circumstances. More specifically, we propose a payment network optimization model for determining payment channels among charging stations. We present numerical results on the characteristics of the network model by using realistic use cases.
The protective roles of ethnic identity and community cohesion on substance use among Black women experiencing adversity.

This study employs a strengths-based approach to explore associations of ethnic identity and community cohesion with substance use among Black women experiencing adversity. Black women (N = 107; Ma...
The effects of the pronoun me on dative comprehension

The English dative alternation has received much attention in the literature on argument structure acquisition in children. However, the data on the acquisition of this alternation have consistently revealed a counter-intuitive pattern: children look more proficient with the lower frequency prepositional form of the dative than with the higher frequency double object form (Conwell & Demuth, 2007; Rowland & Noble, 2010). This may be because the DO dative typically occurs with pronominal argument types in first post-verbal position, which may result in an over-reliance on stereotyped forms (e.g., give + me) for early comprehension and production (Conwell, O'Donnell, & Snedeker, 2011). This paper presents three studies of the effects of the pronoun me on dative comprehension by three-year-olds. Children's comprehension of the DO dative improved significantly when the first post-verbal argument was pronominal; no other effects of pronoun use were significant. Children's experience affects their ability to use lexically general representations of syntactic structures.
Advancing Network Function Virtualization Platforms with Programmable NICs

Network Function Virtualization seeks to run high performance middleboxes in a flexible, more configurable software environment. Even with advances such as kernel bypass and zero-copy IO, middlebox platforms still struggle to meet stringent throughput and latency requirements. To achieve line rates as network bandwidths rise, these platforms often must make tradeoffs such as inefficiently dedicating more CPU cores or weakening security and isolation properties. In this paper we explore how advances in programmable “smart NICs” can be leveraged by software middlebox platforms to improve performance, resource efficiency, and security. Our evaluation shows several use cases for smart NICs, which improve performance significantly while reducing resource consumption and providing strong isolation.
Unusual manifestations of diffuse-type tenosynovial giant cell tumor in two patients: importance of radiologic-pathologic correlation

Diffuse-type tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TSGCT) is a rare, locally aggressive neoplasm. It most commonly occurs in the knee, followed by the hip, and has distinctive imaging features, including mass-like foci of low T2 signal intensity, "blooming" on gradient-echo MRI, and pronounced uptake on FDG PET/CT. Histologically, TSGCT demonstrates a neoplastic population of mononuclear cells admixed with hemosiderin-laden macrophages, foamy histiocytes, inflammatory cells, and osteoclast-like giant cells. In cases where diffuse-type TSGCT presents in an uncommon location or with atypical features, the imaging diagnosis may be challenging. Furthermore, because of its polymorphous appearance, it may be mistaken microscopically for other neoplastic and non-neoplastic histiocytic lesions. Herein, we present two cases of diffuse-type TSGCT presenting as large masses, and underscore the importance of radiologic-pathologic correlation for accurate diagnosis.
Characteristics of monolayer formation in vitro by the chytrid Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis

Abstract Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is a globally distributed generalist pathogen that has driven many amphibian populations to extinction. The life cycle of B. dendrobatidis has two main cell types, motile zoospores, and sessile reproductive sporangia. When grown in a nutrient-rich liquid medium, B. dendrobatidis forms aggregates of sporangia that transition into monolayers on surfaces and at the air-liquid interface. Pathogenic microorganisms use biofilms as mechanisms of group interactions to survive under harsh conditions in the absence of a suitable host. We used fluorescent and electron microscopy, crystal violet, transcriptomic, and gas chromatographic analyses to understand the characteristics of B. dendrobatidis monolayers. The cell-free monolayer fraction showed the presence of extracellular ribose, mannose, xylose, galactose, and glucose. Transcriptome analysis showed that 27%, 26%, and 4% of the genes were differentially expressed between sporangia/zoospores, monolayer/zoospores, and sporangia/monolayer pairs respectively. In pond water studies, zoospores developed into sporangia and formed floating aggregates at the air-water interface and attached film on the bottom of growth flasks. We propose that B. dendrobatidis can form surface-attached monolayers in nutrient-rich environments and aggregates of sporangia in nutrient-poor aquatic systems. These monolayers and aggregates may facilitate dispersal and survival of the fungus in the absence of a host. We provide evidence for using a combination of plant-based chemicals, allicin, gingerol, and curcumin as potential anti-chytrid drugs to mitigate chytridiomycosis.
Predictive Modeling for Clinical Features Associated with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Abstract Objective: Perform a longitudinal analysis of clinical features associated with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) based on demographic and clinical characteristics, and to apply a machine learning strategy to determine feasibility of developing exploratory predictive models of optic pathway glioma (OPG) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a pediatric NF1 cohort. Methods: Using NF1 as a model system, we perform retrospective data analyses utilizing a manually-curated NF1 clinical registry and electronic health record (EHR) information, and develop machine-learning models. Data for 798 individuals were available, with 578 comprising the pediatric cohort used for analysis. Results: Males and females were evenly represented in the cohort. White children were more likely to develop OPG (OR: 2.11, 95%CI: 1.11-4.00, p=0.02) relative to their non-white peers. Median age at diagnosis of OPG was 6.5 years (1.7-17.0), irrespective of sex. Males were more likely than females to have a diagnosis of ADHD (OR: 1.90, 95%CI: 1.33-2.70, p Conclusions: Using readily available clinical and EHR data, we successfully recapitulated several important and clinically-relevant patterns in NF1 semiology specifically based on demographic and clinical characteristics. Naive machine learning techniques can be potentially used to develop and validate predictive phenotype complexes applicable to risk stratification and disease management in NF1.
Laboratory simulation of magnetospheric plasma shocks

Abstract Laboratory experiments using a plasma wind generated by laser-target interaction are developed to investigate the creation of a shock in front of the magnetosphere and the dynamo mechanism. Magnetic obstacles are placed in the plasma wind and measurements of the electron density gradients surrounding the obstacles are recorded. The experiments are analyzed with the methods used in theoretical simulation of the solar-wind-driven magnetosphere interactions. The proposed experiments are thought to be relevant to understanding the electron acceleration mechanisms at work in shock-driven magnetic dipole confined plasma surrounding compact magnetized stars and planets. Electron shock acceleration mechanisms are discussed in some detail.
The Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Adherence to Ocular Hypotensive Medication in Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.

PURPOSE Emerging evidence suggests that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is disrupting health behaviors such as medication adherence. The objective of this study was to determine whether adherence to ocular hypotensive medication was affected by the pandemic and to identify factors associated with this change. DESIGN In this cohort study, we used a controlled interrupted time series design in which the interruption was the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States on March 13, 2020. The 300-day monitoring period, which evenly bracketed this declaration, started on October 16, 2019, and ended on August 10, 2020. PARTICIPANTS Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma enrolled in an ongoing longitudinal National Institutes of Health-funded study initiated before the onset of the pandemic were selected if they were prescribed ocular hypotensive medication and had adherence data spanning the 300-day period. METHODS We applied segmented regression analysis using a "slope change following a lag" impact model to obtain the adherence slopes in the periods before and after the segmentation. We compared the 2 slopes using the Davies test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome measure was daily adherence to ocular hypotensive medication, defined as the number of doses taken divided by the number of doses prescribed, expressed in percent. Adherence was measured objectively using Medication Event Monitoring System caps. We assessed the associations between change in adherence and demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors. RESULTS The sample included 79 patients (mean age, 71 years [standard deviation, 8 years]). Segmented regression identified a breakpoint at day 28 after the declaration of the pandemic. The slope in the period after the breakpoint (-0.04%/day) was significantly different from zero (P < 0.001) and from the slope in the period before the breakpoint (0.006%/day; P < 0.001). Mean adherence in the period before the segmentation breakpoint was significantly worse in Black patients (median, IQR: 80.6%, 36.2%) compared with White patients (median, IQR: 97.2%, 8.7%; chi-square, 15.4; P = 0.0004). A significant positive association was observed between the Connor-Davidson resilience score and the change in slope between the periods before and after the breakpoint (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Adherence to ocular hypotensive medication worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic and seems to be related to patient resilience. This collateral consequence of the pandemic may translate into vision loss that may manifest beyond its containment.
A Review of Forensic Toxicology for the Law Enforcement Officer

Currently there is a lack of good texts appropriate for training in the area of forensic toxicology. It is particularly difficult to find teaching materials for the non-scientifically oriented individual. The title of this book suggests that this gap might be filled. Unfortunately, it misses the mark widely.
Uterine blood flow and oxygen consumption of the pregnant uterus of the Macaca mulatta

Abstract The antipyrine method was employed for measuring the rate of blood flow per kilogram of tissue in the pregnant uterus of unanesthetized and recently stressed Macaca mulatta. There is a trend toward a decreased flow with advancing pregnancy of approximately 250 c.c. per kilogram per minute at 80 days to about 140 c.c. per kilogram per minute near term. The oxygen consumption of the uterus and its contents shows no trend to change from 75 days onward. These findings are associated with a decrease in uterine venous percentage oxygen saturation and an increase in the coefficient of oxygen utilization by the uterus.
EVALUATING VOLUME STATUS IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Accurate determination of the volume and distribution of body fluids in end stage renal disease patients will permit improved assessment of dry weight and strategies for optimal fluid removal. Certain biochemical markers and anatomical measures have been proposed as markers of dry weight, but these markers primarily reflect the volume of the intravascular compartment and may not reflect total body volume status. Noninvasive determination of total body water and extracellular fluid volumes using bioimpedance analyses has also been proposed for assessment of dry weight, but such determinations do not yet have sufficient accuracy for routine use. Several devices have been recently developed for continuously monitoring changes in blood volume on-line during routine hemodialysis. Such blood volume monitors cannot be used to determine dry weight directly; however, continuous monitoring of blood volume can be used to detect fluid overload because intradialytic changes in blood volume are small in hemodialysis patients who are overhydrated. Furthermore, continuous monitoring of blood volume can be used to predict symptoms resulting from intradialytic hypovolemia. The combined use of blood volume monitoring and time-dependent ultrafiltration and dialysate sodium profiles will be used increasingly in the future to assist in the prevention of hypotension and symptoms that result from intradialytic hypovolemia, especially when automated systems for controlling intradialytic blood volume are individualized and shown to be safe and effective.
Abstract 14880: Interleukin-18 in Radiation-induced Cardiomyopathy

Introduction: Thoracic radiation (XRT) used in treatment of cancer leads to the development of cardiomyopathy, characterized by increased myocardial and pericardial fibrosis. A close link between XRT injury, fibrosis and inflammation exists. Interleukin-18, a proinflammatory cytokines of the IL-1 family, has been shown to promote cardiac fibrosis. Hypothesis: IL-18 mediates myocardial and pericardial fibrosis following thoracic XRT. Methods: We exposed C57BL/6J female mice (N=6-12/group) to XRT 20 Gray (Gy). Echocardiography was performed to assess left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) at baseline, and 3 days and 4 months following XRT. LV catheterization was used to measure the LV end diastolic pressure (EDP), LV peak systolic pressure, +dP/dt and -dP/dt. Masson’s Trichrome was used to quantify interstitial fibrosis and pericardial thickening. Western Blot (WB) and Immunofluorescence (IF) were used to measure IL-18 levels in the heart after XRT. Sham-XRT mice were used as controls. Results: Thorac...
Abstract T P225: Loss of Pregnane X Receptor Impairs Stroke Recovery

Introduction: Inflammation plays an important role in exacerbating injury following stroke, but current understanding of the factors regulating this inflammation is incomplete. Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) is a nuclear receptor which binds many xenobiotic targets including many commonly prescribed medications. Recent work has shown that PXR is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier as well repressing inflammatory responses mediated by NFκB. Since both these pathways can modify the peripheral immune response, we hypothesized that PXR would play an important role in limiting inflammation following stroke. Using PXR knockout mice, we show that loss of PXR is detrimental for stroke recovery. Materials & Methods: Male PXR knockout mice and littermate controls underwent sham surgery or 60min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Weight loss was monitored post-stroke and mice were sacrificed after 7 days for splenic weights, infarct analysis by cresyl violet staining, and bacterial translocation as assessed by culture of homogenized mesenteric lymph nodes on blood agar plates. Results: Following MCAO, PXR-/- mice lost significantly more weight than wild type littermate controls (n=6 vs. 4 respectively; p<0.05) and also showed greater splenic atrophy 7 days following MCAO (2.14mg/g body weight vs. 3.40mg/g body weight; p<0.05). However, preliminary studies suggest PXR-/- mice do not have larger infarcts (n=3 vs. 2) and did not exhibit more bacterial translocation 7 days following MCAO (5.4 vs. 7 CFU). Discussion: PXR is known to negatively regulate NFκB signaling and maintain intestinal barrier integrity. Both of these mechanisms may contribute to delayed recovery following stroke with PXR acting as a master switch. In summary, this early work begins to explore the importance of a xenobiotic sensor, PXR, in stroke recovery.
Ultrasonographic assessment of bladder volume prior to urinary catheterization in infants: Training operators and avoiding unsuccessful catheterizations

Study objectives: Previous studies have shown a 10% failure rate in urine catheterization in children younger than 2 years. This leads either to an incomplete evaluation or a second procedure, with attendant discomfort for child and parent and increased risk of urethral trauma. We assess a brief educational intervention to teach pediatric and emergency medicine attending physicians and residents to use ultrasonography to measure a bladder index and attempt to define a minimum index predictive of successful catheterization. Methods: Investigators were given a 30-minute training session on identifying and measuring the urinary bladder with ultrasonography on volunteer patients. All sonograms were performed with a Sonosite iLook with 7.5-MgHz vascular probe. Female patients younger than 2 years and male patients younger than 1 year were enrolled prospectively in an urban pediatric emergency department during a 1-month period. The physicians performing the catheterization were blinded to the sonographic results. Data recorded were demographics, anterior posterior and lateral bladder diameter, success in obtaining 2 mL of urine (the minimum needed to guarantee urine analysis and culture) and complicating factors. Bladder index was defined as the product of anterior posterior and lateral diameters, expressed in square centimeters. Assuming a perfect sphere, a bladder radius of approximately 0.75 cm would equal a volume of 2 mL. Using this model, the equivalent bladder index would be 2.2 cm 2 . We expect bladder indices roughly at or above this cutoff to be successful. Results: Twenty patients were enrolled, 11 of whom were girls, average age 7 months, average weight 19 pounds. More than 2 mL of urine were obtained in 16 (80%) patients. These patients had an average AP diameter of 1.9 cm (range 0.7 to 2.8 cm), a lateral diameter of 2.6 cm (range 2.0 to 4.3 cm), and an average bladder index of 4.9 cm 2 (range 2.2 to 9.4 cm 2 ). Two failures had anterior posterior diameters of 0.5 and 0 and lateral diameters of 0.5 and 0 (bladder indices of 0.25 and 0). The 2 remaining failures were ascribed to the child urinating during the procedure, and repeated catheterization was not performed. Conclusion: Our results indicate that emergency and pediatric attending physicians and residents can be quickly trained to use ultrasonography to assess infant urinary bladders and calculate a bladder index. Our data suggest that a bladder index of 2.2 cm 2 can be used as a cutoff to predict successful catheterization.
Purification of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase and Characterization of Changes in Oligomerization Using HPLC

Abstract Maize leaf phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and its subunits were chromatographed and extensively purified from crude preparations of the enzyme on a Bio-Sil TSK 400 column. The enzyme (tetramer) showed no adsorption to the column or loss of enzymatic activity. The tetramer complex was dissociated into its dimers and monomers when treated with the thiol oxidant diamide at pH 6.8 and 8.4. The effects of diamide were approximately twice as fast at pH 8.4 than at pH 6.8. Under either condition a certain amount of dimer still remained and could only be further dissociated by heating.
Imaging type-III secretion reveals dynamics and spatial segregation of Salmonella effectors

The type-III secretion system (T3SS) enables gram-negative bacteria to inject effector proteins into eukaryotic host cells. Upon entry, T3SS effectors work cooperatively to reprogram host cells, enabling bacterial survival. Progress in understanding when and where effectors localize in host cells has been hindered by a dearth of tools to study these proteins in the native cellular environment. We report a method to label and track T3SS effectors during infection using a split-GFP system. We demonstrate this technique by labeling three effectors from Salmonella enterica (PipB2, SteA and SteC) and characterizing their localization in host cells. PipB2 displayed highly dynamic behavior on tubules emanating from the Salmonella-containing vacuole labeled with both endo- and exocytic markers. SteA was preferentially enriched on tubules localizing with Golgi markers. This segregation suggests that effector targeting and localization may have a functional role during infection.
Centroid position measurements and subpixel sensitivity variations with the MAMA detector

Initial measurements of the position sensitivity of a visible-light multianode microchannel array detector show that centroid calculations for image spots are accurate to better than 0.04 pixels even with sources that are essentially delta functions at the photocathode.Subpixel sensitivity variations of 10-15 percent are typically found for pixels in the array. Variations as large as 30 percent are possible in the worst conditions. These variations limit the photometric accuracy of the detector when very small scale features are observed. The photometric accuracy and the position sensitivity of the detector appear to be limited by cross-coupling effects within the anode array. Initial measurements with more recent designs of the detector show that most or all of this cross-coupling has been eliminated.
Actin filament bundles in cortical fiber cells of the rat lens.

The distribution and organization of actin filament bundles were studied in cortical fiber cells of rat lenses at various ages (3 days to 2.5 months old), using thin-section electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting. Electron microscopy showed that actin bundles were regularly found along cortical fiber cell membranes of the lens at all ages studied. The actin bundles were commonly arranged in three distinct units, one bundle in each fiber cell, located at the intersections where three hexagonal fiber cells meet as seen in cross sections. These actin bundles were approximately 150 nm in diameter and were composed of 7-nm small filaments. They were aligned parallel to the long axis of fiber cells as judged by both cross and longitudinal sections. The outside border of each bundle was always surrounded by a zone of 10-nm intermediate filaments which have the same orientation as that of the actin bundles. In longitudinal sections, elongated actin bundles were always parallel to the cell membranes. A number of individual actin bundles sometimes were found to form a chain with periodic short intervals. In addition, actin bundles were frequently associated with adherens junctions near the intersections and other regions of fiber cell membranes. By immunoelectron microscopy, we demonstrated that these filament bundles indeed contained actins. By rhodamine-phalloidin labelling, we found that labeled actin bundles appeared as large, distinct dots at the corners of hexagonal fiber cells in all ages studied. In addition, non-bundle F-actins were labeled preferentially along the cell membranes of the short sides of hexagonal fiber cells. This resulted in a unique zigzag pattern of actin labeling commonly seen in the cortical fiber cells of a mature rat lens. Finally, we showed that alpha-actinin was associated with the actin bundles in the fiber cells by immunofluorescent double labeling and immunoblotting. It is suggested that this unique arrangement of actin bundles in fiber cells may provide a stabilizing structure for forming a sharp angle at each corner of fiber cells, thereby the hexagonal shape of the cells can be maintained.
638 NUTRITION STATUS INF ED AND UNDFED CHILDREN RECEIVING HOME PARENTERAL

Nutritional status and growth were evaluated in 19 children who received home parenteral nutrition(TPN). In 9 pts(age 32±17 SD months, group I), TPN was the only source of nutrition; 10 pts(age 34±16 months, group II) received less TPN and ingested 30 to 70% of their total caloric intake. Energy and amino acid intake from TPN was 81±26 and 110±41% of RDA in group I and 67±15 and 67±29% in Group II. Group I and II had received TPN for 32±10 and 33±17 months, respectively, at evaluation. All pts in Group I and four pts in Group II had short bowel syndrome; five in Group II had pseudo-obstruction syndrome. At the onset of TPN, height and weight were significantly below normal in both groups. At the time of evaluation, group I had normal height (Z scores(Z) = -0.63±2.11) and, for chronological age, normal weight (Z=0.94 ± 2.13), mid-arm circumference (MAC)(Z=-0.47±1.47), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC)(Z=0.69±1.0), and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF)(Z=0.40±0.87). In contrast, in Group II patients, height (Z=-1.15±1.02), MAC(Z=-1.53±1.33), and TSF(Z=-1.17±0.64) were significantly below normal, and their weight, MAMC and TSF were lower than in Group I. These data indicate that children undergoing long term TPN can obtain and maintain normal height, weight and other anthropometric parameters of nutritional status. The poorer growth and nutritional status in Group II may be due to an overestimation of the food ingested and absorbed; they need more calories from TPN to normalize growth.
Phosphine photochemistry in the atmosphere of Saturn

The photochemistry of PH3 in the atmosphere of Saturn is studied, including the effects of coupling with the photochemistries of NH3 and hydrocarbons. The vertical concentration of PH3 is found to be extremely sensitive to the eddy diffusion coefficient (K) profile used. If K is roughly 10,000 sq cm/sec in the upper troposphere, PH3 should be depleted there with a scale height of about 3.5 km. An upper limit of 100,000 sq cm/sec is estimated for K. If the gas phase concentration of P2H4 can be neglected, production of molecular phophorus is very unlikely unless the spin-forbidden recombination reaction PH+H2+M - PH3+M occurs with an exceptionally low rate. Coupling of PH3 and hydrocarbon photochemistries is very important. Possible observable amounts of the organophosphorus molecules CH3PH2 and HCP are tentatively predicted.
Pseudocohnilembidae n. fam., a Hymenostome Ciliate Family Containing One Genus, Pseudocohnilembus n. g., with Three New Species*

SYNOPSIS. A new family (Pseudocohnilembidae) of hymenostome ciliates is described based primarily upon the pattern of the buccal infraciliature which consists of two parallel rows of kinetosomes, nearly equal in length, representing the bases of two large membranes, and of argentophilic fibrils arranged in a more or less uniform design in the buccal cavity. A new genus (Pseudocohnilembus) with three species (one from Great Salt Lake, Utah, and two from the Atlantic coast) is described. These organisms bear superficial resemblance to Cohnilembus; an analysis of the buccal infraciliature of Pseudocohnilembus is presented, including a discussion of and comparison with that of Cohnilembus.
Follow-up of adolescents previously studied for contraceptive compliance.

Abstract Identification of adolescents at risk for contraception non-compliance and consequent pregnancy presents an important challenge to physicians caring for this age group. The present study examines the relationship between psychosocial information found in earlier studies to predict short-term contraceptive compliance to compliance one to three years later. Of the 31 patients located, 45% had become pregnant, of whom more than half had undergone therapeutic abortions. Three subscales of the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale had been significantly lower at baseline in the group that subsequently became pregnant. Those who chose to abort their pregnancies had higher baseline self-image. Low baseline scores on self-image and reproductive knowledge differentiated the group that became pregnant and kept their babies from those who had not become pregnant. There was excellent concordance between contraceptive compliance four months after prescription and compliance one to three years later. Accordingly, adolescent females who are using prescribed contraception at six months are likely to continue to do so subsequently. This suggests that follow-up should be frequent during this six-month period to maximize the likelihood of compliance.
A numerical study of the motion of drops in Poiseuille flow. Part 1. Lateral migration of one drop

The cross-stream migration of a deformable drop in two-dimensional Hagen–Poiseuille flow at finite Reynolds numbers is studied numerically. In the limit of a small Reynolds number (< 1), the motion of the drop depends strongly on the ratio of the viscosity of the drop fluid to the viscosity of the suspending fluid. For viscosity ratio 0.125 a drop moves toward the centre of the channel, while for ratio 1.0 it moves away from the centre until halted by wall repulsion. The rate of migration increases with the deformability of the drop. At higher Reynolds numbers (5–50), the drop either moves to an equilibrium lateral position about halfway between the centreline and the wall – according to the so-called Segre–Silberberg effect or it undergoes oscillatory motion. The steady-state position depends only weakly on the various physical parameters of the flow, but the length of the transient oscillations increases as the Reynolds number is raised, or the density of the drop is increased, or the viscosity of the drop is decreased. Once the Reynolds number is high enough, the oscillations appear to persist forever and no steady state is observed. The numerical results are in good agreement with experimental observations, especially for drops that reach a steady-state lateral position. Most of the simulations assume that the flow is two-dimensional. A few simulations of three-dimensional flows for a modest Reynolds number (Re = 10), and a small computational domain, confirm the behaviour seen in two dimensions. The equilibrium position of the three-dimensional drop is close to that predicted in the simulations of two-dimensional flow.
Streamer tip splitting in sprites

[1] Five sprite events were observed above mesoscale thunderstorms in the midwest of the United States on 23 June 2007 with images recorded at 10,000 frames per second. We observe 75 streamer tips that propagate with no splitting and 42 streamer tips that split at some point while in the field of view. In general, streamer tips that propagate and do not split are smaller in width, and less bright. The median streamer tip radius for propagating streamer tips is 193 m, while the median value for splitting streamer tips is 389 m. Streamer tips that split become wider and brighter shortly before they are observed to split. Our observations compare favorably with theoretical models based on viscous fingering of the streamer heads leading to streamer tip splitting.
Survival of Mammary Stem Cells in Suspension Culture: Implications for Stem Cell Biology and Neoplasia

There is increasing evidence that a variety of neoplasms including breast cancer may result from transformation of normal stem and progenitor cells. In the past, isolation and characterization of mammary stem cells has been limited by the lack of suitable culture systems able to maintain these cells in an undifferentiated state in vitro. We have recently described a culture system in which human mammary stem and progenitor cells are able to survive in suspension and produce spherical colonies composed of both stem and progenitor cells. Recent observation that adult stem cells from other tissues may also retain the capacity for growth under anchorage independent conditions suggests a common underlying mechanism. We propose that this mechanism involves the interaction between the canonical Wnt signal pathway and E-cadherin. The Wnt pathway has been implicated in normal stem cell self-renewal in vivo. Furthermore, there is evidence that deregulation of this pathway in the mammary gland and other organs may play a key role in carcinogenesis. Thus, the development of in vitro suspension culture systems not only provides an important new tool for the study of mammary cell biology, but also may have important implications for understanding key molecular pathways in both normal and neoplastic stem cells.