cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of surcose overfeeding on brown adipose tissue lipogenesis and lipoprotein lipase activity in rats

During cold-induced nonshivering thermogenesis, interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT) lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and lipogenesis are elevated. Because of the many similarities between cold- and diet-induced thermogenesis, we examined the effect of ad libitum access to a 32% sucrose solution on caloric intake, adiposity, and BAT enzyme activities in male rats. Daily caloric intakes of sucrose-fed animals were elevated by 20%-25%, and 8 wk of sucrose feeding doubled carcass fat content. This sucrose-feeding induced obesity was associated with increases in circulating triglyceride and insulin levels as well as increased retroperitoneal white adipose tissue LPL activity. However, the increased carcass lipid content accounted for less than half of the excess calories ingested by the sucrose-fed rats. Sucrose feeding stimulated in vivo lipogenesis in BAT and elevated BAT fatty acid synthetase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase activities but not LPL activity. These findings suggest that overeating enhances endogenous lipogenesis but not uptake of circulating triglyceride in BAT. Thus, both cold- and diet-induced thermogenesis increase BAT lipogenesis, while only cold-induced thermogenesis is associated with elevated LPL activity in BAT.
Description of the immunization information database: a tool for investigating allegations made against childhood immunizations

This paper describes the Immunization Information Database (IID). The IID is designed for cataloguing and systematically analyzing allegations that give rise to public concern regarding the safety, efficacy, and appropriateness of routine childhood immunizations. We describe the IID's eight data tables (Immunization Type; Claim; Claim Basis; Claimant; Source Documentation; Source Type; Claim Analysis; and Claim Analysis Type), and explain how these tables function to create a conceptual map of existing allegations.
SU-E-T-88: Comprehensive Automated Daily QA for Hypo- Fractionated Treatments

Purpose: The trend towards more SBRT treatments with fewer high dose fractions places increased importance on daily QA. Patient plan specific QA with 3%/3mm gamma analysis and daily output constancy checks may not be enough to guarantee the level of accuracy required for SBRT treatments. But increasing the already extensive amount of QA procedures that are required is a daunting proposition. We performed a feasibility study for more comprehensive automated daily QA that could improve the diagnostic capabilities of QA without increasing workload. Methods: We performed the study on a Siemens Artiste linear accelerator using the integrated flat panel EPID. We included square fields, a picket fence, overlap and representative IMRT fields to measure output, flatness, symmetry, beam center, and percent difference from the standard. We also imposed a set of machine errors: MLC leaf position, machine output, and beam steering to compare with the standard. Results: Daily output was consistent within +/− 1%. Change in steering current by 1.4% and 2.4% resulted in a 3.2% and 6.3% change in flatness. 1 and 2mm MLC leaf offset errors were visibly obvious in difference plots, but passed a 3%/3mm gamma analysis. A simple test of transmission in a picket fence canmore » catch a leaf offset error of a single leaf by 1mm. The entire morning QA sequence is performed in less than 30 minutes and images are automatically analyzed. Conclusion: Automated QA procedures could be used to provide more comprehensive information about the machine with less time and human involvement. We have also shown that other simple tests are better able to catch MLC leaf position errors than a 3%/3mm gamma analysis commonly used for IMRT and modulated arc treatments. Finally, this information could be used to watch trends of the machine and predict problems before they lead to costly machine downtime.« less
Investigation of the decline in reported smoking-caused wildfires in the USA from 2000 to 2011

The number of smoking-caused wildfires has been falling nationwide. In national forests in 2011, smoking-caused wildfires represented only 10% of their 1980 level. No other cause of wildfire has experienced this level of decline. For 12 states, we evaluate the rate of smoking-caused wildfires and find it is a function of weather, other ignitions, the number of adult smokers, the presence of improved wildfire cause-determination methods, and whether a state required the sale of less fire-prone cigarettes. We find the decline in adult smoking rates has led to a reduction of smoking-caused fires by 9%. The finding that less fire-prone cigarettes appear successful at limiting wildfire starts – by 23% – is a likely unintended benefit of a technology aimed at reducing fire fatalities in residences. We also find that the improvements in wildfire cause determination have resulted in a reduction in smoking-classified fires by 48%. Although improved wildfire cause-determination methods do not necessarily reduce the number of wildfires, they ensure that the causes of wildfire are accurately tracked. Accurate wildfire cause determination can, however, result in targeting wildfire-prevention programs to specific fire-cause categories, which can lead to a reduction in the overall number of wildfires.
Comparison of intradimensional and extradimensional shifts using geometric and symbolic stimuli

In two experiments, college students were required to make intradimensional (ID) or extradimensional (ED) shifts when potential confounding factors were eliminated through the use of a total change design and symbolic (word) stimuli. Results indicated that an ID shift was learned significantly faster than an ED shift, whether geometric or symbolic stimuli were employed. Original learning with both classes of stimuli was found to be comparable. Evidence was lacking for the hypothesis that a nonmediational process, such as primary stimulus generalization, accounted for ID shift superiority. The results were interpreted as supporting a two-stage mediational explanation of human discrimination learning.
Enzymatic binding of the pollutant 2,6-xylenol to a humus constituent

Dimeric and polymeric hybrid oliogmers were obtained by the reaction of 2,6-xylenol and syringic acid in the presence of an enzyme from the fungus Trametes versicolor. Three hybrid dimers were formed in an assay at pH 4.5, while at pH 6.5, the formation of additional higher polymers with a phenyl-ether bond (tail to head linkage) was detected. The major product was identified as 3,5-dimethyl-3′,5′-dimethoxydiphenoquinone (4,4′), and it amounted to approximately 45% of the applied 2,6-xylenol after 3.5 hr incubation at pH 4.5. About 8% of the 2,6-xylenol was transformed to 4,4′-dihydroxy-3,5-dimethyl-3′,5′-dimethoxydiphenol and 22% to 3-methoxy-5-(2′,6′-dimethylphenoxy)-benzoquinone (1,2).
Transitions between localized and itinerant antiferromagnetism in the Ce(Pb,In)3 and Ce(Pb,Tl)3 systems

Abstract CePb 3 is an itinerant heavy fermion antiferromagnetic displaying an incommensurate magnetic structure and an extremely small ordered moment. CeIn 3 and CeTl 3 , on the other hand, are well-localized, simple antiferromagnets with the full moments expected for crystal field doublet Ce 3+ ion systems. We have performed specific heat, susceptibility and resistivity measurements for both the Ce(Pb,In) 3 and Ce(Pb,Tl) 3 systems. These systems remain cubic Cu 3 Au structures across the entire series. They display extremely interesting T N behavior which suggests that a continous transition from itinerant to localized antiferromagnetic behavior occurs for the Ce(Pb,Tl) 3 system. In the Ce(Pb,In) 3 system both types of antiferromagnetism are present but they are separated by a concentration range (∼10–40% Pb) over which antiferromagnetism does not exist. The behavior of these systems cannot be accounted for by a Kondo necklace approach that neglects the coherence of a heavy fermion lattice and resulting itinerant antiferromagnetism.
The effects of environmental temperature on the growth and nutritional requirements of the chick.

Abstract BIOLOGISTS have long recognized that the climatic environment has a profound effect on growth, reproduction and other functions of both plants and animals. Daily and seasonal fluctuations in temperature, light, humidity, air movement, solar radiation and other radiations from outer space are such that it is almost impossible to characterize a “normal environment.” Much valuable information has been gained by the observation of the response of chickens to a naturally fluctuating environment, but knowledge of the mechanisms involved has awaited the development of facilities in which more of the environmental factors can be controlled. Philips (1916) observed that in Indiana the time of hatching greatly influenced the growth rate of White Leghorn chicks. Later studies by Upp and Thompson (1927) at the Oklahoma station showed that White Leghorns hatched in the winter grew more rapidly than those hatched in the spring and similar observations were made by Hays and Sanborn …
Evolution of a synthetic strategy: total synthesis of (+/-)-welwitindolinone A isonitrile.

An efficient and highly stereoselective total synthesis of the natural product (±)-welwitindolinone A isonitrile (1) is described. The bicyclo[4.2.0]octane core of 1 was established by a regio- and diastereoselective [2+2] ketene cycloaddition. The C12 quaternary center and vicinal stereogenic chlorine were installed in a single operation with excellent stereocontrol via a chloronium ion mediated semipinacol rearrangement. Described strategies for construction of the spiro-oxinole include a SmI_2−LiCl mediated reductive cyclization and a novel anionic cyclization that simultaneously constructs the spiro-oxindole and vinyl isonitrile moieties.
A Coupled Soil-Atmosphere Model of H2O2 on Mars

The Viking Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer failed to detect organic compounds on Mars, and both the Viking Labeled Release and the Viking Gas Exchange experiments indicated a reactive soil surface. These results have led to the widespread belief that there are oxidants in the martian soil. Since H2O2 is produced by photochemical processes in the atmosphere of Mars, and has been shown in the laboratory to reproduce closely the Viking LR results, it is a likely candidate for a martian soil oxidant. Here, we report on the results of a coupled soil/atmosphere transport model for H202 on Mars. Upon diffusing into the soil, its concentration is determined by the extent to which it is adsorbed and by the rate at which it is catalytically destroyed. An analytical model for calculating the distribution of H202 in the martian atmosphere and soil is developed. The concentration of H202 in the soil is shown to go to zero at a finite depth, a consequence of the nonlinear soil diffusion equation. The model is parameterized in terms of an unknown quantity, the lifetime of H202 against heterogeneous catalytic destruction in the soil. Calculated concentrations are compared with a H202 concentration of 30 nmoles/cu cm, inferred from the Viking Labeled Release experiment. A significant result of this model is that for a wide range of H202 lifetimes (up to 105 years), the extinction depth was found to be less than 3 m. The maximum possible concentration in the top 4 cm is calculated to be approx. 240 nmoles/cu cm, achieved with lifetimes of greater than 1000 years. Concentrations higher than 30 nmoles/cu cm require lifetimes of greater than 4.3 terrestrial years. For a wide range of H202 lifetimes, it was found that the atmospheric concentration is only weakly coupled with soil loss processes. Losses to the soil become significant only when lifetimes are less than a few hours. If there are depths below which H202 is not transported, it is plausible that organic compounds, protected from an oxidizing environment, may still exist. They would have been deposited by meteors, or be the organic remains of past life.
Effects of alkaline treatment on the structure of phosphorylated wheat starch and its digestibility

Abstract Phosphorylated wheat starch (PWS) was prepared with sodium trimetaphosphate and sodium tripolyphosphate (99/1, w/w), and the modified starch gave 88.8% total dietary fibre by the Prosky method and 68.7% resistant starch (RS) by the Englyst method. The stability of the phosphate esters in aqueous sodium hydroxide was investigated and related to total dietary fibre and RS contents. The phosphorylated starch was slurried (40%, w/w) at 40 °C for 4 h at pH 9.0, 10.0, 11.0, and 12.0. The phosphorus content of the PWS decreased from 0.37% to 0.29% after treatment at pH 12.0, whereas only a slight decrease in phosphorus content occurred after treatments at pH 9.0–11.0. Despite the 22% decrease in total phosphorus content, total dietary fibre content and RS content of the alkali-treated PWS changed only slightly. 31 P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that after the alkali treatment at pH 12.0, cyclic monostarch monophosphate and monostarch diphosphate were not detectable and that the level of total monostarch monophosphate decreased from 0.077% to 0.067%. Conversely, distarch monophosphate increased from 0.17% to 0.20%, of ≈18%. The increase in distarch monophosphate (cross-linking) content after alkali treatment at pH 12.0 probably explained the retention of total dietary fibre and RS contents in the alkali-treated PWS.
P2P email encryption by an identity-based one-way group key agreement protocol

As a result of high-tech companies such as Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft offering free email services, email has become a primary channel of communication. However, email service providers have traditionally offered little in the way of message privacy protection. This has made emails, of which billions are sent around the world on any day, an attractive data source for personal identity information thieves. Google was one of the first companies to provide substantial email privacy protection when they began using the HTTPS always-on option to encrypt messages sent through their email service, Gmail. Unfortunately, Gmail's encryption option does not offer true point-to-point encryption since the encrypted emails are decrypted and stored in plaintext form on Google's servers. This type of approach poses a security vulnerability which is unacceptable to security-minded users such as highly sensitive government agencies and private companies. For these users, true point-to-point encryption is needed. This paper introduces an identity-based one-way group key agreement protocol and describes a point-to-point email encryption scheme based on the protocol. Both the security proofs and the efficiency analysis, with experimental results, of the new scheme are provided.
The evaluation of the flowmeter test in three-layer aquifers and the influence of disturbed zones

Abstract The flowmeter test is analytically and numerically evaluated for its applicability to three-layer aquifers. A root finding procedure is used to determine the hydraulic conductivity. The emphasis is on the significance of the skin effect in estimations of hydraulic conductivity. The analysis shows that the flowmeter test produces an insignificant error in a quasi-steady state with a perfect borehole (without a disturbed zone around the borehole), but the skin effect, caused by a disturbed zone, may seriously impact the estimated hydraulic conductivities of individual layers. The relative error of the estimated hydraulic conductivity for each layer is a function of errors in estimating the equivalennt conductivity and in determining flow for the corresponding layer. The derived relative error expression for the estimated equivalent conductivity shows that this relative error depends on the hydraulic conductivity and the radius of the disturbed zone. When the conductivity of the disturbed zone is significantly different from that of the estimated layers, the relative error in the estimated equivalent conductivity of the aquifer may be up to 90% at early time of the flowmeter test. If the error in flow is counted, the relative error of individual layers will be larger.
Feasibility study of a novel method for real-time aerodynamic coefficient estimation

In this work, a novel technique for the real time identi cation of uncertain nonlinear aircraft aerodynamic coe cients has been developed and analyzed. The major objective of this paper is to develop and demonstrate a system for parameter identi cation in a real time ight environment. This system should be able to calculate aerodynamic coe cient information using typical pilot inputs while ensuring robust, stable, and rapid convergence. The parameter estimator investigated is based upon the nonlinear sliding mode control schema; one of the main advantages of the sliding mode estimator is the ability to guarantee a stable and robust convergence. Stable convergence is ensured by choosing a sliding surface and function that satis es the Lyapunov stability criteria. After a proper sliding surface has been chosen, the nonlinear equations of motion for an F-16 aircraft are substituted into the sliding surface yielding an estimator capable of identifying a single aircraft parameter. Multiple sliding surfaces are then developed for each of the di erent ight parameters that will be identi ed. Sliding surfaces and parameter estimators have been developed and simulated for the pitching moment, lift force, and drag force coe cients of the F-16 aircraft. Comparing the estimated coe cients with the reference coe cients shows rapid and stable convergence for a variety of pilot inputs. Starting with simple doublet and sin wave commands, and followed by more complicated continuous pilot inputs, estimated aerodynamic coe cients have been shown to match the actual coe cients with a high degree of accuracy. This estimator is also shown to be superior to model reference or adaptive estimators, it is able to handle positive and negative estimated parameters and control inputs along with guaranteeing Lyapunov stability during convergence.
Abstract 1154: MicroRNA-221, -222 and -181 regulates tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer by downregulating TIMP3 and facilitating growth factor signaling

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL We have shown earlier that microRNA (miR)-221 and -222 are upregulated in tamoxifen (TAM) resistant breast cancer cell line MCF-7 (OHTR), and in Her2 positive primary human breast tumors compared to the Her2 negative tumors1. In addition, expression of miR-181b was 3.5-fold higher in OHTR cells compared to the MCF-7 cells and endocrine resistant primary tumors. To determine the underlying mechanism of miR-mediated regulation of TAM resistance, we focused on identification of target genes regulated by these miRs. Bioinformatics search revealed presence of seed sequences for all three miRs on 3’-UTR of TIMP3, a tissue metalloprotease inhibitor. Luciferase assay confirmed TIMP3 to be a direct target of these miRs and was found to be regulated at both RNA and protein levels. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated reciprocal relationship between TIMP3 and miR 221/222 expression in primary human tumors, where invasive ductal carcinomas expressed high level of the miRs and normal or non-invasive cancers expressed TIMP3, but not the miRs. Cell proliferation and wound healing assay demonstrated increased sensitization of the TAM resistant cells to the drug upon ectopic expression of TIMP3. In addition, mouse mammary tumors induced with TIMP3 overexpressing cells were found to be more sensitive to TAM compared to the tumors initiated with control cells. Conversely, knocking down TIMP3 by siRNA reduced sensitivity to TAM, both in cell cultures and in mouse mammary tumors. As TIMP3 is an inhibitor of matrix metalloproteases involved in positive regulation of growth factor signaling, we speculated that reduction in TIMP3 due to high miR-221/222/181 expression could facilitate growth factor signaling in OHTR cells. Indeed, EGF-induced MAPK phosphorylation was significantly higher in OHTR cells compared to MCF-7 cells and miR-221/222 overexpressing MCF-7 cells mimicked this phenomenon. On the contrary, phosphMAPK level was reduced when TIMP3 was overexpressed in OHTR cells and increased upon knocking down of TIMP3 in MCF-7 cells. Similar differences in MAPK phosphorylation was also observed in cells treated with low level estrogen or TAM, agonists for TAM resistant cells. Based on this data we conclude that overexpression of miR-221/222 and -181b facilitates growth factor signaling in TAM resistant cells by downregulating TIMP3. 1. Miller et. al. J. Biol. Chem 2008; 283 (44): 29897 Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1154. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1154
Using a Blocked-Trials Procedure to Teach Identity Matching to a Child with Autism.

Children with autism may struggle in developing conditional discrimination repertoires. Saunders and Spradlin (1989, 1990, 1993) arranged “blocked” teaching trials in which they presented the same sample stimulus repeatedly across trials (in lieu of randomly alternating targets across trials) and then faded the number of trials in each block. We replicated the effects of this blocked-trials procedure in teaching identity matching to a child with autism and evaluated the necessity of fading. Arranging blocked trials facilitated the acquisition of identity matching, but fading the block size was not necessary to maintain discriminated performance.
Kinetic model of biosurfactant-enhanced hexadecane biodegradation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Many sites of environmental concern contain groundwater contaminated with nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPL). In such sites interfacial processes may affect both the equilibrium and kinetic behavior of the system. In particular, insoluble hydrocarbon partitioning and microbial biodegradation of insoluble hydrocarbon are influenced by the physicochemical and interfacial characteristics of the system. A mechanistic model describing the influence of biological surfactants on microbial biodegradation of liquid-phase insoluble hydrocarbon and subsequent reduction of nonaqueous-phase liquid hydrocarbon is presented. The model consists of six coupled differential equations which use lumped kinetic parameters to describe surfactant micelle formation and diffusion to the microbial cell, nonlinear kinetic expressions for microbial growth and degradation of insoluble hydrocarbon, kinetic spatial descriptions of the change in NAPL-phase droplet size and the organic phase volume fraction with time, as well as equilibrium partitioning expressions for hydrophobic organic contaminant partioning into the surfactant micelle. The model is validated by comparison to data obtained for hexadecane degradation in a well-mixed batch system by the biosurfactant producing microorganism Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PG201 as well as for nonproducing mutants' growth and hexadecane biodegradation in the presence of exogenously added biosurfactant. Experimentally determined biological growth parameters, as well as physical parameters such as hydrocarbon droplet size, were applied in the kinetic model. Parameter sensitivity analysis was performed on the physical and biological parameters in the model. The parameter sensitivity analysis indicates that for the biological system examined the rate of hydrocarbon solubilization and micellar transport to the cell controls the rate at which cellular uptake and biodegradation of insoluble hydrocarbon occurs. Practical aspects relating to use of the model for support of surfactant-based bioremediation efforts are discussed.
A financial-economic evaluation of insurance guaranty fund system: An agency cost perspective

Abstract Recent occurrences of financial distress to some insurers have raised questions about whether the current guaranty system is adequate to protect policyholders. Four new systems have been proposed. Using the state preference model, it was found the Stewart's national system faring the best, if it adopts uniform regulation. Based on agency theory, the pre-assessment approach and the policyholder surcharge (or premium increase) recoupment method were found to be better than the current post-assessment approach and premium tax offset method. Furthermore, uniform policy limits and regulations are recommended.
Macrobenthic biodiversity and sea floor landscape structure

Ascertaining the patterns and determinants of soft-sediment biodiversity is critical to our overall understanding of coastal and marine processes. Studies of diversity in the deep sea and neritic waters have largely focused on levels of species diversity, differences in these levels along depth and geographic gradients, and how environmental characteristics within and among different geographic areas may drive the differences and patterns found. Among the environmental characteristics examined, habitat structure and heterogeneity have been identified as potentially playing a key role they play in shaping biodiversity patterns. Although habitat-related factors such as sediment characteristics have always been considered, it has been in the absence of any quantified benthic landscape framework. A benthic landscape, or benthoscape, is comprised of a set of patches that are repeated over a kilometers -wide area. Such patches have within-patch structure and in soft-sediments are often defined by their geophysical characteristics, although distinct biotic patches also can comprise a benthoscape. Benthoscapes contain the habitats that generate and support soft-sediment species diversity, and these habitats indeed are a component of overall biodiversity. Although, the study of benthoscape structure and dynamics is only now emerging, marrying this with research on biodiversity patterns will move our understanding of both forward. A landscape framework would provide a quantitative spatial context for analyses of biodiversity at multiple scales and can help resolve how habitat heterogeneity and structure affect biodiversity in soft-sediment environments. Such information may substantively help in sea floor management and conservation.
Age- and duration-dependent effects of MPTP on cortical serotonin systems

It has been well established that aging is the most prominent risk factor for PD. In the MPTP mouse model which has been widely used to study PD, studies have shown that MPTP exhibits its neurotoxic effects on the dopaminergic system in an age-dependent manner. Although it is recognized the serotonergic system is impacted in PD, how aging influences serotonergic neurodegeneration in PD has not been adequately investigated. In the present studies, we examined the long-term effects of MPTP treatment on regional concentrations of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) in the striatum and prefrontal cortex (PFC). We also determined if there are differences in the age-dependent vulnerability of the monoaminergic system to MPTP. In young (3-month-old) mice, MPTP produced significant decreases in striatal DA but no changes in striatal 5-HT and NE three weeks after MPTP treatment. There was partial recovery of striatal DA concentrations 18 months later. This was accompanied by elevated striatal 5-HT. In the PFC, NE was decreased but there was complete recovery 18 months later. By contrast, we observed a long-term decrease in prefrontal 5-HT with no recovery of 5-HT concentrations 18 months after MPTP treatment. Striatal DA and NE but not 5-HT neurons exhibited age-dependent vulnerability to MPTP. Aging had no influence on the neurotoxic effects of MPTP in the PFC. Thus, there is divergence in the response of DA and 5-HT systems to MPTP neurotoxicity.
Comparison of Exposures Among Arab American and Non-Hispanic White Female Thyroid Cancer Cases in Metropolitan Detroit

Arab American (ArA) women may be at greater risk for thyroid cancer (TC) than White women. This case-case comparison explored differences in known and proposed risk factors of TC among ArA and non-Hispanic White (NHW) female TC cases in metropolitan Detroit. Cases of invasive TC identified from a population-based registry responded to a telephone survey regarding potential TC risk factors. Thirty ArA women (response rate 52%) and 70 NHW women (67%) participated. NHW women reported significantly more prior thyroid disease (TD), family history of TD, hormone use, cumulative years of hormone use, cigarette and alcohol consumption. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, ArA women had significantly higher odds of exposure to dental x-rays (OR = 3.48, CI 1.01–12.00) and medical radiation (OR = 13.58, CI 1.49–124.04) than NHW women. Risk factors for TC may differ among ArA women and their NHW counterparts.
Initial field measurements with the Multisensor Airborne Radiation Survey (MARS) high purity germanium (HPGe) detector array

The Multi-sensor Airborne Radiation Survey (MARS) project has developed a new single cryostat detector array design for high purity germanium (HPGe) gamma ray spectrometers that achieves the high detection efficiency required for stand-off detection and actionable characterization of radiological threats. This approach is necessary since a high efficiency HPGe detector can only be built as an array due to limitations in growing large germanium crystals. The system is ruggedized and shock mounted for use in a variety of field applications. This paper reports on results from initial field measurements conducted in a truck and on two different boats.
Preserving Adolescent Readership through Interest and Motivation

Adolescent literacy has remained a relatively hot topic for several years in the field of reading education (Cassidy, Ortlieb, & Shettel, 2010/2011) however, educators remain conflicted about how to maintain high levels of reading motivation. A historical analysis of adolescent interests and motivations was conducted to determine what instructional techniques have had positive effects s o as to meet the imminent needs of adolescent readers. Findings include information pertaining to: choice of a multitude of reading materials, substantial time to experience aesthetic and engaging reading experiences, and a relevant, challenging curriculum that addresses student needs, personal interests, and motivations.
Site-directed mutagenesis of disulfide bridges in Aspergillus niger NRRL 3135 phytase (PhyA), their expression in Pichia pastoris and catalytic characterization

Earlier studies have established the importance of five disulfide bridges (DBs) in Aspergillus niger phytase. In this study, the relative importance of each of the individual disulfide bridge is determined by its removal by site-directed mutagenesis of specific cysteines in the cloned A. niger phyA gene. Individually, these mutant phytases were expressed in a Pichia expression system and their product purified and characterized. The removal of disulfide bridge 2 yielded a mutant phytase with a complete loss of catalytic activity. The other disulfide mutants displayed a broad array of altered catalytic properties including a lower optimum temperature from 58°C to 53°C for bridge number 1, 37°C for bridge number 3 and 4, and 42°C for bridge number 5. The pH versus activity profile was also modified in the DB mutants. The pH profile of the wild-type phytase was modified by the DB mutations. In bridge number 1, 3, and 4, the second peak at pH 2.5 was abolished, and in bridge number 5, the peak at pH 5.0 was abolished completely leaving only the pH 2.5. While the K m was not affected drastically, the turnover number was lowered significantly in bridge number 3, 4, and 5.
Bilateral Sudden Hearing Loss in Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia: MR Appearance.

A 46 year-old man with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome presented with sudden development of vertigo and tinnitus and then simultaneous, bilateral, profound, sudden hearing loss. Magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral high signal within the cochlea, vestibule, and portions of the semicircular canals on the non-enhanced T1-weighted images, most consistent with recent hemorrhage into the otic labyrinth. Serum analysis and bone-marrow biopsy led to diagnosis of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia – a likely cause of the presumed hemorrhage.
Dimensionality reduction in nonlinear optical datasets via diffusion mapping: case study of short-pulse second harmonic generation

We have studied the application of the diffusion mapping technique to dimensionality reduction and clustering in multidimensional optical datasets. The combinational (input-output) data were obtained by sampling search spaces related to optimization of a nonlinear physical process, short-pulse second harmonic generation. The diffusion mapping technique hierarchically reduces the dimensionality of the data set and unifies the statistics of input (the pulse shape) and output (the integral output intensity) parameters. The information content of the emerging clustered pattern can be optimized by modifying the parameters of the mapping procedure. The low-dimensional pattern captures essential features of the nonlinear process, based on a finite sampling set. In particular, the apparently parabolic two-dimensional projection of this pattern exhibits regular evolution with the increase of higher-intensity data in the sampling set. The basic shape of the pattern and the evolution are relatively insensitive to the size of the sampling set, as well as to the details of the mapping procedure. Moreover, the experimental data sets and the sets produced numerically on the basis of a theoretical model are mapped into patterns of remarkable similarity (as quantified by the similarity of the related quadratic-form coefficients). The diffusion mapping method is robust and capable of predicting higher-intensity points from a set of low-intensity points. With these attractive features, diffusion mapping stands poised to become a helpful statistical tool for preprocessing analysis of vast and multidimensional combinational optical datasets.
Heat-Transfer Analysis in Heat Sink Embedded with a Thermosyphon

A mathematical model for predicting the heat-transfer performance in a heat sink embedded with a closed two-phase thermosyphon is presented. The model includes boiling heat transfer in the evaporator, vapor flow influence on condensation heat transfer, and the effects of fin surface areas and airflow rates on the convection heat transfer. The results obtained from the model indicate that the heat-transfer resistance occurring in the evaporator is the primary factor affecting the total temperature drop in the heat sink embedded with a thermosyphon. Although the effect of vapor flow on the condensation heat transfer can be neglected, the condensation heat transfer in the condenser significantly depends on the type of working fluid. In addition, a new relationship between heat transfer and flow characteristics in terms of the Colburn factor j H and the Reynolds number was developed to predict the forced airflow effect on the fin-tube condenser's heat-transfer performance. A correlation for boiling heat transfer occurring in the evaporator was also determined experimentally. To verify the prediction, an experimental investigation was conducted to measure the temperature drops from the evaporator to the forced airflow in the heat sink embedded with a thermosyphon charged with acetone. The results of this investigation will assist in the development of high heat-flux cooling devices capable of operating at power levels up to 120 W/cm 2 with a low temperature drop.
Evaluation of pulmonary embolism in a pediatric population with high clinical suspicion

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is an underdiagnosed entity in the pediatric population in part because of the low level of suspicion and awareness in the clinical world. To examine its relative prevalence, associated risk factors and imaging features in our pediatric population. A total of 92 patients age 21 years and younger with a high clinical suspicion of PE and who had available radiographic studies were identified from January 2003 to September 2006. Patients with a positive CT scan or a high probability ventilation/perfusion scan formed the case group; patients with a high clinical suspicion of PE and no radiographic evidence of PE or deep venous thrombosis (DVT), randomly matched in age and sex, became the matched control group. We reviewed the charts of both groups and analyzed the imaging studies. In our hospital, the prevalence of PE in patients with a strong suspicion of PE was 14%. The overall prevalence of thromboembolic disease (PE and/or DVT) was 25%. Recent surgery or orthopedic procedure, blood dyscrasias and contraceptive use were more common in patients with PE. No child died of PE in our study. The youngest child with PE in our study was 13 years. Girls were twice as likely to develop PE as boys. PE is a relatively common diagnosis in our tertiary care pediatric population when the clinical suspicion is high. We suggest increased awareness and index of suspicion in order to initiate prompt diagnostic imaging and treatment.
Costimulatory Molecule-Deficient Dendritic Cell Progenitors (MHC Class II+, CD80dim, CD86-) Prolong Cardiac Allograft Survival in Nonimmunosuppressed Recipients

The discovery in 1992 of multilineage leukocyte microchimerism many years after organ transplantation (1, 2) implied the migration and survival of donor progenitor or even stem cells within recipient tissues. A prominent donor leukocyte, both in these clinical observations and in experimental animal studies (3, 4), has been the dendritic cell (DC*). These bone marrow (BM)-derived leukocytes are the most potent known antigen-presenting cells (APC). They have the unique capacity to activate resting, naive T lymphocytes (5). In addition, however, tolerogenic properties of DC have been described both in vitro (6, 7) and in vivo (8, 9). Recently, we reported that donor-derived DC progenitors can be propagated in vitro from the BM of unmodified mice that permanently accept MHC-incompatible liver transplants, but not from the lymphoid tissue of animals that acutely reject heart grafts (10). The in vivo functional relevance of donor-derived DC progenitors has not been established. It has been suggested that, in sufficient numbers, these chimeric APC may play a role in the induction of transplantation tolerance (1-4, 10, 11). The functional maturation of DC and other APC, such as macrophages or activated B cells, has been shown to depend on the cytokine-induced up-regulation of cell surface MHC class II and T-cell“costimulatory” molecules, particularly the CD28 ligands B7-1 (CD80) and B7-2 (CD86) (12, 13). We hypothesized that in accordance with the “two-signal” hypothesis of T-cell activation (14), failure of MHC class II+ DC progenitors to deliver essential costimulatory signals might result in a state of induced unresponsiveness (anergy). DC propagated from normal mouse BM in response to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) + interleukin (IL)-4 (“mature” DC) are potent inducers of allogeneic T-cell activation. In contrast, costimulatory molecule-deficient DC progenitors (MHC class II+, B7-1dim, B7-2-) grown in low concentrations of GM-CSF alone fail to stimulate in primary mixed leukocyte reactions (MLR) and induced donor-specific T-cell anergy (15). In this study, we have examined the relevance of these findings to organ transplantation by administering costimulatory molecule-deficient DC progenitors to normal mice that subsequently received vascularized cardiac allografts. The data show that pretreatment with these donor-derived cells 1 week before transplant prolongs graft survival. Moreover, injection of DC progenitors is associated at the time of transplant with hyporesponsiveness of host T cells to donor alloantigens. In all cases, hyporesponsiveness to a third party was also observed. The eventual graft rejection may be ascribed to in vivo upregulation of costimulatory molecule expression on donor-derived DC in the absence of exogenous immunosuppression.
PGC-1α Induces SPP1 to Activate Macrophages and Orchestrate Functional Angiogenesis in Skeletal Muscle

Rationale: Mechanisms of angiogenesis in skeletal muscle remain poorly understood. Efforts to induce physiological angiogenesis hold promise for the treatment of diabetic microvascular disease and peripheral artery disease but are hindered by the complexity of physiological angiogenesis and by the poor angiogenic response of aged and patients with diabetes mellitus. To date, the best therapy for diabetic vascular disease remains exercise, often a challenging option for patients with leg pain. Peroxisome proliferation activator receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), a powerful regulator of metabolism, mediates exercise-induced angiogenesis in skeletal muscle. Objective: To test whether, and how, PGC-1α can induce functional angiogenesis in adult skeletal muscle. Methods and Results: Here, we show that muscle PGC-1α robustly induces functional angiogenesis in adult, aged, and diabetic mice. The process involves the orchestration of numerous cell types and leads to patent, nonleaky, properly organized, and functional nascent vessels. These findings contrast sharply with the disorganized vasculature elicited by induction of vascular endothelial growth factor alone. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that PGC-1α induces the secretion of secreted phosphoprotein 1 and the recruitment of macrophages. Secreted phosphoprotein 1 stimulates macrophages to secrete monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, which then activates adjacent endothelial cells, pericytes, and smooth muscle cells. In contrast, induction of PGC-1α in secreted phosphoprotein 1 −/− mice leads to immature capillarization and blunted arteriolarization. Finally, adenoviral delivery of PGC-1α into skeletal muscle of either young or old and diabetic mice improved the recovery of blood flow in the murine hindlimb ischemia model of peripheral artery disease. Conclusions: PGC-1α drives functional angiogenesis in skeletal muscle and likely recapitulates the complex physiological angiogenesis elicited by exercise.
Characterization of transferrin glycopeptide structures in human cerebrospinal fluid.

Abstract Transferrin in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) exists as a mixture of silao and asialoglycoforms believed to originate from liver and brain respectively. We have previously shown that alteration in the asialoglycoform pattern could be an indication of certain anomalies in the central nervous system. Additionally, CSF asialo-transferrin has been shown to be a reliable marker to assess cerebrospinal leakage in head trauma. Therefore, the CSF transferrin glycoform pattern could be a useful diagnostic and prognostic tool. In this study we sought to characterize, in-depth, the transferrin glycovariants in cerebrospinal fluid using a combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and high precision mass spectrometry analysis. Cerebrospinal fluid transferrin was detected as multiple spots (seven major spots) with different isoelectric points and slight shift in apparent molecular mass. High resolution (>60,000) and high accuracy ( n analysis enabled characterization of the glycan structure directly from the in-gel digested spots. The multiple spots detected for cerebrospinal fluid transferrin were mainly due to heterogeneity of di-antennary and tri-antennary glycans harboring a varying number of terminal N-acetylneuraminic acids and the existence of a high mannose and high N-acetylhexosamine glycosylated species.
Pharmacy Automation and Workflow Implications: A Case Study

Background:Inpatient pharmacy automation is becoming an increasingly important component of the medication distribution process across the country. The use of pharmacy automation is perceived as a tool for increasing patient safety and pharmacy department efficiency. Adjusting pharmacy workflow requirements and staffing redefinitions is essential when implementing pharmacy automation.Objective:To evaluate the results of an acute care, community, teaching hospital's experience as the inpatient pharmacy implements a robot, medication carousel, and barcode packager, and shifts its medication distribution model from a cartless to cart fill method.Summary:Data on robot efficiency, changing pharmacy technician roles, and pharmacist time were collected over 2 years. The medication distribution process and pharmacy technician roles had to be adjusted multiple times to increase workflow efficiency. The initial shift to a cart fill distribution model, with first doses dispensed from the robot, resulted in robot eff...
MO‐D‐224A‐07: A New Software Tool for Quantitative Verification of IMRT Fluence Maps

Purpose: To provide a mechanism for quantitative verification of each bixel in an IMRT fluence map within minutes. Method and Materials: A software tool called Super‐IMPOSE (Intensity Map Pre‐treatment OverSight & Evaluation) was developed to quantitatively verify fluence maps using an Electronic Portal Imager (EPI). This software imports EPI‐measured fluence maps along with TPS‐calculated maps and compares them by bixel. We developed a convolution algorithm to correct the raw fluence map for the effects of scatter within the imager, along with an edge detection and registration algorithm. Deviations between the predicted and measured bixel values are displayed as a matrix of percentage deviations, with maximum, mean, and standard deviation values calculated for each row, each column, and the entire map. Clinical applicability was investigated using IMRT plans delivered using a Varian accelerator with aS500 EPI. A set of 16 fluence maps from 6 different patients was selected, spanning a wide range of size and complexity, and employing both 0.5cm and 1cm bixel sizes. Results: The mean and standard deviation values for the bixel intensity differences were 1.9% and 1.4% for the 1cm bixel maps, and 3.2% and 1.8% for 0.5cm bixel maps. These differences are relatively small compared to the bixel intensity step size of 10%, making it relatively easy to assure that the correct intensity level was delivered to a bixel. Gross errors, such as an incorrect DMLC file or jaw setting, are easily detected by visual inspection or the resulting large mean and standard deviation values. Conclusion: This software tool facilitates accurate and expeditious IMRT delivery QA, allowing verification of all maps in a matter of minutes. The development of a more accurate convolution kernel will allow further reduction in comparison uncertainties. Clinical use will allow the establishment of a numerical threshold for a map to “pass” verification.
Composition of Heart, Liver, and Skeletal Muscle from Broilers with Coccidiosis

Infection with Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria brunetti, or Eimeria tenella affected the composition of the breast, thigh, heart, and liver of 3 or 4-week-old broilers. Liver glycogen was significantly increased at 6 and 8 days postinoculation (PI) with E. acervulina. Conversely, liver glycogen was decreased at 4 and 6 days PI with E. tenella and was unaffected by infection with E. brunetti. The levels of RNA and lipid in the liver were decreased with E. acervulina but unchanged with E. tenella. Both species decreased RNA levels in the breast. None of the three coccidial species had any effect on the moisture, ash, protein, or DNA content of the tissues.
A probability model for acid rain data

Abstract A class of probability models is proposed for making inferences about the regional distribution of lake alkalinity. This class includes the three-parameter lognormal distribution which is frequently used as a regional model for lake chemistry. The adequacy of the lognormal distribution can be assessed by testing the significance of a single parameter in the proposed model. It is shown that the three-parameter lognormal does not fit the majority of data sets from Eastern Canada. Furthermore, the pH-alkalinity relationship developed by Small and Sutton is used to yield a class of probability models representing the derived distributions for pH. It is shown that there is an improved agreement between the pH-alkalinity relationship and the observations when the water colours are less than or equal to 30 Hazen units.