cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applicator reconstruction for HDR cervix treatment planning using images from 0.35 T open MR scanner

Abstract Background and purposes Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is widely recognised as the modality of choice for imaging soft tissue such as the target volume and critical structures relevant to high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy of the cervix. This work sets out to assess some of the issues faced when introducing this technique clinically compared to the more widely used computed tomography (CT). MR can be used either as the sole imaging modality, or in conjunction with CT. Materials and methods Distortion of the images produced by the MR scanner was assessed with a geometrical phantom. Distortion local to the titanium applicators, introduced by the susceptibility of the applicators themselves, was also measured. The technique used to reconstruct applicators is briefly described. An inter-operator study was performed to assess the variability of applicator reconstruction between operators when MR images are used alone to reconstruct the applicators. Results A 14-cm cube within which distortion was less than 2 mm at all points was identified. The inter-operator study showed some variability in applicator reconstruction with both MR and CT (median MR/CT 1.3 mm/0.9 mm, range 0–3.6 mm/0–3.3 mm). Inter-operator variation in planning target volume (PTV) V100% and PTV D90% for MR/CT was 6.1%/3.0% and 7.4%/6.3%, respectively, and D2cc OAR doses varied by up to 1.0 Gy between operators for both MR and CT. Conclusions In this study distortion was minimal within a defined volume and inter-observer errors were comparable on MR and CT when used to define applicators and when applied to dose–volume histograms (DVHs). However this does not assure the technique is appropriate with other scanners and applicator sets without further commissioning.
Effects of pelvic rotation and needle angle on pubic arch interference during transperineal prostate implants.

Abstract Purpose: Pubic arch interference due to an enlarged prostate gland or a narrow pubic arch is often a limiting factor in adequate prostate coverage during transperineal brachytherapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of both pelvic rotation and needle angles on pubic arch interference using CT-based 3-D information. Methods and Materials: Seven patients had CT imaging in both supine and lithotomy positions and 3-D treatment planning was performed with three needle angles (20 downward, 0, 20 upward). The pubic arch interference was then measured and comparisons were made for each needle trajectory and pelvic position. Results: Increasing pelvic rotation from supine to lithotomy position shows less pubic arch interference. Directing the needle tip upward shows less pubic arch interference in both supine and lithotomy positions when compared to needle tips directed downward. Conclusions: Both pelvic position and needle angles are important factors influencing pubic arch interference. Preplanning CT-based 3-D information may assist for individualized treatment planning in patients with a significant bony interference, thus avoiding pubic arch interference during implantation.
MyCS: building a middle-years CS curriculum (abstract only)

In this poster we present a CS curriculum aimed at "middle-years" students. In the U.S., this corresponds roughly to students aged 11-15. This MyCS curriculum provides a hands-on introduction to computer science through six distinct modules. Three programming modules use the Scratch environment to build computational sophistication and procedural intuition within an inviting development environment. Alternating with Scratch are three problem-solving modules whose activities deepen awareness and facility with computation through novel exercises. More than 25 classrooms and 900 students have participated in MyCS's pilot years within the Pomona, CA and Lihue, HI school districts. 2013-15 will see an expansion of its workshops, academic-year classes, and program evaluation. Course materials will be served by the OpenEdX platform both at HMC and on Amazon EC2. This poster shares our development and deployment of MyCS to date, and invites feedback from other institutions in their efforts to foster adolescents' computational identities.
The relationship between milk protein and iron content on hematologic values in infancy.

A study of 144 infants from a homogeneous, low-income group was undertaken in order to determine the effects of various protein and iron contents of prepared cow's milk formulas on hematologic values. Altogether, 4 formulas were used in the study: relatively lower protein (15 Gm. per liter) with trace or supplemental amounts of iron, and higher protein (24 Gm. per liter) with trace or supplemental amounts of iron. Complete hematologic data, including bound iron and iron-binding capacities, were obtained from birth through 18 months. Similar pre- and postpartum data were obtained on the mothers. All of the infants received iron-free cereals and consistent dietary regimens. Those infants who were fed the higher protein, trace-iron formulas had the lowest mean hemoglobin and serum iron levels. Conversely, the highest hemoglobin and iron values were observed among the infants fed the lower protein formulas, irrespective of the iron content.
Trichinella spiralis: peroxidase activity in isolated cells from the rat intestine.

Abstract An understanding of physiologic events underlying resistance to parasitic worms depends on a knowledge of metabolic interactions between parasites and specific cells at the host-parasite interface. In the case of invasive intestinal parasites this interaction involves contact with epithelial cells and cells of the lamina propria. This investigation deals with the collection of epithelial cells and lamina propria cells from the small intestine of control rats and rats infected with the nematode, Trichinella spiralis , and measurement of peroxidase activity in these cells. Lamina propria cells were isolated by collagenase digestion of everted gut segments previously denuded of epithelium by treatment with hyaluronidase. Mean peroxidase activity in homogenates of lamina propria cells was equivalent to 40 nmoles H 2 O 2 decomposed/min/mg of cell protein from control rats compared to 413 nmoles from infected animals. Epithelial cell peroxidase activity in homogenates of epithelial cells from both control and infected rats was less than 2 nmoles H 2 O 2 decomposed/min/mg cell protein. The degree of contamination of lamina propria cells with epithelial cells was determined by measuring disaccharidase activity in both cell populations. The specific activity of maltase, sucrase, and trehalase in lamina propria cells was between 10 and 17% of that in epithelial cells. This work is a requisite for a study in which the role of intestinal cell peroxidase in resistance to Trichinella will be evaluated.
Remote sensing of air pollutants by laser-induced infrared fluorescence--a review.

Abstract A review of infrared fluorescence is presented. Emphasis is placed on the experimental evaluation of laser-induced infrared fluorescence as a method for the remote sensing of molecular air pollutants. Methods of fluorescence excitation, fluorescence lifetimes, and possible interferences are discussed. The performance of a hypothetical remote sensing apparatus is evaluated. Experimental results and theoretical calculations indicate that the construction of an infrared fluorescence remote sensing device is feasible.
High-Performance InAs/GaAs Quantum Dots Infrared Photodetector With/Without Al 0.2 Ga 0.8 As Blocking Layers

Abstract : InAs/AlGaAs quantum dot infrared photodetectors based on bound-to-bound intraband transitions in undoped InAs quantum dots are reported. AlGaAs blocking layers were employed to achieve low dark current. The photoresponse peaked at 6.2 micrometers. At 77 K and 4.7 V bias the responsivity was 14 mA/W and the detectivity, D(*), was 10(exp 10) cm Hz (sup 1/2)/W.
Liver transplant for intentional acetaminophen overdose: a survey of transplant clinicians׳ experiences with recommendations.

Background In the case of fulminant hepatic failure from acetaminophen, the ability to fully evaluate patients is often compromised. When hepatic recovery is not possible and liver transplantation (LT) is required, these patients present significant medical and psychosocial challenges to liver transplant teams. In this context, decisions about candidacy are often under emergency circumstances. To date, little empirical data exist to illustrate the experiences and approaches of those clinicians responsible for performing the psychosocial assessments of these LT candidates. Methods We surveyed transplant mental health clinicians and discovered a wide range of opinions, approaches, and treatment planning when addressing acetaminophen overdose LT patients. Results Although LT candidacy is commonly supported, there were distinct differences in considering the contributions of suicide risk factors. In addition, although poor post-LT outcomes (repeat suicide attempts and graft failure due to nonadherence) were known to have occurred in acetaminophen overdose LT cases, many respondents did not provide long-term mental health treatment to these patients following LT. Conclusion The results of the survey suggest that careful treatment planning in both the immediate and long term could improve the long-term care of these complex patients.
Scaling and the angular distribution of cosmic ray events

Abstract We discuss the nature of the angular distribution of inclusive reactions that follows from the scaling hypothesis and compare our prediction for the reaction p+p→π + anything at 250 GeV/c with a new cosmic ray experiment.
Asynchronous release of synaptic vesicles determines the time course of the AMPA receptor-mediated EPSC

The contribution of intersynaptic transmitter diffusion to the AMPA receptor EPSC time course was studied in cultured CA1 hippocampal neurons. Reducing release probability 20-fold with cadmium did not affect the time course of the averaged AMPA receptor EPSC, even when receptor desensitization was blocked by cyclothiazide, suggesting that individual synapses contribute independently to the AMPA receptor-mediated EPSC. Deconvolution of the averaged miniature EPSC from the evoked EPSC showed that release probability decays only slightly faster than the EPSC, suggesting that the AMPA receptor EPSC time course is determined primarily by the asynchrony of vesicle release. Further experiments demonstrated that cyclothiazide, previously thought to affect only AMPA receptor kinetics, also enhances synaptic release.
Early Onset Scoliosis: A Pulmonary Perspective

Early-onset scoliosis impairs lung function, often severely as it progresses. This review depicts current understanding of the changes in respiratory function resulting from early-onset scoliosis and how pulmonologists and their assessment tools affect clinical treatment decisions by spine surgeons.
Horace Kallen's Workers' Education for Industrial Democracy

Horace Kallen stands as one of a handful of socially and politically active philosophers and educators in the twentieth century. His involve ment in trade union education dates from the early 1920s. Kallen's abid ing commitment to workplace democracy in the 1920s resembles later developments in labor-management cooperation begun in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His contribution to workers' education is of continuing significance for those managers, workers, union leaders, and government officials interested in promoting labor-management cooperation and, more important, preparing working people for the challenge of participating in the decisions that shape their working future.
Evaluation of cloud microphysics parameterizations for mesoscale simulations

Abstract The theoretical bases for parameterizations of cloud microphysics are examined, and their applicability for mesoscale modeling is evaluated. We find that the constant distribution functions of hydrometeors assumed in previous work are unrealistic. To circumvent this problem, we have made new parameterizations by multiple regression on mixing ratios of water vapor, cloud water, and rainwater, using solution fields derived from simulations of a cloud model that incorporates sophisticated treatments of microphysics and dynamics. In the detailed simulations from which they were derived, the regression parameterizations generally give better results than do the existing parameterizations tested. When compared with previously available parameterizations a Lagrangian air parcel model under variable atmospheric conditions, the new paramerizations give consistent results and are computationally more efficient.
Intentional Exposure Studies of Environmental Agents on Human Subjects: Assessing Benefits and Risks

In this article, I assess the benefits and risks of studies that intentionally expose research subjects to environmental agents. I describe these types of studies, identify their benefits and risks, compare them to other research methods that can be used to investigate the relationship between environmental exposures and disease, and discuss some issues related to research design and risk minimization. I argue that the benefits of intentional environmental exposure studies outweigh the risks when 1) the knowledge gained is likely to improve our understanding of the relationship between environmental exposure and disease, 2) this knowledge cannot be obtained by other methods, 3) the experiments are well designed, 4) the subjects will receive some benefits, such as medical evaluations, 5) risks are minimized, and 6) the risks to human subjects are less than those encountered in a typical Phase I drug study. Only in rare circumstances (i.e., when an intentional environmental exposure study is needed to implement an important environmental or public health intervention or regulation) may such studies expose research subjects to risks as high as those encountered in a typical Phase I drug trail.
Comparison of iron oxide nanoparticle and microwave hyperthermia alone or combined with cisplatinum in murine breast tumors.

Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are currently the most commonly used cancer therapies. Hyperthermia has been shown to work effectively with radiation and chemotherapy cancer treatments. The major obstacle faced by previous hyperthermia techniques has been the inability to deliver heat to the tumor in a precise manner. The ability to deliver cytotoxic hyperthermia to tumors (from within individual cells) via iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (mNP) is a promising new technology that has the ability to greatly improve the therapeutic ratio of hyperthermia as an individual modality and as an adjuvant therapy in combination with other modalities. Although the parameters have yet to be conclusively defined, preliminary data suggests mNP hyperthermia can achieve greater cytotoxicity (in vitro) than conventional water bath hyperthermia methods. At this time, our theory is that intracellular nanoparticle heating is more effective in achieving the combined effect than extracellular heating techniques.1 However, understanding the importance of mNP association and uptake is critical in understanding the potential novelty of the heating modality. Our preliminary data suggests that the mNP heating technique, which did not provide time for particle uptake by the cells, resulted in similar efficacy to microwave hyperthermia. mNP hyperthermia/cisplatinum results have shown a tumor growth delay greater than either modality alone at comparable doses.
Minimizing red blood cell contamination while isolating mononuclear cells from whole blood: the next step for the treatment of severe hemolytic disease of the fetus/newborn.

Abstract Objective We examined whether mononuclear cell purification of human blood could be done while minimizing contamination with RhD-positive red blood cells to treat hemolytic disease of the fetus/newborn that was caused by rhesus disease. Study design Whole blood from 16 individuals who tested rhesus positive was diluted and centrifuged over a Ficoll gradient. The cell pellet was incubated with red blood cell lysis buffer, divided into three samples, and analyzed for cell count, mononuclear cell yield, and RhD-positive red cell contamination by flow cytometry. Results Mean RhD-positive red cell contamination was 0.24% (range, 0%-1.9%). The average yield of mononuclear cells was 11.5% (range, 1.8%-23.6%). Through regression analysis, 34 to180 mL of paternal whole blood would be necessary to achieve an antigen load that is sufficient for an HLA antibody response. Conclusion Purification of human blood is possible to produce reasonable mononuclear cell yields with minimal rhesus activity, which makes paternal leukocyte therapy a plausible treatment for severe rhesus alloimmunization.
Private benefits from control of public corporations

We analyze the pricing of 63 block trades between 1978 and 1982 involving at least 5% of the common stock of NYSE or Amex corporations. These blocks are typically priced at substantial premiums to the post-announcement exchange price. We argue that the premiums, which average 20%, reflect private benefits that accrue exclusively to the blockholder because of his voting power. The premiums paid by both individual and corporate block purchasers increase with firm size, fractional ownership, and firm performance. Individuals pay larger premiums for firms with greater leverage, lower stock-return variance, and large cash holdings.
Burner Performance Evaluation Using Test Code

Development of new burner technology is common practice nowadays. Standardized test codes are available to conduct tests to determine operating characteristics and thermal performance of different parts of steam generating units. This paper describes the results of testing performed to evaluate thermal efficiency of a 74.5 kW fire-tube steam generator fired with a new premixed flame burner in comparison to a typical standard-retrofit diffusion flame burner system. Two premixed flame burners sized at 7.6 and 10.1 cm were tested. Testing was performed in accordance with the ASME PTC 4.1 Power Test Code. The evaluation was conducted in the range of small- to mid-sized, natural gas-fired applications, from 1.06 to 2.64× 106 kJ∕h . The environmental nitrogen oxide (N Ox ) emissions performance was also compared for both burner technologies. The results of this evaluation indicate that firing the test boiler with the 7.6 cm new burner slightly improves unit thermal efficiency by 4.0–3.3% for a unit load ranging...
Transition-Metal Ion Exchange Using Poly(ethylene glycol) Oligomers as Solvents

Poly(ethylene glycol) oligomers have been found to be effective as alternative solvents for the ion exchange of Mn2+, Fe2+, and Co2+ into hydrated and dehydrated Zeolite X (Na80Al80Si112O384·nH2O). When attempted in aqueous solutions, the exchange of these cations quickly leads to destruction of the zeolite structure within 1−2 exchange cycles. However, in PEG oligomer solvents, the structure can be maintained and exchanges of 48% (Co2+), 80% (Mn2+), and 91% (Fe2+) are observed after one cycle under hydrated conditions. When rigorous steps are taken to remove all water from the zeolite before exchange, absorption of the oligomers into the zeolite pores is promoted, which hinders ion exchange; a maximum of 6% exchange is seen under dehydrated conditions. However, improved catalytic efficiency toward NO decomposition is observed for these samples, with turnover frequencies of 0.0237 s−1 for Dehyd Na/Mn-X oligomer, 0.0213 s−1 for Dehyd Na/Fe-X oligomer, and 0.0190 s−1 for Dehyd Na/Co-X oligomer. Use of these...
OnRamp: enabling a new component-based development paradigm

Often the adoption of component-based scientific software requires the developer to abandon comfortable practices and embrace an unfamiliar software methodology. OnRamp provides a mechanism for the developer to generate CCA components, through commented markup in their original software, and keep their familiar software development practices. The developer uses these annotations to identify which methods in their code belong to which Port interfaces, and which Ports belong to which CCA components. Taken by itself, the markup is sufficient to create a skeleton of components representing the exported functionality of the original code, but because the entire code is available to OnRamp the implementation can also be generated. The functionality of the original code is wrapped in annotation-specified components, exporting part or all of its original functionality. OnRamp provides a model for component software engineering that allows developers to improve their code with their familiar software and in their established software practices and also interoperate with external developers easily when the need arises.
Seismic Resistance of Socket Connection between Footing and Precast Column

A new concept has been developed for connecting spread footings and precast columns in bridges. The socket connection is constructed by precasting the column, erecting it, and casting the reinforced concrete footing around it. This system saves construction time on site because, in little more than the time needed to construct the footing, both the column and footing can be constructed. Site erection is facilitated by the fact that the field tolerances are essentially unlimited. The longitudinal column bars are straight and are terminated with mechanical anchors. This arrangement improves constructability, because no bars cross the interface between the column and footing, and it provides better transfer of forces in the connection region than is possible with conventional bent-out longitudinal bars. The surface of the column is roughened to improve adhesion to the surrounding cast-in-place concrete. Axial-load tests demonstrated that the connection can resist column axial loads far above those expected in practice. Cyclic, lateral-load tests demonstrated that the seismic performance of the connection is at least as good as, if not better than, that of a comparable cast-in-place system. The recent deployment of the new system in a highway overpass provided both field experience and initial estimates of the potential time savings.
Managing the project management process in Aerospace and Construction: a comparative approach

Abstract This paper explores, in a practical setting, influences on project managers created by their project and business environments. The author carried out a study of project management practice within two large companies operating in two different industry sectors. The paper explains the central theme and findings of the study. The findings show that managers on the projects surveyed were influenced by their project environment. Some of the major comparisons observed are illustrated together with suggestions as to broader links and best practice within the construction industry.
The junior medical student psychiatry clerkship: curriculum, attitudes, and test performance.

Objective The third-year clerkship provides fundamental psychiatric training experience for medical students at Ohio State University. The authors aimed to assess students’ attitudes toward this clerkship, as well as its quality and its relationship to standardized measures of performance.
History of the development of soy oil for edible uses

In the early 1940s, soybean oil was considered neither a good industrial paint oil nor a good edible oil. The history of soybean oil is a story of progress from a minor, little-known, problem oil to a major source of edible oil proudly labeled on premium products in the 1980s. It is also a story of cooperative government research and industrial implementation of research findings. After 3-1/2 decades, soybean oil, “the number one problem of the soybean industry,” has become the source of choice for edible oil products in the U.S., moreover, increasing outlets appear to be assured in the world markets of the future.
The effects of explaining hypothetical future events: From possibility to probability to actuality and beyond

Abstract Past research has demonstrated the effects of explaining hypothetical events on estimates of the probability that these events will occur. Two experiments examined the effects of explaining hypothetical outcomes for oneself on actual behavior in that situation and in a related situation. Subjects first explained hypothetical success or failure on an upcoming anagram task. They then either stated explicit expectations for the anagram task or did not. When subjects were asked to state expectations, those who had explained hypothetical success not only expected to do better but also actually outperformed those who had explained failure. That is, the events explained were behaviorally confirmed. However, when explicit expectations were not made following the explanation, those who had first explained failure did best of all, suggesting that raising the possibility of failure without forming concrete failure expectancies motivates better performance. Experiment II demonstrated that the self-fulfilling effects of prior explanation and expectation statements generalize to situations similar but not identical to the event that was explained. In addition, the effects of initial explanation predominated over the effects of actual performance feedback. The processes underlying these effects as well as the implications of the effects were discussed.
Periodicity in academic library circulation: a spectral analysis

Spectral analysis was used to identify periods in four academic library circulation series (journals, faculty books, student books, and turnstile count) and four of pickup for shelving (reference books, non-reference books, bound journals, and current journals). Observed periods were compared to theoretical periods in a 364-day academic calendar : Two were expected, 182 and 7 days ; one (122 days) was interpreted as a 112-day semester plus an interim of about 10 days ; two were unexpected (3.5 and 2.3 days). The 182-day (about half an academic year) was strongest in the pickup series. The 7-day period was strong in all series. The 3.5 days was strong in most series. The 2.3 day, found only in circulation, is close to every-other-day usage or about 3 cycles per week, and may be due to Monday-Wednesday-Friday class scheduling, or it may be spurious. Only the 182-day period was visible in time charts. No evidence was found for a monthly period, the calendar unit in which library time series are often recorded.
Politicians and Protection: Tariffs and Elections in Australia

An index of manufacturing industry tariff protection is calculated for each Australian federal electoral division and used to test for the presence of voting factors in the electoral incidence of tariff protection. There is a strong positive relationship between the level of tariffs and the Labor vote in an electorate, though this is more likely to be evidence for the effect of levels of manufacturing activity than for systematic electoral manipulation of tariffs. Smaller samples of electorates do suggest that governments shift the largest tariff increases into electorates which they won at the previous election.
Performance, tolerance and cost of TiAl passenger car valves

Abstract It is the clear goal of all new engine development to improve efficiency and to reduce emissions. Big efforts are taken and one field of exhaustive research is the valve train of four-stroke SI engines. It is seen as a proven benefit to replace existing cam shafts with so called cam-less systems, however, those require light weight engine valves. Amongst other materials, valves made from intermetallic TiAl γ-alloys were developed in recent history. Those had to fulfil a performance evaluation as well as meet cost objectives. As costs are strongly related to the production process and the required tolerances, a rough outline about these topics is also given.
The decay of 162mHo to levels in 162Dy

Abstract Theγ-ray spectrum of the decay of 162mHo to levels in 162Dy has been studied with Ge(Li) detectors. The results are in agreement with recent extensive studies of the level scheme of 162Dy by a variety of experimental methods. In addition, evidence was found for population of levels at 1390.5, 1400.3 and 1453.6 keV which are assigned Iπ = 5−, 2+ and 2+, respectively. The log ft value suggests that the 1390 keV state has the two-quasiparticle configuration ⦅ p [411↑]; p [523↑]⦆5 − . The half-life of 162mHo has been measured to be 63.5±1.9 min.
Exo-electron emission during heterogeneous catalysis (the effect of external electric potentials)

Abstract Exo-electron emission was observed during catalytic oxidation of CO, H 2 or NH 3 on hot platinum. The exo-electron current level was related to the rate of reaction. Suppressing or enhancing the exo-electron current decreased or increased the rate of reaction.
Cryofixation of tissue surfaces by a propane jet for electron microscopy

Abstract A technique for the rapid freezing of tissues is described, which results in the absence of icy crystals to a depth of several microns from the surface, even in large and irregular specimens. A tissue sample is instantaneously frozen by exposure to a high velocity jet of liquid propone at its freezing point. The specimen is then freeze-substituted in ether and osmium tetroxide, embedded, and sectioned for electron microscopy. Cytoplasmic fixation is excellent, and microtubules as well as other organelles and membranes are well defined.
Evidence for a low-O2 Archean atmosphere from nickel-rich chrome spinels in 3.24 Ga impact spherules, Barberton greenstone belt, South Africa

Abstract The composition of spinels in 3.24-billion-year-old Archean impact spherules in the S3 spherule bed in the Barberton greenstone belt, South Africa, provides important clues about the environments within which they formed, including the redox conditions of the impact plume and the oxygen levels in the early atmosphere. Despite pervasive diagenetic alteration of the impact spherules and nearly complete alteration of primary mineralogy, primary Ni-rich chrome spinel is preserved. The impact spinels are significantly more oxidized than detrital spinels of komatiitic origin that are also present in the spherule bed. The average Fe + 3 /Fe T (atoms) value in the Ni-rich impact spinels is 0.43 whereas the average Fe + 3 /Fe T of detrital spinels is 0.17. Fe 3+ /Fe T ratios of the impact spinels range from 0.26 to 0.69 (atoms) and suggest formation at oxygen fugacities below 10 − 4 bar based on comparisons with experimental results. Comparison of the S3 impact spinels with similar spinels from the K/T boundary layer, Eocene impact layer, and Late Pliocene impact layer also suggests much lower O 2 levels in the 3.24 Ga atmosphere. Oxidation of spinels present in condensed melt droplets was affected by the oxygen fugacity of the atmospheric component mixed with the ejected plume, and the broad range in values may reflect f O 2 heterogeneity both temporally and spatially within the impact-produced rock-vapor plume. Compositional and morphological variability of spinels in the spherules suggests temperature and cooling rate were heterogeneous through the plume.
Pancreatic Islets and Insulinoma Cells Express a Novel Isoform of Group VIA Phospholipase A2 (iPLA2β) that Participates in Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion and Is Not Produced by Alternate Splicing of the iPLA2β Transcript†

Many cells express a group VIA 84 kDa phospholipase A2 (iPLA2β) that is sensitive to inhibition by a bromoenol lactone (BEL) suicide substrate. Inhibition of iPLA2β in pancreatic islets and insulinoma cells suppresses, and overexpression of iPLA2β in INS-1 insulinoma cells amplifies, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, suggesting that iPLA2β participates in secretion. Western blotting analyses reveal that glucose-responsive 832/13 INS-1 cells express essentially no 84 kDa iPLA2β-immunoreactive protein but predominantly express a previously unrecognized immunoreactive iPLA2β protein in the 70 kDa region that is not generated by a mechanism of alternate splicing of the iPLA2β transcript. To determine if the 70 kDa-immunoreactive protein is a short isoform of iPLA2β, protein from the 70 kDa region was digested with trypsin and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Such analyses reveal several peptides with masses and amino acid sequences that exactly match iPLA2β tryptic peptides. Peptide sequences identified in the 70 kDa tryptic digest include iPLA2β residues 7–53, suggesting that the N-terminus is preserved. We also report here that the 832/13 INS-1 cells express iPLA2β catalytic activity and that BEL inhibits secretagogue-stimulated insulin secretion from these cells but not the incorporation of arachidonic acid into membrane PC pools of these cells. These observations suggest that the catalytic iPLA2β activity expressed in 832/13 INS-1 cells is attributable to a short isoform of iPLA2β and that this isoform participates in insulin secretory but not in membrane phospholipid remodeling pathways. Further, the finding that pancreatic islets also express predominantly a 70 kDa iPLA2β-immunoreactive protein suggests that a signal transduction role of iPLA2β in the native β-cell might be attributable to a 70 kDa isoform of iPLA2β.
Tumor stem cells (CD271, c-kit, SOX10) in melanomas: Prognostic and outcome implications

Melanoma cells that express stem cell marker CD271 are shown to form tumors when transplanted into nude or immunodeficient mice. These tumors have a higher metastatic potential and worse prognosis than melanomas resulting from transplantation of CD271-negative cells. We studied stem cell markers (CD271, c-kit, SOX1O) in melanomas, correlating their presence with prognostic factors and outcome. A total of 82 melanomas in tissue microarrays were immunostained for CD271, c-kit, and SOX10. Results were correlated with clinicopathologic prognostic parameters (Breslow depth of invasion, Clark level, sentinel lymph node status, and pathologic stage) and outcome (recurrence, metastases, and death). Of the 82 melanomas, CD271 was expressed in 18 (21%), c-kit in 47 (57%), and SOX10 in all (100%). CD271 does show correlation with metastases (P=0.05). c-kit is associated with favorable prognostic parameters [Breslow depth (P<0.001) and pathologic stage (P=0.02)] and with improved outcome [recurrence (P=0.03) and metastases (P=0.004)]. Although SOX10 is a good diagnostic marker, it cannot be used for prognosis because it is expressed in all the melanomas studied. In conclusion, CD271 expression in melanomas is associated with increased frequency of metastases, and c-kit immunoreactivity is associated with favorable prognostic parameters and improved outcome.
The Use of Trigonometric Polynomials to Approximate Visible and Near Infrared Spectra of Agricultural Products

A Fourier analysis of the spectra consisting of 1000 to 2000 reflectance values obtained by scanning agricultural products at specific, equally spaced wavelengths is used to reduce the amount of data that needs to be recorded. It is shown that as few as 50 pairs of coefficients retain the bulk of the information contained in the complete spectrum. Using the limited number of Fourier coefficients is equivalent to rejecting the high frequency noise without spectral distortion and loss of data points at the ends of the spectra.
Hyaluronic Acid Modulates Proliferation, Collagen and Protein Synthesis of Cultured Fetal Fibroblasts

Abstract Fetal wound healing is characterized by minimal inflammation, mild fibroplasia and rapid, but organized collagen deposition such that scarring is not apparent. The matrices of fetal wounds differ greatly from adult wounds in that fetal wounds are persistently enriched with hyaluronic acid (HA). It has been shown that a reduction in fetal rabbit wound HA results in an adult-like healing response with increased fibroplasia and neovascularization. These observations suggest that HA can modulate cellular activity in fetal repair. Therefore, this study was designed to define the effect of HA on fetal fibroblast function. Fibroblasts from the skin of fetal rabbits were isolated and maintained in culture medium containing either no HA (controls), 1 flg/ml, 10 flg/ml or 100 flg/ml of HA (n = 6 for each group). Fibroblast proliferation was quantitated by DNA content in each culture, and collagen and noncollagen protein synthesis were analyzed by incorporation of [3H] proline into collagenase-digestible and collagenase-nondigestible protein, respectively. At all concentrations tested, HA significantly inhibited fetal fibroblast proliferation (p
Gut dendritic cell activation links an altered colonic microbiome to mucosal and systemic T-cell activation in untreated HIV-1 infection

HIV-1-associated disruption of intestinal homeostasis is a major factor contributing to chronic immune activation and inflammation. Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, but the impact of HIV-1 infection on intestinal DC number and function has not been extensively studied. We compared the frequency and activation/maturation status of colonic myeloid DC (mDC) subsets (CD1c(+) and CD1c(neg)) and plasmacytoid DCs in untreated HIV-1-infected subjects with uninfected controls. Colonic mDCs in HIV-1-infected subjects had increased CD40 but decreased CD83 expression, and CD40 expression on CD1c(+) mDCs positively correlated with mucosal HIV-1 viral load, with mucosal and systemic cytokine production, and with frequencies of activated colon and blood T cells. Percentage of CD83(+)CD1c(+) mDCs negatively correlated with frequencies of interferon-γ-producing colon CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. CD40 expression on CD1c(+) mDCs positively associated with abundance of high prevalence mucosal Prevotella copri and Prevotella stercorea but negatively associated with a number of low prevalence mucosal species, including Rumminococcus bromii. CD1c(+) mDC cytokine production was greater in response to in vitro stimulation with Prevotella species relative to R. bromii. These findings suggest that, during HIV infection, colonic mDCs become activated upon exposure to mucosal pathobiont bacteria leading to mucosal and systemic immune activation.
Fossil Frogs from the Clarendonian (Late Miocene) of Oklahoma, U.S.A.

Fossil frogs of North America have been reviewed by Holman (2003), and records from the middle and late Miocene of North America are relatively numerous. Nonetheless, frog fossils from the late Miocene Clarendonian North American Land Mammal Age time period (ca. 12.5-9 Ma) are rare and biogeographically poorly represented. There is a single record of a bufonid from the Clarendonian Land Mammal Age (LMA) of South Dakota (Holman, 1973), but most of our knowledge of Clarendonian LMA frogs comes from a single local fauna, the Wakeeney Lo cal Fauna (L.F.) of Kansas (Wilson, 1968; Holman, 1975, 2003). In this report we describe an important collection of middle to late Clarendonian (ca. 11-9 Ma; time scale of Woodburne, 2004) frog fossils recovered from the Whisenhunt Quarry fossil site of Beaver County, Oklahoma. The mammals of the Whisenhunt Quarry fossil site have been discussed previously by Dalquest et al. (1996) and, to a lesser degree, by Smith (2005). The Whisen hunt Quarry frogs represent the first lower vertebrates reported from the local fauna, but more importantly they provide new and noteworthy information that improves our knowledge about the diversity and distribution of North American midcontinental frogs from this time period. Fossil Locality?The Whisenhunt Quarry fossil site is located approximately 10 km south of Gate, Beaver County, Oklahoma, in the Laverne Formation at T3N, R28E, Sec. 9, SE 1/4, NW 1/4 (Dalquest et al., 1996; see Fig. 4 for the general location of the site). Late Miocene mammals from this Great Plains formation have been known to science since at least the late 19th century (see discussion in Tedford et al, 2004). Fossils from the Whisen hunt Quarry site were obtained by Dalquest et al. (1996) by pro cessing matrix collected at the quarry in the early 1990s. The ma terial was derived from a stratum of sand and diatomaceous clay, which they (Dalquest et al., 1996:133) believed represented an ancient "still-water pool or lake in a marsh or swamp." No ra diometric date (numerical date) is available for the Whisenhunt Quarry, but on the basis of a detailed study of the Whisenhunt Quarry mammals, Dalquest et al. (1996) assigned the local fauna a biochronological age of middle to late Clarendonian LMA. They suggested that the Whisenhunt Quarry L.F. best correlated with the well-documented late Clarendonian Wakeeney L.F. of Kansas. On the basis of megaand micromammal components of the Whisenhunt Quarry and mammals from other nearby Lav erne Formation sites, Tedford et al. (2004) suggested a medial Clarendonian age for the local fauna.
Host species-specific conservation of a family of repeated DNA sequences in the genome of a fungal plant pathogen

Abstract We have identified a family of dispersed repetitive DNA sequences in the genome of Magnaporthe grisea, the fungus that causes rice blast disease. We have named this family of DNA sequences "MGR" for M. grisea repeat. Analysis of five MGR clones demonstrates that MGR sequences are highly polymorphic. The segregation of MGR sequences in genetic crosses and hybridization of MGR probes to separated, chromosome-size DNA molecules of M. grisea shows that this family of sequences is distributed among the M. grisea chromosomes. MGR sequences also hybridize to discrete poly(A)+ RNAs. Southern blot analysis using a MGR probe can distinguish rice pathogens from various sources. However, MGR sequences are not highly conserved in the genomes of M. grisea field isolates that do not infect rice. These results suggest that host selection for a specific pathogen genotype has occurred during the breeding and cultivation of rice.
ModLoop: automated modeling of loops in protein structures

Summary: ModLoop is a web server for automated modeling of loops in protein structures. The input is the atomic coordinates of the protein structure in the Protein Data Bank format, and the specification of the starting and ending residues of one or more segments to be modeled, containing no more than 20 residues in total. The output is the coordinates of the nonhydrogen atoms in the modeled segments. A user provides the input to the server via a simple web interface, and receives the output by e-mail. The server relies on the loop modeling routine in MODELLER that predicts the loop conformations by satisfaction of spatial restraints, without relying on a database of known protein structures. For a rapid response, ModLoop runs on a cluster of Linux PC computers. Availability: The server is freely accessible to academic users at http://salilab.org/modloop
Multipath scattering by cylinders and spheres

Scattering problems with multiple canonical scatterers, like cylinders and spheres, may be modeled by utilizing the orders-of-scattering approach. This method provides an exact solution; however, being iterative in nature, the accuracy of the solution depends on the number of iterations; in other words, the number of higher-order scattered fields taken into account. The orders-of-scattering solutions were compared against the numerical solutions, obtained using a commercial software such as WIPL-D, and an excellent agreement is indicated. This technique has a potential for modeling dynamic multipath environments of multiple scatterers, such as those found in wireless communication environments, provided that the environment can be approximated by objects of canonical shape. The obtained results can then be compared with statistical models to shed more physical insight into the scattering process.
Making Fathers: Black Men’s Response to Fatherhood Initiatives

Policy makers are cognizant that ending welfare as we know it will not translate into the end of poverty among solo-mothering families. Thus, they have focused on promoting marriage and fatherhood among what are now termed “fragile families”. The purpose of this study is to describe the lived experiences of Black men, who are among the targets of fatherhood and marriage promotion programs. To accomplish this goal, this exploratory study relies on a phenomenological approach. The value of employing this approach is that it is suitable for excavating and surfacing deep issues. More importantly, a phenomenological approach is key to giving voice to those who are often silenced and or rendered invisible in the policy making process. I employ in-depth interviews to help us better understand men’s lived experiences with fatherhood. In-depth interviews of participants and non-participants of fatherhood programs further our comprehension: on how Black men view the role of fathers; what obstacles are confronted that might prohibit these individuals from maintaining relationships with their children; and whether the promotion of paternal relations over content provides stability for these families. By centering the voices of these men, our theoretical understandings and our policy prescriptives would be enhanced.
Coordinated expression of muscarinic receptor messenger RNAs in striatal medium spiny neurons.

Abstract The postsynaptic effects of acetylcholine in the striatum are largely mediated by muscarinic receptors. Two of the five cloned muscarinic receptors (M1 and M4) are expressed at high levels by the medium spiny neurons—the principal projection neurons of the striatum. Previous studies have suggested that M4 muscarinic receptors are found primarily in medium spiny neurons that express substance P and participate in the “direct” striatonigral pathway. This view is difficult to reconcile with electrophysiological studies suggesting that nearly all medium spiny neurons exhibit responses characteristic of M4 receptors. To explore this apparent discrepancy, the coordinated expression of M1–M5 receptor messenger RNAs in identified medium spiny neurons was assayed using single-cell reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction techniques. Nearly all medium spiny neurons had detectable levels of M1 receptor messenger RNA. Although M4 receptor messenger RNA was detected more frequently in substance P-expressing neurons (70%), it was readily seen in a substantial population of enkephalin-expressing neurons (50%). To provide a quantitative estimate of transcript abundance, quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction experiments were performed. These studies revealed that M4 messenger RNA was expressed by both substance P and enkephalin neurons, but was roughly five-fold higher in abundance in substance P-expressing neurons. This quantitative difference provides a means of reconciling previous estimates of M4 receptor distribution and function.
Effect of ascorbic acid on the consequences of acute alcohol consumption in humans

This study examines the influence of ascorbic acid pretreatment on ethanol clearance, toxicity, and behavioral impairment after an acute dose of ethanol in humans. Ascorbic acid or a placebo was given to 20 healthy male subjects for 2 weeks before ethanol consumption. The dose of ethanol was 0.95 gm/kg body weight and was consumed during a 2 1/2-hour period. Thirty minutes after ethanol consumption, motor coordination and intellectual function were assessed by Goldberg's "Finger-Finger" and "Serial Sevens" tests. In addition, color discrimination was measured with the use of the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Color Test. Hourly blood samples were taken for 10 hours after ethanol consumption to measure serum triglyceride levels, blood lactate/pyruvate ratios, and serum enzymes. Blood ethanol clearance was also determined. Ethanol consumption elevated serum triglyceride levels and blood lactate/pyruvate ratios and impaired performance of the behavioral tests but did not alter serum enzyme levels. Ascorbic acid pretreatment resulted in significant enhancement in blood ethanol clearance and an increase in serum triglyceride levels after ethanol consumption in half of the subjects. Ascorbic acid pretreatment also resulted in improved motor coordination and color discrimination after ethanol consumption in half of the subjects. Ascorbic acid pretreatment did not influence elevated blood lactate/pyruvate ratios or impaired intellectual function.