cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Phase I Pilot Study of Autologous Heat Shock Protein Vaccine HSPPC-96 in Patients With Resected Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

We performed a phase I pilot study to determine if autologous vaccine HSPPC-96 (gp96, Oncophage) could be purified from completely resected pancreas adenocarcinomas, to determine patient tolerance of vaccine and to explore immune responses and clinical outcomes of these patients. Subjects were vaccinated with 5 microg of autologous HSPPC-96 weekly for 4 doses. Serial ELISPOT assays of T cells for antitumor reactivity were performed. Subjects received neither adjuvant chemotherapy nor radiation. Ten patients received a full course of vaccinations. No dose-limiting toxicities were encountered. Immediate freezing in liquid nitrogen of the tumor specimen resulted in improved vaccine yield. Median overall survival is 2.2 years (Kaplan-Meier estimate). Autologous anti-HSPPC-96 ELISPOT reactivity increased significantly in 1 of 5 patients examined and a second had an increase of unclear significance. Three of 10 treated patients are alive without disease at 2.6, 2.7, and 5.0 years follow-up. There was no observed correlation between immune response and prognosis. This study demonstrates the feasibility of preparing HSPPC-96 from pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Examination of this novel approach using multiple dose levels is 1 approach to further investigate the immunogenicity and clinical utility of HSPPC-96 vaccination in this setting.
Kinetics and Mechanisms of Chlorine Dioxide and Chlorite Oxidations of Cysteine and Glutathione

Chlorine dioxide oxidation of cysteine (CSH) is investigated under pseudo-first-order conditions (with excess CSH) in buffered aqueous solutions, p[H+] 2.7−9.5 at 25.0 °C. The rates of chlorine dioxide decay are first order in both ClO2 and CSH concentrations and increase rapidly as the pH increases. The proposed mechanism is an electron transfer from CS- to ClO2 (1.03 × 108 M-1 s-1) with a subsequent rapid reaction of the CS• radical and a second ClO2 to form a cysteinyl−ClO2 adduct (CSOClO). This highly reactive adduct decays via two pathways. In acidic solutions, it hydrolyzes to give CSO2H (sulfinic acid) and HOCl, which in turn rapidly react to form CSO3H (cysteic acid) and Cl-. As the pH increases, the (CSOClO) adduct reacts with CS- by a second pathway to form cystine (CSSC) and chlorite ion (ClO2-). The reaction stoichiometry changes from 6 ClO2:5 CSH at low pH to 2 ClO2:10 CSH at high pH. The ClO2 oxidation of glutathione anion (GS-) is also rapid with a second-order rate constant of 1.40 × 108 M...
Evidence of lateral gene transfer among strains of Streptococcus zooepidemicus in weanling horses with respiratory disease

Streptococcus zooepidemicus (Sz) is a tonsillar commensal of healthy horses but with potential to opportunistically invade the lower respiratory tract. Sz is genetically variable and recombinogenic based on analysis of gene sequences including szp, szm and MLST data. Although a variety of serovars of the protective SzP are commonly harbored in the tonsils of the same horse, lower respiratory infections usually involve a single clone. Nevertheless, isolation of specific clones from epizootics of respiratory disease has been recently reported in horses and dogs in N. America, Europe and Asia. In this report, we provide evidence suggestive of lateral gene exchange and recombination between strains of Sz from cases of respiratory disease secondary to experimental equine herpes 1 virus infection in an isolated group of weanling horses and ponies. Nasal swabs of 13 of 18 weanlings with respiratory disease yielded mucoid colonies of Sz following culture. Comparison of arcC, nrdE, proS, spi, tdk, tpi and yqiL of these Sz revealed 3 Clades. Clade-1 (ST-212) and 2 (ST-24) were composed of 7 and 3 isolates, respectively. ST-24 and 212 differed in all 7 housekeeping as well as szp and szm alleles. Two isolates of Clade-1 were assigned to ST-308, a single locus variant of ST-212 that contained the proS-16 allele sequenced in ST-24. One isolate of ST-308 contained szm-2, the same allele sequenced in Clade 2 isolates; the other was positive for the szp-N2HV2 allele of Clade 2. These observations are consistent with gene transfer between Sz in the natural host and may explain formation of novel clones that invade the lower respiratory tract or cause epizootics of respiratory disease in dogs and horses.
Pelota controls self-renewal of germline stem cells by repressing a Bam-independent differentiation pathway.

In the Drosophila ovary, germline stem cell (GSC) self-renewal is controlled by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. The Bmp signal from niche cells controls GSC self-renewal by directly repressing a Bam-dependent differentiation pathway in GSCs. pelota ( pelo ), which has been previously shown to be required for Drosophila male meiosis, was identified in our genetic screen as a dominant suppressor of the dpp overexpression-induced GSC tumor phenotype. In this study, we reveal the unexpected new role of Pelo in controlling GSC self-renewal by repressing a Bam-independent differentiation pathway. In pelo mutant ovaries, GSCs are lost rapidly owing to differentiation. Results from genetic mosaic analysis and germ cell-specific rescue show that it functions as an intrinsic factor to control GSC self-renewal. In pelo mutant GSCs, Bmp signaling activity detected by Dad-lacZ expression is downregulated, but bam expression is still repressed. Furthermore, bam mutant germ cells are still able to differentiate into cystocytes without pelo function, indicating that Pelo is involved in repressing a Bam-independent differentiation pathway. Consistent with its homology to the eukaryotic translation release factor 1α, we show that Pelo is localized to the cytoplasm of the GSC. Therefore, Pelo controls GSC self-renewal by repressing a Bam-independent differentiation pathway possibly through regulating translation. As Pelo is highly conserved from Drosophila to mammals, it may also be involved in the regulation of adult stem cell self-renewal in mammals, including humans.
The pressure coefficient of solubility for some alkali halides and its solvent isotope effect

Abstract Pressure coefficients of solubility, θ = (1/ms)(∂ms/∂P)T, as calculated from tabulated partial molar volumes, solubilities and activity coefficients are presented and discussed for the chlorides, bromides and iodides of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs. Agreement with the available measured values is good. In the definition, ms is the aquamolality of the saturated solution. Solvent isotope effects on θ for the NaCl/H2O, NaCl/D2O system are calculated and discussed.
Slash Writers and Guinea Pigs as Models for a Scientific Multiliteracy

This paper explores alternative approaches to the conception of scientific literacy, drawing on cultural studies and emerging practices in language arts as its framework. The paper reviews historic tensions in the understanding of scientific literacy and then draws on the multiliteracies movement in language arts to suggest a scientific multiliteracy. This is explored through analyzing the writing practices of groups other than scientists who for a variety of reasons must engage science. Specifically the paper examines zine writers who are ‘professional’ human research subjects, i.e. derive a part of their annual income by signing up for psychological and medical experiments, and science fiction fans, who produce their own texts in response to the narratives they love. The paper argues that these literacy practices add to traditional notions of scientific literacy possibilities of history, fiction, critique, as well as more traditional empiricism embraced by national standards. The paper concludes by cons...
Algebraic Connectivity Ratio of Ramanujan Graphs

In this paper, we explore spectral properties of a class of regular Cayley graphs known as Ramanujan graphs and prove that the ratio of their algebraic connectivity to that of regular lattices grows exponentially as O(ngamma) with gamma = 1.84plusmn0.05 for networks with average degree of O(log(n)). Explicit construction algorithms exist for Ramanujan graphs that create regular graphs with especial degree and scale that depend on a pair of prime numbers. We introduce a randomized algorithm for construction of a class of fast regular graphs called quasi Ramanujan graphs. These graphs are obtained from finite number of degree balancing operations on Watts-Strogatz small-word networks that are irregular graphs. We show that quasi Ramanujan graphs share similar combinatorial optimality spectral properties as Ramanujan graphs and are not restricted to especial choices of degree and scale. A byproduct of this fact is that the algebraic connectivity ratio of quasi Ramanujan graphs grows exponentially in n as well. Numerical experiments are performed to verify our analytical predictions. Consensus algorithms converge extremely fast on networks with exponentially growing algebraic connectivity ratios.
Classroom behavior of reflective and impulsive children

Abstract Seventy-nine children, nine or eleven years old, classified as reflective or impulsive by the Matching Familiar Figures (MFF) test, were observed in public school classrooms. A total of 15 behavioral categories were selected to capture activities often labeled “reflective” or “impulsive” in the literature. Children were observed in each of three classroom settings—Individual Work, Large Group instruction, and Small Group instruction. Thirty minutes of observational data on each child revealed substantial differences in the behavior of older and younger children and across the three settings. By contrast, there was only a minor difference in the behavior of reflective and impulsive children. These results suggest that the concept of reflection-impulsivity, as operationalized by the MFF, should be limited to tasks that involve response uncertainty, and should not be used to imply differences in the typical classroom behavior of children classified as reflective or impulsive by the MFF.
In vitro model for gastroduodenal reflux-induced nuclear factor-kappaB activation and its role in hypopharyngeal carcinogenesis.

Background The purpose of this study was to investigate whether gastroduodenal reflux can play a role in the pathogenesis of hypopharyngeal cancer; therefore, we assessed its effect on the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, as similarly noted in the esophagus. Methods We exposed human cells derived from the hypopharyngeal epithelium to bile acids or deoxycholic acid. We centered our study on the transcriptional activation of NF-κB pathway, previously linked to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Results We show that acidic-bile salts induce: (1) NF-κB activation with high cytoplasmic Bcl-2 expression; (2) significant increase in expression v-rel avian reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (RELA(p65)), v-rel avian reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog (c-REL) signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), isoform of transformation related protein p63 (ΔNp63), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and wingless type MMTV integration site family member 5A (WNT5A) and a decrease in tumor protein p53 (Tp53); and (3) phenotypic changes that are similar to the phenotype of the untreated hypopharyngeal cancer cell line, University of Michigan squamous cell carcinoma (UMSCC)-11B. These changes are not seen when cells were exposed to neutral control or acid alone. Conclusion Our findings in vitro are consistent with the hypothesis that gastroduodenal reflux plays a role in hypopharyngeal carcinogenesis and its effect is mediated through activation of NF-κB pathway. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2015
Parametric latent class joint model for a longitudinal biomarker and recurrent events

A joint model for a longitudinal biomarker and recurrent events is proposed. This general model accommodates the effects of covariates on the biomarker and event processes, the effects of accumulating event occurrences, and effects caused by interventions after each event occurrence. Association between the biomarker and recurrent event processes is captured through a latent class structure, which also serves to handle an underlying heterogeneous population. We use the EM algorithm for maximum likelihood estimation of the model parameters and a penalized likelihood measure to determine the number of latent classes. This joint model is validated by simulation and illustrated with a data set from epileptic seizure study.
Adaptation of US maize to temperature variations

Predictions of climate warming raise concerns about food security. However, the extent to which adaptation can offset heat-related yield losses remains unclear. Now research that used spatial adaptation of US maize crops as a surrogate for future adaptation finds that the yield reduction resulting from warming of 2 °C above pre-industrial levels can be approximately halved using existing management practices.
Pricing algorithms for the day-ahead electricity market with flexible consumer participation

In this paper, we consider the design of the day-ahead market for the smart electrical grid. Consumers with flexible demand and generator companies participate in the market to settle on their load and supply schedules, respectively. The market is operated by an Independent System Operator (ISO) whose purpose is to maximize social welfare while keeping load and supply balanced in the electricity network. We develop two distributed pricing algorithms that achieve optimum welfare. The first algorithm yields time-dependent market prices under convexity assumptions on utility and cost functions and the second algorithm yields bundle prices for arbitrary utility and cost functions. In both algorithms, flexible consumers and generator companies simply determine their own schedules based on the prices updated by the ISO at each iteration. We show that the participation of flexible demand in the day-ahead market reduces supply volatility, which would be present when flexible demand does not take part in price setting procedure.
THE PHOTOPHYSICS OF 5‐METHOXYINDOLE. A NON‐EXCIPLEX FORMING INDOLE: ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE FOR TWO CLASSES OF EXCIPLEXES*

— 5-Methoxyindole is a non-exciplex forming indole, and its excited state behavior is qualitatively different from that of indole and its methyl substituted derivatives. This fact supports the idea that there are two limiting classes of exciplexes, charge-transfer and dipole-dipole stabilized. The fluorescence quantum yield in water is 0.29 with a lifetime of 4.0 ns at 25dC. The activation energy for fluorescence quenching in water is 15.9 pM 0.5 kJ/mol, which is smaller than for indole and the methyl substituted indoles which have been measured. In cyclohexane at 25dC, the fluorescence quantum yield is 0.63 with a lifetime of 6.7 ns. The fluorescence is efficiently quenched by electron scavengers, as is the case for other indoles. Some electron ejection to solvent probably occurs in both solvents.
Cell lineage-specific interactions between Men1 and Rb in neuroendocrine neoplasia

Inactivation of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1 gene (Men1) results in development of multiple endocrine tumors in Men1 +/- mice and in humans. Intriguingly, loss of the wild-type retinoblastoma 1 (Rb) gene also leads to MEN-like phenotype in Rb +/- mice. To evaluate potential genetic interactions between these genes, we prepared and characterized Menl +/- Rb +/- compound mice in parallel with their parental genotypes. Men1 and Rb did not cooperate in tumor suppression, as demonstrated by comparable survival rates of Rb +/- and Menl +/- Rb +/- mice, absence of tumor growth acceleration and lack of novel neoplasms. Notably, the loss of the remaining copy of the wild-type Men1 and Rb was mutually exclusive in all tumors of Meni +/- Rb +/- mice, including pituitary anterior lobe and adrenal medulla neoplasms shared by Rb- and Men1-deficient phenotypes. Down-regulation of Men1 targets p18 and p27 and increased presence of phosphorylated-Rb were observed in Menl-deficient pheochromocytomas of Men1 +/- Rb +/- and Men1 +/- mice. At the same time, the RNA interference (RNAi) knock-down of Men1 mRNA resulted in increased apoptosis of Rb-deficient medullary thyroid carcinoma cells. These results demonstrate that, depending on cell lineage context, combined Men1 and Rb deficiency may be either redundant or detrimental to neoplastic growth. Identification of cell lineage-specific interactions between Men1 and Rb may have important implications for development of rationally designed therapeutic approaches.
Clinical Spectrum of Diffuse Infiltrating Retinoblastoma in 34 Consecutive Eyes

Purpose To evaluate the clinical features and management of diffuse infiltrating retinoblastoma. Design Retrospective case series. Participants Thirty-four eyes in 32 patients. Methods The patients' records were reviewed for patient and tumor features, ocular management, histopathologic findings, and patient survival. Main Outcome Measures Clinical features, tumor management, and patient survival. Results Of 1507 patients with retinoblastoma, only 32 (2%) were classified with diffuse infiltrating retinoblastoma. The mean age at diagnosis was 4 years (range 1.5–16 years). The referring diagnoses included retinoblastoma (26 eyes, 76%), uveitis (3, 9%), Coats disease (1, 3%), trauma (1, 3%), and unspecified retinal problem (3, 9%). The anterior segment displayed tumor seeds on the corneal endothelium (8, 24%), cornea stromal edema (3, 9%), pseudohypopyon (11, 32%), hyphema (3, 9%), iris neovascularization (17, 50%), and iris tumor nodules (6, 18%). The posterior segment revealed extensive ill-defined retinoblastoma infiltrating the retina for a mean basal diameter of 20 mm and overall flat growth, sometimes with undulating retinal thickening. Overlying extensive vitreous tumor seeds (31, 91%) and vitreous hemorrhage (8, 24%) were noted. Calcification was present on ultrasonography (27/34, 79%) and computed tomography (8/9, 89%). Enucleation was performed for all 34 eyes, and there were no cases of metastases at 47 months follow-up. Conclusions Diffuse infiltrating retinoblastoma can masquerade as uveitis or unexplained hyphema or keratic precipitates. Suspicion for retinoblastoma is important. Financial Disclosure(s) The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Are tRNAs imported into the mitochondria of kinetoplastid protozoa as 5′-extended precursors?

All mitochondrial tRNAs in kinetoplastid protozoa are encoded in nuclear DNA and transported into the mitochondrion (Simpson et al., Nucl Acids Res 1989;17:5427‐5445; Hancock and Hajduk, J Biol Chem 1990;265:19208‐19215). It has been proposed that tRNAs in these cells are imported into the mitochondrion as 5%-extended precursors which are processed by a mitochondrial RNase P-like activity (Hancock et al., J Biol Chem 1992;267:23963‐23971). We have examined this hypothesis by cloning and sequencing primer extension products of mitochondrial tRNAs from Leishmania tarentolae and Trypanosoma brucei, and have found that these are derived from circularized mature tRNA molecules. We suggest that these molecules are produced by the endogenous RNA ligase activity (Bakalara et al., J Biol Chem 1989;264:18679‐18686) either in vivo or during mitochondrial isolation. We did not obtain any evidence for the existence of high molecular weight precursors of mitochondrial tRNAs. This negative result is consistent with previous in vivo transfection studies with both L. tarentolae (Lima and Simpson, RNA 1996;2:429‐440) and T. brucei (Hauser and Schneider, EMBO J 1995;14:4212‐4220; Schneider et al., Mol Cell Biol 1994;14:2317‐2322), in which mitochondrial targeting of plasmid-expressed tRNAs was independent of the presence of 5%-flanking sequences. We conclude that the hypothesis for 5%-extended tRNA precursors in kinetoplastid mitochondrial importation remains to be verified. © 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
The Phenylalanine-binding Protein of Comamonas sp. (ATCC 11299a)

Abstract The phenylalanine-binding protein from Comamonas sp. (11299a) has been purified to homogeneity by ammonium sulfate treatment, carboxymethyl Sephadex chromatography in the presence of phenylalanine, and Sephadex G-100 filtration. Some properties of the protein have been determined including its amino acid composition, its isoelectric point, and its molecular weight. The binding is very tight with a Km of about 1 x 10-7 m but the phenylalanine bound is readily exchangeable. Other aromatic amino acids can bind to the protein. Urea and strong acid or base inhibit the binding, but these effects are reversible. Reagents which are known to react with the e-amino groups of lysine prevent the binding.
A Probabilistic Approach to the Descent Statistic

We present a probabilistic approach to studying the descent statistic based upon a two-variable probability density. This density is log concave and, in fact, satisfies a higher order concavity condition. From these properties we derive quadratic inequalities for the descent statistic. Using Fourier series, we give exact expressions for the Euler numbers and the alternating r-signed permutations. We also obtain a probabilistic interpretation of the sin function.
ARPP-21, a cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein enriched in dopamine- innervated brain regions. I. Amino acid sequence of ARPP-21B from bovine caudate nucleus

ARPP-21 (cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein, Mr = 21,000 as determined by SDS-PAGE) is a major cytosolic substrate for cAMP-stimulated protein phosphorylation in dopamine-innervated regions of the rat CNS. It has recently been purified to homogeneity from bovine caudate nucleus and characterized (Hemmings and Greengard, 1989). ARPP-21 is isolated as 2 isoforms, ARPP-21A and ARPP-21B. The amino acid sequence of purified bovine ARPP-21B has now been determined by gas-phase sequencing. The S-14C-carboxymethylated protein was subjected to enzymatic cleavage with trypsin, chymotrypsin, subtilisin, and endoproteinase Lys-C. The resulting peptides were purified by high-performance liquid chromatography, and selected peptides were subjected to amino acid analysis and/or amino acid sequencing by automated Edman degradation. ARPP-21B consists of a single NH2-terminal blocked polypeptide chain of 88 residues, with a calculated molecular mass of 9561 Da, including an NH2-terminal acetyl group inferred by deblocking with an acylaminopeptidase. This molecular mass is significantly lower than earlier estimates based on SDS-PAGE or hydrodynamic measurements. The seryl residue phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (Hemmings et al., 1989) is located at position 55. The molecule contains 1 cysteinyl residue, at position 71, and contains no methionyl, tyrosyl, phenylalanyl, tryptophanyl, or histidinyl residues. Determination of the primary structure of ARPP-21, one of several phosphoproteins localized to dopaminoceptive neurons in the basal ganglia, provides a framework for further investigations into the molecular mechanisms involved in dopaminergic neurotransmission.
Neural network for three-dimensional object recognition based on digital holography

We present a two-layer neural network for processing of three-dimensional (3D) images that are obtained by digital holography. The network is trained with a real 3D object to compute the weights of the layers. Experiments are presented to illustrate the system performance. The system is designed to detect a 3D object in the presence of various distortions. As an example, experiments are presented to illustrate how the system is able to recognize a 3D object with 360° out-of-plane rotation.
Utility based sensor selection

Sensor networks consist of many small sensing devices that monitor an environment and communicate using wireless links. The lifetime of these networks is severely curtailed by the limited battery power of the sensors. One line of research in sensor network lifetime management has examined sensor selection techniques, in which applications judiciously choose which sensors' data should be retrieved and are worth the expended energy. In the past, many ad-hoc approaches for sensor selection have been proposed. In this paper, we argue that sensor selection should be based upon a tradeoff between application-perceived benefit and energy consumption of the selected sensor set. We propose a framework wherein the application can specify the utility of measuring data (nearly) concurrently at each set of sensors. The goal is then to select a sequence of sets to measure whose total utility is maximized, while not exceeding the available energy. Alternatively, we may look for the most cost-effective sensor set, maximizing the product of utility and system lifetime. This approach is very generic, and permits us to model many applications of sensor networks. We proceed to study two important classes of utility functions: submodular and supermodular functions. We show that the optimum solution for submodular functions can be found in polynomial time, while optimizing the cost-effectiveness of supermodular functions is NP-hard. For a practically important subclass of supermodular functions, we present an LP-based solution if nodes can send for different amounts of time, and show that we can achieve an O(log n) approximation ratio if each node has to send for the same amount of time. Finally, we study scenarios in which the quality of measurements is naturally expressed in terms of distances from targets. We show that the utility-based approach is analogous to a penalty-based approach in those scenarios, and present preliminary results on some practically important special cases.
Genetic Control of Sex Determination in the Germ Line of C. elegans

How is a germ cell instructed to differentiate as a sperm or an oocyte? This is essentially a question of sex determination asked at the cellular level. Sex determination in the germ line has been elusive to experimentation in both Drosophila and in mice. However, in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, control over the choice between spermatogenesis and oogenesis has proven to be particularly accessible to genetic analysis. In this chapter, we review our current knowledge of the mechanisms in C. elegans that influence this decision.
Effects of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth performance and body composition of black sea bass Centropristis striata (Linnaeus 1758) during grow-out in a pilot-scale marine recirculating system

The influence of four formulated practical diets, with different protein and lipid levels, on the growth and body composition of black sea bass (Centropristis striata L.) pre-adults was evaluated in a pilot-scale marine recirculating system. Four test diets were prepared with a combination of two protein levels (44% and 54%) and two lipid levels (10% and 15%). The diets were as follows: low protein and low lipid (LP:LL; 44:10), low protein and high lipid (LP:HL; 44:15), high protein and low lipid (HP:LL; 54:10) and high protein and high lipid (HP:HL; 54:15). Fish (mean weight=75.5 g) were fed the respective diets for 90 days. For fish fed LP:HL, body weight gain was significantly (P<0.05) higher than fish fed LP:LL. Increasing the protein level from 44% to 54% did not produce a significant effect on weight gain at high lipid level. A significant (P<0.01) interactive effect between dietary protein and lipid levels on the growth and feed utilization was observed. Total lipid content in the whole body, muscle and liver was significantly affected by the dietary lipid levels. The results suggested that a combination of 44% dietary protein and 15% lipid was optimal for the growth of black sea bass.
Modification of Sexual Development in the Opossum by Sex Hormones.

ConclusionsOpossum pouch young, indifferent as to sex at birth, show stimulated responses of both sex ducts from treatment with ointments or injections of androgens or estrogens; duct inhibitions are not evident. Responses are revealed by day 16. Androgenic stimulation of Mullerian, and estrogenic stimulation of Wolffian, ducts are unexpected; female prostate induction occurs with androgenic treatment and male prostate inhibition with estrogenic treatment. Responses differ from those revealed in the free-martin.
Employment With a Socially Responsible Business: Worker Capabilities and Quality of Life

Alternative trade organizations (ATOs) adhere to a set of socially responsible business practices fostering empowerment and improved quality of life for their workers. The researchers explored the ...
Real-time results without real-time systems

The data acquisition system at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL), Michigan State University, East Lansing, is based on commodity PC components running an unmodified Linux kernel. A commercial PCI-VME bus bridge connects the readout processors of this system to digitization hardware. While Linux is not a real-time system, this paper shows how we have structured the readout software to meet the requirements of the NSCL without the use of real-time or embedded components.
Sustainable Case Study: United States Steel Corporation

Overall, the North American Steel Industry has made significant strides to protect our environment and preserve our resources by: reducing overall energy consumption per ton of steel by 29% since 1990; reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (including CO2) by more than 25% from 1994 thru 2003; reducing air toxics volumes by more than 70% from 1994 thru 2003, and total air & water discharges by 69%; collecting and reusing of steel making by products such as: slag for road building, railroad ballasts, fertilizer, glassmaking, & other applications; coke oven & steel making gases for fuel/heat generation; increased steel manufacturing efficiencies now result in the production of 100 units of steel from 114 units of raw steel vs. 140 units previously, which has resulted in a yield improvement of 16% to 87% from 71%. These statistics indicate that the industry is doing an efficient job improving the environment in such a short span of time. Recently, United States Steel Corporation has been taking strides to improving sustainability within its corporation. Originally, U.S. Steel has always been a company that prides itself on good business practices. Today, they are taking further steps by incorporating sustainable measures to fit the trend developing in society. This is a study devoted to evaluating U.S. Steel’s current successes and failures regarding their recent sustainability practices.
Corporal Punishment is a Necessary Evil: Parents’ Perceptions On The Use Of Corporal Punishment In School

Corporal punishment in Zimbabwe is a “hot potato” that is bringing challenges both on the legal and cultural fronts. My interest in doing this study stems from the Supreme Court ruling that ruled the use of corporal punishment is unconstitutional. After the ruling, it became imperative to understand the views of different people pertaining to the use of corporal punishment, especially in schools because that is where it is prevalent. For this study I sought to discover and understand the perspectives and worldviews of parents with regards to the use of corporal punishment in schools. I used the basic interpretive approach for this qualitative research study. A sample of nine participants was selected during one visitation weekend at the school. I collected data through interviews and was analyzed through conventional content analysis. The research findings revealed parents advocated for the continuance in use of corporal punishment. The study revealed that parents considered that corporal punishment had immediate benefits, future benefits, and was also cited in the Bible. The study recommends that Zimbabwe as a country should come up with laws on corporal punishment use that do not erodes its cultural values nor break children’s human rights.
Radiation predictions and shielding calculations for RITS-6

The mission of Radiographic Integrated Test Stand-6 (RITS-6) facility is to provide the underlying science and technology for pulsed-power-driven flash radiographic X-ray sources for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Flash X-ray radiography is a penetrating diagnostic to discern the internal structure in dynamic experiments. Short (~50 nanosecond (ns) duration) bursts of very high intensity Xrays from mm-scale source sizes are required at a variety of voltages to address this mission. RITS-6 was designed and is used to both develop the accelerator technology needed for these experiments and serves as the principal test stand to develop the high intensity electron beam diodes that generate the required X-ray sources. RITS is currently in operation with three induction cavities (RITS-3) with a maximum voltage output of 5.5 MV and is classified as a low hazard non-nuclear facility in accordance with CPR 400.1.1, Chapter 13, Hazards Identification/Analysis and Risk Management. The facility will be expanded from three to six cavities (RITS-6) effectively doubling the operating voltage. The increase in the operating voltage to above 10 MV has resulted in RITS-6 being classified as an accelerator facility. RITS-6 will come under DOE Order 420.2B, Safety of Accelerator Facilities. The hazards of RITS are detailedmore » in the "Safety Assessment Document for the Radiographic Integrated Test Stand Facility." The principal non-industrial hazard is prompt x-ray radiation. As the operating voltage is increased, both the penetration power and the total amount (dose) of x-rays are increased, thereby increasing the risk to local personnel. Fixed site shielding (predominantly concrete walls and a steel/lead skyshine shield) is used to attenuate these x-rays and mitigate this risk. This SAND Report details the anticipated x-ray doses, the shielding design, and the anticipated x-ray doses external to this shielding structure both in areas where administrative access control restricts occupation and in adjacent uncontrolled areas.« less
Variance reduction in Monte Carlo sampling-based optimality gap estimators for two-stage stochastic linear programming

This paper presents a comparative computational study of the variance reduction techniques antithetic variates and Latin hypercube sampling when used for assessing solution quality in stochastic programming. Three Monte Carlo sampling-based procedures that provide point and interval estimators of optimality gap are considered: one that uses multiple replications, and two others with an alternative sample variance estimator that use single or two replications. Theoretical justification for using these alternative sampling techniques is discussed. In particular, we discuss asymptotic properties of the resulting estimators using Latin hypercube sampling for single- and two-replication procedures in detail. These theoretical considerations result in some subtle changes in the implementation of the procedures. A collection of two-stage stochastic linear test problems with different characteristics is used to empirically compare the three procedures for assessing solution quality with these variance reduction techniques.
Research and Application of Fujian Agricultural Hi-tech

Fujian Province has achieved a series of research results with independent intellectual property rights in agricultural hi-tech field since the '90s,especially in the research and application of hi-tech such as modern agricultural biotechnology,information technology,and space technology,also in the construction of Agricultural Hi-tech Park.These factors are promoting the transformation of agricultural technological achievements,improving Fujian agricultural technological level,and promoting the development of modern agriculture in Fujian.This paper described the research progress in Fujian agricultural hi-tech filed,and the effectiveness of industrialization,in order to provide reference for agricultural technological workers and leadership decision making.
Intravascular ultrasound with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for supra-aortic arteries.

SUMMARY One of the major complications during or after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is distal embolism. We performed intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to assess the morphological characteristics of atheromatous plaques which caused stenosis of arteries. In 7 cases of ICA stenosis, IVUS demonstrated hyperechoic plaques which were considered to be fibrous. Mixed type of plaque was observed in one case of ICA stenosis and another one case of ICA stenosis had plaque which was hyperechoic with acoustic shadowing. In all cases of SCA stenosis, plaques were hypoechoic, indicating fatty plaque. Distal embolism occurred after PTA in the case of ICA stenosis which had a mixed type of plaque. It is important to evaluate plaque morphology to prevent distal embolism. PTA is considered to be contraindicated in cases of ICA stenosis having hypoechoic plaques or ulceration.
An online introductory physical geology laboratory: From concept to outcome

Networked computing presents opportunities for innovation in geoscience instruction. Many institutions are hybridizing their introductory courses or offering them completely online. However, a key challenge in the geosciences is that of adapting laboratory classes to the online environment, particularly with regard to teaching mineral and rock specimen identification. This contribution discusses the design and implementation of an online introductory geology laboratory at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, including curriculum, materials, assessments, and delivery of instruction. Results are presented from a pilot study comparing student outcomes of both an online section and a traditional, face-to-face (F2F) section. No significant differences in assessment outcomes were found between a face-to-face control group and an online experimental group. Recommendations are presented for instructors and institutions that may be considering online laboratory instruction.
Depth resolved granular transport driven by shearing fluid flow

Erosion of a granular bed from the suspension to the dense granular flow regime is measured under steady-state driving conditions with index-matching techniques. The grain velocity is found to decay exponentially deep inside the bed.
Abstract 325: Palmitic Acid Enhances the Stimulatory Effect of Lipopolysaccharide on Interleukin 6 Expression in Cardiac Microvascular Endothelial Cells by Increasing Ceramide Production via both De Novo Synthesis and Sphingomyelin Hydrolysis

Host inflammatory response mediated by toll-like receptor (TLR)4, a pattern recognition receptor for lipopolysaccharide (LPS), plays an important role in cardiovascular complication of diabetes. Although it is known that patients with type 2 diabetes or/and obesity have increased plasma free fatty acids (FAs), and saturated FAs such as palmitic acid (PA) increase host inflammatory response, the interaction between saturated FAs and LPS-elicited TLR4 signaling has not been well elucidated. Since it is known that neovascularization in advanced atherosclerotic plaques contributes to plaque destabilization, we investigated the mechanism whereby PA interacts with LPS for pro-inflammatory gene expression in cardiac microvascular (MIC) endothelial cells (ECs). We found that while LPS at 5 ng/ml stimulated a robust interleukin (IL)-6 secretion in cardiac MIC ECs, 100 μM of PA further augmented the stimulation by more than 2-fold (Control, 4.4; LPS, 41.3, PA, 6.0, LPS+PA, 89.0 ng/ml). Besides IL-6, PA also enhanced the stimulatory effect of LPS on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α (Control, 2.6; LPS, 38.5, PA, 13.8, LPS+PA, 58.0 pg/ml). Time course study showed that IL-6 expression induced by LPS peaked at 4 h and dropped sharply after the peak. In contrast, addition of PA to LPS delayed the peak to 8 h and stimulated a second peak at 24 h after a transient drop at 12 h. Consistently, quantification of IL-6 in medium showed that IL-6 level in culture medium of cells treated by LPS alone plateaued at 8 h, but addition of PA to LPS led to a continuous liner increase in IL-6 in culture medium up to 48 h. Our further investigation showed that PA and LPS had a synergistic effect on the production of total ceramides and, in particular, C16 ceramide. The involvement of the synergistic effect of LPS and PA on ceramide production in IL-6 upregulation was indicated by the findings that myriocin and fumonisin B1, the inhibitors of ceramide de novo synthesis, and GW4869, an inhibitor of sphingomyelin hydrolysis, reduced IL-6 secretion by cells treated with LPS and PA significantly. Taken together, this study has demonstrated that PA enhances the stimulatory effect of LPS on IL-6 expression in cardiac MIC ECs by increasing ceramide production via both de novo synthesis and sphingomyelin hydrolysis.
Evidence for the modulation of nociception in mice by central mast cells.

Background Hyperalgesia that develops following nerve ligation corresponds temporally and in magnitude with the number of thalamic mast cells located contralateral to the ligature. We tested the possibility that mast cells modulate nociception centrally, similar to their role in the periphery. Methods We examined the central effect of two hyperalgesic compounds that induce mast cell degranulation and of stabilized mast cells using cromolyn. Results Thermal hyperalgesia (tail flick) induced by nerve growth factor (NGF, a neurotrophic compound) and mechanical hyperalgesia (von Frey) induced by dynorphin A (1-17) (opioid compound) each correlated with the per cent of thalamic mast cells that were degranulated. Degranulation of these mast cells by the central injection of compound 48/80, devoid of neurotrophic or opioid activity, was sufficient to recapitulate thermal hyperalgesia. Stabilization of mast cells by central injections of cromolyn produced no analgesic effect on baseline tail flick or von Frey fibre sensitivity, but inhibited thermal hyperalgesia produced by compound 48/80 and tactile hyperalgesia induced by dynorphin and by Freund's complete adjuvant. Finally, chemical nociception produced by the direct activation of nociceptors by formalin (phase I) was not inhibited by centrally injected cromolyn whereas chemical nociception dependent on central sensitization (formalin-phase II and acetic acid-induced abdominal stretches) was. Conclusions These convergent lines of evidence suggest that degranulation of centrally located mast cells sensitizes central nociceptive pathways leading to hyperalgesia and tonic chemical sensitivity. Significance Hyperalgesia induced by spinal nerve ligation corresponds temporally and in magnitude with degranulation of thalamic mast cells. Here, we provide evidence that hyperalgesia induced by NGF, formalin and dynorphin also may depend on mast cell degranulation in the CNS whereas cromolyn, a mast cell stabilizer, blocks these effects in mice.
Characterization Problems of Combinatorial Graph Theory

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the characterization problems of combinatorial graph theory. Combinatorial problems arise in many areas of pure mathematics, notably in algebra, probability theory, topology, and geometry. One of the oldest and most accessible parts of combinatorics is graph theory, which also has numerous natural connections to other areas. Combinatorics is used frequently in computer science to obtain formulas and estimates in the analysis of algorithms. Combinatorial mathematics or combinatorial theory concerns itself with the problems of operations on or arrangements and selections from a finite or discrete set. Graphs are basic objects in combinatorics. The questions range from counting to structural to algebraic questions.
Nature of the coordination polyhedra around M 2 cations in pigeonite

An understanding of the irregular coordination polyhedra exhibited by the M2 cations in clinopyroxenes is of prime importance in connection with the behaviour of solid solutions and polymorphism in pyroxenes. As shown by “unfolding” the silica chains in pigeonite, cations with octahedral stereochemistry like Mg++and Fe++ cause “kinking” of the silica chains, whereas larger cations like Ca++and Na+have an opposite namely “straightening” effect. This is a probable factor causing immiscibility in the Mg++-Ca++ solid solutions in pyroxenes. In pyroxene structures with “kinked” silica chains the arrangement of oxygen atoms approaches “close packing”; consequently different stacking sequences will be energetically possible leading to polymorphism in pyroxenes. When Pauling's electrostatic valence rule is applied to clinopyroxenes, the charge balance will be exceedingly improved if “effective” coordination number of M2 cation is assigned and if the distortions of M 2 coordination polyhedron is considered.
Response to Comment on "Development of Asthma in Inner-City Children: Possible Roles of MAIT Cells and Variation in the Home Environment".

We appreciate that G. Lezmi and M. Leite-de-Moraes called attention to our recent publication ([1][1]) on mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells and childhood asthma. We are pleased that their interesting, recent work also finds a link between MAIT cells and this disease. This is logical,
Origin of the germ cell line

The definitive germ cell line usually is considered to begin with the appearance of primordial germ cells (PGCs). As we shall see, for a few selected examples, PGCs are identified first in the posterior blastoderm in certain insect embryos, in the floor of the blastocoel in anuran frogs, in the anterior extraembryonic endoderm in chicks and in the endoderm of the yolk sac in mammals. It is tempting to make the generalization from these findings that the germ cell line of diverse animals arises within the endoderm or its equivalent prior to organogenesis. However, PGCs usually are identified on the basis of morphological features. This criterion alone may be insufficient for defining the beginning of the germ cell line. Cells which do not particularly look like PGCs but which have the developmental potential of PGCs, or express gene products specific to PGCs, might be present at earlier times and at other sites during embryogenesis. If this were shown to be the case, one might argue that by these criteria such cells should be called PGCs.
Frank-Wolfe Style Algorithms for Large Scale Optimization

We introduce a few variants on Frank-Wolfe style algorithms suitable for large scale optimization. We show how to modify the standard Frank-Wolfe algorithm using stochastic gradients, approximate subproblem solutions, and sketched decision variables in order to scale to enormous problems while preserving (up to constants) the optimal convergence rate \(\mathcal {O}\left (\frac {1}{k}\right )\).