cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temperature Regulates Stability, Ligand Binding (Mg2+ and ATP) and Stoichiometry of GroEL/GroES Complexes

Chaperonins are nanomachines that harness ATP hydrolysis to power and catalyze protein folding, chemical action that is directly linked to the maintenance of cell function through protein folding/refolding and assembly. GroEL and the GroEL-GroES complex are archetypal examples of such protein folding machines. Here, variable-temperature-electrospray ionization (vT-ESI) native mass spectrometry is used to delineate the effects of solution temperature and ATP concentrations on the stabilities of GroEL and GroEL/GroES complexes. The results show clear evidences for de-stabilization of both GroEL14 and GroES7 at temperatures of 50 oC and 45 oC, respectively, substantially below the pre-viously reported melting temperature (Tm ~ 70 oC). This destabilization is accompanied by temperature-dependent reaction products that have previously unreported stoichiometries, viz. GroEL14-GroESx-ATPy, where x = 1, 2, 8 and y = 0, 1, 2, that are also dependent on Mg2+ and ATP concentrations. Variable-temperature native mass spectrometry re-veals new insights about the stability of GroEL in response to several environmental effects: (i) temperature-dependent ATP binding to GroEL (ii) effects of temperature as well as Mg2+ and ATP concentrations on the stoichiome-try of the GroEL-GroES complex, with Mg2+ showing greater effects compared to ATP; and, (iii) a change in the temper-ature-dependent stoichiometries of the GroEL-GroES complex (GroEL14-GroES7 vs GroEL14-GroES8) between 24 to 56 oC. The similarities between results obtained using native MS and cryo-EM (Clare et al., An expanded protein folding cage in the GroEL-gp31 complex. J. Mol. Biol. 2006, 358, 905-11; Ranson et al., Allosteric signaling of ATP hydrolysis in GroEL–GroES complexes. Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol. 2006, 13, 147-152.) underscores the utility of native MS for investiga-tions of molecular machines as well as identification of key intermediates involved in the chaperone-assisted protein folding cycle.
Multi-vendor and multisite evaluation of cerebrovascular reactivity mapping using hypercapnia challenge.

Abstract Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), which measures the ability of cerebral blood vessels to dilate or constrict in response to vasoactive stimuli such as CO2 inhalation, is an important index of the brain's vascular health. Quantification of CVR using BOLD MRI with hypercapnia challenge has shown great promises in research and clinical studies. However, in order for it to be used as a potential imaging biomarker in large-scale and multi-site studies, the reliability of CO2-CVR quantification across different MRI acquisition platforms and researchers/raters must be examined. The goal of this report from the MarkVCID small vessel disease biomarkers consortium is to evaluate the reliability of CO2-CVR quantification in three studies. First, the inter-rater reliability of CO2-CVR data processing was evaluated by having raters from 5 MarkVCID sites process the same 30 CVR datasets using a cloud-based CVR data processing pipeline. Second, the inter-scanner reproducibility of CO2-CVR quantification was assessed in 10 young subjects across two scanners of different vendors. Third, test-retest repeatability was evaluated in 20 elderly subjects from 4 sites with a scan interval of less than 2 weeks. In all studies, the CO2 CVR measurements were performed using the fixed inspiration method, where the subjects wore a nose clip and a mouthpiece and breathed room air and 5% CO2 air contained in a Douglas bag alternatively through their mouth. The results showed that the inter-rater CoV of CVR processing was 0.08 ± 0.08% for whole-brain CVR values and ranged from 0.16% to 0.88% in major brain regions, with ICC of absolute agreement above 0.9959 for all brain regions. Inter-scanner CoV was found to be 6.90 ± 5.08% for whole-brain CVR values, and ranged from 4.69% to 12.71% in major brain regions, which are comparable to intra-session CoVs obtained from the same scanners on the same day. ICC of consistency between the two scanners was 0.8498 for whole-brain CVR and ranged from 0.8052 to 0.9185 across major brain regions. In the test-retest evaluation, test-retest CoV across different days was found to be 18.29 ± 17.12% for whole-brain CVR values, and ranged from 16.58% to 19.52% in major brain regions, with ICC of absolute agreement ranged from 0.6480 to 0.7785. These results demonstrated good inter-rater, inter-scanner, and test-retest reliability in healthy volunteers, and suggested that CO2-CVR has suitable instrumental properties for use as an imaging biomarker of cerebrovascular function in multi-site and longitudinal observational studies and clinical trials.
Medical Service Utilization Among Youth with School-Identified Disabilities in Residential Care

Background Behavioral, social, emotional, and educational risks among children and youth with school identified disabilities served in residential care have been well documented. However, the health care needs and medical service utilization of this high-risk population are less well known. Given the risks associated with children with disabilities, one might expect that medical care usage is elevated and will continue to be a need when children return home or age out of the system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if medical service utilization differed between youth with and without school-identified disabilities in care, and whether certain correlates (e.g., demographic characteristics and mental health functioning) would be associated with medical service use among youth with disabilities.
Modified Runge-Kutta methods for solving ODES

A class of Runge-Kutta formulas is examined which permit the calculation of an accurate solution anywhere in the interval of integration. This is used in a code which seldom has to reject a step; rather it takes a reduced step if the estimated error is too large. The absolute stability implications of this are examined.
Inhibition of Butyrate Oxidation by Formate during Methanogenesis.

A mixed methanogenic culture fed with glucose was perturbed with butyrate and formate to investigate the role of formate in the acetogenesis of butyrate. A free energy analysis suggests that formate rather than H2 was the interspecies electron carrier for butyrate conversion into acetate for the culture studied.
Novel strategies for inhibiting PD-1 pathway-mediated immune suppression while simultaneously delivering activating signals to tumor-reactive T cells.

We previously developed cell-based vaccines as therapeutics for metastatic cancers. The vaccines were aimed at activating type I CD4+T cells and consisted of tumor cells transfected with genes encoding syngeneic MHC class II and CD80 costimulatory molecules, and lacking the MHC II-associated invariant chain. The vaccines showed some efficacy in mice with sarcoma, melanoma, and breast cancer and activated MHC class II syngeneic T cells from breast, lung, and melanoma patients. During the course of the vaccine studies, we observed that CD80 not only costimulated naive T cells, but also bound to PD-L1 and prevented tumor cell-expressed PD-L1 from binding to its receptor PD-1 on activated T cells. A soluble form of CD80 (CD80-Fc) had the same effect and sustained IFNγ production by both human and murine PD-1+ activated T cells in the presence of PD-L1+ human or mouse tumor cells, respectively. In vitro studies with human tumor cells indicated that CD80-Fc was more effective than antibodies to either PD-1 or PD-L1 in sustaining T cell production of IFNγ. Additionally, in vivo studies with a murine tumor demonstrated that CD80-Fc was more effective than antibodies to PD-L1 in extending survival time. Studies with human T cells blocked for CD28 and with T cells from CD28 knockout mice demonstrated that CD80-Fc simultaneously inhibited PD-L1/PD-1-mediated immune suppression and delivered costimulatory signals to activated T cells, thereby amplifying T cell activation. These results suggest that CD80-Fc may be a useful monotherapy that minimizes PD-1 pathway immune suppression while simultaneously activating tumor-reactive T cells.
Meeting with the SME To Design Multimedia Exploration Systems

Multimedia exploration programs have different purposes than task-oriented computer-based training (CBT) programs. The multimedia learning process may be more important than its learning product, with the student accessing a rich base of information and symbol systems in a more idiosyncratic manner. The amount and structure of information in an exploratory environment also differs from task- or objectives-based programs. These process and structure differences necessitate special types of task analysis approaches. When meeting with the subject-matter expert, the instructional designer may find it helpful to use scenarios and knowledge mapping tools, and to employ variable consultation strategies. This article outlines some tools and tactics to facilitate the knowledge elicitation process in multimedia design by facilitating communication between the designer and subject matter expert (SME).
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF U.S. URBAN LABOR MARKETS: ASIAN IMMIGRANT GROUPS IN NEW YORK AND LOS ANGELES

This article develops a disaggregate and comparative approach to discern the role of immigrants in urban economies. We disaggregate Asians into four dominant subgroups, and we disaggregate gross industrial employment categories into an industrial-occupational matrix. Using a relative measure of employment, we compare industrial-occupational niches for each Asian group in two similar urban contexts, Los Angeles and New York. Empirical findings indicate that neither the supply-side nor demand-driven perspectives on immigrants' role in urban economies sufficiently explains the complex patterns we identified. Our results suggest that the neoclassical vision of immigrants - filling particular niches for which they “fit”, by virtue of qualifications or corporate need - overlooks the possibility that immigrants may work to create their own niche or competitive advantage through managing or manipulating the system. This possibility must be explored through interviews. We suggest that interview procedures be preceded by the type of analysis conducted here, so that specific, targeted questions can be developed for the field.
Formation of ferrihydrite and associated iron corrosion products in permeable reactive barriers of zero-valent iron.

Ferrihydrite, which is known to form in the presence of oxygen and to be stabilized by the adsorption of Si, PO4 and SO4, is ubiquitous in the fine-grained fractions of permeable reactive barrier (PRB) samples from the U.S. Coast Guard Support Center (Elizabeth City, NC) and the Denver Federal Center (Lakewood, CO) studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction. The concurrent energy-dispersive X-ray data indicate a strong association between ferrihydrite and metals such as Si, Ca, and Cr. Magnetite, green rust 1, aragonite, calcite, mackinawite, greigite and lepidocrocite were also present, indicative of a geochemical environment that is temporally and spatially heterogeneous. Whereas magnetite, which is known to form due to anaerobic Fe0 corrosion, passivates the Fe0 surface, ferrihydrite precipitation occurs away from the immediate Fe0 surface, forming small (<0.1 microm) discrete clusters. Consequently, Fe0-PRBs may remain effective for a longer period of time in slightly oxidized groundwater systems where ferrihydrite formation occurs compared to oxygen-depleted systems where magnetite passivation occurs. The ubiquitous presence of ferrihydrite suggests that the use of Fe0-PRBs may be extended to applications that require contaminant adsorption rather than, or in addition to, redox-promoted contaminant degradation.
Experimental determination of the fiber orientation parameters and the Raman tensor of the 1614 cm−1 band of poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Abstract Polarized Raman spectroscopic measurements were performed on uniaxially oriented fibers of poly(ethylene terephthalate). The diagonal Raman tensor for the 1614 cm−1 band along with the second- and fourth-order coefficients of the orientation distribution function are determined from the Raman scattering intensities as a function of spin-speed. The development of an oriented-amorphous material within the fiber is explained. The elements of the Raman tensor appear to vary as a function of spinning speed. This observation calls into question the use of isotropic values for the Raman tensor when determining the orientation.
Bipolar-panic comorbidity in the general population: prevalence and associated morbidity.

Abstract Background: The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence, psychiatric comorbidity, panic symptomotology and physical morbidity associated with the co-occurrence of bipolar disorder and panic attacks in the general population. Method: Data were drawn from the National Comorbidity Survey, a community-based household sample (n=8098) representative of the US adult population aged 15–54. F tests were used to determine differences in sociodemographic characteristics, panic symptoms, physical and psychiatric morbidity between individuals with bipolar disorder with and without co-occurring panic attacks (lifetime). Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify sociodemographic and psychiatric correlates of the co-occurrence of bipolar disorder and panic attacks. Result: The co-occurrence of bipolar disorder and panic attacks was associated with earlier onset of panic attack [17.1 (8.7) years vs. 22.0 (10.3) years, F=8.3, df=1, 429, P=0.004] and significantly greater panic symptomotology (P
Extensible soft semantic web services agent

Web services technology is critical for the success of business integration and other application fields such as bioinformatics. However, there are two challenges facing the practicality of Web services: (a) efficient location of the Web service registries that contain the requested Web services and (b) efficient retrieval of the requested services from these registries with high quality of service (QoS). The main reason for this problem is that current Web services technology is not semantic-oriented. Several proposals have been made to add semantics to Web services to facilitate discovery and composition of relevant Web services. Such proposals are being referred to as semantic Web services (SWS). However, most of these proposals do not address the second problem of retrieval of web services with high QoS. In this paper, we propose a framework called soft semantic Web services agent (soft SWS agent) for providing high QoS Semantic Web services using soft computing methodology. Since different application domains have different requirement for QoS, it is impractical to use classical mathematical modeling methods to evaluate the QoS of semantic Web services. We use fuzzy neural networks with Genetic Algorithms (GA) as our study case. Simulation results show that the soft computing methodology is practicable to handle fuzzy and uncertain QoS metrics effectively.
Medical event coreference resolution using the UMLS metathesaurus and temporal reasoning

We study the problem of medical event coreference resolution in clinical text. Clinical text found in clinical narratives and patient case reports usually reflects a sublanguage with medicine specific terminology. It is also frequently characterized by temporal expressions co-occurring with medical events.In this paper, we outline a method for quantifying the similarity between medical events found in the New England Journal of Medicine patient case reports. We believe this method will be valuable in classifying medical events as coreferential. We approach this problem by determining the overlap between pairs of medical events in terms of 1) the relation between medical events in the UMLS graph structure and 2) the temporal relation between the medical events. We demonstrate our ideas on a corpus of New England Journal of Medicine case reports annotated with coreference information. Preliminary results indicate a precision of 78.5% and recall of 95.5% in identifying pairs of coreferential medical events.
Acute effect of benzene on 59Fe incorporation into circulating erythrocytes

Abstract The effect of benzene on erythropoiesis was evaluated in mice using the erythrocyte 59Fe utilization method. After the normal rate of 59Fe accumulation in circulating red blood cells was estimated, mice were given single doses of benzene sc and its effect on 59Fe uptake was evaluated after 5 specific time intervals. The earliest time at which bone marrow suppression could be detected was 24 hr after benzene administration (440 or 2200 mg/kg). No suppression was found after 1 and 12 hr whereas maximum suppression was seen after 48 hr and complete recovery was observed after 72 hr. The evidence suggests that benzene inhibits the multiplication of erythrocyte precursor cells but does not interfere with the incorporation of iron into heme.
The textual critic: Hung‐up on Trivia?

In this essay the author examines the textual critic's job, his problems, and resulting efforts as he seeks to establish the authenticity of speech texts. Some new textual principles, contrasted with those of written literature, emerge.
Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer from aequorin to a fluorophore: an artificial jellyfish for applications in multianalyte detection

In nature, the green light emission observed in the jellyfish Aequorea victoria is a result of a non-radiative energy transfer from the excited-state aequorin to the green fluorescent protein. In this work, we have modified the photoprotein aequorin by attaching selected fluorophores at a unique site on the protein. This will allow for in vitro transfer of bioluminescent energy from aequorin to the fluorophore thus creating an “artificial jellyfish”. The fluorophores are selected such that the excitation spectrum of the fluorophore overlaps with the emission spectrum of aequorin. By modifying aequorin with different fluorophores, bioluminescent labels with different emission maxima are produced, which will allow for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes. By examining the X-ray crystal structure of the protein, four different sites for introduction of the unique cysteine residue were evaluated. Two fluorophores with differing emission maxima were attached individually to the mutants through the sulfhydryl group of the cysteine molecule. Two of the fluorophore-labeled mutants showed a peak corresponding to fluorophore emission thus indicating resonance energy transfer from aequorin to the fluorophore.
Thermodynamics of the primary and secondary photochemical reactions in Chromatium

Abstract Thermodynamic properties of the primary and secondary photosynthetic electron transfer reactions in Chromatium vinosum have been studied with the aid of short actinic light flashes. Midpoint redox potentials measured for the primary electron acceptor (X), P870, and cytochromes C555 and C552 agreed with those which previous workers have obtained with other techniques. The secondary electron acceptor (Y) has a midpoint redox potential at pH 7.7 ( E m7.7 ) of approx. −90 mV, and is present in a pool of approx. two molecules per molecule of X. The reaction between X − ( E m7.7 approx. −130 mV) and Y is a single-electron process, which occurs at the same rate whether the Y pool is completely oxidized or partially reduced. The possibility was considered that the E m values might be sensitive to electrostatic interactions between electron carriers within a photosynthetic unit. However, the redox titrations of cytochrome C555 appear to be unaffected by the oxidation state of X. Similarly, oxidation of one of the two cytochrome C555 hemes appears not to perturb the titration of the other heme. As a result, values of ΔG °, ΔH °, and ΔS ° derived from redox titrations of the electron carriers in separate photosynthetic units probably represent the true standard state values for the photochemical reactions. Measurements of the E m values as functions of temperature allowed a resolution of the free energy changes ( ΔG °) into the entropy and enthalpy changes ( ΔS ° and ΔH °), for each of the reactions. Surprisingly, an entropy decrease accounts for all of the free energy which is stored in the primary photochemical reaction. Overall values of ΔG °, ΔH °, and ΔS ° for the transfer of an electron from cytochrome C555 to Y are +9.9 kcal/mole, −0.7 kcal/mole, and −35.9 cal×°K −1 ×mole −1 , respectively. The E m values of the cytochromes are independent of pH. Those of P870, X, and Y all depend on pH, indicating the uptake of approx. 1 2 H + in each of the half-cell reductions. N -Methylphenazonium methosulfate (PMS), at a concentration of 100 μM, does not alter the redox titrations of P870, X, or either cytochrome C555 or cytochrome C552. However, it does interfere with titrations of Y, raising the apparent midpoint potential and increasing the pH dependence of the titration, in a manner which does not directly correlate with the chemical reduction of PMS itself.
Vitamin D status and bone density in steroid-treated children with glomerulopathies: effect of cholecalciferol and calcium supplementation

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of this study was to assess vitamin D status and bone density in steroid-treated children with glomerulopathies and to evaluate the effect of prophylactic vitamin D and calcium supplementation. Material and Methods Retrospective analysis was performed on 55 children aged 4–18 yrs with glomerulopathies. The following data were analyzed: antropometrical parameters, bone densitometries, parathormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), urinary calcium excretion and medications received for prevention of low bone mass. Results A significant number of children (38%) had decreased spinal bone mineral density (BMD z-score Conclusions Vitamin D and bone density deficits are remarkably common in steroid-treated children with glomerulopathies, despite vitamin D and calcium repletion. In order to enhance the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation for improvement of bone density, we suggest regular assessment of serum concentration of 25-OHD that can guide subsequent dose adjustment of vitamin D.
Working towards Balance: Arts Integration in Pre-Service Teacher Education in an Era of Standardization.

Abstract Drawing on pre-service teachers’ curriculum, the promises and pitfalls of three orientations to arts integration—making, analyzing, and balancing—are described. While few pre-service teachers create balanced curriculum where students make and analyze art, even fewer implement such lessons as student teachers. By contrast, most pre-service teachers initially approach arts integration by asking students to make or analyze art. Such patterns imply teacher educators need to identify fieldwork placements supporting arts integration, frame pre-service teachers’ initial arts integration as steps to be nurtured by continuing professional development, and prepare teachers committed to the arts to resist narrow definitions of learning in a climate of standardization.
A comparative study between a two-compartment cell and the standard electrode system

Abstract This paper deals with a two-compartment electrochemical cell, as investigated by cyclic voltammetry. After comparison of all possible arrangements of the electrodes, it could be shown that there are only two kinds of cyclic voltammogram corresponding to standard three-electrode and standard two-electrode systems, respectively. Their relationship is discussed. Finally, two cell arrangements are suggested for studying the charge transfer on, as well as across, membranes.
A finite-deformation, gradient theory of single-crystal plasticity with free energy dependent on the accumulation of geometrically necessary dislocations

This paper develops a finite-deformation, gradient theory of single crystal plasticity. The theory is based on a system of microscopic force balances, one balance for each slip system, derived from the principle of virtual power, and a mechanical version of the second law that includes, via the microscopic forces, work performed during plastic flow. When combined with thermodynamically consistent constitutive relations the microscopic force balances become flow rules for the individual slip systems. Because these flow rules are in the form of partial differential equations requiring boundary conditions, they are nonlocal. The chief new ingredient in the theory is a free energy dependent on (geometrically necessary) edge and screw dislocation-densities as introduced in Gurtin [Gurtin, 2006. The Burgers vector and the flow of screw and edge dislocations in finite-deformation plasticity. Journal of Mechanics and Physics of Solids 54, 1882].
An ‘Honest Broker’ mechanism to maintain privacy for patient care and academic medical research

Abstract Purpose From the Hippocratic Oath to the World Medical Association's Declaration of Geneva, physicians have sworn to protect patients’ privacy. However, as systems move to more integrated architectures, protecting this medical data becomes more of a challenge. The increase in complexity of IT environments, the aggregation of data, and the desire of other entities to access this data, often 24 h/day × 7 day/week × 365 day/year, is putting serious strains on our ability to maintain its security. This problem cuts across all electronic record sources from patient care records to academic medical research records. Approach In order to address this issue, we are rethinking the way we store, transmit, process, access, and federate patient data from clinical and research applications. Our groups at the University of Michigan are developing a system called the “Honest Broker” to help manage this problem. The Honest Broker will offload the burden of housing identifiable data elements of protected health information (PHI) (e.g., name and address) as well as manage data transfer between clinical and research systems. Lab results and other non-identifiable data will be stored in separate systems with either a research study ID or clinical ID number. This two-component architecture increases the burden on attackers who now need to compromise two systems, one of which is seriously hardened, in order to match health data with a patient's actual identity. Conclusions While no security system is truly intrusion-proof, this architecture provides a high security choke point reducing the likelihood of a breach. By redesigning the method of integrating clinical care and research, we have enabled projects that would be cost prohibitive to conduct otherwise. The scalability of this mechanism is dependant on nature of the heterogenous nature of the clinical systems serving patients.
Isolation of a Novel Population of Multipotent Adult Stem Cells from Human Hair Follicles

Hair follicles are known to contain a well-characterized niche for adult stem cells: the bulge, which contains epithelial and melanocytic stem cells. Using human embryonic stem cell culture conditions, we isolated a population of adult stem cells from human hair follicles that are distinctively different from known epithelial or melanocytic stem cells. These cells do not express squamous or melanocytic markers but express neural crest and neuron stem cell markers as well as the embryonic stem cell transcription factors Nanog and Oct4. These precursor cells proliferate as spheres, are capable of self-renewal, and can differentiate into multiple lineages. Differentiated cells not only acquire lineage-specific markers but also demonstrate appropriate functions in ex vivo conditions. Most of the Oct4-positive cells in human skin were located in the area highlighted by cytokeratin 15 staining in vivo. Our data suggest that human embryonic stem cell medium can be used to isolate and expand human adult stem cells. Using this method, we isolated a novel population of multipotent adult stem cells from human hair follicles, and these cells appear to be located in the bulge area. Human hair follicles may provide an accessible, autologous source of adult stem cells for therapeutic application.
Comparison of the effects of N6‐methyldeoxyadenosine and N5‐methyldeoxycytosine on transcription from nuclear gene promoters in barley

Methylation of deoxycytosine residues in plant nuclear DNA at CpG dinucleotides is generally assumed to suppress transcription, while deoxyadenosine methylation on recombinant reporter gene constructs transiently introduced into plant cells increases expression by uncharacterized mechanisms. A particle bombardment transient expression system was used in intact barley aleurone layers to quantitate the effects of CpG and A methylation on transcription from well-characterized hormone-regulated alpha-amylase promoters. Methylation of C in all CpG pairs had little effect on transcription. In contrast, the presence of methylated A residues in the sequence GATC scattered in the reporter plasmid outside of the promoter increased transcription two- to fivefold, regardless of the strength of the promoter, and proper hormonal regulation of transcription was maintained. The methyl-dA effect was similar when the amount of reporter construct DNA used was varied over a 20-fold range, beginning with an amount that gave only a small increment of expression above background. Similar enhancing effects for methyl-dA were seen with the CaMV 35S, maize Adh1, and maize ubiquitin promoters, though the magnitude varied for each individual promoter. Methyl-dA did not detectably affect plasmid DNA stability in aleurone cells in transient expression experiments because the enhancing effect of methyl-dA on expression was the same regardless of whether the assay was performed at 12 h or 40 h. Several proteins in wheat germ nuclear extracts bound preferentially to methylated DNA as assessed by gel retardation assays; one showed preferential binding to methyl-dA rather than methyl-CpG residues. The data indicate that the presence of methyl-dA in the vicinity of active promoters enhances transcription of nuclear genes in barley in a manner independent of the strength of the promoter. This effect may be mediated by a methyl-dA-binding protein.
Intrasellar pilocytic astrocytomas: Clinical, imaging, pathological, and surgical findings

A pilocytic astrocytoma is not usually considered in the differential diagnosis of an intrasellar tumor. An awareness of this tumor as primarily an intrasellar entity is important to avoid confusion during its diagnosis. We retrospectively examined the records of 631 patients treated at our institution between 2006 and 2010 who underwent transsphenoidal resection of pituitary tumors and identified those diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma. We excluded patients who harbored a pituicytoma. We also searched the literature for patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of intrasellar pilocytic astrocytoma. Only two patients in our series harbored intrasellar tumors and had a histologic diagnosis of pilocytic astrocytoma. We also found two other cases in the literature that met our criteria. Pilocytic astrocytoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an intrasellar lesion. An understanding of this tumor’s radiological features can avoid diagnostic confusion.
Salmonid diet and the size, distribution, and density of benthic invertebrates in an arctic lake

Size selective predation on molluscs was apparent for lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and round whitefish (Prosopium cylindraceum), but not for arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus), in the Toolik Lake region of arctic Alaska during the summer of 1986. Lake trout consumed significantly larger molluscs of all taxa than did round whitefish, and selected larger molluscs than were available on either rocky or soft-sediment habitats. Round whitefish were not size-selective on the snail Lymnaea, but were size-selective on the snail Valvata and on clams from the soft sediments. Round whitefish consumed fewer and smaller Lymnaea compared to lake trout. Because lake trout ate more Lymnaea and also tended to select larger, reproductive-sized individuals, this fish could potentially have a more detrimental impact on the Lymnaea population. Finally, differences in Lymnaea densities and size distributions between lakes with and without lake trout suggest that these fish may be responsible for the pattern of distribution, size, and density observed for Lymnaea in Toolik Lake and other area lakes.
Slab geometry of the Cascadia Subduction Zone beneath Washington from earthquake hypocenters and teleseismic converted waves

Using earthquake hypocenters obtained from the Washington regional seismograph network and analysis of Ps converted phases from teleseisms at special temporary stations located south of the Olympic Peninsula, we have developed a preliminary model of the structure of the subducted slab beneath western Washington and southern British Columbia. The slab is smoothly arched beneath Puget Sound, subducting at a dip of about 10-12° at the top of the arch. North and south of the arch crest the slab dips 15-20°. Subcrustal earthquakes are localized near the top of the arch. This deformation, from planar slab geometry, is caused by the change in azimuth of the “trench” (or hinge line of the slab) from almost NS south of 47° north latitude, to approximately N30°W north of 48° north. The slab appears to be easily flexed, probably due to small elastic thickness, but its geometry reflects conservation of surface area and minimization of in-plane strain. Crustal seismicity in the Puget Sound basin may result indirectly from the presence of the arch in the underlying Juan de Fuca plate.
Optimal neural network architecture selection: improvement in computerized detection of microcalcifications.

Abstract Rationale and Objectives The authors evaluated the effect of optimal neural network architecture selection on the performance of a computer-aided diagnostic system designed to detect microcalcification clusters on digitized mammograms. Materials and Methods The authors developed a computer program to detect microcalcification clusters automatically on digitized mammograms. Previously, they found that a properly selected and trained convolution neural network (CNN) could reduce false-positive (FP) findings and therefore improve the accuracy of microcalcification detection. In the current study, they evaluated the effectiveness of the CNN optimized with an automated optimization technique in improving the accuracy of the microcalcification detection program, comparing it with the manually selected CNN. An independent test data set was used, which included 472 mammograms selected from the University of South Florida public database and contained 253 biopsy-proved malignant clusters. Results At an FP rate of 0.7 cluster per image, the film-based sensitivity was 84.6% for the optimized CNN, compared with 77.2% for the manually selected CNN. For clusters imaged on both craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique views, a cluster could be considered detected when it was detected on one or both views. For this case-based approach, at an FP rate of 0.7 per image, the sensitivity was 93.3% for the optimized and 87.0% for the manually selected CNN. Conclusion The classification of true and false signals is an important step in the microcalcification detection program. An optimized CNN can effectively reduce FP findings and improve the accuracy of the computer-aided detection system.
Gas migration in an amorphous metal

Abstract Helium and deuterium migration have been measured in both the amorphous and crystalline forms of Fe40Ni40P14B6. Helium permeation was not detectible in either form. However, the results indicate that deuterium readily diffuses in this material as protons rather than as molecules, that the permeability of the amorphous form is slightly less than that of the crystalline form, and that the surface film on the “as-received” material plays an important role in the permeation process.
Blade plate fixation of proximal humeral non-unions

Abstract Non-union of fracture of the proximal humerus is unusual and can be difficult to treat. It is found more often than not in the elderly patient with weak bone, resorption at the fracture site, contracture of the glenohumeral joint and associated medical conditions. A blade plate, designed specifically for the treatment of these non-unions, was used in nine patients — seven females and two males (mean age 66 years) — who had painful non-union with a mean duration of 22.5 months. Autologous bone grafting was used in all cases. Eight non-unions followed displaced two-part proximal humeral fractures: five had been initially treated conservatively and four with medullary nails. Five patients had associated medical illness. After a mean of 6.5 months (range 4–28 months), union had been achieved in all but one patient. Functional evaluation revealed good results in five patients, fair results in three and one poor result. Use of the blade plate offered a successful method of stable internal fixation in these complex cases.
Analysis Of Preprocessing Techniques In Echocardiographic Sequences

A heuristic algorithm was designed and tested which allows for the computer generation of optimal preprocessing filter sequences for any class of image data. This method was employed in the search for an ideal technique of preprocessing echocardiographic image data prior to edge detection. The method appears potentially capable of producing efficient preprocessing sequences for this image class when compared to other widely used preprocessing methods. Furthermore, the search algorithm appears to be an acceptable way to reduce the infinitely large search space of convolution masks with various filtering properties.
Writing About Women: An Examination of How Content for Women Is Determined in Newspapers

This study examines how news producers determine content that particularly interests women readers, along with how community- and organizational-level factors may influence those depictions. A Web survey of 145 newspaper editors and reporters found that newspapers that focus on enterprise reporting also subscribe to the importance of content for women, as do newspapers with editors who believe that women's topics are important to readers. Implications for the findings are discussed.
3Z,6Z,9Z-Trienes and unsaturated epoxides as sex attractants for geometrid moths

Sex attractants for three species of geometrid moths were discovered during field screening of 3Z,6Z,9Z-trienes, and the racemic monoepoxydienes derived therefrom. MaleProbole amicaria moths were attracted to lure blends containing 6Z,9Z-cis-3,4-epoxy-nonadecadiene (6Z,9Z-cis-3,4-epoxy-19∶H) with 3Z,9Z-cis-6,7-epoxy-19∶H. 3Z,6Z,9Z-19∶H was positively identified and 6Z,9Z-cis-3,4-epoxy-19∶H was tentatively identified in extracts of female pheromone glands by coupled gas chromatography-electroantennogram detection (GC-EAD) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).Sicya macularia male moths were attracted by blends of 3Z,6Z,9Z-19∶H and 6Z,9Z-cis-3,4-epoxy-19∶H. The attractive response was strongly antagonized by small amounts of 3Z,9Z-cis-6,7-epoxy-19∶H, or by larger amounts of 3Z,6Z-cis-9,10-epoxy-19∶H.Lomographa semiclarata male moths were attracted by a variety of lures containing 3Z,6Z,9Z-17∶H as a major component. 3Z,6Z,9Z-17∶H was tentatively identified in a female pheromone gland extract by GC-EAD.
Functional anatomy of the association between motor units and muscle receptors

Muscle spindles and tendon organs occur in most somatic muscles of the mammal and are particularly concentrated in muscles subserving fine movements, including postural muscles and small muscles of the distal extremities. In those mixed muscles in which the different fiber and motor unit types are “compartmentalized,” the spindles, and perhaps tendon organs also, are virtually limited to those compartments predominated by “oxidative” muscle fibers. These morphological observations based on a broad array of muscles in many species, complement electrophysiological studies which have emphasized that (1) the “oxidative” motor units have low reflex thresholds and (2) segmental proprioceptive reflexes may be primarily concerned with the control of finely graded contractions. Consideration of the functional anatomy of the association between motor units and muscle receptors suggests the need for detailed structural-functional analyses of those muscles with specializations in architecture, fiber-type composition and distribution, and in the number and distribution of their muscle spindles and tendon organs. An electrophysiological analysis of the relationship between the spinal cord and such muscles might also reveal certain strategies and mechanisms underlying segmental motor control which are either absent or obscured in the analysis of that select number of “homogenously-mixed” muscles conventionally used in the study of the mammalian segmental motor control system.
Two separate conserved domains of eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase I bind to each other and reconstitute enzymatic activity.

The two-hybrid system was used to identify proteins that interact with the central conserved domain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA topoisomerase I. Several different C-terminal domain-containing fragments of topoisomerase I, none of which overlapped with the central domain, were identified as specific interacting polypeptides. Coexpression of these two domains in yeast partially complemented the growth defects of top1-top2 ts and top1-hpr1 mutants. Moreover, an in vitro assay showed that some topoisomerase I enzymatic activity was restored to these mutants. The results demonstrate that the central domain of topoisomerase I interacts with the C-terminal domain of the protein and that these two domains reconstitute enzymatic activity in vivo, even when expressed as separate polypeptides.
Comparison of 68Ge/68Ga generator systems for radiopharmaceutical production

Abstract Three 68 Ge/ 68 Ga generators have been evaluated over a period of 1 yr; the systems were compared with respect to 68 Ga elution profiles and yields, parent 68 Ge breakthrough levels, amounts of chemical contaminants present in the generator eluate, and the ease of 68 Ga-radiopharmaceutical production. An ionic 68 Ga/ 68 Ga generator utilizing a tin dioxide column eluted with 1 M HCl was found to be the most suitable for preparation of 68 Ga-labeled compounds for use in conjunction with positron emission tomography. Model studies suggest that the use of 68 Ga for labeling limited amounts of a chelating group, such as proteins or antibodies attached to bifunctional chelates, may require preliminary purification of the radionuclide via extraction.
A T suppressor cell cytokine regulates murine arthritis and T lymphocyte stimulation.

Experimental immunotherapy of murine collagen-induced arthritis can be achieved by administration of specific T suppressor cell hybridomas. The present study examines the immunoregulation noted in this experimental immunotherapy by describing the immunomodulatory effects of a cytokine produced by a suppressor T cell line, T101N. The inhibition of the activation of splenic lymphocytes in response to T cell mitogens and the erythema and edema associated with arthritis were assayed. Mice given T101N ascites showed reduced inflammation (p<0.05). Lymphocytes derived from naive mice and cultured in the presence of T101N culture supernatant showed reduced response to concanavalin A. Therefore, this form of experimental immunotherapy of arthritis may be associated with cytokines secreted from T suppressor cells which modulate T cell activation.
Postpartum cardiomyopathy associated with maternal cocaine abuse.

Abstract The dramatic increase in the medical complications of cocaine abuse is an important health problem, and in pregnancy, maternal cocaine abuse is particularly serious. Cocaine affects both the mother's health and the developing fetus. Cocaine passes through the placenta and is metabolized slowly by the fetus. Obstetric 1,2 and fetal 1–3 complications have been reported. In addition to these documented adverse effects of cocaine abuse during pregnancy, there may be cocaine-related maternal cardiovascular complications. We report on 3 mothers who abused cocaine during pregnancy and presented postpartum in congestive heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy.
Enhanced electrical impedance tomography via the mumford-shah functional

We consider the problem of electrical impedance tomography where conductivity distribution in a domain is to be reconstructed from boundary measurements of voltage and currents. It is well-known that this problem is highly illposed. In this work, we propose the use of the Mumford–Shah functional, developed for segmentation and denoising of images, as a regularization. After establishing existence properties of the resulting variational problem, we proceed by demonstrating the approach in several numerical examples. Our results indicate that this is an effective approach for overcoming the illposedness. Moreover, it has the capability of enhancing the reconstruction while at the same time segmenting the conductivity image.
IMMUNOMODULATION IN PROGENY FROM THYMECTOMIZED PRIMIPAROUS MICE EXPOSED TO BENZO(a)PYRENE DURING MID-PREGNANCY

Previous studies have shown that Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P3) given to non-thymectomized (NTX) female mice alters expression of T cell subsets and suppresses cell mediated immunity (CMI) and humoral immunity (HI) in the progeny. Thus, maternal exposure to B(a)P may influence changes in progeny immune status. To understand how maternal cellular and humoral factors influence embryonic development of progeny immunity, adult female mice were thymectomized (TX) at 6 weeks, mated and injected with 150 microg B(a)P)/g body weight at 12 days of pregnancy. After B(a)P exposure, the following studies were performed: (A) Maternal reproductive capacity and survival rate of progeny; (B) Detection of T cells in progeny thymus; (C) Functional characteristics of progeny thymus or spleen. Maternal thymectomy and B(a)P exposure reduced average litter size by 40%. Serological sensitivity of thymus cells with anti-Thyl + complement occurred at a higher dilution of mAb in progeny from TX mothers exposed to B(a)P, suggesting that B(a)P-thymectomy led to increased sensitivity of developing thymocytes to mAb plus complement. Progeny from TX mothers exposed to B(a)P showed enhanced thymic CMI, but suppressed splenic CMI and HI. Thus, thymectomy prevents CMI immunosuppression by B(a)P, while HI is still suppressed. These results indicate that the maternal thymus is necessary for incurring the effect of B(a)P on progeny CMI.
Genetic Polymorphisms of Cytochrome P4501A1 and Glutathione S-Transferases and Birth Weight

Genetic Polymorphisms of Cytochrome P4501A1 and Glutathione S-Transferases and Birth Weight
Integrative and Adaptive Responses

Darwin is considered the father of modern evolutionary biology by recognizing the importance of integrative and adaptive structural and physiological responses in living organisms. In his textbook Principles of Biology (1864), Herbert Spencer succinctly stated the essence of Darwin's theory of