cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deficiency of Plasma Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 Results in Hyperfibrinolytic Bleeding

A 63-year-old man was evaluated for a lifelong history of bleeding commencing with frequent epistaxis as a child; all previous routine coagulation parameters were within the normal range. The patient's hemorrhagic disorder is characterized predominantly by delayed bleeding at surgical sites. In the resting state, there was no clinical or laboratory evidence of excessive fibrin(ogen)olysis. Bleeding was not caused by disseminated intravascular coagulation, factor XIII deficiency, alpha 2-antiplasmin deficiency, or dysfibrinogenemia. It was found that the patient was deficient in plasma PAI-1 antigen and activity but with approximately half normal antigen and normal activity of platelet PAI-1. The low concentration of plasma PAI-1 was insufficient to neutralize circulating t-PA, resulting in high t-PA activity with normal antigen and causing the hyperfibrinolytic activity observed. Studies on seven family members of the proband indicated autosomal inheritance of plasma PAI-1 deficiency. Studies on this patient emphasize a clear correlation between decreased plasma PAI-1 activity and hyperfibrinolytic bleeding and also emphasize the unique role of plasma PAI-1 in the balance between the coagulation and fibrinolytic mechanisms.
Abstract 2885: Dihydroceramide increase precedes golgi dispersal, pro-survival autophagy, ER stress, and UPR in fenretinide + safingol treated neuroblastoma cells

Introduction: We have reported that fenretinide (4-HPR) is active against high-risk neuroblastoma (NB) in vitro and in vivo; our Phase I trials of novel 4-HPR formulations evidenced clinical activity. Mechanisms of activity include increase of cytotoxic dihydroceramides. Fenretinide activity in vitro is enhanced by safingol (S), the L-threo diastereomer of sphinganine. Here, we delineate stress pathways activated in response to 4-HPR±S and identify ixazomib, a proteasomal inhibitor, and antimalarial, mefloquine, a disruptor of autophagy, as new potential synergizing agents for 4-HPR±S. Methods: Sphingolipids were assessed by LC/MS/MS; cytotoxicity by fluorescence-based plate assay in 2% and 5% oxygen; apoptosis by TUNEL assay. ER stress markers, unfolded protein response (UPR), and autophagy, were assessed using immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, and electron/confocal microscopy. Target validation was by gene silencing. Results: 4-HPR rapidly increased D-erythro-dihydroceramides; safingol was catabolized to L-threo-dihydroceramides. Safingol (2-3 µM) caused multi-log cytotoxic synergy of 4-HPR in eight of ten GBM and five NB cell lines (CI Citation Format: Nikhil Vad, Dong Wang, Hwangeui Cho, Dattesh Verlekar, Charlie Linch, C Patrick Reynolds, Min Kang, Barry J. Maurer. Dihydroceramide increase precedes golgi dispersal, pro-survival autophagy, ER stress, and UPR in fenretinide + safingol treated neuroblastoma cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2885.
Soft Tissue and Bone Neoplasms

Bone and soft tissue tumors are overall rare but are histologically complex and biologically diverse. Recurring molecular events help define benign and malignant entities as well as confirm the neoplastic nature of lesions previously considered to represent reactive proliferations. In the case of Ewing and Ewing-like sarcomas, molecular features have allowed the definition of distinct disease entities that could not be discriminated reliably based on histomorphology alone. In the future, a more granular classification of bone and soft tissue tumors based in part on their molecular profile may allow better risk stratification and a more personalized treatment approach.
Fair Channel Assignment in Multi-Hop Wireless Networks

In Multi-hop Wireless Networks (MWNs), the end-to-end performance degrades exponentially with hop counts and the degree of traffic aggregation at each hop. Fair allocation of bandwidth among nodes is one of the challenging problems in multi-hop wireless networks. The IEEE 802.11 Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) standard stipulates long-term equalization of throughput among stations by giving the same number of transmission opportunities regardless of their individual bit rates. A transmission between two nodes is affected by three main factors: i) its distance from the gateway, ii) number of nodes interfering with it and iii) its traffic load. This paper presents a Fair Channel Assignment Algorithm (FCAA) that increases fairness and throughput and decreases delay in a multi-hop wireless networks. FCAA starts by constructing an interference graph from the multi-hop wireless network. From the generated interference graph, it builds a matrix of all noninterfering nodes in the wireless network. Last, FCAA uses the generated matrix in addition of nodes individual traffic load to generate various sets of nodes. Nodes belonging to the same set are later assigned distinct nonoverlapping channels to transmit their packets. We show that FCAA maximizes fairness and individual nodes throughput. In addition, it increases the overall network throughput and decreases delay.
Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM)

The transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) technique, first described by Buess nearly three decades ago (Buess et al., Chirurg 55(10):677–680, 1984), has been increasingly adopted by colorectal and minimally invasive surgeons, who are progressively incorporating this minimally invasive approach into their practice. There are currently two main platforms for performing TEM: The Richard Wolf system (Richard Wolf GmbH, Knittlingen, Germany) and the Karl Storz (KARL STORZ GmbH, Tuttlingen, Germany) transanal endoscopic operation (TEO) system. These systems were developed prior to the mainstream adaptation of laparoscopy into general surgery, in order to facilitate exposure and resection of mid and upper rectal lesions not amenable to routine transrectal techniques. Over time, modifications of the equipment have been introduced to incorporate some of the devices and lessons learned from laparoscopic surgery. This chapter will review the technique of transanal endoscopic microsurgery in detail. Additionally, indications, patient preparation, and equipment setup will be briefly reviewed.
Tips for a Successful Global Health Sabbatical

There is a high demand for global health experiences among medical students. However, creating and engaging successful global health experiences for students is not without significant challenges for faculty. Lack of broad global health knowledge, first hand experiences in a variety of global health settings, and limited faculty engagement in global health activities at their home institutions may limit overall effectiveness. Thus, sabbaticals may provide unique opportunities for faculty reinvigoration and development of new teaching and/or research activities in global health. This viewpoint stems from my sabbatical experiences in South Africa and Botswana during the 2016–17 academic year and includes important tips for ensuring a successful global health sabbatical.
Young Children's Imitation and Comprehension of Sentential Singularity and Plurality:

The number of the subject is marked in most third-person sentences both in the subject-noun (e.g., " dog/dogs ") and in the verb (e.g., " barks/bark "). The verb inflection for number is redundant ...
"Make the Call, Don't Miss a Beat" Campaign: Effect on Emergency Medical Services Use in Women with Heart Attack Signs.

Abstract Background Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between the “Make The Call, Don't Miss a Beat” national mass media campaign and emergency medical services (EMS) use among women with possible heart attack symptoms. Methods We linked campaign TV public service advertisement data with national EMS activation data for 2010 to 2014. We identified EMS activations (i.e., responses) for possible heart attack symptoms and for unintentional injuries for both women and men. We estimated the impact of the campaign on the fraction of the 1.7 to 15.9 million activations of women with possible heart attack symptoms compared with 1.9 million female activations for unintentional injuries within each EMS agency and month using quasi-binomial logistic regression controlling for time and state. Results Of the 3,175 U S. counties, 90% were exposed to the campaign. However, less than 2% of U.S. counties reached moderate TV exposure (≥300 gross rating points) during the entire campaign period. We did not observe an increase in the fraction of female activations for possible heart attack during periods or in counties with higher campaign exposure. Conclusions This mass media campaign that relied heavily on TV public service advertisements was not associated with increased EMS use by women with possible heart attack symptoms, even among counties that were more highly exposed to the campaign advertisements.
Randomized Trials are Deeply Offensive.

In this issue, Macklin and Natanson examine some of the controversies that arise in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). They are particularly concerned that researchers may misrepresent novel interv...
Three Decades Later: A Scoping Review of the Literature Related to the United States Medical Licensing Examination.

Purpose To conduct a scoping review of the timing, scope, and purpose of literature related to the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) given the recent impetus to revise USMLE scoring. Method The authors searched PubMed, PsycInfo, and ERIC for relevant articles published from 1990 to 2019. Articles selected for review were labeled as research or commentaries and coded by USMLE Step level, sample characteristics (e.g., year(s), single/multiple institutions), how scores were used (e.g., predictor/outcome/descriptor), and purpose (e.g., clarification/justification/description). Results Of the 741 articles meeting inclusion criteria, 636 were research and 105 were commentaries. Publication totals in the past 5 years exceeded those of the first 20 years.Step 1 was the sole focus of 38%, and included in 84%, of all publications. Approximately half of all research articles used scores as a predictor or outcome measure related to other curricular/assessment efforts, with a marked increase in the use of scores as predictors in the past 10 years. The overwhelming majority of studies were classified as descriptive in purpose. Conclusions Nearly 30 years after the inception of the USMLE, aspirations for its predictive utility are rising faster than evidence supporting the manner in which the scores are used. A closer look is warranted to systematically review and analyze the contexts and purposes for which USMLE scores can productively be used. Future research should explore cognitive and noncognitive factors that can be used in conjunction with constrained use of USMLE results to inform evaluation of medical students and schools and to support the residency selection process.
Sexual and Gender Minority Curriculum Within Otolaryngology Residency Programs

Purpose: Otolaryngologists are uniquely situated to provide sexual and gender minority (SGM) care, including gender-affirmation (voice/communication, facial surgery) and HIV/AIDS-related conditions...
Rare presentation of juvenile xanthogranuloma in the posterior fossa of a toddler.

A 13-month-old girl presented to the emergency department with 1 month of progressively enlarging right neck mass not responsive to oral antibiotics. In addition, she had decreased appetite, fussiness, poor eye contact, unsteady crawling and night sweats. Prior to presentation, her birth history
Potential impact of the non-human sialic acid N-glycolylneuraminic acid on transplant rejection risk.

A major obstacle to clinical applications of xenotransplantation is the expression of immunogenic xenoantigens that provide targets for immune recognition of xenografts, leading to activation of host immunity and consequent rejection or poor engraftment. Among the best known xenoantigens is the “αGal” epitope (Galα1−3Galβ1−(3)4GlcNAc-R, where R is an underlying glycoconjugate) characterized by Galili and colleagues. This epitope is widely expressed by most mammals other than old world primates and recognized by abundant circulating human anti-α-Gal antibodies (1). Such antibodies are universally induced after birth in humans via exposure to gut bacteria bearing similar epitopes (2), and the resulting difficulties in xenotransplantation (3) have even encouraged production of alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout pigs (4) as a potential solution.
The advantages of abstract control knowledge in expert system design

A poorly designed knowledge base can be as cryptic as an arbitrary program and just as difficult to maintain. Representing control knowledge abstractly, separately from domain facts and relations, makes the design more transparent and explainable. A body of abstract control knowledge provides a generic framework for constructing knowledge bases for related problems in other domains and also provides a useful starting point for studying the nature of strategies.
Altitude controls carbon dioxide in boreal lakes

Organic matter present in lakes, derived either from land-based sources—such as plants, soil, and sediments—or from in situ processes—such as degrading detritus in the water—could be important in the global carbon cycle, and possibly a significant source of the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) budget. The partial pressure of CO2 in surface waters (pCO2) drives the escape of CO2 to the atmosphere. Hence, scientists have long suspected that the relationship between pCO2 and the dissolved organic matter (DOC) in lake waters refects the relative contribution of the environment and in situ processes to the high-latitude carbon budget. Combining measurements of DOC and pCO2 from nearly 200 lakes across Quebec, Canada, with an additional 13 lake-based studies from temperate regions across the northern hemisphere, Lapierre and del Giorgio suggest that on a regional scale the A variety of lakes dominate the boreal landscape of Quebec, Canada. elevation of lakes is one of the strongest controls on the relationship between DOC and pCO2 in boreal lakes.
Estimating the carbon sequestration capacity of shale formations using methane production rates.

Hydraulically fractured shale formations are being developed widely for oil and gas production. They could also represent an attractive repository for permanent geologic carbon sequestration. Shales have a low permeability, but they can adsorb an appreciable amount of CO2 on fracture surfaces. Here, a computational method is proposed for estimating the CO2 sequestration capacity of a fractured shale formation and it is applied to the Marcellus shale in the eastern United States. The model is based on historical and projected CH4 production along with published data and models for CH4/CO2 sorption equilibria and kinetics. The results suggest that the Marcellus shale alone could store between 10.4 and 18.4 Gt of CO2 between now and 2030, which represents more than 50% of total U.S. CO2 emissions from stationary sources over the same period. Other shale formations with comparable pressure–temperature conditions, such as Haynesville and Barnett, could provide significant additional storage capacity. The mass ...
Initial application of a geometric QA tool for integrated MV and kV imaging systems on three image guided radiotherapy systems.

Purpose: Several linacs with integrated kilovoltage (kV) imaging have been developed for delivery of image guided radiation therapy(IGRT). High geometric accuracy and coincidence of kV imagingsystems and megavoltage (MV) beam delivery are essential for successful image guidance. A geometric QA tool has been adapted for routine QA for evaluating and characterizing the geometric accuracy of kV and MV cone-beam imagingsystems. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate the application of methodology to routine QA across three IGRT-dedicated linac platforms. Methods: It has been applied to a Varian Trilogy (Varian MedicalSystems, Palo Alto, CA), an Elekta SynergyS (Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden), and a Brainlab Vero (Brainlab AG, Feldkirchen, Germany). Both the Trilogy and SynergyS linacs are equipped with a retractable kV x-ray tube and a flat panel detector. The Vero utilizes a rotating, rigid ring structure integrating a MV x-ray head mounted on orthogonal gimbals, an electronic portal imaging device(EPID), two kV x-ray tubes, and two fixed flat panel detectors. This dual kV imagingsystem provides orthogonal radiographs, CBCT images, and real-time fluoroscopic monitoring. Two QA phantoms were built to suit different field sizes. Projection images of a QA phantom were acquired using MV and kV imagingsystems at a series of gantry angles. Software developed for this study was used to analyze the projection images and calculate nine geometric parameters for each projection. The Trilogy was characterized five times over one year, while the SynergyS was characterized four times and the Vero once. Over 6500 individual projections were acquired and analyzed. Quantitative geometric parameters of both MV and kV imagingsystems, as well as the isocenter consistency of the imagingsystems, were successfully evaluated. Results: A geometric tool has been successfully implemented for calibration and QA of integrated kV and MV across a variety of radiotherapy platforms. X-ray source angle deviations up to 0.8°, and detector center offsets up to 3 mm, were observed for three linacs, with the exception of the Vero, for which a significant center offset of one kV detector (prior to machine commissioning) was observed. In contrast, the gimbal-based MV source positioning of the Vero demonstrated differences between observed and expected source positions of less than 0.2 mm, both with and without gimbal rotation. Conclusions: This initial application of this geometric QA tool shows promise as a universal, independent tool for quantitative evaluation of geometric accuracies of both MV and integrated kV imagingsystems across a range of platforms. It provides nine geometric parameters of any imagingsystem at every gantry angle as well as the isocenter coincidence of the MV and kV imagesystems.
COMPARISON OF BACTERICIDAL AND HEMOLYTIC SERUM SYSTEMS. II. ANALYSIS OF INHIBITORS IN NORMAL SERUM FRACTIONS.

SummaryThe inhibition of bactericidal and hemolytic human serum reactions by addition of certain fractions from a pool of normal human serum has been analyzed. The fractions with major inhibitory effects for bactericidal reactions, namely γ-globulins, proved to be qualitatively different from those which inhibited immune hemolysis, namely β-globulins and albumin. The inhibitory effects of these serum fractions were not on the cells but on different components of the complement system; addition of -γ-globulin to whole serum affected C'2, whereas addition of β-globulin and albumin fractions affected principally C'4. Such differences have permitted identification of quantitative differences in requirements for components of complement by the hemolytic and bactericidal reactions. In addition, a qualitative difference in the requirement for lysozyme has been recognized.
An image registration based ultrasound probe calibration

Reconstructed 3D ultrasound of prostate gland finds application in several medical areas such as image guided biopsy, therapy planning and dose delivery. In our application, we use an end-fire probe rotated about its axis to acquire a sequence of rotational slices to reconstruct 3D TRUS (Transrectal Ultrasound) image. The image acquisition system consists of an ultrasound transducer situated on a cradle directly attached to a rotational sensor. However, due to system tolerances, axis of probe does not align exactly with the designed axis of rotation resulting in artifacts in the 3D reconstructed ultrasound volume. We present a rigid registration based automatic probe calibration approach. The method uses a sequence of phantom images, each pair acquired at angular separation of 180 degrees and registers corresponding image pairs to compute the deviation from designed axis. A modified shadow removal algorithm is applied for preprocessing. An attribute vector is constructed from image intensity and a speckle-insensitive information-theoretic feature. We compare registration between the presented method and expert-corrected images in 16 prostate phantom scans. Images were acquired at multiple resolutions, and different misalignment settings from two ultrasound machines. Screenshots from 3D reconstruction are shown before and after misalignment correction. Registration parameters from automatic and manual correction were found to be in good agreement. Average absolute differences of translation and rotation between automatic and manual methods were 0.27 mm and 0.65 degree, respectively. The registration parameters also showed lower variability for automatic registration (pooled standard deviation σ translation = 0.50 mm, σ rotation = 0.52 degree) compared to the manual approach (pooled standard deviation σ translation = 0.62 mm, σ rotation = 0.78 degree).
Radioreceptor-inactive growth hormone associated with stimulated secretion in normal subjects.

We have previously reported systematic discrepancies between radioreceptor (RRA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA) measurements of growth hormone (hGH) in acromegalic patients. Due to limitations in RRA sensitivity, such comparisons could not be made in normal subjects. RRA methodology has now been adapted to allow detection of hGH at normal circulating levels. Since variations in Na+, K+, Ca++, and Mg++, incubation at 37 C and 4 C, and delayed tracer addition failed to improve assay sensitivity, specimen size was increased at 37 C and 4 C, and delayed tracer addition failed to improve assay sensitivity, specimen size was increased to 300 μl and incubation volume to 1.5 ml, while holding the quantity of added receptor constant. Best assay sensitivity, in room temperature incubations in 25 mM Tris for 16 h at pH 7.6 and 10 mM Ca++, was 0.66 ± 0.30 ng hGH per ml serum. Under these conditions, 200 μg hepatic receptor protein bound 15.8 ± 0.83% of added 125I-hGH, and 8.72 ± 0.85% of bound tracer was displaced by 0.2...
Manual and gaze input cascaded (MAGIC) pointing

This work explores a new direction in utilizing eye gaze for computer input. Gaze tracking has long been considered as an alternative or potentially superior pointing method for computer input. We believe that many fundamental limitations exist with traditional gaze pointing. In particular, it is unnatural to overload a perceptual channel such as vision with a motor control task. We therefore propose an alternative approach, dubbed MAGIC (Manual And Gaze Input Cascaded) pointing. With such an approach, pointing appears to the user to be a manual task, used for fine manipulation and selection. However, a large portion of the cursor movement is eliminated by warping the cursor to the eye gaze area, which encompasses the target. Two specific MAGIC pointing techniques, one conservative and one liberal, were designed, analyzed, and implemented with an eye tracker we developed. They were then tested in a pilot study. This early- stage exploration showed that the MAGIC pointing techniques might offer many advantages, including reduced physical effort and fatigue as compared to traditional manual pointing, greater accuracy and naturalness than traditional gaze pointing, and possibly faster speed than manual pointing. The pros and cons of the two techniques are discussed in light of both performance data and subjective reports.
Cellular and paracellular resistances of the Necturus proximal tubule.

Individual resistances of the apical cell membrane,Ra, the basolateral cell membrane,Rbl, and the paracellular shunt,Rs, were determined in theNecturus proximal tubule using a set of three electrical parameters. Four electrical parameters were measured: the transepithelial resistance, (Rte), the apical and basolateral cell membrane resistance in parallel, (RZ free-flow tubules), the basolateral cell membrane resistance in oil-filled tubules, (RZ oil-filled), and the ratio of apical and basolateral cell membrane resistance (Ra/Rbl).Rte was determined from an analysis of the spatial decay of luminal voltage following luminal current injection.RZ free-flow andRZ oil-filled were measured by the analysis of the spatial decay of intracellular voltage deflections following cellular current injection in free flow and oil-filled tubules, respectively.Ra/Rbl was estimated from the ratio of voltage deflections across the apical and basolateral cell membranes following transepithelial current injection. In addition, the magnitude of cellular and luminal cable interactions was evaluated, by comparing the spatial decay of voltage deflections in the cell and in the lumen following intracellular current injection. The combined cell membrane resistance (Ra+Rbl) is between one to two orders of magnitude greater than the paracellular resistance. This result supports the view that theNecturus proximal tubule is a leaky epithelium.
A Fischer inequality for the second immanant

Abstract Denote by H n the cone of n-by-n positive semidefinite Hermitian matrices. Let d2 be the generalized matrix function (or immanant) afforded by the symmetric group Sn and the irreducible degree n − 1 character corresponding to the partition (2,1,…,1). Suppose A ∈ H n is partitioned into blocks, A= A 11 A 12 A ∗ 12 A 22 If n⩾4, then d2(diag(A11,A22))⩾d2(A). This follows from the fact that d2 is a Schur-concave function of the spectrum of A for A ∈ C n, where C n consists of the matrices in H n whose diagonal entries all equal 1.
Antibody-induced activation of beta1 integrin receptors stimulates cAMP-dependent migration of breast cells on laminin-5.

The beta1 integrin-stimulating antibody TS2/16 induces cAMP-dependent migration of MCF-10A breast cells on the extracellular matrix protein laminin-5. TS2/16 stimulates a rise in intracellular cAMP within 20 min after plating. Pertussis toxin, which inhibits both antibody-induced migration and cAMP accumulation, targets the Galphai3 subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins in these cells, suggesting that Galphai3 may link integrin activation and migration via a cAMP signaling pathway.
Agrarian reforms in Latin America: A framework and an instrument of rural development

Abstract Rural poverty is one of the more persistent problems of less developed countries, and land reform is a frequently advocated solution. This paper examines the prospects for land reform both by itself and in conjunction with other policies. The prospects for a rural development strategy consisting only of land reform are not good. We find that any development programme must address more than just land tenure patterns if it is to have a significant impact on rural or urban poverty. However, even though land reform alone is not an adequate solution, it is an ideal framework within which other policies can be implemented. Land reform realizes its greatest potential when it serves as such a framework for other policies.
Effect of a novel soft steroid on the wound healing of rabbit cornea

The effect of a 'soft' anti-inflammatory corticosteroid on the corneal wound healing was investigated in rabbits. Albino rabbits were treated with soft steroid and dexamethasone after linear perforating corneal incision. Soft drug design is aimed to control and direct the drug activity and in vivo metabolism to nontoxic moieties. These drugs are rapidly deactivated after they reach the general circulation. While having good local activity, they thus possess high therapeutic indexes without systemic side effects. The wound healing process was evaluated qualitatively by histology. Photomicrographs are presented to show that the soft steroid is as or more effective than dexamethasone in minimizing scarring in addition to its advantageous metabolic properties. This soft steroid may be an efficient anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent in topical application without the majority of unwanted activities of traditional drugs by deliberately simplifying their disposition.
Six degrees of separation in barnacles? Assessing genetic variability in the sea-turtle epibiont Stomatolepas elegans (Costa) among turtles, beaches and oceans

The barnacles Stomatolepas elegans and Stomatolepas praegustator are epibionts of sea turtles. The former is described as inhabiting the external skin of turtles and the latter the inside of the mouth and gullet. This study evaluated genetic divergence among 69 traditionally defined individual S. elegans and six individual S. praegustator from 18 sea turtles representing four host species and five geographic locations in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Genetic variation was compared for a 658-base-pair portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene locus. Our findings indicate that S. praegustator may be a junior synonym of S. elegans and that selection of hosts is variable. Results also suggest genetic exchange between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans post-dating separation of the oceans by the Isthmus of Panama, and that species-level complexity for S. elegans may be greater than currently recognized.
A Historical Comparison of Public Singing by American Men and Women

Period writings about singing activity from early eighteenth-century Boston and current data on singing in the United States provide material for a comparison of sex-related differences in public singing involvement. This material shows that, in America, there has been a marked shift from male to female predominance in public singing interest. Males arrogated singing leadership to themselves in early Boston and urged women to sing. Today, adolescent and adult American males are much less publicly involved with singing than are females. A cursory analysis of this phenomenon suggests that an inversion of leadership interest in public singing by sex has taken place in America. This interpretation, however, does not explain the facts, and music educators have some cause for concern that choral singing involvement of both sexes will continue to wane.
Preferential inhibition of thyroxine and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine formation by propylthiouracil and methylmercaptoimidazole in thyroid peroxidase-catalyzed iodination of thyroglobulin

The present study was undertaken to determine whether the thioureylene antithyroid drugs propylthiouracil [6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU)] and methylmercaptoimidazole [1-methyl-2-mercaptoimidazole (MMI)] have a specific inhibitory effect on the thyroid peroxidase (TPO)-catalyzed conversion of diiodotyrosine to T4 (coupling reaction) independent of their well known inhibitory effect on peroxidase-catalyzed iodination. We have employed model incubation systems containing highly purified TPO to examine this question. Most experiments were performed with a model iodination system containing TPO, low iodine thyroglobulin, [131]iodide, and glucose-glucose oxidase. Both PTU and MMI are effective inhibitors of iodination of this system at physiological concentrations, and the system is well suited for studying the simultaneous action of these drugs on iodination and coupling. The addition of graded doses of the drugs to the iodination system demonstrated a relatively greater inhibitory effect on iodothyronine than on iodotyrosine formation. However, this observation in itself does not establish a specific inhibitory effect on coupling, since the formation of T4 involves a reaction between two molecules of 3,5-diiodotyrosine (DIT). The rate of this reaction, therefore, is second order with respect to DIT concentration, and the inhibition of DIT formation by thioureylene drugs would be expected to result in a disproportionately greater reduction in T4 formation even id there were no selective inhibitory effect of the drugs on the coupling reaction. Under certain conditions of incubation, however, it was possible to demonstrate a significant inhibitory effect on T4 and T3 formation without any decrease (in fact, a slight increase) in diiodotyrosine formation. These observations indicate that, at least under some conditions, PTU and MMI can exert a specific inhibitory effect on the coupling reaction. In the case of PTU, a specific inhibitory effect on coupling was also demonstrated with an incubation system in which TPO-catalyzed coupling was measured in the absence of iodination.
Immunoferritin labeling of rabbit spermatozoa

Ferritin-conjugated goat IgG binds nonspecifically to rabbit sperm. This restricts use of ferritin-labeled goat antiglobulins as indirect labels in rabbit sperm antigen localization. Ferritin-conjugated Protein A does not bind nonspecifically to rabbit sperm and is a satisfactory substitute for indirect (“secondary”) labeling of sperm antigens.
High Cloud Properties from Three Years of MODIS Terra and Aqua Collection-4 Data over the Tropics

Abstract This study surveys the optical and microphysical properties of high (ice) clouds over the Tropics (30°S–30°N) over a 3-yr period from September 2002 through August 2005. The analyses are based on the gridded level-3 cloud products derived from the measurements acquired by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments aboard both the NASA Earth Observing System Terra and Aqua platforms. The present analysis is based on the MODIS collection-4 data products. The cloud products provide daily, weekly, and monthly mean cloud fraction, cloud optical thickness, cloud effective radius, cloud-top temperature, cloud-top pressure, and cloud effective emissivity, which is defined as the product of cloud emittance and cloud fraction. This study is focused on high-level ice clouds. The MODIS-derived high clouds are classified as cirriform and deep convective clouds using the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) classification scheme. Cirriform clouds make up more tha...
The Redesign System: A Knowledge-Based Approach to VLSI CAD

Artificial intelligence techniques offer one possible avenue toward new CAD tools to handle the complexities of VLSI. Redesign is a Prototype knowledge-based system that uses Al techniques to interactively aid in the functional redesign of digital circuits. Given a desired change in the function of a circuit, Redesign combines rule-based knowledge of design tactics with its ability to analyse signal propagation through circuits, in order to help the user focus on an appropriate portion of the circuit to redesign, suggest local redesign alternatives, and determine side effects of possible redesigns. Using lessons learned from work on Redesign, we are working on systems to aid in designing and debugging VLSI.
Ideals of Ultrafilters on the Collection of Finite Subsets of an Infinite Set

Let J be an infinite set and let \(I={\cal P}_{f}( J)\), i.e., I is the collection of all non empty finite subsets of J. Let \(\beta I\) denote the collection of all ultrafilters on the set I and let \(( \beta I,\uplus )\) be the compact (Hausdorff) right topological semigroup that is the Stone-Cech Compactification of the semigroup \(( I,\cup )\) equipped with the discrete topology. This paper continues the study of \(( \beta I,\uplus )\) that was started in [3] and [5]. In [5], Koppelberg established that \(K( \beta I) =\beta _{J}( I)\) (where K( S) is the smallest ideal of a semigroup S) and for non empty \(A\subseteq J,\) she established \(K( \widehat{{\cal P}_{f}(A) }) =\beta _{A}( I) \cap \widehat{{\cal P}_{f}( A) }\). In this note, we show that for \(A\subseteq J\) such that \(J\backslash A\) is infinite, \(\overline{K( {\cal V}_{A}) }\) is a proper subset of \(\beta _{A}( I)\) and \(K( {\cal V}_{A}) =K( \beta _{A}( I)) =K( \beta _{0}^{( A) }( I) )\), where \({\cal V}_{A}=\bigcup \{ \beta _{B}( I) \mid B\subseteq A\}\).
Prostitution, Sex Work, and Violence: Lessons From the Cambodian Context

This article highlights notable contributions of 4 studies on sex work in Cambodia. By addressing different issues and varieties of sex work, they demonstrate how sex work is shaped by global and regional sociocultural contexts. The studies collectively provide an opportunity to draw larger lessons about prostitution and sex work, suggesting that prostitution and sex work (a) include a wide range of activities; (b) are associated with violence against women; (c) operate under a continuum of consent, ranging from more consensual to highly nonconsensual; (d) are frequently described using highly charged language that may obscure empirical realities; (e) are forms of work but not necessarily work that should be legitimized; (f) attract customers for a wide range of reasons; and (g) are a product of contemporary social contexts rather than inevitabilities. The 4 studies provide a tremendous resource for breaking down some of the oversimplifications present in popular and academic discourse on prostitution and...
Aromatic hydrocarbon degradation by Sphingomonas yanoikuyae B1.

Sphingomonas yanoikuyae B1 is able to grow on a wide variety of aromatic compounds including biphenyl, naphthalene,phenanthrene, toluene, m-, and p-xylene. In addition, the initial enzymes for degradation of biphenyl have the ability to metabolize a wide variety of different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The catabolic pathways for the degradation of both the monocyclic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are intertwined, joining together at the level of (methyl)benzoate and catechol. Both upper branches of the catabolic pathways are induced when S. yanoikuyae B1 is grown on either class of compound. An analysis of the genes involved in the degradation of these aromatic compounds reveals that at least six operons are involved. The genes are not arranged in discrete pathway units but are combined in groups with genes for the degradation of both classes of compounds in the same operon.Genes for multiple dioxygenases are present perhaps explaining the ability of S. yanoikuyae B1 to grow on a wide variety of aromatic compounds.
Relationship between segmental abnormalities and global left ventricular function in coronary artery disease: Validation of a theoretical model

A theoretical model of the heart, which suggests a direct relationship between segmental abnormalities of left ventricular (LV) wall motion (WM) and LV ejection fraction (EF), was tested using two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) and multiple-gated equilibrium blood pool scintigraphy (MGES) in a population of 25 coronary artery disease patients. MGES was used to determine EF, and 2DE was used to develop a method of analysis of LV segmental WM abnormalities. Two orthogonal apical 2DE views were analyzed. The length of the end-diastolic segments in which normal contraction occurred during systole were measured in each view, summed and divided by the sum of the end-diastolic silhouette lengths. The fraction thus created was multiplied by 100 and defined as the percentage of normally contracting myocardium (%NCM). %NCM correlated well with EF determined by MGES (r = 0.94). Determination of %NCM was highly reproducible for the same observer (r = 0.98), as well as for two observers (r = 0.98), and the standard error of estimate was low in both cases (4%). These findings, in addition to confirming the theoretical model, provide a new technique to assess LV segmental WM abnormalities by 2DE.
Cleanup of sediment extracts prior to PCB analysis

Data for PCB in sedlment are often diffieult to evaluate because dlfferent laborator�8 use dlfferent sed�8 extraction, extract cleanup, and analytlcal techniques fo obta�8 the information. Comparlsons between multiple sedlment data sers from the same geographic area that used dlfferent sediment extraction and extraet cleanup procedures are especlally difficult. Even the use of standardlzed procedures tan produce large differences in PCB results. For example, three PCB contamlnated sediment samples from New Bedford, MA were analyzed by I0 dlfferent laboratories using uniform calibration standards, standardlzed procedures for sample extraction, extract preparation, and chromatography (Alford-Stevens et al. 1985). Despite written standardlzed procedures, large dlfferences in PCB results were reported by partlcipatlng laboratories. Most laboratories in this study reported some analytical Interference by coextracted sample components that were not removed during cleanup procedures. The presence of interfering substances in sediment extracts is a major potential source of error in PCB analys�8 of sediment. Prior to quantification of PCBs in sedlment samples by gas chromatography (GC), sediment extracts must be processed to remove interfering sample components such as oil and grease, sulfur, and organochlorine insecticides (Mclntyre and Lester 1983) possessing retention times similar to those of PCB congeners. Failure fo adequately remove such interfering substances prior to analysis tan result in erroneous values for sediment PCB concentration. However, use of approprlate capillary columns and correct operating conditions may reduce the need for some of the more strlngent separation of PCBs from other residues (Mclntyre and Lester 1983, Tressl and Wessely 1977). We report here comparative effects of four commonly used sediment extract cleanup procedures on oll and grease and sulfur concentrations determlned in Chicago River sedlment extracts. Concentrations of PCB were also determined in the extract to determine what
On an aspect of matched filters in continuous and discrete time

In this paper we present an approach for improving the output signal-to-noise power ratio of a discrete-time matched filter by employing a continuous-time filter, even though the continuous-time signal input is imperfectly known. It is shown that is it possible to design a continuous-time filter which is robust to inexact knowledge of the signal input; moreover, the robustness property does not severely compromise performance. In fact, it is shown that the resulting filter possesses an output signal-to-noise power ratio which upper bounds that of the discrete-time filter.
SU‐FF‐J‐81: Estimation of Dose Variations During Prostate Radiation Treatment Due to Elastic Deformations of Soft Tissues

Objective: The true dose distribution is subject to change due to organ shifts and also deformations. The goal of this work is to estimate the effect of the elastic organ deformations on the dose distribution for the average prostate IMRTtreatment.Methods: A prostate patient was surveyed during the radiation treatment (IRB approved). The original treatment plan was created based on the planning CT. On‐board cone beam computed tomography(CBCT)images were taken before treatments for the first 5 days and once a week therafter. The prostate, seminal vesicles (SV), bladder and rectum segmented on each CBCT were deformably registered against the planning CT. The analysis was conducted with the help of C++ ITK image registration and segmentation package. Initially, a volume (e.g., prostate and bladder) segmented on the planning CT scan was aligned against corresponding volume on the daily CBCT scan using a translational filter. Then, the aligned volume on CBCT was elastically deformed (Finite Element elastic deformation method), and the computed deformation vector field was used to propagate the true delivered radiation dose distribution to the original CT‐based volume of the patient. Results: For the plan with a planning target volume (PTV) defined as a combination of both prostate and SV with a 5‐mm margin, the DVH parameters fluctuated as follows (Vx denotes percent volume above x% of the prescription dose): prostate mean V100 76%, mean V95 97%, compared to the original prostate 98.15% and 100%, rectum and bladder mean V50 49% and 75% correspondingly, compared to the original rectum and bladder 50% and 29%. Conclusions: This study shows that some deviations from the planned dose may occur due to elastic distortion of soft tissue geometry. The developed suite of applications can be used to monitor actual delivered dose to the targets and critical structures.
The Influence of Increased Uniformity of Body Weight in Pullets at 19 Weeks of Age on Subsequent Production

Abstract Day-old pullets (Hisex-strain Leghorn) were fed a starter ration ad libitum to 10 weeks of age. Individually weighed at 9 weeks of age they were sorted into 3 weight groups. Treatment 1, from the smallest weight group, was full-fed from 10 to 19 weeks of age. Treatment 3, from the middle third, was full-fed initially then restricted as necessary to maintain the recommended weight. Treatment 4, from the heaviest third, was restricted to attain the recommended weight at 19 weeks of age. Treatments 2 and 5 represented random samples of equal numbers from each weight. Pullets in treatments 2 and 5 were full-fed and restricted-fed, respectively. Differences which existed among the mean weights of treatments 1, 3, and 4 at 9 weeks of age decreased to 15 g at 19 weeks. At 19 weeks of age the pullets in these treatments averaged 80.7% to 84.0 ± 10% of the average weight. At 19 weeks of age, 96 pullets per treatment were further divided into eight replicates and transferred to layer cages. Pullets in treatment 4 (heaviest third, restricted-fed) were significantly older when reaching 10 and 50% production than were pullets in treatments 1, 2, and 3. The mean egg weights of pullets in treatments 4 and 5 were larger (P Differences among treatments in hen-day production, gram of egg per hen day, grams of feed per gram of egg, feed per hen day, Haugh units, shell thickness, and mortality were not significant.
Characteristics of a Ca2+-activated ATPase from the hepatopancreas of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus

Abstract 1. 1. Some characteristics of a calcium-activated ATPase in the microsomal fraction (48,000 g pellet) of the hepatopancreas from the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, are investigated. 2. 2. The enzyme required a high concentration of Ca2+ (20 mM) for maximal activity. K+ was not required for activation. Mg2+ was less effective than Ca2+ in activating the ATPase. The enzyme was also activated by Sr2+ or Ba2+ alone. The maximal activity evoked by Sr2+ was greater than that evoked by Ca2+, while Ba2+ was a relatively poor activator. 3. 3. The Km of the enzyme for ATP was 4.1 × 10−3 M. In a range of 20 to 70°C, the maximal activity was noted at 45–50°C. The enzyme exhibited maximal activity at pH 7.5. 4. 4. The characteristics of the blue crab hepatopancreatic microsomal enzyme are different from those of crustacean myosin ATPases, but are comparable to those of the Ca2+-transport ATPases from other animals.
Abstract 3388: The CD44s splice isoform is essential for breast tumor initiating cell properties

Tumor initiating cells (TICs) constitute a small fraction of tumor cells that display stem cell characteristics, including the ability to self-renew and generate heterogeneous tumors. A CD44+/CD24- profile has been widely used to identify TICs in a variety of tumors. However, it has remained unknown whether CD44 is functionally required for TICs and whether a specific CD44 isoform is enriched in TICs. Here, we report that the CD44s isoform is the major splice isoform expressed in a CD44+/CD24- breast stem cell population. Functionally, CD44s is required for expression of a breast stem cell (BSC) gene signature and is essential for mammosphere formation. Modulation of CD44 alternative splicing by the splicing regulator ESRP1 prevents CD44s production and, in turn, inhibits mammosphere formation and expression of the BSC signature. Furthermore, CD44s is required for limiting numbers of TICs to form tumors in an animal model of breast cancer progression. Together, these data illustrate that the CD44s splice isoform is enriched in CD44+/CD24- breast stem cells and serves as an important regulator of stem cell properties. Our results also suggest that CD44s-dependent TIC properties can be controlled at the level of alternative splicing by splicing factors that regulate production of specific CD44 isoforms. Citation Format: Rhonda Brown, Sali Liu, Lauren Reinke, Chonghui Cheng. The CD44s splice isoform is essential for breast tumor initiating cell properties. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3388. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3388