cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis of geometric-pattern features of interstitial infiltrates in digital chest radiographs: preliminary results.

We are developing a computerized method for detection and characterization of interstitial diseases based on a quantitative analysis of geometric features of various infiltrate patterns in digital chest radiographs. In our approach, regions of interest (ROIs) with 128 × 128 matrix size (22.4 mm × 22.4 mm) are automatically selected, covering peripheral lung regions. Next, nodular and linear opacities, which are the basic components of interstitial infiltrates, are identified from two processed images obtained by use of a multiple-level thresholding technique and a line enhancement filter, respectively. Finally, the total area of nodular opacities and the total length of linear opacities in each ROI are determined as measures of geometric pattern features. We have applied this computer analysis to 72 ROIs with normal and abnormal patterns that were classified in advance by six chest radiologists. Preliminary results indicate that the distribution of measures of geometric-pattern features correlate well with radiologists’ classification. These early results are encouraging, and further evaluation hopes to establish that this computerized method might prove useful to radiologists in their assessment of interstitial diseases.
Estimation of parameters in nonlinear distributed systems

We present a summary of recent and continuing investigations on computational methods for the estimation of temporally, spatially and state dependent functional parameters in nonlinear parabolic systems of equations. Theoretical and numerical findings are briefly outlined.
Human Vision and Electronic Imaging

Abstract. The ﬁeld of electronic imaging has made incrediblestrides over the past decade producing systems with higher signalquality, complex data formats, sophisticated operations for analyz-ing and visualizing information, advanced interfaces, and richer im-age environments. Since electronic imaging systems and applica-tions are designed for human users, the success of these systemsdepends on the degree to which they match the features of humanvision and cognition. This paper reviews the interplay between hu-man vision and electronic imaging, describing how the methods,models and experiments in human vision have inﬂuenced the devel-opment of imaging systems, and how imaging technologies and ap-plications have raised new research questions for the vision com-munity. Using the past decade of papers from the IS&T/SPIEConference on Human Vision and Electronic Imaging as a lens, wetrace a path up the ‘‘perceptual food chain,’’ showing how researchin low-level vision has inﬂuenced image quality metrics, image com-pression algorithms, rendering techniques and display design, howresearch in attention and pattern recognition have inﬂuenced thedevelopment of image analysis, visualization, and digital librariessystems, and how research in higher-level functions is involved inthe design of emotional, aesthetic, and virtual systems.
Magnetic properties of as-grown R3(Fe,Ti)29 crystals (R=Ce, Pr, Nd)

Abstract Crystal of Nd 3 Fe 29− x Ti x , Pr 3 Fe 29− x Ti x , and Ce 3 Fe 29− x Ti x with x =1.5 were grown by the Czochralski method and subjected to magnetic and structural measurements. Magnetic measurements using SQUID magnetometer at 5 and 300 K showed a small magneto-crystalline anisotropy in the as-grown crystals. The result of the AC susceptibility measurements on single and polycrystalline materials shed light on the origin of the reported spin re-orientation phenomena in these materials.
Dorsal Mesoderm Has a Dual Origin and Forms by a Novel Mechanism in Hymenochirus, a Relative of Xenopus

The dorsal mesoderm in the frog Hymenochirus forms by a mechanism not previously described in any other vertebrate. Unlike its close relative, Xenopus laevis, in which the mesoderm derives entirely from the deep mesenchymal cells of the marginal zone, Hymenochirus has "surface mesoderm" originating in the involuting marginal zone epithelium. Fluorescently labeled grafts show stage-specific invasion of deep axial tissue by cells originally located in the surface layer. These cells participate in normal mesoderm development. In video recordings, the labeled surface area shrinks as surface cells invade the deep layer. Furthermore, the mechanism of surface mesoderm morphogenesis differs from that described in other amphibians. Scanning electron microscopy at several neurula stages indicates that prospective somite cells do not individually detach from their epithelial neighbors to ingress into the deep layer, as seen in other amphibians; instead, their basal ends adhere to the somitic mesoderm as a coherent layer, taking on somitic morphology while still a part of the archenteron lining. This novel morphogenetic process we dub "relamination." Prospective notochord cells individually spread on the ventral surface of the notochord, gradually ingressing from their epithelial neighbors, but by a mechansism involving active pulling and spreading by their invasive basal ends rather than depending on apical constriction as do the corresponding "bottle cells" in other amphibians. Lateral endoderm migrates dorsally, replacing the relaminating surface mesoderm and fusing at the dorsal midline of the archenteron. These processes demonstrate the diversity of morphogenesis at the cellular, and presumably the molecular, level and shed light on the evolution of morphogenetic mechanisms.
Are cultural values and beliefs included in U.S. based HIV interventions

Abstract Objective To determine the extent to which current United States based human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) prevention and risk reduction interventions address and include aspects of cultural beliefs in definitions, curricula, measures and related theories that may contradict current safer sex messages. Method A comprehensive literature review was conducted to determine which published human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) prevention and risk reduction interventions incorporated aspects of cultural beliefs. Results This review of 166 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention and risk reduction interventions, published between 1988 and 2010, identified 34 interventions that varied in cultural definitions and the integration of cultural concepts. Conclusion human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) interventions need to move beyond targeting specific populations based upon race/ethnicity, gender, sexual, drug and/or risk behaviors and incorporate cultural beliefs and experiences pertinent to an individual's risk. Theory based interventions that incorporate cultural beliefs within a contextual framework are needed if prevention and risk reduction messages are to reach targeted at risk populations. Implications for the lack of uniformity of cultural definitions, measures and related theories are discussed and recommendations are made to ensure that cultural beliefs are acknowledged for their potential conflict with safer sex skills and practices.
Cerebral microembolism during carotid endarterectomy

Background: This study was designed to assess the intraoperative risk of cerebral microembolism, as detected by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, during carotid endarterectomy. Patients and methods: Thirty-six patients (37 procedures) with symptomatic (n = 35) or asymptomatic (n = 2) internal carotid artery origin stenosis (>50%) were monitored continuously during carotid endarterectomy. Special instrumentation was used to detect high-intensity transient signals (HITS) in the middle cerebral artery on the carotid endarterectomy side. All HITS satisfied a priori established criteria. Results: The incidence of carotid endarterectomies with formed-element HITS increased at clamp release (2337, P <0.001) and shunt opening (711, P = 0.014), and during wound closure (1322, P <0.005) and shunting (511, P = 0.046). HITS with air microbubble characteristics were detected at clamp release (2237, P <0.001) and shunt opening (511, P = 0.025). Conclusions: HITS do not occur randomly during carotid endarterectomy. Shunting, unclamping, and wound closure are high-risk periods.
Dynamic tuning of feature set in highly variant interactive applications

For important classes of interactive consumer applications, such as gaming and video, the Quality-of-Service requirement is to create a maximally immersive experience for the interactive user. This necessitates a trade-off between maximizing the computational complexity of application features versus the need to maintain a smooth and sufficiently high frame-rate. The implementation of these applications using conventional C/C++/Java development flows, their highly data-dependent time-varying nature, and the lack of analytical models for their execution time behavior pose unique challenges in obtaining significant QoS improvements.In this paper, we propose an adaptive feedback controller that dynamically tunes the application feature set in the face of the challenges outlined above. We use a system-identification strategy where the controller estimates an application's execution characteristics based on i) a limited amount of domain knowledge common to video and gaming, and ii) the observed response of the application to control inputs. Therefore, the proposed controller is suitable for a range of interactive applications without needing application-specific knowledge. We use a commercial game engine and the MPEG2 encoder as representative real-world applications to show that our strategy offers a simple practical solution to achieve substantial improvements in QoS across a wide range of operating conditions
Does the Full Moon affect Rainbow Trout Fishing

(1938). Does the Full Moon affect Rainbow Trout Fishing? Transactions of the American Fisheries Society: Vol. 67, No. 1, pp. 212-214.
P02.77. Case series to evaluate the efficacy of facial acupuncture to decrease skin roughness and depth of wrinkles in the glabellar area

Methods Nine subjects aged 40-60 were recruited to participate in the study. Each participant received facial acupuncture treatments 2 times a week for 4 weeks for a total of 8 treatments. An impression of the glabellar area was taken on 3 occasions: 1 month prior to treatment, on the first day of treatment prior to the procedure, and at the conclusion of the final treatment. In this manner each of the participants served as his or her own control. On each of the 3 occasions, a Cuderm replica-locating ring localized the glabellar area, using the root of the nose and eyebrow ridges as landmarks. A negative replica of the skin surface was made using Silfo, a dental replica material.
Considerations in the early development of biosimilar products

The widespread use and patent expiration of many biologics have led to global interest in development of biosimilar products. Because the manufacture of biologics, including biosimilars, is a complex process involving living systems, the development of a biosimilar is more rigorous than the development of a generic small molecule drug. Several regulatory agencies have established or are proposing guidelines that recommend a stepwise process to ensure the efficacy and safety of a biosimilar are highly similar to the reference product. This article also explores the early clinical phase of biosimilar development, which is particularly important to resolving any uncertainties that might remain following in vitro and in vivo evaluations and to enable a selective and targeted approach to Phase III clinical efficacy and safety investigation.
The effects of doxazosin on platelet aggregation, platelet adhesion and blood coagulation in cynomolgus monkeys

Abstract The effect of doxazosin, a selective alpha-1 adrenergic inhibitor, on hemostasis was investigated in 9 cynomolgus monkeys. During 12 weeks of doxazosin treatment (1 mg/kg per day), serum lipids, lipoprotein cholesterols, blood coagulation, platelet aggregation and template bleeding times were measured and compared with predrug values. In addition, platelet adhesion to cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in the presence or absence of doxazosin was evaluated. Platelet aggregation was also determined in monkeys following chronic oral exposure to aspirin (162 mg/day). Doxazosin administration was associated with significant reductions in serum total cholesterol (TC) (−16%) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (−23%), while high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels increased 66%. Doxazosin did not alter any parameters of blood coagulation measured; however, bleeding times were increased significantly (33%) in doxazosin-treated animals. Although collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation was not influenced by either chronic doxazosin or aspirin treatment, the maximal extent of ADP-stimulated platelet aggregation was significantly reduced (−26% and −18%, respectively) compared with the control monkeys. Platelets from untreated control animals displayed reductions in the extent of ADP-stimulated aggregation of 13% and 23%, respectively, when incubated in vitro with 200 and 300 μg/ml of doxazosin. Additionally, the decrease in aggregation response of platelets obtained from doxazosin-treated monkeys was accompanied by a rapid reversal of platelet aggregation. Adhesion to HUVEC by platelets isolated from doxazosin-treated animals was significantly decreased; however, adhesion was not altered when platelets from untreated control animals were incubated with HUVEC in the presence of doxazosin. Thus, the ex vivo and in vitro studies reported in this communication suggest that doxazosin administration to nonhuman primates is associated with beneficial alterations in plasma lipids, platelet aggregation, bleeding times and platelet adhesion to endothelial cells, parameters which are thought to influence risk of cardiovascular disease in both animals and humans.
Surface phenomena in vacuum insulation

Abstract This paper discusses the dielectric properties of surfaces influenced by insulating inclusions, free insulating particles, and free metallic particles. Among the conclusions drawn are the following: (1) copper surfaces having intentionally added alumina particles have lower breakdown voltage in the unconditioned state than particle-free surfaces, but after conditioning the two surface types have similar breakdown voltages; (2) surfaces bearing unbound insulating particles show pronounced breakdown strength degradation and sensitivity to mechanical shock; (3) free metallic particles typical of metal splatter produced during arcing at very high currents are readily lifted by applied average fields of 1 kV/mm in one period of power frequency or less; and (4) insulating spheres vary in the strength of electric field required to move them in vacuum depending largely on (a) the thickness and distribution of metal deposited on the sphere by previous arc erosion and (b) the attitude of the particle on its supporting surface.
Biosynthesis of the sex pheromone of the male boll weevil from monoterpene precursors

Abstract Biosynthesis of the four monoterpene compounds that comprise the sex pheromone of the male boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis, was demonstrated by using a mixture of geraniol and nerol. An average 2.4% of the administered radioactive alcohols was incorporated into the pheromone components. The amount of radioactivity incorporated into each pheromone component indicated that these two isomeric alcohols are incorporated directly into the pheromone biosynthetic pathway.
Recombinant adeno-associated virus: clinical application and development as a gene-therapy vector

Gene therapy is gaining momentum as a method of treating human disease. Initially conceived as a strategy to complement defective genes in monogenic disorders, the scope of gene therapy has expanded to encompass a variety of applications. Likewise, the molecular tools for gene delivery have evolved and diversified to meet these various therapeutic needs. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) has made significant strides toward clinical application with an excellent safety profile and successes in several clinical trials. This review covers the basic biology of rAAV as a gene therapy vector as well as its advantages compared with other methods of gene delivery. The status of clinical trials utilizing rAAV is also discussed in detail. In conclusion, methods of engineering the vector to overcome challenges identified from these trials are covered, with emphasis on modification of the viral capsid to increase the tissue/cell-specific targeting and transduction efficiency.
A super Koba-Nielsen formula for the scattering of two massless Ramond fermions with N − 2 massless Neveu-Schwarz bosons

Abstract In a recent paper by this author, a manifestly unitary N = 2 supersheet formalism was used to derive an expression for the NSR scattering amplitudes involving two external Ramond particles. In this paper, the tree-level scattering amplitude for two massless Ramond fermions and N − 2 massless Neveu-Schwarz bosons is explicitly calculated. The amplitude is shown to be Lorentz invariant and is expressed as a super Koba-Nielsen formula.
Glucose and scyllo-inositol impair phosphoinositide hydrolysis in the 10.5-day cultured rat conceptus: A role in dysmorphogenesis?

Culture of the postimplantation rat conceptus from gestational day 9.5-10.5 in media supplemented with d-glucose or scyllo-inositol decreases tissue myo-inositol and phosphoinositides with a concomitant increase in dysmorphogenesis. A number of mitogenic agents initiate cellular proliferation and differentiation through receptors coupled to phosphoinositide hydrolysis. To test whether the decrease in conceptus phosphoinositides is associated with a reduced phosphoinositide hydrolytic response, we developed a protocol to stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Phosphoinositide hydrolysis was monitored by measurement of [3H]inositol phosphates after preincubation in serum free media. We examined the ability of serum, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), epidermal-derived growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and endothelin-2 (ET-2), to stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis. As measured by [3H]inositol monophosphate ([3H]InsP1) accumulation, normal rat seru, ET-1, and ET-2 stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis 47%, 420%, and 154% above the basal rate observed in serum free controls. EGF stimulated a statistically insignificant 15% increase while PDGF, IGF-1, or IGF-2 were without effect. We further characterized ET-1 stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Dose-response studies disclosed that incremental increases in [3H]InsP1 (129-420%) are observed over a concentration range of 10-1,000 nM. Maximal stimulation was not reached even at 1,000 nM. Temporally [3H]InsP1 and [3H]InsP3 levels increased linearly during incubation periods of 15-60 min. We further analyzed ET-1 stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in 10.5-day conceptuses cultured for 24 hr in media containing high concentrations of glucose (23.3-56.6 mM) or scyllo-inositol (0.55, 5.5 mM). Under these dysmorphogenic conditions that concomitantly decrease the phosphoinositide precursor pool the response to ET-1 was blunted 28-76% for glucose and 29-65% for scyllo-inositol. This suggests that the effect of glucose and scyllo-inositol on lowering phosphoinositide precursor pools also results in a decrease in the response to agonists using the inositol/lipid intracellular pathway. This impaired signaling response may contribute to initiating dysmorphogenic events in diabetic embryopathy.
Environmental stress as an indicator of anthropogenic impact across the African Albertine Rift: a case study using museum specimens

We examined fluctuating asymmetry (FA) and body condition (BC) as two measures of environmental stress using museum specimens of Lophuromys aquilus, a rodent species complex wide-spread across the African Albertine Rift. We related FA and BC to a spatially-derived index of anthropogenic impact using a principal components analysis (PCA). We found no relationship between the four PCA scores and mean FA or BC, but did find that FA variance was higher in areas with lower anthropogenic impact. There was also a negative, albeit non-significant, trend for PC3, suggesting that populations with higher than average BC were in areas with higher anthropogenic impact. Overall, our case study does not support FA and BC as effective predictors of environmental stress with low to moderate habitat disturbance. In fact, L. aquilus, as a habitat generalist, may be positively affected by some aspects of anthropogenic change. Studies relating environmental stress to anthropogenic impact should examine sites with a wide range of habitat qualities and human impact and utilize multiple measures of environmental stress to characterize the health of one or more populations.
Beyond beta-blockade: Nerve growth factor and arrhythmia

l n a j s a r f f m c In the current issue of Heart Rhythm, Tang et al provide new tool for the armamentarium in the fight against ardiac disease, a point-of-care test for the biomarker plasma erve growth factor (NGF). NGF is a secreted protein that nduces the differentiation and survival of neurons and is esponsible for the maintenance of sympathetic and sensory eurons in cardiac tissue. It primarily binds to and activates yrosine kinase receptor A (TrkA) and a low-affinity p75 eurotrophin receptor (p75NTR). At the cellular level, GF decreases calcium-dependent and calcium-indepenent potassium channels and appears to modulate the firing roperties of sympathetic neurons. These, in turn, may be elated to an interaction with cardiac arrhythmia. NGF is ecreted in proportion to the innervation density of cardiac issue, and developing neurons not exposed to NGF undergo poptosis. Several studies have shown that increased NGF evels lead to cardiac hypertrophy. The study by Tang et al demonstrates nicely that this new beroptic immunoassay can deliver NGF concentrations rom plasma in 5 minutes. Compared to the currently used nzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test, which takes days o weeks and requires significant user training, equipment, nd support personnel, this new assay makes serum NGF easurements ready for prime time use by the cardiac ommunity. But, is NGF ready for prime time? The 21 patients with atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter enolled in this comparison trial underwent radiofrequency blation. Previous work has documented that NGF levels ise acutely postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperaive NGF samples were highly comparable between the two easurement methods. The reliability of the test appears xcellent. Yet the question now is the utility of the test. The autonomic nervous system plays a role in the specrum of postmyocardial infarction (post-MI) risk for sudden ardiac death (SCD), particularly as evidenced by the surival conferred by pharmacologic beta-blockade. Clinically, ardiac reinnervation improves hemodynamic function. ardiac sympathetic activation of beta-adrenergic receptors ncreases systolic contractility and diastolic relaxation, and ccelerates atrioventricular conduction. However, the extent
Phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of human cloned natural killer cell lines

Extensive efforts have recently been made to characterize cells capable of mediating natural killing activity (see ref. 1 for review) and increasing evidence has arisen that these cells were heterogeneous2,3. By using the methods we have recently developed for cloning natural killer (NK) cells derived from peripheral blood4, we have analysed the heterogeneity of human NK cells. Seven cell lines showing NK activity were established and studied for 4 months. Their phenotype was determined with a series of monoclonal antibodies; anti-T1, -T3, -T4, -T8, -T11, -T12, Mo1 and each cell line appeared to have a unique phenotype. Moreover, whereas some of these lines could only kill K562 cells, the standard assay of NK activity, others displayed a broad but distinct spectrum of reactivity against a variety of human tumour and viral transformed cell lines. Taken together, these results demonstrate the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of NK effector cells which has recently been suggested in both human and marine systems2,3,5.
Voltage-gated and inwardly rectifying potassium channels

This lecture is dedicated to Max Delbruck and Seymour Benzer. Max Delbruck was our graduate advisor. He introduced us to a variety of biophysical problems, and taught us ways of thinking about these problems by example. Potassium channels was one of the topics included in his journal club in the early seventies; Max also carefully considered the feasibility of purifying potassium channels then. It was in Seymour Benzer's laboratory that we began to look for Drosophila mutants that affect synaptic transmission at the larval neuromuscular junction. Shaker was the first behavioural mutant we tested that gave a robust phenotype, a phenotype that could be mimicked by treating wild-type preparations with a potassium channel blocker. This mutant fly has led us to our subsequent molecular studies of potassium channels. Since we settled in the University of California, San Francisco, and began to study neural development as well as potassium channels, we have settled into the pattern of each attending meetings and presenting our studies on one of these two areas so as to avoid both being away from home and our children at the same time. In following this pattern, I will be presenting the studies of potassium channels as part of our long-term collaboration. In this talk I will first briefly take you through the path that led us to the molecular studies of potassium channels and then discuss the diversity and modulation of these potassium channels at the molecular and physiological level.
Optimization of a Versatile in Vitro Transcription Assay for the Expression of Multiple Start Site TATA-less Promoters†

Previous work from our laboratory has allowed for the subdivision of RNA polymerase II TATA-less promoters into two classes: those that initiate at a single start site (SSS) and those that initiate at multiple start sites (MSS). MSS promoters are defined by the lack of a TATA box and the presence of a transcription initiation window and a downstream MED-1 element (GCTCCC/G) [Ince, T. A., and Scotto, K. W. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 30249-30252]. Further insight into the mechanisms regulating TATA-less MSS promoters has been hampered by the lack of an in vitro transcription assay in which multiple start sites can be reproduced. In the present study, we describe the development of a versatile in vitro transcription system optimized for the expression of MSS promoters, termed the multiple promoter comparison (MPC) assay. By alteration of assay parameters including template length, cation and nucleotide concentrations, and RNA isolation method, the accurate and robust transcription of two MSS promoters, pgp1 (hamster P-glycoprotein class I homologue) and HPRT (human hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase), was accomplished. Moreover, both TATA-containing and TATA-less single start site promoters were also transcribed in the MPC assay, making this the first general in vitro transcription system for the simultaneous analysis of all three classes of RNA polymerase II genes.
Pro-adrenocorticotropin/endorphin-derived peptides: coordinate action on adrenal steroidogenesis

A synthetic peptide, representing a portion of the 16K (16,000 dalton)-fragment sequence within the pro-adrenocorticotropin/endorphin precursor molecule, potentiates the steroidogenic action of the 1 to 24 portion of adrenocorticotropin [ACTH(1-24)] on the rat adrenal cortex. The peptide has 27 amino acid residues and consists of gamma-melanotropin with a carboxyl terminal extension. It affects both the inner and outer adrenocortical zones of hypophysectomized animals, as evidenced by a synergistic augmentation of corticosterone and aldosterone production, respectively. The peptide can be distinguished from adrenocorticotropin by its activation of cholesterol ester hydrolase and its failure to stimulate cholesterol side-chain cleavage.
An asymptotic analysis of some expert fusion methods

Abstract We study the asymptotic behavior of three classifier combination methods for two-class classification: average, median, and majority vote. Assuming that the estimates of the posterior probability given by individual classifiers constitute a sample from a distribution, we show that as the number of individual classifiers becomes large, median and majority will produce the same result but average may yield a completely different decision if the distribution is not symmetric.
A comprehensive molecular phylogeny of tardigrades-adding genes and taxa to a poorly resolved phylum-level phylogeny.

N.G. was supported by a Fulbright postdoctoral fellowship financed by the Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia of the Spanish Government (BOE/21/05/2005) during lab work, and currently holds a postdoctoral fellowship under the JAE-DOC program of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), in the National Museum of Natural History in Madrid (CSIC). This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation AToL program under grant nos 0334932 and 0531757 to G.G.
Alienated Youth: The Counselor's Task.

A serious problem facing counselors in today's schools is the increasing number of youth who are alienated from their schools. In dealing with this situation, counselors frequently regard it as one which stems from a dysfunction within the individual student; although this may be true in some cases, it is the thesis of this article that the problem often stems from the structure of the school. The theoretical background and causes of alienation in today's youth are discussed. Implications for counselors and the schools are presented along with recommendations for possible courses of action.
Real-time quantification of viable bacteria in liquid medium using infrared thermography

Abstract Quantifying viable bacteria in liquids is important in environmental, food processing, manufacturing, and medical applications. Since vegetative bacteria generate heat as a result of biochemical reactions associated with cellular functions, thermal sensing techniques, including infrared thermography (IRT), have been used to detect viable cells in biologic samples. We developed a novel method that extends the dynamic range and improves the sensitivity of bacterial quantification by IRT. The approach uses IRT video, thermodynamics laws, and heat transfer mechanisms to directly measure, in real-time, the amount of energy lost as heat from the surface of a liquid sample containing bacteria when the specimen cools to a lower temperature over 2 min. We show that the Energy Content ( EC ) of liquid media containing as few as 120 colony-forming units (CFU) of Escherichia coli per ml was significantly higher than that of sterile media ( P EC and viable counts were strongly positively correlated ( r = 0.986) over a range of 120 to approximately 5 × 10 8 CFU/ml. Our IRT approach is a unique non-contact method that provides real-time bacterial enumeration over a wide dynamic range without the need for sample concentration, modification, or destruction. The approach could be adapted to quantify other living cells in a liquid milieu and has the potential for automation and high throughput.
Microdynamics and seasonal changes in manganese oxide epiprecipitation in Pinal Creek, Arizona

In Pinal Creek, Arizona, Mn oxyhydroxides (MnO x ) collect as thick precipitates on surface sediment, within the streambed, beneath algal mats, and on submerged and emergent plants and mosses. The proximate source of Mn is a thick, alluvial alkaline aquifer that was contaminated by past acid mine waste disposal practices associated with copper mines located upstream in the Globe–Miami area. Almost every organism in Pinal Creek is coated with MnO x . Some are actively precipitating manganese, and others are doing it passively. The variety and seasonality of epilithic biological processes resulting in Mn oxidation (epiprecipitation) was studied for more than a year by analyzing artificial substrates placed in surface water having different flows and different vegetation types and densities. Most epiprecipitation took place on the holdfasts of the green alga, Ulothrix sp., and the iron bacterium, Leptothrix discophora. Extensive patches of MnO x also coated extracellular polymeric substances of fungal hyphae and bacterial filaments. The dominant macroscopic precipitation was in the form of MnO x clumps on mosses, green algae, and cyanobacterial mats, consistent with precipitation by pH elevation during photosynthesis. Most oxidation occurred in the spring and summer, in agreement with thermal, biological, and chemical activity models. More biological oxidation occurred in swifter water, consistent with oxygen elevation models. The efficiency of this naturally occurring, diverse ecosystem suggests that remediation efforts to remove metal contaminants such as Mn should focus on creation of habitats that raise biodiversity.
The Energetics of Overturning Structures: Implications for the Theory of Fossil Turbulence

Abstract A large number of oceanic and freshwater microstructure observations are analyzed to determine the energetic state of the turbulence. The total available energy and a time scale for dissipating the total energy are estimated. It is found that the time scale for dissipating the total energy in overturns is usually much shorter than the time scale for gravitational collapse found in laboratory studies. This implies that the energy being dissipated in an overturn could not be supplied fast enough to support the dissipation if gravitational collapse were the only source supplying the energy. Two criteria used in Gibson's theory of fossil turbulence for establishing the state of overturns are compared: a length wale (or available potential energy) criterion suggested by Gibson and tested in the laboratory by Stillinger and Gibson's “activity parameter” criterion. It is found that most overturns are “active” according to the available potential-energy criterion, but “fossil” according to the activity p...
Multi-State, Quasi-Experimental Study of the Impact of Internet-Based, On-Demand Professional Learning on Student Performance

This multi-State, quasi-experimental study reflects the quantification of comparative gains in math and reading performance on standardized assessments. We contrasted performance in consecutive years pre-versus-post for students of teachers actively participating in an Internet-based, on-demand professional development (PD) program with their respective districts, thus normalizing for uncontrolled educational and socioeconomic variables. A random sample of 169 schools was analyzed representing teachers with a minimum high-participation level in PD. Results showed that students of participating teachers experienced 18.9% increases (p .001) and 6.1 (p>.001) fold advantages, respectively. Findings support the high-participation use of Internet-based, on-demand professional learning for improving teacher effectiveness to impact student performance. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v2i4.3933
American Burkitt's lymphoma: diagnosis by ultrasonography and arteriography.

A case of American Burkitt's lymphoma in a 10-year-old white male is described. The child presented with an abdominal mass without associated symptoms. Conventional studies including intravenous urography, barium enema, an upper gastrointestinal series and small bowel follow-through were unrewarding. Synthesis of information obtained from gray-scale ultrasonography and abdominal angiography provided the correct preoperative diagnosis. The role of special procedures in the diagnosis of this entity is discussed.
Regulation of HLA-DR, DP, and DQ expression in activated T cells

Class II expression following restimulation of a population of T cells which had first been activated and then allowed to revert to small resting cells via IL-2 deprivation was followed on the cell surface and mRNA levels. Our interest was to determine the kinetics of class II expression during in vitro growth, the triggers which can induce them, and also whether similar or different patterns are observed for the three class II antigens, DR, DQ, and DP. The cells responded rapidly to restimulation with conditioned medium containing IL-2 as assessed by increased incorporation of [3H]TdR into DNA. Cell surface expression of HLA-DR reached peak levels by Day 1, and greater than 90% of the cells continued to express DR until Day 4, when the number of positive cells gradually began to decline. The expression of DP also increased, though maximum levels were not reached until Day 3, when it began to decline. The percentage of cells positive for DP was, however, consistently lower than that of DR. DQ was expressed by very few cells, but appeared to increase until Day 4 and then decline. Tac expression was dramatically up-regulated following IL-2 stimulation, remaining high until Day 4, and then declining more precipitously than any of the other antigens. Class I antigen expression was relatively constant during the entire culture period, though a slight decline was noted between Day 5 and 6 when proliferation and viability were at their lowest levels. On the molecular level, DR beta mRNA accumulation peaked at Day 3, then rapidly declined. Reculture in IL-2 on Day 4 resulted in transient reaccumulation of message. Study of DP beta and DQ beta mRNA demonstrated strong expression on Days 3 and 4 and no obvious up-regulation after restimulation with IL-2 on Day 4. The kinetics of Tac mRNA accumulation and the response to restimulation with IL-2 closely resembled that of DR. Finally we compared the ability of different signals to up-regulate class II mRNA and surface expression and to restimulate proliferation. Our results indicated that PHA was more effective then medium alone, but far less effective than was IL-2. PMA was essentially no different than medium alone.
Molecular organization of the postsynaptic specialization.

A specific set of molecules including glutamate receptors is targeted to the postsynaptic specialization of excitatory synapses in the brain, gathering in a structure known as the postsynaptic density (PSD). Synaptic targeting of glutamate receptors depends on interactions between the C-terminal tails of receptor subunits and specific PDZ domain-containing scaffold proteins in the PSD. These scaffold proteins assemble a specialized protein complex around each class of glutamate receptor that functions in signal transduction, cytoskeletal anchoring, and trafficking of the receptors. Among the glutamate receptor subtypes, the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor is relatively stably integrated in the PSD, whereas the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor moves in and out of the postsynaptic membrane in highly dynamic fashion. The distinctive cell biological behaviors of N-methyl-d-aspartate and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors can be explained by their differential interactions with cytoplasmic proteins.
Immune Tolerance Induction to Factor IX through B Cell Gene Transfer: TLR9 Signaling Delineates between Tolerogenic and Immunogenic B Cells

A subset of patients with severe hemophilia B, the X-linked bleeding disorder resulting from absence of coagulation factor IX (FIX), develop pathogenic antibody responses during replacement therapy. These inhibitors block standard therapy and are often associated with anaphylactic reactions to FIX. Established clinical immune tolerance induction protocols often fail for FIX inhibitors. In a murine model of this immune complication, retrovirally transduced primary B cells expressing FIX antigen fused with immunoglobulin-G heavy chain prevented antibody formation to FIX and was also highly effective in desensitizing animals with preexisting response. In contrast, transplant of B cells that received the identical expression cassette via nucleofection of plasmid vector substantially heightened antibody formation against FIX, a response that could be blocked by toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) inhibition. While innate responses to TLR4 activation or to retrovirus were minimal in B cells, plasmid DNA activated TLR9, resulting in CpG-dependent NF-κB activation/IL-6 expression and adaptor protein 3 dependent, CpG-independent induction of IFN-I. Neither response was seen in TLR9-deficient B cells. Therefore, TLR9 signaling in B cells, in particular in response to plasmid vector, is highly immunogenic and has to be avoided in design of tolerance protocols.
Calculation of the Effects of Branching and Conjugation on Intrinsic Barriers for H Atom Transfer Reactions Involving Hydrocarbons

This paper describes the use of the semiempirical molecular orbital (MO) theoretical methods (AMI and MNDO-PM3) to calculate barriers for a series of H atom transfer identity reactions involving alkyl, alkenyl, arylalkyl, and hydroaryl systems. Transition state (TS) energies were calculated for a series of known H abstractions and show to correlate linearly with experimental TS energies. Barriers for H abstraction reactions decrease with the degree of alkyl substitution at the radical site, and increase with the degree of conjugation. Barriers for transfer of a {beta}-hydrogen from a radical to an unsaturated hydrocarbon (radical hydrogen transfer or RHT) were also calculated. The results show that methyl group substitutions at the radical site lower the barrier while substitutions at the site {beta} to the radical, the position from which the H originates, raise the barrier. The barriers for RHT reactions involving conjugated systems increase with increasing radical delocalization and correlate linearly with the strength of the donor radical {beta}-C-H bond. RHT barriers are estimated to range from E{sub a} = 17-20 kcal/mol for benzene-plus-cyclohexadiene to E{sub a} = 26-29 kcal/mol for anthracene-plus-9-hydroanthracene. 61 refs., 5 figs., 4 tabs.
Determinants of modern health care use by families after a childhood burn in Ghana.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined determinants of modern health care use by families after their child aged 0-5 years sustained a burn injury in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. METHODS: A community based survey of children aged 0-5 years was conducted in 50 enumeration areas in the region. Mothers of all children with scars as evidence of a burn were selected for a follow up interview using a standard questionnaire two to three months later. Determinants of health care use were investigated through a multivariate logistic regression using interview responses from mothers of 617 children for whom report on some treatment was given. RESULTS: Overall, 48% of the burned children were taken to a modern health facility for treatment. Of those taken to a modern health facility, 68% were sent within 24 hours of the burn event. Factors with large adjusted odds ratios for modern health care use included wound infection, burns covering 6% or more of the body surface, and third degree burns. Compared with scalds, children with contact and flame burns were less likely to be taken to a health facility, as were burns to rural children, and those given first aid treatment at home. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that families, particularly rural residents, should be educated about appropriate health care seeking practices after a burn.
Laws Of Laser Speckle Movement In Space

Statistical optics are used to derive a set of equations that govern the spatial movement of laser speckles. Experiments were designed to verify the validity of these equations.
Complementary Antitumor Immunity Induced by Plasmid DNA Encoding Secreted and Cytoplasmic Human ErbB-2

A plasmid DNA was constructed to encode the N-terminal 505 aa of human ErbB-2 (E2, HER-2/neu) and designated as secreted ErbB-2 (secE2). Recombinant secE2 protein was detected in the transfected cells and was secreted as an 80-kDa glycoprotein. Vaccination of BALB/c mice with secE2 DNA induced both IgG1 and IgG2a ErbB-2-specific Abs and protected approximately 90% of mice against mouse mammary tumor D2F2, which expressed human ErbB-2 (D2F2/E2). The efficacy of secE2 vaccine was comparable with that of wild-type ErbB-2 DNA, which encodes the entire 1258 aa of ErbB-2 protein, induced only IgG2a E2-specific Abs, and stimulated greater CTL activity. Immune lymphocytes were stimulated in vitro with irradiated 3T3 cells, which expressed ErbB-2, K(d), and B7.1. CTL activity was measured by the lysis of E2-positive target cells and by intracellular IFN-gamma production. To enhance CTL activation, mice were immunized with a combination of secE2 and cytoplasmic E2 (cytE2); the latter encodes the 1258-aa ErbB-2 protein that was released into the cytoplasm upon synthesis. Significant increase in CTL activity was demonstrated after mice were immunized with the combined vaccines and all mice were protected from D2F2/E2 tumor growth. Therefore, secE2, which induced Th2 Ab and weak CTL, conferred similar protection as E2, which induced Th1 Ab and strong CTL. Combined vaccination with secE2 and cytE2 resulted in Th2 Ab, strong CTL, and the most effective protection against tumor growth. The strategy of coimmunization with DNA that direct Ags to different subcellular compartments may be adapted as appropriate to optimize immune outcome.
HSP70-related proteins in bovine skeletal muscle

Constitutive expression of HSP70-related proteins was detected in a variety of bovine tissues using a specific antibody. All tissues contained a 73 kilodalton protein. A lower molecular weight form (72 kilodaltons) that co-migrated on two-dimensional gels with the stressed-induced HSP70 was present in high levels in bovine skeletal muscle, but absent from rat skeletal muscle. Two-dimensional gel analysis revealed several isoforms for both the 73 and 72 kilodalton forms. Purification of HSP70-related proteins from bovine skeletal muscle, thymus gland and rat skeletal muscle demonstrated that the antibody recognized all the forms present in the tissue homogenates. The two proteins are similar but distinct as detected by one-dimensional peptide mapping. The lower molecular form was not present in fetal tissue but was detectable in newborn animals, suggesting that the levels are regulated during development.
BACULOVIRUS-MEDIATED EXPRESSION OF A MANDUCA SEXTA CHITINASE GENE: PROPERTIES OF THE RECOMBINANT PROTEIN

We constructed a recombinant nonoccluded baculovirus, Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV), containing a 1.8 kb DNA fragment from a Manduca sexta (tobacco boruworm) chitinase cDNA under the control of the polyhedrin gene promoter. When Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) cells (SF9) were infected with this recombinant virus, a protein with an apparent molecular weight of 85 kDa was secreted into the culture medium. This protein hydrolyzed chitin and cross-reacted with a polyclonal antibody to M. sexta molting fluid chitinase. Tunicamycin treatment of infected SF9 cells and subsequent western blot analysis indicated that the secreted enzyme was a glycoprotein. GC-MS analysis revealed that carbohydrate accounted for approximately 25% of the mass of glycoprotein. The recombinant chitinase and the molting fluid enzyme were indistinguishable by N-terminal sequencing, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and carbohydrate analysis, indicating that the recombinant protein was similar, if not identical, to the molting fluid enzyme. Analysis of the expression level of recombinant chitinase in SF9, SF21 and Trichoplusia ni (Hi-5) cell fines showed that the yields were in the order Hi-5 > SF21 > SF9. Chitinase accumulated in hemolymph after injection of fourth instar M. sexta and S. frugiperda larvae with recombinant virus. The median time for mortality of S.frugiperda fourth instar larvae infected with the recombinant virus was approximately 20 h shorter than that for insects infected with a wild type virus. The results support the hypothesis that insect chitinase has potential to enhance the insecticidal activity of entomopathogens.