cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Video bioinformatics analysis of human pluripotent stem cell morphology, quality, and cellular dynamics

StemCellQC is a video bioinformatics software tool for the quantitative analysis of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) colonies. Our objective was to use StemCellQC to evaluate and compare various experimental culture conditions, cell lines, and treatments and to demonstrate its applicability to PSC problems. Seven key features were identified that provided useful information on PSC morphology, dynamic behavior, and viability. Colony attachment was better on laminin-521 than on Matrigel and Geltrex. Growth rates were similar on each matrix when data were normalized. The brightness/area ratio feature showed greater cell death in colonies grown on Matrigel and Geltrex than on laminin-521 further contributing to an overall greater yield of cells on laminin-521. Four different PSC culture media performed similarly; however, one medium produced batch-to-batch variation in colony morphology and dynamic features. Two embryonic and one induced pluripotent stem cell line showed significant differences in morphology, growth rates, motility, and death rates. Cells from the same vial that became phenotypically different in culture showed measurable differences in morphology, brightness, and motility. Likewise, differentiating and undifferentiated colonies varied in growth rate, intensity, and motility. Three pluripotent cell lines treated with a low concentration of cinnamaldehyde, a chemical used in consumer products, showed adverse effects and differed in their sensitivity to treatment. Our data demonstrate various applications of StemCellQC which could be used in basic and translational research, toxicological and drug testing, and clinical facilities engaged in stem cell therapy.
Computational design of a synthetic PD-1 agonist.

Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) expressed on activated T cells inhibits T cell function and proliferation to prevent an excessive immune response, and disease can result if this delicate balance is shifted in either direction. Tumor cells often take advantage of this pathway by overexpressing the PD-1 ligand PD-L1 to evade destruction by the immune system. Alternatively, if there is a decrease in function of the PD-1 pathway, unchecked activation of the immune system and autoimmunity can result. Using a combination of computation and experiment, we designed a hyperstable 40-residue miniprotein, PD-MP1, that specifically binds murine and human PD-1 at the PD-L1 interface with a Kd of ∼100 nM. The apo crystal structure shows that the binder folds as designed with a backbone RMSD of 1.3 A to the design model. Trimerization of PD-MP1 resulted in a PD-1 agonist that strongly inhibits murine T cell activation. This small, hyperstable PD-1 binding protein was computationally designed with an all-beta interface, and the trimeric agonist could contribute to treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Digital quantification of Ki-67 and PHH3 in the classification of uterine smooth muscle tumors

Objectives: The aims of this study were to evaluate if digital quantification of proliferation marker Ki-67 and mitotic marker phosphohistone H3 (PHH3) can reliably distinguish leiomyosarcoma (LMS) from smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP), leiomyoma with bizarre nuclei (LMBN), and leiomyoma (LM), and if digital quantification of these markers correlates with clinical outcomes. Methods: Cases of LMS, STUMP, LMBN, and LM for which paraffin-embedded tissue was available were identified from a single institution. Manual evaluation of mitotic count was performed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) evaluation on 50 high powered fields (5 mm2). Immunohistochemical staining for Ki-67 and PHH3 was performed on one section from each case, and a high throughput digital quantification system was used to calculate an average percent stain. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the ability of Ki-67 and PHH3 to predict LMS versus the other diagnostic groups were generated. Univariate Cox regression assessed for associations between each marker and progression-free survival (PFS) among patients with available follow-up. Results: A total of 39 cases (17 LMS, 5 STUMP, 10 LMBN, and 7 LM) were included. Mitotic count, Ki-67, and PHH3 were significantly correlated. When comparing the LMS group to the STUMP, LMBN, and LM groups combined, LMS showed a significantly greater digital quantification of Ki-67 (median 10.6% versus 0.4%, p Download : Download high-res image (67KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence that digital quantification of Ki-67, and possibly PHH3, can aid in a fast and reliable diagnosis of LMS versus other uterine smooth muscle tumors.
Conclusions and recommendations for further research

The dramatic difference between the composite and consistent composite scenarios for the Montour region implies a very important conclusion concerning energy park development in that region. The great differences between many values of variables in the two scenarios indicates, as mentioned earlier, that the scenario collectively preferred by policy makers in the region (the composite scenario) is not feasible in terms of the model of system process functions. In particular, this scenario reflects high levels of industrial production and employment as well as low levels of air pollution emission associated with that production. The technical relationships between the economic production and pollution emission will not permit such a scenario.
Rotational Bands in Rare‐Earth Proton Emitters and Neighboring Nuclei

The anomalous proton‐decay rates in 131Eu and 141Ho have been explained by the presence of large quadrupole deformation. Consistent with this hypothesis was the discovery of the decay branch in 131Eu to the 2+ state in the daughter nucleus. Direct evidence that 141Ho and 131Eu are deformed came from the observation of rotational bands. From the dynamic moment of inertia the deformation of β2=0.25(4) was deduced for the 141Ho ground state. The large signature splitting in the ground‐state band in 141Ho indicates that Coriolis mixing plays an important role in this nucleus. The comparison between the Particle‐Rotor Model and the data indicates that 141Ho has significant hexadecapole deformation and/or might be triaxial. The comparison between theory and experiment constrains other parameters used in the proton decay rate calculations from deformed nuclei such as the Coriolis interaction and pairing strength.
Mycobacterial and nonbacterial pulmonary complications in hospitalized patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection: a prospective, cohort study.

A prospective observational study was done to describe nonbacterial pulmonary complications in hospitalized patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The study included 1,225 consecutive hospital admissions of 599 HIV-infected patients treated from April 1995 through March 1998. Data included demographics, risk factors for HIV infection, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, pulmonary complications, CD4+ lymphocyte count, hospital stay and case-fatality rate. Patient age (mean ± SD) was 38.2 ± 8.9 years, 62% were men, and 84% were African American. The median APACHE II score was 14, and median CD4+ lymphocyte count was 60/μL. Pulmonary complications were Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (85) in 78 patients, Mycobacterium avium complex (51) in 38, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (40) in 35, Mycobacterium gordonae (11) in 11, Mycobacterium kansasii (10) in 9, Cytomegalovirus (10) in 10, Nocardia asteroides (3) in 3, fungus ball (2) in 2, respiratory syncytial virus (1), herpes simplex virus (1), Histoplasma capsulatum (1), lymphoma (3) in 3, bronchogenic carcinoma (2) in 2, and Kaposi sarcoma (1). The case-fatality rate of patients was 11% with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia; 5%, Mycobacterium tuberculosis; 6%, Mycobacterium avium complex; and 7%, noninfectious pulmonary complications. Most pulmonary complications in hospitalized patients with HIV are from Pneumocystis and mycobacterial infection.
Trophic response of gut and pancreas after ileojejunal transposition.

OBJECTIVE: The authors determined whether ileojejunal transposition (IJT) stimulates the growth of the pancreas or the nontransposed segment of small intestine, and ascertained whether this trophic effect is altered by the location of transposed gut segment. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Transposition of the ileum to the proximal small intestine stimulates a marked mucosal growth of the transposed ileal segment; the cellular mechanisms responsible for this adaptive hyperplasia are not known. METHODS: The distal quarter of the small intestine (distal ileum) was transposed into the proximal (Type I), middle (Type II), or distal (Type III) portions of the remaining small intestine. On postoperative day 28, the pancreas and scraped mucosa from the segments of transposed ileum, proximal ileum, and duodenum were obtained, weighed, and examined for DNA and protein content. RESULTS: All types of IJT increased mucosal weight and DNA content of the transposed ileum. Types I and II IJT produced a significant proliferation of the pancreas and mucosa of the duodenum and proximal ileum. The magnitude of proliferative increases was greatest in Type I IJT. CONCLUSIONS: Ileojejunal transposition appears to be an excellent model to examine the mechanisms by which intestinal epithelial cells proliferate in response to luminal nutrients or humoral factors.
Early pubertal development in Chinese girls.

In this issue of Pediatrics , Huamei et al1 report on a cross-sectional study of 20654 healthy Chinese girls aged 3 to 19.83 years to identify stages of breast and pubic hair development. The median age for breast Tanner stage 2 was 9.20 years (95% confidence interval: 9.06–9.32) and for pubic hair Tanner stage 2 was 11.16 years (95% confidence interval: 11.03–11.29). The concern we are putting forth here is the possibility of a secular trend in early puberty2 and its potential link to toxins in the environment. Increasing recognition of a possible secular trend in early breast development among girls in this country, and possible environmental determinants, resulted in the convening of a multidisciplinary expert panel sponsored jointly by the US Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institute of Environmental Sciences, and Serono Symposia International. The findings from this workshop were published in Pediatrics in 2008.3–6 The majority of the panelists agreed that there was sufficient evidence to suggest a trend in younger age for onset of … Address correspondence to Barbara Cromer, MD, MetroHealth Medical Center, Division of Adolescent Medicine, 2500 MetroHealth Dr, Cleveland, OH 44109. E-mail: bcromer{at}metrohealth.org
Persistent Postpubertal Elevation of Activity of Steroid 5α-Reductase in the Adrenal of Rat Pseudohermaphrodites and Correction by Large Doses of Testosterone or DHT

The development of adrenal androgen metabolizing enzymes with androstenedione and testosterone as substrates has been studied in the rat pseudohermaphrodite and its King-X Holtzman male littermates and females. Enzymatic activity has been determined by the separation and quantitation of the products formed from the labeled androgen substrates by a partition system on thin-layer chromatography, and by trimethylsilylether derivative formation and radio-gas-liquid chromatography. The separations have been confirmed by recrystallization. Serum corticosterone is significantly higher in the pseudohermaphrodite than in males or females indicating intact corticoidogenic enzymes. The development of adrenal androgen metabolizing enzymes in the pseudohermaphrodite differs from that of its littermate male primarily by a persistent postpubertal elevation of activity of 5α-reductase and a failure of a postpubertal rise in 17-ketoreductase, the enzyme converting the 17-ketone of androstenedione to the 17β-alcohol of tes...
ANALYSIS OF BREAST-TISSUE CATHEPSIN-D ISOFORMS FROM PATIENTS WITH BREAST-CANCER, BENIGN BREAST DISEASE AND FROM NORMAL CONTROLS

The isoform composition of cathepsin D has been investigated by isoelectric focusing of breast tissue supernatant fluids from patients with breast cancer, benign breast disease and from normal controls. The results indicated the presence of several acid protease isoforms between pi values of 2 to 8. Three of these isoforms (with approximate pIs of 6.0, 6.4 and 7.0) were pepstatin-inhibitable but not inhibitable by a mixture of protease inhibitors for seryl, cysteinyl and metalloproteases. These three isoforms, and not the more acidic isoforms, contained a 31 kD protein band which was recognized by polyclonal antibodies against cathepsin D, suggesting that these isoforms are cathepsin D. Further evidence that these isoforms are cathepsin D came from studies in which the pepstatin-inhibitable protease activity and not the pepstatin-uninhibitable protease activity, bound to and was elutable from, an immunoaffinity resin made by coupling anticathepsin D polyclonal antibodies to agarose. The mean relative percentage of the total breast tissue protease activity associated with pepstatin-inhibitable activity (i.e. cathepsin D) was significantly increased (p<0.01) in five breast cancer isoform profiles (64+/-4%, mean+/-S.D.) when compared to five normal control breast profiles (32+/-5%). An analysis of the three cathepsin D isoforms between pIs 6 to 7 indicated a trend of increased relative amounts of the most acidic isoform in the breast cancer isoform profiles when compared to isoform profiles from benign breast disease and normal control breast tissues. Evidence that the more acidic cathepsin D isoforms are related to the more neutral isoforms by sialylation came from studies in which neuraminidase treatment of breast tissue supernatant fluids led to decreased amounts of the most acidic isoform with a concomitant increase in the more neutral isoforms. The apparent increased relative amounts of the most acidic cathepsin D isoform in malignant breast tissue, coupled with the neuraminidase treatment results, provide further evidence that malignant breast tissue cathepsin D is abnormally glycosylated.
Behavioral Cybernetic Theory Applied to Ship/Manipulator Control in Small Submarines

38 Willner, A. R. and Salive, M. L., "Materials survey for the rescue and search vehicles of the deep submergence systems project," David Taylor Model Basin Rept. 1987 (March 1965). 39 Horn, K. and Couch, W. P., "Investigation of glass-filament reinforced plastic for deep-submergence applications," David Taylor Model Basin Rept. 1824 (September 1966). 40 Meyers, N. C. and Fink, B., "Filament wound structural model studies for deep submergence vessels," Naval Engrs. J. 77, 275-290 (April 1965). 41 Promtt, J. L., "Hydrostatic pressure tests of cylinders fabricated from hollow-filament, glass-reinforced plastic," David Taylor Model Basin Rept. 2132 (December 1965). 42 Couch, W. P., "Hydrostatic, creep and cyclic tests of radially oriented glass-fiber reinforced plastic spheres," David Taylor Model Basin Rept. 2089 (September 1965). 43 Kiernan, T. J., "An exploratory study of the feasibility of glass and ceramic pressure vessels for naval applications," David Taylor Model Basin Rept. 2243 (August 1966). 44 Nishida, K., "Static and cyclic fatigue tests of fusion-sealed glass spheres," David Taylor Model Basin Rept. 2246 (August 1966).
Bilipschitz snowflakes and metrics of negative type

We show that there exists a metric space (X,d) such that (X,√d) admits a bilipschitz embedding into L2, but (X,d) does not admit an equivalent metric of negative type. In fact, we exhibit a strong quantitative bound: There are n-point subsets Yn ⊆ X such that mapping (Yn, d) to a metric of negative type requires distortion ~Ω(log n)1/4.In a formal sense, this is the first lower bound specifically against bilipschitz embeddings into negative-type metrics, and therefore unlike other lower bounds, ours cannot be derived from a 1-dimensional Poincare inequality.This answers an open question about the strength of strong vs. weak triangle inequalities in a number of semi-definite programs. Our construction sheds light on the power of various notions of "dual flows" that arise in algorithms for approximating the Sparsest Cut problem. It also has other interesting implications for bilipschitz embeddings of finite metric spaces.
Selective, unilateral, reversible loss of behavioral responses to looming stimuli after injection of tetrodotoxin or cadmium chloride into the frog optic nerve

Abstract Unilateral injection of tetrodotoxin or cadmium chloride into the frog optic nerve selectively eliminates behavioral responses to looming stimuli while sparing responses to prey stimuli. This behavioral loss is correlated with a loss of activity of “dimming” units in tectal layer G. These findings suggest that separate sets of retinal ganglion cell fibers carry information concerning looming stimuli and prey stimuli. The lack of activity in layer G suggests that information about looming stimuli is being conveyed by myelinated retinal ganglion cell axons. It is argued that unmyelinated fibers are not blocked by the neurotoxins because the extracellular space around the fibers is mostly inaccessible.
Appendicitis in childhood hematologic malignancies: analysis and comparison with typhilitis.

Abstract Background/Purpose Recognition of appendicitis in the child with hematologic malignancy may be difficult particularly in the setting of neutropenia and multiple medications causing an altered inflammatory response. Typhilitis may produce a similar constellation of clinical findings causing further diagnostic confusion. This review compares the relative frequency of these two conditions in children with hematologic malignancy with a focus on the clinical presentation, distinguishing features, surgical management, and outcome for patients with appendicitis. Methods This institutional review board–approved retrospective study evaluated 464 pediatric patients treated for hematologic malignancy at our institution from 1997 to 2003. From this cohort, we identified all children with a diagnosis of appendicitis or typhilitis. Data include demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory studies, and computed tomography (CT) scan findings. Groups were compared using the Fisher exact test. Significance was defined as P Results Eight (1.7%) of 464 children were diagnosed with typhilitis and 7 (1.5%) with appendicitis. There were no demographic differences between patients with appendicitis and typhilitis. Distinguishing clinical features in children with typhilitis included presence of fever and diarrhea. Clinical presentation in children with appendicitis was atypical in 5 of 7 cases yielding an incorrect preoperative diagnosis in all 5. Radiographic evaluation by CT scan accurately defined typhilitis, but not appendicitis. An operation was performed on all 7 children with appendicitis with no operative morbidity or mortality. Conclusions Appendicitis and typhilitis occur with similar frequency in children with leukemia and lymphoma. Typhilitis is accurately diagnosed with clinical findings of fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and typical CT scan findings. Appendicitis tends to present with atypical findings, but can be successfully managed with standard surgical care.
TEACHING NOTE — CUSTOMS UNIONS VS. NON-PREFERENTIAL QUOTAS

This paper intends to show that increasing a non-preferential import quota is always superior to joining a customs union, assuming that the customs union is small. However, increasing a non-preferential input quota is not necessarily superior to joining a customs union if the customs union is large and capable of influencing the terms of trade.
Sectors Associations and Similarities in Input-Output Systems:An Application of Dual Scaling and Fuzzy Logic to Canada and the United States

Various authors addressed interindustry linkages in the context of input-output systems, however many focused on the identification of key sectors in the economy. Sonis et al. (1996) offered as a field of influence theory an alternative approach focusing on the analytical importance of elements and combinations of elements. In an attempt to further the understanding of the linkages in an input-output system, the objective of this paper is to examine the cluster structure of sales and purchases profiles when the principle of ‘excluded middle’ is violated by the use of fuzzy sets. The identification of fuzzy clusters is based on an analysis to derive an alternative decomposition of␣interindustry flows (Dridi and Hewings 2002), it is a complementary approach to the so-called ‘Matrioshka principal’ (Sonis and Hewings 1990) and will be presented first; the approach looks into the hierarchy of the statistical dependence between supply and demand in input-output systems. The analysis on the cluster structure and the interindustry flows is conducted using the data analysis technique known as dual scaling (Nishisato 1980, 1994). Results of the analysis will be illustrated using input-output tables of the US and Canada.
Clinical determinants of biomechanics platform measures of balance in aged women

The cross-sectional associations between clinical variables and biomechanics platform measures of balance (sway) were determined in a random sample of 50 aged single women living in high rise apartment buildings. A history of falling in the previous year was associated with increased areas of sway. Increased body mass was associated with decreased velocity of sway. Poor near, but not far, visual acuity was associated with increased areas of sway. A postural drop of 10 mmHg or more in diastolic pressure was associated with increased velocity of sway. The associations between these variables and the balance measures persisted after adjustment for age and each other to adjust for potential confounding. Slower hand reaction times and poor hearing were associated with increased areas of sway, but these associations were removed after adjustment for age and near visual acuity. There were no associations between any of the balance measures and postural changes in systolic pressure and heart rate. There were no associations between balance measures and base of support. The observed associations, if causal, can aid in development and testing of effective interventions to improve balance and prevent falls in the elderly. Language: en
POLAC, A problem oriented language for analytical chemistry

Abstract POLAC, Problem Oriented Language for Analytical Chemistry, is a special purpose, user-oriented language specifically designed to control automated equipment for routine and research-oriented analytical determinations. POLAC has been designed so that laboratory personnel, totally unfamiliar with computers and their languages, can write meaningful control and data acquisition programs after short familiarization. The POLAC system was originally used for spectrophotometric endpoint and kinetic analyses in the clinical laboratory. This system has also been applied to the automation of radioimmunoassay. Modular system design readily permits the incorporation of new measurement transducers, e.g. pH and other ion-selective electrodes, voltammetric electrodes, and fluorimeters. A specially built interface facilitates the control of external equipment. POLAC differs from most interpretive languages in that it first translates (assembles) the instructions into a compact binary representation. Program execution is an instruction-by-instruction interpretation of this representation.
Serotonin immunoreactive neurons are present in the superficial layers of the hamster's, but not the rat's, superior colliculus.

Immunocytochemistry for serotonin (5-HT) was carried out in both hamsters and rats in order to determine whether or not 5-HT-positive cells existed in the superior colliculus (SC) of either species. In both hamster and rat, the superficial and deep SC laminae contained dense networks of 5-HT-positive fibers. The rat's SC contained no 5-HT-positive neurons. In hamster, numerous 5-HT-immunoreactive cells were visible throughout the depth of the stratum griseum superficiale (SGS). These neurons had a variety of morphological characteristics and included marginal cells, horizontal cells, and neurons with vertically oriented dendritic trees. No 5-HT-positive neurons were found in any other portion of the hamster's SC. 5-HT-positive SC cells were observed with antisera from two different sources and they were not seen in animals that were pretreated with reserpine. Pretreatment with fluoxetine (an inhibitor of 5-HT uptake) also resulted in a disappearance of 5-HT-positive neurons in the hamster's SC. This result indicated that “serotonergic” cells in the colliculus of this species are capable of taking up, but probably not synthesizing, this indoleamine. The dorsal and ventral lateral geniculate nuclei (LGNd and LGNv, respectively) both contain numerous 5-HT-positive fibers and both of these structures receive input from the SGS. Combination of retrograde tracing with fluorogold and immunocytochemistry indicated that 5-HT-accumulating SC neurons were not the source of these fibers. Unilateral ablation of the superficial SC laminae also failed to reduce 5-HT immunoreactivity in either the LGNd or LGNv. These results are consistent with the possibility that 5-HT-accumulating cells in the hamster's SC may be interneurons that take up this transmitter after it is released by afferents to this nucleus.
Protease biosensing on novel high surface area organosilicate nanoporous films

Abstract We report on the development of a protease biosensing platform using novel high surface area nanoporous organosilicate (NPO) thin film supports. NPO films, with their three dimensional interconnected pores are constituted of organosilicate nanoparticles and are characterized by their large and accessible surface areas, ideal for high density binding of biological probes. Here, we demonstrate enhanced protease sensing of a serine protease, trypsin using a Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay performed on the NPO films. Dual fluorescent dye labeled peptide sequences specific to proteolytic activity of trypsin were used as the sensor probes and immobilized with high density on the NPO surfaces. Enzymatic activity of trypsin was monitored by measuring the donor to acceptor fluorescence ratio changes as a function of both reaction time (time response) and trypsin concentration (dose response). Performance of the same assay on planar glass substrates yielded inconclusive results owing to the inherently low signal/noise ratio from these substrates and potential unfavorable orientation of peptides toward trypsin. Using NPO films, a detection limit of 2.45 μg/ml was achieved in 14 min. The use of solid supports for the performance of protease assays is expected to significantly miniaturize the assays and aid in multiplexing akin to antibody based microarrays.
Concentrations in the one-dimensional Vlasov-Poisson equations. II: screening and the necessity for measure-valued solutions in the two component case

Abstract Weak and measure-valued solutions for the two-component Vlasov-Poisson equations in a single space dimension are proposed and studied here as a simpler analogue problem for the limiting behavior of approximations for the two-dimensional Euler equations with general vorticity of two signs. From numerical experiments and mathematical theory, it is known that much more complex behavior can occur in limiting processes for vortex sheets with general vorticity of two signs as compared with non-negative vorticity. Here such behavior is confirmed rigorously for the simpler analogue problem through explicit examples involving singular charge concentration. For the two-component Vlasov-Poisson equations, the concepts of measure-valued and weak solution are introduced. Explicit examples with charge concentration establish that the limit of weak solutions in a dynamic process is necessarily a measure-valued solution in some cases rather than the anticipated weak solution, i.e. no concentration-cancellation occurs. The limiting behavior of computational regularizations involving high resolution particle methods is presented here both for the instances with measure-valued solutions and also for new examples with non-unique weak solutions. The authors demonstrate that different computational regularizations can exhibit completely different limiting behavior in situations with measure-valued and/or non-unique weak solutions.
Generalization of local and non-local optical models

Abstract Improved local and non-local optical models are proposed. They contain features which are expected to arise from antisymmetrization effects as suggested by studies of light nuclear systems. These features are particularly important for describing scattering at backward angles.
The effect of 15-hour fat infusions of varying dosage on bilirubin binding to albumin.

Intravenous fat emulsions (1, 2, and 3 g/kg) were administered over 15 hr to 20 appropriate for gestational age premature infants with physiologic hyperbilirubinemia to determine the effect of fat infusions on the serum free fatty acid:albumin molar ratio (F/A) and on unbound bilirubin. Significant increases (p 4.0. The gestational age of infants with F/A > 4.0 was significantly less (p < 0.01) than infants with F/A < 4.0 (28.7 ± 0.47 us. 31.1 ± 0.40 wk, mean ± SEM). In 10/58 infusions there was a fall in unbound bilirubin, unrelated to birth...
School-Wide Adoption of a Mathematics Learning Game in a Middle School Setting: Using the TPACK Framework to Analyze Effects on Practice

This case study uses the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework to describe how teachers from two contiguous school districts in southwest Virginia implemented The CandyFactory, an iPad-specific learning game that focuses on pre-algebraic concepts, particularly fraction knowledge. As a result of this implementation, significant changes in practice and instruction took place for these teachers and their students. The goal of this paper is to exemplify the most salient changes that took place, using the TPACK framework and seven knowledge areas. Through a series of focus group interviews with nine teachers and an interview with a program administrator from three middle schools in two districts, findings of this study illustrate how the main and interconnected types of knowledge of the TPACK framework could be used to evaluate the affordances and constraints of a learning game implementation and how it affected the content and pedagogical styles of teachers in the classroom. Using an interpretative research methodology, complemented by quantitative pre-/post-assessments of fraction achievement, data from these interviews were collected and analyzed, using a coding system to identify patterns and themes regarding best practices for instructional alignment as well as shifts in instruction, assessment, and pedagogical styles. As part of the special issue, the case study includes a series of recommendations and implications that could be relevant to similar school districts, including those in the Asia Pacific region, that are considering the adoption of game-based learning and implementing these types of mathematical learning games in classrooms to enhance engagement and performance.
Costimulation of T cell receptor-triggered IL-2 production by Jurkat T cells via fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 upon its engagement by CD56.

Costimulation of T cell receptor-triggered IL-2 production by Jurkat T cells via fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 upon its engagement by CD56
Effects of dobutamine on oxygen transport and consumption in the adult respiratory distress syndrome

To determine if oxygen consumption (VO2) in patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is dependent on, and thus limited by, oxygen transport (TO2) rather than O2 demand. Prospective study. Intensive care unit of a tertiary referral center. 12 patients with ARDS and sepsis syndrome. Routine intensive care unit monitoring including pulmonary and radial artery catheters. Dobutamine was used to increase cardiac output, thereby directly varying TO2 under conditions of constant O2 demand. After baseine measurements of TO2 and VO2, dobutamine was infused intravenously at progressively increasing doses of 5, 10, 15 and 20 μg/kg/min and measurements of TO2 and VO2 were repreated after 30 min at each dose. Dobutamine increased TO2 in 8 of the 12 patients, by 29% at 5 μg/kg/min and by 45% (net) at 10 μg/kg/min, but not at higher doses. In these 8 patients dobutamine also increased VO2 by 15% at 5 μg/kg/min, but did not further increase VO2 at higher doses. There was no correlation between baseline blood lactate concentration and the response of either TO2 or VO2 to dobutamine. In some but not all patients with ARDS and sepsis syndrome, short-term infusion of low-dose dobutatmine can increase both TO2 and VO2. Achievement of a TO2-independent level of VO2 could not be convincingly demonstrated in any individual patient. The response of TO2 and VO2 to dobutamine could not be predicted from baseline blood lactate concentration. Determination of the impact on patient outcome of a more prolonged infusion of dobutamine requires further study.
Design of ultra-stable insulin analogues for the developing world

The engineering of insulin analogues illustrates the application of structure-based protein design to clinical medicine. Such design has traditionally been based on structures of wild-type insulin hexamers in an effort to optimize the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic properties of the hormone. Rapid-acting insulin analogues (in chronological order of their clinical introduction, Humalog ® [Eli Lilly & Co.], Novolog ® [Novo-Nordisk], and Apidra ® [Sanofi-Aventis]) exploit the targeted destabilization of subunit interfaces to facilitate capillary absorption. Conversely, long-acting insulin analogues exploit the stability of the insulin hexamer and its higher-order self-assembly within the subcutaneous depot to enhance basal glycemic control. Current products either operate through isoelectric precipitation (insulin glargine, the active component of Lantus ® ; Sanofi-Aventis) or employ an albumin-binding acyl tether (insulin detemir, the active component of Levemir ® ; Novo-Nordisk). Such molecular engineering has often encountered a trade-off between PK goals and product stability. Given the global dimensions of the diabetes pandemic and complexity of an associated cold chain of insulin distribution, we envisage that concurrent engineering of ultra-stable protein analogue formulations would benefit the developing world, especially for patients exposed to high temperatures with inconsistent access to refrigeration. We review the principal mechanisms of insulin degradation above room temperature and novel molecular approaches toward the design of ultra-stable rapid-acting and basal formulations.
SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE AND SURFACTANT THERAPY IN A RAT MODEL OF MECONIUM INJURY. † 1969

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is related, in part, to exudative lung injury causing surfactant inhibition and pulmonary dysfunction. We evaluated the effect of intratracheal (IT) surfactant replacement (Survanta, Ross Laboratories) and recombinant human Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) in a rat model of meconium (mec) injury. Intubated adult rats (400-500gm), ventilated with room air, received IT mec (.625ml/kg of 60mg/ml, n=5) or saline(1.6ml/kg, n=6). Three groups received mec then either 100mg/kg Survanta(Surv) after 15 min (n=4), or 5mg/kg SOD after 35min (n=5) or both Surv then SOD (n=3). All groups were ventilated for 60min, extubated to room air and at 24 hours (correlating with maximal injury) dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn, ml/cmH2O/kg) was measured and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) obtained. The mean±SE of BAL total protein (Protein, ug/ml), surfactant phospholipid (PL,ug/ml) and surfactant protein (SP-A, B, ratio to saline group) by immuno dot-blot and Western analysis were:Table Compared to saline animals, mec animals demonstrated lower Cdyn (1.2±33 vs..74±.17, respectively, p<0.05), which did not improve with Surv or SOD. In this model, Surv or SOD, alone or in combination, did not prevent exudative lung injury, or improve pulmonary mechanics. Surv alone increased PL and SP-A, while Surv with SOD resulted in even greater increases. We speculate that Surv therapy after mec injury may increase alveolar surfactant, and this effect may be accentuated by combined therapy with SOD.
Habit Reversal Therapy for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors in Williams Syndrome: A Case Study

Williams syndrome (WS) is genetic neurodevelopmental disorder with a well-characterized cognitive and behavioral phenotype. Research has consistently demonstrated high rates of psychopathology in this population; however, little research has examined the use of empirically-supported psychosocial interventions in those with WS. The current case study reports on the use of Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT) to treat multiple body-focused repetitive behaviors in a child with WS. Although HRT is a well-established cognitive-behavioral intervention for body-focused repetitive behaviors, it has been infrequently used in populations with developmental disabilities. An etiologically-informed approach was used to adapt HRT to fit the known behavioral and cognitive phenotype of WS. Results suggest that HRT may be beneficial for this population. Modified treatment elements are described and future research areas highlighted.
Effects of marihuana on auditory signal detection

23 male subjects were tested for auditory signal detection under a no-treatment condition, and smoke marihuana conditions containing 0, 50, 100 and 200 Μg δ 9-THC per kg body weight. Signal detection was measured under conditions of concentrated attention, in which the subject reported the presence or absence of a tone in a 3-sec noise burst; and divided attention, where the subject also repeated a series of six digits which were presented simultaneously with the noise burst. No differences were found between the no-treatment and placebo conditions. Significant dose-dependent impairment of signal detection resulted for the marihuana conditions under both concentrated and divided attention. Application of signal detection theory indicated that impaired performance was due to a decline in sensitivity (d′), independent of changes in subject criteria (beta). There was also some indication of change in criteria—a greater tendency for erroneous reporting of a signal when it was not present.
Achieving Higher Energy Efficiency in High-Performance Buildings Using Integrated Practices: A Fuzzy Set- Qualitative Comparative Analysis Approach

High-Performance (HP) buildings are known for the holistic approach to design and construction project delivery, which encompasses various performance goals such as energy efficiency, environmental considerations, and occupants’ wellbeing. Compared to traditional buildings, HP projects require closer integration in the design and construction process. Researchers have used conventional qualitative analysis to identify successful strategies in facilitating integration, and quantitative methods of research to rank such techniques in order of effectiveness. However, there have not been significant attempts in evaluating the joint causal effect of such strategies and uncovering the causal mechanisms that underlie successful HP projects. Utilizing a new methodology called fuzzy set-Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fs-QCA), we analyzed the configurations of integration strategies used in over 30 HP projects. We found that the four elements of 1) setting ambitious environmental goals, 2) having committed and trustworthy team members, 3) using advanced information management technologies, and 4) early and frequent involvement of the key team members create a sufficient recipe for achieving high level of energy efficiency. Our analysis also shows that in presence of the above elements, contractual agreements do not emerge a necessary element, as contractual barriers can be overcome with leadership, information systems, and work processes that engender an environment of trust, openness, and ambitiousness.
American Brachytherapy Society consensus guidelines for adjuvant vaginal cuff brachytherapy after hysterectomy.

Abstract Purpose To develop recommendations for the use of adjuvant vaginal cuff brachytherapy after hysterectomy and update previous American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) guidelines. Methods and Materials A panel of members of the ABS performed a literature review, supplemented their clinical experience, and formulated recommendations for adjuvant vaginal cuff brachytherapy. Results The ABS endorses the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for indications for radiation therapy for patients with endometrial cancer and cervical cancer and the guidelines on quality assurance of the American Association on Physicists in Medicine. The ABS made specific recommendations for applicator selection, insertion techniques, target volume definition, dose fractionation, and specifications for postoperative adjuvant vaginal cuff therapy. The ABS recommends that applicator selection should be based on patient anatomy, target volume geometry, and physician judgment. The dose prescription point should be clearly specified. Suggested doses were tabulated for treatment with brachytherapy alone, and in combination with external beam radiation therapy, when applicable. A properly fitted brachytherapy applicator should be selected that conforms to the vaginal apex and achieves mucosal contact with optimal tumor and normal tissue dosimetry. Dose prescription points may be individually selected but doses should be reported at the vaginal surface and at 0.5-cm depth. Conclusions Recommendations are made for adjuvant vaginal cuff brachytherapy. Practitioners and cooperative groups are encouraged to use these recommendations to formulate their treatment and dose reporting policies. These recommendations will permit meaningful comparisons of reports from different institutions and lead to better and more appropriate use of vaginal brachytherapy.
Trisomy 12 correlates with elevated expression of p21ras in a human adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung

Reported herein is the first case in which a specific chromosomal abnormality, namely trisomy 12, was observed in primary cultures of a human adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung. Because the c-K-ras had been shown to localize on chromosome 12, the relationship between trisomy and oncogene expression was examined in this tumor by concurrently assaying for the levels of ras oncogene protein product, p21, in both the tumor and adjacent normal tissues. An approximately tenfold increase in the level of p21 ras was observed in the tumor, compared with the adjacent normal tissue. The present finding suggests a possible relationship between chromosomal trisomy and oncogene activation.
ET-29AN OPTIMIZED ONCOLYTIC ADENOVIRUS FOR GLIOMA THERAPY: SPECIFIC TARGETING, EFFICIENT INFECTION, AND RESTRICTED REPLICATION IN GLIOMA

The dismal clinical context of advanced-grade glioma calls for the development of novel strategies with the potential for direct patient impact. For this, conditionally replicating adenoviruses (CRAds) represent a potentially effective approach for glioma therapy. In order to maximize the efficiency and safety of CRAds, several modifications may be instituted, including specific and efficient targeting, as well as tumor-restricted replication. A glioma-specific targeted fiber, which dictates the attachment of an adenoviral vector to a target cell, was developed and generated specific cell-targeting fibers through the incorporation of glioma- specific phage-panned peptides on a Fiber Fibritin-based Ad5 fiber, designated as ‘MGFF’. We then generated Ad5MGFF-CMV-GFP (and Survivin-E1) through a homologous recombination with pVK900. Replication-incompetent Ad5MGFF-CMV-GFP was used with 300MOI (vp/cell) to investigate glioma-specific infectivity. Conditionally replicating Ad5MGFF-SurE1 was used to test the specific oncolytic activity on Glioma. The fiber-modified Ad5MGFF shows structural stability and stable viral growth kinetics, indicating that the performed modification had no effect on viral particle formation. This glioma-specific Ad5MGFF-CMVGFP had a mean 68% infection rate in glioma cell lines while showing less than 1% infection in normal (non-neoplastic) cell lines (including normal human astrocytes) as well as other cancer cell lines. Conditionally replicating Ad5MGFF-SurE1 shows highly specific oncolytic activity on glioma cell lines. In this study, we have generated a novel glioma specific adenoviral vector (Ad5MGFF). The infection and oncolytic activity of this virus was almost exclusive in specificity to glioma. The change of tumor growth and the survival effects on glioma-bearing mice will follow.
Political Space, Pro-Poor Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy in Honduras: A Story of Missed Opportunities

This article assesses the political and socio-economic consequences of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) in Honduras. The analysis deploys several techniques, including poverty narratives, stakeholder analysis and taxonomy analysis, and is also based on quantitative and qualitative data, including socio-economic indicators, PRS spending execution and interviews with stakeholders. It argues that in Honduras the PRS constituted a missed opportunity to expand the political space in which poverty reduction plans are formulated and to deliver pro-poor growth. The inclusion of multiple actors with different interests, capacities and influence led to an emphasis on constructing consensus, but this was too imprecise to enable a clear set of priorities to be articulated, let alone a pro-poor growth agenda. The article concludes that by unilaterally shifting the growth pillar of the PRS towards infrastructure investments and trade integration, Honduras may have sacrificed an opportunity to support a truly participatory democratic process leading to effective pro-poor policies.
A new method to track seed dispersal and recruitment using 15N isotope enrichment.

Seed dispersal has a powerful influence on population dynamics, genetic structuring, evolutionary rates, and community ecology. Yet, patterns of seed dispersal are difficult to measure due to methodological shortcomings in tracking dispersed seeds from sources of interest. Here we introduce a new method to track seed dispersal: stable isotope enrichment. It consists of leaf-feeding plants with sprays of 15N-urea during the flowering stage such that seeds developed after applications are isotopically enriched. We conducted a greenhouse experiment with Solanum americanum and two field experiments with wild Capsicum annuum in southern Arizona, USA, to field-validate the method. First, we show that plants sprayed with 15N-urea reliably produce isotopically enriched progeny, and that δ15N (i.e., the isotopic ratio) of seeds and seedlings is a linear function of the 15N-urea concentration sprayed on mothers. We demonstrate that three urea dosages can be used to distinctly enrich plants and unambiguously differe...
A distributed implementation of the Geant Monte Carlo program

Abstract The Geant Monte Carlo program was implemented in parallel using the Cooperative Process Software (CPS) package. The relationship between computation time and output data size, while executing on a local area network of workstations, was studied. A simple model of parallelism is shown to agree with the data.