cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biosynthesis of cobalamin (vitamin B12)

The biosynthesis of vitamin B 12 is summarized, emphasizing the differences observed between the aerobic and anaerobic pathways. The biosynthetic route to adenosylcobalamin from its five-carbon precursor, 5-aminolaevulinic acid, can be divided into three sections: (1) the biosynthesis of uroporphyrinogen III from 5-aminolaevulinic acid, which is common to both pathways; (2) the conversion of uroporphyrinogen III into the ring-contracted, deacylated intermediate precorrin 6 or cobalt-precorrin 6, which includes the primary differences between the two pathways; and (3) the transformation of this intermediate to form adenosylcobalamin.
Fhit expression in gastric adenocarcinoma: correlation with disease stage and survival.

BACKGROUND The FHIT gene is inactivated by deletion in a large fraction of human tumors, including gastric carcinomas, and the Fhit protein has been proposed to act as a tumor suppressor in multiple tumor types. A large fraction of gastric adenocarcinomas have lost expression of the candidate tumor suppressor protein, Fhit, whereas normal gastric epithelial cells are strongly positive and Fhit loss has been found to correlate with alterations of the FHIT locus. Because the majority of gastric tumors in the current study were found to be entirely negative for Fhit protein, it is possible that alteration of the carcinogen-susceptible fragile region within the FHIT gene is an early event in gastric carcinoma, as it is in lung carcinoma. METHODS To determine whether the absence of Fhit protein correlates with expression of tumor markers or with clinical parameters, such as grade, stage, and survival time, the authors assessed Fhit expression using immunohistochemistry in a well characterized set of 55 gastric adenocarcinomas resected over several years, with longitudinal follow-up of patients for outcome. RESULTS In this set of 55 gastric cancers, the absence of Fhit protein correlated with higher tumor stage (P = 0.003) and higher histologic grade (P = 0.007). In addition, patients whose tumors had lost expression of Fhit died of disease significantly earlier than those with Fhit positive tumors (P = 0.017). The absence of Fhit expression did not correlate with the expression of any tumor markers. CONCLUSIONS Larger studies will be required to elucidate further the relation between tumor stage, grade, and Fhit loss and to determine whether inclusion of Fhit antiserum in immunophenotyping of gastric adenocarcinomas will be a useful indicator of postdiagnosis prognosis. Cancer 2000;88:24–34. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
Variability and inheritance of histone genes H3 and H4 in Vicia faba.

We have compared copy numbers and blothybridization patterns of histone genes (H3 plus H4) between and within individuals of broad bean (Vicia faba). Copy number differences among individuals in the population of 200 individuals were as great as 27 fold, and as much as 3.2 fold among separate leaves of the same plant. Among F2 progeny from genetic crosses, up to a 5.4-fold range was seen (mean=3.5 fold), and among F1 progeny of self-pollinated plants, up to a 5.9-fold range was observed (mean=2.3 fold). Histone gene blot-hybridization patterns for EcoRI and HindIII were also variable among individuals and indicated that the genes are probably clustered in only a few chromosomal loci. The degree of variation in histone gene copy number per haploid genome (2–55 copies, or 27 fold) was similar to that found previously for ribosomal RNA genes (230–22000, or 95 fold) of V. faba. However, the two gene families change independently, since individuals with a high or low copy number for one gene can have either a high or low copy number for the other. The mechanisms(s) for rapid gene copy number change may be similar for these gene families.
Yttrium 90 ibritumomab tiuxetan radioimmunotherapy for relapsed or refractory low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The treatment of malignant lymphoma has improved over the past 20 years, but the majority of patients are not cured. New modalities using targeted therapy based on new information in molecular biology and immunology hold promise for better outcomes with less toxicity. We review data on the use of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies directed against the CD20 antigen on malignant B cells. We discuss the major radionuclides available, iodine 131 ((131)I), tositumomab, and yttrium 90 ((90)Y) ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin; IDEC Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA) and present data on new approaches in labeling antibodies that have facilitated their use. Clinical trial data with the yttrium-labeled antibodies are discussed. The use of dosimetry as a means for predicting toxicity is discussed, and the questions of long-term toxicity (late effects) are addressed. These targeted approaches to the treatment of malignancy, and lymphoma in particular, hold great promise.
Production of macrophage activation factor by a T-cell hybridoma

Abstract A hybridoma, F133, that produces macrophage activation factor (MAF) after mitogen stimulation was developed by fusing the AKR-derived BW5147 thymoma with alloantigen-stimulated C3H/HeJ splenocytes. F133 supernatants were shown to contain MAF, migration inhibition factor, and a factor capable of suppressing the plaque-forming response to sheep erythrocytes but not lymphotoxin, interleukin II, or interferon. Both concanavalin A (Con A) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) induced MAF production by F133. Time course and dose-response experiments showed that maximal concentrations of MAF were present 48 hr after stimulation with either 1.5 μg/ml Con A or 6 μg/ml PHA. F133 and normal splenocyte MAF preparations shared physicochemical properties in that heating at 100 °C for 30 min abolished MAF activity while 56 °C for 30 min or 100 °C for 2 min had little effect. In addition, both MAF preparations were dependent on the presence of lipopolysaccharide for macrophage activation and each was inactivated by pH 4.0 or pH 10 treatment while pH 6.0 and pH 8.0 had little effect. Also, pretreatment of both MAF preparations with either trypsin or chymotrypsin inactivated MAF activity.
Using reflective practice to incorporate formative assessment in a middle school science classroom: a participatory action research study

Our purpose was to investigate the efficacy of using reflective practice to guide our action research study of incorporating formative assessment into middle school science teaching and learning. Using participatory action research, we worked collaboratively to incorporate formative assessment into two instructional units, and then engaged in systematic reflection on our teaching practices so as to make instructional decisions that supported student learning. Data sources included audio-taped reflective teaching sessions, student documents, instructional planning documents, and reflective research journal. Findings indicated we initially held divergent ideas of formative assessment, but ongoing attempts to fully utilize reflective teaching sessions helped us come to workable terms for classroom practice. As a result of reflective practice we made timely curricular enhancements to address students’ learning needs. Critical reflection on formative assessment outcomes was essential for evaluating our instruc...
Spectral properties of large fullerenes : from cluster to crystal

Abstract Electronic structure methods are used to explore fullerenes from C60 to C3840. The appearance and development of electronic and vibrational bands is tracked from the discrete molecular levels of small clusters to the quasi-continuous state density functions of large fullerenes. The electronic state density of C2160 is very similar to monolayer graphite, while the vibrational spectrum differs from graphite, even for C3840.
Photodissociation dynamics of Ar3

Abstract Mass selected Ar3+ clusters are photodissociated by a polarized argon-ion laser beam at 514, 488 and 458 nm. Only Ar+/2Ar products are observed. Laser polarization dependence of the product laboratory kinetic energy peak shapes indicates that a “pure” parallel transition is responsible for the photodissociation. Analysis indicates it is almost certainly a 2Σu+ ← 2Σg+ transition resulting in Ar+ (2P 1 2 ). The product kinetic energy distribution is strongly bimodal with approximately 75% of the products at high kinetic energy (near the energy conservation limit) and 25% with near zero kinetic energy. A model is developed that explains this unexpected (and dynamically informative) result.
Automatic Testing Of Infrared Detector Arrays

Large scale infrared (IR) detector array production requires highly automated and accurate test equipment with data logging features. At Texas Instruments (TI), five different types of automatic test systems have been developed with a central computer data logging system. Two of these system types test the completed array in various stages of integration into the final assembly. These tests include responsivity, detectivity, and other characteristics. Since direct calibration for responsivity and detectivity is not available, close attention to the applicable formulas, an error budget, and calibration procedures is required. This paper first summarizes the many types of tests and test equipment that are used at TI in constructing a finished "Common Module" detector from raw mercury cadium telluride (MCT), then describes in more detail the test sets for automated testing of the array itself, and the factors affecting array test accuracy and calibration.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
An annulation method for the synthesis of alkyl-substituted 6-carbomethoxy-2-pyridones

Abstract A protocol for the synthesis of 5-alkyl and 3,5-dialkyl-6-carbomethoxy-2-pyridones was devised. Key steps include a Mannich reaction, acylation of a tosylamine, and a PPh3/TiCl4-promoted intramolecular Reformatsky-type reaction with a thioester as the electrophile. The latter process typically afforded a vinylogous thiocarbamate via elimination of water rather than the Dieckmann-type product which would have resulted from elimination of the thiol. However, the Dieckmann-type ketone product was obtained in one instance. Subsequent elimination of the tosyl group and desulfurization completed the pyridone synthesis.
Effects of intrahepatic transplantation of pancreatic islets on hepatic metabolism in the rat

Abstract The influence on hepatic metabolism of transplanting isologous pancreatic islets in the livers of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was investigated. Hyperglycemia and impaired weight gain were corrected in 7 of 10 islet recipients (transplant improved), and only a small benefit was obtained in the other three rats (transplant failed.) After 12 mo basal and glucagon-stimulated glucose output, urea output, and gluconeogenesis (production of 14 C-glucose from 14 C-lactate) were measured in perfused livers from these transplant-improved and transplant-failed rats and from 5 normal control and 5 nontransplanted diabetic rats. Basal glucose and urea output were similar in livers of transplant-improved and control rats, whereas gluconeogenesis was significantly increased in the transplant-improved group. Basal glucose and urea output and gluconeogenesis were significantly increased in the transplant-failed and nontransplanted diabetic rats; however, the values for all three parameters were significantly lower in the transplant-failed than in the diabetic rats. Glucagon (10 −10 M ) significantly increased glucose output in livers of transplant-improved and control rats but not in transplant-failed or nontransplanted diabetic rats, and glucagon significantly increased 14 C-glucose production only in livers of control rats. The progressive increases (above normal) in basal glucose and urea output and in gluconeogenesis, together with increasing refractoriness of glucose output and gluconeogenesis to glucagon in transplant-improved, transplant-failed, and diabetic rats agreed fairly well with the progressive decrease in the plasma insulin/glucagon molar ratio in these respective groups. These findings suggest that pancreatic islets implanted in the livers of diabetic rats may influence hepatic metabolism in proportion to the degree of normalization of plasma insulin and glucagon levels.
"changing for my kid": Fatherhood experiences of Mexican-origin teen fathers involved in the justice system

A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted with six adolescent fathers of Mexican origin on juvenile probation for a variety of serious offenses. All participants successfully completed a parenting program designed especially for teen fathers. In a series of consecutive in-depth interviews, teen fathers were asked to discuss their experiences as fathers. Four phenomena were identified from the data: (a) not giving up and deciding to be a dad, (b) figuring out my relationships after becoming a father, (c) wanting to be a good father, and (d) wanting to be Brown and a father. Findings challenge negative stereotypes associated with Mexican-origin teen fathers engaged in delinquent behaviors and describe the ways in which fatherhood became an important positive motivator in the lives of participants.
Band-structure analysis of the conduction-band mass anisotropy in 6H and 4H SiC.

The band structures of 6H SiC and 4H SiC calculated by means of the full-potential linear-muffin-tin-orbital method are used to determine the effective mass tensors for their conduction-band minima. The results are shown to be consistent with recent optically detected cyclotron resonance measurements, which find the ratio of cyclotron masses for B\ensuremath{\perp}c to B\ensuremath{\parallel}c to be larger (smaller) than unity for the 6H (4H) polytype. However, contrary to previous suggestions, appreciable anisotropies in the c plane are found. For 6H SiC, a strong dependency on band filling is predicted because of the occurrence of a double-well minimum along the ML axis. The calculated mass tensors for 3C and 2H are also reported.
Large-field-of-view (LFOV) scintillation cameras

Large-field-of-view scintillation cameras are general purpose, cost effective, imaging devices if one maximizes the use of the crystal with respect to the size of the object under study. This means using parallel-hole collimation for large-organ systems to reduce the number of views necessary to complete a study or to obtain a better appreciation of continuity of structure. A further increase in photon utilization is gained for small-organ imaging with converging collimators, which produce images with superior resolution and sensitivity to that obtained with equivalent parallelhole collimators. The disadvantages of converging collimators, including decreasing field of view and distortion with depth, have been insignificant in light of the advantages gained. Larger detectors with converging collimation result in much higher photon input rates to the scintillation crystal in routine clinical studies than has occurred in the past. This requirement places added burdens on electronic circuitry of the cameras. Count rate processing capabilities of 200,000 counts per second are currently available and are necessary for present generation first-pass cardiovascular studies.
Calculation of radiation damage in insulators for fusion reactors

The MORSE neutron transport code has been used to characterize the neutron and gamma ray fluxes in a typical irradiation cave from a Li(d,n) neutron source. Recoil-atom damage and gas generation have been evaluated for Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ using the damage program DON.
Mutations that eliminate the requirement for the vertex protein in bacteriophage T4 capsid assembly

The capsid of bacteriophage T4 is composed of two essential structural proteins, gp23, the major constituent of the capsid, and gp24, a less prevalent protein that is located in the pentameric vertices of the capsid. gp24 is required both to stabilize the capsid and to allow it to be further matured. This requirement can be eliminated by bypass-24 (byp24) mutations within g23. We have isolated, cloned and sequenced several new byp24 mutations. These mutations are cold-sensitive in the absence of gp24, and are located in regions of g23 not known to contain any other mutations affecting capsid assembly. The cold-sensitivity of the byp24 mutations can be reduced by further mutations within g23 (trb mutations). Cloning and sequencing of these trb mutations has revealed that they lie in regions of g23 that contain clusters of mutations that cause the production of high levels of petite and giant phage (ptg mutations). Despite the proximity of the trb mutations to the ptg mutations, none of the ptg mutations has a Trb phenotype. The mutation ptE920g, which is also located near one of the ptg clusters, and which produces only petite and wild-type phage, has been shown to confer a Trb but not a Byp24 phenotype. The relevance of these observations to our understanding of capsid assembly is discussed.
Perception of formant transition cues to place of articulation in children with language impairments

Discrimination and phonetic identification abilities of 5- to 6-year-old children with language impairments were compared to those of 4-year-olds with normally developing language and to previous findings from 5- to 6-year-olds and adults for synthetic stimuli ranging from [ba] to [da]. Results showed similar discrimination sensitivity to the second- and third-formant transition cues of stimuli by all children, with poorest sensitivity by the youngest. Phonetic categorization by children with language impairments was most different from the groups with normal language abilities, evidenced by a difference in the percent of tokens labeled as "BA" and by greater variability in labeling and in placement of phonetic category boundaries. Results support hypotheses by Gathercole and Baddeley (1990) suggesting that the phonological component of working memory may be disordered in children with language impairments. Results are also suggestive of specific difficulties with left-hemisphere processing associated with language learning rather than with problems related to sensitivity to formant transitions of the speech tokens.
The relationship between substrate-induced respiration and swelling in Azotobacter vinelandii

Abstract 1. 1. When oxidizable substrates are added to a starved suspension of Azotobacter vinelandii osmotically shrunken in 0.2 M KCl, a decrease in absorbance is observed which results from a change in light scattering as the cells increase in volume. 2. 2. The rates of swelling and of respiration following addition of substrate varied exactly in parallel through changes of the concentration of substrate, pH and temperature. 3. 3. Carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, 2,4-dinitrophenol and azide inhibited the rates of swelling and respiration to similar extents; cyanide inhibited the total swelling and O2 uptake. 4. 4. The respiration rates remained zero order as the swelling progressed, until very low concentrations of oxygen were reached. 5. 5. About one proton was extruded for each 5 oxygen atoms taken up during respiration, but there was very little change in the K+ content of the medium. The data suggest that substrate transport is an energy-requiring process, the energy being supplied by the oxidation of the substrate. The properties of and interrelationships between the two processes are discussed.
The New Literacies of Online Research and Comprehension: Rethinking the Reading Achievement Gap

Is there an achievement gap for online reading ability based on income inequality that is separate from the achievement gap in traditional, offline reading? This possibility was examined between students in two pseudonymous school districts: West Town (economically advantaged) and East Town (economically challenged; N = 256). Performance-based assessments were used within a simulation of the Internet developed as part of a larger project. Seventh graders completed two online research and comprehension assessments, which evaluated four skill areas (locate, evaluate, synthesize, and communicate) and two knowledge domains in science. Students also completed an assessment of prior domain knowledge and a short Internet use questionnaire. Standardized state reading and writing test scores served as measures of offline literacy skills. Results indicated that there was a significant achievement gap favoring West Town students in offline reading scores, offline writing scores, and online research and comprehension scores. A significant gap persisted for online research and comprehension after we conditioned on pretest differences in offline reading, offline writing, and prior knowledge scores. The results of the questionnaire indicated that West Town students had greater access to the Internet at home and were required to use the Internet more in school. These results suggest that a separate and independent achievement gap existed for online reading, based on income inequality. Current estimates of this gap, which rely solely on measures of offline reading, may underrepresent the true nature of the U.S. reading achievement gap in an online age. Policy implications are explored. Education and opportunity have long been linked to public policy in the United States ( Brown v. Board of Educ. , 1954 ; Mann, 1855 ; National Governors Association Center for Best Practices & Council of Chief State School Officers [NGA Center & CCSSO], 2010 ). Intertwined with this history, the ability to read at high levels has always been considered important, permitting an essential pathway to advancement for everyone, especially the least privileged (cf. Chall, 1967 ; Huey, 1908 ). Despite attempts at policy remedies, a substantial gap based on income inequality continues to exist in students’ reading achievement levels (National Center for Educational Statistics [NCES], 2011b , 2013 ), and evidence indicates that it is growing, over time (Reardon, 2013 ). In a society that professes egalitarian ideals and equal opportunity through education, a reading achievement gap based on income inequality should be a concern of every citizen. Reading has been shifting from page to screen (Goldman, Braasch, Wiley, Graesser, & Brodowinska, 2012 ; Hartman, Morsink, & Zheng, 2010 ), but analyses of reading achievement gaps have only evaluated Donald J. Leu
Altered Patterns of Posttransplant Urinary Tract Infections Associated With Perioperative Antibiotics and Curtailed Catheterization

Postoperative urinary tract infections (UTIs) in renal transplant patients were studied before and after introduction of a protocol requiring single-dose perioperative antibiotics and earlier catheter removal. The overall incidence of UTIs was reduced from 55.4% to 26%. The most dramatic reduction was in nondiabetic males, from 56% to 8.2%. There was a small but statistically insignificant reduction in infection rates in females. There was no change in the rate of infection in diabetics. The incidences of noncoliform and mixed infections, in the group as a whole, were dramatically reduced from 42.9% to 12%, but Escherichia coli infections were totally unaffected. This protocol exposed the special susceptibility of women and diabetics to posttransplant UTIs and the different pathogenesis of E coli versus noncoliform infections. These features need more study.
Tyrosine residues 654 and 670 in β-catenin are crucial in regulation of Met–β-catenin interactions

β-Catenin, a key component of the canonical Wnt pathway is also regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation that regulates its association to E-cadherin. Previously, we reported its association with the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor-Met, at the membrane. HGF induced met-β-catenin dissociation and nuclear translocation of β-catenin, which was tyrosine-phosphorylation dependent. Here, we further investigate the met-β-catenin interaction, by selectively mutating several tyrosine residues alone or in combination, in β-catenin. The mutants were subcloned into FLAG-CMV vector & stably transfected into rat hepatoma cells, which were treated with HGF. All single or double mutant-transfected cells continued to show HGF induced nuclear translocation of FLAG-β-catenin except the mutations affecting 654 and 670 simultaneously (Y654/670F), which coincided with the lack of formation of β-catenin-TCF complex and DNA synthesis, in response to the HGF treatment. In addition, the Y654/670F-transfected cells also showed no phosphorylation of β-catenin or dissociation from Met in response to HGF. Thus, intact 654 and 670 tyrosine residues in β-catenin are crucial in HGF-mediated β-catenin translocation, activation, and mitogenesis.
Avidin self-associates with boric acid gel suspensions: an affinity boron carrier that might be developed for boron neutron-capture therapy.

Abstract It has been shown in preliminary studies that the antibacterial protein avidin self-associates with the boric acid gel polymer, and avidin-coated gel particles in the micrometer and submicrometer size ranges are of interest for boron neutron-capture therapy (BNCT), which is neutron-induced fission of boron-10 to produce intense alpha radiation for tumor destruction. The gel particles carry large amounts of boron-10 and are theoretically able effect a meaningful tissue dosing through BNCT. A gross precipitation of gel particles occurs within 46 min of mixing when the avidin/colloid ratio is about 0.34 g avidin/g colloid. This is a minimum time if gel and avidin concentrations are in the low microgram/milliliter range, but at higher proportions of avidin the time delay to precipitation increases significantly; i.e., the colloid surface becomes blocked, inhibiting lattice formation. The avidin-coated gel particles eventually cross-link, forming a solid matrix and precipitating on a timescale measured on the order of an hour. At shorter exposure times rapid agglutination-like reactions were observed with biotinylated bovine albumin, suggesting that two-stage pretargeting of specific tissues should be possible with biotinylated antitumor antibodies. However, for BNCT to be practical, avidin's interaction with the gel needs to be strengthened, and all aryl–B(OH)2 groups on the particle surfaces must be blocked, or else the particles will interact strongly and nonspecifically with each other and with the carbohydrate groups present on most cell surfaces. Glyceric acid delays the precipitation of the particle suspensions while most simple and complex carbohydrates accelerate it.
When Acceptance is the Road to Growth and Healing: Incorporating the Third Wave of Cognitive Therapies into Pastoral Care and Counseling

This paper will explore the third wave of cognitive behavioral therapies, specifically mindfulness- and acceptance-based therapeutic approaches, to determine their usefulness for the practice of pastoral care and counseling. The introduction of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) will provide pastoral and clinical practitioners with important frameworks to situate their work, from which they can make more informed and effective interventions with clients and congregants struggling with internal distress and conflict. We will see that cultivating an acceptance of the full range of internal experience has the capacity to calm the anxious mind and brain, more so than does a stance of experiential avoidance and resistance.
CRYOSURGICAL ABLATION OF THE NORMAL VENTRAL PROSTATE PLUS ADJUVANT DOES NOT PROTECT COPENHAGEN RATS FROM DUNNING PROSTATIC ADENOCARCINOMA CHALLENGE

ABSTRACTPurpose: We wished to determine if cryosurgical ablation of the normal ventral prostate of Copenhagen rats confers protective immunity against a subsequent challenge with Dunning R3327 MatLyLu prostatic adenocarcinoma. In human melanoma, tumor antigens have been characterized as normal cellular proteins. We reasoned that cryosurgical ablation of the normal prostate along with immunostimulatory adjuvants might release prostatic antigens to the immune system engendering an immune response and rendering rats immune to prostatic cancer cells.Materials and Methods: On day 0, Copenhagen rats underwent cryosurgical ablation of the normal ventral prostate, cryosurgery and intraprostatic injection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA), CFA injection alone, or laparotomy alone. On day 21, animals received a subcutaneous challenge of MatLyLu tumor cells. Tumor dimensions were recorded at regular intervals by a single blinded investigator.Results: Animals receiving cryosurgical ablation of the normal ventral pr...
Prototype for monitoring and forecasting fall foliage coloration in real time from satellite data

a b s t r a c t While determining vegetation phenology from the time series of historical satellite data has been widely investigated throughout the last decade, little effort has been devoted to real-time monitoring and short- term forecasting. The latter is more important for numerical weather modeling, ecosystem forecasting, forest and crop management, and health risk warning. In this study we developed a prototype approach for the real-time monitoring and short-term forecasting of fall foliage status (including low coloration, moderate coloration, near-peak coloration, peak coloration, and post-peak coloration) using temporal satellite observations. The algorithm combined the climatology of vegetation phenology and temporally available satellite observations to establish a set of potential temporal trajectories of foliage develop- ment at a given time. These trajectories were used to identify foliage coloration phases in real time, to predict the occurrence of future phenological events, and, furthermore, to analyze the uncertainty of monitoring and forecasting. With an increase in satellite observations, monitoring and forecasting were continuously updated. The approach developed was tested using MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data at a spatial resolution of 500 m across northeastern North America and eval- uated using field measurements at the Harvard Forests of the northeastern United States and standard MODIS foliage coloration phases. The results indicate that short-term forecasting can be well imple- mented in more than half a month before the occurrence of a foliage phase, and that the accuracy of the real-time monitoring of both near-peak-coloration and peak-coloration occurrence is less than 5 days in most mixed forests and deciduous forests.
Traditional utilization and biochemical composition of six mollusc shells in Nigeria

The shells of molluscs protect them from physical damage, predators and dehydration. We studied various local uses of shells and their biochemical properties in Abeokuta, Nigeria. A standard structured questionnaire about use was applied to 100 snail and herb sellers and shells from 120 adult individuals of Archachatina marginata, Achatina achatina, Achatina fulica, Littorina littorea, Meretrix lusoria and Merceneria mercenaria were evaluated for their mineral components (Ca2+, Fe2+, Mg2+, Na+, Zn+, P+, K+) and proximate composition (crude protein, ash, fibre, crude fat and carbohydrate) using standard methods. Properties against fungi and bacteria isolates were also tested. These shells are used for bleaching, brushing, abrasion and others. The weight of the shells varied from 0.5g (L. littorea) to 25.00g (A. marginata) and thickness from 0.46mm in M .lusoria to 5.35mm in M. mercenaria. We found no inhibitory effect against fungi and bacterial isolates. The molluscs are high in carbohydrates (83.54-92.76g/100g) and low in protein (0.16-0.38g/100g). The fat content ranged between 0.42g/100g and 0.82g/100g, and ash between 2.14g/100g and 9.45g/100g. Ca2+ was the most abundant (10.25-96.35mg/g) while K+ was the least abundant (0.3-0.7mg/g) (p<0.05). Active ingredients of these shells can be used in the feed and construction industries.
Remaking Minnie Street The Impacts of Urban Revitalization on Crime and Pedestrian Safety

Urban design is frequently identified as a tool to reduce crime and improve traffic safety in urban neighborhoods. In this “before” and “after” evaluation, we assess a major urban revitalization in...
Resistance to Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice with Synthetic Glyoxylate Shunt

Given the success in engineering synthetic phenotypes in microbes and mammalian cells, constructing non-native pathways in mammals has become increasingly attractive for understanding and identifying potential targets for treating metabolic disorders. Here, we introduced the glyoxylate shunt into mouse liver to investigate mammalian fatty acid metabolism. Mice expressing the shunt showed resistance to diet-induced obesity on a high-fat diet despite similar food consumption. This was accompanied by a decrease in total fat mass, circulating leptin levels, plasma triglyceride concentration, and a signaling metabolite in liver, malonyl-CoA, that inhibits fatty acid degradation. Contrary to plants and bacteria, in which the glyoxylate shunt prevents the complete oxidation of fatty acids, this pathway when introduced in mice increases fatty acid oxidation such that resistance to diet-induced obesity develops. This work suggests that using non-native pathways in higher organisms to explore and modulate metabolism may be a useful approach.
The engineering workstation network at Vanderbilt University

The engineering workstation network at Vanderbilt's School of Engineering linking about 260 computers is described. Integration of the computers into the curriculum, software used, and some of the problems encountered are described. >
A Cross-Cultural Exercise: Expat in the Marketplace

With the increasing importance of the global marketplace, students need tobe more effectively prepared to manage themselves in the context of different cultures. This article explains an effective cross-cultural exercise that is simple to set up yet effective in its simulation of a cross-cultural interaction. Debriefing notes are included to help maximize the effectiveness of the learning.
Renal Arterial Injuries: A Single Center Analysis of Management Strategies and Outcomes

Purpose: Management of main and segmental renal artery injury following external trauma is controversial. After main renal artery injury the controversy surrounds nephrectomy vs revascularization, whereas after segmental renal artery injury the debate involves operative vs nonoperative management. We reviewed our experience with renal artery injury management at a single trauma center with the goal of identifying optimal clinical management strategies.Materials and Methods: Data on a total of 82 renal artery injuries in 81 patients collected between 1978 and 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, length of stay, transfusion requirements and injury characteristics (artery subtype, grade, mechanism, and associated parenchymal, venous and nonrenal injuries) were recorded. Management strategies and outcomes for each renal artery injury subtype were compared.Results: Median patient age was 28 years (range 4 to 74) and 90% of the patients were male. Main renal artery injury occurred in 36 of ...
Genetics of COPD and Emphysema

COPD is a highly prevalent disorder that results from the interplay of genetic susceptibility and environmental exposures. Over the past 2 decades, significant technological advances have been made in genetic investigations of complex diseases, yet limited progress has been made in the identification of additional COPD susceptibility genes. Genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity, limited power due to modest study population sizes, and significant modification of genetic effects by environmental factors pose significant challenges in COPD and emphysema genetic studies. More refined characterization of the emphysema and airway components of COPD can now be obtained through the systematic use of CT scans. These improved phenotypes can be applied in genome-wide association studies and will likely lead to the discovery of additional susceptibility loci and therapeutic targets.
Attitudes and perceptions of urban African Americans of a "dirty bomb" radiological terror event: results of a qualitative study and implications for effective risk communication.

OBJECTIVES: Radiological terror presents a real threat, but little is known about how low-income, urban African Americans may respond to such threats. The aim of this study was to understand the unique challenges of this group and to explore their knowledge of what a "dirty bomb" is, their intended behaviors should one occur, and their barriers to complying with "shelter in place" recommendations. METHODS: Thirty-seven 18-65-year-olds who were users of community centers in disadvantaged areas participated in 3 focus groups in Philadelphia. RESULTS were analyzed by using the Krueger method of analyzing narrative text. RESULTS: The responses highlighted little knowledge or concern about a dirty bomb. Lack of trust in local authorities was expressed, with participants indicating that they did not feel their needs were addressed. While shelter in place was understood, most said they would still check on family or talk with others to get the "whole truth" because the most trusted information sources were neighbors and community leaders. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that a risk communication intervention for urban minorities may support desirable behaviors in the event of a dirty bomb, but successful communication will require establishing a local leader as a spokesperson to convince people of the importance of sheltering in place.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;0:1-10). Language: en
The Relationship between Older Americans Act Title III State Expenditures and Prevalence of Low-Care Nursing Home Residents

Objective To test the relationship between older Americans Act (OAA) program expenditures and the prevalence of low-care residents in nursing homes (NHs). Data Sources and Collection Two secondary data sources: State Program Reports (state expenditure data) and NH facility-level data downloaded from LTCfocUS.org for 16,030 US NHs (2000–2009). Study Design Using a two-way fixed effects model, we examined the relationship between state spending on OAA services and the percentage of low-care residents in NHs, controlling for facility characteristics, market characteristics, and secular trends. Principal Findings Results indicate that increased spending on home-delivered meals was associated with fewer residents in NHs with low-care needs. Conclusions States that have invested in their community-based service networks, particularly home-delivered meal programs, have proportionally fewer low-care NH residents.
The Current Situation

Given current EHR adoption levels and provider survey data, I assume that many, if not most, healthcare provider readers of this book are using EHRs, may well be frustrated with them in one respect or another and are seeking advice or “wisdom” to help alleviate those frustrations or chose a better EHR in the future. I hope this book will help, but first, some perspective on where we’ve been and where we are today.
The Ideology of ‘Age/Race Wars’: Deconstructing a Social Problem

Efforts in the United States to encourage divisiveness within the working class have been widely recognised as a key strategy in the war on welfare. This paper examines one aspect of this overall strategy, namely the creation of an ideology based on generational equity and ‘age/race wars’ thinking, which blames the old for poverty and economic hardship in the young. Attempts to frame problem analysis and policy deliberations within such an ideological framework are seen to be based on spurious assumptions concerning the relative financial well-being of the old, the role of elderly entitlements as a cause of poverty in minority children, and growing resentment of programmes for the old among minorities and youth.This paper examines recent attempts to de-legitimate the claims of the elderly through the advancement of an ideology of age/race wars. The assumptions underlying this approach to policy are critiqued, and a case is made for developing an alternative framework which would stress the interdependence of generations, rather than age/race group competition.
SUMOylation Regulates Nuclear Localization of Krüppel-like Factor 5

SUMOylation is a form of post-translational modification shown to control nuclear transport. Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) is an important mediator of cell proliferation and is primarily localized to the nucleus. Here we show that mouse KLF5 is SUMOylated at lysine residues 151 and 202. Mutation of these two lysines or two conserved nearby glutamates results in the loss of SUMOylation and increased cytoplasmic distribution of KLF5, suggesting that SUMOylation enhances nuclear localization of KLF5. Lysine 151 is adjacent to a nuclear export signal (NES) that resembles a consensus NES. The NES in KLF5 directs a fused green fluorescence protein to the cytoplasm, binds the nuclear export receptor CRM1, and is inhibited by leptomycin and site-directed mutagenesis. SUMOylation facilitates nuclear localization of KLF5 by inhibiting this NES activity, and enhances the ability of KLF5 to stimulate anchorage-independent growth of HCT116 colon cancer cells. A survey of proteins whose nuclear localization is regulated by SUMOylation reveals that SUMOylation sites are frequently located in close proximity to NESs. A relatively common mechanism for SUMOylation to regulate nucleocytoplasmic transport may lie in the interplay between neighboring NES and SUMOylation motifs.
Promoting the American West in England, 1865–1890

When in 1872 the English Reverend Alexander King, Secretary of the Freedmen's Mission Aid Society, returned to Blackheath (London) from his travels in the American West, he wrote a letter to the editor of the London Observer. Said he: “I believe our great national problem … must be solved by … the British occupation of America. Emigration, on a grand scale, to the trans-Mississippi regions will prove the destiny of the Anglo-Saxon people, and our cheapest and most effectual remedy for some of our most formidable national evils.”
HCC Biomarkers in China and Taiwan

A number of different types of biomarkers have been used to understand the etiology and progression of hepatocellular cancer (HCC). Perhaps the most well known are the serum/ plasma markers of HBV or HCV infection. These markers include analysis of viral DNA or proteins or antibodies produced against the viral proteins. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) is most frequently used to determine chronic infection with high or low viral replication, while HBeAg is a measure of chronic infection with high viral replication. Analysis of antibodies includes measurement of anti-HBV core antigen, anti-HBV e antigen and anti-HBsAg. The response to immunization can be monitored by analysis of anti-HBsAg. The other major classes of biomarkers used in studies of HCC are biomarkers of exposure to environmental, lifestyle or dietary carcinogens, biomarkers of oxidative stress and early biologic response. In addition, studies of genetic susceptibility have studied polymorphisms in a number of pathways and their role in HCC risk. The biomarkers of exposure include the measurement of carcinogens in urine and carcinogen-DNA and protein adducts. Examples are measurement of aflatoxin and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites, and DNA and protein adducts. Biomarkers of oxidative stress include urinary isoprostanes and 8-oxodeoxyguanosine and oxidized plasma proteins. Most of these assays are immunologic although the use of high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) as well as gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) have been utilized. In nested case-control studies, many of these markers are associated with elevated risk. For example, elevated aflatoxin and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-albumin adducts, aflatoxin metabolites in urine and urinary isoprostanes were observed in baseline samples from those who went on to develop HCC. Biologic response markers include measurement of specific mutations in the p53 gene. These studies have demonstrated dramatic differences in mutational spectra of HCC depending on the geographic location. Other early response markers measure tumor DNA released into the blood stream. This DNA has been shown to carry the same genetic and epigenetic changes as does the tumor. In particular, detection of mutations in p53 and methylation of a number of tumor suppressor genes including p16, RASSF1A, MGMT, etc have been analyzed. While not yet applied to HCC cases, the area of proteomic and metabolomics may also lead to useful biomarkers of HCC. In terms of genetic susceptibility, a number of investigators are determining whether single nucleotide polymorphisms are related to HCC risk. The genes investigated to date have included those in the carcinogen metabolism, oxidative stress and DNA repair pathways. While definitive studies are still lacking, the data suggest that, in combination with environmental exposures, genetic factors may also be important in HCC risk. The ultimate goal of these biomarker studies is the early identification of high risk individuals so that they can be targeted for enhanced screening or chemopreventive strategies.
AKAP4 is a circulating biomarker for non-small cell lung cancer

Cancer testis antigens (CTAs) are widely expressed in tumor tissues, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and in cancer derived exosomes that are frequently engulfed by lymphoid cells. To determine whether tumor derived CTA mRNAs could be detected in RNA from purified peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, we assayed for the expression of 116 CTAs in PBMC RNA in a discovery set and identified AKAP4 as a potential NSCLC biomarker. We validated AKAP4 as a highly accurate biomarker in a cohort of 264 NSCLCs and 135 controls from 2 different sites including a subset of controls with high risk lung nodules. When all (264) lung cancers were compared with all (135) controls the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.9714. When 136 stage I NSCLC lung cancers are compared with all controls the AUC is 0.9795 and when all lung cancer patients were compared to 27 controls with histologically confirmed benign lung nodules, a comparison of significant clinical importance, the AUC was 0.9825. AKAP4 expression increases significantly with tumor stage, but independent of age, gender, smoking history or cancer subtype. Follow-up studies in a small number of resected NSCLC patients revealed a decrease of AKAP4 expression post-surgical resection that remained low in patients in remission and increased with tumor recurrence. AKAP4 is a highly accurate biomarker for the detection of early stage lung cancer.
Podocyte Differentiation and Glomerulogenesis

This review will concentrate on the assembly of the glomerulus and the differentiation of the podocyte during that process. The differentiation of the vascular component of the glomerulus will not be emphasized, as it has been the subject of several recent reviews ([1][1]–[4][2]), except in