cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HSV-mediated transfer of interleukin-10 reduces inflammatory pain through modulation of membrane tumor necrosis factor α in spinal cord microglia

To dissect the molecular basis of the neuroimmune response associated with the genesis of inflammatory (nociceptive) pain, we constructed a herpes simplex virus-based gene transfer vector to express the antiinflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10), and used it to examine the effect of IL-10 expression in activated microglial cells in vitro, and in inflammatory pain in vivo. IL-10 reduced the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and decreased the expression of full-length membrane spanning tumor necrosis factor-alpha (mTNFalpha) following lipopolysaccharide stimulation of microglia in vitro. IL-10 also reduced intracellular cleavage of mTNFalpha and release of the soluble cleavage product sTNFalpha. Similar effects on TNFalpha expression were observed when the cells were pretreated with a p38 MAPK inhibitor. In animals, injection of a dilute solution of formalin in the skin resulted in an increase in mTNFalpha in spinal dorsal horn, without detectable sTNFalpha. Local release of IL-10 achieved by gene transfer reduced the number of spontaneous flinches in the early and delayed phases of the formalin test of inflammatory pain. The effect of IL-10 on nocisponsive behavior correlated with a block in phosphorylation of p38 and reduced expression of 26 kDa mTNFalpha in spinal microglia. The results emphasize the key role played by membrane TNFalpha in the spinal neuroimmune response in pain caused by peripheral inflammation.
Species-specific effects of pigmentation negation on the neural response to faces

Face processing is limited in scope as a function of experience – discrimination ability and face-specific behavioral effects are reduced in out-group faces. Nonetheless, other-species faces phylogenetically close to our own may be processed by similar mechanisms as human faces. Presently, we asked whether or not the well-known effect of contrast-negation on face recognition (Galper, 1970) was exclusive to human faces or generalized to monkey faces. Negation disrupts face pigmentation substantially, allowing us to examine species-specific use of surface cues as a function of expertise. We tested adult observers behaviorally and electrophysiologically: participants completed a 4AFC discrimination task subject to manipulations of face species and independent negation of image luminance and image chroma, and the same stimuli were used to collect event-related potentials in a go/no-go task. We predicted that expertise for human faces would lead to larger deleterious effects of negation for human faces in both tasks, reflected in longer RTs for correct responses in the discrimination task and species-specific modulation of the N170 and P200 by contrast-negation. Our results however, indicate that behaviorally, luminance and chroma negation affect discrimination performance in a species-independent manner, while similar effects of contrast-negation effects are evident in each species at different components of the ERP response.
TNF receptor 2 pathway: drug target for autoimmune diseases

Although drug development has advanced for autoimmune diseases, many current therapies are hampered by adverse effects and the frequent destruction or inactivation of healthy cells in addition to pathological cells. Targeted autoimmune therapies capable of eradicating the rare autoreactive immune cells that are responsible for the attack on the body's own cells are yet to be identified. This Review presents a new emerging approach aimed at selectively destroying autoreactive immune cells by specific activation of tumour necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2), which is found on autoreactive and normal T lymphocytes, with the potential of avoiding or reducing the toxicity observed with existing therapies.
Characterization of human bone cells in culture.

Cultures of human bone cells were established, maintained, and characterized with respect to several metabolic parameters. These studies were undertaken with a view to using the bone culture system as a means of studying mechanisms of bone metabolism. The donor patients' ages ranged from 1 to 90 years and their disease states included congenital limb anomalies, exostosis, and osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis. Cultures were maintained up to 5 months. The osteoblast-like character of these cells was confirmed with the use of measurements applied to bone cells from other systems. Analyses showed that (a) the cells' appearance resembled that of cultured osteoblasts from other animal sources, b) intracellular cAMP was stimulated by human parathyroid hormone, c) osteocalcin was detected in the medium of all tested bone cell cultures and its production was found to be stimulated by 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, and d) newly synthesized collagen was almost exclusively type I.
Community Violence Prevention and Intervention Strategies for Children and Adolescents: The Need for Multilevel Approaches

Exposure to community violence pervades the lives of many urban American youths. A growing body of research illustrates when and how exposure to neighborhood violence impacts the psychosocial functioning of youths. However, few empirically supported preventative efforts exist to mitigate these effects. The following briefly outlines the state of current intervention efforts, and then summarizes how articles presented in this special issue address the existing gaps in theory and practice of serving youth exposed to community violence. Programs demonstrate innovative and collaborative primary, secondary, and tertiary preventative efforts to meet the needs of youths. Directions for future research and program development call for expansion of current efforts to provide a public health response to support urban neighborhoods at risk for violence.
Determination of total phthalates in urine by isotope-dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Abstract Diesters of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid are a family of industrial compounds called “phthalates.” The physical and chemical properties of these diesters, and therefore their potential uses, depend on the structure of the dialkyl or alkyl/aryl side chain. The urinary concentrations of phthalate monoesters, which are metabolites, have been used as biomarkers of human exposure to specific phthalates. However, several phthalates, particularly those with side chains of eight or more carbon atoms, are complex mixtures of isomers. For these, the phthalate metabolites to be used as biomarkers of exposure have not been unequivocally identified. We developed a method for assessing total exposure to phthalates, including the isomeric mixtures of high molecular weight phthalates, by measuring the concentration of phthalic acid (PA) in human urine after acid hydrolysis of the phthalate metabolites to PA. The present method accurately assesses total exposure to phthalates without noticeable contamination from the ubiquitous phthalates in the environment, but it gives no information about the parent phthalate.
FP2VF: Fortran 90 program to generate a vector field from flowpaths

Many directional properties vary spatially and are related to geologic or other variables (e.g., deposition and erosion controlled by direction of flow in river systems). A vector field is a set of spatially distributed directions that are in the form of an array that contains an azimuth at every node. Vector fields are powerful tools, but generating them manually can be difficult: A flowpath, typically taken from a map, is defined to be a set of connected line segments that indicates the general direction of flow in the area of interest; flowpaths are more easily obtained than vector fields. Program FP2VF uses flowpaths to create a vector field based on the concept that the azimuth at a node should be similar to the orientations of nearby flowpaths. The program calculates an azimuth vector for every node in the array. This paper describes the program, its algorithm, and operating requirements.
The Rationale and Efficacy of Applying Multiple Imaging Techniques for Breast Examination: X-Ray Mammography and Ultrasound Visualization

Since failure to biopsy a malignant mass during a relatively early stage of its development will result in a severely shortened life span for the patient, breast imaging techniques must be capable not only of detecting a mass, but of differentiating between the image characteristics of a benign and a malignant tumor. Ideally, the applied technique should be equally capable when used to examine the young breast and the older breast. The specific advantages and disadvantages of x-ray mammography and of ultrasound visualization, as well as the rationale of balancing the disadvantages of one technique with the advantages of the other, are discussed in this presentation.
Inhibition of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Expression and Enzyme Activity by Epigallocatechin Gallate, a Natural Product from Green Tea

Chronic inflammation has been implicated as the underlying factor in the pathogenesis of many disorders. In the past decade, inflammation-related endogenous production of reactive nitrogen species, similar to oxygen free radicals, has also been suggested as a risk factor for cancer, in addition to the well-studied exogenous nitroso compounds. Epidemiological, in vitro, and animal model studies have implicated green tea to be protective against nitroso compound-induced and inflammation-related cancer. Therefore, we investigated the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), one of the known biologically active catechins contained in green tea, on the production of nitric oxide (NO.). We have shown previously that EGCG reduces NO. production as measured by nitrite accumulation in the culture medium. Expanding on this finding, in this report we show that EGCG may do so by two mechanisms: reduction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression and inhibition of enzyme activity. Addition of 1-10 microM EGCG to lipopolysaccharide- and interferon-gamma-activated mouse peritoneal cells reduced iNOS mRNA expression concentration dependently, to 82-14%, as measured by relative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Addition of 50-750 microM EGCG, in a concentration-dependent manner, inhibited the enzyme activity of iNOS, to 85-14%, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), to 93-56%, as measured by citrulline formation. EGCG competitively inhibited binding of arginine and tetrahydrobiopterin, and the gallate structure is important for this action.
Combined aplasia of maxillary first molars and lateral incisors: a case report and management.

Congenital absence of teeth, as the most commonly known developmental dental anomaly in man, has a multitude of adverse affects that could be detrimental to normal function and esthetics. This report presents a rare case of combined agenecies of maxillary permanent first molars and lateral incisors. The management plans are highlighted, and phase I orthodontic–restorative treatment mechanics and its result are described. The benefits for early orthodontic treatment intervention for this case presented here are discussed.
Impact of time-ordered measurements of the two states in a niobium superconducting qubit structure

Measurements of thermal activation are made in a superconducting, niobium persistent-current qubit structure, which has two stable classical states of equal and opposite circulating current. The magnetization signal is read out by ramping the bias current of a dc superconducting quantum interference device. This ramping causes time-ordered measurements of the two states, where measurement of one state occurs before the other. This time ordering results in effective measurement time, which can be used to probe the thermal activation rate between the two states. Fitting the magnetization signal as a function of temperature and ramp time allows one to estimate a quality factor of $3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{5}$ for our devices, a value favorable for the observation of long quantum coherence times at lower temperatures.
Novel changes in gene expression following axotomy of a sympathetic ganglion: A microarray analysis

Neurons of the peripheral nervous system are capable of extensive regeneration following axonal injury. This regenerative response is accompanied by changes in gene expression in axotomized neurons and associated nonneuronal cells. In the sympathetic nervous system, a few of the genes affected by axonal injury have been identified; however, a broad sampling of genes that could reveal additional and unexpected changes in expression has been lacking. We have used DNA microarray technology to study changes in gene expression within 48 h of transecting the postganglionic trunks of the adult rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG). The expression of more than 200 known genes changed in the ganglion, most of these being genes not previously associated with the response to injury. In contrast, only 10 genes changed following transection of the preganglionic cervical sympathetic trunk. Real-time RT-PCR analysis verified the upregulation of a number of the axotomy-induced genes, including activating transcription factor-3 (ATF-3), arginase I (arg I), cardiac ankyrin repeat protein, galanin, osteopontin, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), parathyroid hormone-related peptide, and UDP-glucoronosyltransferase. Arg I mRNA and protein were shown to increase within neurons of the axotomized SCG. Furthermore, increases in the levels of putrescine and spermidine, a diamine and polyamine produced downstream of arg I activity, were also detected in the axotomized SCG. Our results identified many candidate genes to be studied in the context of peripheral nerve regeneration. In addition, the data suggest a potential role for putrescine and spermidine, acting downstream of arg I, in the regenerative process. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 59: 216–235, 2004
Monolithic dual-gate GaAs FET amplifier

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and performance of a broad-band monolithic dual-gate GaAs FET amplifier. The amplifier has a gain of 3.5-5 dB over the 4.5- to 8-GHz band.
Short-term patency and safety of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene encapsulated endoluminal device at the venous anastomosis of a canine arteriovenous graft model.

PURPOSE To determine the safety and short-term patency of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-encapsulated carbonlined endoluminal device (ED) deployed across the venous anastomosis of arteriovenous conduits. MATERIALS AND METHODS Arteriovenous grafts ( n 5 16) were created between femoral arteries and veins in eight female canines and allowed to mature 30 days ± 5 (SD). Five were excluded before implantation because of thrombosis or intragraft stenosis. Deployment was conducted in the remaining 11 anastomoses. Fistulography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) were performed before and after the procedure and 1 month postimplantation. Stent migration, apposition, and stenosis were evaluated. The angle of the anastomosis was compared before and after deployment and at follow-up. Mural thrombus thickness, percentage of surface covering, and percentage of endothelialization within the device were measured histologically. RESULTS There was no significant migration. By explant, all devices were completely apposed. Stenosis occurred in three of nine grafts. The angle of the venous anastomosis decreased by 29.5° (posteroanterior) and 32.4° (oblique) after ED deployment. There was a further decrease of 6.1° (posteroanterior) and 3.2° (oblique) during the 4-week follow-up period. Hemostasis was difficult to achieve in this animal model. Five required more than 1 hour to achieve hemostasis manually. Six in three animals were closed with a Perclose device, achieving immediate hemostasis; however, three (one in each animal) re-bled intermittently 2 weeks after implantation for an average of 9.3 days. The puncture site of each graft that bled was radiographically shown abnormal. CONCLUSION The ED can be deployed without stent migration and is completely apposed and patent after 4 weeks. Although bleeding was a problem with this animal model, delayed bleeding complications associated with puncture site abnormalities were seen only in grafts closed with a percutaneous suturing device.
Planning a future workforce: An australian perspective

Libraries throughout the world are facing the dual challenge of an aging workforce and a workplace that is requiring significant reassessment of the skills base of its staff as a result of the impact of technology on the delivery of information services. The implications for libraries in responding to this environment are significant. This paper looks at the age profile of the library workforce and discusses the need for libraries to acknowledge and plan for the impending retirement of a significant proportion of their workforce. The paper argues that integral to this planning is the need to identify the skills and attributes required of library staff in both the short term and the long term. The response of some Australian academic libraries in preparing to address these challenges is described. Particular reference is made to strategies adopted at Queensland University of Technology Library in Brisbane, Australia to ensure that existing and new staff are equipped with the skills to be able to work in ch...
New species of fabaceae

Onobrychis ralphil Sirjaev, sp. nov. Caules erecti (?) 30-50 cm. longi, rotundi striati, pilis brevibus adpressis densiusculis albis et praeterea longioribus sparsis patulis tecti; stipulae triangulares longe acuminatae 8 mm. longae, pilis patulis longis tectae; folia omnia imparipinnata: folia inferiora longe petiolata (petiolis pilis sparsiusculis brevibus et praeterea paucis longioribus obsitis), 12-21 cm. longa, foliola 6-7-juga remota elliptica vel oblonga obtusa brevissime mucronulata, superne glabra subtus sparsiuscule adpresse breviter pilosa, plerumque 10-15 x 4-5.5 mm.; folia superiora minora 5-8 cm. longa foliolis 4-5-jugis; racemus floriferus 14-16 cm. (cum pedunculo) longus, folio suo 2-3-plo longior, multiflorus ante anthesin myosuroideus; pedunculi ut caules pilosi; bracteae membranaceae lineari-subulatae pilosae, 2.5 mm. longae; pedicelli patule pilosi, 1 mm. longi; flores 8-9 mm. longi; calyx campanulatus 2 mm. longus, laciniis lanceolatis (inferioribus triangularibus) sparsiuscule subpatule pilosis; corolla violacea 8-9 mm. longa; vexillum lateellipticum apice rotundatum, extus pilosulum, 8-9 mm. longum; carina recta glabra, 7-8 mm. longa; alae lineares acutae, ad apicem ciliis paucis obsitae, dente deorsum directo, 6 mm. longae; ovarium ovatum curvatum dense villosum, biovulatum; legumen ignotum. Planta perennis. Vidi specimina in India bor. a cl. R. R. Stewart collecta sequentia: "Campbellpur, Attock Distr., in sand," 4.7.1938 fl., R. R. Stewart, P1. of Punjab, n. 16319, sub 0. Stewartii Bak. "Campbellpur. Attock Distr., desert soil, 1500'," 3.30.1936 fl., R. R. Stewart, id., n. 15307 (TYPE in Herb. lorti Bot. N. Y.). "Hasan Abdan n. of Kawalpindi," 4.1.1922 fl., R. R. Stewart, id. n. 7015, sub 0. Stewartii Baker. Nostra nova species ad subg. Sisyrosema (vexillum alaeque ciliatae, ovarium biovulatum) pertinet, sed cum caeteris speciebus hujus subgeneris identica non est. Miserum est legumina matura deesse. Ill. Baker in Hooker f., Fl. Brit. Ind. 2: 142 (1879) nostram speciem sub 0. heterophylla C. A. Mey. verisimilter commemoravit. Novam speciem illustrissimo viro R. R. Stewart dedico.
TU-E-BRA-03: Real-Time Fiducial Detection and Prostate Movement Assessment with Cine MV Images in RapidArc Treatments

Purpose: To develop an algorithm for detection of metallic fiducial markers in cine MV images, and to assess the prostate movement during RapidArc treatment.Methods: A Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator(LINAC) was used to deliver RapidArc treatment for prostate patients. Cine images were acquired with the onboard electronic portal imaging device(EPID) using the MV therapeutic beam. Three metallic fiducial markers were implanted inside the prostate. To detect the fiducial position, we explicitly account for the possible marker blockage by MLC during beam modulation. If the marker is not blocked, we employ the planning coordinates of the marker centroids projected onto the cine MV images and perform template matching in the vicinity of its projection to localize the actual position of the marker. Displacements of the fiducial markers are assessed by comparing the actual and planned positions. Results: We analyzed ∼280 cine MV images acquired during a 55‐sec RapidArc treatment for a prostate patient. The three markers were visible in about 46%, 52%, and 48% of the images, and at least one fiducial was visible during almost entire treatment (97% of the time). The marker detection algorithm agrees well with manual detection (< 0.2 mm). The mean displacement for each fiducial was 0.40 ± 0.42, 0.27 ± 0.29, and 0.46 ± 0.34 mm. The maximum displacement was 2.33, 1.75, and 2.23 mm. Conclusions: An algorithm for automatic detection of fiducial markers in cine MV images has been developed. The prostate movement during a RapidArc treatment has been analyzed for a patient with implanted markers. Accurate target positioning is achieved at all times during treatment. In light of the random nature of intrafraction prostate motion, this work represents an important step toward real‐time image‐guided prostate radiation therapy.
Psychiatric consultation to the non-physician staff of an outpatient oncology clinic.

Biweekly patient-centered conferences with the non-physician staff of an oncology clinic revealed the unique pressures experienced by these personnel and the key role they play in the psychosocial management of chronically ill patients. The introduction of behavioral science principles through these conferences was useful in promoting improved staff morale and more appropriate patient management and suggests a model for the development of a comprehensive health delivery system.
Heat Transfer, Pressure Loss and Flow Field Measurements Downstream of Staggered Two-Row Circular and Elliptical Pin Fin Arrays

We present the results of heat transfer, total pressure loss, and wake flow field measurements downstream of two-row staggered elliptical and circular pin fin arrays. Two different types of elliptical fins are tested, i.e., a Standard Elliptical Fin (SEF) and a fin that is based on NACA four digit symmetrical airfoil shapes (N fin). The results are compared to those of a corresponding circular pin fin array. The minor axis lengths for both types of elliptical fins are kept equal to the diameter of the circular fins. Experiments are performed using Liquid Crystal Thermography and total pressure probe wake surveys in a Reynolds number range of 18 000 and 86 000 as well as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements at Re D =18 000. The pin fins had a height-to-diameter ratio of 1.5. The streamwise and the transverse spacings were equal to one circular fin diameter, i.e., S/D =X/D =2
Speech Perception With Music Maskers by Cochlear Implant Users and Normal-Hearing Listeners

Purpose The goal of this study was to investigate how the spectral and temporal properties in background music may interfere with cochlear implant (CI) and normal-hearing listeners' (NH) speech und...
Decreased DNA repair gene expression among individuals exposed to arsenic in United States drinking water

Arsenic is well established as a human carcinogen, but its precise mechanism of action remains unknown. Arsenic does not directly damage DNA, but may act as a carcinogen through inhibition of DNA repair mechanisms, leading indirectly to increased mutations from other DNA damaging agents. The molecular mechanism underlying arsenic inhibition of nucleotide excision repair after UV irradiation (Hartwig et al., Carcinogenesis 1997;18:399–405) is unknown, but could be due to decreased expression of critical genes involved in nucleotide excision repair of damaged DNA. This hypothesis was tested by analyzing expression of repair genes and arsenic exposure in a subset of 16 individuals enrolled in a population based case-control study investigating arsenic exposure and cancer risk in New Hampshire. Toenail arsenic levels were inversely correlated with expression of critical members of the nucleotide excision repair complex, ERCC1 (r2 = 0.82, p < 0.0001), XPF (r2 = 0.56, p < 0.002), and XPB (r2 = 0.75, p < 0.0001). The internal dose marker, toenail arsenic level, was more strongly associated with changes in expression of these genes than drinking water arsenic concentration. Our findings, based on human exposure to arsenic in a US population, show an association between biomarkers of arsenic exposure and expression of DNA repair genes. Although our findings need verification in a larger study group, they are consistent with the hypothesis that inhibition of DNA repair capacity is a potential mechanism for the co-carcinogenic activity of arsenic. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
S100A1 Binds to the Calmodulin-binding Site of Ryanodine Receptor and Modulates Skeletal Muscle Excitation-Contraction Coupling

S100A1, a 21-kDa dimeric Ca2+-binding protein, is an enhancer of cardiac Ca2+ release and contractility and a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of cardiomyopathy. The role of S100A1 in skeletal muscle has been less well defined. Additionally, the precise molecular mechanism underlying S100A1 modulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release in striated muscle has not been fully elucidated. Here, utilizing a genetic approach to knock out S100A1, we demonstrate a direct physiological role of S100A1 in excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle. We show that the absence of S100A1 leads to decreased global myoplasmic Ca2+ transients following electrical excitation. Using high speed confocal microscopy, we demonstrate with high temporal resolution depressed activation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release in S100A1-/- muscle fibers. Through competition assays with sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles and through tryptophan fluorescence experiments, we also identify a novel S100A1-binding site on the cytoplasmic face of the intact ryanodine receptor that is conserved throughout striated muscle and corresponds to a previously identified calmodulin-binding site. Using a 12-mer peptide of this putative binding domain, we demonstrate low micromolar binding affinity to S100A1. NMR spectroscopy reveals this peptide binds within the Ca2+-dependent hydrophobic pocket of S100A1. Taken together, these data suggest that S100A1 plays a significant role in skeletal muscle excitation-contraction coupling, primarily through specific interactions with a conserved binding domain of the ryanodine receptor. This warrants further investigation into the use of S100A1 as a therapeutic target for the treatment of both cardiac and skeletal myopathies.
Cestode in North Dakota: Echinococcus in Field Mice

Field mice (Microtus pennsylvanicus and Peromyscus maniculatus) are naturally infected with Echinococcus multilocularis. Thus, the sylvatic cycle (fox to field mice to fox) has been established in North Dakota. This cestode is expected to extend its range to other agricultural regions of the continental United States where similar conditions favorable for the completion of its life cycle exist.
Hospitalization for respiratory syncytial virus among California infants: disparities related to race, insurance, and geography.

Objectives To evaluate population-based rates of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-associated infant hospitalizations related to race/ethnicity, payer source, and geography in California. Study design Retrospective analysis of RSV-coded infant hospitalizations were performed using the California patient discharge data for 1999 to 2003. All discharge records for infants younger than 1 year of age with an ICD-9-CM code for any RSV-related illness (466.11, 480.1, or 079.6) among any of the diagnosis fields were selected for analysis (n = 45,330). Rates were expressed as the number of RSV-associated hospitalizations per 1000 live births in the same calendar year. Results Infants enrolled in MediCal (California’s version of the United States’ national Medicaid program) had a relative risk of 2.03 (95% CI, 1.99 to 2.06) compared with non-MediCal payers (24.3 vs 12.0/1000 live births, respectively). The 1999 to 2003 rates per 1000 live births of RSV-associated hospitalizations for MediCal payers by race/ethnicity were: non-Hispanic white (34.9), African-American (27.9), Hispanic (21.8), Asian/Pacific Islander (12.5), and American Indian/Alaska Native (12.2). Conclusions RSV was the leading cause of infant hospitalizations in California between 1999 and 2003. RSV hospitalization rates were highest among non-Hispanic white MediCal insured infants.
A high pressure liquid chromatography-radioimmunoassay method for measurement of cholecystokinin-8 and cholecystokinin-33/39 in plasma

Abstract A new high pressure liquid chromatography-radioimmunoassay method is described for the measurement of cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8) and CCK-33/39 in plasma. The plasma levels of CCK-8-sulfate, CCK-8-desulfate, and CCK-33/39 were measured during the infusion of intraduodenal fat.
THE MEASUREMENT OF HEALTH IN URBAN COMMUNITIES

This paper discusses weaknesses of the available indicators of community health. These weaknesses derive from conceptual as well as methodological confusion. Although complex interrelationships among key variables (ability to function, biomedical condition, individual perception, and social or cultural setting) make measurement difficult, the lack of a conception of health makes choice among indicators impossible, except by methodological convenience. It is proposed that an adequate definition of health should focus on the ability and will of the individual to perform needed tasks, i.e. to produce and reproduce, in an environment over the span of a lifetime. Measures should be developed to measure health directly, rather than indirectly. A number of leads for indicators are suggested for the major stages of the human life cycle.
Enzymatic hydrolysis and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of soybean processing intermediates for the production of ethanol and concentration of protein and lipids.

Carbohydrates in soybeans are generally undesirable due to their low digestibility and because they “dilute” more valuable components (proteins, lipids). To remove these carbohydrates and raise the titer of more valuable components, ethanol production was investigated. Commercial enzymes (Novozyme cellulase, β-glucosidase, and pectinase) were added to ground soybeans (SB), soybean meal (SBM), soybean hulls (SH), and soybean white flakes (WF) at a 10% solids loading rate to quantify hydrolyzed glucan. Saccharification resulted in glucan reductions of 28%, 45%, 76%, and 80% (SBM, SB, SH, WF, resp.). Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) trials were conducted at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% solids loading with Saccharomyces cerevisiae NRRL Y-2034 and Scheffersomyces stipitis NRRL Y-7124, with protein, fiber, and lipids analyzed at SSF 10% solids and saccharification trials. S. cerevisiae and S. stipitis produced ~3–12.5 g/L ethanol and ~2.5–8.6 g/L ethanol, respectively, on SB, SBM, and WF over all solid loading rates. SH resulted in higher ethanol titers for both S. cerevisiae (~9–23 g/L) and S. stipitis (~9.5–14.5 g/L). Protein concentrations decreased by 2.5–10% for the SB, SBM, and WF, but increased by 53%–55% in SH. Oil concentrations increased by ~50% for SB; by ~500%–1300% for the others.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone activation of adenylate cyclase in raphe neurons: multiple regulatory pathways control serotonergic neuronal differentiation.

The RN46A cell line was derived from embryonic day 13 rat medullary raphe cells by infection with a retrovirus encoding the temperature-sensitive mutant of SV 40 large T antigen (tsT-ag). The RN46A cell line is neuronally restricted and constitutively differentiates following a shift to nonpermissive temperature. Differentiated RN46A cells express low levels of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) but no detectable levels of serotonin (5-HT). Treatment of cultures with the adrenocorticotrophic hormone peptide ACTH4–10 up-regulates the expression of TPH immunoreactivity in differentiated RN46A cells, but 5-HT synthesis requires initial treatment with ACTH4–10, followed by partial membrane depolarizing conditions. Up-regulation of TPH by ACTH4–10 is apparently due to activation of adenylate cyclase, whereas the increased 5-HT synthesis with membrane depolarization can be blocked with the voltage-sensitive Ca2+ -channel blockers nifedipine and ω-conotoxin. ACTH4–10 treatment also markedly up-regulates the expression of the 5-HT reuptake transporter, as do dibutyryl cyclic AMP and forskolin; chronic membrane depolarization has no effect on 5-HT reuptake. The expression of the high-affinity 5-HT1A receptor is increased threefold by ACTH4–10 treatment during differentiation and fivefold by differentiation under partial membrane depolarizing conditions. Combining ACTH4–10 treatment and membrane depolarization does not increase expression of the 5-HT1A receptor further. 5-HT release is constitutive in ACTH-treated RN46A cells and linked to spontaneous synaptic vesicle fusion in RN46A cells. Considered with previous results, these data indicate that multiple effectors, ACTH, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and membrane depolarization, have both distinct and overlapping effects that regulate specific elements of the serotonergic neuronal phenotype during differentiation and maturation. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Bioinformatic and Biometric Methods in Plant Morphology

Recent advances in microscopy, imaging, and data analyses have permitted both the greater application of quantitative methods and the collection of large data sets that can be used to investigate plant morphology. This special issue, the first for Applications in Plant Sciences, presents a collection of papers highlighting recent methods in the quantitative study of plant form. These emerging biometric and bioinformatic approaches to plant sciences are critical for better understanding how morphology relates to ecology, physiology, genotype, and evolutionary and phylogenetic history. From microscopic pollen grains and charcoal particles, to macroscopic leaves and whole root systems, the methods presented include automated classification and identification, geometric morphometrics, and skeleton networks, as well as tests of the limits of human assessment. All demonstrate a clear need for these computational and morphometric approaches in order to increase the consistency, objectivity, and throughput of plant morphological studies.
A Two-Stage Minimax Procedure with Screening for Selecting the Largest Normal Mean.

The problem of selecting the normal population with the largest population mean when the populations have a common known variance is considered. A two-stage procedure is proposed which guarantees the same probability requirement using the indifference-zone approach as does the single-stage procedure of Bechhofer (1954). The two-stage procedure has the highly desirable property that the expected total number of observations required by the procedure is always less than the total number of observations required by the corresponding single-stage procedure, regardless of the configuration of the population means. The saving in expected total number of observations can be substantial, particularly when the configuration of the population means is favorable to the experimenter. The saving is accomplished by screening out “non-contending” populations in the first stage, and concentrating sampling only on “contending” populations in the second stage. The two-stage procedure can be regarded as a composite one whic...
The Development of a Mathematical Approximation Technique to Determine the Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD) and Geometric Standard Deviation (GSD) of Drug Particles in an Inhalation Aerosol Sprat

AbstractThe aerodynamic diameter of an airborne particle is the key property in determining its respiratory deposition. Two particles may differ in their shape, size, and/or density and still be aerodynamically indistinguishable because they have similar behavior in a moving airstream. A cascade impactor has been used to measure the range of aerodynamic diameters for drug particles in an aerosol spray product. The two terms associated with aerodynamic particle sizing are Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD) and the Geometric Standard Deviation (GSD). Both terms are determined from the visual fit of a straight line to data manually plotted on log-probability paper. The plotting of this data is a time consuming activity and the fit of the line to the data can be very subjective.Although this technique is an excellent candidate for computerization, it cannot be done directly since the probability axis is an integral function not easily adaptable to the computer packages generally used in the laboratory. A...
Risk and Responsibility: A Self-Study of Teaching with Second Life

This article argues for the use of self-study as a research methodology for learning technology scholars to advance knowledgeandimprovepracticeintheuseofemergingtech nologies in the classroom. It reports on a self-study conduct ed on the use of the Second Life multi-user virtual environ ment (MUVE) in a graduate level seminar entitled “Educa tionalMediaTheory.”Thearticledetailstheexperienceofthe professor and the students in using the Second Life MUVE andithighlightsthespecificteachingandlearningissuesthat arose as a result of using the technology. Through an exami nation of the data, I identify the assumptions based on per sonalinterestandepistemologicalcommitments,whichledto problems in introducing the technology in the course. These problemswereaddressedthroughrevisingthesyllabustocre ate scaffolds for student learning with the Second Life envi ronment. The broader implications of the study regard the impact of student expectations and prior knowledge on the trajectoryoftheuseofatechnologyinacourseandtheissue ofstudentsafety,whichisraisedwhensocialtechnologiesare used in the classroom. Adaptations to teaching methods to address such issues are discussed.
Dynamic Associations among Somatic Complaints, Human Energy, and Discretionary Behaviors Experiences with Pain Fluctuations at Work

Using data from two experience-sampling studies, this paper investigates the dynamic relationships between discretionary behaviors at work—voluntary tasks that employees perform—and internal somati...
Origami, linkages, and polyhedra: folding with algorithms

What forms of origami can be designed automatically by algorithms? What shapes can result by folding a piece of paper flat and making one complete straight cut? What polyhedra can be cut along their surface and unfolded into a flat piece of paper without overlap? When can a linkage of rigid bars be untangled or folded into a desired configuration? Folding and unfolding is a branch of discrete and computational geometry that addresses these and many other intriguing questions. I will give a taste of the many results that have been proved in the past few years, as well as the several exciting open problems that remain open. Many folding problems have applications in areas including manufacturing, robotics, graphics, and protein folding.
Development and evaluation of an ensemble resource linking medications to their indications

Objective To create a computable MEDication Indication resource (MEDI) to support primary and secondary use of electronic medical records (EMRs). Materials and methods We processed four public medication resources, RxNorm, Side Effect Resource (SIDER) 2, MedlinePlus, and Wikipedia, to create MEDI. We applied natural language processing and ontology relationships to extract indications for prescribable, single-ingredient medication concepts and all ingredient concepts as defined by RxNorm. Indications were coded as Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) concepts and International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition (ICD9) codes. A total of 689 extracted indications were randomly selected for manual review for accuracy using dual-physician review. We identified a subset of medication–indication pairs that optimizes recall while maintaining high precision. Results MEDI contains 3112 medications and 63 343 medication–indication pairs. Wikipedia was the largest resource, with 2608 medications and 34 911 pairs. For each resource, estimated precision and recall, respectively, were 94% and 20% for RxNorm, 75% and 33% for MedlinePlus, 67% and 31% for SIDER 2, and 56% and 51% for Wikipedia. The MEDI high-precision subset (MEDI-HPS) includes indications found within either RxNorm or at least two of the three other resources. MEDI-HPS contains 13 304 unique indication pairs regarding 2136 medications. The mean±SD number of indications for each medication in MEDI-HPS is 6.22±6.09. The estimated precision of MEDI-HPS is 92%. Conclusions MEDI is a publicly available, computable resource that links medications with their indications as represented by concepts and billing codes. MEDI may benefit clinical EMR applications and reuse of EMR data for research.
Optimal admission to an M/M/k/N queue with several customer types and holding costs

We study optimal admission to an M/M/k/N queue with several customer types. The reward structure consists of revenues collected from admitted customers and holding costs, both of which depend on customer types. This paper studies average rewards per unit time and describes the structures of stationary optimal, canonical, bias optimal, and Blackwell optimal policies. Similar to the case without holding costs, bias optimal and Blackwell optimal policies are unique, coincide, and have a trunk reservation form with the largest optimal control level for each customer type. Problems with one holding cost rate have been studied previously in the literature.
The Birth of a Discipline Producing Authoritative Green Knowledge, World Bank-Style

After 10 long years of growing social movement pressure, the World Bank has effectively responded with a new work paradigm, `environmentally sustainable development', that aggressively incorporates lessons from its worst critics (as well as some of the critics themselves). This article focuses on a case study of the World Bank's transformation-in-progress in Lao People's Democratic Republic to explicate the institutional and epistemic framework on which the Bank's new forms of intervention are based. This article argues that the World Bank successfully produces a green authoritative knowledge that contradictorily caters to the critics' demand for democratization and the investors' call for privatization. The article explains both the process of knowledge production and the way in which it becomes authoritative, situating newly produced forms of green knowledge and eco-rationalities within the institutional context of `development' and its expanding relations of power.
Stress distributions in human teeth modeled with a natural graded material distribution.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate how the structural stress distribution in human teeth could be affected by the presence of a graded material distribution often found in nature using the finite element (FE) method. Methods Hydroxyapatite (HA) tablets with different densities were scanned using a Micro-CT scanner to obtain a relationship between the attenuation coefficient and the elastic modulus via the mineral density. Two maxillary premolars were scanned to provide the geometries and material distributions for constructing the FE models. Stress analyses were then performed to compare the stress distributions between the models with uniform material properties and those with a graded material layout. Results The attenuation coefficients and densities of the HA tablets measured ranged from 109.77 to 175.01 cm −1 and 0.99 to 1.54 g cm −3 , respectively. A linear relationship was found between them and applied to the premolars to derive the elastic modulus via the mineral density. Stress analysis showed that, with a graded material layout, the peak maximum principal stress in the enamel was reduced by about 50% and the overall stress distribution was more uniform. Along the DEJ, two stress peaks were found near the dentin horns, but again they were much lower in magnitude in the models with a graded material distribution. Significance The results from this study support the hypothesis that the material layout in human enamel is optimized for distributing the external load evenly. They also point to the importance of taking into account the graded material distribution in nature when performing stress analysis for tooth structures.
Unpacking "privacy" for a networked world

Although privacy is broadly recognized as a dominant concern for the development of novel interactive technologies, our ability to reason analytically about privacy in real settings is limited. A lack of conceptual interpretive frameworks makes it difficult to unpack interrelated privacy issues in settings where information technology is also present. Building on theory developed by social psychologist Irwin Altman, we outline a model of privacy as a dynamic, dialectic process. We discuss three tensions that govern interpersonal privacy management in everyday life, and use these to explore select technology case studies drawn from the research literature. These suggest new ways for thinking about privacy in socio-technical environments as a practical matter.
Analyzing Factors Influencing Teaching as a Career Choice Using Structural Equation Modeling

The purpose of the study is to analyze factors influencing students’ perceptions of teaching as a career choice using structural equation modeling with the goal of shaping a teacher education recru...
Image analysis and empirical modeling of gene and protein expression.

Protein gradients and gene expression patterns are major determinants in the differentiation and fate map of the developing embryo. Here we discuss computational methods to quantitatively measure the positions of gene expression domains and the gradients of protein expression along the dorsal–ventral axis in the Drosophila embryo. Our methodology involves three layers of data. The first layer, or the primary data, consists of z-stack confocal images of embryos processed by in situ hybridization and/or antibody stainings. The secondary data are relationships between location, usually an x-axis coordinate, and fluorescent intensity of gene or protein detection. Tertiary data comprise the optimal parameters that arise from fits of the secondary data to empirical models. The tertiary data are useful to distill large datasets of imaged embryos down to a tractable number of conceptually useful parameters. This analysis allows us to detect subtle phenotypes and is adaptable to any set of genes or proteins with a canonical pattern. For example, we show how insights into the Dorsal transcription factor protein gradient and its target gene ventral-neuroblasts defective (vnd) were obtained using such quantitative approaches.