cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Growth and maturational changes in dense fibrous connective tissue following 14 days of rhGH supplementation in the dwarf rat

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on patella tendon (PT), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) on collagen growth and maturational changes in dwarf GH-deficient rats. Twenty male Lewis mutant dwarf rats, 37 days of age, were randomly assigned to Dwarf + rhGH (n = 10) and Dwarf + vehicle (n = 10) groups. The GH group received 1.25 mg rhGH/kg body wt twice daily for 14 days. rhGH administration stimulated dense fibrous connective tissue growth, as demonstrated by significant increases in hydroxyproline specific activity and significant decreases in the non-reducible hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP) collagen cross-link contents. The increase in the accumulation of newly accreted collagen was 114, 67, and 117% for PT, MCL, and LCL, respectively, in 72 h. These findings suggest that a short course rhGH treatment can affect the rate of new collagen production. However, the maturation of the tendon and ligament tissues decreased 18-25% during the rapid accumulation of de novo collagen. We conclude that acute rhGH administration in a dwarf rat can up-regulate new collagen accretion in dense fibrous connective tissues, while causing a reduction in collagen maturation.
Anatomic site and immune function correlate with relative cytokine mRNA expression levels in lymphoid tissues of normal rhesus macaques.

Abstract Reverse transcriptase real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine pro-inflammatory, anti-viral and immunoregulatory cytokine mRNA expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of healthy juvenile, adolescent and adult rhesus macaques. Few age-related changes in cytokine mRNA expression levels were observed. Expression of interleukin 2 and Mx, a type I interferon-inducible gene, decreased with age, whereas interleukin 4 and macrophage inflammatory protein 1 (MIP-1) alpha and beta mRNA levels increased in older monkeys. Independent of age, the pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and chemokines] were expressed at higher mRNA levels in PBMC than the immunoregulatory cytokines (interleukins 2, 4, 12). Pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression levels were highest in lymphoid tissues draining mucosal surfaces. Thus, a correlation exists between cytokine mRNA levels in lymphoid tissues and the anatomical site.
Prospective controlled assessment of variable stiffness enteroscopy

Background : Push enteroscopy is a well-established technique for evaluation of the small intestine. However, looping of the enteroscope within the stomach limits depth of Insertion. Stiffening overtubes that minimize gastric looping are tolerated marginally by patients and disliked by endoscopists. A variable stiffness instrument has the potential to eliminate the need for an overtube while still minimizing gastric looping. The performance of a prototype variable stiffness enteroscope was compared prospectively with that of a conventional push enteroscope with and without use of an overtube. Methods : Consecutive patients undergoing enteroscopy were randomized to have the procedure with a variable stiffness instrument, a conventional instrument with overtube, or a conventional instrument without overtube. Depth of insertion distal to the ligament of Treitz was determined by plain abdominal radiography. Observations : In total, 67 patients were randomized to variable stiffness enteroscopy (25 patients), enteroscopy with overtube (23 patients), and enteroscopy without overtube (19 patients). Median depth of Insertion distal to the ligament of Treitz, respectively, for each group, was 89 cm, 68 cm and 41 cm ( p =0.03). In multivariate analysis, variable stiffness instrument use was predictive of intubation to 65 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz (odds ratio 5.53: 95% CI [1.25, 31.25] vs. no overtube, and odds ratio 2.50: 95% CI [0.63, 11.1] vs. overtube). Procedure duration and overall patient tolerance did not differ significantly among the 3 groups, although more patients in the overtube group required additional sedation than patients in the variable stiffness group ( p =0.03). Both endoscopists' ( r =0.34) and nurses' ( r =0.36) estimates of patient discomfort during the procedure correlated poorly with patient tolerance. Conclusions : A variable stiffness push enteroscope enhances insertion depth compared with the conventional instrument with or without overtube. Further studies are required to determine whether this improved performance increases diagnostic yield.
Toward interface design for human language technology: modality and structure as determinants of linguistic complexity

Abstract Before next-generation human language technology can be designed to function successfully in actual field settings, interface techniques will be needed that can guide users' language to coincide with current system capabilities. The present study examines how input modality and presentation structure influence the linguistic complexity observed in people's spoken and written input to an interactive system. Using a semi-automatic simulation technique, language was collected during speech-only, writing-only and combined pen/voice exchanges, and using presentation formats that either were structured or unconstrained. Results indicate that both modality and presentation format substantially influence linguistic complexity, although the specific nature of their impact differs. A comprehensive analysis is provided of how both factors affect people's observed language in terms of total words, disfluencies, utterance length, lexical variability, perplexity, syntactic ambiguity and semantic integration. Users' preferences for modalities and formats also are analyzed, and implications are discussed for channeling people's language in a transparent way. The long-term goal of this research is to develop interface techniques for managing difficult sources of variability in people's language, so that robust processing of human language technology can be achieved.
Retroactive interference as a function of set and recall environment

The Incidental-Intentional Training paradigm was proposed to effect rapid verbal forgetting via retroactive interference. After word association to a 5-word list, Ss studied a similar list. At 2 min., free recall of the first list yielded only 11% correct responses with 54% other-list intrusions. This decrement was attributed to interaction of inadequate set and an impoverished recall environment. In another group Ss’ idiosyncratic word associations appeared on the recall page to enrich the recall situation by functioning as reminders. Here, correct recall was 15% with only 16% other-list intrusions. Possible reasons for imperfect recall in the latter group were enumerated.
Ultrastructure of human testicular tumors

Thirteen seminomas, 5 embryonal carcinomas and 3 teratocarcinomas were studied ultrastructurally to obtain information upon the histogenesis, pathogenesis and interrelationships of the tumors. The ultrastructure of seminoma closely mimicked abortive stages in spermatogenesis; no evidence of somatic differentiation was present. Tumor cells that closely resembled spermatocytes appeared to be the stem cells which originated the more differentiated elements of seminoma. Embryonal carcinoma, whether occurring alone or as a component of teratocarcinoma, was similar in its ultrastructure and bore no resemblance to that of seminoma. Moreover, these embryonal carcinomas were indisguishable from those of the mouse. Since embryonal carcinoma of the mouse has been shown to be the multipotential stem cell of murine teratocarcinomas, it seems reasonable to suppose that human embryonal carcinoma would also serve as the multipotential stem cells of human teratocarcinomas. A basis is established for the occurrence of multiple types of testicular tumor in one testis and for the histogenesis of the various germinal tumors of the testicle.
PO-0654 Delayed Birth Of Next Sibling In Families With A Preterm Child: Role Of Obstetric History

Background Prematurity postpones the birth of a subsequent sibling. This phenomenon is strongest in mothers with long prior interbirth interval, a proxy of fertility problems. Aim We assessed whether a history of miscarriages explains the postponed birth of next sibling after preterm birth. Methods We obtained pregnancy and newborn data from Finnish Medical Birth Register (Jan 1, 1987 - Sep 30, 1990). Sibling data came from the National Population Register Centre. Of the total of 230378 singleton births we excluded 1242 (0.5%) due to death before 1 yrs. GA was missing for 2922 (1.3%) and miscarriage data for 2964 (1.3%); 225650 children remained in analyses. We utilised Cox regression for proportional hazards to analyse the effect of GA and history of miscarriages on sibling birth. Results A low GA at birth delayed subsequent sibling birth. The effect remained unchanged after introducing miscarriages in the model. *Numbers indicate completed gestational weeks. HR, Hazard Ratio (term group, females and no miscarriages as a referent). Conclusions Prematurity postponed subsequent sibling birth. Accounting for obstetric history left this effect unchanged.
Measurement of Asphalt Concrete Temperatures During Transport with the Use of an Instrumented Probe System

Recently, so-called warm technologies have provided the paving industry with a considerable amount of versatility by increasing the options available to perform a given project. The ability to mix at traditional hot-mix temperatures and to compact at warm-mix temperatures is one of these options, because doing so can allow for long-haul distances. Warm technologies are fairly new to the United States, and documentation of their use on long-haul-distance projects is not abundant. This paper presents successful full-scale use of an instrumented probe system developed to simultaneously measure temperature at multiple locations within an asphalt mix while it was hauled for an extended period of time (10 h+). The data collected spanned haul distances far beyond those needed for any conceivable conventional application and likely exceeded distances needed for any emergency application. Probe temperature measurements appeared to be as reliable as well-accepted temperature measurement with asphalt thermometers. F...
Update on preemptive analgesia

Abstract Perioperative pain remains prevalent and poorly treated. Apart from its impact on the rate and unpleasantness of recovery from surgery, pain often remains as a residual aftereffect of surgery even though tissue healing appears complete. A growing appreciation for the underlying neurobiology of pain has identified mechanisms that can enhance the intensity of perioperative pain and even lead to more prolonged painful conditions. An essential observation is that tissue injury and the resulting nociceptor barrage initiates a cascade of events that can indelibly alter pain perception. Preemptive analgesia is the concept of initiating analgesic therapy before the onset of the noxious stimulus so as to prevent the nociceptor barrage and its consequences. However, preemptive analgesia, though firmly grounded in the neurobiology of pain, has yet to realize its anticipated clinical potential. As data accumulates, it has become clear that clinical studies emulating those from the laboratory and designed around a relatively narrow definition of preemptive analgesia have been largely unsupportive of its use. Nevertheless, preemptive analgesic interventions that recognize the intensity, duration, and somatotopic extent of major surgery can help reduce perioperative pain and its longer-term sequelae.
Chemistry, Biology, and QSAR Studies of Substituted Biaryl Hydroxamates and Mercaptoacetamides as HDAC Inhibitors—Nanomolar‐Potency Inhibitors of Pancreatic Cancer Cell Growth

The histone deacetylases (HDACs) are able to regulate gene expression, and inhibitors of the HDACs (HDACIs) hold promise in the treatment of cancer as well as a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. To investigate the potential for isoform selectivity in the inhibition of HDACs, we prepared a small series of 2,4'-diaminobiphenyl ligands functionalized at the para-amino group with an appendage containing either a hydroxamate or a mercaptoacetamide group and coupled to an amino acid residue at the ortho-amino group. A smaller series of substituted phenylthiazoles was also explored. Some of these newly synthesized ligands show low-nanomolar potency in HDAC inhibition assays and display micromolar to low-nanomolar IC(50) values in tests against five pancreatic cancer cell lines. The isoform selectivity of these ligands for class I HDACs (HDAC1-3 and 8) and class IIb HDACs (HDAC6 and 10) together with QSAR studies of their correlation with lipophilicity are presented. Of particular interest is the selectivity of the mercaptoacetamides for HDAC6.
A new treatment for diaper rash preliminary report

Summary 1. The efficacy of Diapene in ammonia dermatitis has been studied. 2. Diapene combines a high bactericidal effect against B. ammoniagenes with no irritation of the infant's skin. 3. Forty-nine infants with ammonia dermatitis were cleared within oneweek by impregnating their diapers with Diapene.
Overexpression of MYC and EZH2 cooperates to epigenetically silence MST1 expression

Hippo-like MST1 protein kinase regulates cell growth, organ size, and carcinogenesis. Reduction or loss of MST1 expression is implicated in poor cancer prognosis. However, the mechanism leading to MST1 silencing remains elusive. Here, we report that both MYC and EZH2 function as potent suppressors of MST1 expression in human prostate cancer cells. We demonstrated that concurrent overexpression of MYC and EZH2 correlated with the reduction or loss of MST1 expression, as shown by RT-qPCR and immunoblotting. Methylation sensitive PCR and bisulfite genomic DNA sequencing showed that DNA methylation caused MST1 silencing. Pharmacologic and RNAi experiments revealed that MYC and EZH2 silenced MST1 expression by inhibiting its promoter activity, and that EZH2 was a mediator of the MYC-induced silencing of MST1. In addition, MYC contributed to MST1 silencing by partly inhibiting the expression of microRNA-26a/b, a negative regulator of EZH2. As shown by ChIP assays, EZH2-induced DNA methylation and H3K27me3 modification, which was accompanied by a reduced H3K4me3 mark and RNA polymerase II occupancy on the MST1 promoter CpG region, were the underlying cause of MST1 silencing. Moreover, potent pharmacologic inhibitors of MYC or EZH2 suppressed prostate cancer cell growth in vitro, and the knockdown of MST1 caused cells’ resistance to MYC and EZH2 inhibitor-induced growth retardation. These findings indicate that MYC, in concert with EZH2, epigenetically attenuates MST1 expression and suggest that the loss of MST1/Hippo functions is critical for the MYC or EZH2 mediation of cancer cell survival.
The effect of automatic gain control on the performance of matched-filter packet acquisition using dual antenna diversity

The performance of serial acquisition is evaluated for direct-sequence spread-spectrum packet radio communications using dual antenna transmissions with orthogonal preamble sequences. Non-coherent diversity combining of the outputs from a corresponding pair of preamble matched filters is considered in conjunction with threshold-based acquisition using both fixed and adaptive acquisition thresholds. The effect of the intermediate-frequency filter and the automatic gain control subsystem on the acquisition performance is addressed, and the performance is evaluated in a slow fading channel. The effect of fixed and adaptive acquisition thresholds on the link outage probability is compared for the dual antenna system, and both are compared with the outage probability in a single antenna system.
Numerical Simulation of Rotor-Tower Wake Interaction in Wind Farm

This paper presents a numerical simulation of unsteady flow over wind turbine arrays to understand rotor-rotor and rotor-tower wake interaction in wind farms. The computations are carried out by incorporating Actuator Line method into a large eddy simulation. This methodology is validated by comparing the results to predictions of large eddy simulation using exact 3D blade geometries from a two-blade NREL Phase VI turbine. The method is then used to simulate the wake development in a two-turbine case. It is discovered that in the full wake setting the tower has a significant influence on the central part of the turbine wake. It is observed that the tower wake is twisted due to the rotation of the turbine wake. As a result, this tower wake is expected to have impact on the performance of downstream wind turbines, which cannot be overlooked. The present work also demonstrates the potential of combining AL method with LES to predict wake interactions in wind farms.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Developing checklists to prevent diagnostic error in Emergency Room settings

Background Checklists have been shown to improve performance of complex, error-prone processes. To develop a checklist with potential to reduce the likelihood of diagnostic error for patients presenting to the Emergency Room (ER) with undiagnosed conditions.
Environmental sustainability in economic development: A comment

Although the linkages between economics and environment are absolute, they are not emphasized either by the economic or by the environmental professions. The economics of natural resources remains a minor unpopular theme in orthodox economics today. Similarly, the relationship of the economic subsystem to the overall ecosystem is only mentioned in most environmental science texts. Attention to the environmental dimensions of economic development burgeoned in the early 1970s and has yet to become systematic. There are encouraging signs that this is improving. The integration of economics and environmental studies has been the focus of several recent conferences and books, e.g. Brundtland, 1987; Conway, 1985; IIED, 1987; Jansson, 1984; Pearce, 1985 and at least two journals (Environmental Economics from 1976, and Ecology and Economics from 1987; excluding the vast literature mainly on pollution economics. This paper mentions four environmental aspects of economic development: the concept of sustainability, carrying capacity, ethics and irreversibility. It then focuses on one important irreversible—the loss of biodiversity—and outlines progress with the World Bank's policies in this regard.
Enabling automatic adaptation in systems with under-specified elements

Software that people use for everyday purposes is usually not mission critical---some failures can be tolerated. However, this software should be dependable enough for its intended use, even when users change expectations. Software systems that could adapt to accommodate both failures and changing user expectations could significantly improve the dependability of such everyday software. Many adaptation techniques require specifications of proper behavior (for detecting improper behavior) and problem severity, alternatives and their selection (for mitigation and for repair).However, the specifications of everyday software are usually incomplete and imprecise. This makes it difficult to determine the dependability of the software and even more difficult to adapt.We address the problem of detecting anomalies---deviations from expected behavior---when specifications of expected behavior are missing. Setting up anomaly detection depends on human participation, yielding predicates that can serve as proxies for missing specifications.We propose a template mechanism to lower the demands on human attention when setting up detection. We show how this mechanism may be used in our framework for enhancing dynamic data feeds with automatic adaptation. We discuss how the same mechanism may be used in repair. Our emphasis is on detecting semantic anomalies: cases in which the data feed is responsive and delivers well-formed results, but these results are unreasonable.
Bulk intergrowth of a topological insulator with a room-temperature ferromagnet

We demonstrate that the layered room-temperature ferromagnet Fe${}_{7}$Se${}_{8}$ and the topological insulator Bi${}_{2}$Se${}_{3}$ form crystallographically oriented bulk composite intergrowth crystals. The morphology of the intergrowth in real space and reciprocal space is described. The basal planes of Bi${}_{2}$Se${}_{3}$ and Fe${}_{7}$Se${}_{8}$ are parallel in the micron-scale intergrowth, and hence the good cleavage inherent to the bulk phases is retained. Both phases in the intergrowth crystals display their intrinsic bulk properties: the ferromagnetism of the Fe${}_{7}$Se${}_{8}$ is anisotropic, with the magnetization easy axis in the plane of the crystals, and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy characterization shows that the topological surface states remain present on the Bi${}_{2}$Se${}_{3}$ and that a gap can be observed in the surface state dispersion. Crystals of nominal composition Bi${}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}$Fe${}_{x}$Se${}_{3}$ are shown to be bulk intergrowths of the two phases Bi${}_{2}$Se${}_{3}$ and Fe${}_{2}$Se${}_{3}$. Significant solubility of Fe in Bi${}_{2}$Se${}_{3}$ is not observed.
Hidden Markov Model-Based CNV Detection Algorithms for Illumina Genotyping Microarrays

Somatic alterations in DNA copy number have been well studied in numerous malignancies, yet the role of germline DNA copy number variation in cancer is still emerging. Genotyping microarrays generate allele-specific signal intensities to determine genotype, but may also be used to infer DNA copy number using additional computational approaches. Numerous tools have been developed to analyze Illumina genotype microarray data for copy number variant (CNV) discovery, although commonly utilized algorithms freely available to the public employ approaches based upon the use of hidden Markov models (HMMs). QuantiSNP, PennCNV, and GenoCN utilize HMMs with six copy number states but vary in how transition and emission probabilities are calculated. Performance of these CNV detection algorithms has been shown to be variable between both genotyping platforms and data sets, although HMM approaches generally outperform other current methods. Low sensitivity is prevalent with HMM-based algorithms, suggesting the need for continued improvement in CNV detection methodologies.
The Demographic Context of Urban Schools and Districts

As the country undergoes tremendous racial transition, this article explores the impact of these trends on the composition of urban schools and districts. The demographic context of urban schools is important to consider because of the body of research that concludes that the composition of students in schools is related to students' academic and non-academic outcomes. In schools consisting of students largely from one race, a diverse teaching staff is one of the few remaining ways to provide students with daily interactions and experiences across racial lines. Although there has been a growth of segregated minority schools that has left many urban schools with few white and middle-class students, there also is variety among urban schools, by size of city and region of the country. Urban schools have more diverse faculties than other schools although racial composition and teacher experience and stability varies by students' racial composition.
Hemophilia management: optimizing treatment based on patient needs.

Purpose of reviewProgress in hemophilia management over the past year has focused on improving understanding of the most common complications of genetic bleeding disorders and building upon available therapeutic strategies.Recent findingsResearch continued to link factor VIII structure with immune r
Development and evaluation of pressure sensitive adhesives from a fatty ester

Novel pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) were developed from renewable methyl oleate (MO) and fully evaluated for their peel strength, tack force and shear resistance. MO was epoxidized and selectively hydrolyzed on the ester group to form epoxidized oleic acid (EOA) that is a bifunctional monomer containing both a carboxylic acid group and an epoxy group. EOA was step-growth polymerized to form a hydroxyl-containing polyester, which was then cured in the presence of a small amount of a polyfunctional epoxide [epoxidized soybean oil or trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether (TMPTGE)] to afford PSAs. The PSAs from the polyester cured with TMPTGE exhibited high peel strength (2.4 N/10 mm), high tack force (5.8 N), and sufficient shear resistance (9.0 min). The PSAs can be fully based on renewable natural materials, and their preparations are environmentally friendly. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41143.
Spider Envenomation in North America

In North America, spider envenomation is perceived to be a greater threat than in actuality; however, it still is a valid source of morbidity and, very rarely, mortality. Only 2 groups (widows, recluses) are medically important on this continent. Widow bites affect the neuromuscular junction, have minor dermatologic expression, and are treated with analgesics and antivenom. Recluse bites vary from mild, self-limiting rashes to extensive dermonecrosis. Recent awareness of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus as a ubiquitous cause of skin injury that is often mistaken as attributable to recluse bites has questioned the credence of spiders being the cause of idiopathic wounds. Language: en
A note on vowel centralization in stuttering and nonstuttering individuals.

Inferences were made regarding vocal tract vowel space during fluently produced utterances through examination of the first two formant frequencies. Fifteen adult males served as subjects, represen...
Prediction of anticancer activity by tumor uptake of radiolabeled monoclonal antibody

A novel and sensitive method is described for rapid detection of anticancer drug efficacy against human tumor xenografts in nude mice. CA or BRO human melanoma cells were inoculated i.m. in nude mice, which then were treated with saline or cytotoxic agents. After injection of 111In-labeled 9.2.27 antimelanoma monoclonal antibody, the site of tumor inoculation and the contralateral non-tumor site were excised from sacrificed mice. Relatively lower 111In uptake in the area of tumor inoculation correlated with prevention or delay of tumor growth in identically treated counterpart mice.
Optic Disk and Nerve Fiber Layer Imaging to Detect Glaucoma

Purpose To compare optic disk and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) imaging methods to discriminate eyes with early glaucoma from normal eyes. Design Retrospective, cross-sectional study. Methods In a tertiary care academic glaucoma center, 92 eyes of 92 subjects (46 with early perimetric open-angle glaucoma and 46 controls) were studied. Diagnostic performance of optical coherence tomography (StratusOCT; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, California, USA), scanning laser polarimetry (GDx VCC; Laser Diagnostic Technologies, San Diego, California, USA), confocal laser ophthalmoscopy (Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph [HRT] III; Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany), and qualitative assessment of stereoscopic optic disk photographs were compared. Outcome measures were areas under receiver operator characteristic curves (AUCs) and sensitivities at fixed specificities. Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was used to evaluate combinations of quantitative parameters. Results The average (± standard deviation) visual field mean deviation for glaucomatous eyes was −4.0 ± 2.5 dB (decibels). Parameters with largest AUCs (± standard error) were: average RNFL thickness for StratusOCT (0.96 ± 0.02), nerve fiber indicator for GDx VCC (0.92 ± 0.03), Frederick S. Mikelberg (FSM) discriminant function for HRT III (0.91 ± 0.03), and 0.97 ± 0.02 for disk photograph evaluation. At 95% specificity, sensitivity of disk photograph evaluation (90%) was greater than GDx VCC ( P = .05) and HRT III ( P = .002) results, but not significantly different than those of StratusOCT ( P > .05). The combination of StratusOCT average RNFL thickness and HRT III cup-to-disk area with CART produced a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 96%. Conclusions StratusOCT, GDx VCC, and HRT III performed as well as, but not better than, qualitative evaluation of optic disk stereophotographs for detection of early perimetric glaucoma. The combination of StratusOCT average RNFL thickness and HRT III cup-to-disk area ratio provided a high diagnostic precision.
Rhamnose and muramic acid: chemical markers for bacterial cell walls in mammalian tissues

Abstract An improved analytical chemical method for the quantitation of low levels of streptococcal cell walls in inflamed mammalian tissues was developed. Rhamnose (a component of the group-specific polysaccharide) and muramic acid (a component of the peptidolglycan) of group A streptococci were detected in experimental tissues at levels as low as 1 ng/mg using a modification of the alditol acetate procedure and selected ion monitoring gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Rhamnose and muramic acid were not detected at these levels in normal mammalian tissues and are thus excellent chemical markers for bacterial debris.
Epidemiology of rotavirus in infants and protection against symptomatic illness afforded by primary infection and vaccination.

This study assessed the frequency of symptomatic and asymptomatic primary and secondary infections with rotavirus in children under 24 months and determined protection against symptomatic illness afforded by rhesus and human-rhesus rotavirus reassortant vaccines. Successive cohorts of children (n=236) were followed through five winter rotavirus seasons with cultures of each reported episode of diarrheal disease and serologic determination of rotavirus exposure on paired sera bracketing the winter. An average of 46% of children experienced rotavirus infection in each season with almost all infected by two years of age. The relative risk of rotavirus associated gastroenteritis in naive children versus naturally immune children was 2.4 (1.1, 5.3). The relative risk of rotavirus associated gastroenteritis in naive children versus vaccinees was 4.1 (1.6, 10.7). In a community with predominantly serotype G1 rotavirus rhesus rotavirus-based vaccines are as protective against rotavirus gastroenteritis as prior natural infection.
Studies on ligand recognition by vitellogenin receptors in follicle membrane preparations of the german cockroach, Blattella germanica

Abstract An in vitro binding assay was used to analyze the interaction between vitellin and its receptor in follicle membrane preparations of the cockroach, Blattella germanica . Binding was found to be optimal at pH 6.8. Specific binding was saturable, and Scatchard analysis yielded a K d -value of 79 nM and a total receptor concentration of 51 fmol/follicle. Glycopeptides and oligosaccharides prepared from vitellin competed for vitellin binding, whereas yeast mannan did not. Glycopeptides digested with α-mannosidase stimulated vitellin binding. Vitellins of the cockroach species Simploce capitata and Nauphoeta cinerea competed for binding of B. germanica vitellin, whereas vitellin of another cockroach, Leucophaea maderae , stimulated binding. Analysis of the oligosaccharide structure of the vitellin in these species revealed differences in the proportions of individual oligosaccharides in the total carbohydrate, however, these differences do not correlate with the ability of the vitellins to compete for binding. The results suggest that the high mannose oligosaccharides of vitellin are necessary but not sufficient for binding to the vitellogenin receptor.
The Effect of Psoralens on Hepatic and Cutaneous Drug Metabolizing Enzymes and Cytochrome P-450

Psoralens are tricyclic furocoumarins with potent photosensitizing properties in the skin and are now widely used in the treatment of several dermatologic diseases. In this study the effect of 3 different psoralens 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), 4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen (TMP) and isopsoralen on hepatic microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes and cytochrome P-450 has been assessed in mice and rats. 8-MOP administered orally to CD-1 mice daily for 6days caused 2–3 fold increases in hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), ethylmorphine N-demethylase and cytochrome P-450. The absorbance maximum of the induced cytochrome was at 450nm. Aniline hydroxylase activity was unchanged. Chronic administration of 8-MOP, to hairless mice caused significant enhancement of hepatic ethylmorphine N-demethylase and cytochrome P-450 but had no effect on AHH; whereas chronically administered TMP had no significant effect on any of these parameters. Isopsoralen and TMP administered orally to CD-1 mice daily for 6days had no effect on any of these liver enzymes or on hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes and cytochrome P-450 to a lesser extent than do the barbituaes and suggest that this drug could influence the rate of biotransformation of concomitantly administered drugs in patients undergoing PUVA therapy.
The p53 transcriptional target gene wnt7b contributes to NGF-inducible neurite outgrowth in neuronal PC12 cells

Differentiation of PC12 cells by nerve growth factor (NGF) is characterized by changes in signal transduction pathways leading to growth arrest and neurite extension. The transcription factor p53, involved in regulating cell cycle and apoptosis, is also activated during PC12 differentiation and contributes to each of these processes but the mechanisms are incompletely understood. NGF signaling stabilizes p53 protein expression, which enables its transcriptional regulation of target genes, including the newly identified target, wnt7b, a member of the wnt family of secreted morphogens. We tested the hypothesis that wnt7b expression is a factor in NGF-dependent neurite outgrowth of differentiating PC12 cells. Wnt7b transcript and protein levels are increased following NGF treatment in a p53-dependent manner, as demonstrated by a reduction in wnt7b protein levels following stable shRNA-mediated silencing of p53. In addition, overexpressed human tp53 was capable of inducing marked wnt7b expression in neuronal PC12 cells but tp53 overexpression did not elevate wnt7b levels in several tested human tumor cell lines. Ectopic wnt7b overexpression was sufficient to rescue neurite outgrowth in NGF-treated p53-silenced PC12 cells, which could be blocked by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibition with SP600125 and did not involve β-catenin nuclear translocation. Addition of sFRP1 to differentiation medium inhibited wnt7b-dependent phosphorylation of JNK, demonstrating that wnt7b is secreted and signals through a JNK-dependent mechanism in PC12 cells. We further identify an NGF-inducible subset of wnt receptors that likely supports wnt7b-mediated neurite extension in PC12 cells. In conclusion, wnt7b is a novel p53-regulated neuritogenic factor in PC12 cells that in conjunction with NGF-regulated Fzd expression is involved in p53-dependent neurite outgrowth through noncanonical JNK signaling.
ON THE REPLICATION OF DESOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID (DNA)

The discoveries of Hershey and Chase concerning the role of DNA in transmitting genetic information in phage and of Watson and Crick concerning the structure of DNA have brought the problem of the replication of DNA into focus. The structure proposed by Watson and Crick consists of two polynucleotide chains wound helically around a common axis, tied together by hydrogen bonds between the purine and pyrimidine side chains. These side chains of the two chains are arranged so that adenine is always matched with thymine and guanine with cytosine. The sequence of bases along either chain is not subject to any restrictions, but once the sequence along one chain is given, the sequence along the other chain is completely determined. This sequence, then, constitutes the genetic information, a linear message written in a four-symbol code. The duplex of the two chains contains the information in a twofold redundance. Each chain has a directional polarity because of the nonequivalence of the 3- and 5-positions through which each pentose is linked to the preceding and the following phosphate group in the chain. This polarity runs in opposite directions in the two chains of the duplex.
Use of Computer Graphics and Cluster Analysis in Aiding Relational Judgment

An experiment is conducted to investigate the use of computer graphics and cluster analysis in aiding human relational judgment. The experimental stimuli were similarity matrices from real-world data sources. The experimental tasks required the subjects to detect the number of clusters or to judge the similarity value between a designated pair of objects in the displayed matrix. Each matrix was either ordered randomly or arranged according to the results of cluster analysis. Each matrix was displayed in one of four schemes: number scheme, color scheme, size scheme or 3-D vertical line scheme. The results indicated that the cluster-ordered displays greatly facilitated cluster detection performance in three out of the four display schemes, with the 3-D line scheme as the only exception. Matrix ordering had no effect on the value judgment task. The proximity compatibility principle (Wickens, 1987) and theories of perceptual grouping (Garner, 1976; Pomerantz, 1981) provided predictions and were tested in this...
Comparative cytologic features of pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma and islet cell tumor

Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) and islet cell tumor (ICT), both rare pancreatic neoplasms, can be diagnosed accurately and rapidly with the use of imaging-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsies. The specific cytologic features of these tumors are described in a series of 17 patients, and histologic and immunocytochemical correlations are discussed. Important cytologic findings in ACC are loosely cohesive clusters with cells having uniform nuclei and prominent nucleoli, cytoplasm is finely granular and eosinophilic. Islet cell tumors show many single cells, occasional rosettes, uniform nuclei, sometimes binucleate, dense basophilic cytoplasm. Chromogranin is often positive (80%) in ICT. Trypsin and chymotrypsin were often positive (71%) in ACC. Histology was confirmatory in all cytology cases. The recognition of cytologic features in conjunction with immunocytochemical studies can increase the diagnostic sensitivity for these two rare tumors.
Synthesis, characterization and development of a high-throughput methodology for the discovery of botulinum neurotoxin a inhibitors.

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), etiological agents of the deadly food poisoning disease botulism, are the most toxic proteins currently known. Although only a few hundred cases of botulism are reported in the United States annually, there is growing interest in BoNTs attributable to their potential use as biological warfare agents. Neurotoxicity results from cleavage of the soluble NSF-attachment protein receptor complex proteins of the presynaptic vesicles by the BoNT light chain subunit, a Zn endopeptidase. Few effective inhibitors of BoNT/A LC (light chain) activity are known, and the discovery process is hampered by the lack of an efficient high-throughput assay for screening compound libraries. To alleviate this bottleneck, we have synthesized the peptide SNAPtide and have developed a robust assay for the high-throughput evaluation of BoNT/A LC inhibitors. Key aspects for the development of this optimized assay include the addition of a series of detergents, cosolvents, and salts, including 0.01% w/v ...
Positron emission tomography–computed tomography surveillance for the node‐positive neck after chemoradiotherapy

Objectives/Hypothesis: To review our results with positron emission tomography and computed tomography fusion imaging (PET-CT) surveillance of the postchemoradiotherapy neck in patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Study Design: Retrospective. Methods: Four hundred twenty-eight patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were treated with nonsurgical therapy from September 2002 to March 2007 and followed with post-treatment PET-CT surveillance of the neck. Fifty-two patients meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of PET-CT were determined. Results: Ten patients had a positive post-treatment PET-CT for residual neck disease, and 42 patients had negative scans. The NPV and PPV were 100% and 40%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 100%, 87.5%, and 88%, respectively. Conclusions: Planned neck dissection can be deferred with a negative post-treatment PET-CT. Assuming a complete response at the primary site and a negative PET-CT scan, there may be a role for serial PET-CT surveillance in patients with residual palpable cervical lymphadenopathy. Laryngoscope, 2009
The cGAS-STING Pathway for DNA Sensing

The nucleotidyl transferase cGAS, its second-messenger product cGAMP, and the cGAMP sensor STING form the basic mechanism of DNA sensing in the cytoplasm of mammalian cells. Several new reports now uncover key structural features associated with DNA recognition by cGAS and the catalytic mechanisms of cGAMP generation. Concurrent studies also reveal unique phosphodiester linkages in endogenous cGAMP that distinguish it from microbial cGAMP and other cyclic dinucleotides. Together, these studies provide a new perspective on DNA recognition in the innate immune system.
Quantitative Effects on Vascular Lymphocytes of Chickens by Neonatal Thymectomy, and Neonatal Thymectomy and X-Irradiation,,

Abstract Immunologic maturation of the chicken is dependent upon the thymus and the bursa of Fabricius. The bursa is responsible for antibody-mediated immune responses. The thymus is responsible for the cellular type or delayed sensitivity mechanism. A controversy exists as to whether or not thymectomy and/or bursectomy must be followed by X-irradiation (LD50) to insure that no immunologically competent cells exist. It is of fundamental and practical importance. The thymus consists of 5 to 7 paired lobes located bilaterally to the cervical vertebrae. Its removal is tedious, and there are surgical losses. If an LD50 of X-irradiation were not necessary, experiments would require one-half the number of thymectomized chickens, and only normal chickens as controls. Furthermore, uniform irradiation of all chickens is rarely accomplished. The study reported here included four groups of chickens: (i) thymectomized (Tx), (ii) normal (N), (iii) X-irradiated (X) and (iv) thymectomized X-irradiated (Tx-X). Thymectomies-were performed on day old chicks. An LD50 of 800 roentgens of X-irradiation was administered to 3 day old chicks, and by rotation during irradiation, a dosage variable of less than 2% was accomplished. Five blood samples for differential and total counts were collected at intervals up to 5 months of age. The data were analyzed as a split plot because of repeated measurement of each chicken. The results indicate a decrease in total lymphocytes in thymectomized X-irradiated and in thymectomized chickens, not in X-irradiated chickens. Moreover, chickens receiving X-irradiation showed an increase in total number of lymphocytes by 5 months of age. It is concluded that thymectomy of day old chicks results in a long lasting depletion of vascular lymphocytes and that coupling X-irradiation with thymectomy does not result in further depletion of vascular lymphocytes.
Development of a Laser Fluorescence Technique For Measuring Piston Ring Oil Film Thickness

A single cylinder engine equipped with a transparent cylinder sleeve has been used to develop a technique to make visual investigations of piston ring lubrication behavior and engine oil loss mechanism. This paper describes this apparatus and the development of a laser excited oil fluorescence technique for measuring the oil film thickness change between the piston rings and the transparent cylinder sleeve wall. The amount of oil accumulated in the piston-cylinder clearance spaces above and below the ring pack, and those in the inter-ring spaces, can also be observed. Preliminary results showing oil fluorescence light intensity traces indicate that this technique works very well. Quantitative oil film thickness data should be readily obtainable from these traces once the fluorescent light intensity is calibrated.
Mouse models of BRCA1 and their application to breast cancer research

Germline mutations of human breast cancer-associated gene 1 (BRCA1) predispose women to breast and ovarian cancers. In mice, over 20 distinct mutations, including null, hypomorphic, isoform, conditional, and point mutations, have been created to study functions of Brca1 in mammary development and tumorigenesis. Analyses using these mutant mice have yielded an enormous amount of information that greatly facilitates our understanding of the gender- and tissue-specific tumor suppressor functions of BRCA1, as well as enriches our insights into applying these preclinical models of disease to breast cancer research. Here, we review features of these mutant mice and their applications to cancer prevention and therapeutic treatment.
Fostering Competencies in Future Teachers: A Competency-Based Approach to Teacher Education

The study investigated the characteristics of instruction and assessment used by instructors in teacher education courses that foster student competencies as perceived by students. The sampling method used to collect the sample of instructors and their courses was purposive, non-probability sampling. Student participants included those that were currently registered in classes of the respective instructors. A qualitative analysis of the data collected revealed that instructors used a variety of competency-based educational practices in their instructional and assessment tasks and that students perceived themselves as competent in the areas identified by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (2009) as standards for student competencies in teacher education courses.
Biosynthesis of malformin in washed cells of Aspergillus niger

Abstract Washed mycelium of Aspergillus niger , incubated in buffer solution, was found to incorporate suitable 14 C-labeled amino acids efficiently into the cyclic peptide, malformin, as well as into protein. Optimum conditions were developed for the assay of this process. Evidence for the specificity of the biosynthesis was that only component amino acids of the malformin molecule were utilized. The chemical identity of the isolated malformin fraction was confirmed by paper chromatography and by altered paper electrophoresis following oxidation with performic acid.
Surface complexation studied via combined grazing-incidence EXAFS and surface diffraction: arsenate on hematite (0001) and (10–12)

X-ray diffraction [crystal-truncation-rod (CTR)] studies of the surface structure of moisture-equilibrated hematite reveal sites for complexation not present on the bulk oxygen-terminated surface, and impose constraints on the types of inner-sphere sorption topologies. We have used this improved model of the hematite surface to analyze grazing-incidence EXAFS results for arsenate sorption on the c (0001) and r (10–12) surfaces measured in two electric vector polarizations. This work shows that the reconfiguration of the surface under moist conditions is responsible for an increased adsorption density of arsenate complexes on the (0001) surface relative to predicted ideal termination, and an abundance of “edge-sharing” bidentate complexes on both studied surfaces. We consider possible limitations on combining the methods due to differing surface sensitivities, and discuss further analysis possibilities using both methods.