cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Analysis of Neural Crest Cell Subsets Using Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting and Cell Culture

Abstract The ability to analyze the developmental behavior of defined cell populations is an important tool for understanding several questions concerning how cell commitment and differentiation are established during the maturation of the nervous system. The application of fluorescence-activated cell sorting and cell culture to the study of the mechanisms of differentiation of avian trunk neural crest cells is described. Results from these experiments show that this method is useful for the isolation and analysis of subsets of precursors defined on the basis of their ability to bind specific antibodies. In particular, findings indicate that cell surface differences expressed on young neural crest cells are correlated with the later development of particular differentiated phenotypes. These results are consistent with a combinatorial hypothesis in which the generation of phenotypic diversity in the neural crest results from the interaction of distinct subsets of progenitor cells (defined by the display of distinct arrays of cell surface receptor molecules) with particular ligands (e.g., growth factors and extracellular matrix molecules) In the embryonic environment. As a consequence of different sets of receptors and ligands combining on discrete subpopulations of neural crest cells, different pathways of differentiation would be elicited in particular subpopulations of cells. In this model, the action of cues in the embryonic environment is superimposed on existing developmental biases in particular subsets of neural crest cells.
Spontaneous formation of nucleus-like structures around bacteriophage DNA microinjected into Xenopus eggs.

Abstract We have found that injection of bacteriophage λ DNA into unfertilized Xenopus eggs causes the assembly around the DNA of structures resembling typical eucaryotic cell nuclei. These spherical structures begin to form 60–90 min after injection. They contain X DNA and are bounded by a phase-dense envelope. Immunofluorescent staining of the λ-DNA-containing structures with anti-lamin antibody reveals the presence of the lamin nuclear proteins at the periphery of the structure, a pattern identical to that of embryonic nuclei. Electron microscopy reveals that the injected DNA is surrounded by a double bilayer nuclear membrane containing nuclear pore complexes. The "nuclei" containing λ DNA respond to modulators of the Xenopus cell cycle in a manner that mimics the response of embryonic nuclei to these modulators during mitosis. These results suggest that nuclear reassembly and breakdown occur independently of specific DNA sequence information.
Investigation of the XPS Valence Band Structure from Sn Chalcogenides

XPS valence band spectra reflect the electronic density of states weighted with cross-sections. The spectra will give additional information about the symmetry of the electron wave function, if they are measured in dependence on the electron emission angles. Valence band spectra of SnS, SnSe, SnTe, and SnS2 are measured partly in dependence on the polar angle θ. These measurements allow an identification of the symmetry of valence orbitals from intensity variations of the valence band maxima. XPS-Valenzbandspektren bilden die mit Wirkungsquerschnitten gewichtete elektronische Zustandsdichte ab. Werden die Spektren in Abhangigkeit von den Elektronenemissionswinkeln aufgenommen, so liefern sie zusatzliche Informationen uber die Symmetrie der Elektronenwellen-funktion. Von SnS, SnSe, SnTe und SnS2 werden - teils in Abhangigkeit vom Polarwinkel θ - die Valenzbandspektren gemessen. Diese Messungen ermoglichen es, die Symmetrie der Valenzorbitale aus Intensitataanderungen der Valenzhandmaxima zu bestimmen.
Portal vein invasion demonstrated by ultrasound

Two patients evaluated by ultrasound for abdominal masses were found to have thrombus within their central portal veins. Their cases are presented with angiographic correlation. Both are proven cases of hepatocellular carcinoma. The importance of evaluation of the portal vein in patients with liver neoplasms is discussed.
Simultaneous determination of film permeability to H2O2 and substrate surface area coverage of overoxidized polypyrrole

Abstract A method to simultaneously determine film permeability and surface area coverage of electrochemically generated and overoxidized polypyrrole (PPY) films on platinum is presented. The method, similar to the Koutecky–Levich approach, is based on the rotating disk electrode but uses experimental data from bare and film-covered electrodes to compensate for deviations from ideality. We address the effects of polymer growth potential, electrolyte concentration, monomer concentration, enzyme concentration and film thickness in film permeability, substrate surface area coverage and film adhesion of polypyrrole films grown from aqueous solutions. Film thickness was measured using transmission electron microscopy of films deposited on thin platinum wires. Surface morphology is illustrated using scanning electron micrographs. Relevant effects of film permeability and thickness are related to the response of amperometric polypyrrole-enzyme biosensors found in the literature.
Analysis of plume backflow around a nozzle lip in a nuclear rocket

The structure of the flow around a nuclear thermal rocket nozzle lip has been investigated using the direct simulation Monte Carlo method. Special attention has been paid to the behavior of a small amount of harmful particles that may be present in the rocket exhaust gas. The harmful fission product particles are modeled by four inert gases whose molecular weights are in a range of 4 131. Atomic hydrogen, which exists in the flow due to the extremely high nuclear fuel temperature in the reactor, is also included. It is shown that the plume backflow is primarily determined by the thin subsonic fluid layer adjacent to the surface of the nozzle lip, and that the inflow boundary in the plume region has negligible effect on the backflow. It is also shown that a relatively large amount of the lighter species is scattered into the backflow region while the amount of the heavier species becomes negligible in this region due to extreme separation between the species. Results indicate that the backscattered molecules are very energetic and are fast-moving along the surface in the backflow region near the nozzle lip.
The energy-budget evaluation of the micrometeorological transfer processes within a cornfield

Abstract The energy budget approach was utilized to evaluate the vertical fluxes of sensible and latent heat by layers within a fully grown corn crop. Small net radiometers were used to measure the height distribution of net radiation. Small aspirated psychrometers were constructed and used to collect data on the temperature and water vapor pressure profiles within the crop. The smaller storage terms were measured, and included in the calculations. All the measurements were made within 10-min periods throughout the daytime hours of 1 day. An exponential relationship with leaf area approximated the extinction of net radiation within the crop. The largest recorded leaf-air temperature differences were found to be near, but not at, the top of the crop. Midday air-temperature profiles were characterized by the establishment of a warm air layer in the center of the crop. A diurnal trend in the movement of the level of highest air temperature was evident. The calculated exchange coefficients spanned a range of three orders of magnitude. The average of the midday exchange coefficients at the top of the crop was 4,400 cm 2 sec −1 . Below 100 cm, the sensible heat flux was found to be downward. The latent heat flux was used to determine the transpiration per unit leaf area from each level within the crop. The calculated values ranged from 0 to 3.8 · 10 −6 g cm −2 sec −1 . The transpiration rate was expressed as a function of three micrometeorological parameters: net-radiation absorption, saturation-water vapor-pressure deficit of the air, and a leaf-to-air transfer coefficient; and two plant parameters: leaf wetness and leaf-area density. It was found that four of the parameters varied with time and height within the crop. The fifth parameter, leaf density, varied only with height. Each of the parameters took part in regulating the transpiration rate. The calculated values of the leaf-wetness parameter ranged from 0.07 · 10 −4 to 2.77 · 10 −4 cal. cm −2 (leaf area) sec −1 mbar −1 . For the entire crop, 46% of the net radiation was used for transpiration, 13% for soil evaporation, 32% for sensible heat flux, and 6% for soil heat flux. Measurements indicated that 16% of the net radiation reached the ground under the dense crop.
Training Health Profession Students to be Effective Patient Teachers

Patient education is an increasingly important part of modern health care. Health professionals' ability to effectively teach their patients is therefore an important concern for medical educators. This report describes a program designed to improve health professionals' teaching skills. Effective Patient Teaching is a 30-hour course which targets 20 specific teaching skills. Course time is approximately equally divided between lectures/demonstrations by faculty, and practice teaching by participants, followed by individual feedback. Comparison of first and last practice teaching sessions to operational definitions of teaching skills showed signifiant improvement in most teaching skills. This study suggests that rapid improvement in health professionals' patient teaching skills can be achieved in a program that includes modeling of effective skills, supervised practice, and appropriate feedback.
Managing price expectations through product overlap

Abstract How should a retailer think about the decision to carry, price, and promote products that overlap with another store when such overlap is predicted to intensify price competition and drive down product prices? The existing research suggests that retailers should look to carry an ever-increasing percentage of unique or non-overlapping products [J. Marketing 61 (1997) 38; Marketing Sci. 19 (2000) 83], thereby eliminating the ability to compare prices across stores. We challenge this recommendation, arguing that overlapping products allow one type of retailer—the higher end retailer—to signal the fairness of its prices and foster a more favorable price image than might otherwise exist. In a laboratory study, we show that, for higher end stores, the existence of overlapping products can significantly increase perceptions of pricing fairness and subsequent store choice, even when those overlapping products are no cheaper in the focal store than in a competing store.
“Adventures in science”: casting scientifically talented youth as national resources on American radio, 1942–1958

From 1942 to 1958, a national weekly programme on CBS radio and presented by Science Service, Inc. devoted 37 of its broadcasts to profiling American high school students’ achievements in science talent searches, clubs and fairs. These “Adventures in Science” radio programmes cast scientifically talented youth as potential contributors to national goals in the hopes of eliciting greater public appreciation of science and science education. This characterisation reflected meritocratic and democratic justifications for American science education. First, the host of this series and director of Science Service, Watson Davis, argued that these students could someday become elite scientists to help compensate for the perceived scientific manpower shortages during World War Two and the postwar era. As a result, listeners of these programmes should value these talented boys and girls, because the potential military applications of their research could safeguard the nation from external threats. Second, journalist...
Histamine responses and seasonal variation in isolated perfused turtle ventricles.

Abstract Histamine was observed to produce either an increase or decrease in contractile force in ventricles of Chrysemys picta turtles. The incidence of negative inotropic activity was greatest during the spring months and only positive inotropic activity was observed during the winter months. Histamine also produced an increase in cardiac tension at all seasons which was independent of the change in contractile force.
pncA and bptA Are Not Sufficient To Complement Ixodes scapularis Colonization and Persistence by Borrelia burgdorferi in a Linear Plasmid lp25-Deficient Background

The complex segmented genome of Borrelia burgdorferi is comprised of a linear chromosome along with numerous linear and circular plasmids essential for tick and/or mammalian infectivity. The pathogenic necessity for specific borrelial plasmids has been identified; most notably, infections of the tick vector and mammalian host both require linear plasmid 25 (lp25). Genes carried on lp25, specifically bptA and pncA, are postulated to play a role for B. burgdorferi to infect and persist in Ixodes ticks. In this study, we complemented an lp25-deficient borrelial strain with pncA alone or pncA accompanied by bptA to evaluate the ability of the complemented strains to restore larval colonization and persistence through transstadial transmission relative to that of wild-type B. burgdorferi. The acquisition of the complemented strains by tick larvae from infected mice and/or the survival of these strains was significantly decreased when assayed by cultivation and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Only 10% of the pncA-complemented strain organisms were found by culture to survive 17 days following larval feeding, while 45% of the pncA- and bptA-complemented strain organisms survived, with similar results by PCR. However, neither of the complemented B. burgdorferi strains was capable of persisting through the molt to the nymphal stage as analyzed by culture. qPCR analyses of unfed nymphs detected B. burgdorferi genomes in several nymphs at low copy numbers, likely indicating the presence of DNA from dead or dying cells. Overall, the data indicate that pncA and bptA cannot independently support infection, suggesting that lp25 carries additional gene(s) or regulatory elements critical for B. burgdorferi survival and pathogenesis in the Ixodes vector.
Effect of submergence and naproanilide application on the growth of hemp sesbania and rice

Twenty-five seeds of hemp sesbania or rice (cv. Lemont) were planted 0.5 cm deep in 4.5 cm of sandy loam soil (43% sand, 48% silt, 9% clay, 1.51% organic matter, pH 5.4) in plastic pots that were 15 cm in both diameter and depth. Plants were submerged PRE (1 day after planting) or POST (two-leaf growth stage for both species) with a water depth of 1, 5 and 10 cm in plastic containers in a greenhouse. Both plant species were also grown under upland conditions for comparison. The greenhouse temperature varied between 25 and 33 ° C, and natural light was supplemented by sodium vapor lamps to provide a 14 h photoperiod. Water depths were kept constant for 14 days with daily additions. At the end of the tests, plants were harvested by clipping at the soil surface, and the dry weight per pot was determined.
Superselective Intra- Arterial Cerebral Infusion of Novel Agents After Blood-Brain Disruption for the Treatment of Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme: A Technical Case Series

Glioblastoma multiforme constitutes the most common primary brain tumor and carries a grim prognosis for patients treated with conventional therapy including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. There has been a recent revival of selective intra-arterial delivery of targeted agents for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. Because these agents are less toxic and their delivery leads to a higher tumor-drug concentration, this combination may provide a better outcome in patients with high-grade glioma. This article discusses early experiences in patients who received superselective intra-arterial cerebral infusion of bevacizumab, cetuximab, and temozolamide after blood-brain barrier disruption with mannitol.
Synthesis ofN7-ethyldeoxyguanosine 5′-triphosphate and placement ofN7-ethylguanine in a specific site in a synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotide

Abstract N 7 -Ethyldeoxyguanosine 5′-triphosphate ( N 7 -EtdGRP) was synthesized by direct ethylation of dGTP with diethyl sulfate and purified by TLC on cellulose plates at ∼5% yield. N 7 -EtdGTP was identified by its uv spectra at pH 1, 7.4, and 13, by its absorbance maxima and minima, and by the lability of the glycosidic bond to acid- and heat-induced cleavage. At pH 7.4, spontaneous cleavage of the glycosidic bond proceeded with a half-life of >48 h. An enzymatic method for placing an N 7 -ethylguanine in a specific site in DNA was developed using terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase and the 3′ to 5′ exonuclease and 5′ to 3′ polymerase of the Klenow fragment of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I. The method should be readily adaptable to other modified bases as long as the modification does not occur at a base-pairing site (e.g., 5-methylcytosine, N 6 -methyladenine, and others).
The relationship of regulatory proteins and DNase I hypersensitive sites in the yeast GAL1-10 genes

We have used yeast strains containing a disrupted positive (GAL4) and/or a disrupted negative (GAL80) regulatory gene to investigate the relationship of these regulatory proteins to the hypersensitive sites upstream of their target genes, GAL1-10. We find that neither of these regulatory proteins is required for the formation of the hypersensitive region. There is positive regulatory protein (dependent) binding to a portion of the hypersensitive region when GAL1 and 10 are expressed. However, similar binding can also occur under conditions in which the genes are not expressed. Thus, such binding is necessary but not sufficient for expression of GAL1 and 10 and control of GAL1-10 expression must also include processes which occur subsequent to GAL4/DNA binding. The negative regulatory protein GAL80 plays a significant role in these processes.
Ultrastructural localization of gustducin immunoreactivity in microvilli of type II taste cells in the rat

Gustducin is a transducin-like G protein (guanine nucleotide-binding protein) that is expressed in taste bud cells. Gustducin is believed to be involved in bitter and possibly sweet taste transduction. In the present study, we demonstrate that a subset of type II cells displays immunoreactivity to antisera directed against gustducin in taste buds of rat circumvallate papilla. Immunogold particles are present both in the microvilli and cytoplasm of the immunoreactive cells. Quantitative analysis of the data suggests that the number of colloidal gold particles (P < 0.001) and nanogold particles (P < 0.01) in the immunoreactive type II cells are much greater than in type I cells. There are also approximately 2.5 times (P < 0.05) as many colloidal gold particles associated with the microvilli versus the cytoplasm in the immunoreactive type II cells. The ultrastructural distribution of gustducin immunoreactivity is consistent with its proposed role in the initial events of sensory transduction by gustatory receptor cells. J. Comp. Neurol. 425:139–151, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Structure, function and evolution of primate hemoglobins—II. A survey of the oxygen-binding properties

Abstract 1. 1. The oxygen-binding properties of hemoglobins from more than twenty species and subspecies of nonhuman primates were compared at 15 and 20°C in the pH range 5·0–8·5. 2. 2. Most species of primates have hemoglobins with distinct oxygen-binding properties 3. 3. Prosimian hemoglobins have a lower affinity for oxygen near physiological pH values than do monkey and ape hemoglobins. 4. 4. Human hemoglobin has oxygen-binding properties intermediate to those of other primate hemoglobins. 5. 5. Functional variation apparently parallels structural variation. 6. 6. As predicted from considerations of allosterism, variation in one oxygen-binding parameter is often associated with variation in additional parameters. 7. 7. This prohibits rapid evolutionary changes, but does allow for multiple and precise control of function.
Historical development of worldwide supersonic aircraft

Some major milestones in the progression of airplane speeds from subsonic to supersonic are traced. Historical background is included on work done prior to the Twentieth Century, but the major emphasis is on the Twentieth Century developments after the man carrying airplane became a practical reality. The techniques of increasing airplane speed revolve around means of increasing the propulsive force and means of reducing the airframe resistance (drag). With the changes in speed, the attendant changes in flow patterns due to the compressibility of air introduce some aerodynamic problems. In addition, geometric changes introduced to combat the effects of compressibility also promote aerodynamic problems. Some of the solutions to these problems are illustrated, and many design features that evolved are discussed.
Segmentation of lung lesion volume by adaptive positron emission tomography image thresholding.

BACKGROUND It is common protocol in radionuclide therapies to administer a tracer dose of a radiopharmaceutical, determine its lesion uptake and biodistribution by gamma imaging, and then use this information to determine the most effective therapeutic dose. This treatment planning approach can be used to quantitate accurately the activity and volume of lesions and organs with positron emission tomography (PET). In this article, the authors focus on the specification of appropriate volumes of interest (VoI) using PET in association with computed tomography (CT). METHODS The authors have developed an automatic image segmentation schema to determine the VoI of metastases to the lung from PET images, under conditions of variable background activity. An elliptical Jaszczak phantom containing a set of spheres with volumes ranging from 0.4 to 5.5 mL was filled with F-18 activity (2-3 μCi/mL) corresponding to activities clinically observed in lung lesions. Images were acquired with a cold background and then with variable source-to-background (S/B) ratios of: 7.4, 5.5, 3.1, and 2.8. Lesion VoI analysis was performed on 10 patients with 17 primary or metastatic lung lesions, applying the optimum threshold values derived from the phantom experiments. Initial volume estimates for lung lesions were determined from CT images. Approximate S/B ratios were obtained for the corresponding lesions on F-18-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18FDG)-PET images. From the CT estimate of the lesion size and the PET estimate of the S/B ratio, the appropriate optimum threshold could be chosen. The threshold was applied to the PET images to obtain lesion activity and a final estimate of the lesion volume. RESULTS Phantom data analysis showed that image segmentation converged to a fixed threshold value (from 36% to 44%) for sphere volumes larger than 4 mL, with the exact value depending on the S/B ratios. For patients, the use of optimum threshold schema demonstrated a good correlation (r = 0.999) between the initial volume from CT and the final volume derived from the 18FDG-PET scan (P < 0.02). The mean difference for those volumes was 8.4%. CONCLUSIONS The adaptive thresholding method applied to PET scans enables the definition of tumor VoI, which hopefully leads to accurate tumor dosimetry. This method can also be applied to small lesions (<4 mL). It should enable physicians to track objectively changes in disease status that could otherwise be obscured by the uncertainties in the region-of-interest drawing, even when the scans are delineated by the same physician. Cancer 1997; 80:2505-9. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
A Semi-Analytical Model to Predict the Capillary Limit of Heated Inclined Triangular Capillary Grooves

This paper presents a one-dimensional, semi-analytical model for prediction of the wetted length supported by inclined triangular capillary grooves subject to heating from below. The model utilizes a macroscopic approach employing the concept of an apparent contact angle. Constant liquid properties are assumed and no specific account is taken of surface roughness. The concept of accommodation theory is introduced to account for the change in the radius of curvature of the liquid-vapor interface between the liquid reservoir and the groove proper Empirical input is required in the form of the axial heat flux profile and the axial profile of the liquid height in the groove, To assist other researchers in the implementation of the model, this paper concludes with a series of design curves. These curves can readily be used to estimate the wetted length (capillary limit) in inclined heated triangular capillary grooves for a variety of operating conditions.
Cerebral uptake of a 3H-labelled spirolactone compound in the dog

Abstract Penetration of 3 H-canrenoate-K through the blood-brain barrier, has been investigated using the ventriculocisternal perfusion method. Following i.v. administration, the 3 H-activity in the perfusate amounted to 30–40% of the 3 H-activity in plasma. Intra-carotid administration resulted in an initial value of 80% declining thereafter to 30–40%. 72% of total radioactivity was accounted for by canrenone and 28% by canrenoate-K as measured by fluorescence analysis. The concentration ratios of 3 H-activity in brain cortex-plasma and brain white matter-plasma averaged 27 and 36, 24 hr following administration.
Development of a fiber optic stress sensor

Abstract Presently, conventional geomechanical stress measuring instruments can only provide measurements at a single point. A fiber-optic (FO) based stress-sensor has the potential to make quasi-distributed stress measurements along its length. This paper reports on the development of a practical distributed fiber-optic (FO) stress sensor for geologic material. Initially, the sensitivity of various stress-sensitive FO cables was determined by subjecting them to direct strain in the laboratory. Also, the response of the fibers grouted in a number of different materials was evaluated. From these initial laboratory tests, it was clear that the range of light-loss sensitivities offered by the various cables would make it possible to custom design a stress sensor for a wide range of geologic materials, grouts, and conditions. Next, a full-scale prototype fiber-optic stress sensor was constructed, installed, and tested in a “coalcrete” test block. This prototype installation in the man-made coalcrete allowed researchers to simulate an underground installation under laboratory-controlled media and stress conditions. With this prototype, the location and magnitude of two artificially generated stress concentrations were successfully determined using an optical time domain reflectometer. Finally, the initial design of the prototype stress-sensor was modified using experience gained during the coalcrete tests, and a second generation FO stress-sensor was installed and tested in an underground coal pillar. The outcome of this research was the demonstrated capabilities of distributed fiber-optic stress sensing in geologic material.
Cue for cooperation

Mammalian Semiochemistry: The Investigation of Chemical Signals Between Mammals. By Eric S. Albone. Wiley: 1984. Pp. 360. £29.50, $57.
Impact of Age on Basal and Diet-Induced Changes in Sympathetic Nervous System Activity of Fischer Rats

Studies were performed to assess the effect of age on basal sympathetic nervous system activity and on diet-induced changes in sympathetic activity. The rate of norepinephrine turnover in various tissues was measured as an index of sympathetic nervous system activity. In ad lib fed male Fischer 344 rats aged 3 to 24 months, there were no age-related differences in norepinephrine turnover in heart, liver, kidney or pancreas. Throughout the same age range, norepinephrine turnover was greater in organs of sucrose fed than in organs of fasted animals. Diet-induced changes in sympathetic activity thus persist throughout the age range studied.
Synthesis of extracellular matrix glycoproteins by cultured microvascular endothelial cells isolated from the dermis of neonatal and adult skin

We examined the synthesis of extracellular matrix macromolecules by human microvascular endothelial cells isolated from the dermis of neonatal (foreskin) and adult (abdominal) skin. Electron microscopy showed that both cell types produced an extracellular matrix that was strictly localized to the subendothelial space. The subendothelial matrices were initially deposited as a single discontinuous layer of filamentous, electron-dense material that progressively became multilayered. Biosynthetic studies indicated that 2-4% of the newly synthesized protein was deposited in the subendothelial matrices by both cell types. Approximately 15-20% of the radiolabeled protein was secreted into the culture medium, and the remainder was confined to the cellular compartment. Biochemical and immunochemical analyses demonstrated the extracellular secretion of type IV collagen, laminin, fibronectin, and thrombospondin by the newborn and adult cells. Whereas type IV collagen was the predominant constituent of the matrix, fibronectin was secreted into the medium, with only small amounts being deposited in the matrix. Thrombospondin was a major constituent of the matrix produced by the newborn foreskin cells but was virtually absent in the matrix elaborated by the adult cells. However, both cell types did release comparable amounts of thrombospondin into their medium. Immunoperoxidase staining for type IV collagen revealed a fibrillar network in the subendothelial matrices produced by both adult and neonatal cells. In contrast, thrombospondin, which was detected only in the matrix of newborn cells, exhibited a spotty and granular staining pattern. The results indicate that the extracellular matrices synthesized by cultured human microvascular endothelial cells isolated from anatomically distinct sites and different stages of development and age are similar in ultrastructure but differ in their macromolecular composition.
The regulation of T follicular helper responses during infection

Following infection, naive CD4 T cells can differentiate into various functionally distinct effector and memory subsets, including T follicular helper (TFH) cells that orchestrate germinal center (GC) reactions necessary for high-affinity, pathogen-specific antibody responses. The origins and function of this cell type have been extensively examined in response to subunit immunization with model antigens. More recently, we are beginning to also appreciate the extent to which microbial infections shape the generation, function and maintenance of TFH cells. Here, we review recent advances and highlight additional knowledge gaps in our understanding of how microbial infections influence priming, differentiation, localization and activity of TFH cells following acute and chronic infections.
Detection Of Objects In High Resolution Multispectral Aerial Images

In this paper problem of detecting unique objects in high resolution multispectral imagery is addressed. The approach is to effectively utilize information extracted from images with available knowledge about various attributes characterizing objects. The analysis involves processing of both spectral and spatial domain information. Feasibility of the approach is verified by performing experiments using high resolution multispectral images. Results are promising and it is believed that computational requirements for the approach can meet specifications of an operational system.
Prediction of Conjugate Heat Transfer in a Solid–Liquid System: Inclusion of Buoyancy and Surface Tension Forces in the Liquid Phase

Numerical predictions have been obtained for steady-state conjugate heat transfer in an open rectangular cavity. For the geometry considered, fluid motion is driven by augmenting buoyancy and surface tension forces. Predictions of the steady-state solid volume fraction and various solid thicknesses were obtained for a high Prandtl number fluid characterized by various Rayleigh and Marangoni (Ma) numbers. Due to numerical difficulties associated with large surface tension effects, a limited range of Ma was investigated (Ma {le} 250). The predictions show that surface tension induced flow can affect the solid geometry and, ultimately, freezing or melting rates. Specifically, the solid-liquid interface shape is altered, the steady-state solid volume fraction is decreased, and the solid thickness at the top surface is smaller, compared to the pure buoyancy-driven case. The dimensionless solid volume fraction and solid thicknesses are related to the governing dimensionless parameters of the problem. Finally, predictions are made for high Marangoni number flows (Ma > > 250) to demonstrate the potential governing influence of surface tension effects in phase-change systems.
Integrative disease classification based on cross-platform microarray data

Background: Disease classification has been an important application of microarray technology. However, most microarray-based classifiers can only handle data generated within the same study, since microarray data generated by different laboratories or with different platforms can not be compared directly due to systematic variations. This issue has severely limited the practical use of microarray-based disease classification. Results: In this study, we tested the feasibility of disease classification by integrating the large amount of heterogeneous microarray datasets from the public microarray repositories. Crossplatform data compatibility is created by deriving expression log-rank ratios within datasets. One may then compare vectors of log-rank ratios across datasets. In addition, we systematically map textual annotations of datasets to concepts in Unified Medical Language System (UMLS), permitting quantitative analysis of the phenotype "distance" between datasets and automated construction of disease classes. We design a new classification approach named ManiSVM, which integrates Manifold data transformation with SVM learning to exploit the data properties. Using the leave one dataset out cross validation, ManiSVM achieved the overall accuracy of 70.7% (68.6% precision and 76.9% recall) with many disease classes achieving the accuracy higher than 80%. Conclusion: Our results not only demonstrated the feasibility of the integrated disease classification approach, but also showed that the classification accuracy increases with the number of homogenous training datasets. Thus, the power of the integrative approach will increase with the continuous accumulation of microarray data in public repositories. Our study shows that automated disease diagnosis can be an important and promising application of the enormous amount of costly to generate, yet freely available, public microarray data.
Patient-reported disease knowledge and educational needs in Lynch syndrome: findings of an interactive multidisciplinary patient conference

Patients with Lynch Syndrome, the most common hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, benefit from genetic education and family counseling regarding diagnostic testing and cancer surveillance/prevention recommendations. Although genetic counseling is currently the most common venue where such education and counseling takes place, little is known about the level of disease knowledge and education needs as directly reported by patients and families with Lynch Syndrome. Furthermore, experiences with forums for larger-scale knowledge transfer have been limited in the current literature. We conducted a one-day interactive multidisciplinary patient conference, designed to complement individual genetic counseling for updating disease knowledge, supportive networking and needs assessment among Lynch Syndrome patients and their family members. The patient conference was designed utilizing the conceptual framework of action research. Paired pre- and post-conference surveys were administered to 44 conference participants anonymously to assess patient-reported disease knowledge and education needs. A multidisciplinary team of expert providers utilized a variety of educational formats during the one-day conference. Four main focus areas were: genetic testing, surveillance/prevention, living with Lynch Syndrome, and update on research. Thirty-two participants (73%) completed the pre-conference, and 28 (64%) participants completed the post-conference surveys. Nineteen respondents were affected and the remaining were unaffected. The scores of the disease-knowledge items significantly increased from 84% pre- to 92% post-conference (p = 0.012). Patients reported a high level of satisfaction and identified further knowledge needs in nutrition (71%), surveillance/prevention options (71%), support groups (36%), cancer risk assessment (32%), active role in medical care (32%), and research opportunities (5%). Our experience with a dedicated patient education conference focused on Lynch Syndrome demonstrated that such an educational format is effective for updating or reinforcing disease knowledge, for identifying patient-reported unmet educational needs, as well as for peer-support.
Normal Growth of the Bursa of Fabricius in Chickens

Abstract THE bursa of Fabricius is a blind sac connected to the dorsal aspect of the cloaca at its junction with the large intestine. The bursa, as reported by Jolly (1913 Jolly (1914), grows rapidly up to the 4th month after hatching and then decreases in size. The maximum size attained by the bursa, according to Schauder (1923), is 2 to 3 cm. long and 15 cm. wide at 4 to 5 months of age. Recent statements in the literature (Kaupp, 1933; Bradley, 1950; Hinshaw, 1953; and others) concerning bursa growth and atrophy appear to be based on the report of Jolly and possibly also Schauder. Histologically the bursa not only resembles a lymph gland with lymph follicles, but also contains pseudostratified columnar epithelial cells (Calhoun, 1933). In both growth and histological structure the bursa resembles the thymus and has been nicknamed the “cloacal thymus.” Riddle (1928) found that in the Ring …
Following the Money Across the Landscape of Sociology Journals

Sociology journals reflect the larger environment for scholarly publishing. Over the past half century, titles have proliferated, with a growing proportion published by large commercial publishers. While the rise of the Internet has made journal publishing more efficient, rising costs have led to a crisis in libraries. Currently, advocates promote open access as a solution to these problems, but it is not clear whether this will work to sociology’s benefit.
Assay of Mephentermine and Its Preparations

Mephentermine sulfate is assayed by direct titration in glacial acetic acid with perchloric acid titrant and p-naphtholbenzein indicator. Mephentermine sulfate tablets are assayed by mixing the finely powdered sample with purified siliceous earth and magnesium oxide held in a fritted-glass filtering funnel, moistening the mixture with water to release the base, eluting the base with warm chloroform, receiving the eluate in glacial acetic acid, and titrating it with perchloric acid using p-naphtholbenzein indicator. Individual tablets are assayed by receiving the eluate into 10.0 ml. of 0.1 N sulfuric acid, shaking to extract the base from the chloroform, and determining the mephentermine spectrophotometrically using the base-line correction method proposed by Rotondaro and the assayed tablet mixture as the standard. Mephentermine sulfate injection is assayed by adsorbing the sample into a controlled amount of siliceous earth-magnesium oxide mixture and proceeding with elution and titration as for the tablets. Loss in drying specifications for mephentermine sulfate are supported by thermo- gravimetric data.
The AGL62 MADS Domain Protein Regulates Cellularization during Endosperm Development in Arabidopsis

Endosperm, a storage tissue in the angiosperm seed, provides nutrients to the embryo during seed development and/or to the developing seedling during germination. A major event in endosperm development is the transition between the syncytial phase, during which the endosperm nuclei undergo many rounds of mitosis without cytokinesis, and the cellularized phase, during which cell walls form around the endosperm nuclei. The molecular processes controlling this phase transition are not understood. In agl62 seeds, the endosperm cellularizes prematurely, indicating that AGL62 is required for suppression of cellularization during the syncytial phase. AGL62 encodes a Type I MADS domain protein that likely functions as a transcription factor. During seed development, AGL62 is expressed exclusively in the endosperm. During wild-type endosperm development, AGL62 expression is strong during the syncytial phase and then declines abruptly just before cellularization. By contrast, in mutant seeds containing defects in some FERTILIZATION-INDEPENDENT SEED (FIS) class Polycomb group genes, the endosperm fails to cellularize and AGL62 expression fails to decline. Together, these data suggest that AGL62 suppresses cellularization during the syncytial phase of endosperm development and that endosperm cellularization is triggered via direct or indirect AGL62 inactivation by the FIS polycomb complex.
Human piRNAs are under selection in Africans and repress transposable elements

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a recently discovered class of 24- to 30-nt noncoding RNAs whose best-understood function is to repress transposable elements (TEs) in animal germ lines. In humans, TE-derived sequences comprise ∼45% of the genome and there are several active TE families, including LINE-1 and Alu elements, which are a significant source of de novo mutations and intrapopulation variability. In the “ping-pong model,” piRNAs are thought to alternatively cleave sense and antisense TE transcripts in a positive feedback loop. Because piRNAs are poorly conserved between closely related species, including human and chimpanzee, we took a population genomics approach to study piRNA function and evolution. We found strong statistical evidence that piRNA sequences are under selective constraint in African populations. We then mapped the piRNA sequences to human TE sequences and found strong correlations between the age of each LINE-1 and Alu subfamily and the number of piRNAs mapping to the subfamily. This result supports the idea that piRNAs function as repressors of TEs in humans. Finally, we observed a significant depletion of piRNA matches in the reverse transcriptase region of the consensus human LINE-1 element but not of the consensus mouse LINE-1 element. This result suggests that reverse transcriptase might have an endogenous role specific to humans. Overall, our results elucidate the function and evolution of piRNAs in humans and highlight the utility of population genomics analysis for studying this rapidly evolving genetic system.
Ethnic boundaries and conflict in Darfur: An event structure hypothesis

This article proposes an event structure hypothesis to study the ethnic dimensions of conflict in Darfur, Sudan. I construct a narrative that describes a sequence of four `event structures' to explore how ethnic boundaries transformed in Darfur during the period from the formation of the modern Sudanese state in 1956 through the regional wars fought in Darfur in the 1980s. I use anthropologist Fredrik Barth's influential `ethnic boundary theory' as a conceptual model to describe the historical interaction between ethnic groups. Barth's ethnic boundary theory is useful not just on its own merits, but because it was informed, in part, by examples provided by ethnographic work carried out in Darfur in the late 1960s. I propose the hypothesis that Darfur was subjected to four major historical changes that occurred between independence and the end of the 1980s, which further solidified and eventually militarized ethnic boundaries between groups and clans, who then began identifying themselves as `Arab' or `non...
Tools for the Innovation Agenda: A Case Study of Communication in Technology Transfer and Diffusion

This paper describes a case study of 18 researchers and subject-matter experts in a university-business-government consortium who describe communication in technology transfer and diffusion. Interview analysis shows that the variables of open, responsive, and timely communication were critical to the success of this green innovation project.
Predicting Suicide Ideation for Substance Users: The Role of Self-Esteem, Abstinence, and Attendance at 12-Step Meetings

This study tested if a three-way interaction between gender, abstinence, and self-esteem could predict the occurrence of suicidal thoughts in a sample of drug users who are one year post-treatment. It was expected that those who resolved their drug and alcohol problems and had higher self-esteem would have a lower risk of suicide ideation than those who had resolved their drug and alcohol problems (e.g. were abstinent) and had lower self-esteem, and that this effect would be stronger for women than men. Using a 3-step hierarchical logistic regression, results indicated a significant 2-way interaction between self-esteem and abstinence in the predicted direction, and no effect for gender. However, it was also found that those who had lower levels of self-esteem, regardless of abstinence or continued use, had virtually identical odds of suicidal ideation. Further, increased frequency of attendance at AA/NA meetings also predicted a higher risk of suicide ideation. This suggests that careful assessment of de...
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura occurring in Hodgkin disease after splenectomy: report of two cases and review of the literature.

The occurrence of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in Hodgkin disease is uncommon. Even more unusual is the development of ITP in Hodgkin disease following splenectomy. This report describes two patients with Hodgkin disease who developed severe ITP with negative platelet antibody studies very soon after splenectomy (20 days in one and three months in the other). A review of the literature of 21 other patients with well-documented ITP and Hodgkin diesease indicated that ITP occurring in Hodgkin disease may be more severe and refractory to therapy than ITP unassociated with Hodgkin. Nodular sclerosis or mixed cellularity histologic types of Hodgkin disease were present in all but one of the patients with ITP and Hodgkin disease, and males constituted 65% of cases. There appeared to be no correlation between the onset of ITP and activity of Hodgkin disease. Of five splenectomized patients with Hodgkin disease who developed ITP and were treated with immunosuppressive drugs for thrombocytopenia, three had an excellent response and two had a good response, suggesting that the combination of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs may be indicated at the outset in patients with Hodgkin disease who develop ITP following splenectomy.