cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Prototype Splitter Apparatus for Dividing Large Catches of Small Fish

Abstract Due to financial and time constraints, it is often necessary in fisheries studies to divide large samples of fish and estimate total catch from the subsample. The subsampling procedure may involve potential human biases or may be difficult to perform in rough conditions. We present a prototype gravity-fed splitter apparatus for dividing large samples of small fish (30–100 mm TL). The apparatus features a tapered hopper with a sliding and removable shutter. The apparatus provides a comparatively stable platform for objectively obtaining subsamples, and it can be modified to accommodate different sizes of fish and different sample volumes. The apparatus is easy to build, inexpensive, and convenient to use in the field. To illustrate the performance of the apparatus, we divided three samples (total N = 2,000 fish) composed of four fish species. Our results indicated no significant bias in estimating either the number or proportion of each species from the subsample. Use of this apparatus or a simila...
Abstract 968: Effects of different types of high fat diets rich in omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids on uvb-induced complete skin carcinogenesis in skh-1 mice

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Our previous studies reported that oral administration of caffeine or voluntary exercise may have decreased skin tumor multiplicity, in part, by decreasing fat levels in the dermis and the size of parametrial fat pads. Our studies also showed that surgical removal of the parametrial fat pads (partial lipectomy) enhanced UVB-induced apoptosis in the epidermis. These data suggest that tissue fat may play an important role in regulating UVB-induced apoptosis and skin carcinogenesis. Accordingly, in the present study, we explored the effects of two different types of high fat diets (as described by Rao et al., Cancer Research 61:1927-33, 2001) on UVB-induced complete skin carcinogenesis in SKH-1 hairless mice. Eighty female SKH-1 mice (7-8 weeks old) were equally divided into two groups (40 mice per group). They were irradiated with 30 mJ/cm2 of ultraviolet light B (UVB) once each day, two times per week for 39 weeks. From the beginning of UVB treatment, one group of the mice was given high fat diet containing 32% of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (HFFO) and the other group of the mice was given high fat diet containing 28% of polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids (HFML). Our results showed that although both groups of animals gained weight dramatically, there were no statistical differences on body weight, weight of parametrial fat pad, or thickness of the dermal fat layer. Gross examination showed that HFFO treatment delayed the appearance of UVB-induced skin lesions, decreased the number of mice with tumors and decreased the number and size of tumors per mouse. Histopathological characterization of the skin lesions revealed that HFFO administration decreased the number of squamous cell papillomas per mouse by 64%, decreased the number of keratoacanthomas per mouse by 52% and decreased the number of squamous cell carcinomas per mouse by 46%. In addition to reducing the number of skin tumors, HFFO diet substantially decreased the size of the tumors. That is, the HFFO diet decreased the total volume of squamous cell papillomas per mouse by 98%, decreased the total volume of keratoacanthomas per mouse by 80% and deceased the total volume of squamous cell carcinomas per mouse by 83%. Finally, animals fed the HFFO diet had 22% lower blood levels of tryglycerides (79.3±5.1 mg/dL) than the mice fed the HFML diet (102.0±6.3 mg/dL) (p<0.01), but there was no difference in levels of blood glucose. The effects described here indicate that omega-3 fatty acids in HFFO diet may have beneficial effects against UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis. (Supported by NIH Grant RO1 CA128997) Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 968.
Laboratory oilseed processing by a small screw press

Applicability of the small screw press as a laboratory tool in processing oilseeds was investigated. The meal and oil produced from peanuts in a small press were physically characterized. A simple set of standards was established for relating the oil extraction efficiency and the meal oil content to the physical and visual qualities of the meal produced. This will assist a researcher in maintaining in-process control of the quality of screw press products. These standards were used to identify the conditions of maximum peanut oil recovery. Results with screw pressing of peanuts are compared to studies of other oilseeds.
Emission factor estimation in regional air quality studies of residential natural gas fuel interchangeability

highlights A statistical inference method is developed for natural gas burner emissions data. The method is built to compensate for the typically small sample size. The method integrates multiple measures of quantified goodness of fit. The method provides a means to evaluate and report confidence of the result. Estimates are developed for changes in emissions as functions of Wobbe Number. abstract Natural gas is a ubiquitous fuel, obtained from a variety of source deposits that present an inherent var- iation in composition. As newer sources of natural gas become available (such as Liquefied Natural Gas and shale gas) the compositional variation is expected to increase, which can affect emissions during combustion in appliances, including criteria pollutants. Unfortunately, experimental observations of the effect of natural gas composition on combustion products are sparse due to the wide range of burner designs and high cost of experimentation. The current work develops a rigorous methodology for statis- tical inference on available data that accounts for the limited nature of experimental observations. The goal is to overcome data size and quality limitations and provide best estimates of emission response to fuel composition change by identifying a continuous probability distribution with a high likelihood of representing the data and high correlation to the experimental observations. Quantitative measures of agreement between the data and a set of candidate distributions form the basis of the evaluation. In addition, qualitative assessment of the reliability of distribution identification is derived from a quanti- tative rating system for desired features of the data set and chosen distribution. Finally, this methodology is applied to sample data from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to develop a comprehensive and self-consistent set of emission factor estimates applicable to investigations of modeling the effect of natural gas interchangeability on urban air quality. By following the developed process, representative distributions, ranges of estimates, and evaluations of the estimate reliability are obtained for changes in CO, NO x ,N O 2, and HCHO emissions as a function of change in fuel Wobbe Number for six classifications of
An efficient technique for the time domain analysis of multi-conductor transmission lines using the Hilbert transform

It has been found that, in order to obtain an accurate causal response for a multiconductor transmission line, extremely accurate characterization of the complex dielectric permittivity is required. In the present work, the Hilbert transform was used to enforce the causality requirements on the time-dependent TEM (transverse electromagnetic) fields of the transmission line. It is shown that it is possible to compute the time domain response of a multiconductor transmission line very accurately without accurate knowledge of the frequency-dependent material properties. >
Limited view thermoacoustic tomography

Truncated conjugate gradient method was applied to study the limited view problem in thermoacoustic tomography, and the results were compared with those of modified backprojection method, which is the backprojection of the first order time derivative of acoustic signals. Our numerical simulations showed that there is complete data for a stable and perfect reconstruction in a 2-D /spl pi/-view problem, where the least angle acquired by the detection curve is /spl pi/ when viewed from the imaged region of interest. On the contrary, in a problem where the view is less than /spl pi/, data is incomplete, and artifacts and quantitative errors were obvious in the reconstructed images. It was pointed out that the result after one iteration in truncated conjugate gradient method is equivalent to that of modified backprojection, which can restore the high frequency information of imaged objects. The low frequency information can be recovered significantly in the next ten iterations of truncated conjugate gradient method.
Marginal Ice Zone Oceanographic Variability and Its Effects on Acoustic Propagation

The Marginal Ice Zone (MIZ) is a complex region both acoustically and oceanographically. The presence of the Polar Front associated with the East Greenland Current causes substantial temporal and geographic variability. In addition, changing combinations of ice cover and open water produces complex range-dependent environments for the propagation of sound at all but the very lowest frequencies. In April and May of 1988, personnel from the Naval Oceanographic and Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NOARL) used the USCGC NORTHWIND to establish an ice camp in the MIZ between Greenland and Svalbard in the Fram Strait, and conduct an environmental acoustic experiment. A comprehensive set of environmental measurements were made that included expendable bathythermographs, conductivity-temperature depth profiles, both vertical and time series, current meter casts, meteorological and navigational measurements, and satellite imagery. Presented here are statistical analyses of oceanographic temporal and spatial variations associated with the Marginal Ice Zone. Additionally, acoustic modeling was used with these data inputs to make propagation predictions at 24, 115, 273, and 2000 Hz. The effects of these oceanographic variations on predicted transmission loss are discussed.
The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator and Chloride-Dependent Ion Fluxes of Ovine Vocal Fold Epithelium

Purpose Ion-driven transepithelial water fluxes participate in maintaining superficial vocal fold hydration, which is necessary for normal voice production. The authors hypothesized that Cl− channe...
Performance and reliability analysis of a scaled multi-switch junction crossbar nanomemory and demultiplexer

This paper presents a performance and reliability analysis of a scaled crossbar molecular switch memory and demultiplexer. In particular, we compare our multi-switch junction fault tolerance scheme with a banking defect tolerance scheme. Results indicate that delay and power scale linearly increasing number of redundant molecular switch junctions. The multi-switch junction scheme was also shown to achieve greater than 99% reliability for molecular switch junction failures rates less than 20%, when a redundancy of at least 3 was implemented. In contrast, the banking scheme was only effective for molecular switch junction failure rates of less 1%, which requires over three times the number of banking modules.
Privacy, Confidentiality: and Electronic Medical Records

p,~~~~~: ~~~~,~~~i~ Abstract The enchanced availability of health information in an electronic format is strategic for industry-wide efforts to improve the quality and reduce the cost of health care, yet it brings a concomitant concern of greater risk for loss of privacy among health care participants. The authors review the conflicting goals of accessibility and security for electronic medical records and discuss nontechnical and technical aspects that constitute a reasonable security solution. It is argued that with guiding policy and current technology, an electronic medical
Assessing the predictive accuracy of diversity measures with domain-dependent, asymmetric misclassification costs

We explore the relationship between diversity measures and ensemble performance, for binary classification with simple majority voting, within a problem domain characterized by asymmetric misclassification costs. Extending the work of Kuncheva and Whitaker [Machine Learning 51(2) (2003) 181], we compare a set of diversity measures within two different data representations. The first is a direct representation, which explicitly allows for consideration of asymmetric costs by indicating the specific values of the predictions––which in turn allows for a distinction between more costly misclassifications in this domain (i.e., actual 0 predicted as 1) and less costly ones (i.e., actual 1 predicted as 0). The second is an oracle representation, which indicates predictions as either correct or incorrect, and therefore does not allow for asymmetric costs. Within these representations we identified and manipulated certain situational factors, including the percentage of target group members in the population and the designed accuracy and sensitivity of each constituent model. Based on a neural network comparison of diversity measures and ensemble performance, we found that (1) diversity measure association with ensemble performance is contingent on the data representation, with Yule’s Qstatistic and the coincident failure measure (CFD) as the best indicators in the direct representation and CFD alone as best indicator in the oracle representation, and (2) diversity measure association with ensemble performance varies as situational factors are manipulated; that is, diversity measures are differentially effective at different factor levels. Thus, the choice of a diversity measure in assessing ensemble classification performance requires an examination of both the nature of the task domain and the specific factors that comprise the domain. � 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Arabidopsis myosin XI-K localizes to the motile endomembrane vesicles associated with F-actin

Plant myosins XI were implicated in cell growth, F-actin organization, and organelle transport, with myosin XI-K being a critical contributor to each of these processes. However, subcellular localization of myosins and the identity of their principal cargoes remain poorly understood. Here, we generated a functionally competent, fluorescent protein-tagged, myosin XI-K, and investigated its spatial distribution within Arabidopsis cells. This myosin was found to associate primarily not with larger organelles (e.g., Golgi) as was broadly assumed, but with endomembrane vesicles trafficking along F-actin. Subcellular localization and fractionation experiments indicated that the nature of myosin-associated vesicles is organ- and cell type-specific. In leaves, a large proportion of these vesicles aligned and co-fractionated with a motile ER subdomain. In roots, non-ER vesicles were a dominant myosin cargo. Myosin XI-K showed a striking polar localization at the tips of growing, but not mature, root hairs. These results strongly suggest that a major mechanism whereby myosins contribute to plant cell physiology is vesicle transport, and that this activity can be regulated depending on the growth phase of a cell.
Multi-Decadal Changes in Salt Marshes of Cape Cod, MA: Photographic Analyses of Vegetation Loss, Species Shifts, and Geomorphic Change

Abstract Salt marsh ecosystems on Cape Cod, MA have exhibited substantial changes within the last 60+ years. Analyses of aerial photographs dating back to 1947 reveals that extensive marsh area loss and alterations in tidal creek structure have occurred where vegetation along the edges of tidal creeks and mosquito ditches in the low marsh has declined or disappeared. Where edge vegetation has not been lost, and where major changes in tidal inlet size have not resulted in flows that cause erosion and bank slumping, marsh area and creek structure has remained very stable. The extent of high-marsh vegetation in virtually all systems has diminished greatly, particularly since the 1980s, with the seaward edge of this zone rapidly retreating in a landward direction. In several systems, this has resulted in high marsh being replaced by barren mudflat. In others, low-marsh advancement has been able to keep pace with high-marsh retreat. These processes are discussed within the context of various biotic and abiotic...
Immediate Benefits Realized Following Implementation of Physician Order Entry at an Academic Medical Center

Objective: To evaluate the benefits of computerized physician order entry (POE) and electronic medication administration record (eMAR) on the delivery of health care. Design: Inpatient nursing units in an academic health system were the setting for the study. The study comprised before-and-after comparisons between phase 1, pre-implementation of POE (pre-POE) and phase 2, post-implementation of POE (post-POE) and, within phase 2, a comparison of POE and the combination of POE plus eMAR. Length of stay and cost were compared pre- and post-POE for a period of 10 to 12 months across all services in the respective hospitals. Measurements: Comparisons were made pre- and post-POE for the time intervals between initiation and completion of pharmacy (pre-POE, n =46; post-POE, n =70), radiology (pre-POE, n =11; post-POE, n =54), and laboratory orders (without POE, n =683; with POE, n =1,142); timeliness of countersignature of verbal order (University Hospitals [OSUH]: pre-POE, n =605; post-POE, n =19,225; James Cancer Hospital (James): pre-POE, n =478; post-POE, n =10,771); volume of nursing transcription errors (POE with manual MAR, n =888; POE with eMAR, n =396); length of stay and total cost (OSUH: pre-POE, n =8,228; post-POE, n =8,154; James: (pre-POE, n =6,471; post-POE, n =6,045). Results: Statistically significant reductions were seen following the implementation of POE for medication turn-around times (64 percent, from 5:28 hr to 1:51 hr; p <0.001), radiology procedure completion times (43 percent, from 7:37 hr to 4:21 hr; p <0.05), and laboratory result reporting times (25 percent, from 31:3 min to 23:4 min; p =0.001). In addition, POE combined with eMAR eliminated all physician and nursing transcription errors. There were 43 and 26 percent improvements in order countersignature by physicians in OSUH and James, respectively. Severity-adjusted length of stay decreased in OSUH (pre-POE, 3.91 days; post-POE, 3.71 days; p =0.002), but not significantly in James (pre-POE, 3.68 days; post-POE, 3.61 days; p =0.356). Although total cost per admission decreased significantly in selected services, it did not change significantly across either institution (OSUH: pre-POE, $5,697; post-POE, $5,661; p =0.687; James: pre-POE, $6,427; post-POE, $6,518; p =0.502). Conclusion: Physician order entry and eMAR provided the framework for improvements in patient safety and in the timeliness of care. The significant cultural and workflow changes that accompany the implementation of POE did not adversely affect acuity-adjusted length of stay or total cost. The reductions in transcription errors, medication turn-around times, and timely reporting of results supports the view that POE and eMAR provide a good return on investment.
Depression in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis

Depressive symptomatology is quite prevalent among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) [1–3]. Numerous descriptive and correlational studies have examined the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of depression on individuals with MS. However, considerably less empirical attention has been given to its treatment. Nor do we have a good understanding of the biopsychosocial protective factors that may prevent a large number of individuals with MS from developing a depressive disorder. The purpose of this article is to provide a critical review of what is currently known concerning the nature and scope of depression in persons with MS. It begins with a discussion of relevant terminology, which is followed by a summary of the research literature concerning the prevalence, severity, risk factors for, and impact of depression in MS. Assessment issues are also reviewed. Gaps in the literature on the treatment of depression in persons with MS are also discussed. The article concludes with a discussion of future directions that will improve our understanding not only of depression and its treatment, but also factors that enhance emotional resilience in the face of this serious neurologic condition.
Function of the heterocercal tail in white sturgeon: flow visualization during steady swimming and vertical maneuvering.

Basal ray-finned fishes possess a heterocercal tail in which the dorsal lobe containing the extension of the vertebral column is longer than the ventral lobe. Clarifying the function of the heterocercal tail has proved elusive because of the difficulty of measuring the direction of force produced relative to body position in the aquatic medium. We measured the direction of force produced by the heterocercal tail of the white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) by visualizing flow in the wake of the tail using digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) while simultaneously recording body position and motion using high-speed video. To quantify tail function, we measured the vertical body velocity, the body angle and the path angle of the body from video recordings and the vortex ring axis angle and vortex jet angle from DPIV recordings of the wake downstream from the tail. These variables were measured for sturgeon exhibiting three swimming behaviors at 1.2 L s(−)(1), where L is total body length: rising through the water column, holding vertical position, and sinking through the water column. For vertical body velocity, body angle and path angle values, all behaviors were significantly different from one another. For vortex ring axis angle and vortex jet angle, rising and holding behavior were not significantly different from each other, but both were significantly different from sinking behavior. During steady horizontal swimming, the sturgeon tail generates a lift force relative to the path of motion but no rotational moment because the reaction force passes through the center of mass. For a rising sturgeon, the tail does not produce a lift force but causes the tail to rotate ventrally in relation to the head since the reaction force passes ventral to the center of mass. While sinking, the direction of the fluid jet produced by the tail relative to the path of motion causes a lift force to be created and causes the tail to rotate dorsally in relation to the head since the reaction force passes dorsal to the center of mass. These data provide evidence that sturgeon can actively control the direction of force produced by their tail while maneuvering through the water column because the relationship between vortex jet angle and body angle is not constant.
The role of matrix metalloproteinase activity in the maturation of human capillary endothelial cells in vitro

Vessel maturation during angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) is characterized by the deposition of new basement membrane and the downregulation of endothelial cell proliferation in the new vessels. Matrix remodeling plays a crucial, but still poorly understood role, in angiogenesis regulation. We present here a novel assay system with which to study the maturation of human capillary endothelial cells in vitro. When human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC) were cultured in the presence of dibutyryl cAMP (Bt2) and hydrocortisone (HC), the deposition of a fibrous lattice of matrix molecules consisting of collagens type IV, type XVIII, laminin and thrombospondin was induced. In basal medium (without Bt2 and HC), HDMEC released active matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) into the culture medium. However, MMP protein levels were significantly reduced by treatment with Bt2 and HC, while protein levels and activity of endogenous tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMP) increased. This shift in the proteolytic balance and matrix deposition was inhibited by the specific protein kinase A inhibitors RpcAMP and KT5720 or by substituting analogues without reported glucocorticoid activity for HC. The addition of MMP inhibitors human recombinant TIMP-1 or 1,10-phenanthroline to cultures under basal conditions induced matrix deposition in a dose-dependent manner, which was not observed with the serine protease inhibitor epsilon-amino-n-caproic acid (ACA). The deposited basement membrane-type of matrix reproducibly suppressed HDMEC proliferation and increased HDMEC adhesion to the substratum. These processes of matrix deposition and downregulation of endothelial cell proliferation, hallmarks of differentiating new capillaries in the end of angiogenesis, were recapitulated in our cell culture system by decreasing the matrix-degrading activity. These data suggest that our cell culture assay provides a simple and feasible model system for the study of capillary endothelial cell differentiation and vessel maturation in vitro.
Post-operative imaging of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction techniques across the spectrum of skeletal maturity

Due to an increased frequency of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in young patients and improved outcomes in athletic performance following ACL reconstruction, surgery is increasingly being performed across the spectrum of skeletal maturity. We present a review of the range of reconstruction techniques performed in skeletally immature patients (physeal sparing techniques, which may involve epiphyseal tunnels or the utilization of an iliotibial band autograft), those performed in patients nearing skeletal maturity (transphyseal techniques), and the more conventional ACL reconstruction techniques performed in skeletally mature adolescents. It is important that radiologists be aware of the range of techniques being performed throughout the spectrum of skeletal maturity in order to accurately characterize the expected post-operative appearance as well as to identify complications, including those unique to this younger population.
A user interface for interactive cinematic shadow design

Placing shadows is difficult task since shadows depend on the relative positions of lights and objects in an unintuitive manner. To simplify the task of the modeler, we present a user interface for designing shadows in 3d environments. In our interface, shadows are treated as first-class modeling primitives just like objects and lights. To transform a shadow, the user can simply move, rescale or rotate the shadow as if it was a 2d object on the scene's surfaces.When the user transforms a shadow, the system moves lights or objects in the scene as required and updates the shadows in realtime during mouse movement. To facilitate interaction, the user can also specify constraints that the shadows must obey, such as never casting a shadow on the face of a character. These constraints are then verified in real-time, limiting mouse movement when necessary. We also integrate in our interface fake shadows typically used in computer animation. This allows the user to draw shadowed and non-shadowed regions directly on surfaces in the scene.
The incidence of separate neural arch and coincident bone variations; a summary.

1. A differential analysis of factors related to the separate neural arch includes incidence in relation to age, ethnic group, and sex. 2. In a group of 4,200, there were 178 skeletons which presented neural-arch separations, establishing an over-all incidence of 4.2 per cent. On the basis of ethnic group and sex, the incidence is as follows: white males, 6.4 per cent.; Negro males, 2.8 per cent.; white females, 2.3 per cent.; and Negro females, 1.1 per cent 3. The frequency of occurrence of the separate neural arch is shown to remain almost constant regardless of age in those age periods (adult life) represented by this skeletal material. 4. In this series of columns with isthmal separations the coincident bone variations which had an incidence significantly different from determination in the normal were as follows: Spina bifida of the fifth lumbar vertebra was approximately four and one-half times as frequent as is normally expected; the open sacrum was approximately twice as frequent; articulation of the transverse process of the fifth lumbar vertebra was approximately one-third as frequent; accessory sacro-iliac articulations were approximately one-half as frequent. 5. Those coincident bone variations studied in this series which had an incidence essentially the same as that found in unselected bones were as follows: atypical number of presacral vertebrae, cervical ribs, spina bifida of vertebrae other than the fifth lumbar, spina bifida of the upper sacral segments. 6. Arthritic involvement of the lumbar vertebral articular processes increased in frequency and severity with increasing age, but was absent to gross inspection in over two-thirds of those columns showing isthmal separations.
Logic as Reasoning: On the Government of Logic and Mathematics

It is a widespread thought that the usefulness of Logic and Mathematics in natural sciences portends something about the material world — that the material world is structured by (or anyway compliant with strictures or constraints laid down by) these formal disciplines. Contrary to that thought, this paper argues that Logic (and by extension mathematics too) has no import whatsoever for the material world. Equally, the material world is neutral vis-a-vis matters of logic and mathematics. The fundamental connection is merely that logic (and mathematics too) render thought about the material world possible. The arguments of this essay will be directly opposed to those of Gila Sher, although there is much to agree with in her views. Built upon principles of Phenomenology, the analysis of Logical truth that will emerge here will be analogous to H.L.A. Hart’s analysis of legal authority; it too will invoke the idea of a rule of recognition.
Hemagglutinins for DNA in tuberculosis and histoplasmosis.

SummaryBDB indirect hemagglutination was determined to be an effective measure of antibody to thermally denatured DNA. It was found equally as effective as bentonite agglutination in detecting anti-DNA in SLE sera. Antibodies to thermally denatured DNA were detected in the sera of experimentally-infected tuberculous rabbits. The antibodies appeared 4-6 weeks post-infection, reached a maximum titer at approximately 8 weeks, and declined thereafter. Similar anti-DNA antibodies were also detected in the sera from patients with tuberculosis or histoplasmosis.Dr. Roy L. Donnerberg, Benjamin Franklin Tuberculosis Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, generously provided the human tuberculous sera employed in this investigation.Human histoplasmosis sera were obtained through the courtesy of Dr. J. A. Schmitt, Department of Botany, Ohio State University; Dr. Tom D. Y. Chin, Kansas City Communicable Disease Center; Miss Jo Ann Sparks, Infections Disease Center, University Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.Normal human sera were obtain...
Abstract 3246: Pharmacologic targeting of the Hedgehog (HH) signal transduction pathway significantly suppresses growth of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells in vitro.

OBJECTIVE. The HH signal transduction pathway plays crucial roles in organ morphogenesis and is active during embryonic development but quiescent in terminally differentiated cells. Binding of HH ligands to PTCH1 relieves its inhibitory activity on the pathway activator SMO leading to pathway activation and upregulation of target gene expression including the transcription factor Gli1 that serves as marker of pathway activation. It is reactivated in many solid cancers including NSCLC as we have previously demonstrated and proven to be the key oncogenic driver in tumors such as skin basal cell carcinoma. The aim of this study is to determine if HH pathway regulates cell growth and survival of MPM cells and to evaluate the efficacy of pathway blockade using SMO antagonists (SMO inhibitor GDC0449 - GDC or the antifungal drug itraconazole -ITRA) or Gli inhibitors (GANT61 or the anti-leukemia drug arsenic trioxide - ATO) in suppressing the viability of not only NSCLC but also MPM cells. METHODS. Expression of main components of HH pathway in 8 MPM cells was assessed by qRT-PCR. Suppression of HH/SMO-mediated signaling by these pathway antagonists was determined by LightII cells. Selective knockdown of SMO to inhibit HH signaling was achieved by siRNA in 3 MPM cells H2373, Gardner and H2452. Cell viability following treatments with GDC, ITRA, GANT61or ATO were evaluated in a panel of 8 MPM cells and 8 NSCLC cells using MTT assay. Apoptosis was determined by annexinV/PE staining and flow cytometry. RESULTS. All MPM cells, similar to previously demonstrated in NSCLC cells, express varying levels of HH ligands, PTCH1, SMO with readily detectable Gli1 observed in 7/8 of MPM cells by qRT-PCR. SMO siRNA mediate 2- to 3-fold reduction of SMO and also of Gli1 gene expression by qRT-PCR, indicating significant HH pathway blockade. This was associated with 40±6% to 70±8% reduction of cell viability (p CONCLUSIONS. HH signaling is active in MPM and regulates cell viability. ATO and ITRA are as effective as the prototypic SMO inhibitor GDC and the Gli inhibitor GANT61 in suppressing HH signaling in MPM and NSCLC cells. Pharmaceuticals that are FDA-approved for other indications but recently found to have anti-HH activity such as ATO or ITRA may be repurposed to treat HH-dependent MPM or NSCLC cells. Citation Format: Min You, Javier Varona Santos, David J. Robbins, Niramol Savaraj, Dao M. Nguyen. Pharmacologic targeting of the Hedgehog (HH) signal transduction pathway significantly suppresses growth of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells in vitro. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3246. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3246
Abstract A116: Carotenoid intakes and risk of breast cancer by estrogen receptor status: A pooled analysis of 16 prospective cohort studies

Associations between dietary carotenoid intakes and breast cancer risk by estrogen receptor (ER) status remain unclear. We prospectively investigated these associations using a pooled analysis of the primary data from 16 cohort studies. During follow‐up of 996,735 women ranging from 6 to 22 years, 34,524 breast cancer cases (4,552 ER‐/19,722 ER+) were identified. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate study‐specific relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and pooled the estimates using a random‐effects model. In the preliminary analyses, comparing the highest and lowest quintiles of intake, beta‐carotene intake was associated with a 10% lower risk of ER‐ breast cancer (pooled multivariate RR = 0.89 (95% CI: 0.81–0.99), Ptrend = 0.07) but not with risk of ER+ breast cancer (pooled multivariate RR = 1.02 (95% CI: 0.97–1.08), Ptrend = 0.76, Ptest for common effects by ER status = 0.02). Similarly, lutein/zeaxanthin intake was associated with a 13% reduced risk of ER‐ breast cancer (pooled multivariate RR = 0.87 (95%CI: 0.79–0.96), P trend = 0.04) but not with risk of ER+ breast cancer (pooled multivariate RR = 0.99 (95%CI: 0.93–1.06), Ptrend = 0.33, Ptest for common effects by ER status = 0.03). Alpha‐carotene, beta‐cryptoxanthin and lycopene intakes were not associated with breast cancer risk regardless of ER status. We observed similar associations when we categorized carotenoid consumption using identical absolute intake cutpoints or modeled intakes as continuous variables. The associations between carotenoid intake and risk of ER‐ and ER+ breast cancer did not differ by alcohol consumption, smoking habits, or menopausal status (Ptest for interaction > 0.05). Beta‐carotene and lutein/zeaxanthin intakes appeared to be associated with a lower risk of ER‐breast cancer but not with risk of ER+ breast cancer. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):A116.
A Study of the Kinetics and Energetics of Solid State Reactions in Pd/Sn Diffusion Couples

Using differential scanning calorimetry, supplemented by measurements from scanning electron microscopy images, the authors have investigated solid state reactions in Pd/Sn multilayer composites to form PdSn{sub 4} and PdSn{sub 3}. Planar diffusion couples of Pd and Sn were prepared by means of mechanical co-deformation in a rolling mill. A phase formation sequences was determined using differential scanning calorimetry and x-ray diffraction. Growth of the PdSn{sub 4} phase was studied from room temperature to the melting point of Sn. For temperatures between 430 and 460 K diffusion limited growth of PdSn{sub 4} was observed. From heat flow data over this limited temperature range, the form of the reaction constant was found to be k{sup 2} = k{sub 0} exp({minus}E{sub a}/k{sub b}T), where k{sub 0} = 0.16 cm{sup 2}/s and E{sub a} = 0.8 eV/atom. Also determined was a heat of formation, {Delta}H{sub f} = {minus}27 {+-} 1 kJ/mol for PdSn{sub 4} from Pd and Sn.
Deep Level Characterization and Passivation in Heteroepitaxial InP

Deep levels in MOCVD grown p-InP on GaAs substrates have been investigated by Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy (DLTS). The effect of hydrogenation on the electrical activity of these levels has been studied through a combination of DLTS and Photolu-minescence (PL) measurements. DLTS measurements indicate a drop of trap density from ~ 5 × 1014 cm−3 to ~ 1 × 1012 cm−3 after hydrogenation. Annealing at 400°C reactivated only the dopants, while temperatures above 600°C were necessary for deep-level reactivation. This combined with a logarithmic dependence on fill pulse time, indicate that at least one broad DLTS peak is associated with dislocations. The PL the DLTS results show that the dislocation related traps are passivated by hydrogen, preferentially over the dopants and that a wide annealing window exists for dopant reactivation.
The Trinomial Triangle

(1999). The Trinomial Triangle. The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 141-142.
The effect of dietary and sulfur compounds in alleviating 3-methylindole-induced pulmonary toxicity in goats.

The present experiment was designed to determine the effect of tissue concentrations of glutathione (GSH) and GSH-S-transferase activity on 3-methylindole (3MI)-induced pulmonary toxicity in vivo. Forty goats were given high protein, normal protein, high cysteine, high sulfate or diethyl maleate (DEM) to vary tissue concentrations of GSH before i.v. infusion of 3MI. The severity of lung lesion was scored. Tissue GSH concentration, GSH-S-transferase activity and cytochrome P-450 content were measured. Compared to goats fed normal protein diet, high cysteine or high sulfate increased the tissue GSH levels and reduced the severity of the lung lesion induced by 3MI. Pretreatment with DEM, by which the tissue GSH was depleted, increased the severity of 3MI-induced lung lesion. Tissue GSH-S-transferase activity was not changed. These results indicate that the tissue concentration of conjugating agents play an important role in 3MI-induced lung disease.
20 UNIQUE PARASYMPATHETIC PROFILE OF THE PULMONARY VEINS AND POSTERIOR LEFT ATRIUM.

Background The pulmonary veins (PVs) have recently been shown to play a major role in the genesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Focal “triggers” and “drivers” in the PV appear to be significantly modified or regulated by the parasympathetic nervous system. Nonetheless, the detailed autonomic profile of the PVs-especially as it compares with the posterior left atrium (PLA) and the rest of the left atrium-has not been well characterized. We hypothesized that the left atrium exhibits a heterogeneous electrophysiologic response to autonomic maneuvers, with the activation and repolarization characteristics of the PVs being different from the rest of the left atrium. Since IKAch is the ion channel that is primarily responsible for vagal effects on left atrial refractoriness, we further hypothesized that interregional variation in repolarization (in response to vagal maneuvers) is due to differences in the expression and spatial distribution of IKAch within the PVs, PLA, and left atrial appendage (LAA). Methods In 14 dogs, high-density plaques were sutured onto the left inferior PV (8 × 5 electrodes), the PLA (7 × 3 electrodes), and LAA (7 × 3 electrodes) for bipolar electrogram recording and pacing. Epicardial mapping was performed in the PVs, PLA, and LAA under the following conditions: baseline, 20 Hz cervical vagal stimulation (VS), propranolol (P), P + VS, and P + atropine. Effective refractory periods (ERPs) were measured and conduction vectors were computed at multiple sites. Western blotting and immunostaining were performed for IKAch (Kir3.1/3.4). Results In response to VS, there was a significant decrease in ERP (9%) in the PV compared with baseline (p = .001). In contrast, ERP changes in the PLA and LAA in response to VS were not as pronounced. In the presence of beta-blockade, vagal stimulation (P + VS) resulted in a more pronounced decrease in ERP in the PV (17.7%), PLA (19.9%), and LAA (11.6%) (P + VS vs P − PV: p PV, p = .04; LAA > PLA, p = .12). The cumulative vagal effect in the PV, PLA, and LAA corresponded to the relative expression of the IKAch subunits Kir3.1 and Kir3.4 in these regions (for both Kir3.1 and 3.4, LAA > PLA > PV). However, vagal-induced ERP shortening was significantly more heterogeneous in the PLA compared with the LAA (variance of ERP shortening: PLA > LAA, p = .04). Heterogeneity of ERP shortening corresponded to the heterogeneity of IKAch distribution in each region (variance of the number of Kir3.1-positive cells counted under six high-power (40×) fields: PV = PLA > > LAA, p Conclusions The PVs and PLA demonstrate unique activation and repolarization characteristics in response to autonomic manipulation. The heterogeneity of vagal responses correlates with the pattern of IKAch distribution in the left atrium. The peculiar autonomic characteristics of the PVs and PLA may create substrate for reentry and atrial fibrillation.
Learning Markov distributions: Does estimation trump compression?

A significant amount of multidisciplinary research has recently focused on the rate at which i.i.d. distributions can be estimated. In particular, it was shown that for these distributions, optimal estimation implies optimal compression, hence in a sense for i.i.d. distributions, estimation “trumps” compression.
A phase II randomized study of lenalidomide or lenalidomide and rituximab as maintenance therapy following standard chemotherapy for patients with high/high-intermediate risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

A phase II randomized study of lenalidomide or lenalidomide and rituximab as maintenance therapy following standard chemotherapy for patients with high/high-intermediate risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Water Policy in the Context of Palestinian Self-Government

An Israeli-Palestinian agreement on an interim period would alter the relationship between the two parties concerning the control and utilization of water. The principles of equity and mutuality would form the basis of water use in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Interim Self-Governing Authority (ISGA) would establish a water department to plan and monitor water use and would participate with Israel in joint bodies to regulate the aquifers. Regional water projects might supplement the water projects implemented by Israel and the ISGA.
Assessment of different patient‐to‐phantom matching criteria applied in Monte Carlo–based computed tomography dosimetry

Purpose To quantify differences in computationally estimated computed tomography (CT) organ doses for patient-specific voxel phantoms to estimated organ doses in matched computational phantoms using different matching criteria. Materials and methods Fifty-two patient-specific computational voxel phantoms were created through CT image segmentation. In addition, each patient-specific phantom was matched to six computational phantoms of the same gender based, respectively, on age and gender (reference phantoms), height and weight, effective diameter (both central slice and exam range average), and water equivalent diameter (both central slice and exam range average). Each patient-specific phantom and matched computational phantom were then used to simulate six different torso examinations using a previously validated Monte Carlo CT dosimetry methodology that accounts for tube current modulation. Organ doses for each patient-specific phantom were then compared with the organ dose estimates of each of the matched phantoms. Results Relative to the corresponding patient-specific phantoms, the root mean square of the difference in organ dose was 39.1%, 20.3%, 22.7%, 21.6%, 20.5%, and 17.6%, for reference, height and weight, effective diameter (central slice and scan average), and water equivalent diameter (central slice and scan average), respectively. The average magnitude of difference in organ dose was 24%, 14%, 16.9%, 16.2%, 14%, and 11.9%, respectively. Conclusion Overall, these data suggest that matching a patient to a computational phantom in a library is superior to matching to a reference phantom. Water equivalent diameter is the superior matching metric, but it is less feasible to implement in a clinical and retrospective setting. For these reasons, height-and-weight matching is an acceptable and reliable method for matching a patient to a member of a computational phantom library with regard to CT dosimetry.
Hydrogen Evolution with Minimal Parasitic Light Absorption by Dense Co–P Catalyst Films on Structured p-Si Photocathodes

Planar and three-dimensionally structured p-Si devices, consisting of an electrodeposited Co–P catalyst on arrays of Si microwires or Si micropyramids, were used as photocathodes for solar-driven hydrogen evolution in 0.50 M H2SO4(aq) to assess the effects of electrode structuring on parasitic absorption by the catalyst. Without the use of an emitter layer, p-Si/Co–P microwire arrays produced a photocurrent density of −10 mA cm–2 at potentials that were 130 mV more positive than those of optimized planar p-Si/Co–P devices. Champion p-Si/Co–P microwire array devices exhibited ideal regenerative cell solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies of >2.5% and were primarily limited by the photovoltage of the p-Si/Co–P junction. The vertical sidewalls of the Si microwire photoelectrodes thus minimized effects due to parasitic absorption at high loadings of catalyst for device structures with or without emitters.
Massive Pneumoperitoneum Presenting as an Incidental Finding

Pneumoperitoneum is often associated with surgical complications or intra-abdominal sepsis. While commonly deemed a surgical emergency, pneumoperitoneum in a minority of cases does not involve a viscus perforation or require urgent surgical management; these cases of "spontaneous pneumoperitoneum" can stem from a variety of etiologies. We report a case of a 72-year-old African American male with a history of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who presented with new-onset abdominal distention and an incidentally discovered massive pneumoperitoneum with no clear source of perforation on surveillance imaging. His exam was non-peritonitic, so no surgical intervention was recommended. He was treated with bowel rest, intravenous antibiotics, and hydration. He had a relatively benign clinical course with preserved gastrointestinal function and had complete resolution of his pneumoperitoneum on imaging two months after discharge. This case highlights the importance of considering non-surgical causes of pneumoperitoneum, as well as conservative management, when approaching patients with otherwise benign abdominal exams.
Mobile vision as assistive technology for the blind: an experimental study

Mobile computer vision is often advocated as a promising technology to support blind people in their daily activities. However, there is as yet very little experience with mobile vision systems operated by blind users. This contribution provides an experimental analysis of a sign-based wayfinding system that uses a camera cell phone to detect specific color markers. The results of our experiments may be used to inform the design of technology that facilitates environment exploration without sight.