cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How does CBCT reconstruction algorithm impact on deformably mapped targets and accumulated dose distributions

PURPOSE We performed quantitative analysis of differences in deformable image registration (DIR) and deformable dose accumulation (DDA) computed on CBCT datasets reconstructed using the standard (Feldkamp-Davis-Kress: FDK_CBCT) and a novel iterative (iterative_CBCT) CBCT reconstruction algorithms. METHODS Both FDK_CBCT and iterative_CBCT images were reconstructed for 323 fractions of treatment for 10 prostate cancer patients. Planning CT images were deformably registered to each CBCT image data set. After daily dose distributions were computed, they were mapped to planning CT to obtain deformed doses. Dosimetric and image registration results based CBCT images reconstructed by two algorithms were compared at three levels: (A) voxel doses over entire dose calculation volume, (B) clinical constraint results on targets and sensitive structures, and (C) contours propagated to CBCT images using DIR results based on three algorithms (SmartAdapt, Velocity, and Elastix) were compared with manually delineated contours as ground truth. RESULTS (A) Average daily dose differences and average normalized DDA differences between FDK_CBCT and iterative_CBCT were ≤1 cGy. Maximum daily point dose differences increased from 0.22 ± 0.06 Gy (before the deformable dose mapping operation) to 1.33 ± 0.38 Gy after the deformable dose mapping. Maximum differences of normalized DDA per fraction were up to 0.80 Gy (0.42 ± 0.19 Gy). (B) Differences in target minimum doses were up to 8.31 Gy (-0.62 ± 4.60 Gy) and differences in critical structure doses were 0.70 ± 1.49 Gy. (C) For mapped prostate contours based on iterative_CBCT (relative to standard FDK_CBCT), dice similarity coefficient increased by 0.10 ± 0.09 (p < 0.0001), mass center distances decreased by 2.5 ± 3.0 mm (p < 0.00005), and Hausdorff distances decreased by 3.3 ± 4.4 mm (p < 0.00015). CONCLUSIONS The new iterative CBCT reconstruction algorithm leads to different mapped volumes of interest, deformed and cumulative doses than results based on conventional FDK_CBCT.
Genomic characterization of a new bovine picornavirus (boosepivirus) in diarrheal cattle and detection in different states of the United States, 2019.

The Boosepivirus is a newly proposed genus in the family Picornaviridae in 2020. Bovine boosepiviruses (BooV) were initially identified in diarrheal cattle through deep sequencing in Japan in 2009. These diarrheal cases were either BooV alone positive or coinfection with other viruses, suggesting that BooV is an enteric pathogen. In 2019, through metagenomic sequencing, a US BooV strain IL41203-19 was identified in the fecal sample of a 10-day old calf with diarrhea and characterized in the present study. Genomic characterization revealed that IL41203-19 share the highest identities with the Japan BooV strain (Bo-12-7/2009/JPN) at both the complete nucleotide and amino acid levels, belonging to Boosepivirus B species in the genus Boosepivirus. Further real-time RT-PCR testing of 84 clinical samples from the diarrheal testing panel showed that 5 were positive for BooV and were all coinfected with one to four other enteric pathogens. Our data provided further evidence that BooV might contribute to cattle diarrhea observed in different states. Future studies on epidemiology and pathogenesis of bovine BooV are warranted. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Red Smooth Patches

Differential diagnosis of red, generally, smooth patches depends on the onset and duration of the eruption. If acute and short-lived, then the patient is likely to have morbilliform drug eruption or exanthem (not addressed here); and if subacute to chronic, then dermatomyositis (DM), photosensitive rash of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or photosensitive drug eruption, and rarely subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE). Histopathology is not very helpful.
Methanol Oxidation and Oxygen Reduction Activity of PtIrCo-Alloy Nanocatalysts Supercritically Deposited within 3D Carbon Aerogel Matrix

Abstract The comprehensive investigation of ternary PtIrCo-alloy nanoparticles supported on 3D carbon aerogel matrix toward Methanol Oxidation Reaction (MOR) and Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) is focused on CO tolerance in MOR, methanol vs. oxygen selectivity in ORR, and the structural changes within the metal alloy nanoparticles caused by the heat treatment and the electrochemical conditioning. Amorphous tri-metallic Pt 59 Ir 34 Co 7 -nanoparticles with mean size of 1.47 ± 0.21 nm were formed within 3D CA matrix in supercritical CO 2 (scCO 2 ) from the Pt, Ir, and Co organometallic precursors. Depending on the heat-treatment temperature (600 °C or 900 °C), the amorphous organometallic phase of Pt, Ir and Co was transformed into a single-phase fcc PtIrCo-alloy nanoparticles with a mean particle size of 1.68 ± 0.33 nm and 2.68 ± 0.61 nm, respectively. The fcc lattice parameters of the PtIrCo-alloy (0.389 nm at 600 °C and 0.386 nm at 900 °C) were smaller than that of the Pt fcc lattice (0.392 nm) and the lattice parameters reduced proportionally to the heat-treatment temperatures. After 50 electrochemical cycles, PtIrCo/CA catalysts display improved MOR specific activity (∼2.5 X Pt/C), mass activity (∼3 X Pt/C) at 0.7 V vs. SHE, higher CO-tolerance, and better electrochemical stability than Pt/C, but less CO-tolerance and stability than PtRu/C. Regarding ORR, the PtIrCo/CA catalysts demonstrate enhanced ORR specific activity (∼5.5 X Pt/C) and mass activity (∼6.3 X Pt/C) at 0.7 V vs. SHE along with superior methanol-tolerance in comparison to Pt/C. The structural changes associated with PtIrCo/CA fcc -lattice parameter with respect to Pt-lattice have contributed to better MOR and ORR activities. Faster surface diffusion associated with weak adsorption of hydroxide species and higher selective adsorption of oxygen in comparison to methanol onto PtIrCo-alloy surface could have contributed to their better CO-tolerant MOR and methanol-resistant ORR activity compared to Pt-catalyst.
Catherine R. Squires, The Post-Racial Mystique: Media and Race in the Twenty-First Century

Catherine R. Squires’ The Post-Racial Mystique: Media and Race in the Twenty-First Century sheds timely and cogent light on a confounding subject as she interrogates how ideals of postracialism have been deployed in U.S. politics and in print and popular media in the last decade and examines the impact of this rhetoric on media audiences. Notions that we have entered a post-racial era, she notes, have influenced entertainment media and conservative politics and have convinced some Americans that race is no longer salient in relation to U.S. social divides. Simultaneously, however, she reminds readers, disparities with respect to socioeconomic status and such issues as incarceration and unequal political representation continue unabated. Through a series of well chosen and meticulously analyzed case studies, Squires illuminates how postracialism came to be part of the national imaginary and makes a convincing argument for why it ultimately cannot camouflage the ways in which race still matters in U.S. social life.
Ecotoxicity of Engineered Nanomaterials

The sections in this article are Introduction Water Air Soils Weathering Biomarkers Conclusions
The Managing Lawmaker in Cyberspace: A New Power Model

This paper is about the power of The Internet Corporation for Names and Numbers (ICANN). It examines how this power was created, augmented, strengthened, and reigned in. ICANN poses a puzzle. It is essentially an unregulated and undemocratic monopoly. Yet, ICANN's exercise of power has been fairly contained. Since ICANN is a monopoly, what prevents it from taking a far more high-handed and extensive ruling posture? Even though at first blush my analogy is counterintuitive, I analogize ICANN to a managing lawmakers of market infrastructures, such as the New York Stock Exchange, while recognizing their differences. Unlike the Exchange, ICANN has close affinity to a political unit as well. The emergence of ICANN, its staying power, and the limitations on the exercise of its power, can be partly explained by an analogy to the economic theory of "contestable markets." The theory deals with price. I equate price to power. High prices denote a high level of power. Low prices denote a lower level of power. In essence the theory suggests that under certain conditions a monopolist would charge low prices as if it operated in a competitive market. That is because higher prices will bring less efficient competitors into the market until prices fall and they will exit. This theory highlights a special "balance of power" and its restraining effect. I believe that a similar idea helps understand ICANN's environment The paper notes that ICANN exercises "power in default." All the strong constituents seem to have agreed not to claim exclusive control over the Internet infrastructure. The paper discusses the bases for ICANN's continuous power: its constitutional documents, and contracts, which have become part of its constitution, and its role as mediator among Internet large stakeholders. ICANN has augmented its power by a stable and able management, and arguably maintained and strengthened its following by doing its share to support the stability of the Internet. ICANN's rising power is demonstrated by the controversies concerning the country code Top Level Domain names (ccTLDs). The paper concludes that ICANN's power is still being shaped. It could emerge along a market model, as a central catalyst for consensus building among parties with different interests. Alternatively, ICANN could also move towards a more regulatory model of consensus-based decision making. These decisions may then constitute precedents and mature into rules. Or ICANN can combine the two models to form a more structured market and more flexible regulatory body. The market model is likely to make experiment in the development of more than one root easier than the regulatory model. As the telephone experience has shown, the time may come for a multi-root cooperative Internet structure. Or we may face a technology that is today a mere twinkle in someone's eye.
A 230-Kv 10,000-Megavolt-Ampere Steel-Clad Impulse Breaker - Another Rating in a Line of High-Capacity High-Voltage Breakers [includes discussion]

This paper describes a further step in the development of a line of high-voltage high-capacity steel-clad impulse oil circuit breakers to fulfill the industry requirements for increased interrupting ratings at 138 kv, 161 kv, 230 kv, and 330 kv. The 230-kv 10,000-megavolt-ampere breaker introduced in this paper follows the design concepts formulated for the initial step and offers the same excellent operating characteristics associated with the impulse oil-blast principle of interruption. A new tank configuration results in an oil reduction of 40 per cent over the 230-kv conventional round tank breaker while doubling the short-circuit interrupting rating of that design. It further minimizes ground shock disturbance during the interruption of heavy-duty fault currents and allows overall tank heights to be reduced to such an extent that it is now possible to ship 230-kv breakers with all three poles factory-assembled and welded to a unit base. Complete electrical, interrupting, and mechanical design tests demonstrated that the breaker meets all industry standards with ample margins of safety. Tests at the Switchgear Development Laboratory included both fault duty interruptions and the switching of line charging currents. These tests have fully proved the adequacy of the design and indicate that higher interrupting ratings could be obtained, with modifications.
Loss of integrin αvβ8 on dendritic cells causes autoimmunity and colitis in mice

The cytokine transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is an important negative regulator of adaptive immunity. TGF-beta is secreted by cells as an inactive precursor that must be activated to exert biological effects, but the mechanisms that regulate TGF-beta activation and function in the immune system are poorly understood. Here we show that conditional loss of the TGF-beta-activating integrin alpha(v)beta8 on leukocytes causes severe inflammatory bowel disease and age-related autoimmunity in mice. This autoimmune phenotype is largely due to lack of alpha(v)beta8 on dendritic cells, as mice lacking alpha(v)beta8 principally on dendritic cells develop identical immunological abnormalities as mice lacking alpha(v)beta8 on all leukocytes, whereas mice lacking alpha(v)beta8 on T cells alone are phenotypically normal. We further show that dendritic cells lacking alpha(v)beta8 fail to induce regulatory T cells (T(R) cells) in vitro, an effect that depends on TGF-beta activity. Furthermore, mice lacking alpha(v)beta8 on dendritic cells have reduced proportions of T(R) cells in colonic tissue. These results suggest that alpha(v)beta8-mediated TGF-beta activation by dendritic cells is essential for preventing immune dysfunction that results in inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmunity, effects that are due, at least in part, to the ability of alpha(v)beta8 on dendritic cells to induce and/or maintain tissue T(R) cells.
Elevation of oxidative free radicals in Alzheimer's disease models can be attenuated by Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761

The role of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) in the free-radical oxidative-stress model of neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has received much attention recently. In this study, we have employed both in vitro and in vivo models displaying endogenous Abeta production to study the effects of Abeta on intracellular free radical levels. We employed a neuroblastoma cell line stably expressing an AD-associated double mutation, which exhibits both increased secretion and intracellular accumulation of Abeta when stimulated, as well as transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans constitutively expressing human Abeta. A rise in levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was observed in both in vitro and in vivo AD-associated transgenic models expressing the Abeta peptide compared with the wild type controls. Treatment of the cells or C. elegans with Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 significantly attenuated the basal as well as the induced levels of H2O2-related reactive oxygen species (ROS). Among individual EGb 761 components tested, kaempferol and quercetin provided maximum attenuation in both models. Furthermore, an age-dependent increase in H2O2-related ROS was observed in wild type C. elegans, which is accelerated in the AD-associated C. elegans mutant. These results support the hypothesis of the involvement of Abeta and ROS in association with AD.
A clinical evaluation of the "roll-over test" for pregnancy-induced hypertension

A study of the capability of the roll-over test to predict pregnancy-induced hypertension was undertaken using our private patients. Sixty primigravid and 60 multigravid patients were studied between the twenty-eighth and thirty-second week of gestations. These patients were chosen at random by one of our two nurses who conducted all these studies. All results were recorded but were not available to the physicians. Eighteen months later, after all study patients had delivered, the hospital charts and the patients' office records were evaluated to determine if preganancy-induced hypertension had occurred. In primigravid patients a positive test accurately predicted the later development of pregnancy-induced hypertension only 50 per cent of the time while a negative test accurately predicted that it would not develop 93 per cent of the time. In multigravid patients, only 25 per cent of the patients who had positive tests later developed hypertension. The negative test in multigravid patients was accurate 94 per cent of the time.
Interacting with a pet robot using hand gestures

Pet robots are autonomous robots capable of exhibiting ~imal-like behaviors, including emotional ones. As they become more integrated into our lives, we will need a more natural way of communicating with them. Similarly, to perceive our intentions more effectively, they will need to understand human gestures. This work focuses on the real-time, visual interpretation of 2D dynamic hand gestures in complex environments. Our goal is to enable humans to communicate and interact with Yuppy, a pet robot being developed at the MIT AI Lab. The gesture lexicon consists of a set of 2D gesture classes (primitives) that include linear (vertical, horizontal, and diagonal) as well as circular (clockwise and counterclockwise) gestures. As the user makes the gesture, images taken by the robot’s camera are processed on a frame by frame basis. We assume that the user wears long-sleeved clothes and the robot is static while observing the gesture. Our strategy for interpreting hand gestures consists of: hand segmentation, feature extraction, and gesture recognition. Currently, our algorithms run in a user-specified window of attention which excludes the user’s face. We use both motion and color information to segment the hand from the cluttered background. Motion is detected by taking the image difference of three sequential RGB images. The skin-colored regions are computed by comparing the HLS representation of an input image with an a priori model of skin color in HS space. The results of these two modules are combined and the hand is chosen to be the skin-colored region with the largest area and the greatest number of displaced pixels. The motion of the hand’s centroid is tracked in real-time as new image frames are processed. Our system assumes that once the hand’s velocity exceeds a certain threshold, the user has started a gesture. As the hand moves, the horizontal and vertical displacements (dx, dy) of the hand’s centroid are stored in a feature vector until the hand pauses for 2-3 seconds. To recognize a gesture, we analyze the feature vector. For linear gestures, the (dx, dy) displacements cluster around fixed axes in the dx-dy plane: vertical gestures around the dy axis, horizontal gestures around the dx
Blind channel identification with modulation induced cyclostationarity

Previous results have pointed out the importance of inducing cyclostationarity at the transmitter for blind identification and equalization of communication channels. The present paper shows that by modulating the input sequence with a deterministic and periodic sequence, single-input single-output channels can be identified uniquely from cyclic second-order output statistics, irrespective of the location of channel zeros, color of additive stationary noise, or channel order over-estimation errors, provided that the period of modulation induced cyclostationarity is greater than half the channel length. Linear, closed-form, linear inverse, and nonlinear correlation matching approaches are developed for channel estimation and are tested using simulations.
Distribution of Emergency Departments According to Annual Visit Volume and Urban–Rural Status: Implications for Access and Staffing

Objectives: Ongoing efforts to improve access to emergency care and emergency department (ED) staffing would benefit from a better understanding of the distribution of EDs in the United States by size and location. This article describes the distribution of U.S. ED visit volumes according to ED urban versus rural status. Methods: The authors used the 2007 National Emergency Department Inventories (NEDI)-USA database to identify all nonfederal U.S. hospitals with EDs and their annual ED visit volumes. One of twelve 2003 Urban Influence Codes was applied to each ED location based on its county. These categories were collapsed into urban counties and three types of rural counties: adjacent to urban, large nonadjacent, and small nonadjacent. The number of emergency physicians (EPs) needed to staff the higher-volume rural EDs was estimated. Results: Of the 4,874 U.S. EDs in 2007, 58% were in urban counties and 42% in rural counties. Among the 2,038 rural EDs, 56% were adjacent to urban, 15% were large nonadjacent, and 29% were small nonadjacent. Of the 1,503 lower-volume (< 10,000 visit) EDs, 21% were in urban counties. Of the 3,371 higher-volume (≥ 10,000 visit) EDs, 25% were in rural counties. Of the 857 higher-volume rural EDs, 66% were adjacent to urban, 22% were large nonadjacent, and 12% were small nonadjacent. The authors estimate that approximately 5,600 EPs are needed to staff these higher-volume rural EDs. Conclusions: There are many lower-volume EDs in urban areas and higher-volume EDs in rural areas. Most higher-volume rural EDs are in rural areas adjacent to urban counties. These data challenge popular assumptions regarding ED visit volumes, locations, and staffing needs. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1390–1397 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Translational discrimination of ribosomal protein mRNAs in the early Drosophila embryo

Most Drosophila mRNAs are actively translated in the early embryo, with the exception of the poorly translated ribosomal protein (r-protein) mRNAs. Two possible mechanisms for this translational discrimination were tested: (1) Translation of r-protein mRNAs is discriminated against by the limited activity of translational initiation factors in the early embryo and (2) translation of r-protein mRNAs is repressed by trans-acting factors that reversibly bind these mRNAs. Exogenously provided initiation factors promoted partial recruitment of r-protein mRNAs into polysomes, suggesting that modulation of initiation factor activity may play a role in the translational discrimination of r-protein mRNAs during embryogenesis. No evidence for involvement of reversibly binding trans-acting factors was obtained, although there are limitations in the interpretation of the latter experiments.
Effects of slash and burn agriculture on species abundance and composition of a tropical deciduous forest

Abstract We identified and mapped 869 woody plants to describe community composition of 2.4 ha of tropical deciduous forest near Chamela, Jalisco, Mexico and to document the response of woody vegetation to slash and burn agriculture. In the uncut forest, 87% of the individuals > 2.5 cm dbh were alive, and 24% had multiple trunks, indicating previous coppicing. Before slashing, burning, and cultivation, we encountered 104 species (> dbh 1 cm); only 13 species had a relative abundance > 4%, and 52 species were represented by only one or two individuals. The five most abundant species also had the most multi-trunked individuals. Nine plots were slashed during January and February, 1993. Only 13% of the woody individuals that sprouted during the 57 to 111 day interval between slashing and burning survived burning. Remeasurements 15 months later, after burning, cultivation, and grazing, indicated that only four species retained their relative abundances of > 4%. The number of species P P 7%). Repeated burning to maintain the adjacent pasture conversion promoted the dominance of two species with relative abundances of 25.6 and 12.6%.
Forced Unfolding of CTPR proteins

We perform Brownian dynamics simulations of coarse-grained models for CTPR proteins to study the dynamics of unfolding while the proteins are subjected to stretching forces. We use a variant of an HP model with cooperative attractive interactions that give rise to a cascade of bond breaking events during unfolding. In the attached figure, we show a force versus extension curve for CTPR2 in which a single cooperative unfolding event occurs near an extension of 5 nm and the ‘worm-like-chain’ behavior for pulling out thermal fluctuations of the unfolded chain occurs near 30 nm. The inset shows the structure of CTPR2 during the unfolding process; note that initially the superhelices must twist so that CTPR2 can stretch. Our force-extension curves qualitatively match those from recent AFM pulling experiments on CTPR by Chiba, et al. We will extend these studies to include larger numbers of repeats and measure ensembles of pulling trajectories to capture the statistics of the unfolding events.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Amino acid immobilization of fungal motile cells

A 0.2 M mixture of L-leucine and L-lysine, a pair of amino acids which Machlis (1969) had shown could attract the zoospores of Allomyces in much lower concentrations, was found to immobilize zoospores by stopping flagellar motion. While the age of the spores does not affect the response to the amino acid mixture, the time for 100% immobilization does increase with increasing numbers of spores. Viability of the spores is not altered by treatment with the mixture of L-leucine and L-lysine and subsequent germling development is highly synchronized.
Nonlinear curvefitting evaluation of the thermometric titration curves of boric acid and phenol with NaOH

Abstract Thermometric titration of boric acid and phenol with NaOH has allowed the Δ H of neutralization and K a for each acid to be determined with excellent precision. From these, Δ G and Δ S can be calculated, providing a complete thermodynamic profile of the reaction. This approach makes use of constant rates of titrant addition and novel nonlinear curve fitting procedures for data analysis.
A Bernoulli Model of Selective Assembly Systems

Abstract In many assembly systems, components may exhibit different quality behaviors. By selecting the mating part whose characteristics match with those of the main part, high precision assemblies can be achieved. Such a process is referred to as selective assembly. Most of the studies on selective assembly only consider the case where machines are reliable and the buffer capacity is infinite. However, unreliable machines and finite buffers are commonly observed in many assembly systems. This paper studies a two-component assembly system with unreliable Bernoulli machines and finite buffers. Analytical methods based on a two-level decomposition procedure are developed to analyze the system performance. The convergence of the procedure is justified analytically. Numerical study shows that such a method provides a high accuracy in performance evaluation.
Mediating programming through chat for the OLPC

We built a text-based programming environment that enables youth to design and implement a chat client for the One Laptop per Child XO. The environment allows users to program and chat simultaneously. We conducted two one-week workshops at a Girl Scout camp to test user engagement with the environment. In this paper, we examine how chat mediated the programming experience in a collocated environment and its implications for motivating participation in computing.
Kafka and the East: the Case for Spiritual Affinity

(2002). Kafka and the East: the Case for Spiritual Affinity. Symposium: A Quarterly Journal in Modern Literatures: Vol. 55, No. 4, pp. 199-212.
Relationship between photosynthetic and respiratory carbon metabolism in freshwater phytoplankton

Measurements of algal carbon metabolism in the light and the dark were conducted in (1) short-term (3-h) light and dark incubations, (2) a diel (24-h) experiment, and (3) a longer-term (4-d) carbon accumulation experiment to examine the relationship between photosynthetic rates, photosynthetic carbon metabolism in the light, and respiration and carbon metabolism in the ensuing dark period in natural assemblages of freshwater phytoplankton. High rates of photosynthesis and polysaccharide synthesis in the light were followed by high rates of respiration and polysaccharide utilization in the dark. Polysaccharide was the major respiratory substrate in the dark, and small molecular weight metabolites, lipids, and protein were less important sources of metabolic energy. The protein pool accumulated carbon during dark incubations, but more slowly than during active photosynthesis in the light. Because the intracellular macromolecular pools turn over at very different rates (polysaccharide > protein and lipid), patterns of short-term photosynthetic carbon metabolism are not necessarily indicative of the biochemical composition of the phytoplankton.
Therapeutic Role of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers in the Treatment of Heart Failure

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) are generally as effective as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in patients with hypertension. However, inhibition of angiotensin is not achieved completely through the blocking effects of ACE inhibitors, and the possibility of a non-ACE pathway for generation of angiotensin II has important implications for treating cardiovascular disease. The selective quality of ARBs for the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor may confer an advantage. In a recently reported trial, the ARB valsartan substantially improved patients' New York Heart Association class, clinical signs and symptoms, and quality of life and provided morbidity and mortality benefits in selected patients. Valsartan was recently approved to treat heart failure in patients who cannot be maintained on an ACE inhibitor. As a class, ARBs are well tolerated and have a good safety profile.
Markedly Diminished Epidermal Keratinocyte Expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in Sézary Syndrome

In mycosis fungoides the malignant T cells express lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1, which allows them to bind to epidermal keratinocytes expressing the gamma interferon-inducible intercellular adhesion molecule-1. In this report, a patient with leukemic-stage mycosis fungoides (Sezary syndrome) had widespread erythematous dermal infiltrates containing malignant T cells, but without any epidermotropism. We discovered that the T cells expressed normal amounts of functional lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1, but the keratinocytes did not express significant levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, which was probably due to the inability of the malignant T cells to produce gamma interferon. These results support the concept that the inability of malignant T cells to enter the epidermis may contribute to emergence of more clinically aggressive T- cell clones that are no longer confined to the skin, but infiltrate the blood, lymph nodes, and viscera, as is seen in Sezary syndrome. ( JAMA . 1989;261:2217-2221)
A Metabolomic Analysis of Two Intravenous Lipid Emulsions in a Murine Model

Background Parenteral nutrition (PN), including intravenous lipid administration, is a life-saving therapy but can be complicated by cholestasis and liver disease. The administration of intravenous soy bean oil (SO) has been associated with the development of liver disease, while the administration of intravenous fish oil (FO) has been associated with the resolution of liver disease. The biochemical mechanism of this differential effect is unclear. This study compares SO and FO lipid emulsions in a murine model of hepatic steatosis, one of the first hits in PN-associated liver disease. Methods We established a murine model of hepatic steatosis in which liver injury is induced by orally feeding mice a PN solution. C57BL/6J mice were randomized to receive PN alone (a high carbohydrate diet (HCD)), PN plus intravenous FO (Omegaven®; Fresenius Kabi AG, Bad Homburg VDH, Germany), PN plus intravenous SO (Intralipid®; Fresenius Kabi AG, Bad Homburg v.d.H., Germany, for Baxter Healthcare, Deerfield, IL), or a chow diet. After 19 days, liver tissue was harvested from all animals and subjected to metabolomic profiling. Results The administration of an oral HCD without lipid induced profound hepatic steatosis. SO was associated with macro- and microvesicular hepatic steatosis, while FO largely prevented the development of steatosis. 321 detectable compounds were identified in the metabolomic analysis. HCD induced de novo fatty acid synthesis and oxidative stress. Both FO and SO relieved some of the metabolic shift towards de novo lipogenesis, but FO offered additional advantages in terms of lipid peroxidation and the generation of inflammatory precursors. Conclusions Improved lipid metabolism combined with reduced oxidative stress may explain the protective effect offered by intravenous FO in vivo.
Water in the martian interior: Evidence for terrestrial MORB mantle-like volatile contents from hydroxyl-rich apatite in olivine–phyric shergottite NWA 6234

Abstract Understanding the distribution and behavior of volatiles in martian magmas and the corresponding mantle provides crucial constraints on planetary properties such as mantle melting temperatures and melt production, as well as the availability of magmatic fluids for any potential occurrences of life. Current evaluations of the pre-eruptive volatile concentrations of martian magmas are based on analyses of hydrous minerals in martian meteorites such as apatite, because they record the volatile content (OH, F, Cl) and the halogen and water fugacities of their parental magmas. Estimates for the pre-eruptive volatile contents of martian basaltic magmas range from nearly anhydrous to 2 wt% H2O. However, these magmas may have potentially degassed upon eruption and/or emplacement losing their magmatic water while retaining some halogens. Here we report apatite compositional data from the martian meteorite NWA 6234, an intermediate olivine–phyric shergottite, and calculate F2, Cl2, H2O fugacity ratios for its parental magma. Apatites in NWA 6234 contain the highest observed OH–F content among martian meteorites and importantly have volatile fugacity ratios similar to terrestrial basalts. This suggests that the actual content of fluorine, chlorine and water of the martian mantle, parental to SNC meteorites, are higher than previously thought and are similar to the volatile content of the terrestrial mid-ocean ridge basalt source region.
On implementation of computational algorithms for optimal design 2: Extensive numerical investigation

In the second part of this paper, some further refinements of a computational algorithm for optimum design are described. Results of an extensive numerical investigation are discussed. The numerical study is designed and criteria for comparing the performance of algorithms are developed. Various variations of the algorithmic parameters and procedures are evaluated. Using the procedures described in the paper, other algorithms and programs can be evaluated.
Sequence of a HeLa cDNA provides the DNA binding domain and carboxy terminus of HE47: a human helix-loop-helix protein related to the enhancer binding factor E47.

In order to identify cDNA encoding regulators of gene expression, a HeLa λgt11 expression library was screened with a DNA segment containing multiple copies of a sequence spanning the AP4 site in the simian virus 40 control region. We identified a partial cDNA encoding HE47, a sequence-specific DNA binding protein. The HeLa clone overlaps with a previously reported human B-cell partial cDNA encoding E47. The HeLa cDNA includes the HE47 DNA binding domain, its carboxy terminus, and the 3′ untranslated region of its mRNA.
Employment Growth in the Temporary Help Supply Industry

During the 1980s, a significant increase occurred in the employment of temporary workers — employees hired for a specific task and for a limited duration — because of changing economic conditions that raised both the demand for and supply of temporary workers. Using time-series data, we investigate the factors that influenced temporary employment growth by analyzing the expansion in the temporary help supply (THS) industry. On the demand side, increasing aggregate output and heightened foreign competition were the most important factors that encouraged firms to hire temporary workers. On the supply side, increasing participation of certain demographic groups, notably married women, shifted the supply curve of temporary workers outward.
Demo: prototyping UWB-enabled enhants

Energy Harvesting Active Networked Tags (EnHANTs) are a new class of devices in the domain between RFIDs and sensor networks. EnHANTs will be small, flexible, and energetically self-reliant. Their development is enabled by advances in ultra-low-power ultra-wideband (UWB) communications and in organic semiconductor-based energy harvesting materials. In this demo, we present UWB-enabled EnHANT prototypes. Each prototype is based on a MICA2 mote integrated with a UWB Transceiver and an energy harvesting module (EHM) that allows demonstrating energy harvesting-adaptive communications. Additional information about EnHANTs is available at [2] and http://enhants.ee.columbia.edu.
Phenylthiophene−Dipicolinic Acid-Based Emitters with Strong Solution Blue and Solid State Green Emission

The synthesis and characterization of highly efficient blue emitting phenyl−thiophene compounds derivatized with dipicolinic acid bis(diethylamide) and dipicolinic acid diethyl ester 1, 2, and 3 are reported. Quantum yields were determined to be between 97% and 76% in methanol and 99% and 49% in toluene solution. The solvent dependences of the solution luminescence behavior are discussed in terms of solvent refractive index and dielectric constant as well as hydrogen-bonding capability. Luminescence is also observed in the solid state for the three compounds. A bathochromic shift in the emission wavelength is accompanied by solid-state quantum yields between 29% and 4%. HOMO and LUMO energies, in the range −5.55 to −5.71 eV and −2.20 to −2.48 eV, respectively, were determined experimentally from cyclic voltammetry and absorption spectroscopy experiments. The electrochemical characterization revealed that cyclic voltammetry can be utilized to deposit thin films of 3. An X-ray quality single crystal of 1 wa...
Reflections on Working with Women's Cooperative Economic Groups in the United States, Mexico and Cameroon

In this paper we discuss how we arrived on three separate paths toward women-centered forms of organizing. We work with women's cooperative groups in rural communities of New Mexico, Chiapas, Mexico, and Cameroon, Africa. Our discussions began when Megan Snedden and Meghann Dallin took classes with Christine Eber at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces and participated in solidarity efforts with Chiapas cooperatives. After graduation, Megan went on to work locally and Meghann went to Cameroon.
Effects of iron deficiency on the secretion of interleukin-10 by mitogen-activated and non-activated murine spleen cells.

Interleukin (IL)-10 plays crucial regulatory roles in immune responses by inhibiting the secretion of several cytokines (IL-2, IL-12, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)) and lymphocyte proliferation. Iron deficiency, a public health problem for children, alters these immune responses. To determine whether these changes are related to altered IL-10 secretion, we measured IL-10 in 24 and 48 h supernatant of spleen cell cultures from iron deficient (ID), control (C), pairfed (PF), and ID mice fed the control diet (iron repletion) for 3 (R3) and 14 (R14) days (d, n = 12/group). Mean levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and liver iron stores varied as follows: C ≈ PF ≈ R14 > R3 > ID (P 0.05, ANOVA). Mean IL-10 levels secreted by concanavalin A (Con A) and antibody raised against cluster of differentiation molecule 3 (anti-CD3)-treated cells (±background) were lower in ID than in C (48 h) and iron replete mice (P < 0.05). Underfeeding also reduced IL-10 secretion by anti-CD3-treated cells (48 h, P < 0.05). Lymphocyte proliferative responses to anti-CD3 ± anti-CD28 antibodies were lower in ID than in C and PF mice, and they were corrected by iron repletion (P < 0.05). IL-10 levels negatively correlated with indicators of iron status (r ≤ −0.285) and lymphocyte proliferation (r ≤ −0.379 [r ≤ −0.743 for ID mice]), but positively correlated with IFN-γ levels (r ≤ 0.47; P < 0.05). Data suggest that iron deficiency has a generalized deleterious effect on cells that secrete both cytokines. Reduced IL-10 secretion by activated cells does not overcome the inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation due to other factors of T cell activation that are regulated by iron. J. Cell. Biochem. 90: 278–286, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Frontotemporal Dementia Versus Vascular Dementia: Differential Features on Mental Status Examination

OBJECTIVE: After Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia (VaD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are among the most common dementing illnesses. FTD may have a neuropsychological profile similar to that of VaD, and patients with these dementias may be difficult to distinguish on clinical examination. The purpose of this study was to elucidate distinct cognitive profiles of a large group of FTD and VaD patients on a brief, clinical mental status examination. DESIGN: A comparison of 39 FTD patients and 39 VaD patients on a brief, clinical mental status examination. SETTING: A Dementia Research Center and affiliated, university hospitals. METHODS: The FTD patients were diagnosed by noncognitive clinical and neuroimaging criteria, and the VaD patients met NINDS-AIREN criteria for vascular dementia. The two dementia groups were comparable on three dementia assessment scales. MEASUREMENTS: The mental status measures included the neuropsychological battery from the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD), plus supplementation from the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination (NCSE) for cognitive areas not assessed by the CERAD). RESULTS: The FTD and VaD groups differed significantly on the mental status examination measures. FTD patients performed significantly better than the VaD patients on digit span and constructions, despite comparable performance by both groups on calculations. Although not statistically significant, the FTD group performed worse than the VaD group on verbal fluency and abstractions. These differences were not explained by group differences in age and education. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that cognitive differences between FTD and VaD groups reflect greater frontal pathology in contrast to relative sparing of posterior cortex and subcortical white matter in FTD. These cognitive differences as measured by a mental status examination may help distinguish between these two dementia syndromes.
Identification of Induction Machines Stator Currents with Generalized Neurons

A new approach to identify the nonlinear model of an induction machine using two generalized neurons (GNs) is presented in this paper. Compared to the multilayer perceptron feedforward neural network, a GN has simpler structure and lesser requirement in terms of memory storage which is makes it attractive for hardware implementation. This method shows that with less number of weights, GN is able to learn the dynamics of an induction machine. The proposed model is made by two coupled networks. A modified particle swarm optimization algorithm is designed to solve this distinctive GN training problem. A pseudo-random binary sequence signal injected to the induction machine operating at its rated value was chosen as the test input signal. For validation, the trained GN model is applied on the different operating conditions of the system.
A Monte-Carlo model of neutral-particle transport in diverted plasmas

The transport of neutral atoms and molecules in the edge and divertor regions of fusion experiments has been calculated using Monte-Carlo techniques. The deuterium, tritium, and helium atoms are produced by recombination at the walls. The relevant collision processes of charge exchange, ionization, and dissociation between the neutrals and the flowing plasma electrons and ions are included, along with wall-reflection models. General two-dimensional wall and plasma geometries are treated in a flexible manner so that varied configurations can be easily studied. The algorithm uses a pseudocollision method. Splitting with Russian roulette, suppression of absorption, and efficient scoring techniques are used to reduce the variance. The resulting code is sufficiently fast and compact to be incorporated into iterative treatments of plasma dynamics requiring numerous neutral profiles. The calculation yields the neutral gas densities, pressures, fluxes, ionization rates, momentum-transfer rates, energy-transfer rates, and wall-sputtering rates. Applications have included modeling of proposed INTOR/FED poloidal divertor designs and other experimental devices.
On the selection of poles in the single-input pole placement problem

Abstract It is well known that the single-input pole placement problem can be quite sensitive to perturbations in the data. Recent results by Mehrmann and Xu show how this sensitivity depends on the location of the poles. In many applications it suffices to prescribe a set K in the complex plane that contains the poles. Mehrmann and Xu formulated a minimization problem for allocating the poles in a given set K so that the sensitivity to perturbations is reduced. The present paper uses methods of potential theory to derive simple algorithms that yield approximate solutions of this minimization problem.
Activation of the adrenal cortex or the peripheral sympatho-adrenomedullary system does not necessarily influence milk ejection in the rat

Following a 5-h isolation period, primiparous rats have the same milk supply on days 8/9 and 13/14 post partum, yet in response to suckling they release a greater amount of milk at the latter time. Inasmuch as stress is known to inhibit lactation and handling of the pups is stressful to the dams, the question arose as to whether separation from pups before nursing constitutes a greater stress for the dam at the earlier stage of lactation. This possibility was explored in the present study: As an index of stress, changes in plasma corticosterone were measured from chronically cannulated dams. In addition, the role of adrenal hormones and the peripheral sympathetic nervous system in the regulation of milk ejection under these experimental conditions was assessed following bilateral adrenalectomy and treatment with pentolinium, a ganglionic blocker which does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Corticosterone pellets were implanted subcutaneously following adrenalectomy in order to maintain proper lactation. From the results obtained, lactators demonstrated a greater increase in plasma adrenocorticosteroid levels in response to nursing on day 8/9 than on day 13/14 post partum, but milk yield was significantly less at the earlier than at the later stage of lactation. Adrenalectomy in conjunction with corticosterone replacement pellets did not alter milk supply or milk release. The subsequent treatment with pentolinium did not affect milk ejection. Pups still ingested less milk on day 9 than on day 13/14. It is suggested here that the isolation/suckling condition imposed on lactators may be more stressful earlier in lactation. Inasmuch as removal of the adrenal hormones along with ganglionic blockade did not modify the amount of milk ingested by the pups, it is concluded that the smaller milk release observed on day 9 post partum does not result from a direct suppression by the adrenal hormones or by the peripheral sympathetic nervous system on milk ejection.
Akron Global Polymer Academy Outreaches to the Community: Teachers, Parents, Children

The Akron Global Polymer Academy in the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering in collaboration with the College of Education offers a summer teacher workshop that focuses on science content standards. This polymer-theme workshop includes inquiry-based activities, discussions on pedagogy, field trips to local industries, tours of research laboratories, and time for planning classroom implementation. An important component of the workshop is a leadership program training past participants as teacher leaders for their peers. The 2007 Teacher Leaders' outreach activity was developing polymer science family nights. Grandparents, parents, and children discovered the fascination of polymers with hands-on activities together.