cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interactive methods for taxonomy editing and validation

Taxonomies are meaningful hierarchical categorizations of documents into topics reflecting the natural relationships between the documents and their business objectives. Improving the quality of these taxonomies and reducing the overall cost required to create them is an important area of research. Supervised and unsupervised text clustering are important technologies that comprise only a part of a complete solution. However, there exists a great need for the ability for a human to efficiently interact with a taxonomy during the editing and validation phase. We have developed a comprehensive approach to solving this problem, and implemented this approach in a software tool called eClassifier. eClassifier provides features to help the taxonomy editor understand and evaluate each category of a taxonomy and visualize the relationships between the categories. Multiple techniques allow the user to make changes at both the category and document level. Metrics then establish how well the resultant taxonomy can be modeled for future document classification. In this paper, we present a comprehensive set of viewing, editing and validation techniques we have implemented in the Lotus Discovery Server resulting in a significant reduction in the time required to create a quality taxonomy.
Constant time generation of derangements

This paper presents the first constant time generation algorithm for derangements--permutations with no fixed points. Each derangement is obtained from its predecessor by making either one transposition or one rotation of three elements. It also generalizes this to permutations with a bounded number of fixed points.
Treatment-induced changes in vocal cord mobility and subsequent local recurrence after organ preservation therapy for laryngeal carcinoma.

Background As multidisciplinary cancer treatment evolves, strategies to identify patients needing early resection/salvage are necessary. Some have suggested that vocal cord function after organ-preservation treatment may be an indicator. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients presenting with fixed or impaired vocal cord function at a tertiary center. Local recurrence rates were examined in patients with and without improved/normal mobilization after treatment. Results Sixty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria, with 35 patients having vocal cord fixation and 34 patients with impaired mobility. After treatment, 44 patients had normalization of vocal cord function, while 25 patients did not, with 2-year local control rates of 70% and 77%, p = .23, respectively. No difference in local control was found between patients with normalized/improved cord function (n = 53) and those who remained the same/worsened (n = 16; p = .81). Conclusion Therapy-induced changes in vocal cord mobility did not correlate with local recurrence. Other criteria are needed to identify patients most likely to benefit from early surgical resection/salvage after organ preservation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Measure of Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotope Ratios in Cultured Cells

We report the measurement of the natural isotope ratios of nitrogen and carbon in subcellular volumes of individual cells among a population of cultured cells using a multi-isotope imaging mass spectrometer (MIMS), [MIMS is the prototype of the NanoSIMS 50, Cameca, France.] We also measured the nitrogen and carbon isotope ratio in cells after they had been cultured in media enriched with the amino acid glycine labeled with either 13C or 15N. The results demonstrate that 13C/12C and 15N/14N isotope ratios can be measured directly on a subcellular scale. This opens the way for the use of stable isotopes, in particular 15N, as labels to measure the intracellular turnover of biomolecules. Such a capability should help resolve a wide range of biomedical problems.
Die Korrelation (Koppelung) Von Missbildungen, Erläutert Am Beispiel Der Akrocephalosyndaktylie

(1938). Die Korrelation (Koppelung) Von Missbildungen, Erlautert Am Beispiel Der Akrocephalosyndaktylie. Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica: Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 235-316.
Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of digoxin capsules, solution and tablets after single and multiple doses

Abstract The bioavailability of single doses of digoxin capsules (0.4 mg), digoxin solution (0.4 mg) and reference tablets (0.5 mg) was compared with that of single intravenous doses (0.4 mg) of digoxin using measurement of 24 hour urinary excretion and area under the plasma concentration curve. The absolute systemic availability of all three oral preparations was significantly less than 100 percent. The bioavailability of capsules and solution was nearly identical (79 percent and 76 percent, respectively, as assessed with values for area under the concentration curve and 65 percent and 62 percent as assessed with urinary excretion values); both forms had greater systemic availability than the tablet, which had bioavailability values of 50 percent using area under the curve and 41 percent using urinary excretion. Capsules and solution also were similar in peak plasma digoxin levels achieved (3.7 and 3.1 ng/ml), time of peak concentration (0.8 and 0.6 hour after dosage) and apparent first order absorption half-life (11.3 and 10.2 minutes); both capsules and solution differed significantly from tablets (peak level 1.6 ng/ml, time of peak concentration 1.2 hours and absorption half-life 27.1 minutes). Single dose findings were substantiated when steady state plasma levels and 24 hour urinary excretion values were measured from days 11 through 16 of the period of once daily ingestion. Mean plasma levels (0.70 ng/ml) and urinary excretion values (45.1 percent of dose) for capsules were nearly identical to those for solution (0.69 ng/ml and 42.5 percent of the dose), and values for both capsules and solution were significantly greater than those for tablets. Within- and between-subject variation in bioavailability was similar for the three oral preparations. Thus the single dose bioavailability study was predictive of the steady state findings. The bioavailability of digoxin capsules is equivalent to that of a solution and significantly greater than that of a reference tablet formulation.
Coding, Storage, and Retrieval of Stratigraphic Data: FORTRAN Mapping Technique: ABSTRACT

A unique technique of coding, storing, and plotting descriptive stratigraphic data uses a series of FORTRAN programs. The basis for the technique is a search-and-store algorithm that may be modified to produce a time-series sequence of lithologic or environmental maps. Coded data are displayed as a 2-dimensional output array in the form of an inked, line-drawn planimetric view of the research area. User-specified intervals of the range of data are represented by symbology, color code, or literal string. The final product is a time series of computer-constructed surfaces representing the geologic evolution of a particular area. These surfaces may emphasize environments of deposition, sediment lithology, or any other stratigraphically derived information (porosity, permeabi ity, consolidation, mineralogy, biostratigraphy, geochemistry). Stratigraphic data are stored as an alphanumeric code. Data are presumed to have been derived from cores or some similar means of vertical sequence control. A single core occupies one line of a data file with an operating field width of 132 columns. Columns 1-9 and 122-132 contain location and identification data. The remaining locations (columns 10-121) consist of repeating 14-column groups. Each group contains codes describing a single stratigraphic unit. Thus, each line of the data file may describe a sequence of 8 stratigraphic units. This technique was used to display the development of the Bay and Atlantic coasts of Delaware from 10,000 b.p. to present. A series of maps has been produced that details the geomorphology of the coast at regular chronologic intervals. This allows a detailed analysis of the evolution of a complex region as a response to known Holocene conditions of rising sea level. End_of_Article - Last_Page 255------------
The optical polarization of X-ray binaries

Polarimetric observations of close binaries may reveal the presence of a black-hole secondary. The Einstein photometric effect will introduce a characteristic, time-varying signature upon the interstellar polarization. For several reasons, it is concluded that the short time-scale variability in the polarization in HDE 226868 is caused by Rayleigh scattering from gas streams known to exist in the system. X Persei may have a variable polarization consistent with the predicted effect.
Analysis of gas pulsations in multiply connected three-dimensional acoustic cavities with special attention to natural mode or wave cancellation effects

Abstract The general four pole parameters for a system of two continuous three-dimensional cavities connected by n pipes are derived utilizing four pole parameters of each individual cavity in terms of its natural modes, frequencies, and modal damping. As an application example, a two-pipe connection is investigated and resulting natural mode or wave cancellations are discussed. Also, a four-pipe connection is analyzed to illustrate a method of combining the advantages of cancelling both a three-dimensional natural mode and certain plane waves in the feeder pipes.
Effect of ethanol on uptake of choline by the isolated perfused rat liver.

Abstract 1. 1. Insofar as most studies on the effects of ethanol on the organism have involved chronic ingestion, this study was designed to measure the acute influence of this alcohol on choline uptake in the liver. 2. 2. Using the isolated perfused liver technique it was found that ethanol circulated in the perfusate increased the uptake of exogenous choline by the perfused liver. Acetate supplements had no effect on the uptake. 3. 3. It was found that increased uptake was not unique to ethanol and that two other alcohols that are NADH generators, methanol and sorbitol, also increased choline uptake. 4. 4. A hydrogen acceptor, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride, was shown to depress choline uptake. This finding tends to implicate NADH in the mechanism responsible for increased choline uptake seen in this study. 5. 5. It is concluded from this study that of the acetate and NADH resulting from ethanol metabolism, NADH is possibly the most potent stimulator of choline uptake.
ON DARWINIAN AND NON‐DARWINIAN EVOLUTION

Quantitative consideration of the operation and evolution of the information‐processing system that constitutes the terrestrial biosphere indicates that non‐Darwinian evolutionary changes cannot be expected to account for the increase in the amount of non‐random biospheric structure that constitutes the information content of the biosphere. Changes that lead to such an increase must also be selectively advantageous and lead to preferential survival through natural selection.
Determination of seawater pH from 1.5 to 8.5 using colorimetric indicators

Abstract The apparent dissociation constants of five sulfonephthalein indicators (thymol blue, bromophenol blue, bromocresol green, bromocresol purple and phenol red) were determined in 35% seawater at 25°C. Measurements of seawater pH were made using the ratio of the optical absorbance of the acidic and basic components of a particular indicator and the apparent dissociation constant of the indicator. The suite of indicators allows quantitative determination of seawater pH over the pH range 1.5–8.5. For seven seawater samples ranging from pH 1.5 to 8.0 the average difference between pH measurements made with indicators and conventional electrodes was ± 0.005. Measurements of seawater pH with indicators is not limited to single indicator solutions. Simultaneous addition of phenol red and bromocresol green allows pH determinations from 3.0 to 8.2, which are suitable for alkalinity titrations. The pK′a, values of the indicators were determined independently of potentiometric pH measurements. The pH indicators provide an absolute free hydrogen ion molality scale independent of the problems of electrode drift and liquid junction errors associated with potentiometric pH measurements.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN PERCEIVED AND REAL KNOWLEDGE OF FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS

The purpose of this study was to compare men and women on two concepts, self-perceived knowledge or what one thinks one knows about some topic and real or actual knowledge of that topic. A survey of 457 students showed that the men (n = 234) claimed to know more about financial investments than the women (n = 223) and also scored higher than the women on a test of real investment knowledge. About the same proportions of both sexes reported current ownership of savings accounts, stocks, and bonds, but men reported more plans to own stocks and bonds than women.
Compositional Analysis of Defatted Syrup from a Corn Ethanol Dry-Grind Process as a Feedstock for Biobased Products

A characterization study was conducted on defatted corn syrup (DCS) from an ethanol dry-grind process and its potential as feedstock for biobased products and biofuel is evaluated. Analyses included total solids, ash content, total protein, amino acids, inorganic elements, starch, total carbohydrates, lignin, organic acids, glycerol, and presence of functional groups. Total solids content was 37.4% (±0.4%) by weight, and the mass balance closure was 101 (±0.5%). Total carbohydrates [27% (±5%) wt of dry solids] were composed of starch (6.3%), soluble monomer carbohydrates (12%), and nonstarch carbohydrates (9.3%). Hemicellulose components (structural and nonstructural) were xylan (6%), xylose (1%), mannan (1%), mannose (0.4%), arabinan (1%), arabinose (0.4%), galatactan (3%), and galactose (0.4%). On the basis of measured physical and chemical components, a biochemical conversion route and subsequent fermentation to value-added products is a good possibility. Though less promising as a feedstock for liquid...
Boundary tones on wordinternal domains in Kinande

This paper demonstrates the role of word-internal domains in the complex verbal tonology of Kinande, a Bantu language spoken in Zaire. As Hyman (1990) details, Kinande displays sensitivity to the phrase-level prosodic domains by placing boundary tones at the right edges of Phonological Phrases and Intonational Phrases. Under the analysis proposed here, the word-internal domains may also be delimited by boundary tones. These domains are normally referred to as the Stem, Macrostem and Infl domains.
“LA VERTÙ ANCORA APPRESSO AI BARBARI È ONORATA”: LIMITI ALL'INCONTRO INTERRELIGISOS NELLE NOVELLE DI BANDELLO E GLI ECATOMMITI DI GIRALDI CINZIO:

Dalla meta del XV secolo cristiani e musulmani ricorrono, piu che nel passato, alla guerra di corsa nello scontro religioso e militare in atto dal VII secolo, in cui non si esaurivano, comunque, i contatti tra i due schieramenti, alimentati anche dal commercio. La schiavitu praticata dai corsari e interpretata, in alcuni recenti studi di “mediterraneistica“, come contributo alle relazioni tra i popoli. Persino in simili avverse circostanze sono recuperabili esempi di collaborazione amichevole, soprattutto a livello individuale, come attestano le novelle di Bandello e Giraldi Cinzio esaminate in questo saggio. Tuttavia, attraverso il racconto del successo professionale e sociale in terra musulmana, i personaggi dei due novellieri riflettono un atteggiamento sostanzialmente ambiguo verso l'Islam. L'analisi delle medesime novelle rivela infatti esempi di antagonismo religioso e culturale, sostenuto dai narratori e protagonisti cristiani, che affrontano l'incontro con l'altro ricorrendo alla lente deformante ...
Bird Fancier's Lung: A State-of-the-Art Review

Bird fancier's lung (BFL) resulting from avian antigen exposure is a very common form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Its pathogenesis is modified by genetic polymorphisms located within the major histocompatibility complex, and also by smoking, which may decrease serum antibody response to inhaled antigen. Acute, subacute, and chronic presentations of BFL are recognized, but often overlap clinically. Continued antigen exposure in the chronic phase portends a worse prognosis. Chronic bronchitis symptoms may be part of the BFL clinical spectrum, and rhinitis may suggest an allergic component. The diagnosis of BFL is enhanced by a high index of suspicion of exposure to avian antigen, recurrent symptomatic episodes occurring 4-8 h after exposure, inspiratory "velcro" crackles on auscultation, weight loss, and positive IgG precipitins to the antigen. Characteristic findings on high-resolution computed tomography of the chest include centrilobular nodules, ground-glass opacification, and mosaicism due to air trapping. Bronchoalveolar lavage will classically show >25% lymphocytosis, a CD4/CD8 ratio of 1% mast cells in the acute phase. Lung biopsies, if obtained in the subacute phase of the disease, typically show loosely formed granulomas, giant cells, a lymphoplasmacytic interstitial infiltrate, and possibly some degree of fibrosis. In some patients, usual interstitial pneumonia or fibrotic non-specific interstitial pneumonia patterns may be seen on surgical biopsy. Skin testing, serological testing, and bronchial provocation tests for BFL frequently suffer from a lack of standardization. Effective treatment for BFL consists mainly of antigen avoidance, as corticosteroids likely do not alter long-term prognosis. Lung transplantation can be considered for progressive chronic disease refractory to medical measures.
Optical fiber cabling technologies for flexible access network

Abstract Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) outside plant infrastructure should be so designed and constructed as to flexibly deal with increasing subscribers and system evolution to be expected in the future, taking minimization of total cost (CAPEX and OPEX) into consideration. With this in mind, fiber access architectures are reviewed and key technologies on optical fiber and cable for supporting flexible access network are presented. Low loss over wide wavelength (low water peak) and bend-insensitive single mode fiber is a future proof solution. Enhanced separable ribbon facilitates mid-span access to individual fibers in a cable installed, improving fiber utilizing efficiency and flexibility of distribution design. It also contributes to an excellent low PMD characteristic which could be required for video RF overlay system or high capacity long reach metro-access convergence network in the future. Bend-insensitive fiber based cabling technique including field installable connector greatly improves fiber/cable handling in installation and maintenance work.
Oxygen concentration affects nodule anatomy and nitrogenase activity of Alnus maritima

Alnus maritima is a shrub that associates with N 2 -fixing Frankia in the wetlands in which it is native. Despite low concentrations in waterlogged soils, O 2 is critical to the maintenance of this symbiosis, and Frankia -infected nodules exist on roots of plants in native stands. The objective of the present study was to determine how root-zone O 2 concentration influences N 2 fixation and the anatomy of nodules on A. maritima . Root zones of plants inoculated with soil from native stands were exposed to eight O 2 concentrations. Nitrogenase activity increased with increasing O 2 concentration. Photosynthetic rate, plant dry mass, leaf N content, and nodule fresh mass were maximal in plants maintained with 15‐25% O 2 in the root zone. Nodule counts were maximal on roots maintained at 10% and above 25% O 2 , and nodules that developed at £ 2% O 2 were < 2 mm in diameter and single-lobed. Mean total area of air spaces within nodules decreased, and mean area per space increased, with increasing O 2 concentration. Seasonal and O 2 -dependent nodule pigmentation was observed. Our data illustrate that O 2 is critical to the development of functional symbioses, and that nodules of this species, which are submersed in nature, possess mechanisms for responding to their low-O 2 environment.
Faculty Impressions of Dental Students’ Performance With and Without Virtual Reality Simulation

This study compared faculty perceptions and expectations of dental students' abilities using virtual reality simulation (VRS) to those who did not use virtual reality simulation (non-VRS) in an operative dentistry preclinical course. A sixteen-item survey with a ten-point rating scale and three open-ended questions asked about students' abilities in ergonomics, confidence level, performance, preparation, and self-assessment. The surveys were administered three times to a small group of preclinical faculty members. First, faculty members (n=12, 92 percent response rate) gave their perceptions of non-VRS students' abilities at the end of their traditional course. Secondly, faculty members (n=13, 100 percent response rate) gave their expectations of the next incoming class's abilities (VRS students) prior to the start of the course with traditional and VRS components. Finally, faculty members (n=13, 100 percent response rate) gave their perceptions of VRS students' abilities after completion of the course. A Tukey's test for multiple comparisons measured significance among survey items. Faculty perceptions of VRS students' abilities were higher than for non-VRS students for most abilities examined. However, the faculty members' expectations of VRS training were higher than their perceptions of the students' abilities after VRS training for most abilities examined. Since ergonomic development and technical performance were positively impacted by VRS training, these results support the use of VRS in a preclinical dental curriculum.
High‐Performance Nanostructured Membrane Electrode Assemblies for Fuel Cells Made by Layer‐By‐Layer Assembly of Carbon Nanocolloids

Fuel cells are being developed to replace batteries in portable electronic devices and internal combustion engines in automobiles. Key challenges to the commercialization of protonexchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells include high cost and poor durability. One of the primary cost-drivers is the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), which consists of the catalysts, electrolyte membrane, and gas diffusion layers (GDLs). Improving PEM fuel-cell cost and performance will require more efficient utilization of the catalyst and a reduction in the thickness of the MEA membrane, which requires optimization of the nano- and sub-micron structure of the membranes. [1–11] Recently layer-by-layer assembly (LBL) [12] has been used to prepare substructures for PEM fuel cells [13–18] as a tool for balancing different conflicting requirements. LBL makes possible simple incorporation of conductive nanocomponents, conformal coatings of surfaces of any complex geometry, high ionic contents of the multilayers, nanometer-scale control over film thickness, and film porosity. These features make LBL an attractive new technology for fuel-cell assembly. Liu and co-workers reported the fabrication of an electrode-incorporating catalyst in MEA via the reduction of a Pt precursor on the surface of a Nafion membrane, [13] and Farhat and Hammond used LBL-made membranes as a separator of cathode and anode and reached power densities with conventional carbon black (CB) electrodes of 16.5 mWcm –2 . [18] The LBL assembly of ligand-stabilized platinum nanoparticles was also used to build three-dimensional nanostructured electrodes with a mass-specific activity of 0.11 Amg –1 Pt at 0.9 V for a 5 layer film. [14] Unfortunately, these films were not tested in an actual fuel cell and 5 layer films are somewhat questionable as a functional part of MEA. LBL thin films deposited as a barrier layer on a Nafion membrane were also suggested to be effective for the reduction of methanol cross over for direct methanol fuel cells. [15] LBL multilayers of polyaniline (PANI)/poly(acrylic acid)-co-polyacrylamide (PAA-co-PAAm) film doped with Pt by reductive precipitation of a Pt salt (H2PtCl6) yielded a maximum Pt loading of 0.3 mgcm –2 . [18] Using a somewhat different approach for particle incorporation, carbon-polymer electrodes were constructed using polyelectrolytes and commercially available colloidal dispersions. [18] The electrodes exhibited electronic conductivities of 2–4 Scm –1 and ionic conductivities in the range from 10 to 10 –3 Scm –1 . Overall, despite the many favorable characteristics of the technique, the performance of the produced PEM and other fuel cells was substantially below the traditional ones with CB, and this can be attributed to suboptimal organization, such as an islandlike distribution of Pt particles [13] and fairly low conductivities. In this paper we report the use of carbon-nanotube and
Risk-Stratification of Ischemic Stroke Patients on the Basis of Anatomic Criteria Essential to the Prevention of Hospital-Acquired Conditions and Performance Along Patient Safety Indicators

rs. Rahman, Neal, Fargen, andHoh in this issueofWORLD NEUROSURGERY offer a strong, data-driven approach to D hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) and patient safety indicators (PSIs) in ischemic stroke. In an era of systems improvement and Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Designation, the authors provide insights for current stroke care protocols to prevent HACs and enhance PSIs. The authors’ objectivity and in-depth analysis deserves commendation. Their efforts, however, underscore the need for appropriate riskadjustment and triage of ischemic stroke patient. As a discipline, we are moving toward the rendering of an anatomic (i.e., the level of vessel occlusion) as opposed to clinical diagnosis of stroke. Given the variation of outcomes in the stroke patient population, it will be essential to risk-stratify patients appropriately in a policy environment in which reimbursement may rely on HAC and PSI performance. These resource implications render the work of Rahman et al. all the more important.
Sources of Knowledge Transfer Among Primary Care Pediatric Health Care Providers

Objectives The authors sought to understand which informational sources pediatric health care providers perceive as most influential in how they stay current with health care innovations.Methods Rochester, New York, area pediatric health care providers were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. Two items pertained to the health care provider's ability to interpret primary research, and 9 items pertained to the influence and relative importance of various sources of information.Results A 61% response rate was obtained. Most (83%) respondents felt adequately trained to interpret primary research, fewer (31%) felt they have the time to do so. Almost all respondents (92%) felt that American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines were a major influence, and 44% felt that AAP guidelines were the single most influential source of information in how they altered their practice over time.Conclusions In the setting of time constraints, and the volume and complexity of published therapeutic research, AAP...
An infrastructure for the rapid development of XML-based architecture description languages

Research and experimentation in software architectures over the past decade (1992-2002) have yielded a plethora of software architecture description languages (ADLs). Continuing innovation indicates that it is reasonable to expect more new ADLs, or at least ADL features. This research process is impeded by the difficulty and cost associated with developing new notations. An architect in need of a unique set of modeling features must either develop a new architecture description language from scratch or undertake the daunting task of modifying an existing language. In either case, it is unavoidable that a significant effort will be expended in building or adapting tools to support the language. To remedy this situation, we have developed an infrastructure for the rapid development of new architecture description languages. Key aspects of the infrastructure are its XML-based modular extension mechanism, its base set of reusable and customizable architectural modeling constructs, and its equally important set of flexible support tools. The paper introduces the infrastructure and demonstrates its value in the context of several real-world applications.
Minimization of Dynamic Sensor Activation in Discrete Event Systems for the Purpose of Control

This paper considers centralized and decentralized control problems for partially-observed discrete event systems where sensor readings are assumed to be costly for reasons of bandwidth, energy, or security. The supervisory controllers, or agents, dynamically request sensors readings as needed to observe the trajectories of the system and correctly implement the given feedback control law. Thus, each sensor may be turned on/off several times along a given system trajectory. Different policies for dynamic sensor activation can be used by the agents. A set of policies is said to be minimal if any strictly less activation prevents the correct implementation of the control law. A systematic formulation of the dynamic sensor activation problem is proposed and its solution developed when the solution space is restricted to the set of transitions of a given automaton model of the system. Two algorithms that compute minimal sensor activation policies are presented, one for ensuring observability and the other for ensuring coobservability; observability and coobservability are key properties that arise in the solution of supervisory control problems for centralized and decentralized discrete event systems. These algorithms are of polynomial complexity in both the number of states and the number of events of the system.
Transcriptional response of human mast cells stimulated via the FcεRI and identification of mast cells as a source of IL-11

In asthma and other allergic disorders, the activation of mast cells by IgE and antigen induces the cells to release histamine and other mediators of inflammation, as well as to produce certain cytokines and chemokines. To search for new mast cell products, we used complementary DNA microarrays to analyze gene expression in human umbilical cord blood-derived mast cells stimulated via the high-affinity IgE receptor (FceRI). One to two hours after FceRI-dependent stimulation, more than 2,400 genes (about half of which are of unknown function) exhibited 2–200 fold changes in expression. The transcriptional program included changes in the expression of IL-11 and at least 30 other cytokines and chemokines. Human mast cells secreted 130–529 pg of IL-11/106 cells by 6 h after stimulation with anti-IgE. Our initial analysis of the transcriptional program induced in in vitro-derived human mast cells stimulated via the FceRI has identified many products that heretofore have not been associated with this cell type, but which may significantly influence mast cell function in IgE-associated host responses. We also have demonstrated that mast cells stimulated via the FceRI can secrete IL-11. Based on the previously reported biological effects of IL-11, our results suggest that production of IL-11 may represent one link between IgE-dependent mast cell activation in subjects with allergic asthma and the development of a spectrum of structural changes in the airways of these individuals; such changes, collectively termed "airway remodeling," can constitute an important long term consequence of asthma.
Jesus the village psychiatrist: A summary

This paper was a response to a panel discussion on the author’s book, Jesus the village psychiatrist , published by Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, KY, 2008 which formed part of the Society of Biblical Literature’s Psychology and Biblical Studies Section, 21–24 November 2009, New Orleans, LA. The response consisted of an explanation of somatoform disorders, a summary of the book and the following case studies: the case of Fraulein Elisabeth, the case of paralytics, the case of blind persons, the demon-possessed boy, the case of the woman with a haemorrhage, the healings of lepers and the woman who cared for Jesus. The paper concluded with a discussion on words and their power to cure. It illustrated how symptomatology had changed from paralysis in the 19th century to chronic fatigue in the first half of the 20th century to stress today.
Deciphering the Signals Specifying the Proepicardium

See related article, pages 1818–1828 Cardiac development is an intricate process involving the migration and assembly of multiple cell types from distinct lineages to form a mature heart. Cells of the proepicardium define one such lineage and have been receiving increasing attention given their role in the formation of the epicardium, and the central role of epicardium as a signaling center during heart development and repair.1,2 The proepicardium is a mesothelial structure in the wall of the pericardial cavity just dorsal to the developing heart tube that has a “cluster of grapes”–like appearance. It has been identified in human, mouse, chick, and most recently in zebrafish embryos.3,4 The transcription factors Tbx18 (T-box factor 18), Wt-1 (Wilms tumor 1), and Tcf21 (transcription factor 21) (also known as epicardin or capsulin) are highly expressed in the proepicardium and serve as molecular markers of this structure, although none of these factors is expressed exclusively in the proepicardium. Cells of the proepicardium migrate onto the developing heart tube and completely cover it in an epithelial layer, the epicardium. Epicardial cells then undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and invade into the underlying myocardium to become fibroblasts and cells of the coronary vasculature. There are several examples of mutations in mice that disrupt epicardial development.1 The failure to form the epicardium leads to a reduction in cardiomyocyte proliferation, a disruption in cardiac morphogenesis, and embryonic lethality attributable to heart failure. Although the importance of the proepicardium for heart development is clear, we are just beginning …
Dengue Virus NS Proteins Inhibit RIG-I/MAVS Signaling by Blocking TBK1/IRF3 Phosphorylation: Dengue Virus Serotype 1 NS4A Is a Unique Interferon-Regulating Virulence Determinant.

ABSTRACT Dengue virus (DENV) replication is inhibited by the prior addition of type I interferon or by RIG-I agonists that elicit RIG-I/MAVS/TBK1/IRF3-dependent protective responses. DENV infection of primary human endothelial cells (ECs) results in a rapid increase in viral titer, which suggests that DENV inhibits replication-restrictive RIG-I/interferon beta (IFN-β) induction pathways within ECs. Our findings demonstrate that DENV serotype 4 (DENV4) nonstructural (NS) proteins NS2A and NS4B inhibited RIG-I-, MDA5-, MAVS-, and TBK1/IKKe-directed IFN-β transcription (>80%) but failed to inhibit IFN-β induction directed by STING or constitutively active IRF3-5D. Expression of NS2A and NS4B dose dependently inhibited the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3, which suggests that they function at the level of TBK1 complex activation. NS2A and NS4B from DENV1/2/4, as well as the West Nile virus NS4B protein, commonly inhibited TBK1 phosphorylation and IFN-β induction. A comparative analysis of NS4A proteins across DENVs demonstrated that DENV1, but not DENV2 or DENV4, NS4A proteins uniquely inhibited TBK1. These findings indicate that DENVs contain conserved (NS2A/NS4B) and DENV1-specific (NS4A) mechanisms for inhibiting RIG-I/TBK1-directed IFN responses. Collectively, our results define DENV NS proteins that restrict IRF3 and IFN responses and thereby facilitate DENV replication and virulence. Unique DENV1-specific NS4A regulation of IFN induction has the potential to be a virulence determinant that contributes to the increased severity of DENV1 infections and the immunodominance of DENV1 responses during tetravalent DENV1-4 vaccination. IMPORTANCE Our findings demonstrate that NS2A and NS4B proteins from dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, and 4 are inhibitors of RIG-I/MDA5-directed interferon beta (IFN-β) induction and that they accomplish this by blocking TBK1 activation. We determined that IFN inhibition is functionally conserved across NS4B proteins from West Nile virus and DENV1, -2, and -4 viruses. In contrast, DENV1 uniquely encodes an extra IFN regulating protein, NS4A, that inhibits TBK1-directed IFN induction. DENV1 is associated with an increase in severe patient disease, and added IFN regulation by the DENV1 NS4A protein may contribute to increased DENV1 replication, immunodominance, and virulence. The regulation of IFN induction by nonstructural (NS) proteins suggests their potential roles in enhancing viral replication and spread and as potential protein targets for viral attenuation. DENV1-specific IFN regulation needs to be considered in vaccine strategies where enhanced DENV1 replication may interfere with DENV2-4 seroconversion within coadministered tetravalent DENV1-4 vaccines.
Accelerated hepatic fibrosis in patients with combined hereditary hemochromatosis and chronic hepatitis C infection

Abstract Background/Aims : Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can both result in hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. It has been proposed that iron overload and HCV may have potentiating effects on hepatic fibrogenesis. This study determined if HH patients with HCV would present with hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis at a younger age and at a lower hepatic iron concentration compared to patients with HH or HCV alone. Methods : Ten patients with combined HCV and HH were compared to 13 patients who had HH alone and 24 patients who had HCV alone. All patients had advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis on liver biopsy. All HH patients were homozygous for the C282Y mutation. Results : At presentation with advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis, the mean age of the HH/HCV group was significantly lower than that of the HH group and the HCV group. The mean hepatic iron concentration was lower in the combined HH/HCV group compared to that of the HH group. Conclusions : HH patients with HCV present with advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis at a younger age and at a lower hepatic iron concentration compared to HH patients without HCV. These findings support the concept that the combination of HH-induced iron overload and HCV has a potentiating effect on hepatic fibrogenesis.
Insertions in the anticodon loop of tRNA1Gln(sufG) and tRNALys promote quadruplet decoding of CAAA

Base insertion mutations in the anticodons of two different Escherichia coli tRNAs have been isolated that allow suppression of a series of +1 frameshift mutations. Insertion of a U between positions 34 and 35 of tRNA or addition of a G between positions 36 and 37 of tRNA Lys expand the anticodons of both tRNAs similarly to 3′-GUUU-5′ and allow decoding of complementary 5′-CAAA-3′ quadruplets. Analysis of the suppressed mRNA sequences suggests that suppression occurs by pairing of the expanded anticodons to all four bases of the complementary, quadruplet codon. The tRNA mutants are identical to the sufG class of frameshift suppressors isolated both in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and E.coli by Kohno and Roth and previously thought to affect tRNA Lys .
Light Chains and the Failing Heart: Important Mechanistic Link or Fifty Shades of Gray?

Since the first description by Elster et al. [(1)][1] in 1956 of the presence of elevated concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with heart failure (HF), the importance of inflammation in the genesis and progression of the diagnosis has gained substantial attention. Indeed, since
NMR evidence for formation of octahedral and tetrahedral Al and repolymerization of the Si network during dissolution of aluminosilicate glass and crystal

Five sodium aluminosilicate glasses in the series Na2O: x Al2O3:(3– x ) SiO2 and Na2O:Al2O3: y SiO2 were prepared and subjected to leaching at pH 2 under ambient conditions for up to 1000 h. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy revealed the identity of aluminate and silicate environments in the leached surface layers of these glasses as well as a sample of albite crystal subjected to the same aqueous leaching. While 29Si and 27Al magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR experiments report on the bulk structures of the samples, cross-polarization from hydrogen atoms that are present only in the surface layers provides structural information from the regions of the sample transformed during treatment. Aluminum in octahedral coordination by O atoms (AlVI) is confirmed for the first time on the near-surface region of an albite crystal under the treatment conditions of this study. A quantification of the change in the amount of six-coordinate aluminum as a function of bulk Al/Si ratio is made possible by comparing the relative amounts of 1H → 27Al CPMAS signals from AlIV and AlVI obtained from different samples under reproducible experimental conditions. The relative contribution of AlVI to total Al in the hydrated layers increases with the Al/Si ratio of the glasses studied. The leached albite crystal sample has an anomalously high concentration of AlVI given its Al/Si ratio. This anomaly is probably related to the relatively low thickness of the leached layer developed on this phase: little hydrogen penetrates the crystal surface and almost all of the Al in the thin leached layer is octahedrally coordinated, similar to Al in solution. These data suggest that hydrolysis of bridging O atoms around Al atoms in the glass or crystal hydrated layer is accompanied by a change in the coordination number of the Al atom. Aging of surfaces documents no formation of AlVI during storage after leaching. The MAS data, coupled with 27Al → 29Si CPMAS experiments, describe the bulk network structure and provide further insight into the surface structures, including documentation of repolymerization of the silicon network in the surface layer of a nepheline glass via formation of condensed Q4 units. Further triple-resonance experiments correlate 1H, 29Si, and 27Al environments in the glasses, and indicate that the repolymerized structures in nepheline glass are not phase-separated from aluminum-containing network structures. These data for acid dissolution under ambient conditions yield the first picture of the complicated series of reactions relating connectivity and coordination number of Al and Si at the altered surfaces of geologically interesting aluminosilicates.
Green Labels, Perceived Benefits, and Purchase Decisions: An Examination of Sustainability from the Consumer’s Perspective

As early as 1972, academic work on environmental marketing began, largely focusing on demographic differences between socially conscious consumers and others (Anderson & Cunningham 1972). Over time, pro-environmental attitudes have become the norm among consumers; however, only about 1 in 3 engages in pro-environmental purchase behavior (Straughan & Roberts 1999; Vlosky et al. 1999). This research seeks to contribute to a framework for analysis of the linkages between corporate communications, consumer attitudes and consumer behavior regarding green products. First, the text explores consumers’ sense-making of green marketing labels. Next, the benefits consumers expect from consumption of green products are examined. Finally, insights into the considerations involved in green product purchase decisions are discussed.
Working with State Health Departments on Emerging Issues in Maternal and Child Health: Immediate Postpartum Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives.

Abstract Background: Immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are highly effective in preventing unintended pregnancy. State health departments are in the process of implementing a systems change approach to better apply policies supporting the use of immediate postpartum LARC. Methods: Beginning in 2014, a group of national organizations, federal agencies, and six states have convened a LARC Learning Community to share strategies and best practices in immediate postpartum LARC policy development and implementation. Community activities consist of in-person meetings and a webinar series as forums to discuss systems change. Results: The Learning Community identified eight domains for discussion and development of resources: training, pay streams, stocking and supply, consent, outreach, stakeholder partnerships, service location, and data and surveillance. The community is currently developing resource materials and guidance for use by other state health departments. Conclusions: To...
The Wireless Motility Capsule: a One-Stop Shop for the Evaluation of GI Motility Disorders

The wireless motility and pH capsule (WMC) provides an office-based test to simultaneously assess both regional and whole gut transit. Ingestion of this non-digestible capsule capable of measuring temperature, pH, and the pressure of its immediate surroundings allows for the measurement of gastric, small bowel, and colonic transit times in an ambulatory setting. Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the evaluation of suspected conditions of delayed gastric emptying and the evaluation of colonic transit in chronic idiopathic constipation, WMC should be considered in suspected gastrointestinal motility disorders as it provides a single study capable of simultaneously assessing for regional, multiregional, or generalized motility disorders. Specific indications for testing with the WMC should include the evaluation of suspect cases of gastroparesis, small bowel dysmotility, and slow transit constipation, as well as symptom syndromes suggestive of a multiregional or generalized gastrointestinal transit delay.
Ultrafast all-optical demultiplexing using asymmetric nonlinear fiber loop mirror with a semiconductor optical amplifier

The exploitation of the entire bandwidth of the fiber for optical communication requires a high speed multiplexing/demultiplexing scheme to interleave parallel low- rate data streams into a serial format for transmission in the fiber. Such systems require ultrafast signal processing at both ends of the fiber. Here we present results of alloptical demultiplexing using a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) as a nonlinear element in an asymmetric fiber loop mirror. The demultiplexer is based on the work in Refs. 1 and 2. The main features of this system are a low switching energy of 115 fJ (therefore semiconductor lasers drive the system), compact size, and a demultiplexing window (switching speed) tunable from tens of picoseconds to a few picoseconds, with stability and wavelength tolerance.
Development and validation of CALR mutation testing for clinical diagnosis.

Objectives To validate a diagnostic assay for detecting CALR mutations in the clinical setting. Methods Traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on DNA previously extracted from 60 specimens (30 bone marrow aspirates [BMAs] and 30 peripheral blood [PB] samples) from 55 patients. Nearly all reported CALR mutations are insertions or deletions in exon 9. Therefore, we performed amplicon sizing by capillary electrophoresis and fragment length analysis (FLA) to determine mutation status. Mutations were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Results Fourteen samples from 10 patients with JAK2 and MPL wild-type myeloproliferative neoplasms were positive for CALR mutation. Detected mutations included a 52–base pair (bp) deletion (n = 6), a 5-bp insertion (n = 2), a 31-bp deletion (n = 1), and a 61-bp deletion (n = 1). Sanger sequencing of 15 samples showed 100% concordance. Matched patient PB and BMA samples (n = 5) harbored identical mutations, and samples run multiple times (n = 8) showed 100% reproducibility. Conclusions We conclude that CALR mutations may be quickly and accurately detected by FLA of PCR amplicons by capillary electrophoresis. These methods are routine procedures for most molecular laboratories and should allow for straightforward incorporation of the CALR assay into the clinical diagnostic testing menu.