cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Open charm tomography of cold and hot nuclear matter

We identify the nuclear effects that modify the cross sections for open heavy flavor production in proton-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions. In p+A reactions, we calculate and resum the coherent nuclear-enhanced power corrections from the final-state parton scattering in the medium. We find that single and double inclusive open charm production can be suppressed as much as the yield of neutral pions from dynamical high-twist shadowing. Effects of energy loss in p+A collisions are also investigated. These lead to significantly weaker transverse momentum dependence of the nuclear attenuation and give a sizable contribution to the forward rapidity hadron suppression. In A+A reactions we revisit the question of the measured large heavy flavor quenching at RHIC. We derive the collisional broadening of the heavy meson's transverse momentum and the distortion of its intrinsic light cone wave function. The medium-induced dissociation probability of heavy mesons is shown to be sensitive to the opacity of the quark-gluon plasma and the time dependence of its formation and evolution. In contrast to previous results on heavy quark modification, our approach predicts suppression of B-mesons comparable to that of D-mesons at transverse momenta as low as pT ~ 10 GeV. It allows for an improved description of the large attenuation of non-photonic electrons in central Au+Au reactions at RHIC. Preliminary results in the implementation of collisional and radiative energy loss in a Langevin simulation approach to heavy quark diffusion and attenuation are also presented.
Sensitivity of MRI to proteoglycan depletion in cartilage: comparison of sodium and proton MRI.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this work was to evaluate the results from sodium and proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting small changes in proteoglycan (PG) content in bovine articular cartilage specimens. Design Articular cartilage from 15 specimens of bovine patellae were subjected to partial PG depletion with different concentrations of trypsin for 30min. Sodium and proton MR images of the intact specimen were obtained on a 4T GE clinical MRI system. Two custom-built 7cm-diameter solenoid coils tuned to proton and sodium frequencies were employed. Fast gradient echo and spin echo imaging sequences were used to determine sodium density, proton density and proton relaxation times ( T 1 and T 2 ) of the specimens. Spectrophotometric assay was performed after MRI to determine PG concentrations of the cartilage specimens. Results The sodium signal change correlated well with the observed PG loss ( R 2 =0.85, P 0.01) whereas the proton signal change was inconsistent ( R 2 =0.10, P 0.8). The change in proton T 1 and T 2 between the two regions did not correlate with PG loss ( R 2 =0.07 and R 2 =0.06, respectively). Conclusions Results from these studies demonstrate that sodium MRI is both sensitive and specific in detecting small changes in PG concentration, whereas proton density and relaxation properties are not sensitive to small changes in PG content.
Nonenzymatic Browning of Mozzarella Cheese

Abstract Mozzarella cheese was made with combinations of Streptococcus thermophilus nongalactose (Gal − ) and galactose fermenting (Gal + ) strains and Lactobacillus helveticus (Gal + ) and L. bulgaricus (Gal − ). Galactose was found in all Mozzarella cheese regardless of the culture used. The highest concentration was in cheese made with Streptococcus thermophilus Gal − L. bulgaricus Gal − combination with Streptococcus thermophilus Gal + Lactobacillus helveticus Gal + having the least. Little if any lactose was found in any of the cheeses. The temperature and time during stretching of the curd inhibited fermentation of the residual galactose. Galactose accumulated in Mozzarella when either strain of Streptococcus thermophilus was used. The fermentation of accumulated galactose was the result of metabolism by Lactobacillus helveticus . There was a positive correlation between galactose content and brown color intensity when Mozzarella cheese was heated. A predictive test was effective in evaluating the browning tendency of cheese.
Scanning Electron Microscopy of Posterior Polymorphous Corneal Dystrophy

An 8 1/2-year-old girl had posterior polymorphous dystrophy that required keratoplasty. Similar lesions were found in the patient's mother, thus establishing the genetic trend of the disease. Scanning electron microscopy studies showed areas of endothelial cell degeneration and multiple depressions or pits. These seemed the most advanced and characteristic lesions of posterior polymorphous dystrophy. Transmission electron microscopy studies in areas adjacent to the pits showed an abnormally developed Descemet's membrane covered by two or more layers of elongated endothelial-like cells. Cells over Descemet's membrane seemed to deposit some Descemet's membrane material and both fine and coarse collagen fibrils. Cells had prominent mitochondria, normal endoplasmic reticulum, and desmosomal attachments. Cytoplasmic fibrils and microvilli were usually found in cells lining the anterior chamber. Specular microscopy and scanning electron microscopy recorded the image of only the innermost cells and these appeared as endothelium.
Selecting the right number of senses based on clustering criterion functions

This paper describes an unsupervised knowledge-lean methodology for automatically determining the number of senses in which an ambiguous word is used in a large corpus. It is based on the use of global criterion functions that assess the quality of a clustering solution.
The determination of the optical properties of airborne particle emissions from diesel vehicles

The optical properties of diesel exhaust particulate emissions have been determined, using a number of techniques including photoacoustic spectroscopy and light extinction methods, in the laboratory and in an on-road setting. In the visible spectral region it is found that (1) light absorption accounts for most (∼ 3/4) of the light extinction and that (2) light absorption and total light extinction are caused primarily by elemental carbon. The mass-specific light absorption and light extinction coefficients can vary among vehicles by as much as a factor of 3 because of variation in the amount of the (transparent) organic component. The mass-specific absorption coefficient of the elemental carbon component is 9.8 ± 1.5 m2/g at λ = 0.50 nm.
SU-FF-T-253: Use of a Commercial Linac QA Device for RapidArc Routine Quality Assurance

Purpose: Intensity modulated arc therapy is entering clinical use; however, quality assurance standards for this technology are still evolving. We investigated the QA BeamChecker Plus (Standard Imaging, Madison, WI) linear accelerator QA tool, for use with RapidArc (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA). Method and Materials: The QA BeamChecker Plus (BC+) is comprised of 5 parallel plate ionization chambers embedded within buildup material. One of the chambers is located at the center and the remaining 4 are equidistant along orthogonal axes. The device has a rotational mode for use with helical tomotherapy. We obtained a CT of the device, contoured the ionization chambers and two phantom avoidance regions, and optimized a RapidArc treatment plan to deliver a uniform dose to each of the chambers. The dose to the avoidance regions was constrained to produce significant gantry and dose rate modulation. The plan was delivered to the BC+ in rotational mode 11 times over 6 days. To monitor the machine output independent of RapidArc, a static reference field was also delivered. The treatment table has movable support rails that have non‐negligible attenuation, so the plan was always delivered with the rails in the center. Results: The standard deviation of the center detector for the static field was 0.1%. The mean difference for all 5 detectors was 0.0%, with a standard deviation of 0.2%. The range was −0.5% to 0.5%. If the rails are not in the center, dose measurements change by up to 5%. Conclusion: The BC+ can be used to verify consistent RapidArc delivery for daily system QA. Future work is necessary to evaluate the types of errors that the BC+ can identify. Conflict of Interest: Research sponsored by Standard Imaging.
Diet, Inflammation, and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes: An Integrative Review of the Literature

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing national health problem affecting 35% of adults ≥20 years of age in the United States. Recently, diabetes has been categorized as an inflammatory disease, sharing many of the adverse outcomes as those reported from cardiovascular disease. Medical nutrition therapy is recommended for the treatment of diabetes; however, these recommendations have not been updated to target the inflammatory component, which can be affected by diet and lifestyle. To assess the current state of evidence for which dietary programs contain the most anti-inflammatory and glycemic control properties for patients with T2D, we conducted an integrative review of the literature. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from January 2000 to May 2012 yielded 786 articles. The final 16 studies met the selection criteria including randomized control trials, quasiexperimental, or cross-sectional studies that compared varying diets and measured inflammatory markers. The Mediterranean and DASH diets along with several low-fat diets were associated with lower inflammatory markers. The Mediterranean diet demonstrated the most clinically significant reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)). Information on best dietary guidelines for inflammation and glycemic control in individuals with T2D is lacking. Continued research is warranted.
Hyperalgesia induced by altered glycinergic activity at the spinal cord

Glycine or its receptor antagonist, strychnine, were administered perispinally to investigate their effect on nociceptive responses elicited by activation of various cutaneous receptors. Strychnine produced dose-dependent sensory and motor disturbances; 1 and 5 micrograms doses were sub-convulsive, eliciting recurrent episodes of coordinated grooming, scratching and biting at the skin, which persisted for approximately 10 minutes post-injection; higher doses (25 and 100 micrograms) increased the intensity and duration of these effects, and produced convulsive motor seizures. Motor disturbances were not elicited by glycine (5, 25, 100 and 400 micrograms). Strychnine treated rats, at all doses, vocalized consistently in response to light cutaneous stimulation; a significant proportion of glycine treated rats also vocalized, but were not as sensitive to mild stimulation. Skin hyperalgesia persisted for at least 30 minutes in both strychnine and glycine treated rats. Both strychnine and glycine significantly reduced vocalization thresholds to tail shock. However, no clear effect on tail flick latency was observed following either strychnine or glycine. These results indicate that glycinergic neurons contribute to the tonic regulation of nociceptive input at the spinal cord.
Studies on the reaction of N-acetyl-phenylalanyl-tRNA with puromycin

Abstract The effect of poly U on the ribosome dependent reaction of N -acetyl-phe-tRNA with puromycin has been investigated using an extraction procedure to assay for the production of the puromycin peptide. At 20 or 30 m m Mg the formation of a puromycin product did not require poly U, but poly U stimulated the reaction at 10 m m Mg, and was required along with initiation factors and GTP at 6 m m Mg. At 20 m m Mg, the soluble transfer factor G and GTP stimulated the reaction 3-fold, but only in the presence of poly U.
Novel computational analysis of protein binding array data identifies direct targets of Nkx2.2 in the pancreas.

Background: The creation of a complete genome-wide map of transcription factor binding sites is essential for understanding gene regulatory networks in vivo. However, current prediction methods generally rely on statistical models that imperfectly model transcription factor binding. Generation of new prediction methods that are based on protein binding data, but do not rely on these models may improve prediction sensitivity and specificity. Results: We propose a method for predicting transcription factor binding sites in the genome by directly mapping data generated from protein binding microarrays (PBM) to the genome and calculating a moving average of several overlapping octamers. Using this unique algorithm, we predicted binding sites for the essential pancreatic islet transcription factor Nkx2.2 in the mouse genome and confirmed >90% of the tested sites by EMSA and ChIP. Scores generated from this method more accurately predicted relative binding affinity than PWM based methods. We have also identified an alternative core sequence recognized by the Nkx2.2 homeodomain. Furthermore, we have shown that this method correctly identified binding sites in the promoters of two critical pancreatic islet βcell genes, NeuroD1 and insulin2, that were not predicted by traditional methods. Finally, we show evidence that the algorithm can also be applied to predict binding sites for the nuclear receptor Hnf4a. Conclusions: PBM-mapping is an accurate method for predicting Nkx2.2 binding sites and may be widely applicable for the creation of genome-wide maps of transcription factor binding sites.
Who shares? Who doesn't?: bibliometric factors associated with open archiving of biomedical datasets

Many initiatives encourage investigators to share their raw research datasets in pursuit of increased research quality and efficiency. Despite these investments of time and money, we do not yet understand the impact of these initiatives. In this study, I use bibliometric methods to understand the prevalence and patterns with which investigators publicly share their raw gene expression microarray datasets after study publication. Automated methods were used to identify 11,603 published studies that created gene expression microarray data. At least 25% of these studies have datasets in one of the two predominant public databases for microarray data, increasing from 5% in 2001 to 35% in 2009. Fifteen factors that described authorship, funding, institution, publication, and domain environments were derived from 124 article attributes. Most factors associated with the prevalence of data sharing (p<0.01). In particular, publishing in a journal with a relatively strong data sharing policy, receiving funding from many NIH grants, publishing in an open access journal, and having prior experience sharing gene expression data were associated with the highest data sharing rates. In contrast, increased first author age and experience, having no experience reusing data, and studying cancer and human subjects were associated with the lowest data sharing rates. In second-order factor analysis, previously sharing gene expression microarray data was most positively associated with high data sharing rates, whereas publishing a study on cancer or human subjects was strongly associated with a negative probability of data sharing. I hope these methods and results will contribute to a deeper understanding of data sharing behavior and eventually more effective data sharing initiatives.
Diagnostic errors using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire with a mixed clinical population.

Abstract The validity of the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) was evaluated using two criteria: clinical diagnosis and neuropsychological diagnosis. The 40 study participants represented a mixed clinical sample of neurologic and psychiatric patients, all of whom were or had been inpatients. Laboratory data (CT, EEG, etc.) were available for 45% of the patients. Neuropsychological diagnosis of organic impairment was based on an extensive test battery. The SPMSQ did not significantly relate to either clinical or neuropsychological diagnosis. It is recommended that a "normal" score on the SPMSQ be regarded as nonspecific regarding organic cognitive impairment rather than suggestive of normal brain functioning.
Sex Bias, Ethnocentrism, and Myth Building in Anthropology: The Case of Universal Male Dominance

Currently flourishing comparative studies of and by women have raised challenging questions for anthropological research and theory building. Although male bias has been widely discussed, other sources of bias are also seen to be at work, and their effects, it is argued, are not limited to research concerning the position of women. Myth building, instead of the construction of scientific theories, may result. The theory of a universal male dominance is used to illustrate this point.
Deaths averted by influenza vaccination in the U.S. during the seasons 2005/06 through 2013/14.

Abstract Background Excess mortality due to seasonal influenza is substantial, yet quantitative estimates of the benefit of annual vaccination programs on influenza-associated mortality are lacking. Methods We estimated the numbers of deaths averted by vaccination in four age groups (0.5 to 4, 5 to 19, 20 to 64 and ≥65 yrs.) for the nine influenza seasons from 2005/6 through 2013/14. These estimates were obtained using a Monte Carlo approach applied to weekly U.S. age group-specific estimates of influenza-associated excess mortality, monthly vaccination coverage estimates and summary seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness estimates to obtain estimates of the number of deaths averted by vaccination. The estimates are conservative as they do not include indirect vaccination effects. Results From August, 2005 through June, 2014, we estimated that 40,127 (95% confidence interval [CI] 25,694 to 59,210) deaths were averted by influenza vaccination. We found that of all studied seasons the most deaths were averted by influenza vaccination during the 2012/13 season (9398; 95% CI 2,386 to 19,897) and the fewest during the 2009/10 pandemic (222; 95% CI 79 to 347). Of all influenza-associated deaths averted, 88.9% (95% CI 83 to 92.5%) were in people ≥65 yrs. old. Conclusions The estimated number of deaths averted by the US annual influenza vaccination program is considerable, especially among elderly adults and even when vaccine effectiveness is modest, such as in the 2012/13 season. As indirect effects (“herd immunity”) of vaccination are ignored, these estimates represent lower bound estimates and are thus conservative given valid excess mortality estimates
Decay of 89Zr and 89mZr and levels of 89Y

Abstract The decay of the 89 Zr isomers has been restudied using Ge(Li) detectors. We observed gamma rays from the 78.0 h ground state with energies in keV (and intensities) of 909.2 (100), 1620.8 (0.071), 1657.3 (0.10), 1712.9 (0.77) and 1744.5 (0.12). Gamma ray energies (and intensities) observed from the decay of 4.16 min 89m Zr are 587.8 (100) and 1507.4 (7.19).
High-resolution extracellular stimulation of dispersed hippocampal culture with high-density CMOS multielectrode array based on non-Faradaic electrodes

We introduce a method to electrically stimulate individual neurons at single-cell resolution in arbitrary spatiotemporal patterns with precise control over stimulation thresholds. By exploiting a custom microelectronic chip, up to 65000 non-Faradaic electrodes can be uniquely addressed with electrode density exceeding 6500 electrodes mm −2 . We demonstrate extracellular stimulation of dispersed primary hippocampal neuronal cultures using the chip at single-cell resolution. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Adaptive soft real-time Java within heterogeneous environments

Traditional real-time software development methodologies require full knowledge of the resource capability of target platforms during the development stage. However, such knowledge is not always feasible within heterogeneous environments. Resource heterogeneity offers a new level challenge to real-time software portability, and changes in computing environments make application behavior even more unpredictable. As a consequence, real-time software has to probe dynamically real-time capabilities to adapt itself to different computing environments, and to respond to environment changes. We propose an approach such that the assembly of an application is postponed to execution time so that the application may be customized by gathering real-time capability information from the environments. After the application is launched, it may be finely tuned remotely by an interactive steering environment in response to changes in the computing environment. Finally, an application, the MPEG video player, is used to evaluate this approach under various computing environments.
Self-Assembly of Iron Nanoparticle Arrays

Surfactant-coated spherical iron-based nanoparticles 3.0–9.5 nm in diameter were synthesized and dispersed in hexane. TEM images of dried particle assemblies were taken and analyzed to discover the structure of the assemblies, and to establish the relationship between particle concentration, surfactant type, and conditions of drying and array structure.
Mapping potentially asbestos-bearing rocks using imaging spectroscopy

Rock and soil that may contain naturally occurring asbestos (NOA), a known human carcinogen, were mapped in the Sierra Nevada, California, using the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) to determine if these materials could be uniquely identified with spectroscopy. Such information can be used to prepare or refine maps of areas that may contain minerals that can be asbestiform, such as serpentine and tremolite-actinolite, which were the focus of this study. Although thick vegetation can conceal underlying rock and soil, use of linear-mixture spectra calculated from spectra of dry grass and serpentine allowed detection of serpentine in some parts of the study area with up to ~80% dry-grass cover. Chaparral vegetation, which was dominantly, but not exclusively, found in areas underlain by serpentinized ultramafic rocks, was also mapped. Overall, field checking at 201 sites indicated highly accurate identification by AVIRIS of mineral (94%) and vegetation (89%) categories. Practical applications of AVIRIS to mapping areas that may contain NOA include locating roads that are surfaced with serpentine aggregate, identifying sites that may require enhanced dust control or other safety measures, and filling gaps in geologic mapping where field access is limited.
Fiber-optic sensing of pressure and temperature

The use of a fiber-optic Mach-Zehnder interferometer to measure differences in temperature or pressure between two single-mode fiber arms is described. Temperature or pressure changes are observed as a motion of an optical interference fringe pattern. Values are calculated for the pressure and temperature dependence of the fringe motion. Pressure and temperature measurements are made with the interferometer, and the experimental values for sensitivity are in good agreement with those calculated.
Optimizing JPEG2000 Still Image Encoding on the Cell Broadband Engine

JPEG2000 is the latest still image coding standard from the JPEG committee, which adopts new algorithms such as embedded block coding with optimized truncation (EBCOT) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT). These algorithms enable superior coding performance over JPEG and support various new features at the cost of the increased computational complexity. The Sony-Toshiba-IBM cell broadband engine (or the Cell/B.E.) is a heterogeneous multicore architecture with SIMD accelerators. In this work, we optimize the computationally intensive algorithmic kernels of JPEG2000 for the Cell/B.E. and also introduce a novel data decomposition scheme to achieve high performance with low programming complexity. We compare the Cell/B.E.'s performance to the performance of the Intel Pentium IV 3.2 GHz processor. The Cell/B.E. demonstrates 3.2 times higher performance for lossless encoding and 2.7 times higher performance for lossy encoding. For the DWT, the Cell/B.E. outperforms the Pentium IV processor by 9.1 times for the lossless case and 15 times for the lossy case. We also provide the experimental results on one IBM QS20 blade with two Cell/B.E. chips and the performance comparison with the existing JPEG2000 encoder for the Cell/B.E.
Tomographic molecular imaging of x-ray-excitable nanoparticles

X-ray luminescence computed tomography (XLCT) is proposed as a new dual molecular/anatomical imaging modality. XLCT is based on the selective excitation and optical detection of x-ray-excitable nanoparticles. As a proof of concept, we built a prototype XLCT system and imaged near-IR-emitting Gd(2)O(2)S:Eu phosphors in various phantoms. Imaging in an optically diffusive medium shows that imaging performance is not affected by optical scatter; furthermore, the linear response of the reconstructed images suggests that XLCT is capable of quantitative imaging.
The effects of radial shock waves on the metabolism of equine cartilage explants in vitro.

Abstract AIM: To investigate, in vitro, the effects of radial shock waves on the release of nitric oxide (NO) and synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG), and liberation of GAG, from equine articular cartilage explants. METHODS: Equine cartilage from normal metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints was exposed to radial shock waves at various impulse doses and then maintained as explants in culture for 48 h. Shock waves were delivered at 1,876 Torr pressure and a frequency of 10 Hz. Treatment groups consisted of a negative control group, or application of 500, 2,000, or 4,000 impulses by use of either a convex handpiece (Group A) or concave handpiece (Group B). Synthesis of GAG was measured using incorporation of 35S-labelled sodium sulphate. Additionally, the synthesis of NO and PGE2, and content of GAG of the explants and media were determined. RESULTS: No significant effects (p>0.05) of radial shock-wave treatment were evident on the synthesis of NO or PGE2, or release...
Effects of Milk Storage Duration on Various Tests for Abnormal Milk

Abstract The influence of age of Schiff's reagent on the response of the Feulgen-DNA mastitis test was determined in an initial experiment. The average reflectance Feulgen-DNA values were always higher (indicating less DNA) in aged than in fresh Schiff's reagents, and this difference usually increased with each increase in age of the reagents. The Schiff's reagent should be discarded after 2 wk, when the color intensity is determined by reflectance spectrophotometry, or after 3–4 wk when the color is scored against a Standard color chart. The pH, California Mastitis Test (CMT), Milk Quality Test (MQT), Michigan Mastitis Test (MMT), catalase test, and reflectance Feulgen-DNA test values were determined on 40 milk samples after zero, one, two, three, and four days of storage. The CMT, MQT, and MMT gelation tests declined 0.5, 0.6, and 0.5 of a score, respectively, between Days zero and four. The pH, catalase, and reflectance Feulgen-DNA values were unaffected by the four-day storage period.
Results on principal component filter banks: colored noise suppression and existence issues

We have made explicit the precise connection between the optimization of orthonormal filter banks (FBs) and the principal component property: the principal component filter bank (PCFB) is optimal whenever the minimization objective is a concave function of the subband variances of the FB. This explains PCFB optimality for compression, progressive transmission, and various hitherto unnoticed white-noise, suppression applications such as subband Wiener filtering. The present work examines the nature of the FB optimization problems for such schemes when PCFBs do not exist. Using the geometry of the optimization search spaces, we explain exactly why these problems are usually analytically intractable. We show the relation between compaction filter design (i.e., variance maximization) and optimum FBs. A sequential maximization of subband variances produces a PCFB if one exists, but is otherwise suboptimal for several concave objectives. We then study PCFB optimality for colored noise suppression. Unlike the case when the noise is white, here the minimization objective is a function of both the signal and the noise subband variances. We show that for the transform coder class, if a common signal and noise PCFB (KLT) exists, it is, optimal for a large class of concave objectives. Common PCFBs for general FB classes have a considerably more restricted optimality, as we show using the class of unconstrained orthonormal FBs. For this class, we also show how to find an optimum FB when the signal and noise spectra are both piecewise constant with all discontinuities at rational multiples of /spl pi/.
A likelihood-based approach to mixed modeling with ambiguity in cluster identifiers

SUMMARY This manuscript describes a novel, linear mixed-effects model–fitting technique for the setting in which correlated data indicators are not completely observed. Mixed modeling is a useful analytical tool for characterizing genotype–phenotype associations among multiple potentially informative genetic loci. This approach involves grouping individuals into genetic clusters, where individuals in the same cluster have similar or identical multilocus genotypes. In haplotype-based investigations of unrelated individuals, corresponding cluster assignments are unobservable since the alignment of alleles within chromosomal copies is not generally observed. We derive an expectation conditional maximization approach to estimation in the mixed modeling setting, where cluster assignments are ambiguous. The approach has broad relevance to the analysis of data with missing correlated data identifiers. An example is provided based on data arising from a cohort of human immunodeficiency virus type-1–infected individuals at risk for antiretroviral therapy–associated dyslipidemia.
Iconicity can ground the creation of vocal symbols.

Studies of gestural communication systems find that they originate from spontaneously created iconic gestures. Yet, we know little about how people create vocal communication systems, and many have suggested that vocalizations do not afford iconicity beyond trivial instances of onomatopoeia. It is unknown whether people can generate vocal communication systems through a process of iconic creation similar to gestural systems. Here, we examine the creation and development of a rudimentary vocal symbol system in a laboratory setting. Pairs of participants generated novel vocalizations for 18 different meanings in an iterative ‘vocal’ charades communication game. The communicators quickly converged on stable vocalizations, and naive listeners could correctly infer their meanings in subsequent playback experiments. People's ability to guess the meanings of these novel vocalizations was predicted by how close the vocalization was to an iconic ‘meaning template’ we derived from the production data. These results strongly suggest that the meaningfulness of these vocalizations derived from iconicity. Our findings illuminate a mechanism by which iconicity can ground the creation of vocal symbols, analogous to the function of iconicity in gestural communication systems.
Complications of Therapy

Primary brain tumors are typically treated with a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. While currently available treatments can be combined in countless ways and many new potential treatments are in various stages of development, there are relatively few regimens with proven efficacy against primary brain tumors of any type. The widespread use of these treatments means that clinicians are likely to encounter even rare side effects, making the evaluation and management of therapy-related toxicities a vital part of clinical practice. Chemotherapy complications tend to be acute and range in severity from mild and self-limiting to life-threatening.
Regulation of prostaglandin metabolism by selenium and its possible role in anticancer activity in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 3050 Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandins (PGs) have been proposed to be associated with the development of several types of cancer, including prostate cancer. PGs can promote tumor cell growth by activating signaling pathways controlling cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. COX-2 is a key enzyme for synthesis of PGs, while 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) is an enzyme initiating catabolism of PGs. Studies have demonstrated that selenium is a promising chemopreventive agent against prostate cancer and recent reports suggest that COX-2 may be a target of Se. In this study, we investigated short- and long-term effects of selenite and selenomethionine (SeMet) on COX-2 and 15-PGDH expression, PG levels, and cell growth in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells. For short-term effects, cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of Se for 1 to 3 days. For long-term effects, selenite- or SeMet-adapted LNCaP cells were established from the parental cells after exposure to supplemental selenite or SeMet for 6 months. Short-term exposure to selenite showed induction of apoptosis, while short-term exposure to SeMet had no significant cellular effects at the doses tested. Interestingly, selenite-adapted cells showed cell growth inhibition, but a significant decrease in apoptosis, while SeMet-adapted cells showed a significant increase in cell growth inhibition. Both selenite and SeMet down-regulated protein levels of COX-2 and up-regulated protein levels of 15-PGDH. Levels of prostaglandin E2 in conditioned media were decreased in Se-adapted cells. Se suppressed the stimulatory effect of PGs on cancer cell growth. After removal of Se from media, cancer cell growth increased in association with increased COX-2 and decreased 15-PGDH expression. Decreased mRNA expression of COX-2 and increased mRNA and protein expression of 15-PGDH were also detected in orthotopic tumor grafts of LNCaP cells implanted in the prostate of athymic nude mice following dietary supplementation with 5 ppm selenite for 3 months. Our results suggest that selenium may exert its anticancer activity, at least in part, by inhibition of COX-2 and PG synthesis in prostate cancer cells. (Supported by the Office of Research and Development, Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development Service, Department of Veterans Affairs and NIH grant CA114281)
Computational studies of plasma lipoprotein lipids.

Plasma lipoproteins are macromolecular assemblies of proteins and lipids found in the blood. The lipid components of lipoproteins are amphipathic lipids such as phospholipids (PLs), and unesterified cholesterols (UCs) and hydrophobic lipids such as cholesteryl esters (CEs) and triglycerides (TGs). Since lipoproteins are soft matter supramolecular assemblies easily deformable by thermal fluctuations and they also exist in varying densities and protein/lipid components, a detailed understanding of their structure/function is experimentally difficult. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation has emerged as a particularly promising way to explore the structure and dynamics of lipoproteins. The purpose of this review is to survey the current status of computational studies of the lipid components of the lipoproteins. Computational studies aim to explore three levels of complexity for the 3-dimensional structural dynamics of lipoproteins at various metabolic stages: (i) lipoprotein particles consist of protein with minimal lipid; (ii) lipoprotein particles consist of PL-rich discoidal bilayer-like lipid particles; (iii) mature circulating lipoprotein particles consist of CE-rich or TG-rich spheroidal lipid-droplet-like particles. Due to energy barriers involved in conversion between these species, other biomolecules also participate in lipoprotein biological assembly. For example: (i) lipid-poor apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) interacts with ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) to produce nascent discoidal high density lipoprotein (dHDL) particles; (ii) lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) mediates the conversion of UC to CE in dHDL, driving spheroidal HDL (sHDL) formation; (iii) transfer proteins, cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) and phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), transfer both CE and TG and PL, respectively, between lipoprotein particles. Computational studies have the potential to explore different lipoprotein particles at each metabolic stage in atomistic detail. This review discusses the current status of computational methods including all-atom MD (AAMD), coarse-grain MD (CGMD), and MD-simulated annealing (MDSA) and their applications in lipoprotein structural dynamics and biological assemblies. Results from MD simulations are discussed and compared across studies in order to identify key findings, controversies, issues and future directions. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Biosimulations edited by Ilpo Vattulainen and Tomasz Rog.
Audience Currencies in the Age of Big Data

ABSTRACTAudience ratings data have long occupied the attention of marketers and media managers. These are the “currencies” that support the operation of commercial media. Today, metrics can be derived from many large datasets, raising the possibility that new kinds of currencies might emerge. We argue that data on exposure are the most likely to support currencies, and that these might well go beyond traditional measures of audience size and composition. We explore the relationship between the most plausible contenders for audience currencies: size and engagement as measured by time spent. Contrary to the “Law of Double Jeopardy,” we find these metrics to be uncorrelated in an online environment, suggesting that each might have a role to play as a currency. We conclude with a discussion of how the political economy of audience measurement is likely to affect audience currencies in the age of big data.
Application of Combined Terminal Box in Electric Metering

During measurement of electric energy,current,voltage and power factors,the adoption of combined terminal box is characterized by advantages like equipment saving,simplification of operation,convenience of test and measurement correctness.The paper expounds the application of combined terminal box.The combined terminal box is further improved.The use of maloperation prevention cover can stop wiring mistakes and ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.
Analysis on Prescriptions of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Our Hospital in 2009

Objective:To analyze the utilization of traditional Chinese medicine in Dalian Children's Hospital in 2009.Methods:Prescriptions of Traditional Chinese Medicine prescribed in 2009 were investigated,and the data of medication was classified and statistically analyzed.Results:The herbs frequently used were limited,including Epimedium,Radix Glycyrrhizae,Zingiber and Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome,etc.Invigorant medicines were used more than others.Conclusions:Prescription analysis on traditional Chinese medicine is helpful in planning purchase and rational clinical medication.
Ron R. Kopito: Unfolding the Secrets of Protein Aggregation.

Today the mechanism of protein aggregation is an intensely investigated subject in cell biology. We know that protein aggregation can occur due to a variety of causes including mutations in proteins easily misfolded or disruption of components of protein homeostasis machinery such as chaperones or components of the ubiquitin⿿proteasome system. Moreover, these aggregates are known to increase with age and to be associated with a variety of neurodegenerative disease. But not long ago, our understanding of the fate and function of protein aggregates in cells remained a mystery.
Simple is Good: Observations of Visualization Use Amongst the Big Data Digerati

While modern information visualization (IV) has been around for several decades, the inventions of IV seem to be peripheral to the everyday work in companies that would seem to be the most likely to use these inventions. In this case study, Google uses very few IV tools, relying mostly on more traditional ways of looking at data and data relationships. What has brought about this state of affairs? An analysis shows that the basic causes of low adoption are (a) difficulty of data wrangling and sharing the work products of analysis, (b) the need to share a common visual language literacy across different parts of the organization, (c) problems in using IV tools to communicate and present complex data analyses. At the same time, IV technology is found to be more useful in the investigation phase of research, rather than for communication and presentation reasons.
Assessment of a Statewide Palliative Care Team Training Course: COMFORT Communication for Palliative Care Teams.

Abstract Background: Despite increased attention to communication skill training in palliative care, few interprofessional training programs are available and little is known about the impact of such training. Objective: This study evaluated a communication curriculum offered to interprofessional palliative care teams and examined the longitudinal impact of training. Methods: Interprofessional, hospital-based palliative care team members were competitively selected to participate in a two-day training using the COMFORTTM SM (Communication, Orientation and options, Mindful communication, Family, Openings, Relating, Team) Communication for Palliative Care Teams curriculum. Course evaluation and goal assessment were tracked at six and nine months postcourse. Interprofessional palliative care team members (n = 58) representing 29 teams attended the course and completed course goals. Participants included 28 nurses, 16 social workers, 8 physicians, 5 chaplains, and one psychologist. Precourse surveys assessed ...
Characterization of the MDCK cell line for screening neurotoxicants.

The adoption of cell culture models to screen putative neurotoxicants is recognized in view of the consequences of nerve damage by environmental chemicals. Developing cell culture models that mimic certain properties of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) would be especially useful in view of the barrier's strategic role in the neurotoxic process. The present study evaluates a kidney epithelial cell line for its functional and enzymatic resemblance to cerebral endothelial cells. Madin-Darby canine kidney (i.e., MDCK) cells display morphological (i.e., ultrastructurally defined tight junctions), enzymatic (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, superoxide dismutase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase), and antigenic cell markers (i.e., Factor VIII), also found in cerebral endothelial cells. In addition, MDCK cells develop electrical resistance which is increased in response to conditioned media from astroglial cell lines (i.e., C6). These results suggest that the MDCK cell line might be useful for identifying neurotoxic chemicals that affect BBB integrity through similar endpoints.
The New Responsibility: Measuring and Reporting on Quality

The public seems to want at least two things from providers--to take responsibility for the quality of care provided and to demonstrate a commitment to correcting deficiencies and seeking improvement. But can a single information system do both?
Immunologic Outcomes of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: Graft-Versus-Host and Graft-Versus-Leukemia Responses and Implications for Future Therapy

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is a procedure with the potential to cure many malignant and nonmalignant diseases. The adoptive transfer of a donor immune system into a transplant recipient can result in allorecognition and reactivity of donor immune cells against host target tissues. This can lead to an immune attack against normal tissues in the recipient (graft-versus-host disease, GVHD) but also against the neoplastic cells themselves (graft-versus-tumor effect, GVT). While GVHD has long been recognized as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after allo-HCT, there has been little progress in advancing the standards of care for GVHD prophylaxis and therapy, which have remain unchanged for more than two decades. Given the more recent recognition that much of the curative benefit of allo-HCT results from the GVT effect, rather than from the cytoreductive effects of conditioning chemotherapy, multiple strategies to take advantage of the GVT effect that aim to limit morbidity and mortality due to GVHD are under investigation, including cellular therapies employing the use of native or engineered graft populations enriched for antitumor responses, and employing donor lymphocyte infusions. Another critical question is how strategies to prevent and/or treat GVHD may be designed to limit the suppression of beneficial T cell responses against pathogens critical to limiting infections in the post-HCT setting. Research in murine models and human subjects has uncovered a great deal regarding the mechanisms of GVHD initiation and persistence, including clinical factors and graft constituents responsible for the acute and chronic forms of GVHD. A variety of cellular mediators, from antigen-presenting cells to effectors, including alloreactive T cells and B cells, have been characterized. Regulatory populations, including CD4+ regulatory T cells and invariant NKT cells, have also been shown to be capable of ameliorating GVHD intensity and survival in model systems. Given this clearer understanding of GVHD pathophysiology, a variety of novel clinical strategies are in development, from those utilizing classical inhibitors of T cell reactivity, to monoclonal antibody therapies to more novel approaches targeting specific signaling pathways in T cells and other mediators of inflammation. Recent meaningful progress has also been made in approaches using adoptive cellular therapies to decrease GVHD while maintaining or specifically augmenting GVT responses. These strategies bring promise for a future wherein more patients can receive allo-HCT for both malignant and nonmalignant diseases, with reduced rates of complications and improved overall survival.
Linking the Success of Phragmites to the Alteration of Ecosystem Nutrient Cycles

In the United States, Phragmites australis is often viewed as a pest species because it forms monocultures that dominate a site for longer time scales than other wetland plants and because it decreases biodiversity. While research has shown that Phragmites is successful in tidal marshes where it tolerates the effects of prolonged flooding and salinity, to date there is little evidence of its influence on ecosystem-level processes. We review the literature and suggest future areas of research by regarding the specific question of whether Phragmites can dominate a site through its ability to control the cycling of limiting nutrients. Phragmites sequesters nutrients in standing live and dead biomass that either accumulates in the soil or is removed from the system by tidal flushing. Phragmites reduces light and temperature under its dense growth that decreases decomposition rates and immobilizes nutrients in long-term storage pools. Phragmites outcompetes other species for increased nutrient inputs from various anthropogenic sources. We focus in particular on two possible mechanisms which may be related to Phragmites success: Phragmites immobilizes nitrogen into forms (e.g., DON) which cannot be utilized by other species; and/or Phragmites accumulates Si and/or Al which immobilize P making it unavailable to other plants. Identifying the relative importance of these mechanisms to Phragmites expansion could assist the development of successful wetland restoration and management plans.
Acceptance: The Ultimate Release

The most difficult part of my entire ordeal was to accept Marty’s degeneration. It was happening and I couldn’t deny it. I had almost gone through all of Dr. Kubler-Ross’ emotional stages of grieving: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The acceptance aspect I was still working on.