cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility patterns of multiple rapid swallows during high resolution esophageal manometry provide insights into esophageal pathophysiology.

Background Multiple rapid swallows (MRS) during esophageal high resolution manometry (HRM) assess esophageal neuromuscular integrity by evaluating postdeglutitive inhibition and rebound contraction, but most reports performed only a single MRS sequence. We assessed patterns of MRS reproducibility during clinical HRM in comparison to a normal cohort. Methods Consecutive clinical HRM studies were included if two separate MRS sequences (four to six rapid swallows ≤4 s apart) were successfully performed. Chicago Classification diagnoses were identified; contraction wave abnormalities were additionally recorded. MRS-induced inhibition (contraction ≤3 cm during inhibition phase) and rebound contraction was assessed, and findings compared to 18 controls (28.0 ± 0.7 year, 50.0% female). Reproducibility consisted of similar inhibition and contraction responses with both sequences; discordance was segregated into inhibition and contraction phases. Key Results Multiple rapid swallows were successfully performed in 89.3% patients and all controls; 225 subjects (56.2 ± 0.9 year, 62.7% female) met study inclusion criteria. Multiple rapid swallows were reproducible in 76.9% patients and 94.4% controls (inhibition phase: 88.0% vs 94.4%, contraction phase 86.7% vs 100%, respectively, p = ns). A gradient of reproducibility was noted, highest in well-developed motor disorders (achalasia spectrum, hypermotility disorders, and aperistalsis, 91.7–100%, p = ns compared to controls); and lower in lesser motor disorders (contraction wave abnormalities, esophageal body hypomotility) or normal studies (62.2–70.8%, p < 0.0001 compared to well-developed motor disorders). Inhibition phase was most discordant in contraction wave abnormalities, while contraction phase was most discordant when studies were designated normal. Conclusions & Inferences Multiple rapid swallows are highly reproducible, especially in well-developed motor disorders, and complement the standard wet swallow manometry protocol.
Personal Characteristics of the Ideal African American Marriage Partner: A Survey of Adult Black Men and Women

This article presents the results from a survey of 344 African American adults concerning the personal characteristics they desire in their ideal marriage partner. The findings indicate that both African American men and women seek well-educated, financially stable, monogamous, and affluent partners who are spiritual, religious, self-confident, and reliable. The most significant finding is that respondents want ideal marriage partners who earn significantly more than they do, gender notwithstanding. In addition, respondents' income and gender significantly predict the differential between their incomes and their ideal partners. It appears as though respondents seek ideal marriage partners with incomes that will move them squarely into the middle class. Future studies should use larger and more representative samples, and include variables such as criminal history, skin shade, and physical characteristics in their analyses.
ASYMMETRY IN COMMUNITY REGULATION: EFFECTS OF PREDATORS AND PRODUCTIVITY

Eutrophication and predator additions and extinctions are occurring in ecosystems worldwide. Although theory predicts that both will strongly alter the distribution of biomass in whole communities, empirical evidence has not been consolidated to quantitatively determine whether these theoretical predictions are generally borne out in real ecosystems. Here we analyze data from two types of trophic cascade studies, predator removals in factorial combination with fertilization and observed productivity gradients, to assess the role of top-down and bottom-up forces in structuring multi-trophic communities and compare results from these analyses to those from an extensive database of trophic cascade studies. We find that herbivore biomass declines and plant biomass increases in the presence of predators, regardless of system productivity. In contrast, while plants are increased by fertilization, this effect does not significantly increase herbivores in either the presence or absence of predators. These patterns are consistent among marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems and are largely independent of study size and duration. Thus, top-down effects of predation are transferred through more trophic levels than are bottom-up effects of eutrophication, showing strong asymmetry in the direction of control of biomass distribution in communities.
THE ENDOCEINAL ORIGIN OF PRIMARY DYSMENORRHOEA AND ITS HORMONAL TREATMENT

Primary dysmenorrhoea is truly spoken of as one of the “bugbears” of gynecology. Many theories as to its etiology, mechanical obstruction, acute uterine anteflexion, hypoplasia of the uterus, psychogenie and constitutional disturbances, have been advanced, refuted and discarded. The most important cause of primary dysmenorrhoea, and the one dealt with extensively in this paper, is endocrine imbalance. Undoubtedly the immediate and actual cause of the pelvic cramps and pain is the spasmodic contraction of the uterine muscle; the very nature of the pain suggests this as the cause. Only recently has uterine contractility been investigated; Knaus in Austria and Reynolds in this country have been the main investigators. The latter studied the uterine contractions of experimental animals in the unanaesthetized condition. The advantage of this is obvious in view of the recognized influence of practically all forms of anaesthesia on uterine motility. Through an abdominal incision in rabbits, Reynolds cut across t...
Changing the national past: re-creating the democratic Polish nation after 1989

. Poland provides a critical example for studying how national identity is transformed to fit new domestic and global circumstances. While Poles must re-identify themselves as a democratic nation, they have a choice of whether to incorporate aspects of the communist experience or to ignore it and draw solely from other historical sources. A comparison of holiday newspaper articles from before and after 1989 provides an opportunity to observe this process through the lens of national commemoration. This review shows that themes of national identity are influenced by political context and their potential to unify without contestation. In addition, while the communist period remained a salient unifying historical experience for Poles, democratic values did not act as a unifying theme during the first ten years of Polish democracy.
ATTENUATED RENAL VASCULAR RESPONSES TO ACUTE ANGIOTENSIN II INFUSION IN SMOOTH MUSCLE-SPECIFIC Na+/Ca2+ EXCHANGER KNOCKOUT MICE

Recent studies in smooth muscle-specific Na+/Ca2+ exchanger-1 knockout (NCX1sm−/−) mice reveal reduced arterial pressure and impaired myogenic responses compared with heterozygous littermates. In t...
Quick Fixes in Corrections: Reconsidering Private and Public For-Profit Facilities

This article focuses on some of the theoretical and practical issues involved with public proprietary correctional facilities as compared to private proprietary facilities as they are operated in C...
Stomatococcus mucilaginosus in patients with bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a debilitating, airways disease characterized by a vicious cycle of inflammation and bacterial colonization. Infections contribute to development of recurrent exacerbations and premature death. We found that 9% of patients with bronchiectasis were colonized with Stomatococcus mucilaginosa (SM), in their lower respiratory tract as determined from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). SM is a gram positive human pathogen found in oral cavity which has been reported to cause severe infections in immunocompromised patients. We hypothesized that SM is a low grade pathogen which may predispose individuals with bronchiectasis to other infections such as PA. To define the pathogenic profile of SM we performed in vivo studies in wild type mice. Similar to P.aeruginosa SM induced a neutrophilic influx with production of cytokines and chemokines in the lungs when given intratracheally (10 10 cfu/ml). SM induced COX-2 in the lungs with production of PGE 2 . Furthermore, inhibition of COX-2 with NS-398 (specific inhibitor of COX-2) showed an enhanced clearance of SM with improved survival in mice that were treated with SM and PA103. The induction of COX-2 by SM was TLR2 dependent in vivo. In vitro studies in macrophages showed that treatment of cells with SM (MOI of 100) resulted in induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, enzymes (COX-2) and lipid mediators. Induction of COX-2 and production of PGE 2 in macrophages by SM was dependent on MAP Kinase signaling pathway. In conclusion our data for the first time provide novel insights into the pathogenic role of SM which is often ignored as a contaminant. Our data strongly suggest that SM from lower respiratory tract should not be considered an innocent bystander.
Quantum information processing and metrology with trapped ions

The use of trapped atomic ions in the field of quantum information processing is briefly reviewed. We summarize the basic mechanisms required for logic gates and the use of the gates in demonstrating simple algorithms. We discuss the potential of trapped ions to reach fault-tolerant error levels in a large-scale system, and highlight some of the problems that will be faced in achieving this goal. Possible near-term applications in applied and basic science, such as in metrology and quantum simulation, are briefly discussed.
Evidence from cauliflower mosaic virus virion DNA for additional discontinuities in the plus strand

Two-dimensional electrophoresis of cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) virion DNA and analysis of Southern blots using (+) strand-specific probes to the 5' termini of the beta (5.4 Kb) and alpha (2.6 Kb) strands, revealed the presence of molecules in addition to those predicted from the known structure of CaMV DNA. The presence of 8 Kb molecules of (+) sense after denaturation suggested that a small proportion of circular molecules have only a single discontinuity in the (+) strand. Other molecules, probably 5' coterminal with the beta strand but smaller than 5.4 Kb, indicated that a minority of the circular full length CaMV DNA contain additional gaps in the (+) strand. Consequently, molecules equivalent to the remainder of the beta strand could be identified using a single strand probe for a region towards the 3'-end of the beta strand. Computer analysis of the nucleotide sequence of CaMV DNA in the region of the proposed additional discontinuities revealed regions displaying some homology with the major (+) strand priming sites at the 5' ends of the beta and alpha strands. It is our contention that the additional (+) strand molecules of beta specificity are a consequence of minor (+) strand priming sites.
Calculation of photon density dynamics in random lasers

The dynamics of stimulated emission in random laser is calculated in the model of one-dimensional scattering medium with gain, using the rate equations for density of emitted photon and population inversion.
${\rm MgB}_{2}/{\rm insulator/Pb}$ Josephson Junctions With Different Tunnel Barriers

High quality MgB2/insulator/Pb Josephson tunnel junctions with two different barriers were studied. The junctions were fabricated using MgB2 films grown by hybrid physical-chemical vapor deposition and the barriers were formed at different temperature regions. Both kinds of junctions show clear tunneling characteristics with clear Josephson supercurrent, high IcRN products, and the expected Ic(B) pattern. The junctions with barriers formed at 200 to 450degC have higher IcRN, larger MgB2 pi gap values, thinner barriers and higher barrier heights than the junctions with barriers formed over 700degC. In addition, some intermediate temperature barrier junctions show features due to the sigma gap of MgB2, which were not observed in the high temperature barrier junctions. High device yield indicates that the approaches to form tunnel barriers are promising for device fabrications.
The utilization of humanized mouse models for the study of human retroviral infections

The development of novel techniques and systems to study human infectious diseases in both an in vitro and in vivo settings is always in high demand. Ideally, small animal models are the most efficient method of studying human afflictions. This is especially evident in the study of the human retroviruses, HIV-1 and HTLV-1, in that current simian animal models, though robust, are often expensive and difficult to maintain. Over the past two decades, the construction of humanized animal models through the transplantation and engraftment of human tissues or progenitor cells into immunocompromised mouse strains has allowed for the development of a reconstituted human tissue scaffold in a small animal system. The utilization of small animal models for retroviral studies required expansion of the early CB-17 scid/scid mouse resulting in animals demonstrating improved engraftment efficiency and infectivity. The implantation of uneducated human immune cells and associated tissue provided the basis for the SCID-hu Thy/Liv and hu-PBL-SCID models. Engraftment efficiency of these tissues was further improved through the integration of the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mutation leading to the creation of NODSCID, NOD/Shi-scid IL2rγ-/-, and NOD/SCID β2-microglobulinnull animals. Further efforts at minimizing the response of the innate murine immune system produced the Rag2-/-γc-/- model which marked an important advancement in the use of human CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells. Together, these animal models have revolutionized the investigation of retroviral infections in vivo.
Southwest District Association News

(1949). Southwest District Association News. Journal of the American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation: Vol. 20, No. 4, pp. 257-258.
Health monitoring systems for massive emergency situations

In this project our goal is to create a health monitoring system that can transmit the vital signs of a patient through an ad-hoc wireless sensor network for a mass causality emergency application. The health monitoring device is to be placed on an injured victim during an emergency and act as a sensor node to connect to a wireless ad-hoc network to transmit the patient's vital sign data. The target market for this system is emergency response institutions such as municipal emergency services, city and state EMS and federal emergency services (e.g., FEMA or the National Guard). Most Wireless health monitoring systems targeted home users and we have not found too many systems designed for emergency responses. Therefore, we expect our system to encounter only a small amount of competitions.
An SoC compatible linearity test approach for precision ADCs using easy-to-generate sinusoidal stimuli

Analog and mixed-signal test is identified as one of the most daunting challenges for system-on-a-chip design. The bottleneck of mixed-signal test is the instrumentation of high precision signal generators and response measurement devices. This paper provides a cost-effective solution to the mixed-signal stimuli instead of accurate signals generated by very expensive testers. We take the ADC linearity test as a vehicle to study the performance of the proposed approach. A low-linearity sine wave and an attenuated copy of the sine-wave are used in the histogram test for an ADC. A stimulus error identification and removal algorithm is derived such that the ADC's linearity can be accurately determined without being affected by the sine wave's non-linearity. Simulation results show that 16-bit test accuracy can be achieved by using sine waves with a 38-dB SFDR, corresponding to a 6-bit linearity. This approach is applicable to test fully differential ADCs and extendable to other mixed-signal functions of IC products.
Welfare Evaluations in Contingent Valuation Experiments with Discrete Responses

Since the work of Bishop and Heberlein, a number of contingent valuation experiments have appeared involving discrete responses which are analyzed by logit or similar techniques. This paper addresses the issues of how the logit models should be formulated to be consistent with the hypothesis of utility maximization and how measures of compensating and equivalent surplus should be derived from the fitted models. Two distinct types of welfare measures are introduced and then estimated from Bishop and Heberlein's data.
A new transition radiation detector to detect heavy nuclei around the knee

The overall cosmic ray intensity spectrum falls as a constant power law over at least 11 decades of particle energy. One of the only features in this spectrum is the slight change in power law index near 10 15 eV, often called the knee of the spectrum. Accurate measurements of cosmic ray elemental abundances into this energy region are expected to reveal the origin of this feature, and possibly the nature of cosmic ray sources. The extremely low intensity of particles at these energies (a few per m 2 per year) makes the detection challenging. Since only direct measurements have so far proved reliable for the accurate determination of elemental composition, a large-area, light weight, device is needed to achieve long exposures above the atmosphere either on high altitude balloons or spacecraft. Here we report on a detector which uses the x-ray transition radiation yield from plastic foams to provide a response into the knee region for heavy elements. We use individual xenon-filled gas proportional tubes as detectors, combined with Amplex ASIC chip electronics for readout. The construction of this type of detector, and its implementation in the upcoming NASA CREAM 100 day high-altitude balloon payload is described. Also discussed is the calibration of the detector in an accelerator beam at CERN and a comparison with GEANT4 Monet Carlo simulations.
The motion of sediment‐water mixtures during intense bedload transport: computer simulations

A new model, which couples fluid and particle dynamics, has been developed to study the motion of the sediment-water mixture during intense bedload transport, including the velocity profiles of both sediment and water, the roughness length of an upper plane bed and the thickness of moving sediment layers. Standard mixing length theory is used to model the motion of water above the boundary between the overlying water and the sediment-water mixture. The turbulent flow within the moving sediment layers is described by a shear stress model, in which the effective viscosity of the flowing water is proportional to the velocity difference between the fluid and the sediment. The particle dynamics method, in which the equations of motion of each of many particles are solved directly, is applied to model the movement of sediment particles. The particle-fluid interaction is expressed by a velocity-squared fluid drag force exerted on each sediment particle. Both computer simulation results and theoretical analysis have shown that the velocities of both sediment and fluid during intense sediment transport decrease exponentially with depth in the top layers of a fast-moving sediment—water mixture. The thickness of the moving sediment layers, obtained from the computer simulation results, is proportional to the shear stress, which agrees with previous experimental observations.
Knowledge management technology

Selected technologies that contribute to knowledge management solutions are reviewed using Nonaka's model of organizational knowledge creation as a framework. The extent to which knowledge transformation within and between tacit and explicit forms can be supported by the technologies is discussed, and some likely future trends are identified. It is found that the strongest contribution to current solutions is made by technologies that deal largely with explicit knowledge, such as search and classification. Contributions to the formation and communication of tacit knowledge, and support for making it explicit, are currently weaker, although some encouraging developments are highlighted, such as the use of text-based chat, expertise location, and unrestricted bulletin boards. Through surveying some of the technologies used for knowledge management, this paper serves as an introduction to the subject for those papers in this issue that discuss technology.
Clinical predictors of erosion-free status in rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective cohort study

Objective. Treatment algorithms in RA include factors associated with poor prognosis; however, many patients remain erosion free despite years of disease. Our objective was to characterize the group of RA patients without erosions and identify its clinical predictors. Methods. Our study was conducted within a prospective observational cohort of RA patients recruited from the outpatient practice of an academic medical centre. We studied patients with bilateral hand radiographs at cohort baseline and 2-year follow-up assessed with Sharp/van der Heijde scores (SHS). The primary outcome was erosion-free status at baseline and 2-year follow-up. We assessed baseline values of the following as potential correlates: age at RA onset, gender, RA duration, BMI, 28-joint DAS (DAS-28), CRP, anti-CCP status, tender and swollen joint counts, functional status [multidimensional HAQ (MDHAQ)], tobacco use and RA treatments. Variables with P4 0.25 in the univariate analyses were assessed using backward selection in multivariable logistic regression models. Results. Of the 271 subjects included, 21% (n = 56) were considered erosion free. Forty-six per cent (n = 26) of this group was anti-CCP positive compared with 56% (n = 121) in subjects with erosions present. Mean RA duration for erosion-free subjects was 3.9 years compared with 4.6 years in erosive subjects. Treatments for RA did not differ between the two groups. In the multivariable-adjusted analysis, significant predictors of erosion-free status were younger age at onset and shorter RA duration. Conclusion. In our cohort, 21% of subjects were erosion free at baseline and 2 years. Few baseline clinical characteristics significantly predicted erosion-free status.
Timber Price Dynamics Following a Natural Catastrophe

Catastrophic shocks to existing stocks of a renewable resource can cause long-run price shifts. With timber, these long-run price shifts may be accompanied by a short-run price drop due to salvage. Hurricane Hugo damaged 20% of southern pine timber in the South Carolina Coastal Plain in 1989. To estimate the short- and long-run effects of the hurricane on the prices of timber stocks, we estimated an intervention model of the residuals of cointegration of South Carolina sawtimber and pulpwood stumpage prices with prices of similar products from other regions. Modeling revealed a 30% negative price spike due to salvage and a long-run enhancement effect, leading to prices that are 10% to 30% higher than they would have been had Hugo not occurred.
Effects of crystal imperfections in multiple quantum well PIN optoelectronic devices and a method of restoring failed device characteristics

GaAs/AlGaAs and strained InGaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum well (MQW) optical modulators grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on GaAs substrates have a wide range of applications in fiber-optic communication systems. One of the challenges in producing reliable devices is the requirement of having large areas of complex MQW structures for optical processing, while maintaining the necessary PIN electrical characteristics. We report the first direct link between crystalline material imperfections and reverse bias behavior in MQW PIN devices. A method of eliminating the crystalline defects and restoring the device characteristics is demonstrated.
Career Decision-Making Intervention With Unemployed Adults: When Good Intentions Are Not Effective

This study adapted existing empirically supported interventions to explore options for serving large numbers of unemployed adults. Participants included 150 unemployed adults (72 experimental group, 78 control group) seeking employment office services to maintain U.S. federal unemployment compensation. A 1-hour workshop was offered to the 72 experimental group participants. The same career development variables were assessed during data collection for both groups. Results revealed the workshop had no impact on negative career thinking and potentially increased career decision-making difficulties in the experimental group. Intervention effectiveness issues, implications for future research, and intervention options with unemployed adults are discussed.
Stimulation of naive CD8+ T cells by a variant viral epitope induces activation and enhanced apoptosis

Classically, naive T cells recognize a specific peptide-MHC complex resulting in their activation and differentiation. However, it is known that T cells also have the ability to interact productively with variant ligands, indicating a flexibility in TCR Ag recognition. These altered peptide ligands have been shown to trigger responses ranging from complete activation to full inhibition of T cell responses, and thus may play an important role in initiating or sustaining T cell-mediated immunity. We have found that influenza virus-specific CD8(+) TCR transgenic T cells differentially respond to a native (agonist) and variant viral epitope, differing in two amino acids that are thought to alter TCR recognition. In response to stimulation with the agonist epitope, these cells activate, proliferate, and differentiate into effector CTLs. Conversely, stimulation with the variant epitope results in activation, proliferation, and development of effector activity followed by rapid and extensive apoptotic cell death. Stimulation of the T cells with the altered ligand results in an inability to sustain the expression of the prosurvival molecules, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. These data suggest that the response to the agonist and variant epitopes may reflect TCR avidity-dependent differential signaling through the TCR, resulting either in activation-dependent T cell proliferative expansion and survival or in the accelerated death of acutely activated differentiating T cells. This process of CD8(+) T cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation followed by rapid cell death may represent a novel mechanism of altered peptide ligand-induced apoptosis programmed by initial Ag receptor engagement.
The dynamics of culture lost and conserved: demic migration as a force in new diaspora communities

article i nfo Migration is a major feature of past and especially today's globalized cultures, and understanding how migration shapes cultural groups is key to the empirical applications of cultural transmission theory. Developed here is a migration-assimilation model describing the population-level dynamics of diaspora culture. Using ethnographic data collected from 2009 to 2010 in the Kingdom of Tonga and a Tongan diaspora community, key parameters of the model were estimated and the fitted model simulated to describe diaspora cultural dynamics in the Tongan case. The relative contribution of recent migrants to the population-level expression of several cultural traits is highlighted in the simulation. Results show that the dependence on the Tongan homeland as a source of conservative culture through migration is variable and trait specific. For traits with higher assimilation rates, the contribution of recent Tongan migrants is substantial, while for other traits with lower assimilation rates, the influence of Tongan migrants is muted. Preliminary hypotheses to explain the trait-specific assimilation rates are discussed.
Tetra­aqua­(nitro­methane)­potassium bromide monohydrate

Each K+ ion in [K(CH3NO2)(H2O)4]Br·H2O, (I), has an eightfold coordination, with the coordination sphere containing four water mol­ecules and four O atoms from the nitro­methane mol­ecules. The coordination polyhedra share two O atoms from two different nitro­methane mol­ecules and, in this way, form chains running parallel to the (100) direction. Hydro­gen bonding involving the Br− ion and the fifth water mol­ecule tie the chains together.
On characterization of three-dimensional structures†

Molecular descriptors currently used in structure–property–activity studies are based on molecular graphs rather than on a structure as a three-dimensional object. Here we suggest a way to amend graph-theoretic invariants with additional geometric information, thereby providing new molecular descriptors for possible use in quantitative structure–activity correlations. In the approach we assume molecular structures embedded on a regular grid. As an illustration we consider first chains of different length embedded on graphite-like lattice. Subsequently, we consider all possible conformations of hexatriene. Although the cases considered here relate to graphite-like lattice, the approach is general and applies to embedings of molecules on three-dimensional lattices, or, in general, to molecules of arbitrary spatial conformations.
Acculturation and the prevalence of diabetes in US Latino Adults, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2010.

Introduction US Latinos are growing at the fastest rate of any racial/ethnic group in the United States and have the highest lifetime risk of diabetes. Acculturation may increase the risk of diabetes among all Latinos, but this hypothesis has not been studied in a nationally representative sample. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that acculturation was associated with an increased risk of diabetes in such a sample.
Bone Sialoprotein, Matrix Metalloproteinase 2, and αvβ3 Integrin in Osteotropic Cancer Cell Invasion

Background: Bone sialoprotein (BSP) interacts separately with both matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and integrin v3 and is overexpressed in many metastatic tumors. Its role in tumor biology, however, remains unclear. We investigated whether BSP enhances cancer cell invasiveness by forming a trimolecular complex with MMP-2 and cell-surface integrin v3. Methods: Invasiveness of breast, prostate, lung, and thyroid tumor cell lines was measured with a modified Boyden chamber assay. Binding and co-localization of BSP, MMP-2, and integrin v3 were investigated with immunoprecipitation and in situ hybridization. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: Treatment with BSP increased invasiveness of many breast, prostate, lung, and thyroid cancer cells through Matrigel in a dose-dependent manner. BSP at 50 nM increased the invasiveness of SW-579 thyroid cancer cells (95.2 units, 95% confidence interval [CI] 90.4 to 100 units) by approximately 10-fold compared with that of untreated control SW-579 cells (9.1 units, 95% CI 5.7 to 12.5 units) (P<.001). Addition of an inactive mutated BSP, in which BSP’ s integrin-binding RGD tripeptide was altered, or addition of integrin v3-blocking antibodies resulted in invasiveness equivalent to that of untreated cells. Inhibiting cellular MMP-2 activity with chemical inhibitors or a specific antibody also blocked BSPenhanced invasiveness. Osteopontin and dentin matrix protein 1, proteins related to BSP that also bind integrin v3 and form complexes with other MMPs (but not MMP-2), did not enhance invasiveness. Immunoprecipitation showed that a complex containing BSP, integrin v3, and MMP-2 formed in vitro. Addition of BSP increased the amount of MMP-2 bound by cells in an integrindependent fashion. Co-expression of BSP, integrin v3, and MMP-2 in papillary thyroid carcinoma cells was shown by in situ hybridization. Conclusion: Cancer cells appear to become more invasive when BSP forms a cellsurface trimolecular complex by linking MMP-2 to integrin v3. [J Natl Cancer Inst 2004;96:956 ‐65]
High-throughput sequencing of human plasma RNA by using thermostable group II intron reverse transcriptases

Next-generation RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) has revolutionized transcriptome profiling, gene expression analysis, and RNA-based diagnostics. Here, we developed a new RNA-seq method that exploits thermostable group II intron reverse transcriptases (TGIRTs) and used it to profile human plasma RNAs. TGIRTs have higher thermostability, processivity, and fidelity than conventional reverse transcriptases, plus a novel template-switching activity that can efficiently attach RNA-seq adapters to target RNA sequences without RNA ligation. The new TGIRT-seq method enabled construction of RNA-seq libraries from <1 ng of plasma RNA in <5 h. TGIRT-seq of RNA in 1-mL plasma samples from a healthy individual revealed RNA fragments mapping to a diverse population of protein-coding gene and long ncRNAs, which are enriched in intron and antisense sequences, as well as nearly all known classes of small ncRNAs, some of which have never before been seen in plasma. Surprisingly, many of the small ncRNA species were present as full-length transcripts, suggesting that they are protected from plasma RNases in ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes and/or exosomes. This TGIRT-seq method is readily adaptable for profiling of whole-cell, exosomal, and miRNAs, and for related procedures, such as HITS-CLIP and ribosome profiling.
Seasonal Occurrence of Phytoseiid Mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in North Carolina Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri [Pursh] Poiret) Christmas Tree Plantations

Abstract The overwintering sites and seasonal abundance of phytoseiid mites were determined in North Carolina Fraser fir Christmas tree plantations. Potential overwintering sites for the mites include Fraser fir branches, Fraser fir bark, surface litter composed of Fraser fir needles, a mixture of fescue grass (Festuca spp.) and nimblewill (Mhlenbergia schreberi J.F. Gmelin.), mixed herbaceous debris from the previous growing season, and a monocultural cover crop of white clover (Trifolium repens L.). Twelve species of mites (n = 414) in the family Phytoseiidae were collected. Arrenoseius morgani (Chant) (n = 160), Typhlodromips sessor (DeLeon) (n = 156), and Typhlodromalus peregrinus (Muma) (n = 34) were the most abundant. During the spring and summer Fraser fir plantations with a ground cover consisting of white clover were compared with plantations with bare ground to assess the abundance and species composition of phytoseiid mites. A total of 512 phytoseiids representing 8 species was collected. Phyto...
Promoter and intronic sequences of the human thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) gene isolated from a human PAC1 genomic library.

Purpose. To isolate and characterize the polymorphic human thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) gene.
Challenges influencing next generation technologies for precision medicine

In this editorial article, we present the perspective of emerging diagnostic technologies and discuss the future direction for precision medicine in oncology. Precision medicine aims to understand ...
Developing Partnerships With Businesses to Support Job Training for Youth With Disabilities in Singapore

Under-employment for individuals with disabilities is a worldwide epidemic, which Singapore has addressed by significantly increasing employment rates for this population. Providing work experience...
THE USE OF INSTANTANEOUS WAVE-FREE RATIO IN A REAL WORLD PRACTICE

The instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) is a coronary artery pressure index measured in the wave-free period of diastole in absence of hyperemia. We aimed to compare iFR and fractional flow reserve (FFR) in intermediate coronary artery lesions. We reviewed 527 intermediate coronary lesions
Extended antisite defects in tetrahedrally bonded semiconductors

Typically point defects are modeled by adding, removing, or exchanging at most few atoms around a given lattice site. We demonstrate the possibility of formation of extended antisite defects that involve complex, nonlocal atomic rearrangements, which cannot be captured within a simple point defect model. We illustrate the formation of extended antisite defects in ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}{\mathrm{SnS}}_{3}$ and ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}{\mathrm{SnZnS}}_{4}$ solar absorbers where they lower the formation energy by up to about 1 eV per defect. These extended antisite configurations can dramatically change the stoichiometries and doping properties of multinary semiconductors that have a propensity towards disorder.
Development of a duplex real-time PCR assay for detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus

Objective To develop a duplex real-time PCR assay for detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus. Methods The sequences of tdh and vvh A genes were searched and blasted, primers and probes of these two genes were designed. The annealing temperature and the concentration of primers, probes, Mg2+, Taq DNA polymerase and d NTPs were optimized for detection. The specificity and sensitivity of the new method were analyzed. The simulative samples were tested. Results A real-time method for detection of V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus was developed. This method showed good specificity and the detection limit was 103 CFU / ml. Conclusion This duplex real-time PCR assay can rapidly, sensitively and specifically identify V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus.
General Systems' Yoyo Structure and Its Application in Scientific Mind

On the basis of[1],this paper presents some of the applications of the yoyo model of general systems in areas of social science.Especially,in the research of scientific mind by making use of the yoyo model and its field structure and the dishpan experiment,we study the basic existence and their working mechanism of the four human endowments: self-awareness,imagination,conscience,and free will.At the theoretical height,we resolve the problem of how to establish motivation and self-confidence for a person to achieve high in life.This end has been a very important problem in the research of pedagogy.
Always Victimizers, Never Victims: Engaging Men and Boys in Human Trafficking Scholarship

Although human trafficking is recognized under international and domestic law to encompass a wide range of sexual and nonsexual forms of forced labor, with available measures applicable to victims ...
Refusal of Vitamin K by Parents of Newborns: A Survey of the Better Outcomes Through Research for Newborns Network

Abstract Objective To survey newborn clinicians in the United States regarding the frequency of intramuscular (IM) vitamin K refusal by a parent, reasons for refusal, and approaches of clinicians to refusals. Methods An electronic survey was administered to the clinician site representative (nursery director or designee knowledgeable about site-specific nursery policies) at all newborn nurseries in the Better Outcomes through Research for Newborns (BORN) network of newborn nurseries. Results Of 92 BORN sites, 85 (92%) respondents completed the survey. Frequency of IM vitamin K refusal during the past 5 years was reported as increased by 52% of respondents, unchanged by 42%, and 6% did not know. Reported frequencies of refusal of IM vitamin K was weekly (9%), a few times a month (31%), once a month (13%), once every 3 to 4 months (20%), once or twice a year (26%), or never (1%). The overall distribution of the reported frequencies of refusal differed among regions in the United States (higher in the West and the South; P Conclusions Respondents from a national sample of newborn nursery clinicians reported an increase in refusal of IM vitamin K in the past 5 years with regional variation. Approaches to refusals need further investigation to determine effectiveness.
Effect of temperature on phosphorus flux from anoxic western Lake Erie sediments.

Abstract The western basin of Lake Erie experiences annual Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), which degrade water quality, threaten drinking water supplies, and deter recreation. The size of HABs in Lake Erie is highly correlated with the external loading of phosphorus (P) from a major tributary, the Maumee River, during spring and summer months. Because HAB size is largely explained by external loading, the contribution of P from lake sediments (internal loading) is considered to be minimal. However, if lake sediments become warmer and more hypoxic or anoxic in response to climate change, the relative contribution of internal P loading from sediments may become greater. In this study, we examined the potential effect of elevated lake temperatures on internal loading of P under anoxic conditions. Sediment cores were collected during Summer 2014 from 4 locations in the western basin of Lake Erie ranging from highly productive areas near Maumee Bay to less productive offshore areas. Cores were incubated for 4 days under anoxic conditions under different temperatures (10 °C, 20 °C, and 30 °C). P flux varied greatly between temperature treatments and sites. Average P flux at 20 °C and 30 °C were 2 and 14 times higher respectively, than for cores incubated at 10 °C. The site closest to the mouth of the Maumee River had the highest P flux, 10 times higher than the furthest site, and highest total P concentration in the surface sediment, 2 times higher than the furthest site, suggesting a gradient of sediment P characteristics associated with the Maumee River plume. Extrapolating these fluxes across the western basin suggests that with four days of anoxia at 30 °C, lake sediments could contribute ∼415 metric tons of dissolved P, which is equivalent to the springtime dissolved P loading from the Maumee River for 2011, the second-largest HAB on record.
Use of Polycaprolactone Electrospun Nanofibers as a Coating for Poly(methyl methacrylate) Bone Cement

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement has limited biocompatibility. Polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun nanofiber (ENF) has many applications in the biomedical field due to its excellent biocompatibility and degradability. The effect of coating PCL ENF on the surface topography, biocompatibility, and mechanical strength of PMMA bone cement is not currently known. This study is based on the hypothesis that the PCL ENF coating on PMMA will increase PMMA roughness leading to increased biocompatibility without influencing its mechanical properties. This study prepared PMMA samples without and with the PCL ENF coating, which were named the control and ENF coated samples. This study determined the effects on the surface topography and cytocompatibility (osteoblast cell adhesion, proliferation, mineralization, and protein adsorption) properties of each group of PMMA samples. This study also determined the bending properties (strength, modulus, and maximum deflection at fracture) of each group of PMMA samples from an American Society of Testing Metal (ASTM) standard three-point bend test. This study found that the ENF coating on PMMA significantly improved the surface roughness and cytocompatibility properties of PMMA (p 0.05). Therefore, the PCL ENF coating technique should be further investigated for its potential in clinical applications.
Perfusion flow phantoms with randomly oriented microchannels

Interest in ultrasound perfusion imaging has grown with the development of more sensitive algorithms to detect slow blood flow. Unfortunately, there are not many phantoms that can be used to evaluate these techniques. Some have used small linear tubes, while others have adapted dialysis cartridges. Here we propose a technique using conventional gelatin cast around a sacrificial polymer network. Specifically, we form a gelatin phantom, doped with graphite scatterers to mimic the diffuse scattering in soft tissue, around a polymer resin. The resin structure can be dissolved leaving behind a network of small randomly oriented channels that are connected to a large channel which is connected to a pump to perfuse blood mimicking fluid through the phantom. The phantoms were qualitatively demonstrated to show perfusion through visual confirmation and the speckle SNR, and speed of sound were calculated.
H3.3K27M mutant proteins reprogram epigenome by sequestering the PRC2 complex to poised enhancers

Expression of histone H3.3K27M mutant proteins in human diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) results in a global reduction of tri-methylation of H3K27 (H3K27me3), and paradoxically, H3K27me3 peaks remain at hundreds of genomic loci, a dichotomous change that lacks mechanistic insights. Here, we show that the PRC2 complex is sequestered at poised enhancers, but not at active promoters with high levels of H3.3K27M proteins, thereby contributing to the global reduction of H3K27me3. Moreover, the levels of H3.3K27M proteins are low at the retained H3K27me3 peaks and consequently having minimal effects on the PRC2 activity at these loci. H3K27me3-mediated silencing at specific tumor suppressor genes, including Wilms Tumor 1, promotes proliferation of DIPG cells. These results support a model in which the PRC2 complex is redistributed to poised enhancers in H3.3K27M mutant cells and contributes to tumorigenesis in part by locally enhancing H3K27me3, and hence silencing of tumor suppressor genes.
A Synthesis of Research and Practice on Restoring Tides to Salt Marshes

The structure and ecological function of salt marshes are defined by many interacting factors, including salinity, substrate, nutrient and oxygen availability, sediment supply, and climate, but hydrology (the frequency and duration of tidal flooding) is a dominating factor (e.g., Chapman 1960; Ranwell 1972; Daiber 1986). When tidal flow is restricted there can be dramatic changes to physical and biological processes that affect vegetation patterns, fish and avian communities, and biogeochemical cycling, among others. Throughout the developed coastal zone, roads and railroads that cross salt marshes often have inadequately sized bridges and culverts that restrict tides (fig. 1.1). Tide gates are also a common feature, eliminating or dramatically restricting flood tides from entering salt marshes but allowing for some drainage on the ebb tide. Other tide-restricting practices that have been ongoing for centuries include impoundments for wildlife management purposes (Montague et al. 1987) and diking and draining to facilitate grazing and agriculture (Daiber 1986; Doody 2008). Diking is particularly extensive in Atlantic Canada (Ganong 1903), Europe (Davy et al. 2009), and the United States (e.g., Delaware Bay, Sebold 1992; San Francisco Bay, Nichols et al. 1986).
Isothermal Flow Coupling

The relationships between generalized driving forces and fluxes have been discussed in Chapter III for simple linear cases, when only one force and one flux, which is proportional to this force, are operative. In practice, one often meets more complicated transport processes, however, when more than one force and/or more than one flux are present. In such situations, each flux, J k , is not only related to its conjugated generalized driving force, X k or F k , but depends also on all the other forces and/or fluxes. Thus, such fluxes which occur simultaneously are related to each other; they are said to be coupled.
Effect of Noise on Quantized Adiabatic Charge Transport in 2D Electron Systems and Nanotubes

There has been a considerable amount of effort devoted to the study and successful operation of devices which employ the principles of quantized adiabatic charge transport.