cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Initial experience with a steerable, phased vector array ultrasound catheter in the GI tract

Abstract Background: EUS requires a significant capital outlay. The ability to perform high-resolution phased array scanning and Doppler interrogation by using a catheter that interfaces with a standard US console could increase the accessibility of EUS. Recently, an electronic phased-array US catheter was developed for intracardiac use. To date, this technology has not been applied to the GI tract. The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility and imaging characteristics of a new phased array scanning US catheter in the GI tract. Methods: Swine were placed under general anesthesia. This study used a 100 cm, 10F, torquable catheter with 4-way tip deflection to greater than 90 degrees. The catheter tip houses a phased vector array transducer with variable frequency (5.5-10 MHz) and variable focal distance. It has pulsed/color and power Doppler capability. The probe was passed through a therapeutic flexible sigmoidoscope into the upper GI tract. Acoustic coupling was achieved via a condom filled with water or by gastric water infusion. Needle visualization experiments were performed with a second endoscope (also passed per oral) with a standard EUS-guided fine needle aspiration needle. Results: Acoustic coupling was easily achieved. Resolution of the GI wall into characteristic layers (esophagus 5, stomach 7) was demonstrated. At 5.5 MHz, tissue resolution and Doppler imaging were excellent to greater than 10 cm from the transducer. A 22-gauge EUS-guided fine needle aspiration needle was easily visualized at depth greater than 4 cm. Flow in gastric, hepatic, and pancreatic parenchymal vessels approximately 1 mm diameter was visualized by using power and color Doppler. Conclusions: This 10F array US catheter is capable of high-resolution two-dimensional imaging of the gut wall as well as high-quality Doppler imaging. The Doppler capabilities of this equipment may have new GI applications.
Formecresol performs better than calcium hydroxide as a pulpotomy technique over 2-year period.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Effectiveness of 4 pulpotomy techniques—randomized controlled trial. Huth KC, Paschos E, Hajek-Al-Khatar N, Hollweck R, Crispin A, Hickel R, et al. J Dent Res 2005;84:1144-8. Reviewer Anupama Rao Tate, DMD Purpose/Question To determine the relative effectiveness pulpotomy procedures using calcium hydroxide, ferric sulfate, and Er:YAG laser compared to that of dilute formocresol. Source of Funding Department/institutional support (Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany) Type of Study/Design Randomized controlled trial Level of Evidence Level 1: Good-quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Grade A: Consistent, good quality patient-oriented evidence
Distinguishing Benign Thymic Lesions from Early-Stage Thymic Malignancies on Computed Tomography

Introduction The increasing use of computed tomography (CT) has led to frequent identification of asymptomatic lesions in the anterior mediastinum. The purpose of this study is to identify CT features that distinguish benign thymic lesions from early-stage malignant thymic neoplasms. Methods We retrospectively reviewed preoperative CT imaging for 66 patients, who had undergone thymectomy for benign thymic lesions or early-stage malignant thymic neoplasms. All variables with a p value of less than 0.2 on univariate logistic regression analysis were evaluated by multivariate analysis. Stepwise selection was performed, and variables with a p value less than 0.05 were retained in the final model. Results Thirty-eight malignant (58%) and 28 benign thymic lesions (42%) were included. Patients with benign thymic tumors were significantly younger (median age, 49.5 years) than patients with malignant tumors (60.0 years; p = 0.007). Malignant tumors were larger in short-axis dimension ( p = 0.028) and more frequently in a nonmidline location in the anterior mediastinum ( p = 0.029). Intralesional fat was seen exclusively in benign masses ( p = 0.002). Seven benign tumors (25%) and one malignant tumor (2.6%) had a triangular thymic shape ( p = 0.023). In multivariate analysis, lower age, smaller short-axis dimension, and lack of infiltration of the mediastinal fat were significant independent predictors of benign pathologic results. Conclusion Intralesional fat, midline location, and triangular thymic shape are more frequently found in benign thymic lesions. Lack of infiltration of the mediastinal fat, younger patient age, and smaller size are independent predictors of benign thymic lesions. These features may help characterize thymic masses as benign and avert potentially unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures.
Hormonal regulation of postnatal chicken preadipocyte differentiation in vitro

This study was designed to develop a culture system from the stromal-vascular fraction of chicken adipose tissue that can be used to characterize hormones that promote preadipocyte differentiation. Abdominal adipose tissue was excised from 2 to 4-week-old male broilers (Gallus domesticus) by sterile dissection. The stromal-vascular cell fraction from the adipose tissue was isolated by collagenase digestion, filtration, and subsequent centrifugation. These preadipocytes were seeded in six well culture plates and proliferated to confluency in 10% fetal bovine serum in DMEM/F12 (50:50) medium. At confluency, experiments were initiated to determine hormonal requirements for differentiation. Insulin (100 nM) stimulated expression of citrate lyase and sn-glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase relative to lactate dehydrogenase in the presence of 2.5% chicken serum (P 0.05). Triiodothyronine (T3, 1 nM) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (100 ng/ml) had no effect on differentiation. Dexamethasone (Dex, 1 μM) stimulated differentiation in 2.5 or 10% chicken serum (P<0.05). Insulin, Dex and 2.5% chicken serum stimulated enzymatic differentiation to the extent of 10% chicken serum, but heparin (10 U/ml) addition, in combination with insulin and Dex was necessary to stimulate lipid filling of adipocytes.
Investigating Rate of TraI and DNA Transfer during Bacterial Conjugation

F plasmid TraI (192 kD) is essential for DNA transfer during bacterial conjugation. TraI is composed of a relaxase domain, ssDNA binding domain, helicase domain, and C-terminal domain. Some TraI mutants with a 31 AA insertion (i31) in different domains exhibit higher mating efficiencies than wild-type (WT) TraI. To investigate the higher mating efficiency, we employed a live cell SeqA-YFP fusion protein system that resides in dam- recipient cells and tracks DNA transfer from a dam+ donor. After methylated ssDNA is transferred to the recipient and second strand synthesis begins, a fluorescent focus forms on the hemi-methylated dsDNA, allowing for near-real time analysis of bacterial conjugation. Mean foci formation time for the mutant TraI i31-681 was much lower than WT TraI. To determine if the change in foci formation time was due to second strand synthesis, the assay was repeated, but mating was disrupted at set times. Foci formation was followed over time and the results were similar, indicating the differences between mutants and WT was not due to a difference in second strand synthesis rate. To further investigate where the transfer process is altered, we employed a DNA nicking assay and determined that the nicking activity of the mutants is not altered. Addition of TraDΔN130, a pore coupling protein that increases nicking activity, to the nicking assay does not significantly alter nicking activity of the mutants over WT TraI. Nicking activity being unaffected, the 309-858 region of the TraI mutants will be tested to determine the folding profile of the i31 insertion. Currently we are exploring a possible correlation between increased transfer rates and increased unfolding rates of the domains.
Molecular dynamics simulations of He bubble nucleation at grain boundaries

The nucleation behavior of He bubbles in single-crystal (sc) and nano-grain body-centered-cubic (bcc) Mo is simulated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, focusing on the effects of the grain boundary (GB) structure. In sc Mo, the nucleation behavior of He bubbles depends on irradiation conditions. He bubbles nucleate by either clustering of He atoms with pre-existing vacancies or self-interstitial-atom (SIA) punching without initial vacancies. In nano-grain Mo, strong precipitation of He at the GBs is observed, and the density, size and spatial distribution of He bubbles vary with the GB structure. The corresponding He bubble density is higher in nano-grain Mo than that in sc Mo and the average bubble size is smaller. In the GB plane, He bubbles distribute along the dislocation cores for GBs consisting of GB dislocations and randomly for those without distinguishable dislocation structures. The simulation results in nano-grain Mo are in agreement with previous experiments in metal nano-layers, and they are further explained by the effect of excess volume associated with the GBs.
Tracking in Linear Time-Varying Systems

For linear time-varying single-input single-output systems, the paper treats the problem of designing an output feedback controller resulting in an (internally) stable closed-loop system that tracks a given reference signal. The design is accomplished by augmenting the given system to include an internal model of the reference signal. The internal model reduces to the usual form when the given plant is time invariant. An explicit construction for the internal model is given in the case of a step reference.
Molecular and cellular pathophysiology of obstructive nephropathy.

Congenital obstructive nephropathy remains one of the most-important causes of renal insufficiency in children. This review focuses on the unique interactions that result from urinary tract obstruction during the period of renal development in the neonatal rodent. Following unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), growth of the obstructed kidney is impaired and compensatory growth by the intact opposite kidney is related directly to the duration of obstruction. Development of the renal vasculature is delayed by UUO, and the activity of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system is enhanced throughout the period of obstruction. Glomerular maturation is also delayed by UUO, and nephrogenesis is permanently impaired. The effects of UUO on the developing tubule are also profound, with a suppression of proliferation, stimulation of apoptosis, and the maintenance of an immature phenotype by tubular epithelial cells. Expression of tubular epidermal growth factor is suppressed and transforming growth factor-β1 and clusterin are increased. Maturation of interstitial fibroblasts is delayed, with progression of tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis resulting in part from continued activation of the renin-angiotensin system and oxygen radicals. Future efforts to prevent the consequences of congenital urinary tract obstruction must account for the dual effects of obstruction: interference with normal renal development and progression of irreversible tubulointerstitial injury.
Budd-Chiari syndrome : early intervention with angioplasty and thrombolytic therapy

We present a complex case of the Budd-Chiari syndrome due to thrombosis of the hepatic veins in the presence of stenosis of the left hepatic vein and membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava. The acute thrombosis occurred after laparoscopic surgical removal of the gallbladder. Because we strongly suspected the Budd-Chiari syndrome, hepatic venography was performed. The hepatic venous outflow obstruction was relieved by angioplasty and thrombolytic therapy with use of local infusions of urokinase into the clot. We propose that angiography be performed in patients in whom the Budd-Chiari syndrome is suspected and that angioplasty and thrombolytic therapy be initiated early.
Objective measurements of carcass and meat quality.

Lost competitiveness and declining per capita consumption have forced US meat industry sectors to become consumer oriented and address issues related to quality shortfalls. Because industry goals for value and quality-based marketing are becoming a reality, interest in objective carcass evaluation methodology has escalated. Even so, no official instrument grading systems are in place. Research addressing use of A-mode, B-mode and real-time ultrasound technique indicated several distinct advantages: (1) it may be used in live animals; (2) it may be used on slaughter floors before hide removal; (3) with development, it may accurately predict traits related to palatability; (4) it offers no health hazards; (5) it would allow complete automation of grading and remove the element of human error; and (6) with development, it offers great compatability with integrated artificial neural networking technology. However, other systems are now available which may present alternatives. Electrical conductivity (TOBEC) effectively predicts pork carcass composition, and is now used commercially. Potential exists for similar systems in the beef industry. Other instruments (NMR, CAT, PET), with continued development, offer advantages in image resolution and accuracy, but are cost prohibitive at this time. Elastography, a new technique, offers exciting prospects for the future with its potential to predict tenderness.
Interviewing patients using interpreters in an oncology setting: initial evaluation of a communication skills module

Abstract Objectives To develop a communication skills training (CST) module for health care professionals, particularly in the area of oncology, on how to conduct interviews using interpreters and to evaluate the module in terms of participant’s self-efficacy and satisfaction. Methods Forty-seven multi-specialty health care providers from the New York Metropolitan Area attended a communication skills module at a Comprehensive Cancer Care Center about how to conduct clinical interviews utilizing interpreters. The development of this module was on the basis of current literature and followed the Comskil model previously utilized for other doctor–patient CSTs. Participants were given pre- and post-surveys to evaluate their own confidence as well as the helpfulness of the module. Results On the basis of a retrospective pre–post measure, participants reported an increase in their confidence about interviewing patients via translators. In addition, at least 80% of participants reported their satisfaction with the various components of the module by either agreeing or strongly agreeing with the different statements. Conclusions We have developed a module that trains clinicians in effective collaboration with professional medical interpreters and shown its ability to increase the confidence of clinician's to work with limited English proficiency patients. Our approach intends to minimize not only the language barrier but also the cultural barriers that could potentially interfere with patients’ care. Practice implications This work has important practice implications in the oncology setting, where cultural sensitivity is paramount and empathic exchange with the patient optimizes their sense of being well supported by their health care team. We believe that this model is generalizable to many other medical settings where use needs to be made of a professional interpreter.
Traffic Engineering in Fourth Generation Wireless Networks

We present an extension to the multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) traffic engineering in fourth generation (4G) composite networks. In a 4G composite network users should be able to select among various radio access technologies that can individually or collectively satisfy the users' capacity and quality of service requirements. The extension provides the ability to diverge traffic flows away from a path that cannot satisfy the QoS requirements of a flow. When the QoS requirements of a traffic flow exceed a predefined threshold, the extension will distribute the flow among multiple paths based on the cost of the traffic distribution and the effectiveness of label switching routers (LSPs). The simulation results demonstrate that the extension significantly improves the overall network performance.
Low Temperature MOCVD Growth of V/VI Materials via a Me 3 SiNMe 2 Elimination Reaction

Films of M2Te3 (M = Sb, Bi) were grown on Si(lll) cut 4° off-axis and GaAs(l00) substrates between 25°C and 150°C in a low pressure MOCVD reactor via a novel N,N-dimethylaminotrimethylsilane (Me3SiNMe2) elimination reaction using M(NMe2)3 (M = Sb, Bi) and (Me3Si)2Te. X-ray diffraction data indicated that the crystallinity and crystallite orientation of the resulting films were dependent on the substrate structure and growth temperature. Amorphous films were deposited below 50°C. Films deposited at 75°C for Sb2Te3 and 125°C for Bi2Te3 were highly oriented with the (015) reflection plane parallel to the substrate surface. Films of Sb2Te3 deposited at 150°C were highly oriented with the (000 reflection planes parallel to the substrate surface. The electrical properties and presumably the composition of Bi2Te3 films deposited on Kapton was independent of the V/VI precursor ratio used. This unique deposition reaction provides an alternative route to prepare group V chalcogenide materials which have potential applications in solar cells, reversible optical storage, and thermoelectrics.
Surgical management of vesicoureteral reflux

There are three main options for the management of vesicoureteral reflux: antibiotic prophylaxis; open/laparoscopic surgery; and endoscopic injection. These main categories can be further divided into specific methods of treatment related to surgical technique and type of material used in the endoscopic injection, with continued advances to improve outcome and decrease morbidity. This article will summarize some of the older techniques and review some of the more recent advances utilized to correct vesicoureteral reflux, with the intention of allowing providers to choose how to best treat their patients.
Basic and applied research at the weapons neutron research facility

The Weapons Neutron Research Facility (WNR) is an intense, high energy spallation source, driven by the LAMPF 800 MeV proton linac. We describe below some of the basic and applied research projects which are currently being worked on at this facility© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Comparison of femoral head penetration rates between cementless acetabular components with 22-mm and 28-mm heads.

Between April 1993 and July 1994, the senior author (R.C.J.) performed 151 consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties using a Harris-Galante II acetabular component and a polished Iowa femoral component. In 105 hips, 22-mm head components were used, and in 46 hips, 28-mm head components were used. Femoral head penetration into the acetabular shell was measured using digital edge detection techniques. The group average penetration for the initial 2-year bedding-in period was 0.35 mm/y for the 22-mm and 0.31 mm/y for the 28-mm head components. The long-term rate of penetration into the shell was 0.11 mm/y for the 22-mm heads and 0.17 mm/y for the 28-mm heads, a significant difference (P=.029). The dislocation rate was significantly higher, however, with the 22-mm heads (P=.001). The 22-mm components showed significantly less wear but at the expense of an increase in the prevalence of dislocation.
A design methodology for databases with uncertain data

Many real world systems and applications require information management components that provide support for managing imprecise data. There have thus been several proposals for extending relational database systems in order to represent as well as query such imprecise data. Little work, however, has been done in modeling uncertainty at the conceptual schema level and in developing design methodologies for developing fuzzy relational databases (FRDBs). To fill this gap, a design methodology for FRDBs is proposed. This methodology contains extensions for representing the imprecision of data in the entity-relationship (ER) data model, and a set of steps for the derivation of a FRDB from this extended ER model. As a case study, this methodology has been applied to the design of a control database for semiconductor manufacturing. >
People, Travel, Seminars, Reading, the Classroom, and Curiosity-Sources of Research Inspiration

This manuscript is the outgrowth of a plenary lecture deliv- ered by the author at the 44 th Congreso Mexicano de Quimica that was held in Puebla, Mexico from 26-30 September of 2009. In for- mulating the presentation, consideration was given to thinking about the origins of the ideas that were integral to the formulation of the research to be described. The intent was to address the younger mem- bers of the audience - advanced undergraduate and graduate students, and those beginning the process of searching for a job. At a similar stage in my scientific career, I realized the need to formulate research plans in order to complete job applications where they were required. Where do these ideas come from? What factors stimulate one's curi- osity? What stimulates one to pursue a particular line of research? Topics discussed within the context of attempting to address these questions include electrohydrocyclization and electroreductive cycli- zation, and their application to the total synthesis of natural products, the use of nickel salen and triarylamines as mediators and redox catalysts, the regiospecific rearrangement of cation radicals derived from strained hydrocarbons and the application of the chemistry to the synthesis of a sesquiterpene, and finally, a discussion of the role redox chemistry may play in the expression of the bioactivity of the pseudopterosin class of marine natural products. Keyword: Electrohydrocyclization, redox, chemical synthesis, rear- rangements, pseudopterosin. Resumen. Este escrito es el resultado de una conferencia plenaria impartida por el autor en el 44o Congreso Mexicano de Quimica, realizado en Puebla, Mexico, del 26 al 30 de Septiembre del 2009. Al preparar la presentacion, se tomo en consideracion el origen de las ideas que motivaron la investigacion que se describio. Este intento fue dirigido a los miembros mas jovenes de la audiencia, a los alumnos de licenciatura y posgrado, y a aquellos en busqueda de trabajo. En una etapa similar de mi carrera cientifica, me di cuen- ta de la necesidad de formular planes de investigacion requeridos para completar las solicitudes de trabajo. ?De donde vinieron esas ideas? ?Cuales son los factores que estimulan la curiosidad? ?Cual es la motivacion para seguir una linea particular de investigacion? Los temas que se discuten en el contexto de intentar abordar estas preguntas incluyen la electrohidrociclizacion y la ciclizacion elec- troreductiva, y sus aplicaciones en la sintesis total de productos naturales, el uso del niquel salen y trietilaminas como mediadores y catalizadores redox. las transposiciones regioespecificas de cationes radicales derivados de hidrocarburos tensionados y la aplicacion de la quimica a la sintesis de un sesquiterpeno, y finalmente, se inclu- ye una discusion del papel que la quimica redox puede jugar en la expresion de la bioactividad de los productos naturales marinos del tipo pseudopterosina. Palabras clave: Electrohidrociclizacion, redox, sintesis quimica, transposiciones, pseudopterosinas.
Microbiological Characteristics of Wet- and Dry-Chilled Poultry

Abstract INTRODUCTION STUDIES completed by Ayres et al. (1950), Walker and Ayres (1956), and Nagel et al. (1960) have shown that the predominant organisms present on the surface of refrigerated poultry when spoiled are psychrophiles. According to the second group of workers, organisms of the genera, Pseudomonas and Achromobacter, constituted only 37% of the total flora immediately after processing. After 12 days of refrigerated storage however, these genera constituted 94% of the total flora. Since Pseudomonas and Achromobacter organisms are psychrophilic, they are found frequently in water supplies. The initial contamination of chicken carcasses greatly influences the shelf-life of the birds, but as Wells (1961) reported, the percentage of Pseudomonas and Achromobacter organisms in the initial population also greatly influences the shelf-life. This worker also observed that better control of the steps involved in poultry processing can increase shelf-life, but the sequence of development of the spoilage flora is not altered.…
Methodology for assessing coastal change using terrestrial laser scanning

Seacliff erosion dramatically alters the coastline of San Diego County through both marine and subaerial mechanisms, threatening development and public safety in the economically important coastal regions. Quantitative analysis of the seacliffs' stability assists public policy makers to determine safe and effective coastline utilization. This dissertation develops concepts, techniques, and tools drawing from multiple disciplines to provide this essential information of both seasonal and rapid-event erosion. Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) produces high resolution data to accurately quantify erosion and map hazard areas. Previous work applying TLS to seacliff erosion required additional, time-consuming surveying to georeference TLS surveys, limiting their application to only localized sites. This dissertation presents new methods to georeference TLS data for efficient, quantitative regional mapping and to quantitatively understand sources of uncertainty. The determination of optimal scanning parameters of spacing, distance, and sampling ratio ensures adequate data collection to capture the complex seacliff morphology. A new, automated algorithm for alignment shows how to constrain errors to avoid detrimental misalignment propagation, advancing TLS surveying for application to map long coastal sections. These techniques provide substantial time savings over previous methods, ensure consistent results between repeat surveys, and allow simultaneous study of both small and large scale geologic processes. The creation of a rapid-response program to observe sites immediately and continually after failure shows the insights TLS can provide in conjunction with wave, tidal, and climate data in understanding geologic processes governing seacliff erosion. The TLS data also showed that minimal wave energy is required to rework failure sediment and suggests that some failure masses can act as a stabilizing force for the cliffs by securing protective talus deposits against the cliff. The development of automated GIS routines to perform statistical change analysis is also presented. These routines were applied to both cliff and beach studies to show the importance of studying both small and large scale changes to understand geologic processes. These innovative methods provide a framework for future scientists and engineers to utilize TLS in understanding complex problems by ensuring sufficient data collection, establishing accurate, georeferenced baselines, and providing tools to perform meaningful change analysis.
Telomerase is involved in IL-7-mediated differential survival of naive and memory CD4+ T cells.

IL-7 plays an essential role in T cell maintenance and survival. The survival effect of IL-7 is thought to be mediated through regulation of Bcl2 family proteins. After a comparative analysis of IL-7-induced growth and cell death of human naive and memory CD4+ T cells, we observed that more memory CD4+ T cells underwent cell division and proceeded to apoptosis than naive cells in response to IL-7. However, IL-7-induced expressions of Bcl2 family members (Bcl2, Bcl-xL, Bax, and Bad) were similar between naive and memory cells. Instead, we found that IL-7 induced higher levels of telomerase activity in naive cells than in memory cells, and the levels of IL-7-induced telomerase activity had a significant inverse correlation with cell death in CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, we showed that reducing expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase and telomerase activity significantly increased cell death of IL-7-cultured CD4+ T cells. Together, these findings demonstrate that telomerase is involved in IL-7-mediated differential survival of naive and memory CD4+ T cells.
Comparison of the AMBER, CHARMM, COMPASS, GROMOS, OPLS, TraPPE and UFF force fields for prediction of vapor-liquid coexistence curves and liquid densities

Abstract Monte Carlo simulations in the isobaric–isothermal and Gibbs ensembles are used to compute liquid densities and vapor–liquid coexistence curves for a series of small organic molecules for the AMBER-96, CHARMM22, COMPASS, GROMOS 43A1, OPLS-aa, TraPPE-UA, and UFF force fields. The simulation results are compared with experimental measurements to provide an assessment of the accuracy expected when using these force fields to study unknown molecules.
Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Treatment: Does program graduation matter?

Program graduation, even after controlling for length of stay, may predict for improved outcomes in some substance abuse treatment settings. We investigated the role of program graduation by comparing social outcomes and inpatient utilization the years before and after treatment among graduates and dropouts of a Veterans Administration substance abuse intensive outpatient program. At enrollment, graduates and dropouts were similar in all spheres measured. Patients who completed the treatment program used significantly fewer psychiatric inpatient bed days of care the year after they completed the program, both in comparison to their own prior use and in comparison to program dropouts. Graduates were more likely to be abstinent and less likely to fully relapse or be incarcerated at 6-month followup. Further research is needed to discern optimal treatment length-that which maximizes both length of stay and completion rates, while optimizing use of limited treatment resources.
Macrophage Elastase (Matrix Metalloproteinase-12) Suppresses Growth of Lung Metastases

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) have been implicated in virtually all aspects of tumor progression. However, the recent failure of clinical trials employing synthetic MMP inhibitors in cancer chemotherapy has led us to hypothesize that some MMPs may actually serve the host in its defense against tumor progression. Here we show that mice deficient in macrophage elastase (MMP-12) develop significantly more gross Lewis lung carcinoma pulmonary metastases than their wild-type counterparts both in spontaneous and experimental metastasis models. The numbers of micrometastases between the two groups are equivalent; thus, it seems that MMP-12 affects lung tumor growth, and not metastasis formation, per se. MMP-12 is solely macrophage derived in this model, being expressed by tumor-associated macrophages and not by tumor or stromal cells. The presence of MMP-12 is associated with decreased tumor-associated microvessel density in vivo and generates an angiostatic>angiogenic tumor microenvironment that retards lung tumor growth independent of the production of angiostatin. These data define a role for MMP-12 in suppressing the growth of lung metastases and suggest that inhibitors designed to specifically target tumor-promoting MMPs may yet prove effective as cancer therapeutics.
Spillover of Fatty Acids During Dietary Fat Storage in Type 2 Diabetes: Relationship to Body Fat Depots and Effects of Weight Loss

Spillover of lipoprotein lipase-generated fatty acids from chylomicrons into the plasma free fatty acid (FFA) pool is an important source of FFA and reflects inefficiency in dietary fat storage. We measured spillover in people with type 2 diabetes (n = 13) using infusions of a [ 3 H] triolein-labeled lipid emulsion and [U- 13 C] oleate during continuous feeding, before and after weight loss. Body fat was measured with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and CT. Participants lost ∼14% of body weight. There was a ∼38% decrease in meal-suppressed FFA concentration (P
discordia mutations specifically misorient asymmetric cell divisions during development of the maize leaf epidermis

In plant cells, cytokinesis depends on a cytoskeletal structure called a phragmoplast, which directs the formation of a new cell wall between daughter nuclei after mitosis. The orientation of cell division depends on guidance of the phragmoplast during cytokinesis to a cortical site marked throughout prophase by another cytoskeletal structure called a preprophase band. Asymmetrically dividing cells become polarized and form asymmetric preprophase bands prior to mitosis; phragmoplasts are subsequently guided to these asymmetric cortical sites to form daughter cells of different shapes and/or sizes. Here we describe two new recessive mutations, discordia1 (dcd1) and discordia2 (dcd2), which disrupt the spatial regulation of cytokinesis during asymmetric cell divisions. Both mutations disrupt four classes of asymmetric cell divisions during the development of the maize leaf epidermis, without affecting the symmetric divisions through which most epidermal cells arise. The effects of dcd mutations on asymmetric cell division can be mimicked by cytochalasin D treatment, and divisions affected by dcd1 are hypersensitive to the effects of cytochalasin D. Analysis of actin and microtubule organization in these mutants showed no effect of either mutation on cell polarity, or on formation and localization of preprophase bands and spindles. In mutant cells, phragmoplasts in asymmetrically dividing cells are structurally normal and are initiated in the correct location, but often fail to move to the position formerly occupied by the preprophase band. We propose that dcd mutations disrupt an actin-dependent process necessary for the guidance of phragmoplasts during cytokinesis in asymmetrically dividing cells.
Trends and geographic variations in major surgery for degenerative diseases of the hip, knee, and spine.

ABSTRACT: Although Medicare rates for surgery to treat degenerative diseases of the hip, knee, and spine are highly variable among hospital referral regions (HRRs), the relative risk for surgery wi...
An environmental epigenetic study of ADRB2 5′‐UTR methylation and childhood asthma severity

SummaryBackground Beta-2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) is the primary target of both short- and long-acting beta-agonist asthma medications. ADRB2 5′-UTR methylation changes in blood have the potential to act as a surrogate biomarker of responsiveness to beta-agonist treatment and childhood asthma severity. Objective To study the association between ADRB2 5′-UTR methylation, NO 2 exposure and childhood asthma severity. Methods We compared ADRB2 5′-UTR methylation levels in blood between 60 children with mild asthma and 122 children with severe asthma using methylation-specific PCR. We also investigated potential joint effects between NO 2 exposure and ADRB2 5′-UTR methylation. Results We found a significant association between intermediate (OR: 4.11, 95% CI: 1.58–10.73) and high levels (OR: 7.63, 95% CI: 3.02–19.26) of ADRB2 methylation and severe childhood asthma. In addition, we found a significant association between indoor exposure to NO 2, an air pollutant and known asthmogen, and severe asthma among children exhibiting high ADRB2 methylation (OR: 4.59, 95% CI: 1.03–20.55) but no association among children exhibiting low levels of ADRB2 methylation (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.01–14.13). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance These findings support the potential use of ADRB2 5′-UTR methylation as a biomarker of both asthma severity and risk for NO 2-associated asthma exacerbations in children, and present the first evidence of an epigenetic link between an important environmental exposure and childhood asthma severity.
CLADISTIC AND PHENETIC RECOGNITION OF SPECIES IN THE ORDOVICIAN BRYOZOAN GENUS PERONOPORA

Abstract We compare cladistic, phenetic, stratophenetic, and typological methods of recognizing species within a single well-sampled, long-lived Ordovician bryozoan genus, Peronopora Nicholson, 1881. A consensus of 11 methods recognizes 14 species within Peronopora, each of which has both cladistic and phenetic support, and support by at least four different methods. Comparison of methods was based on: 1) the number of species recognized; 2) the degree of splitting of consensus groups; 3) consistency in determining first and last appearance datums, and stratigraphic ranges; 4) consistency in the number of specimens assigned to species; 5) stability in recognizing geographic distributions; and 6) correlations with character heritability. The five methods most closely approaching consensus were: 1) Ward clustering on Euclidean distance; 2) K-means splitting; 3) Ward clustering on correlation coefficients; 4) cladistic parsimony; and 5) cladistic parsimony plus iterative discriminant analysis. The three meth...
Development of a Response Factor Model for Thermo-Active Building Foundation

A transient three-dimensional finite difference numerical model was developed for the analysis of thermo-active foundations. The numerical model predictions were validated against experimental data obtained from laboratory testing. Using the validated 3D numerical model, a series of parameter sensitivity analyses was performed. It was found that the foundation depth, the shank space, the fluid flow rate, and thermal conductivity of ground and concrete affected the thermal performance of a thermo-active foundation system. Moreover, utilizing the numerical model, thermal response factors for thermo-active foundations were developed and implemented into a whole building energy simulation program. The thermal-response factor method was then used to estimate the effects of thermoactive foundations to reduce the energy consumption needed to condition commercial buildings.
Identification of adjuvantic activity of amphotericin B in a novel, multiplexed, poly-TLR/NLR high-throughput screen

Small-molecule agonists have been identified for TLR7, TLR8, TLR4 and TLR2 thus far, and chemotypes other than those of canonical ligands are yet to be explored for a number of innate immune receptors. The discovery of novel immunostimulatory molecules would enhance the repertoire of tools available for interrogating innate immune effector mechanisms, and provide additional venues for vaccine adjuvant development. A multiplexed, reporter gene-based high-throughput assay capable of detecting agonists of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR7, TLR8, TLR9, NOD1 and NOD2 was utilized in screening 123,943 compounds, in which amphotericin B (AmpB) and nystatin were identified as prominent hits. The polyene antifungal agents act as TLR2- and TLR4-agonists. The TLR4-stimulatory activity of AmpB was similar to that of monophosphoryl lipid A, suggestive of TRIF-biased signaling. The adjuvantic activity of AmpB, at a dose of 100 micrograms, was comparable to several other candidate adjuvants in rabbit models of immunization. These results point to its potential applicability as a safe and effective adjuvant for human vaccines.
Food-Based Strategies: Can They Play a Role in International Development?

Over the past two decades, the definition of poverty has been broadened to include social, economic, environmental, and human development dimensions. In line with this shift of thinking, all countries committed at the 2000 G-8 Summit in Okinawa to achieve the International Development Goals to alleviate poverty by 2015. Development organizations, such as the international development banks, have committed to provide support to countries to reach the International Development Goals, including two goals that specify significant reductions of child and maternal mortality. There is significant evidence that malnutrition, particularly micronutrient malnutrition, contributes to child mortality and growing evidence that malnutrition plays a similar role in maternal mortality. Inadequate dietary intake is an immediate cause of malnutrition, and thus it seems logical that food and agriculture activities could contribute to improvements in nutrition and micronutrient status. Global availability of cereals is adequate, but the rate of undernourishment (inadequate caloric intake) is still high, and child undernutrition still persists in many countries, suggesting that distribution of food is poor. Global availability of noncereal foods, such as animal and horticulture foods, is well below global requirements. Consequently, micronutrient deficiencies, which result mainly from inadequate intake of micronutrient-rich foods, particularly animal foods, are prevalent in most developing countries. Food-based strategies, such as home gardening, small-animal husbandry, poultry, and social marketing, lead to better food production, food consumption, and overall food security. Examining the relative contribution of the determinants of food security—availability, accessibility and consumption/choice—in a given setting provides insight into how the nutrition benefits from food-based strategies, as well as from macro food policies, might be maximized. When implemented in this context, food-based strategies can help countries achieve several of the International Development Goals.
Do voluntary cash flow disclosures and forecasts matter to value of the firms

Purpose – Two stylized facts emerge from cash flow literature. One explores the link between free cash flow (FCF) to firm value (Jensen, 1986) and establishes that FCF increases firm value. The other posits FCF may be value decreasing as firms tend to over invest when there is high level of FCF (Richardson, 2006). Two camps have opposing views yet together they establish that FCF is value relevant. If FCF or cash flow, in general, is value relevant then managers will be motivated to present forecasts to investors. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The authors hand collect data from each firm’s press releases and earnings announcements and perform an event study around this date to see how firm forecast and disclosure policies affect firm value. Findings – The analysis demonstrates that disclosures and forecasts do have significantly positive relation with tech firms suggesting that firms in the technology industries are more forthcoming with cash flow disclosures and fo...
Ceramics as Material Platform for Plasmonics and Optical Metamaterials

In this contribution plasmonic materials (other than currently used metals) for plasmonic and metamaterials applications will be discussed including transparent conducting oxides and transition metal nitrides that offer low loss, tunability and fabrication/integration advantages.
Climate-change-driven deterioration of water quality in a mineralized watershed.

A unique 30-year streamwater chemistry data set from a mineralized alpine watershed with naturally acidic, metal-rich water displays dissolved concentrations of Zn and other metals of ecological concern increasing by 100–400% (400–2000 μg/L) during low-flow months, when metal concentrations are highest. SO4 and other major ions show similar increases. A lack of natural or anthropogenic land disturbances in the watershed during the study period suggests that climate change is the underlying cause. Local mean annual and mean summer air temperatures have increased at a rate of 0.2–1.2 °C/decade since the 1980s. Other climatic and hydrologic indices, including stream discharge during low-flow months, do not display statistically significant trends. Consideration of potential specific causal mechanisms driven by rising temperatures suggests that melting of permafrost and falling water tables (from decreased recharge) are probable explanations for the increasing concentrations. The prospect of future widespread...
Decreasing bouts of prolonged sitting among office workers

Many workers in industrialized nations spend their day seated at a desk. Research suggests that accumulated sitting time increases risk for certain diseases (van der Ploeg, Chey, Korda, Banks, & Bauman, 2012). To reduce risk, health researchers recommend frequent standing or walking breaks during the workday. In the current study, we evaluated 3 behavioral interventions to decrease bouts of prolonged sitting among office workers. Information alone was not as effective as a treatment package that consisted of a tactile prompt, feedback, and goal setting.
Repair of H-type tracheoesophageal fistula through cervical approach

Objective To explore the diagnosis of H-type tracheoesophageal fistula and repairing through cervical approach. Methods The diagnosis of 5 cases with H-type tracheoesophageal fistula were confirmed by iodized oil roentgenograph, intratracheal methylene blue infusion and Johnston's methods. The tracheoesophageal fistula were successfully divided through cervical approach.Results All 5 cases have recovered. But one patient complicated with hoarseness and improved after 3 months, 4 cases had inspiratory laryngeal stridor and improved at discharge (3) or 6 months later (1).Conclusions H-type tracheoesophageal fistula is a rare condition and the examination techniques need to be further improved. Once definite diagnosis is established, a cervical transverse approach can provide satisfactory exposure.
Library patron privacy in Jeopardy: an analysis of the privacy policies of digital content vendors

While the library profession has long defended readers' privacy, a public library patron's personal information is no longer solely in the hands of intrepid librarians determined to defend intellectual freedom. Libraries use vendors to provide a large portion of their digital content. These vendors gain access to extensive personal information about patrons. Libraries often must negotiate with content providers to ensure privacy protections for their patrons that are in accordance with the American Library Association's Code of Ethics. This paper presents the results of a content analysis of the privacy policies of five of the top digital content vendors of American public libraries. We examined whether these privacy policies (1) meet the privacy standards of the library community, (2) meet other industry standards, and (3) are accessible and understandable to public library patrons. Our results demonstrate that while vendors are largely meeting the Fair Information Practices standards of American industry, the policies fail to meet the heightened standards of the library community.
Arts integration as school reform: Exploring how teachers experience policy

ABSTRACTThis article reports on the perceptions and experiences of general elementary educators as they engage in a school reform process that requires them to learn and implement an arts infused curriculum intended to raise student achievement on standardized tests in non-arts subjects. This qualitative study reveals not only how one arts-based school reform project plays out in the everyday lives of teachers but also how arts integration practices can become entangled in and complicit with a politically motivated policy agenda. Findings are presented in the form of themes that reflect the teachers' conflicting feelings and realities: on one hand a profound commitment to their challenged students and sincere hope that the reform process will succeed, and on the other, the effects of the significant additional work, stress, and anxiety that the reform process imposed.