cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cross media entity extraction and linkage for chemical documents

Text and images are two major sources of information in scientific literature. Information from these two media typically reinforce and complement each other, thus simplifying the process for human to extract and comprehend information. However, machines cannot create the links or have the semantic understanding between images and text. We propose to integrate text analysis and image processing techniques to bridge the gap between the two media, and discover knowledge from the combined information sources, which would be otherwise lost by traditional single-media based mining systems. The focus is on the chemical entity extraction task because images are well known to add value to the textual content in chemical literature. Annotation of US chemical patent documents demonstrates the effectiveness of our proposal.
The Role of Maxillofacial Prosthetics for the Surgically Treated Patient at National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers.

Objectives/hypothesis The current role of maxillofacial prosthetic care for head and neck cancer patients is not well understood. Additionally, perceived barriers for service provision are unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current role of maxillofacial prosthetic care at National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers and to identify perceived barriers to care. Study design Multicenter, cross-sectional survey of head and neck division leaders at NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers. Methods Each head and neck division leader from the 47 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers was invited to participate. The main outcomes of this study were: 1) to evaluate the current role of maxillofacial prosthetics for the surgically treated head and neck cancer patient within NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers and 2) to identify perceived barriers to care. Measured outcomes were obtained from an anonymous online survey and reported. Results Twenty-eight of the 47 head and neck service chiefs responded (60% response rate). Respondents expressed preference for prosthetic rehabilitation for hard palate/upper gum, auricular, and nasal defects. Local flap or free tissue transfer was preferred for lower gum and soft palate defects. Cost-related factors were among the most reported perceived barriers to maxillofacial prosthetic care. Conclusions Maxillofacial prosthetics have an important role in the rehabilitation of the head and neck cancer patient. Perceived barriers for services exist, particularly as it relates to cost. Providers should be aware that these issues are likely to be more severe in regional or community centers. Level of evidence NA Laryngoscope, 129:409-414, 2019.
Ni-alumina dry reforming catalysts: Atomic layer deposition and the issue of Ni aluminate

Abstract A catalyst consisting of 2 wt% Ni supported on a commercially available transition alumina is modified using TMA-H2O ALD cycles to deposit thin alumina overcoats on the catalyst, and it is then investigated for the catalytic dry reforming of methane (DRM) at 700 °C. Highly dispersed Ni rapidly sinters to form bulk Ni particles on the uncoated catalyst. In contrast, deposition of an alumina overcoat by ALD significantly lowers the rate of Ni sintering, and also lowers the propensity towards carbon deposition during DRM. Additionally, it is experimentally demonstrated that the Ni aluminate (NiAl2O4) spinel phase is unstable under the present DRM conditions and slowly undergoes reduction to metallic Ni and Al2O3. Slow reduction of the Ni2+ from NiAl2O4 is proposed as the origin of the large increase in DRM activity observed for the alumina-overcoated Ni catalysts.
A Retrospective Analysis of Surgical Outcomes and Risk Factors for Persistent Postoperative Symptoms Following Synthetic Mid Urethral Sling Revision.

Purpose:The purpose of our study was to describe the symptom profile of patients who presented to a tertiary care hospital for sling revision, define the efficacy of sling removal/revision in allev...
E-014 In vitro neurovascular model and particulate characterization of liquid embolics

Introduction/purpose To refine the development of novel endovascular devices and materials, innovative experimental testing methods can assess blood flow effects, material fatigue, downstream migration, and particulation. Specifically, in vivo animal models are not ideal for assessment of downstream particulation. This study describes the development of an in vitro neurovascular model to quantify particulation risks from endovascular devices. Materials and methods A flow loop simulates neurovascular blood flow and pressures. The model is controlled by a pump and a temperature-controlled (TC) fluid reservoir (to maintain 37°C). A LabVIEW monitoring system records and displays real-time data from pressure transducers, flow meters, and thermocouples connected to the flow loop. The pump delivers 250 ml/min (tunable to physiological conditions) and generates a mean pressure of 100 mmHg to the attached vessel phantoms. Distal to the phantoms are in-line filters to capture particles above 5.0 µm (figure 1). After a simulated endovascular procedure, filters are removed for analysis. The model can characterize the short- and long-term performance of devices delivered to vessel defects, such as aneurysms. Results The device tested was a liquid embolic (PPODA-QT). Microcatheters were placed into the aneurysm phantom using endovascular surgical techniques. Fluoroscopic imaging monitored the PPODA-QT delivery. Particle assessment was conducted by filter analysis (optical and electron microscopy) and liquid sample analysis (in-line interference holography) of downstream particle size and quantity and compared to the release specification for injectable fluids (USP – table 1). Conclusions Development of novel devices for neurovascular treatments requires robust modeling to ensure both short-and long-term effectiveness without downstream migration. This venture is a synergistic collaboration between the bioengineering and neurointerventional fields, and this study is ultimately important for providing physicians with a better understanding of non-thrombus downstream effects from neurovascular devices and materials. Disclosures T. Cotter: 1; C; National Institutes of Health. 4; C; Aneuvas Technologies, Inc. 5; C; Aneuvas Technologies, Inc, Barrow Neurological Institute, Northern Arizona University. K. LoGrande: None. M. Almutairi: None. S. Aldhufairi: None. C. Settanni: None. C. Gonzalez: 1; C; National Institutes of Health. 4; C; Aneuvas Technologies, Inc. 5; C; Aneuvas Technologies, Inc, Barrow Neurological Institute. A. Ducruet: 1; C; National Institutes of Health. 4; C; Aneuvas Technologies, Inc. 5; C; Aneuvas Technologies, Inc, Barrow Neurological Institute. T. Becker: 1; C; National Institutes of Health. 4; C; Aneuvas Technologies, Inc. 5; C; Aneuvas Technologies, Inc, Barrow Neurological Institute, Northern Arizona University.
A Soft Mechanical Phenotype of SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma and Primary Human Neurons Is Resilient to Oligomeric Aβ(1-42) Injury

Aggregated amyloid beta (Aβ) is widely reported to cause neuronal dystrophy and toxicity through multiple pathways: oxidative stress, disrupting calcium homeostasis, and cytoskeletal dysregulation. The neuro-cytoskeleton is a dynamic structure that reorganizes to maintain cell homeostasis in response to varying soluble and physical cues presented from the extracellular matrix (ECM). Due this relationship between cell health and the ECM, we hypothesize that amyloid toxicity may be directly influenced by physical changes to the ECM (stiffness and dimensionality) through mechanosensitive pathways, and while previous studies demonstrated that Aβ can distort focal adhesion signaling with pathological consequences, these studies do not address the physical contribution from a physiologically relevant matrix. To test our hypothesis that physical cues can adjust Aβ toxicity, SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma and primary human cortical neurons were plated on soft and stiff, 2D polyacrylamide matrices or suspended in 3D collagen gels. Each cell culture was exposed to escalating concentrations of oligomeric or fibrillated Aβ(1-42) with MTS viability and lactate dehydrogenase toxicity assessed. Actin restructuring was further monitored in live cells by atomic force microscopy nanoindentation, and our results demonstrate that increasing either matrix stiffness or exposure to oligomeric Aβ promotes F-actin polymerization and cell stiffening, while mature Aβ fibrils yielded no apparent cell stiffening and minor toxicity. Moreover, the rounded, softer mechanical phenotype displayed by cells plated onto a compliant matrix also demonstrated a resilience to oligomeric Aβ as noted by a significant recovery of viability when compared to same-dosed cells plated on traditional tissue culture plastic. This recovery was reproduced pharmacologically through inhibiting actin polymerization with cytochalasin D prior to Aβ exposure. These studies indicate that the cell-ECM interface can modify amyloid toxicity in neurons and the matrix-mediated pathways that promote this protection may offer unique targets in amyloid pathologies like Alzheimer's disease.
Development of a Portable LAMP Assay for Detection of Neofabraea perennans in Commercial Apple Fruit.

Bull's eye rot (BER) is a major economic postharvest disease of apple and pear that can be caused by four Neofabraea species: N. perennans, N. alba, N. malicorticis, and N. kienholzii. In Central Washington, BER is predominantly caused by N. perennans. The fungus infects fruit preharvest, and because of the dry growing season in the region, infections remain latent with symptoms expressed only after 3 to 4 months of storage, when BER incidences as high as 20% can been seen, especially in rainy seasons and on susceptible cultivars. To ensure early and efficient infection detections before BER symptoms become visible at point-of-care locations, a portable diagnostic tool based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) was developed using the β-tubulin gene. The LAMP assay was optimized and tested for specificity and sensitivity using DNA extracted from pure cultures of N. perennans and seven other fungal species. The results showed that the selected LAMP primer set was specific to N. perennans and highly sensitive as it detected DNA concentrations as low as 0.001 ng/µl after only 10 min. The assay was validated for N. perennans detection on artificially inoculated apples using a portable thermocycler, Genie II, without the need for DNA extraction. The LAMP assay detected N. perennans on apples inoculated with spore suspensions 3 weeks prior to harvest at concentrations of 103 spores/ml or higher. The assay was further validated using commercial Pinata apples from organic and conventional orchards, demonstrating the ability of this technique to amplify N. perennans from asymptomatic fruit in a commercial setting 3 months before commercial maturity. The LAMP assay developed for N. perennans detection can be easily expanded to detect the other BER causal species. LAMP has potential to be used in orchards and at point-of-care facilities to better inform on BER management at different fruit growth stages, and it has potential to be utilized to better understand the epidemiology of Neofabraea spp.
Cytopathology of chondromyxoid fibroma: a case series and review of the literature

Introduction Chondromyxoid fibroma is a rare bone tumor characterized by immature myxoid mesenchymal tissue showing early primitive cartilaginous differentiation. There have been limited case reports describing the cytologic features of chondromyxoid fibroma. Herein, we reported cytologic features of chondromyxoid fibroma on fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Materials and methods We performed a retrospective search in our cytopathology and surgical pathology database for cases diagnosed as chondromyxoid fibroma that had corresponding cytology specimens from three medical institutions. All available cytopathology specimens were reviewed. Results Eight cases were retrieved from patients aged 16-77 years (mean, 51 years), and M:F ratio of 1.7:1. Seven tumors (88%) were primary, and most (62%) occurred in flat bones. Cytologic diagnoses were made in 6 cases with cytologic slides not available to review in 1 case. All cases showed metachromatic matrix in the background, while hyaline cartilage fragments were absent. All cases had two cell populations comprising oval to round cells and stellate to spindle cells. The spindle to stellate cells were more commonly embedded in matrix material. Moderate atypia (hyperchromasia and moderate anisonucleosis) was present in 4 cases (80%), while no mitotic figure was present in all cases. Conclusions Our study highlights common cytologic features of chondromyxoid fibroma, including the presence of the spindle or stellate cells embedded in matrix material. Hyaline cartilage is uncommon and, if present, diagnostic considerations should include enchondroma or low-grade chondrosarcoma. A specific cytologic diagnosis primarily using FNA samples can be challenging but possible when evaluated in conjunction with clinical and radiologic data.
Feedback and Feedforward Auditory-Motor Processes for Voice and Articulation in Parkinson's Disease

Purpose Unexpected and sustained manipulations of auditory feedback during speech production result in "reflexive" and "adaptive" responses, which can shed light on feedback and feedforward auditory-motor control processes, respectively. Persons with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) have shown aberrant reflexive and adaptive responses, but responses appear to differ for control of vocal and articulatory features. However, these responses have not been examined for both voice and articulation in the same speakers and with respect to auditory acuity and functional speech outcomes (speech intelligibility and naturalness). Method Here, 28 PwPD on their typical dopaminergic medication schedule and 28 age-, sex-, and hearing-matched controls completed tasks yielding reflexive and adaptive responses as well as auditory acuity for both vocal and articulatory features. Results No group differences were found for any measures of auditory-motor control, conflicting with prior findings in PwPD while off medication. Auditory-motor measures were also compared with listener ratings of speech function: first formant frequency acuity was related to speech intelligibility, whereas adaptive responses to vocal fundamental frequency manipulations were related to speech naturalness. Conclusions These results support that auditory-motor processes for both voice and articulatory features are intact for PwPD receiving medication. This work is also the first to suggest associations between measures of auditory-motor control and speech intelligibility and naturalness.
An Introduction to Immunosuppressants

Publisher Summary Attenuation of immune reactions is directed toward two ends, the facilitation of organ transplantation and the control of autoimmune disease. Because these ends are of considerable clinical importance and because immunosuppressants are the most effective means of diminishing immune responsiveness, a lot of research has been conducted on these agents. The primary source material of this huge amount of research is the variation in immune responsiveness of different species and to different antigenic stimuli, here compounded by the variety of immunosuppressants available. This chapter explains the underlying principles of immunosuppressive therapy in brief rather than to catalog encyclopedic detail. The chapter is restricted to extrinsic agents that inhibit the immune response; inhibition by manipulations of antigen alone is excluded from consideration. Effective immunosuppression requires that, in some measure, there be specificity toward the antigen, organ, or tissue to which reactivity is to be suppressed— that is, drug-induced immunological tolerance. Without this specificity, insufficient residual immunological reactivity would remain to cope with the variety of infectious organisms to which every species is susceptible.
The role of vitamin D in cancer prevention

Vitamin D, also known as cholecalciferol, is the precursor to the active steroid hormone 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol; 1, 25(OH)2D3). The main physiological role for 1, 25(OH)2D3 is to regulate calcium and inorganic phosphate homeostasis for bone health. More recently, vitamin D has been investigated for its effects in the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular disease. Preclinical data strongly support a role for vitamin D in the prevention of cancer through its anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic effects on cells. Epidemiologic and clinical studies have shown mixed data on the correlation between serum vitamin D levels and cancer risk. This report seeks to outline results from the most recent preclinical and clinical studies investigating the potential role of vitamin D in cancer prevention.
The Classification of Office Copy Machines from Physical Characteristics

The identification of office copier machines has been simplified by the computerization of their class characteristics. The class characteristics examined are paper type, type of toner, reduction/enlargement capabilities, paper supply, presence of identifying marks, fusion method, and color capabilities. These known class characteristics are then compared against the established data base to limit the search to the possible manufacturers.
Acoustic Emission in the Frequency Domain

A means for quickly and easily determining the broadband frequency content of acoustic bursts as short as 20 μs in duration has been developed using a video tape recorder and a standard spectrum analyzer. It is shown by examples from several tests on laboratory specimens and on large structures that the frequency content of an acoustic burst is related to the mechanism which produced it and is not affected substantially by the specimen size or by mode conversion due to multiple reflections in the structure. The frequency content of the burst can be changed in two ways, however: by the frequency-dependent attenuation of the propagation medium and in the cases where the medium is dispersive. Results of measurements on the effect of these factors in a variety of structures are given. Although acoustic emissions from many materials tend to be "white noise," several examples of acoustic emissions and exwaneous background noise bursts having distinctive frequency spectra are given which suggest possibilities for discriminating true acoustic emission signals from background noise on the basis of frequency content alone.
Estimates of decision weights and internal noise in the masked discrimination of vowels by young and elderly adults

Gilbertson and Lutfi [(2014). Hear. Res. 317, 9–14] report that older adults perform similarly to younger adults on a masked vowel discrimination task when the fundamental frequency (F0) of target and masker vowel differ but that the older adults perform more poorly when the F0 is the same. This paper presents an alternative analysis of those data to support the conclusion that the poorer performance of older adults is due to an increase in the decision weight on masker reflecting poorer selective attention in noise of older adults.
Concentrations of the free amino acids in human amniotic fluid during normal and abnormal pregnancies.

Abstract The majority of the free amino acids of amniotic fluid decrease in concentration with the progression of pregnancy. Some exceptions include cysteic acid, which increases in concentration with pregnancy; taurine, methionine sulfoxide, and cystathionine, which peak around 33 to 37 weeks; ethanolamine, which is lowest at 33 to 37 weeks; and 3-methylhistidine, which is present in specimens only from 15 to 20 weeks of gestation. Published reports are summarized and salient differences are noted.
A refinement-based approach to deriving train controllers

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how transformation can be used to derive a high integrity implementation of a train controller from an algorithmic specification. The paper begins with a general discussion of high consequence systems(e.g., software systems) and describes how rewrite-based transformation systems can be used in the development of such systems. We then discuss how such transformations can be used to derive a high assurance controller for the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system from an algorithmic specification
Harvesting the Entrepreneurial Venture

Harvesting (or exiting) is the method owners and investors use to get out of a business and, ideally, reap the value of their investment in the firm. Many entrepreneurs successfully grow their businesses but fail to develop effective harvest plans. As a result, they are unable to capture the full value of the business they have worked so hard to create. Harvesting encompasses more than merely selling and leaving a business; it involves capturing value (cash flows), reducing risk, and creating future options – the reason we prefer the term harvest over exit. Keywords: entrepreneurial exit; harvest; IPO; LBO; strategic buyer
Swimming against the current

Fish always orientate their bodies upstream, a behavioural response called rheotaxis. But just how they know which way the current is flowing has been a matter of some debate. New research shows that a series of sensory organs distributed over the head and neck of fishes (the lateral line system) may be the long sought sensor that detects the direction of current flow. This finding is particularly intriguing as research in the 1960s apparently ruled out involvement of the lateral line system in rheotaxis.
Scaling-Up and Speeding-Up Video Analytics Inside Database Engine

Most conventional video processing platforms treat database merely as a storage engine rather than a computation engine, which causes inefficient data access and massive amount of data movement. Motivated by providing a convergent platform, we push down video processing to the database engine using User Defined Functions (UDFs). However, the existing UDF technology suffers from two major limitations. First, a UDF cannot take a set of tuples as input or as output, which restricts the modeling capability for complex applications, and the tuple-wise pipelined UDF execution often leads to inefficiency and rules out the potential for enabling data-parallel computation inside the function. Next, the UDFs coded in non-SQL language such as C, either involve hard-to-follow DBMS internal system calls for interacting with the query executor, or sacrifice performance by converting input objects to strings. To solve the above problems, we realized the notion of Relation Valued Function (RVF) in an industry-scale database engine. With tuple-set input and output, an RVF can have enhanced modeling power, efficiency and in-function data-parallel computation potential. To have RVF execution interact with the query engine efficiently, we introduced the notion of RVF invocation patterns and based on that developed RVF containers for focused system support. We have prototyped these mechanisms on the Postgres database engine, and tested their power with Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification and learning, the most widely used analytics model for video understanding. Our experience reveals the value of the proposed approach in multiple dimensions: modeling capability, efficiency, in-function data-parallelism with multi-core CPUs, as well as usability; all these are fundamental to converging data-intensive analytics and data management.
A highly directional transducer for multipath mitigation in high-frequency underwater acoustic communications

This paper presents a transducer design of the hollow cylinder type designed to minimize transmission multipath and the need for channel equalization over short acoustic communication distances in shallow water. Operating at 750 kHz, the half-maximum envelope of the main lobe is approximately 3°. The transducer was incorporated into a low-complexity modem system in which it acted as both transmitter and receiver. At-sea testing indicated that the system is capable of operating over horizontal distances of 5 m without evidence of multipath distortion. The system was also found to be effective as an omnidirectional transmitter/receiver in the 10–60 kHz band.
Middle-term results of trans-catheter creation of atrial communication in patients receiving mechanical circulatory support

Objective To describe our center's middle-term outcomes following trans-catheter creation of atrial communication (ASD) in patients on mechanical circulatory support. Background: Trans-catheter creation of an ASD in patients on mechanical circulatory support is an adjuvant therapy to reduce left atrial pressure and associated morbidity. Data on middle term outcomes following this procedure, specifically in regards to the fate of the ASD, are limited. Methods Retrospective observational study of consecutive children and adults undergoing trans-catheter creation of an atrial septal communication between 1/1/2006 and 5/1/2014, reviewing their baseline characteristics, procedural details, and data from follow-up. Results Over the study period, 37/227 (16%) subjects undergoing veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) underwent trans-catheter creation of an atrial communication. Mortality on VA-ECMO support in this subgroup was 19%, with an additional 24% transitioning to ventricular assist device. Of the 57% who survived to separation from VA-ECMO, 16/21 (76%) had residual atrial communications. 56% of these underwent closure procedures. Conclusions Following trans-catheter creation of ASD, a residual ASD is present in the majority of assessable survivors and represents a potential volume overload and/or right to left shunt that may need to be addressed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experimental Modoc virus infection of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus)

Modoc virus (MODV) is a flavivirus that was first isolated from deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus ) in Modoc County, California during a 1958 surveillance study for novel viruses. Although many flaviviruses are arthropod-borne, MODV has no known intermediate. Subsequent to its initial isolation, MODV was detected in deer mice found in other regions of the United States, including northeastern Colorado. These findings suggested that deer mice may be a reservoir host of MODV. We intramuscularly inoculated 18 deer mice with 10 5 TCID 50 of MODV strain M544 for susceptibility testing. Groups of three deer mice were euthanized for necropsy and tissue collection on days 2, 4, 7, 11, 21, and 31. No conspicuous signs of disease occurred in the deer mice; however, minor pulmonary multifocal vasculitis and hemorrhages, multifocal portal hepatitis and splenic lymphoid hyperplasia with hemosiderosis were detected in several deer mice. No virus was detected in sera, suggesting viremia did not occur. Neutralizing antibody was detected as early as day 7-post inoculation, and thereafter all deer were seropositive. MODV RNA was detected by PCR in organs of deer mice euthanized between days 2 and 4, with lung tissue of one deer mouse euthanized on day 7 also indicating the presence of MODV RNA. Viral RNA was detected in most spleens but less frequently in the kidneys and hearts. These data indicate deer mice are susceptible to MODV without signs of disease, although mild pathology occurs in some organs. Clearance of the virus is suggested by the PCR results since no virus was detected in any organ tissue beyond 7 days, which is contrary to the expectation of a natural reservoir host.
Nanoparticles Labeled with Positron Emitting Nuclides: Advantages, Methods, and Applications

Over the past decade, positron emitter labeled nanoparticles have been widely used in and substantially improved for a range of diagnostic biomedical research. However, given growing interest in personalized medicine and translational research, a major challenge in the field will be to develop disease-specific nanoprobes with facile and robust radiolabeling strategies and that provide imaging stability, enhanced sensitivity for disease early stage detection, optimized in vivo pharmacokinetics for reduced nonspecific organ uptake, and improved targeting for elevated efficacy. This review briefly summarizes the major applications of nanoparticles labeled with positron emitters for cardiovascular imaging, lung diagnosis, and tumor theranostics.
Left atrial passive function after aortic valve replacement in aortic stenosis

Background Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the definitive treatment for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). Aortic stenosis is associated with diastolic dysfunction and left atrial (LA) enlargement. After a successful AVR, there is a decrease in LA size but persistence in diatolic dysfunction. We hypothesized that LA function would help link this discordance. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard for assessment of the LA. We therefore aimed to test the effect of AS on LA function and the subsequent effects of an AVR on LA function. We hypothesized that, similar to diastolic function, LA function would not improve post-AVR and that the persistence in LA dysfunction might be related to expansion of the extracellular space.
Capillarity induced instability in responsive hydrogel membranes with periodic hole array

We report capillary force induced instability from drying water swollen poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) based hydrogel membranes with micron-sized holes in a square array. When the PHEMA membrane was exposed to deionized-water, the size of the holes became smaller but retained the shape, so-called breathing mode instability. However, during the drying process, the square pore array buckled into a diamond plate pattern. The deformed pattern could be recovered upon re-exposure to water. The instability mechanism was confirmed by comparing the observations from optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images with theoretical prediction. When thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) was introduced to the PHEMA gel, the poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-N-isopropylacrylamide) (PHEMA-co-PNIPAAm) membrane underwent pattern transformation only if dried below the lower critical solution temperature of PNIPAAm. Along the pattern transformation, we observed a dramatic change of the optical property of the film, from colourful reflection to transparent window.
Reversibility of pulmonary abnormalities by conditional replacement of surfactant protein D (SP-D) in vivo.

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) gene-targeted mice develop severe pulmonary disease associated with emphysema, pulmonary lipidosis, and foamy macrophage infiltrations. To determine the potential reversibility of these abnormalities, transgenic mice were developed in which SP-D was conditionally replaced in the respiratory epithelium ofSP-D −/− mice. SP-D was not detected in the absence of doxycycline. Treatment with doxycycline after birth restored pulmonary SP-D concentrations and corrected pulmonary pathology at adulthood. When SP-D was replaced in adultSP-D −/− mice, alveolar SP-D was restored within 3 days, pulmonary lipid abnormalities were corrected, but emphysema persisted. In corrected adultSP-D −/− mice, loss of SP-D caused focal emphysema and pulmonary inflammation but did not cause phospholipid abnormalities characteristic of SP-D −/− mice. Thus, abnormalities in surfactant phospholipid homeostasis and alveolar macrophage abnormalities were readily corrected by restoration of SP-D. However, once established, emphysema was not reversed by SP-D. SP-D-dependent processes regulating surfactant lipid homeostasis were disassociated from those mediating emphysema.
Vinorelbine and the topoisomerase 1 inhibitors : current and potential roles in breast cancer chemotherapy

Vinorelbine is a semi-synthetic vinca alkaloid which was initially developed in France in the 1980's. Due to its unique structure it is considerably less neurotoxic than vincristine. Several phase II studies have shown that vinorelbine is active in metastatic breast cancer therapy with response rates of 20–30% in pretreated and 40–50% in nonpretreated patients respectively. Higher response rates have been noted when vinorelbine is used in combination regimens. The main dose-limiting toxicity seen with this agent has been neutropenia; neurotoxicity manifest as symptomatic paresthesia can be seen in 10% of treated patients. Oral and implantable forms of the drug have also been investigated. The topoisomerase 1 inhibitors topotecan and camptothecin 11 (CPT-11) have been less extensively evaluated in breast cancer therapy. Preclinical studies have indicated that both of these agents are active against breast cancer and some responses have been seen in phase 1 trials of topotecan. An 8% response rate was noted in a phase II trial of CPT-11 in patients with pretreated metastatic breast cancer. Further phase II trials are ongoing at present with both agents.
Triplet repeat expansion in neuromuscular disease.

Expansions of unstable trinucleotide repeats cause at least 15 inherited neurologic diseases. Here we review what has been learned of three neuromuscular diseases caused by this type of mutation. X-linked spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy is a motor neuronopathy caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the androgen receptor gene. The mutated protein has an expanded polyglutamine tract, forms intranuclear aggregates, and mediates neurodegeneration through a toxic gain-of-function mechanism. Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy is a dominantly inherited myopathy caused by a GCG/polyalanine expansion in the gene encoding poly(A)-binding protein 2. Myotonic dystrophy is a clinically variable multisystem disease caused by a CTG expansion in the 3' untranslated region of the myotonin gene. For each of these disorders, we summarize the clinical and pathologic features and review current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying their pathogenesis.
Design of an actively actuated prosthetic socket

Purpose – A prosthetic socket worn by an amputee must serve a wide variety of functions, from stationary support to the transfer of forces necessary to move. Because a subject's residual limb changes volume throughout the day, it is desirable that the socket adapt to accommodate volume changes to maintain fit and comfort. The purpose of this paper is to provide steps towards designing a transtibial nylon prothestic socket, fabricated by selective laser sintering (SLS), that automatically adapts to volumetric changes of a residual limb.Design/methodology/approach – An adaptive socket design that has both rigid and compliant regions is proposed to be manufactured by SLS and actuated by inflation. To assess the feasibility of this approach, thin membrane test specimens of various thicknesses and materials were created to understand the relationship between inflation pressure and deflection for SLS manufactured plastics. Finite element analysis (FEA) was assessed as a predictive design tool and verified with ...
Increased Resistance to Apoptosis in Cells Overexpressing Thymosin Beta Four: A Role for Focal Adhesion Kinase pp125FAK

Loss of adherence to substrate can, by itself, induce apoptosis (anoikis) in epithelial cells, but does not do so in fibroblasts. To test the idea that adherence transmits signals that inhibit apop...
Inhibition of increases of transcription factor mRNAs during differentiation of primary rat adipocytes by in vivo 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) treatment.

Abstract Understanding the differentiation pathway of adipocytes is an important first step for controlling human and animal fat deposition. Although many studies have been done on adipogenesis, most have utilized established cell lines rather than isolated primary cells. We have studied primary preadipoce differentiation to determine whether the cell lines reflect the situation in vivo. In this study, mRNA of several transcription factors and adipocyte-related enzymes, isolated from cultured differentiating primary rat inguinal and epididymal cells, followed the same pattern of change during differentiation as seen in differentiating 3T3-L1 cells. As the cells differentiated, mRNA for C/EBPα, PPARγ2, aP2 and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) increased, C/EBPβ decreased and CHOP remained at a low level. Previously we have shown that in vivo treatment with TCDD (2,3,7,8- tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) inhibits in vitro adipogenesis and the increase of mRNAs for glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and LPL (Tox. Lett. 84:55, 1996). TCDD treatment in vivo also inhibited the increase of mRNA for the PPARγ2, aP2 and C/EBPα during differentiation of the isolated preadipocytes. C/EBPβ and CHOP mRNAs were unaffected. Due to the similarity of changes of the transcription factor mRNAs for primary and 3T3-L1 cells during differentiation and after TCDD treatment, 3T3-L1 cells appear to provide a good model for more clearly defining the route of adipogenesis and TCDD inhibition.
Distinct upstream activation regions for glucose-repressed and derepressed expression of the yeast citrate synthase gene CIT1

The yeast CIT1 (mitochondrial citrate synthase) gene is subject to glucose repression and is further repressed by glucose plus glutamate. Based on deletion analysis of a CIT1-lacZ gene fusion, DNA sequences between -548 and -273 are required for full expression of CIT1. The region of transcription initiation and the putative TATA element are located at -150 to -100 and -195 respectively. A restriction fragment containing DNA sequences between -457 and -211 conferred activation and glucose-glutamate regulation when placed in either orientation upstream of a USA-less heterologous yeast gene. Deletion of DNA sequences between -291 and -273 specifically eliminated derepression of CIT1, and destroyed one of two closely-spaced, potential binding sites for the HAP2,3,4 transcriptional activator protein. Tenbase-pair block substitutions in the region -367 to -348 reduced glucose-repressed expression. Thus, it appears that distinct DNA sequences upstream of CIT1 activate expression in glucose-repressed and derepressed cells. Possible mechanisms of regulation by glutamate plus glucose, are discussed.
Interexaminer agreement on the american board of emergency medicine oral certification examination

Abstract Study objective: One of the principal criticisms of performance assessments, particularly those using an oral format to evaluate physician performance, is the lack of interrater reliability. The objective of this study was to assess interexaminer agreement in the scoring of candidates taking the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) oral certification examination. Methods: Examiner-observer pairs independently scored individual candidates on each of the 6 simulated cases selected for the October 1999 examination. Simple proportionate agreement for "acceptable" and "unacceptable" scores on critical actions and performance ratings were used to measure interexaminer (examiner-observer) agreement. Further analyses were performed to assess interexaminer agreement at the level of the raw scores of all performance ratings. The candidate's actual score was determined entirely by the examiner administering the case. The study examiner was present only to observe and independently score the candidate. Examiners were blinded to each other's scoring. All examiner-observer, examiner-candidate, and observer-candidate pairings were uniquely randomized and occurred only once during the examination. Results: Of 564 candidates, 186 were randomly selected for scoring by examiner-observer pairs drawn from a pool of 107 trained oral examiners. Interexaminer agreement for 47 critical actions was 97% (95% confidence interval [CI] 96% to 98%), and interexaminer agreement for 68 performance ratings was 95% (95% CI 94% to 96%). Further analyses of raw scores of performance ratings indicated that 94% (95% CI 93% to 95%) of 2,648 pairs of ratings differed by 1 point or less. Conclusion: High interexaminer agreement on the scoring of the ABEM oral certification examination supports the reliability of this final step in the certification process. On the basis of these findings, ABEM has incorporated this methodology into the administration of each oral examination as an ongoing quality control measure. [ Ann Emerg Med. 2003;41:859-864.]
Both nitrogen and phosphorus limit plant production on young Hawaiian lava flows

We applied fertilizers in a 23complete factorial design to determine the effects of nutrient amendments on plant growth in Hawaiian montane forests growing on two different volcanic substrates: ‘a‘ā and pāhoehoe lava. Both sites were about 140 years old and their overstories were nearly monospecific stands of Metrosideros polymorpha. Fertilizer applications included N, P, a mixture of essential macro- and micronutrients excepting P and N, and all combinations thereof in each of four blocks. Additions of nutrients other than N or P had no significant effects on measured plant-growth variables. In contrast, additions of either N or P significantly increased tree height growth, diameter increments, biomass growth, and height growth of the understory fern Dicranopteris linearis in both sites. The effect of N was greater than that of P. Greatest growth rates occurred in plots receiving both N and P, and signficant N*P interactions occurred in several cases, suggesting a synergistic effect between these two elements. Plant growth on these young, poorly weathered, basaltic lavas is colimited by N and P availability. Growth in a similar-aged stand growing on a mixture of volcanic ash and cinders is N but not P limited, indicating that the texture of the parent material influences nutrient-availability patterns during early primary succession.
Bayesian defeat of camouflage

A new technique is shown for refining and reducing incoming camouflage data based upon the Bayesian paradigm. Innovation is displayed in use of a statistical conditioning sequence that avoids the need to form target features from the data. The result is a simplified and more accurate probabilistic indication of actual target presence. This probabilistic indication can then be incorporated into a variety of target detection scenarios or, alternately, to form the basis of a theoretically optimal Bayesian target detector. Numeric simulation is presented to show the effectiveness of the technique against simulated camouflage.
The AREVA HTR fuel cycle: An analysis of technical issues and potential industrial solutions

Abstract The AREVA high temperature reactor (HTR) is a modular 600 MWt high temperature gas-cooled reactor that provides up to 950 °C process helium for power generation and/or hydrogen production. Energy facilities based on this technology will consist of up to four AREVA HTR modules achieving high thermodynamic efficiency with a total possible electrical generation capability of 1200 MWe. At the heart of the AREVA HTR is the TRISO-coated low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel which is assembled into fuel compacts that are inserted into prismatic graphite fuel elements. The intent of this paper is to examine the AREVA HTR fuel and fuel cycle from two perspectives. First, from the “front-end” perspective, the available fuel cycle-related options are examined along with the basis for the subsequent choice of fuel type and cycle. Second, from the “back-end” perspective, the generation and management of spent fuel and graphite waste is examined along with the strategies and options available for disposition or disposal. The AREVA HTR has the inherent flexibility to accommodate many fuel types and to permit full cost-effective optimization. The reasons for this flexibility are presented and the main advantages and disadvantages of the various fuels cycle are discussed. The reference fuel cycle for the AREVA HTR is then introduced and its main features are given. Additionally, non-proliferation attributes of the AREVA HTR technology are also examined. The amount of spent fuel and graphite waste generated by the AREVA HTR is governed by the burn-up capability of the fuel and the longevity of the adjacent graphite reflector blocks. As currently envisioned, the AREVA HTR will need to be refueled every 18 months, with 50% of the core being replaced. Additionally, the graphite reflector blocks will need to be replaced at regular intervals. Given a 60-year design life, approximately 20,000 spent fuel elements and 10,000 graphite reflectors blocks will be generated. The near-term and long-term options for dealing with these waste streams are examined and, as with the front end of the fuel cycle, a reference strategy for spent fuel and graphite waste proposed.
Competitive Photochemical Reactivity in a Self-Assembled Monolayer on a Colloidal Gold Cluster

A shell−core cluster 2 produced by depositing a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of 6-thiohexyl-3-nitro-4-(4‘-stilbenoxymethyl)-benzoate (1) on a nanoparticulate gold colloid preserves normal solution-phase photoreactivity of the trans-stilbene and o-nitrobenzyl ether moieties, but shows quenched fluorescence. Nearest-neighbor aggregation is weaker for 1 bound to the roughly spherical colloidal gold particle (in cluster 2) than for analogous stilbenoids bound to a planar gold surface. Unlike the observed photochemical reactivity of stilbenylalkyl sulfides appended as SAMs on planar gold surfaces, the chromophores present in these shell−core nanocomposites 2 exhibit efficient trans-to-cis photoisomerization and blocked [2 + 2] photodimerization. Wavelength selectivity for photoisomerization and photocleavage proved to be elusive, but triplet sensitization of the geometric isomerization took place without photorelease of the attached group.
Effect of Steeping with Sulfite Salts and Adjunct Acids on Corn Wet-Milling Yields and Starch Properties

ABSTRACT Two corn hybrids (3394 and 33R87) were steeped with three sulfite salts and five acids to test the effect of sulfur dioxide (SO2) source and acid sources on wet-milling yields and starch properties. Milling yields from each treatment were compared with a control sample that was steeped with 2,000 ppm of SO2 (using sodium metabisulfite) and 0.55% lactic acid. Sulfur dioxide sources were potassium sulfite, sodium sulfite, and ammonium sulfite; acids were acetic, hydrochloric, oxalic, phosphoric, and sulfuric. Starch yields were affected by the SO2 source and steep acids but the effects were hybrid-dependent. Different steep acids gave different starch yields when wet milled at the same pH. Among the acids tested, weak acids (lactic and acetic) tended to give higher starch yields compared with strong acids (hydrochloric, sulfuric, phosphoric, and oxalic). Some differences were observed with different sulfite salts and acids on starch pasting properties; however, there were no clear trends.