cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Latest Pleistocene to Holocene hydroclimates from Lake Elsinore, California

Abstract The hydroclimate of the southwestern United States (US) region changed abruptly during the latest Pleistocene as the continental ice sheets over North America retreated from their most southerly extent. To investigate the nature of this change, we present a new record from Lake Elsinore, located 36 km inland from the Pacific Ocean in Southern California and evaluate it in the context of records across the coastal and interior southwest United States, including northwest Mexico. The sediment core recovered from Lake Elsinore provides a continuous sequence with multi-decadal resolution spanning 19–9 ka BP. Sedimentological and geochemical analyses reveal hydrologic variability. In particular, sand and carbonate components indicate abrupt changes at the Oldest Dryas (OD), Bolling–Allerod (BA), and Younger Dryas (YD) transitions, consistent with the timing in Greenland. Hydrogen isotope analyses of the C28 n-alkanoic acids from plant leaf waxes (δDwax) reveal a long term trend toward less negative values across 19−9 ka BP. δDwax values during the OD suggest a North Pacific moisture source for precipitation, consistent with the dipping westerlies hypothesis. We find no isotopic evidence for the North American Monsoon reaching as far west as Lake Elsinore; therefore, we infer that wet/dry changes in the coastal southwest were expressed through winter-season precipitation, consistent with modern climatology. Comparing Lake Elsinore to other southwest records (notably Cave of Bells and Fort Stanton) we find coincident timing of the major transitions (OD to BA, BA to YD) and hydrologic responses during the OD and BA. The hydrologic response, however, varied during the YD consistent with a dipole between the coastal and interior southwest. The coherent pattern of hydrologic responses across the interior southwest US and northwest Mexico during the OD (wet), the BA (drier), and YD (wet) follows changes in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, presumably via its combined influence on North Pacific winter storm tracks and the extent/magnitude of the North American Monsoon. In contrast, Lake Elsinore and the coastal southwest experiences a deglacial drying trend punctuated by abrupt change at the OD to BA and BA to YD transitions. This trend tracks rising greenhouse gases through the deglacial, with an apparent southward shift in westerly moisture sources adjusting to the retreating ice sheet.
Rapid determination of trace dicyandiamide in mussels from Zhejiang coast by ultra-fast liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with isotope internal standard dilution technique.

In this study, a rapid and accurate ultra-fast liquid chromatography–tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (UFLC–MS/MS) method coupled with the isotope internal standard dilution technique was established and validated to determine trace dicyandiamide (DCD) in mussels. The sample was extracted by acetonitrile, and chromatographic separations were performed on an Acquity UPLC BEH Amide column by using water–acetonitrile (9:91, v/v) as the mobile phase within 3 min. DCD was determined by using DCD-15N4 as an internal standard. The results showed that the recoveries were between 96.2 and 103 % with relative standard deviations (RSDs) in the range of 0.6–6.0 %. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.05 μg/kg. This method can be applied to the routine analysis for the rapid and sensitive determination of trace DCD in mussels. Overall, the data reiterate the importance of investigating the presence of DCD in marine biological samples, which can act as food quality controls for human health.
Primary repair of penetrating colonic injuries1

PURPOSE: Primary repair of penetrating colon injuries is an appealing management option; however, uncertainty about its safety persists. This study was conducted to compare the morbidity and mortality of primary repair with fecal diversion in the management of penetrating colon injuries by use of a meta-analysis of randomized, prospective trials. METHODS: We searched for prospective, randomized trials in MEDLINE (1966 to November 2001), the Cochrane Library, and EMBase using the terms colon, penetrating, injury, colostomy, prospective, and randomized. Studies were included if they were randomized, controlled trials that compared the outcomes of primary repair with fecal diversion in the management of penetrating colon injuries. Five studies were included. Reviewers performed data extraction independently. Outcomes evaluated from each trial included mortality, total complications, infectious complications, intra-abdominal infections, wound complications, penetrating abdominal trauma index, and length of stay. Peto odds ratios for combined effect were calculated with a 95 percent confidence interval for each outcome. Heterogeneity was also assessed for each outcome. RESULTS: The penetrating abdominal trauma index of included subjects did not differ significantly between studies. Mortality was not significantly different between groups (odds ratio, 1.70; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.51–5.66). However, total complications (odds ratio, 0.28; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.18–0.42), total infectious complications (odds ratio, 0.41; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.27–0.63), abdominal infections including dehiscence (odds ratio, 0.59; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.38–0.94), abdominal infections excluding dehiscence (odds ratio, 0.52; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.31–0.86), wound complications including dehiscence (odds ratio, 0.55; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.34–0.89), and wound complications excluding dehiscence (odds ratio, 0.43; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.25–0.76) all significantly favored primary repair. CONCLUSION: Meta-analysis of currently published randomized, controlled trials favors primary repair over fecal diversion for penetrating colon injuries.
Retrospective analysis of L5–S1 axial lumbar interbody fusion (AxiaLIF): a comparison with and without the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2

Abstract Background context Since approval by the Food and Drug Administration in 2002, use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) to promote spinal fusion is increasing. Purpose In this comparative analysis, the authors assess fusion rates and clinical outcomes of patients who underwent a presacral axial lumbar interbody fusion (AxiaLIF) (TranS1 Inc., Wilmington, NC, USA) at L5–S1 with posterior instrumentation, with or without rhBMP-2. Study design Retrospective case-matched chart review. Patient sample A matched cohort of 99 patients underwent fusion performed by two surgeons at two institutions (2005–2007): Specifically, 45 patients at The Christ Hospital received rhBMP-2 and 54 patients at the University of Pittsburgh had no rhBMP-2. Outcome measures Pre- and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded, as was physiologic data on fusion rates, blood loss, and length of stay. Preoperative and postoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were obtained for patients treated with rhBMP-2. Odom’s outcome criteria were obtained at 2-year follow-up for patients without rhBMP-2. Methods Data were collected prospectively. Demographic data, including sex and age, were matched. Results During the 2-year follow-up period, patients noted reduction in back pain and improved functional outcome measures. The most rapid reduction in VAS pain scores and improvement in ODI occurred within the first 3 months after surgery. Mean pre- and postoperative VAS scores improved 59% from 72.9 to 30.1 with rhBMP-2 and 72% from 81.3 to 22.6 without rhBMP-2. In rhBMP-2-treated patients, mean ODI scores were 54.4% preoperatively and 23.7% postoperatively, a 56.4% improvement at 2 years. In the non–rhBMP-2 patients, 80% reported excellent to good results using Odom criteria. Fusion rates were 96% with rhBMP-2 and 93% without rhBMP-2. Operative blood loss averaged 82 cm3 with and less than 50 cm3 without rhBMP-2. No differences in hospital length of stay were noted between the two groups or in the fusion rates with pedicle screws or facet screws. No major complications occurred with or without rhBMP-2. Conclusions In our case-matched series, clinical outcomes were similar for patients who underwent an AxiaLIF L5–S1 interbody fusion with or without rhBMP-2. The data strongly suggest that there is a high confidence for no effect on fusion rate by using rhBMP-2.
Business Owners Toolkit

There is an active small business community, many of whom look to the Internet to find information to help them start or grow their business. Business Owners Toolkit Total Know-How for Small Busine...
Performance of glucose biosensor based on oxygen electrode in physiological fluids and at body temperature

A potentially implantable glucose biosensor for continuous monitoring of glucose levels in diabetic patients has been developed. The glucose biosensor is based on an amperometric oxygen electrode and glucose oxidase immobilized on carbon powder held in the form of a liquid suspension. The enzyme material can be replaced (the sensor recharged) without sensor disassembly. Diffusion membranes made of silastic coatings over a microporous polycarbonate membrane are used. Calibration curves of the sensors in phosphate buffer solution and in undiluted blood plasma at body temperature have been obtained. The reproducibility of the sensor response in serum at body temperature is demonstrated. The sensors have a stable signal during storage and continuous operation at body temperature for a period of at least one month.
Does adding a formal leader improve the performance of a team in a business simulation

Game administrators must decide on team size and task assignments within teams. The research reported in this article addresses one key component of that decision; namely, should a formal leader be added to each group or should the group members be allowed to perform as peers. The authors held constant the differences across sections and across the subtasks that the individual group members performed. The authors found no evidence that groups with the added leader had better financial performance than groups without a formal leader.
Turning on the Human Growth Hormone Receptor: A Computational Study on its Structure and Activation Mechanism

Growth hormone receptor (GHR) forms a central component of growth hormone (GH) induced signaling pathways and is engaged in various cell functions related to growth and metabolism. Despite its cardinal role in these functions, knowledge of its structure is limited, especially for the transmembrane (TM) domain that bridges extracellular signals to the cytosolic downstream recipients. To generate possible inactive and active state TM domain models, we perform two sets of replica-exchange simulations with human GHR TM domains. The resulting representative structures are subjected to a total of 7.8 μs molecular dynamics simulations in POPC bilayers to further explore their stability and intrinsic dynamics. Structural analyses reveal differences in active and inactive state TM structures and indicate that the activation/deactivation process involves TM helix rotation and piston motion. In addition, a homology modeling study is conducted to construct a more complete model containing extracellular and TM domains. From this model, a possible mechanism for GH binding triggered TM domain reorganization is proposed. According to this mechanism, GH binding poses steric constraints on the extracellular domain, altering its interactions with the TM domain and leading the reorganization.
Evidence-based practice guidelines--one way to enhance clinical practice

Abdominoplasty and liposuction guidelines are just two of the guidelines that can be accessed and used to enhance patient care. Guidelines also can be used to increase your knowledge about many other health care topics. The NGC has approved guidelines for managing chronic pain, as well as guidelines on chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Many patients have chronic diseases, and you or your family members also may be affected by chronic disorders. These guidelines provide you with a quick overview of evidence-based treatment protocols. These guidelines are not a panacea for evidence-based practice, but using them is one way that perioperative nurses can enhance their clinical skills. Though not everyone has personal Internet access, most health care facilities do or can make access a reality. Other options include medical or public libraries. Then one simply has to access the NGC web site and join other professionals in improving the quality and timeliness of patient care.
Parallel Algorithms for Radiation Transport on Unstructured Grids

The method of discrete ordinates is commonly used to solve the Boltzmann radiation transport equation for applications ranging from simulations of fires to weapons effects. The equations are most efficiently solved by sweeping the radiation flux across the computational grid. For unstructured grids this poses several interesting challenges, particularly when implemented on distributed-memory parallel machines where the grid geometry is spread across processors. We describe an asynchronous, parallel, message-passing algorithm that performs sweeps simultaneously from many directions across unstructured grids. We identify key factors that limit the algorithm's parallel scalability and discuss two enhancements we have made to the basic algorithm: one to prioritize the work within a processor's subdomain and the other to better decompose the unstructured grid across processors. Performance results are given for the basic and enhanced algorithms implemented within a radiation solver running on hundreds of processors of Sandia's Intel Tflops machine and DEC-Alpha CPlant cluster.
Fc receptor function on sheep alveolar macrophages.

We have examined the binding to sheep alveolar macrophages (AM) and peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) of sheep immunoglob- ulin G subclasses or rabbit lgG immune complexes formed between rabbit anti-DNP lgG and DNP-bovine serum albumin. Binding studies using 1251-rabbit lgG immune complexes demonstrated 6.6 ± 3.5 x 10� receptors per alveolar macrophage; these receptors bound immune complexes with an average as- sociation constant of 3.3 x i0�' MSaturation binding was achieved by 90 minutes at 4#{176}C with 6 x 10_8 M lgG. Binding of subclasses of sheep lgG was examined by immunofluorescence. Only 10% of alveolar macrophages bound monomeric IgGi and no binding of sheep lgG2 monomer could be demon- strated.Incontrast,most peripheral blood PMN (93.0± 9.5%) bound lgG2, butnotlgGl.No bindingtoadultperipheralbloodPMN ofrabbitlgG immune complexes could be demonstrated.To studyfurther the development of pul- monary host defense, we examined the expression of receptors for lgG im- mune complexes (Fc'y A) on alveolar macrophages obtained from animals aged 8 through 180 days. At 8 and 21 days of age, the number of Fc'yR varied considerably(75,000-192,000sitesper cell) and equalled or even exceeded thatofadultsheep. Fc'yR number declined by 42 and 90 days of age, where a nadir was reached (37,000 ± 6,000 and 25,000 ± 6,000 sites, respectively). By 180 days of age, the number of receptors had approached those of normal adult sheep (70,000 ± 20,000 sites per cell). These studies parallel previous observations that revealed age-related differences in the phagocytic capacity of ovine alveolar macrophages.
Shoe Zoo, Inc.: A Practice in Electronic Work Papers, Tick Mark Preparation, and Client Communication through the Audit of Property, Plant, and Equipment

ABSTRACT : In this case, students are required to audit a company's gross property, plant, and equipment and depreciation expense accounts. Students are provided with electronic working papers that include the audit program, as well as documents prepared by the client and select prior year working papers. In order to successfully complete the audit, students will have to obtain explanations and other assistance from the client. The case furthers audit education by illuminating to students how concepts learned in the classroom translate into practice. The case has several specific learning objectives. First, the case familiarizes students with electronic working papers which allows them to practice their Excel skills. Second, the case provides students with an opportunity to audit property, plant, and equipment additions using substantive details testing and to test depreciation expense using substantive analytical procedures. Third, students must consider internal controls and the implications errors hav...
Meta-Analysis of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonization and Risk of Infection in Dialysis Patients

Patients undergoing dialysis are particularly vulnerable to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. We performed a meta-analysis of published studies to estimate the prevalence of MRSA colonization in dialysis patients, time trends, and long-term risk of subsequent MRSA infections. Our search of the PubMed and Embase databases returned 5743 nonduplicate citations, from which we identified 38 relevant studies that included data on 5596 dialysis patients. The estimated prevalence of MRSA colonization was 6.2% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 4.2% to 8.5%). The prevalence increased over time but remained stable after 2000. Stratification of patients according to dialysis modality and setting revealed that 7.2% (95% CI, 4.9% to 9.9%) of patients on hemodialysis were colonized with MRSA compared with 1.3% (95% CI, 0.5% to 2.4%) of patients on peritoneal dialysis (P=0.01), and that a statistically significant difference existed in the percentage of colonized inpatients and outpatients (14.2% [95% CI, 8.0% to 21.8%] versus 5.4% [95% CI, 3.5% to 7.7%], respectively; P=0.04). Notably, the risk of developing MRSA infections increased among colonized hemodialysis patients compared with noncolonized patients (relative risk, 11.5 [95% CI, 4.7 to 28.0]). The long-term (6–20 months) probability of developing a MRSA infection was 19% among colonized hemodialysis patients compared with only 2% among noncolonized patients. In summary, 6.2% of dialysis patients are MRSA colonized, and the average prevalence of colonization has remained stable since 2000. Colonization in hemodialysis patients is associated with increased risk of MRSA infection.
Intraoral nerve blocks for orofacial anesthesia

Abstract Local anesthesia is often required for orofacial procedures, such gas biopsy wound debridement or laceration closure. and for treatment of odontogenic injuries such as displacement, avulsion or fracture. lntraoral nerve block offers several advantages over local infiltration, inclucling single injection wider area and greater duration of anesthesia, and less tissue distortion. Patient acceptance may also be increased because of familiarity with dental injections. Routine dental injection techniques and indications are reviewed. Although intraoral injections are sate and effective, the practitioner should be prep ared to liondle any adverse reaction.
A fast method for real-time anomaly detection using routing statistics

The detection of network anomalies is an important tool for network managers and service providers. Network anomalies can indicate the onset of a new virus or a directed malicious attack. In this paper, we present a fast method for detecting network anomalies at a router. Our algorithm can be easily integrated into a router's preexisting firmware with minimum modifications. In addition, its low memory and CPU requirements facilitate real-time anomaly detection.
microRNA160 dictates stage‐specific auxin and cytokinin sensitivities and directs soybean nodule development

Legume nodules result from coordinated interactions between the plant and nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. The phytohormone cytokinin promotes nodule formation, and recent findings suggest that the phytohormone auxin inhibits nodule formation. Here we show that microRNA160 (miR160) is a key signaling element that determines the auxin/cytokinin balance during nodule development in soybean (Glycine max). miR160 appears to promote auxin activity by suppressing the levels of the ARF10/16/17 family of repressor ARF transcription factors. Using quantitative PCR assays and a fluorescence miRNA sensor, we show that miR160 levels are relatively low early during nodule formation and high in mature nodules. We had previously shown that ectopic expression of miR160 in soybean roots led to a severe reduction in nodule formation, coupled with enhanced sensitivity to auxin and reduced sensitivity to cytokinin. Here we show that exogenous cytokinin restores nodule formation in miR160 over-expressing roots. Therefore, low miR160 levels early during nodule development favor cytokinin activity required for nodule formation. Suppression of miR160 levels using a short tandem target mimic (STTM160) resulted in reduced sensitivity to auxin and enhanced sensitivity to cytokinin. In contrast to miR160 over-expressing roots, STTM160 roots had increased nodule formation, but nodule maturation was significantly delayed. Exogenous auxin partially restored proper nodule formation and maturation in STTM160 roots, suggesting that high miR160 activity later during nodule development favors auxin activity and promotes nodule maturation. Therefore, miR160 dictates developmental stage-specific sensitivities to auxin and cytokinin to direct proper nodule formation and maturation in soybean.
The within-day relation between lonely episodes and subsequent clinical pain in individuals with fibromyalgia: Mediating role of pain cognitions

Objective This daily diary study of individuals with fibromyalgia (FM) examined whether morning increases in loneliness relate to worsened evening bodily pain through afternoon negative pain cognitions.
Wideband matching of a small disk-loaded monopole - Friedman’s antenna revisited

This study has developed a two-layer printed circuit feed system that was analyzed with WIPL-D and has shown to achieve almost the same wideband character. As opposed to Friedman and Gouobau DLMs, the printed circuit feed system offers a low-cost alternative with similar performance.
Turning Bayesian model averaging into Bayesian model combination

Bayesian methods are theoretically optimal in many situations. Bayesian model averaging is generally considered the standard model for creating ensembles of learners using Bayesian methods, but this technique is often out-performed by more ad hoc methods in empirical studies. The reason for this failure has important theoretical implications for our understanding of why ensembles work. It has been proposed that Bayesian model averaging struggles in practice because it accounts for uncertainty about which model is correct but still operates under the assumption that only one of them is. In order to more effectively access the benefits inherent in ensembles, Bayesian strategies should therefore be directed more towards model combination rather than the model selection implicit in Bayesian model averaging. This work provides empirical verification for this hypothesis using several different Bayesian model combination approaches tested on a wide variety of classification problems. We show that even the most simplistic of Bayesian model combination strategies outperforms the traditional ad hoc techniques of bagging and boosting, as well as outperforming BMA over a wide variety of cases. This suggests that the power of ensembles does not come from their ability to account for model uncertainty, but instead comes from the changes in representational and preferential bias inherent in the process of combining several different models.
Modeling of relative damping in defining the equilibrium point trajectory for the human arm movement control

Existing research suggests that limb motion can be represented as an Equilibrium Point (EP) trajectory in combination with a trajectory that reflects specified damping and stiffness at each joint. This model utilizes the concept of relative damping, an integral factor in defining the Equilibrium Point trajectory, to help maintain stability during the arm movement. By using commercialized Flock of Bird® (FOB) sensor, we can obtain experimental trajectories and angular information for human elbow and shoulder joints, as well as forearm and upper arm position during reaching in slow and fast movements. We replaced the complicated inverse kinematics computation of brain with our simple relative damping model, and then calculated the EP trajectories of the elbow and shoulder to use as inputs to our following forward kinematics model. The model generated trajectories which closely match the experimental data. The novel features of this model include the EP trajectory input generated by relative damping. Therefore, we conclude that multi-joint manipulations can be modeled by an appropriate EP trajectory along with relative damping.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Flow-Dependent Epigenetic DNA Methylation in Endothelial Gene Expression and Atherosclerosis

Epigenetic mechanisms that regulate endothelial cell gene expression are now emerging. DNA methylation is the most stable epigenetic mark that confers persisting changes in gene expression. Not only is DNA methylation important in rendering cell identity by regulating cell type–specific gene expression throughout differentiation, but it is becoming clear that DNA methylation also plays a key role in maintaining endothelial cell homeostasis and in vascular disease development. Disturbed blood flow causes atherosclerosis, whereas stable flow protects against it by differentially regulating gene expression in endothelial cells. Recently, we and others have shown that flow-dependent gene expression and atherosclerosis development are regulated by mechanisms dependent on DNA methyltransferases (1 and 3A). Disturbed blood flow upregulates DNA methyltransferase expression both in vitro and in vivo, which leads to genome-wide DNA methylation alterations and global gene expression changes in a DNA methyltransferas...
Observation and analysis of the infiltration of polymer liquids into carbon black agglomerates

The infiltration of polymeric liquids into carbon black agglomerates has been studied using buoyancy measurements. Both the rate of infiltration and the degree of saturation decrease with increasing matrix viscosity. The influence of interfacial chemistry was demonstrated by comparing the enhanced infiltration and saturation that occurs with polybutadiene and ethylene propylene copolymers in comparison to polydimethyl siloxane liquids. However, the differences attributable to interfacial chemistry are masked when highly viscous liquids are used. The influence of the agglomerate pore structure on infiltration and saturation characteristics was also examined. In the case of low-structure carbon black, the infiltration and saturation characteristics showed a sensitivity to packing density while the same was not true for agglomerates of the high structure carbon black.
From Litigation to Legislation in Exclusionary Zoning Law

The article identifies the limitations faced by state courts in combatting the lack of affordable housing through litigant-initiated review of the “exclusionary” land use practices of urban and suburban municipalities. Focusing on a New Jersey initiative to create a statewide legislative regime to manage the problem, including a centralized Housing Council, the article questions whether centralization will not simply place power in larger corporate bodies, such as big developers, at the expense of the local citizenry. The article compares and contrasts the New Jersey efforts with those of several other innovating states, such as California and Oregon.
Activation of Alpha 7 Cholinergic Nicotinic Receptors Reduce Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability following Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major human health concern that has the greatest impact on young men and women. The breakdown of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is an important pathological consequence of TBI that initiates secondary processes, including infiltration of inflammatory cells, which can exacerbate brain inflammation and contribute to poor outcome. While the role of inflammation within the injured brain has been examined in some detail, the contribution of peripheral/systemic inflammation to TBI pathophysiology is largely unknown. Recent studies have implicated vagus nerve regulation of splenic cholinergic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 (nAChRa7) signaling in the regulation of systemic inflammation. However, it is not known whether this mechanism plays a role in TBI-triggered inflammation and BBB breakdown. Following TBI, we observed that plasma TNF-α and IL-1β levels, as well as BBB permeability, were significantly increased in nAChRa7 null mice (Chrna7−/−) relative to wild-type mice. The administration of exogenous IL-1β and TNF-α to brain-injured animals worsened Evans Blue dye extravasation, suggesting that systemic inflammation contributes to TBI-triggered BBB permeability. Systemic administration of the nAChRa7 agonist PNU-282987 or the positive allosteric modulator PNU-120596 significantly attenuated TBI-triggered BBB compromise. Supporting a role for splenic nAChRa7 receptors, we demonstrate that splenic injection of the nicotinic receptor blocker α-bungarotoxin increased BBB permeability in brain-injured rats, while PNU-282987 injection decreased such permeability. These effects were not seen when α-bungarotoxin or PNU-282987 were administered to splenectomized, brain-injured rats. Together, these findings support the short-term use of nAChRa7-activating agents as a strategy to reduce TBI-triggered BBB permeability. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Breakdown of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in response to traumatic brain injury (TBI) allows for the accumulation of circulating fluids and proinflammatory cells in the injured brain. These processes can exacerbate TBI pathology and outcome. While the role of inflammation in the injured tissue has been examined in some detail, the contribution of peripheral inflammation in BBB breakdown and ensuing pathology has not been well defined. We present experimental evidence to indicate that the stimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine α7 receptors (nAChRa7s) can reduce peripheral inflammation and BBB breakdown after TBI. These results suggest that activators of nAChRa7 may have therapeutic utility for the treatment of TBI.
Abstract 2861: The C/EBPbeta isoform, liver-inhibitory protein (LIP), induces autophagy in breast cancer cell lines

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cellular process involving the bulk degradation of cellular components in the cytoplasm via the lysosomal degradation pathway. Autophagy manifests a protective role in stressful conditions such as nutrient or growth factor depletion; however, extensive degradation of regulatory molecules or organelles essential for survival can lead to the demise of the cell, or autophagy-mediated cell death. The role of autophagy in cancer is controversial with roles in both tumor suppression and tumor promotion proposed. Here we report that an isoform of the C/EBPbeta transcription factor, liver-enriched inhibitory protein (LIP), stimulates autophagy and induces cell death in human breast cancer cells. LIP overexpression is incompatible with cell growth and when cell cycle analysis was performed, a DNA profile of cells undergoing apoptosis was not observed. Instead, LIP expressing cells appeared to have large autophagic vesicles when examined via electron microscopy. Autophagy was further assessed in LIP expressing cells by monitoring the development of acidic vesicular organelles and conversion of LC3 from the cytoplasmic form to the membrane-bound form. Our work shows that C/EBPbeta isoform, LIP, is another member of the group of transcription factors, including E2F1 and p53, which are capable of playing a role in autophagy. Knowledge of the mechanisms controlling autophagy and identifying new agents capable of inducing cell death has vast potential to improve cancer therapeutics by enabling effective induction of an alternative death pathway, especially in, but not limited to, tumor cells that are resistant to apoptosis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2861. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2861
Spirits Matter in Post-Colonial Africa

The Spiritual in the Secular: Missionaries and Knowledge about Africa, edited by Patrick Harries and David Maxwell, Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2012, xvi +341 pp.Invisible...
Investigation on death causes of reported AIDS death cases in Xincai County of Henan

[Objective]Through quantitative and qualitative research,to understand the constitution of death causes of reported AIDS death cases and related factors of AIDS death,provide the basis for developing the strategies and measures to reduce AIDS death.[Methods]45 AIDS death cases reported from January 1st to June 30th in 2011were collected from AIDS Direct Network Reporting System and pandemic data,to investigate the cause of AIDS death.[Results]Among 45 cases of HIV/AIDS,the opportunistic infections were mainly repeated bacterial lung infection(PCP)(68.9%),Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia(13.3%) and tuberculosis(13.3%).There were 25(55.6%) cases died of HIV/AIDS related diseases,which included tuberculosis,PCP,acute AIDS infection syndrome,AIDS associated encephalopathy,cytomegalovirus infection and wasting syndrome.There were 20(44.4%) cases died of HIV/AIDS unrelated diseases,which included liver cirrhosis,cerebral hemorrhage and accidental death.[Conclusion]The mortality rate of advanced HIV/AIDS is very high.In order to increase the survival rate of patients,it is important to improve the AIDS diagnosis and treatment level,achieve the early diagnosis,and carry out timely treatment of opportunistic infections and highly active antiretroviral therapy(HAART).
Carbonation of cement-based materials: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract This article summarizes the existing knowledge regarding the carbonation of cement-based materials and identified the areas which require further investigations. Available studies regarding the carbonation test scenarios, influences of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) on carbonation resistance, and effects of carbonation on the properties of cement-based materials are reviewed here. In addition to ordinary portland cement (OPC) based materials, this article has reviewed the performances of sulfoaluminate belite and alkali activated materials (AAM) while subjected to carbonations. Some very recent topics such as the potential of CO 2 storage in concrete and the newly developed carbonate binders are also discussed.
Ligamentous Wrist Injuries

The wrist is one of the most complex joints of the body. Wrist injuries are quite common, yet improper diagnosis of ligamentous injuries as simply 'sprains' often occurs. Understanding the functional anatomy and mechanics of the wrist is extremely important in appreciating the spectrum of injuries that occur there. A review of the analysis and detection of potential injuries is provided.
Treatment of osseous metastases using the Spinal Tumor Ablation with Radiofrequency (STAR) system

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Percutaneous ablation is an emerging, minimally invasive therapy for patients with osseous metastases who have not responded or have contraindications to radiation therapy. Goals of therapy are pain relief, and in some cases, prevention of local tumor progression.Areas covered: The epidemiology, pathophysiology, natural history, and traditional management of metastatic bone disease are reviewed. Novel features of the Spinal Tumor Ablation with Radiofrequency (STAR) System (DFINE, San Jose, CA) that facilitate treatment of osseous metastases are described, including the bipolar electrode, extensible distal tip that can be curved up to 90°, and inclusion of thermocouples that enable real-time monitoring of the ablation zone volume. Lastly, research evaluating the safety and efficacy of using this device to treat musculoskeletal metastases is summarized.Expert commentary: Although evidence supporting the efficacy of RFA for the treatment of bone metastases is limited to case series, it ...
Time Spent in Sports and Adolescent Problem Behaviors: A Longitudinal Analysis of Directions of Association

This longitudinal study analyzed the direction of the association between sports participation and problem behavior. Participants were a nationally representative sample of 1,692 adolescents (ages 11-19). Results showed that, beyond baseline measures of problem behaviors, time in sports (Wave I) was negatively associated with internalizing behaviors (Wave II). However, there was not a significant relation between time in sports and externalizing behavior. In addition to analyzing the relation between previous time in sports and subsequent problem behaviors, previous problem behaviors were used to predict subsequent time spent in sport. Results showed that previous internalizing behavior (Wave I) was negatively associated with time in sports (Wave II), but only for females. Externalizing behavior was not related to subsequent time spent in sport.
Abstract 3613: P300 inhibition enhances cytotoxic effect of Gemcitabine through E2F1 activation in pancreatic cancer

Background: Transcriptional cofactor, P300 has been reported to regulate cell cycle on G1/S transition. Previously, we shown that prolonged S-phase is associated with increased apoptosis induced by Gemcitabine (GEM) in pancreatic cancer cells. Thus, we hypothesized that targeting P300 enhances the cytotoxic effect of GEM on pancreatic cancer. Methods: We studied 2 human pancreatic cancer cell lines, Panc1 and MIAPaCa2. P300 was gene-silenced using siRNA, and P300 histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity was inhibited by specific inhibitor C646. Cell viability was measured by WST-8 assay and GEM-induced apoptosis was measured using Caspase3 and PARP by Western blotting, Tunel assay by immunofluorescence staining, and Annexin V-PI staining by flow cytometry. CDK4/6 inhibitor Palbociclib was used to block S-phase entry. Results: Robust P300 expression was observed in pancreatic cancer cell lines and human pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissues. When P300 expression was depleted by specific P300 siRNA, cell viability after GEM treatment was decreased significantly compared with the control pancreatic cancer cells (43% decrease in MIAPaCa2 and 39% decrease in Panc1, respectively, p Conclusion: Targeting P300 by siRNA or HAT inhibitor enhances the efficacy of GEM on pancreatic cancer cells. Our observation suggests the presence of Rb-independent E2F1 regulatory mechanism in pancreatic cancer cells. This pathway may be an important therapeutic target to potentiate GEM chemotherapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Hiroaki Ono, Marc D. Basson, Hiromichi Ito. P300 inhibition enhances cytotoxic effect of Gemcitabine through E2F1 activation in pancreatic cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3613. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3613
Cancer 101 in Minimum and Medium State Prisons: A Model for Preventing Cancer Among Incarcerated Men

Abstract 40Background:Incarcerated men generally have not been the focus of cancer health studies, despite the strong need for cancer health prevention interventions. Mounting evidence suggests tha...
Spatiotemporal atlas parameterization for evolving meshes

We convert a sequence of unstructured textured meshes into a mesh with incrementally changing connectivity and atlas parameterization. Like prior work on surface tracking, we seek temporally coherent mesh connectivity to enable efficient representation of surface geometry and texture. Like recent work on evolving meshes, we pursue local remeshing to permit tracking over long sequences containing significant deformations or topological changes. Our main contribution is to show that both goals are realizable within a common framework that simultaneously evolves both the set of mesh triangles and the parametric map. Sparsifying the remeshing operations allows the formation of large spatiotemporal texture charts. These charts are packed as prisms into a 3D atlas for a texture video. Reducing tracking drift using mesh-based optical flow helps improve compression of the resulting video stream.
Sparsity in nonlinear dynamic spatiotemporal models using implied advection

Calculating posterior means and variances of the state vectors in dynamic spatiotemporal models can be computationally burdensome. The challenge of calculating the posterior parameters while avoiding inverting any dense matrices is addressed. Nearest neighbor Gaussian processes and a number of dynamic modeling tricks will be used. To employ these techniques in both linear and nonlinear settings, a nontraditional discretization of an advection–diffusion stochastic partial differential equation is presented. The combination of these methods allows a nonlinear dynamic spatiotemporal model to be fit quickly. The methods are employed in a simulation comparing the proposed model and a reduced-rank model in terms of model fits and run times and then by analyzing a data set of Pacific sea surface temperature.
Association between Health Beliefs and Gestational Weight Gain

Abstract Background: The Institute of Medicine (IOM) provides recommendations for optimal weight gain during pregnancy to minimize complications associated with obesity and excessive weight gain. The Health Belief Model and prior research suggest knowledge of health recommendations and associated risks motivate health behaviors. This study determined whether knowledge of maternal and infant obesity risks during pregnancy (ORDP) and knowledge of IOM gestational weight gain (GWG) recommendations were associated with total GWG and likelihood of adhering to IOM recommendations. Materials and Methods: In this prospective survey study, healthy women with a singleton pregnancy were recruited from prenatal clinic waiting rooms of a university medical center to complete a one-time survey of prepregnancy weight and height, demographic variables, knowledge of infant-related ORDP (e.g., large for gestational age), knowledge of maternal-related ORDP (e.g., Cesarean delivery), and knowledge of IOM GWG recommendations. ...
Sense of self: A narrative study of international adult Korean adoptees’ relationship with their birth families:

Adult adoptees searching and reuniting with birth families have been observed as a normative developmental work. The purpose of this study was to explore international adult Korean adoptees’ sense ...
Measurements of the intrinsic quantum efficiency and absorption length of tetraphenyl butadiene thin films in the vacuum ultraviolet regime

A key enabling technology for many liquid noble gas (LNG) detectors is the use of the common wavelength shifting medium tetraphenyl butadiene (TPB). TPB thin films are used to shift ultraviolet scintillation light into the visible spectrum for detection and event reconstruction. Understanding the wavelength shifting efficiency and optical properties of these films are critical aspects in detector performance and modeling and hence in the ultimate physics sensitivity of such experiments. This article presents the first measurements of the room-temperature microphysical quantum efficiency for vacuum-deposited TPB thin films – a result that is independent of the optics of the TPB or substrate. Also presented are measurements of the absorption length in the vacuum ultraviolet regime, the secondary re-emission efficiency, and more precise results for the “black-box” efficiency across a broader spectrum of wavelengths than previous results. The low-wavelength sensitivity, in particular, would allow construction of LNG scintillator detectors with lighter elements (Ne, He) to target light mass WIMPs.
Implementation of an in-hospital stroke simulation protocol

Purpose A major component of hospital stroke care involves prompt identification of stroke in admitted patients. Delays in recognizing stroke symptoms and initiating treatment for in-hospital stroke can adversely impact patient outcomes. This quality improvement intervention used simulation together with a traditional lecture to instruct nurses at a university hospital about a new stroke protocol being implemented to increase rapid recognition of stroke and meet Joint Commission National Hospital Inpatient Quality Measures. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach In total, 86 registered nurses from the neurology and cardiology units attended a lecture and participated in a simulation scenario with a standardized patient exhibiting stroke symptoms. Participants completed a ten-item pre-test to measure their knowledge of stroke care prior to the lecture; they repeated the test pre-simulation and once again post-simulation to evaluate changes in knowledge. Findings Overall mean stroke knowledge scores increased significantly from pre-lecture to pre-simulation, and from pre-simulation to post-simulation. Simulation plus lecture was more effective than lecture alone in increasing knowledge about hospital stroke protocol despite assigned unit (cardiology or neurology), years of experience, or previous exposure to simulation. Research limitations/implications All eligible nurses who agreed to participate received training, making it impossible to compare improvements in knowledge to those who did not receive the training. Originality/value A diverse array of nursing professionals and their patients may benefit from simulation training. This quality improvement intervention provides a feasible model for establishing new care protocols in a hospital setting.
Physiology of IgA and IgA deficiency.

Although secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) is important in mucosal immunity, selective IgA deficiency is the most common primary immunodeficiency of humans. In most cases this defect is not associated with any illness. The reasons for this are unknown, but other immunological compensations might provide sufficient or complete restitution. Alternatively, it is possible that IgA deficiency alone may not predispose to disease, but additional immunological abnormalities might be present in symptomatic individuals. Some IgA-deficient individuals have a reduced antibody response to immunizations (even with normal IgG and IgM levels) and others have deficient responses to bacterial polysaccharides when IgG subclass levels are normal. The physiological role of IgA, the frequency and causes of IgA deficiency, the diseases associated with its absence, and current limited understanding of the pathogenesis of selective IgA deficiency will be reviewed.
TELEVISION ADVERTISING DISCLOSURES: AN EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT

Televised advertising disclosures are supposedly designed to supply consumers with important information for decision-making. From the perspective of models of information processing, however, these disclosures may well be improperly conceived and executed. Disclaimers presented in other media are also challenged, though television represents a special case because of consumers' inability to control the processing situation (e.g., to study the disclaimer at length if desired) and because of the extensive use of disclaimers in this medium. In this study, televised advertising disclosures are examined experimentally and found generally to be ineffective. Resultant suggestions for researchers and policy-makers are developed.
Closing and Dressing the Wounds in Endoscopic Browlift

As with any wound under tension, layered closure will provide better scar appearance. It is easy to place several buried interrupted dermal absorbable sutures (e.g., 4-0 or 5-0 Monocryl, Vicryl) at each of the incisions prior to placement of skin staples. For highly visible incisions in men with male pattern baldness, consider meticulous skin closure with 5-0 or 6-0 polypropylene instead of staples.