cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Invasive Disease Caused by Neisseria meningitidis Relatively Resistant to Penicillin in North Carolina

A case of sepsis and meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis with relative resistance to penicillin occurred in North Carolina in August 1992. This isolate was relatively resistant due to decreased affinity of its penicillin-binding protein 2 for penicillin. Such isolates have been reported in Spain, elsewhere in Europe, in South Africa, and in Canada, but invasive disease caused by meningococcal isolates relatively resistant to penicillin was not recognized in the United States before a preliminary report of this case in October 1992. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently retrospectively identified 3 additional cases from 1991. A fifth case occurred in Kentucky in 1993. Surveillance studies of penicillin susceptibility of N. meningitidis isolates suggest such meningococci have existed sporadically in the past. Increases in prevalence and magnitude of penicillin resistance among strains of N. meningitidis would require reconsideration of current clinical practice with regard to treatment of meningococcal disease.
Recurring proviral integration suggests a role for proto-oncogene activation in thymomas induced with Mo-MulV-rescued BCR/ABL virus

Intrathymic injection of Moloney murine leukemia virus (Mo-MuLV)-pseudotyped bcr-abl retrovirus (bcr-abl/M) causes thymic lymphoma but only after a prolonged latent period similar to that seen after intrathymic injection of Mo-MuLV alone. Since thymomas induced by Mo-MuLV show recurring proviral integration near certain cellular proto-oncogenes, it was reasoned that if the pathogenesis of bcr-abl/M thymomas is affected by viral integration, then it may be possible to detect proviral insertion near common Mo-MuLV integration sites in bcr-abl-induced thymomas. A panel of thymomas induced by intrathymic injection of Mo-MuLV, Abelson murine leukemia virus (A-MuLV), or the bcr-abl/M virus was analyzed for proviral integration near c-myc, N-myc, Pim-1, and Mlvi-1 loci that are frequently occupied by provirus in Mo-MuLV-induced T cell lymphomas, and for integration near Ahi-1 that is often occupied in A-MuLV/M-induced pre-B cell lymphoma. As expected, thymomas induced with Mo-MuLV showed frequent rearrangements in these loci while thymomas induced with A-MuLV/M (which does not require Mo-MuLV) did not. The bcr-abl/M-induced tumors also showed recurring proviral integration near c-myc, Pim-1 and Mlvi-1, albeit at a lower frequency than seen in the Mo-MuLV tumors. Unexpectedly, four independent thymomas that were clearly of T cell origin demonstrated proviral integration within the Ahi-1 region which was previously thought to only occur in A-MuLV/M induced pre-B cell lymphoma. These observations suggest that recurring proviral insertion in c-myc, Pim-1, Mlvi-1, and Ahi-1 may provide a selective advantage for bcr-abl/M transformed T lymphoid cells. This model may provide a tool for identifying cellular genes that can cooperate with bcr-abl in lymphoid transformation.
WorldCIS-2013: Keynote speaker 3

Summary form only given. The Internet of Things (IoT) is an integrated part of the future Internet with self-configuring capabilities based on interoperable communication protocols where physical and virtual `things/objects' have identities, physical attributes and are seamlessly integrated into the information network. This keynote will address three key themes in this IoT evolution, each defining stages in the evolution of the Internet over the next decade. Over the next few years, the importance of collaboratory participation nets will further increase active creation and passive consumption. By 2015, immersive nets become predominant, integration local tags, wireless networks and smart environment's offer a cloud of information accessible and editable both remotely and in-person. After 2017, metaverse nets will take this augmented world and add connections with virtual environments. Although innovative, the risk and disruption to these new architectures will present challenges to the IoT Cyber domain needing to address the very large numbers of `things/objects' handing data in this new global information space.
Genetic medicine and the muscular dystrophies: triumphs and tribulations.

Identification of the biochemical deficiency that causes Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has often been hailed as the beginning of the era of ‘genetic medicine’. Identification of this first ‘positionally cloned’ gene led to subsequent identification of dystrophin deficiency in muscles, the definition of a plethora of related muscular dystrophies and multiple species of genetically and biochemically identical animal models, and the publication of thousands of papers on dystrophin, the membrane cytoskeleton of myofibers, and molecular diagnostics. The recent advent of genome-wide approaches (single nucleotide polymorphisms, and microarrays) are quickly adding new insights into the molecular pathophysiology and underlying clinical progression of the dystrophies.
Stress-induced anisotropy in unconsolidated sands and its effect on AVO analysis

Summary In a recent rock physics study, anomalously high Vp/Vs ratios were observed relative to expectations in unconsolidated reservoir sands at shallow burial depths. For the wet sands, the Vp/Vs ratios were high relative to the surrounding shales. The wet sands also had high Vp/Vs ratios relative to laboratory measurements. For gas sands, the Vp/Vs ratios observed in logs were high relative to laboratory measurements of dry samples. For oil sands, the observed Vp/Vs ratios were high relative to predictions using existing rock physics models. The observed behavior cannot be explained using factors such as porosity, lithology, clay content, pressure, temperature, compaction or cementation. However, the observed behavior can be explained as a result of stressinduced anisotropy. Since the vertical stress is normally much higher than the horizontal stresses in a relaxed sedimentary basin, the compressional wave is fast in the vertical direction, but the shear wave is slow. This consequently gives high Vp/Vs ratios in the vertical direction. A rock physics model that includes the effect of differential stress was applied to compute anisotropic elastic parameters. Preliminary results show that its effect on Vp/Vs can be bigger than the fluid effect (oil versus gas). The model has also been applied to two deepwater wells. We observed significant improvement in S-wave log prediction and in the predicted AVO behavior compared to the observed seismic response.
Polarity decrease at the adhesive junction between two model membranes containing gangliosides.

The increased electrical conductance previously observed between two model membranes containing gangliosides suggests the creation of a new environment in the adhesive junction [Brewer, G. J., & Thomas, P.D. (1984) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 776, 279]. In order to provide a mechanism for this novel finding, we now report an investigation of the micropolarity in the adhesive junction. Emission from the fluorescent probe PRODAN is a sensitive measure of polarity of the probe environment. A bimodal linear relationship correlates the emission wavelength from PRODAN with the inverse of solvent dielectric constant (1/epsilon). A better single linear relationship is obtained using Reichardt's relative polarity measure (RPM). Creation of two macroscopic spherical lipid bilayers from phosphatidylcholine, brain gangliosides, and PRODAN allowed selective excitation and observation of fluorescence from either a single bilayer or the double bilayer in the adhesive junction. The reported PRODAN polarity of -0.57 in a single ganglioside-containing membrane was midway between the polarity of water and n-hexane, suggesting PRODAN localization near the lipid carbonyls. The adhesive junctional region exhibited two new less polar environments of PRODAN fluorescence, RPM = -0.45 and -0.29. These measures are consistent with a relatively dehydrated immobilized phase. These changes were not observed in the adhesion zone between two membranes made with phosphatidylcholine without gangliosides. The changes in molecular structure in the junction that could be responsible for the altered PRODAN emission are discussed. A decrease in the hydrocarbon thickness of junctional membranes or a decrease in the aqueous junctional polarity could be responsible for the polarity decrease reported by PRODAN.
Loop displacement: an approach for transforming and scheduling loops for parallel execution

This paper describes loop displacement a mapping that can be used to transform loops and schedule loops for parallel execution. Loop displacement can be applied to hybrid multiply nested loops to achieve the following:Transform sequential loops into parallel loops.Transform and schedule loops to reduce synchronization overhead.Generate schedules that distribute the load evenly among the processors.Generate schedules that reduce idling of processors.Integrate loop transformation and loop scheduling.Loop displacement can be used in place of loop alignment, loop coalescing, and loop skewing. It generalizes loop spreading, a scheduling technique for achieving good load balancing, to multiply nested loops and generates schedules with better load distribution and sometimes less processor idling than those generated by OPTAL a static loop partitioning algorithm. Furthermore, it integrates loop transformation and loop scheduling which provides better results. Achieving the goals of a variety of loop transformation and scheduling strategies through loop displacement can simplify the compiler and allow intelligent techniques that integrate the application of transformations to be developed.
Frequency stability of a tunable diode laser mounted in a compact Stirling cycle cooler

A tunable diode laser (TDL) has been operated with a compact lightweight closed-cycle Stirling cooler. The laser linewidth has been measured near 80 K and found to be about half of that when using more massive closed-cycle coolers. Novel applications include balloon-borne and aircraft-adapted instruments, where size, weight, and power requirements place stringent demands on necessary TDL cooling systems.
Phonons in disordered solids

Abstract The effects of crystalline disorder on the frequency distribution and lifetimes of phonons are investigated. As the disorder parameter g characterizing the scattering of normal modes is increased to g > g c , the normal mode spectrum becomes unstable against arbitrarily small nonlinearities while the ground state (if any) becomes increasingly degenerate. The bandwidth of the acoustic phonon spectrum increases with g , from a value ω D at g = 0 to 1.24ω D at g c . The speed of sound at long wavelengths de creases with increasing g ; at threshold ( g c ) it has decreased by some 29.3% from its value at g = 0. For g g c the scattering lifetime of long-wavelength normal modes satisfies Rayleigh's law (1/ τ = A ( g ) ω 4 ). At g c the damping satisfies a different law: 1/ τ = Bω 2 . Similar effects are obtained for the optic mode phonons. For these reasons, it appears that g c marks the threshold of amorphous behavior, although the regime g > g c is beyond the scope of our model.
Test-retest reliability of the Wechsler Memory Scale, Form I

Administered the Wechsler Memory Scale, Form I (WMS) twice to 34 normal Ss and 30 hospitalized patients with psychiatric or neurological disorders. In the normal group, the Memory Quotient (MQ) test-retest reliability was r(32) = .75, p less than .001. The mean retest gain in points was 7.2, median gain was 7, and range of gain was from -18 to +28. The increase in mean MQ over time was significant, t(33) = 3.95, p less than .001. In the psychiatric-neurological group, the MQ test-retest reliability was r(28) = .89, p less than .001. The mean retest gain points was 4, median gain was 4.5, and range of gain was from -12 to +23. The increase in mean MQ over time was significant, t(29) = 2.32, p less than .05. Although the WMS possesses acceptable psychometric reliability, the clinician must keep in mind that the MQ may change significantly over time for individual Ss.
“Snake‐jaw” Graft for Aortic Valve Exposure During LVAD Implant

We report a simple technique of LVAD outflow anastomosis as patch closure of a standard aortotomy during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant. Benefits are a single aortotomy, a low graft leaving ample native aorta for transplant, a wide-open LVAD outflow, and excellent aortic valve exposure. (J Card Surg 2010;25:747-748)
Effects of Increasing Zinc Levels and Habitat Degradation on Macroinvertebrate Communities in Three North Idaho Streams

ABSTRACT A rapid bioassessment study was conducted on the South Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River and selected tributaries in northern Idaho. Species richness, Ephemeroptera-Plecoptera-Trichoptera (EPT) index, and species diversity showed strong negative correlations with habitat assessment scores (mean r2-.68); whereas regression coefficients for percent dominant taxon, modified Hilsenhoff's index, and EPT/Chironomidae abundance were generally lower (mean r2-.42) than the above. Zinc was negatively correlated with biotic metrics (r2-.23-.58). Values for EPT (r2-.60-.75) and species richness (r2-.54-.65) provided the highest correlation coefficients of the six metrics measured. Conductivity (r2-.18-.41) and pH (r2-.08-.21) showed the weakest correlations with biotic metrics. Streams affected by metal pollution also exhibited extreme habitat degradation due to activities involved in ore processing. As a result, macroinvertebrate communities may be severely impacted by habitat loss even where zinc concentrati...
LES–ODT study of turbulent premixed interacting flames

Abstract The LES–ODT model is implemented for the study of twin turbulent premixed flames in decaying isotropic turbulence. The approach is based on the coupling of large-eddy simulation (LES) for mass and momentum with a fixed 3D lattice of 1D fine-grained solutions based on the one-dimensional turbulence (ODT) model. The ODT solutions for momentum and reactive scalars are designed to capture subgrid scale physics that is not captured by LES. The LES–ODT formulation is capable of capturing important fine-scale processes, such as flame–flame interactions, which play an important role in flame shortening in turbulent premixed flames, and the role of preferential diffusion on curved flames’ structures.
Changes in infraspinatus cross-sectional area and shoulder range of motion with repetitive eccentric external rotator contraction.

Abstract Background Repetitive eccentric loading results in muscle damage and subsequent changes in muscle stiffness and edema accumulation, which manifest as reduced joint range of motion and increased muscle cross-sectional area. The purpose of the study was to evaluate changes in shoulder range of motion and the infraspinatus cross-sectional area with repetitive eccentric contraction. Methods Twenty physically active participants performed 9 sets of 25 repetitions of eccentric external rotator contractions. The ultrasonographic measurement of the infraspinatus cross-sectional area, and shoulder internal/external rotation and horizontal adduction range of motion were measured before, immediately after, and 24 h after the intervention. Findings Infraspinatus cross-sectional area significantly increased from baseline immediately after exercise (P 0.05), but were significantly decreased at the 24-hour follow up from the baseline (internal rotation: P Interpretation These changes observed after the eccentric contractions may have implications for injury development in pitchers, because 1) the infraspinatus endures repetitive eccentric loading with pitching and 2) decreased internal rotation and horizontal adduction range of motion have been linked to upper extremity injuries. However, since the muscle response after eccentric loading varies by the task and previous exposure to similar stress, future study needs to investigate the time course of recovery of the muscle cross-sectional area and range of motion after pitching in competitive pitchers.
Lung clearance index: clinical and research applications in children

Multiple breath washout (MBW) has been demonstrated to be sensitive for assessing ventilation inhomogeneity (VI). VI is supposed to reflect changes in peripheral airways which are not apparent using spirometry. The lung clearance index (LCI) is the most robust parameter to quantify VI, and is largely independent of age; therefore, it potentially qualifies as a surrogate outcome parameter for clinical and research purposes, particularly during childhood. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding the clinical value of measuring LCI in children. Feasibility, reproducibility and diagnostic accuracy have been demonstrated; available data confirm that LCI is superior to spirometry in detecting small air way disease. However, there is little information regarding the value in the individual patient, and sparse longitudinal data looking at its prognostic value. Currently, only in patients with Cystic Fibrosis, it appears likely that knowledge of LCI will be useful for routine clinical management.
Maintenance of airway hyperresponsiveness in chronic asthma may be mediated by Th2-independent mechanisms

Abstract Rationale CD4+, Th2-mediated inflammation is an important component of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in allergic airway disease. IL-4 and IL-13, the prototypic Th2 cytokines, mediate their effects through a common receptor complex made up of IL-4Rα and IL-13Rα1. In this study, we examined the effects of impaired Th2 signaling on AHR using IL-4Rα −/− mice in a murine model of allergic asthma. Methods IL-4Rα −/− mice and control BALB/c (IL-4Rα +/+ ) mice were sensitized to and challenged with Aspergillus fumigatus . Airway disease was assessed at days 14, 28, 51, and 57 after intratracheal conidia challenge. AHR was evaluated by plethysmography after intravenous methacholine. Whole lung levels of cytokines, chemokines, and immunoglobulins were measured by specific ELISA. Paraffin-embedded lung sections were stained for histology. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was cytospun for differential cell counts. Results While AHR was significantly reduced in IL-4Rα −/− mice (p Conclusions These results demonstrate that airway hyperresponsiveness and mucus production in allergic asthma can be maintained in the absence of a predominant Th2 signaling pathway, suggesting that Th2-independent mechanisms may arbitrate chronic stages of the disease.
Can we feed the world & sustain the planet?

The article discusses global problems related to chronic hunger, increasing population size, and the environmental impact of agriculture and proposes five possible solutions to these problems. The author suggests that people should stop the expansion of agriculture into forests and savannas, improve yields on farmlands, use resources such as water and fertilizers more efficiently, eat less meat, and reduce food wastes by creating a networked food system. A map of the world is provided which shows areas which are suitable for agriculture and could have high yields.
Presence of airborne fibers in tungsten refining and manufacturing processes: preliminary characterization.

In tungsten refining and manufacturing processes, a series of tungsten oxides (WO X ) are typically formed as intermediates in the production of tungsten powder. Studies in the Swedish tungsten refining and manufacturing industry have shown that intermediate tungsten refining processes can create WOX fibers. The purpose of the present study was to identify and provide a preliminary characterization of airborne tungsten-containing fiber dimensions, elemental composition, and concentrations in the U.S. tungsten refining and manufacturing industry. To provide the preliminary characterization, 10 static air samples were collected during the course of normal employee work activities and analyzed using standard fiber sampling and counting methods. Results from transmission electron microscopy analyses conducted indicate that airborne fibers with length > 0.5 μ m, diameter > 0.01 μ m, and aspect ratio ≥ 3:1, with a geometric mean (GM) length of ∼ 2.0 μ m and GM diameter of ∼ 0.25 μ m, were present on 9 of the 10...
MECHANISM OF LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE (LDH) ELEVATION IN VIRUS-INFECTED HOSTS.

Abstract The rate of disappearance of injected lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from the blood plasma of normal mice, has been compared with the rate in mice infected with the LDH-elevating virus. A reduction in the rate of enzyme disappearance was observed in the virus infected mice compared with normals. Analysis of the data by use of a mathematical model, showed both an impairment in the clearance mechanism of the infected host and an increase in endogenous enzyme influx into the infected plasma. As a result of these observations, it is suggested that an additional, virus-induced, cellular enzyme source is required to account for the elevation of plasma LDH activity, and perhaps some of the other elevated enzymes associated with this virus infection. A mechanism is discussed, based upon the joint effects of impaired clearance facilities and alteration in enzyme influx, which can account for the observed LDH increase associated with the virus, and further suggests an explanation for the synergistic LDH elevation seen when the virus is present in the same host with tumors or with Eperythrozoon coccoides.
Fractures of the Distal Radius

Abstract The classification of fractures is necessary to make a proper assessment of the injury and to recommend appropriate treatment. This article presents a treatment-based classification that assists in directing treatment. It is straight forward and easy to remember, yet has the potential for expansion to more detailed subclassifications as desired. Specific treatment planning can result from reference to this classification.
Courtesy piggybacking: supporting differentiated services in multihop mobile ad hoc networks

Due to the salient characteristics such as the time-varying and error-prone wireless links, the dynamic and limited bandwidth, the time-varying traffic pattern and user locations, and the energy constraints, it is a challenging task to efficiently support heterogeneous traffic with different quality of service (QoS) requirements in mulithop mobile ad hoc networks. In the last few years, many channel dependent mechanisms are proposed to address this issue based on the cross-layer design philosophy. However, a lot of problems remain before more efficient solutions are found. One of the problems is how to alleviate the conflict between throughput and fairness for different prioritized traffic, especially how to avoid the bandwidth starvation problem for low priority traffic when the high priority traffic load is very high. In this paper, we propose a novel scheme named courtesy piggybacking (CP) to address this problem. With the recognition of inter-layer coupling, our courtesy piggybacking scheme exploits the channel dynamics and stochastic traffic features to alleviate the conflict. The basic idea is to let the high priority traffic help the low priority traffic by sharing unused residual bandwidth with courtesy. Another noteworthy feature of the proposed scheme is its implementation simplicity: the scheme is easy to implement and is applicable in networks using either reservation-based or contention-based MAC protocols.
Empirical models of scalp-EEG responses using non-concurrent intracranial responses.

Objective. This study presents inter-subject models of scalp-recorded electroencephalographic (sEEG) event-related potentials (ERPs) using intracranially recorded ERPs from electrocorticography and stereotactic depth electrodes in the hippocampus, generally termed as intracranial EEG (iEEG). Approach. The participants were six patients with medically-intractable epilepsy that underwent temporary placement of intracranial electrode arrays to localize seizure foci. Participants performed one experimental session using a brain–computer interface matrix spelling paradigm controlled by sEEG prior to the iEEG electrode implantation, and one or more identical sessions controlled by iEEG after implantation. All participants were able to achieve excellent spelling accuracy using sEEG, four of the participants achieved roughly equivalent performance in the iEEG sessions, and all participants were significantly above chance accuracy for the iEEG sessions. The sERPs were modeled using a linear combination of iERPs using two different optimization criteria. Main results. The results indicate that sERPs can be accurately estimated from the iERPs for the patients that exhibited stable ERPs over the respective sessions, and that the transformed iERPs can be accurately classified with an sERP-derived classifier. Significance. The resulting models provide a new empirical representation of the formation and distribution of sERPs from underlying composite iERPs. These new insights provide a better understanding of ERP relationships and can potentially lead to the development of more robust signal processing methods for noninvasive EEG applications.
Effect of Nicotine on Cholesterol-Induced Atherosclerosis in the Rabbit

Nicotine was administered orally in three dosage levels to female rabbits fed a 1 per cent cholesterol, 5 per cent oil diet for 24 weeks. Serum cholesterol and phospholipid values and electrocardiograms, both with and without ergonovine stress, were obtained at eight week intervals. Gross and microaortic pathology and cardiac micropathology were determined at the end of the experiment. Serum cholesterol and phospholipid values and aortic atherosclerosis were not affected by the addition of nicotine. Mortality, the incidence of positive ergonovine stress tests, myocardial necrosis and fatty metamorphosis, and peripheral vascular changes were increased. A dose-response relationship could not be established for nicotine.
Four Measures of Change in Physiologic State During the Feeding Period of Very Premature Infants

Precise assessment of infants’ ability to regulate feeding challenges requires modeling of physiologic values across intervals of the feeding period without smoothing too much of the data stream. Using a subset of data from a study of physiologic stability and feeding performance in very preterm (≤30 weeks’ gestational age) infants fed in two different feeding positions, this exploratory study compared mean heart rate (HR) and its coefficient of variation sampled during the feeding period using four methods: (1) dividing the feeding period into three equal intervals; (2) extracting 2-min intervals from the initial, middle, and final third of the feeding period; (3) using successive 2-min intervals during the first 6 min of feeding; and (4) using successive 2-min intervals during the entire feeding period. Power analysis simulation was conducted with varying numbers of subjects to determine the method that requires the least number of subjects to detect a position effect for change in HR across time with 8...
Neurotoxicants Are in the Air: Convergence of Human, Animal, and In Vitro Studies on the Effects of Air Pollution on the Brain

In addition to increased morbidity and mortality caused by respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, air pollution may also negatively affect the brain and contribute to central nervous system diseases. Air pollution is a mixture comprised of several components, of which ultrafine particulate matter (UFPM; <100 nm) is of much concern, as these particles can enter the circulation and distribute to most organs, including the brain. A major constituent of ambient UFPM is represented by traffic-related air pollution, mostly ascribed to diesel exhaust (DE). Human epidemiological studies and controlled animal studies have shown that exposure to air pollution may lead to neurotoxicity. In addition to a variety of behavioral abnormalities, two prominent effects caused by air pollution are oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which are seen in both humans and animals and are confirmed by in vitro studies. Among factors which can affect neurotoxic outcomes, age is considered the most relevant. Human and animal studies suggest that air pollution (and DE) may cause developmental neurotoxicity and may contribute to the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autistic spectrum disorders. In addition, air pollution exposure has been associated with increased expression of markers of neurodegenerative disease pathologies.
MicroRNAs Reprogram Normal Fibroblasts into Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Ovarian Cancer

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are a major constituent of the tumor stroma, but little is known about how cancer cells transform normal fibroblasts into CAFs. microRNAs (miRNA) are small noncoding RNA molecules that negatively regulate gene expression at a posttranscriptional level. Although it is clearly established that miRNAs are deregulated in human cancers, it is not known whether miRNA expression in resident fibroblasts is affected by their interaction with cancer cells. We found that in ovarian CAFs, miR-31 and miR-214 were downregulated, whereas miR-155 was upregulated when compared with normal or tumor-adjacent fibroblasts. Mimicking this deregulation by transfecting miRNAs and miRNA inhibitors induced a functional conversion of normal fibroblasts into CAFs, and the reverse experiment resulted in the reversion of CAFs into normal fibroblasts. The miRNA-reprogrammed normal fibroblasts and patient-derived CAFs shared a large number of upregulated genes highly enriched in chemokines, which are known to be important for CAF function. The most highly upregulated chemokine, CCL5, (C-C motif ligand 5) was found to be a direct target of miR-214. These results indicate that ovarian cancer cells reprogram fibroblasts to become CAFs through the action of miRNAs. Targeting these miRNAs in stromal cells could have therapeutic benefit. Significance: The mechanism by which quiescent fibroblasts are converted into CAFs is unclear. The present study identifies a set of 3 miRNAs that reprogram normal fibroblasts to CAFs. These miRNAs may represent novel therapeutic targets in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Discov; 2(12); 1100–8. ©2012 AACR . Read the Commentary on this article by Chou and Werb, [p. 1078][1] This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, [p. 1065][2] [1]: /lookup/volpage/2/1078?iss=12 [2]: /lookup/volpage/2/1065?iss=12
Columnar processing in primate pfc: Evidence for executive control microcircuits

A common denominator for many cognitive disorders of human brain is the disruption of neural activity within pFC, whose structural basis is primarily interlaminar (columnar) microcircuits or "minicolumns." The importance of this brain region for executive decision-making has been well documented; however, because of technological constraints, the minicolumnar basis is not well understood. Here, via implementation of a unique conformal multielectrode recording array, the role of interlaminar pFC minicolumns in the executive control of task-related target selection is demonstrated in nonhuman primates performing a visuomotor DMS task. The results reveal target-specific, interlaminar correlated firing during the decision phase of the trial between multielectrode recording array-isolated minicolumnar pairs of neurons located in parallel in layers 2/3 and layer 5 of pFC. The functional significance of individual pFC minicolumns (separated by 40 µm) was shown by reduced correlated firing between cell pairs within single minicolumns on error trials with inappropriate target selection. To further demonstrate dependence on performance, a task-disrupting drug (cocaine) was administered in the middle of the session, which also reduced interlaminar firing in minicolumns that fired appropriately in the early (nondrug) portion of the session. The results provide a direct demonstration of task-specific, real-time columnar processing in pFC indicating the role of this type of microcircuit in executive control of decision-making in primate brain.
Management of complicated gastroschisis with porcine small intestinal submucosa and negative pressure wound therapy.

Introduction: In almost all cases of gastroschisis, fascial closure may be achieved primarily or after silo reduction. Rarely, fascial and skin closure are impossible. We report our experience with visceral coverage in complicated cases of gastroschisis with porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) augmented by negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Methods: Overa3-yearperiod,55infantswithgastroschisisweremanaged. In3ofthese cases,fascia and skin could not be approximated safely after complete reduction of abdominal viscera with a spring-loaded silo. Visceral coverage in each case was achieved with 0.42-mm-thickness Surgisis ES (Cook Surgical, Bloomington, Ind) that was sewn to the fascial edges. Negative pressure wound therapy was then initiated at 75 mm Hg over the exposed SIS using vacuum-assisted closure. Results: In each case, granulation tissue developed quickly and was followed by complete epithelialization. Two patients subsequently developed umbilical hernias. Conclusion: We have successfully used SIS augmented by NPWT in the management of 3 infants with complicated gastroschisis. In the rare situation in which fascial closure cannot be achieved, the
Disorders of water and salt metabolism associated with pituitary disease

Disorders of water and sodium homeostasis are very common problems encountered in clinical medicine. Disorders of water metabolism are divided into hyperosmolar and hypoosmolar states, with hyperosmolar disorders characterized by a deficit of body water in relation to body solute and hypoosmolar disorders characterized by an excess of body water in relation to total body solute. This article briefly reviews the physiology of hyperosmolar and hypoosmolar syndromes, then focuses on a discussion of the pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment of specific pre- and postoperative disorders of water metabolism in patients with pituitary lesions.
Characterization of Pd/Ni/Au ohmic contacts on p-GaN

A low-resistance ohmic contact to Mg-doped p-type GaN grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) with a carrier concentration of 2 · 10 17 cm 3 using Pd/Ni/Au metallization was formed. An anneal at 500 � C for 1 min in a flowing N2 ambient produced an excellent ohmic contact with a specific contact resistivity as low as 2.4 · 10 5 X cm 2 . X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) depth profiles of Pd/Ni/Au contacts annealed at 500 � C demonstrated a strong correlation between Ni and Pd interdiffusion toward the GaN surface and a reduction in specific contact resistance. The low contact resistance is attributed to the reduction of the native oxide by Ni diffusion along with the formation of Pd and Ni related-gallide phases at the p-GaN surface region.
The 2014 Claude Bernard Distinguished Lecture: The Social Contract of Learning.

The shift to competency-based education expands the role of the teacher from that of a provider of information and into a shaper of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. These roles are facilitated by establishing a social contract between the instructor and learner, a contract that clearly defines the rights and duties of each. Adopting greater responsibility for the development of competencies in our learners allows faculty members to truly have an impact by shaping the behaviors of learners.
A neural network based intelligent model reference adaptive controller

This paper presents a novel neural network based intelligent model reference adaptive controller. In this scheme the intelligent supervisory loop (ISL) is incorporated into the traditional model reference adaptive controller (MRAC) framework by utilizing an online growing dynamic radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) structure in parallel with it. The idea is to control the plant by a direct MRAC with a suitable single reference model, and at the same time respond to plant multimodal dynamics by on line tuning of an RBFNN controller. This parallel RBFNN controller is designed in order to precisely track the system output to the desired command signal trajectory, regardless of system multimodality and/or unmodeled dynamics. The updating details of the RBFNN width, centers and weights are derived to ensure error reduction and for improved tracking accuracy. The importance of the proposed scheme is in its ability to perform effectively even when the plant mode swings without using multiple model concept or a multiple reference model adaptive controller if a suitable reference model structure can be established. Further, the parallel controller will be able to precisely track the reference trajectory even with system showing unmodeled dynamics. The performance ability of the scheme is confirmed by applying to control the angular position of the robotic manipulator under tip load variations.
After the Engagement Classification: Using Organization Theory to Maximize Institutional Understandings.

This chapter offers suggestions for making an institution's comprehensive inventory of engagement activities more accessible and useful for broader campus and public consideration.
Neuroimaging Studies of Emotional Responses in PTSD

Neuroimaging research offers a powerful and noninvasive means to understand healthy as well as dysregulated emotional processing in healthy subjects and PTSD patients. Functional neuroimaging findings suggest specific roles for subregions of the medial prefrontal (mPFC), orbito frontal (OFC), anterior cingulate (ACC), and insular cortices as well as the sublenticular extended amygdala (SLEA) and hippocampus in various components of emotional processing. Some of the same regions appear to be associated with emotional response to trauma, and with symptom formation in PTSD. Neuroimaging findings of emotional processing in healthy subjects and PTSD patients are discussed, addressing the specific roles of cortical regions like mPFC, ACC, and insula, and their potential contribution to PTSD pathophysiology. Processes of cognitive-emotional interactions and social emotions are discussed in an attempt to synthesize the prefrontal findings in healthy subjects and PTSD patients. Further links between functional neuroanatomy of emotional responses and neuroendocrine stress regulation are proposed.
Scalability of data transport

Peak floating point rate is a very limited way to characterize high performance computer systems. A better method is to use the bandwidth and latency of data transport for the major components of a system. Bandwidth scales well with increasing system size, but latency does not. The demands placed by a program on data transport determine how well an architecture will execute it. The article discusses two program metrics which describe latency characteristics of programs and shows how they can help optimize program structure. >
Percutaneous Absorption and Metabolism of Coumarin in Human and Rat Skin

Coumarin is widely used as a fragrance in cosmetics, perfumes and soaps. The food and Drug Administration banned coumarin use in food because of reports that coumarin produced hepatotoxicity in rodents. Concerns about coumarin's safety have also been raised by toxicity testing conducted by the National Toxicology Program. Therefore, we initiated studies to measure the extent of coumarin absorption and metabolism in skin. [14C]Coumarin (ca. 0.5 microCi per cell) absorption in skin was measured by using two vehicles: ethanol (15 microliters cm-2) and an oil-in-water emulsion (3 mg cm-2). Absorption was determined for 24 h by using flow-through diffusion cells (0.64 cm2, exposed skin) with a receptor fluid consisting of HEPES-buffered Hank's balanced salt solution (pH 7.4). Coumarin metabolism was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography methodology. In rat skin (n = 3), the percentages of applied dose absorbed after 24 h were 54.9 +/- 0.63 (mean +/- SEM) and 86.8 +/- 5.4 for the ethanol and emulsion vehicles, respectively, with ca. 5% remaining in skin. In human skin (n = 2), the percentages of applied dose absorbed after 24 h were 64.4 +/- 0.29 and 98.0 +/- 5.3 for the ethanol and emulsion vehicles, respectively, with ca. 1% remaining in skin. The extent of skin absorption was greater from the emulsion vehicle than from the ethanol vehicle in both human and rat skin. Coumarin rapidly penetrated both rat and human skin with > 75% and > 95%, respectively, of the absorbed dose found in the receptor fluid within 6 h. No evidence of coumarin metabolism was found in either skin or receptor fluid fractions. These studies indicate that coumarin absorption is significant in skin. Systemic coumarin absorption must be expected after dermal contact with coumarin-containing products.
A linear exponent AR(1) family of correlation structures

In repeated measures settings, modeling the correlation pattern of the data can be immensely important for proper analyses. Accurate inference requires proper choice of the correlation model. Optimal efficiency of the estimation procedure demands a parsimonious parameterization of the correlation structure, with sufficient sensitivity to detect the range of correlation patterns that may occur. Many repeated measures settings have within-subject correlation decreasing exponentially in time or space. Among the variety of correlation patterns available for this context, the continuous-time first-order autoregressive correlation structure, denoted AR(1), sees the most utilization. Despite its wide use, the AR(1) structure often poorly gauges within-subject correlations that decay at a slower or faster rate than required by the AR(1) model. To address this deficiency we propose a two-parameter generalization of the continuous-time AR(1) model, termed the linear exponent autoregressive (LEAR) correlation structure, which accommodates much slower and much faster decay patterns. Special cases of the LEAR family include the AR(1), compound symmetry, and first-order moving average correlation structures. Excellent analytic, numerical, and statistical properties help make the LEAR structure a valuable addition to the suite of parsimonious correlation models for repeated measures data. Both medical imaging data concerning neonate neurological development and longitudinal data concerning diet and hypertension [DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) study] exemplify the utility of the LEAR correlation structure.
Control conditions in hypnotic-analgesia clinical trials: challenges and recommendations.

Abstract Case studies and controlled clinical trials indicate that hypnotic analgesia can effectively reduce pain in patients with a number of different chronic pain conditions. However, because none of the studies published to date have included a credible control condition that adequately controls for expectancy effects, at this point we cannot conclude that hypnotic-analgesia treatment has a specific effect on chronic pain beyond that that might be produced by a credible placebo intervention. This paper (a) describes the types of control conditions that have been, or might be, used in clinical trials of hypnotic analgesia for chronic pain; (b) reviews their strengths and weaknesses; and (c) concludes with specific recommendations that investigators should consider when designing clinical trials of hypnotic analgesia. 1This work was supported by grants P01 HD33988 and R01 GM42725 from the National Institutes of Health and the Hughes M. and Katherine G. Blake Endowed Professorship in Health Psychology.
Stringent Laws and Regulations for Dietary Supplements

On December 22, 2006, the US Congress passed Public Law 109–462, Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Protection Act. On June 25, 2007, FDA published its long-anticipated final rule establishing regulations governing current good manufacturing practices for dietary supplements. This article considers whether or not such expanded support of rigorous, unbiased scientific research can be used effectively in dietary supplements. The authors conducted a review of selected dietary supplements to see if there is an effective system to ensure that dietary supplements are not marketed prior to safety and efficacy being established as for drugs and medical devices. We believe that this new act and the final rule are a step toward treating dietary supplements more like pharmaceuticals and not like food. Therefore we believe that we need these stringent laws and regulations for dietary supplements.
Role of transforming growth factor β in ovarian surface epithelium biology and ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancers arise out of the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE), which is the single layer of epithelial cells covering the ovary. These cells go through repeated cycles of proliferation with the growth and rupture of ovarian follicles. One growth factor involved in the regulation of OSE is transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta). The different isoforms of TGFbeta (TGFbeta1, TGFbeta2 and TGFbeta3) and its receptor are all present in both OSE and the underlying ovarian surface stroma. The levels of the TGFbeta isoforms and receptors are regulated independently of each other in these different ovarian tissues. Observations suggest the existence of multiple autocrine/paracrine TGFbeta signalling loops. TGFbeta acts to inhibit proliferation of normal OSE and early stage ovarian carcinomas. Conversely, in later stage ovarian cancer the inhibitory actions of TGFbeta on epithelial proliferation have been overcome, while TGFbeta is able to promote malignant neoplastic behaviours. The regulation of TGFbeta signalling by ovarian steroid hormones may be one mechanism by which the OSE responds to cyclic changes in the underlying follicles.
Investigation of coercive squareness in TbFeCo films

TbFeCo is one of the most promising magnetooptical recording media because it shows a high uniaxial anisotropy and a fairly good Kerr effect, and its composition can be tailored to achieve a large room temperature coercivity. A basic study was carried out to determine the factors affecting the mechanisms of magnetization reversal and the regularity of domain growth at room temperature in TbFeCo films. A technique has been established to quantify the regularity of domain growth in terms of coercive squareness. It has been observed that intrinsic magnetization and uniaxial anisotropy are the two most significant parameters to affect coercive squareness. Deposition processes and conditions have a very slight influence on coercive squareness. >
Scattering from inhomogeneous material cylinders using a modified fast far field approximation

The Fast Far Field Approximation (FAFFA) is used in conjunction with Richmond's Method to obtain the scattering patterns of inhomogeneous material cylinders of infinite length and arbitrary cross-section shape. Scatterers may be composed of any combination of perfect dielectrics, lossy dielectrics, or conductors of finite conductivity. A novel extension of this technique called the Modified Fast Far Field Approximation (MFAFFA) is developed to further increase acceleration, and numerical results are obtained. Although other investigations have approximated the field within a dielectric body as the incident field, a more accurate solution is obtained here by treating the total field as an unknown function, which allows determination of the electric field distribution at all points within the body.
The Ritual Establishment of Home

The theme of this essay is centered upon ritual processes involved in the transformation of inert physical and spatial fabric into living, participating, and richly experienced home places. Through such rituals not only is the physical environment transformed but so too are the human participants and their relationships with the changed place. This theme emerged from my studies of Pueblo house-building procedures and, although these studies focused upon the Pueblo world during the past 100 years, there appear to be lessons for learning about homes in other cultures and times (Saile, 1977, 1985).