cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ANALGESIC EFFICACY AND CSF PHARMACOKINETICS OF INTRATHECAL MORPHINE-6-GLUCURONIDE: COMPARISON WITH MORPHINE

SUMMARY The analgesic efficacy and CSF pharmacokinetics of intrathecal morphine sulphate and morphine-6-glucuronide (M6G) were compared in a single-blind crossover study. Lumbar intrathecal catheters were sited in three patients with chronic cancer pain, and morphine sulphate 500 μg or M6G 500 μg given via the catheter on separate days. CSF was sampled for 24 h following drug administration and analysed for morphine and M6G by high pressure liquid chromatography. The mean (SD) requirement for patient controlled analgesia with pethidine was 393.3 (227.4) mg/24 h during the morphine limb of the trial and 226.7 (113.6) mg/24 h during the M6G limb. M6G was not detected in CSF following administration of morphine. Fitting of CSF concentrations to triexponential curves revealed mean (SD) alpha, beta and gamma half-lives of 13.2 (7.4), 54.9 (31.5) and 222.5 (100) min for morphine and 11.2 (2.4), 67.3 (49.9) and 619.3 (629.7) min for M6G.
RADIOTHERAPY FOR STAGE II TESTICULAR SEMINOMA

Abstract Purpose: To compare the outcome of patients with Stage II seminoma treated with prophylactic mediastinal irradiation, without any supradiaphragmatic irradiation, and with prophylactic left supraclavicular irradiation (PLSCI). Methods and Materials: Between 1960 and 1999, 73 men with Stage II seminoma received postorchiectomy radiotherapy. Before 1984, 36 received prophylactic mediastinal irradiation (Series I); between 1984 and 1992, 17 received no supradiaphragmatic irradiation (Series II); and after 1992, 20 received PLSCI (Series III). The outcomes in these series were compared. Results: The abdominal tumor sizes were as follows: Series I, ≤2 cm, n = 4; >2 and ≤5 cm, n = 12; >5 and ≤10 cm, n = 16; Series II, ≤2 cm, n = 1; >2 and ≤5 cm, n = 12; >5 and ≤10 cm, n = 4; and Series III, ≤2 cm, n = 1; >2 and ≤5 cm, n = 14; >5 and ≤10 cm, n = 5 (p = 0.75). The median duration of follow-up was 14.4, 9.3, and 4.5 years for Series I, II, and III, respectively. The 6-year freedom from relapse was 94%, 71%, and 95% for Series I, II, and III, respectively. The differences between Series I and II (p = 0.014) and between II and III (p = 0.042) were significant. Three patients in Series II had a relapse in their left supraclavicular fossa—a failure pattern abrogated by PLSCI. Conclusions: PLSCI significantly diminishes the likelihood of relapse for Stage IIA, IIB, and IIC seminoma (mass ≤10 cm).
Quantitative laser scanning confocal autofluorescence microscopy of normal, premalignant, and malignant colonic tissues

Laser scanning confocal autofluorescence microscopy (LSCAM) using 351- to 364-nm excitation light was used to quantitatively compare fluorescent spectral emission of unstained, frozen histological sections of normal, premalignant, and malignant colonic tissues. To identify the spatial origins of fluorescent signals accurately, the same frozen section slides used for microscopy were fixed and histochemically stained immediately following LSCAM imaging. Tissue fluorescence emission was quantified in terms of the intrinsic fluorescence coefficient /spl beta/(/spl lambda/), defined as the fluorescence power per unit tissue volume per unit wavelength (centered at /spl lambda/) divided by the incident light irradiance. Over all emission wavelengths, colonic tissues emitted autofluorescence ranging from /spl beta/(/spl lambda/)/spl sim/10/sup -1.5/ to 10/sup -3.0/ cm/sup -1/. In the 530- to 610-spectral region, markedly increased autofluorescence (/spl beta/ up to 10/sup -2.5/) was observed in the dysplastic cells of adenomatous polyps, as compared to normal epithelial cells. Compared to adenomatous polyps, decreased dysplastic cell autofluorescence was observed in adenocarcinoma. The brightest fluorescence in the lamina propria, which was attributed to eosinophils (/spl beta//spl sim/10/sup -2.5/) in previous studies, was also observed in other granular structures (/spl beta/ up to 10/sup -1.4/). LSCAM reveals quantitative significant differences in fluorescence emission between normal and diseased colonic tissues.
Using log-linear models to test for associations among congenital malformations.

Log-linear models can be used to test for pairwise associations and higher order interactions among anatomically distinct birth defects or congenital malformations. A loglinear model, including terms for every possible pairwise association among seven severe and easily detectable congenital malformations, was examined using data on 16,217 infants registered in the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program between 1968 and 1986. The resulting model showed clear patterns of strong association between some congenital malformations and not others, and the presence of 3-way interaction terms where the association between two malformations depended on the presence of a third. Examining a more parsimonious log-linear model showed overlapping patterns of pairwise association involving anal-rectal atresia and omphalocele, anal-rectal atresia and limb deficiency, and anal-rectal atresia and tracheaesophageal fistula. A second common pattern involved a triangular cluster with a hierarchical relationship among the three malformations (where there was a strong association between the first and second malformations and between the first and third malformations, but the association between the second and third was only seen in the absence of the first). Three such overlapping triangular clusters were identified from these data: neural tube defects, oral clefts, and omphalocele; neural tube defects, oral clefts, and limb deficiency; and limb deficiency, diaphragmatic hernia, and neural tube defects. Some of these clusters correspond to known associations, but log-linear models offer a simple and systematic approach to searching for possible associations among anatomically distinct malformations.
Nature of tumor control by permanently and transiently-modified GD2 chimeric antigen receptor T cells in xenograft models of neuroblastoma

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy has begun to demonstrate success as a novel treatment modality for hematologic malignancies. The success observed thus far has been with T cells permanently engineered to express chimeric receptors. T cells engineered using RNA electroporation represent an alternative with the potential for similar efficacy and greater safety when initially targeting novel antigens. Neuroblastoma is a common pediatric solid tumor with the potential to be targeted using immunotherapy. We performed xenograft studies in NSG mice in which we assessed the efficacy of both permanently modified and transiently modified CAR T cells directed against the neuroblastoma antigen GD2 in both local and disseminated disease models. Disease response was monitored by tumor volume measurement and histologic examination, as well as in vivo bioluminescence. RNA-modified GD2 CAR T cells mediated rapid tumor destruction when delivered locally. A single infusion of lentivirally modified GD2 CAR T cells resulted in long-term control of disseminated disease. Multiple infusions of RNA GD2 CAR T cells slowed the progression of disseminated disease and improved survival, but did not result in long-term disease control. Histologic examination revealed that the transiently modified cells were unable to significantly penetrate the tumor environment when delivered systemically, despite multiple infusions of CAR T cells. Thus, we demonstrate that RNA-modified GD2 CAR T cells can mediate effective antitumor responses in vivo, and permanently modified cells are able to control disseminated neuroblastoma in xenograft mice. Lack of long-term disease control by RNA-engineered cells resulted from an inability to penetrate the tumor microenvironment.
Exploring Literary Theory Through Literature

The focus of the seminar is on the relationship of criticism to theory and their connection to literature. The work of the seminar consists in tracing the genesis of key critical formations and theoretical discourses with exemplary works of literature that illustrate, underwrite, or contest the theoretical forms that would be imputed, applied, or affiliated to them. Theories, therefore, are read in concert and/or in counterpoint to the literary texts in which those theoretical constructs purportedly have their genesis, sanction, or instantiation. The chronological scope of the seminar extends from 1800 forward; the seminar touches on the most significant theoretical paradigms during this period. The work of this seminar forms part of the project of the International Comparative Literature Association's Committee on Theory that endeavors to examine and re-connect critical and theoretical discourses to concrete texts of the literary tradition.
Plants Do It Differently. A New Basis for Potassium/Sodium Selectivity in the Pore of an Ion Channel

Understanding of the molecular architecture necessary for selective K(+) permeation through the pore of ion channels is based primarily on analysis of the crystal structure of the bacterial K(+) channel KcsA, and structure:function studies of cloned animal K(+) channels. Little is known about the conduction properties of a large family of plant proteins with structural similarities to cloned animal cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (CNGCs). Animal CNGCs are nonselective cation channels that do not discriminate between Na(+) and K(+) permeation. These channels all have the same triplet of amino acids in the channel pore ion selectivity filter, and this sequence is different from that of the selectivity filter found in K(+)-selective channels. Plant CNGCs have unique pore selectivity filters; unlike those found in any other family of channels. At present, the significance of the unique pore selectivity filters of plant CNGCs, with regard to discrimination between Na(+) and K(+) permeation is unresolved. Here, we present an electrophysiological analysis of several members of this protein family; identifying the first cloned plant channel (AtCNGC1) that conducts Na(+). Another member of this ion channel family (AtCNGC2) is shown to have a selectivity filter that provides a heretofore unknown molecular basis for discrimination between K(+) and Na(+) permeation. Specific amino acids within the AtCNGC2 pore selectivity filter (Asn-416, Asp-417) are demonstrated to facilitate K(+) over Na(+) conductance. The selectivity filter of AtCNGC2 represents an alternative mechanism to the well-known GYG amino acid triplet of K(+) channels that has been identified as the critical basis for K(+) over Na(+) permeation through the pore of ion channels.
Bronchoscopic Needle Aspiration Biopsy

Bronchoscopic needle aspiration biopsy, which encompasses transbronchial needle aspiration, transtracheal needle aspiration, and endobronchial needle aspiration, is a minimally invasive technique used to diagnose mediastinal and pulmonary masses and to stage lung cancer patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Since it is safe, accurate, and potentially cost-efficient, its use may increase in the coming years. It is important that pathologists who examine cytology specimens understand this procedure, its limitations, and ways that it may be optimized.
IL-17 and TNF-α Sustain Neutrophil Recruitment during Inflammation through Synergistic Effects on Endothelial Activation

IL-17A (IL-17) is the signature cytokine produced by Th17 cells and has been implicated in host defense against infection and the pathophysiology of autoimmunity and cardiovascular disease. Little is known, however, about the influence of IL-17 on endothelial activation and leukocyte influx to sites of inflammation. We hypothesized that IL-17 would induce a distinct pattern of endothelial activation and leukocyte recruitment when compared with the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ. We found that IL-17 alone had minimal activating effects on cultured endothelium, whereas the combination of TNF-α and IL-17 produced a synergistic increase in the expression of both P-selectin and E-selectin. Using intravital microscopy of the mouse cremaster muscle, we found that TNF-α and IL-17 also led to a synergistic increase in E-selectin-dependent leukocyte rolling on microvascular endothelium in vivo. In addition, TNF-α and IL-17 enhanced endothelial expression of the neutrophilic chemokines CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL5 and led to a functional increase in leukocyte transmigration in vivo and CXCR2-dependent neutrophil but not T cell transmigration in a parallel-plate flow chamber system. By contrast, endothelial activation with TNF-α and IFN-γ preferentially induced the expression of the integrin ligands ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, as well as the T cell chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10, and CCL5. These effects were further associated with a functional increase in T cell but not neutrophil transmigration under laminar shear flow. Overall, these data show that IL-17 and TNF-α act in a synergistic manner to induce a distinct pattern of endothelial activation that sustains and enhances neutrophil influx to sites of inflammation.
Inhibition of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Signal Transduction in Endotoxin-Tolerized Mouse Macrophages: Dysregulation of Cytokine, Chemokine, and Toll-Like Receptor 2 and 4 Gene Expression

In this study, the effect of in vitro endotoxin tolerance on LPS-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, transcription factor induction, and cytokine, chemokine, and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and 4 gene expression, as well as the involvement of TNF and IL-1 signaling pathways in tolerance, were examined. Pretreatment of mouse macrophages with LPS inhibited phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases, and p38 kinase; degradation of I-kappaBalpha (inhibitory protein that dissociates from NF-kappaB) and I-kappaBbeta; and activation of the transcription factors NF-kappaB and AP-1 in response to subsequent LPS stimulation. These changes were accompanied by suppression of LPS-induced expression of mRNA for GM-CSF, IFN-gamma-inducible protein-10, KC, JE/monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage-inflammatory protein-1beta, and macrophage-inflammatory protein-2, with concurrent inhibition of chemokine secretion. In contrast to control cells, endotoxin-tolerant macrophages exhibited an increased basal level of TLR2 mRNA, and failed to increase levels of TLR2 mRNA or to down-regulate TLR4 gene expression upon restimulation with LPS. As judged by transcription factor activation, LPS and IL-1 were found to induce a state of cross-tolerance against each other, while no such reciprocal effect was seen for LPS and TNF-alpha. In addition, macrophages from TNFR I/II double knockout mice were LPS tolerizable, and blocking of endogenous TNF-alpha with TNFR-Fc fusion protein did not affect the capacity of LPS to tolerize macrophages. These data extend our understanding of LPS-signaling mechanisms that are inhibited in endotoxin-tolerized macrophages and suggest that endotoxin tolerance might result from impaired expression and/or functions of common signaling intermediates involved in LPS and IL-1 signaling.
Managing the Voices: Athlete Self-Talk as a Dialogic Process:

Studies in sport psychology focus on “self-talk” as a motivational and instructional tool to enhance athletic performance. This article (re)conceptualizes self-talk as a dialogic phenomenon that is...
Triple-rule-out CT angiography for evaluation of acute chest pain and possible acute coronary syndrome.

Careful attention to patient selection, patient preparation, and injection and scanning techniques will result in high-quality triple-rule-out CT studies to evaluate the aorta, coronary circulation, pulmonary arteries, and adjacent intrathoracic conditions.
Genetic engineering of stent grafts with a highly efficient pseudotyped retroviral vector.

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was first to compare the gene transfer efficiency of amphotrophic murine leukemia viral vector (ampho–MuLV) with the efficiency of MuLV pseudotyped with the vesicular stomatitis virus G glycoprotein (VSVG–MuLV) in tissue of vascular origin. The second purpose of this study was to determine cell retention after the implantation of genetically engineered stent grafts. Methods: Gene transfer efficiency was ascertained with the b -galactosidase assay. The target tissues included endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and human saphenous veins (HSVs). Polyurethane stent grafts were suffused with lac Z–transduced ECs and SMCs that were harvested from porcine jugular vein. The grafts were implanted into the iliac artery of each pig whose jugular vein had been harvested. Cell retention was analyzed at 1 and 4 weeks with X-Gal staining. Results: VSVG–MuLV transduction efficiency exceeded that of ampho–MuLV in human ECs (VSVG–MuLV, n=24, 89% ± 6%; ampho–MuLV, n=18, 14% ± 6%; P P P P Conclusion: VSVG–MuLV significantly increased the gene transfer efficiency in vascular SMCs and ECs and in organ-cultured HSVs. The cells were retained and proliferated on stent grafts for the short term in the pig. (J Vasc Surg 1999;29:863-73.)
Oak Ridge Reservation: Radionuclides

The Department of Energy (DOE) facilities on the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) have a rich history of radionuclide separation technologies and research involving the conversion of uranium to plutonium for thermonuclear weapon parts during WWII and the Cold War era. During this period, tens of millions of curies of radioactive waste was typically disposed in unlined surface impoundments and shallow subsurface trenches. The disposal methods have resulted in a daunting challenge of remediating huge below-ground inventories of legacy radioactive waste, since the scale of the problem is at the watershed level. The focus of this article is to provide an overview of past and current activities on the ORR that involve the use, disposal, and remediation of radionuclide isotopes. The aim of the article is to provide an improved understanding of why radioactive material was generated, how it was used and disposed of, and how it continues to interact with the environment. Keywords: subsurface legacy waste; radionuclide fate and transport; subsurface coupled processes; multiple scales; radionuclide containment; trenches; geochemistry; hydrology
When and How Pediatric History and Physical Diagnosis Are Taught in Medical School: A Survey of Pediatric Clerkship Directors

Backround: History and physical diagnosis skills (HPDS) are required curriculum in medical schools (MS) with pediatric HPDS (PHPDS) necessitating instruction in addition to adult HPDS. Perceived deficiencies in these skills on the pediatric clerkship prompted investigation of when and how other MS taught PHPDS. The concern of whether medical students are adequately taught PHPDS needed to be addressed. Methods: With the use of the Council on Medical Student Education in Pediatrics listserv, pediatric clerkship directors from 129 US, 15 Canadian, and 2 Puerto Rican MS were contacted via e-mail to complete an anonymous online questionnaire, focused on MS demographics, PHPDS timing, teaching methods, and barriers. Results: Seventy-two (49%) of 146 MS responded to the survey; 18.1% of MS responders did not offer PHPDS in the first 2 years. Methodologies used to educate students included didactic lectures, physician shadowing, hands-on with patients, pairing with preceptor, instructional video, and examination of newborns. Each teaching method had Conclusions: This study demonstrated striking variability among MS in how and when medical students were taught PHPDS. Clarification of the role of PHPDS instruction in preclinical years and standardized effective approaches to PHPDS instruction are both needed so that MS curriculum optimizes physician training.
Power Analysis and World Politics: New Trends versus Old Tendencies

Recent refinements in social science thinking about power could be used to revitalize this approach to understanding international relations. The relevance of scholarly work on the causal concept of power is explored with regard to the following topics: potential vs. actual power, interdependence, military power, positive sanctions, the zero-sum model of politics, and the distinction between deterrence and compellence. The tendency to exaggerate the fungibility of power resources, the propensity to treat military power resources as the1 “ultimate” power base, and the emphasis on conflict and negative sanctions at the expense of cooperation and positive sanctions, are still common in international relations scholarship. The most important need is for recognition that the absence of a common denominator of political value in terms of which different scopes of power can be compared is not so much a methodological problem to be solved as it is a real-world constraint to be lived with.
Evaluation of prefabricated lingual rest seats for removable partial dentures

An investigation into the feasibility of using prefabricated lingual rest seats bonded to mandibular canines and incisors with an orthodontic enamel bonding system was undertaken. 1. A prefabricated lingual rest seat was designed and constructed to closely approximate the lingual contours of anterior teeth. 2. An in vitro study compared the mean failure loads of three orthodontic bonding systems. Two of the three have mean failure loads that are greater than twice the maximum occlusal-gingival forces that were applied to the abutments by removable partial dentures in the study by Maxfield et al. 3. A demonstration of the clinical feasibility of using these prefabricated lingual rests for support of removable partial dentures has been reported.
Regulatory networks between neurotrophins and miRNAs in brain diseases and cancers.

Neurotrophins are involved in many physiological and pathological processes in the nervous system. They regulate and modify signal transduction, transcription and translation in neurons. It is recently demonstrated that the neurotrophin expression is regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs), changing our views on neurotrophins and miRNAs. Generally, miRNAs regulate neurotrophins and their receptors in at least two ways: (1) miRNAs bind directly to the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of isoform-specific mRNAs and post-transcriptionally regulate their expression; (2) miRNAs bind to the 3′ UTR of the regulatory factors of neurotrophins and regulate their expression. On the other hand, neurotrophins can regulate miRNAs. The results of BNDF research show that neurotrophins regulate miRNAs in at least three ways: (1) ERK stimulation enhances the activation of TRBP (HIV-1 TAR RNA-binding protein) and Dicer, leading to the upregulation of miRNA biogenesis; (2) ERK-dependent upregulation of Lin28a (RNA-binding proteins) blocks select miRNA biogenesis; (3) transcriptional regulation of miRNA expression through activation of transcription factors, including CREB and NF-κB. These regulatory processes integrate positive and negative regulatory loops in neurotrophin and miRNA signaling pathways, and also expand the function of neurotrophins and miRNAs. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the regulatory networks between neurotrophins and miRNAs in brain diseases and cancers, for which novel cutting edge therapeutic, delivery and diagnostic approaches are emerging.
MCP-1 impacts RCT by repressing ABCA1, ABCG1, and SR-BI through PI3K/Akt posttranslational regulation in HepG2 cells

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) plays crucial roles at multiple stages of atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that MCP-1 might impair the reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) capacity of HepG2 cells by decreasing the cell-surface protein expression of ATP binding cassette A1 (ABCA1), ATP binding cassette G1 (ABCG1), and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI). MCP-1 reduced the total protein and mRNA levels of ABCA1 and SR-BI, but not of ABCG1. MCP-1 decreased the cell-surface protein expression of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SR-BI in dose-dependent and time-dependent manners, as measured using cell-surface biotinylation. We further studied the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine/threonine protein kinase Akt pathway in regulating receptor trafficking. Both the translation and transcription of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SR-BI were not found to be regulated by the PI3K/Akt pathway. However, the cell-surface protein expression of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SR-BI could be regulated by PI3K activity, and PI3K activation corrected the MCP-1-induced decreases in the cell-surface protein expression of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SR-BI. Moreover, we found that MCP-1 decreased the lipid uptake by HepG2 cells and the ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux to apoA-I, which could be reversed by PI3K activation. Our data suggest that MCP-1 impairs RCT activity in HepG2 cells by a PI3K/Akt-mediated posttranslational regulation of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SR-BI cell-surface expression.
A Kinase‐Independent Function of c‐Src Mediates p130Cas Phosphorylation at the Serine‐639 Site in Pressure Overloaded Myocardium

Early work in pressure overloaded (PO) myocardium shows that integrins mediate focal adhesion complex formation by recruiting the adaptor protein p130Cas (Cas) and nonreceptor tyrosine kinase c-Src. To explore c-Src role in Cas-associated changes during PO, we used a feline right ventricular in vivo PO model and a three-dimensional (3D) collagen-embedded adult cardiomyocyte in vitro model that utilizes a Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGD) peptide for integrin stimulation. Cas showed slow electrophoretic mobility (band-shifting), recruitment to the cytoskeleton, and tyrosine phosphorylation at 165, 249, and 410 sites in both 48 h PO myocardium and 1 h RGD-stimulated cardiomyocytes. Adenoviral mediated expression of kinase inactive (negative) c-Src mutant with intact scaffold domains (KN-Src) in cardiomyocytes did not block the RGD stimulated changes in Cas. Furthermore, expression of KN-Src or kinase active c-Src mutant with intact scaffold function (A-Src) in two-dimensionally (2D) cultured cardiomyocytes was sufficient to cause Cas band-shifting, although tyrosine phosphorylation required A-Src. These data indicate that c-Src's adaptor function, but not its kinase function, is required for a serine/threonine specific phosphorylation(s) responsible for Cas band-shifting. To explore this possibility, Chinese hamster ovary cells that stably express Cas were infected with either β-gal or KN-Src adenoviruses and used for Cas immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry analysis. In the KN-Src expressing cells, Cas showed phosphorylation at the serine-639 (human numbering) site. A polyclonal antibody raised against phospho-serine-639 detected Cas phosphorylation in 24-48 h PO myocardium. Our studies indicate that c-Src's adaptor function mediates serine-639 phosphorylation of Cas during integrin activation in PO myocardium.
Upper Limb Kinematics and the Role of the Wrist During Stone Tool Production

Past studies have hypothesized that aspects of hominin upper limb morphology are linked to the ability to produce stone tools. However, we lack the data on upper limb motions needed to evaluate the bio- mechanical context of stone tool production. This study seeks to better understand the biomechanics of stone tool-making by investigating upper limb joint kinemat- ics, focusing on the role of the wrist joint, during simple flake production. We test the hypotheses, based on stud- ies of other upper limb activities (e.g., throwing), that upper limb movements will occur in a proximal-to-distal sequence, culminating in rapid wrist flexion just prior to strike. Data were captured from four amateur knappers during simple flake production using a VICON motion analysis system (50 Hz). Results show that subjects uti- lized a proximal-to-distal joint sequence and disassoci- ated the shoulder joint from the elbow and wrist joints, suggesting a shared strategy employed in other contexts (e.g., throwing) to increase target accuracy. The knap- ping strategy included moving the wrist into peak exten- sion (subject peak grand mean 5 47.38) at the beginning of the downswing phase, which facilitated rapid wrist flexion and accelerated the hammerstone toward the nodule. This sequence resulted in the production of sig- nificantly more mechanical work, and therefore greater strike forces, than would otherwise be produced. To- gether these results represent a strategy for increasing knapping efficiency in Homo sapiens and point to aspects of skeletal anatomy that might be examined to assess potential knapping ability and efficiency in fossil hominin taxa. Am J Phys Anthropol 143:134-145, 2010. V
Capturing urban student voices in the creation of a science mini‐documentary

It has been widely proposed that student voices should play a crucial role in designing and implementing curriculum and instruction that promote students' engagement in science learning. In this study we examined the voices of two seventh grade boys from a low-income urban community as they worked together in an after-school program to create a student-directed video documentary about science. Our analysis showed that these students used their voices to construct identities that they cared about in school, by reconstructing some aspects of their school identity that did not match who they aspired to be, as well as by gaining new resources to enact their desired identities. The examples provided demonstrate that integrating student voice in a science project can make participation in science a valuable tool in students' identity formation. 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 43: 667-694, 2006 Instead of searching for and listening appreciatively for voices that differ, voices that jar, voices that might even offend, we are perhaps too ready to hear those voices that broadly echo our own. (Hargreaves, 1996, p. 13) The call for the integration of student voices in curriculum design and instruction is not new to education. Progressive visions of education have generally argued for a central role of student voices in educational practices as a means to engage students in active learning. These have been present as far back as Dewey's (1899) ''transformed recitation,'' in which he envisioned students providing their experiences and ideas and having a dialogue with teachers in order to set up new lines of thought and inquiry. Critical visions of education have further claimed that their voices allow learners to create their own meanings and become authors of their worlds, demanding that students assume a proactive role in planning, implementing, and evaluating their own learning (Freire, 1971; Giroux, 1988; Simon, 1987). Evidence from a variety of research studies has consistently shown that including student voices in science education can enhance motivation,
Vegetation condition indices for crop vegetation condition monitoring

NDVI maps have been proven valuable in providing a spatially complete view of crop's vegetation condition, which manifests disastrous events such as massive flood and drought. It is virtually impossible to obtain from ground survey data. This paper uses NASA MODIS 250m resolution, daily surface reflectance data for crop condition monitoring. The NDVI provides an absolute metrics for vegetation condition. However, a relative measurement of the current vegetation condition against a reference vegetation condition is critical for understanding, interpreting and quantifying the current vegetation condition. In this paper, a new NDVI based vegetation condition index is presented to measure the vegetation condition with respect to the “normal condition”, which is characterized by historical average. The proposed new vegetation condition index is empirically compared with several other vegetation indices to evaluate its effectiveness. Its advantages and utility for crop vegetation condition measurement are evidenced by the preliminary results.
IC-03-07: A voxel-based morphometry study correlating MRI with Braak neurofibrillary tangle stage at autopsy

Background: Neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and amyloid plaques are the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The topographic distribution and progression of NFT pathology has been described by the Braak NFT staging scheme. While region-of-interest measures of individual structures such as the hippocampus have been correlated with Braak NFT stage, no studies have evaluated the correlation between pathologically determined disease severity and the full 3 dimensional pattern of atrophy on MRI throughout the brain. This study aimed to determine whether grey matter atrophy patterns from antemortem MRI correlate with the Braak NFT staging scheme. Methods: Eighty-five subjects with Braak NFT stage III-VI (III 16; IV 11; V 31; VI 27), a pathological diagnosis of low, intermediate or high probability AD according to NIA Reagan criteria, and MRI within four years of death were identified. Voxel-based morphometry was used to assess grey matter atrophy in each Braak NFT stage compared to 19 pathological control subjects (Braak stage 0-II). Regression analyses identified regions of loss that correlated with Braak NFT stage, MiniMental State Examination and Clinical Dementia Rating score. Results: Grey matter loss in medial and inferior temporal, temporoparietal, posterior cingulate and frontal regions correlated with Braak NFT stage. In pair-wise comparisons with controls a graded response was observed across Braak stages V and VI (Figure). While both groups showed loss in medial temporal lobe, temporoparietal neocortex and posterior cingulate, the most severe and widespread pattern of loss was identified in these regions at Braak stage VI with additional involvement of striatum and primary visual cortex. No regions of loss were identified in Braak NFT stage III or IV compared with the control group (Figure). However, the sub-set of these subjects that were demented showed medial temporal lobe loss. Loss in medial and inferior temporal, temporoparietal, posterior cingulate and frontal regions also correlated to minimental state examination and clinical dementia rating scores. Conclusions: The distribution of NFT pathology correlates with patterns of grey matter loss, although in a nonlinear fashion with greater changes occurring between high Braak NFT stages than lower stages. These results validate the use of MRI as a biomarker of neurofibrillary pathology in AD. SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2008 ALZHEIMER’S IMAGING CONSORTIUM IC-P1 POSTER PRESENTATIONS
Arthroscopic treatment of cysts of the lateral meniscus

We have treated 69 patients with 72 cystic lateral menisci by arthroscopic surgery. Meniscal tears were observed in all cases, and 69 of these had a horizontal cleavage component. Three types of tear were identified and may be progressive. Treatment was by arthroscopic resection of the meniscal tear, and decompression of the cyst through the substance of the meniscus. After a mean follow-up of 34 months the results were good or excellent in 64 knees (89%) and there were few complications. We recommend this technique as the treatment of choice for cysts of the lateral meniscus.
Human cytotoxic T-lymphocytes with reduced sensitivity to Fas-induced apoptosis

Effector-memory T cells expressing Fas (Apo-1/CD95) are switched to an apoptotic program by cross-linking with Fas-ligand (FasL). Consequently, tumors that express FasL can induce apoptosis of infiltrating Fas-positive T lymphocytes and subdue any antitumor host immune response. Since Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated tumors such as Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) express FasL, we determined whether EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (EBV-CTLs) could be modified to resist this evasion strategy. We show that long-term down-modulation of Fas can be achieved in EBV-CTLs by transduction with small interfering RNA (siRNA) encoded in a retrovirus. Modified T cells resisted Fas/FasL-mediated apoptosis compared with control cells and showed minimal cleavage of the caspase3 substrate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein after Fas engagement. Prolonged Fas stimulation selected a uniformly Faslow and FasL resistant population. Removal of responsiveness to this single death signal had no other discernible effects on EBV-CTLs. In particular, it did not lead to their autonomous growth since the modified EBV-CTLs remained polyclonal, and their survival and proliferation retained dependence on antigen-specific stimulation and on the presence of other physiologic growth signals. EBV-CTLs with knocked down Fas should have a selective functional and survival advantage over unmodified EBV-CTLs in the presence of tumors expressing FasL and may be of value for adoptive cellular therapy. (Blood. 2005;105:4677-4684)
Introduction to CMPS Special Issue on Territorial Conflict Management 1

1Most of the articles in this special issue were first presented at the Conference on Territorial Conflict Management held at the University of Illinois in October 2004. The editors would like to thank the Hewlett Foundation as well as International Programs and Studies, the Program in Arms Control, Disarmament, and International Security, the Center for International Business Education and Research, the Center for Global Studies, the Department of Political Science, and the Department of Geography for their support of this project.
Vfold: a web server for RNA structure and folding thermodynamics prediction.

Background: The ever increasing discovery of non-coding RNAs leads to unprecedented demand for the accurate modeling of RNA folding, including the predictions of two-dimensional (base pair) and three-dimensional all-atom structures and folding stabilities. Accurate modeling of RNA structure and stability has far-reaching impact on our understanding of RNA functions in human health and our ability to design RNA-based therapeutic strategies. Results: The Vfold server offers a web interface to predict (a) RNA two-dimensional structure from the nucleotide sequence, (b) three-dimensional structure from the two-dimensional structure and the sequence, and (c) folding thermodynamics (heat capacity melting curve) from the sequence. To predict the two-dimensional structure (base pairs), the server generates an ensemble of structures, including loop structures with the different intra-loop mismatches, and evaluates the free energies using the experimental parameters for the base stacks and the loop entropy parameters given by a coarse-grained RNA folding model (the Vfold model) for the loops. To predict the three-dimensional structure, the server assembles the motif scaffolds using structure templates extracted from the known PDB structures and refines the structure using all-atom energy minimization. Conclusions: The Vfold-based web server provides a user friendly tool for the prediction of RNA structure and stability. The web server and the source codes are freely accessible for public use at ‘‘http://rna.physics.missouri.edu’’.
Role of reactive oxygen species in the pathophysiology of human reproduction

Abstract Objective To summarize the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the pathophysiology of human reproduction. Design Review of literature. Setting Fertility research center and obstetrics and gynecology department in a tertiary care facility. Result(s) ROS plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of many reproductive processes. In male-factor infertility, oxidative stress attacks the fluidity of the sperm plasma membrane and the integrity of DNA in the sperm nucleus. Reactive oxygen species induced DNA damage may accelerate the process of germ cell apoptosis, leading to the decline in sperm counts associated with male infertility. ROS mediated female fertility disorders share many pathogenic similarities with the ones on the male side. These similarities include a potential role in the pathophysiology of endometriosis and unexplained infertility. High follicular fluid ROS levels are associated with negative IVF outcomes, particularly in smokers. Moreover, oxidative stress may be responsible in hydrosalpingeal fluid mediated embryotoxicity as well as poor in vitro embryonic development. Conclusion(s) High levels of ROS are detrimental to the fertility potential both in natural and assisted conception states.
The Power of the Duality in Spatial–Temporal Estimation

Abstract Space–time filtering has a long and often confusing history in the geosciences. It is called by different names in different areas of geoscience, where numerous applications have been developed. The variety of notations that have emerged adds to this confusion. A unified treatment of spatial–temporal estimation is presented, which highlights its duality and the associated trade-off in the construction of any optimal estimation algorithm. The duality in optimal estimation comes from the requirement that the representation of the spatial–temporal statistical structure of the increments between the true field and the system-operator model used by the filter be matched with the true ensemble structure of the increment field. The associated trade-off arises from the following dichotomy: the closer the system-operator model corresponds to the true system operator, the less ensemble structure remains in the increment field. Conversely, the simpler the model of the system operator, the more residual stat...
CORRELATIONS OF INCIDENCE RATES FOR SELECTED CANCERS IN THE NINE AREAS OF THE THIRD NATIONAL CANCER SURVEY

Incidence date from the Third National Cancer Survey were used to study geographic variation in the occurrence of nine common cancers of nonsexual sites and five sexual sites. It was hypothesized that cancers which varied together across the nine survey communities might have common etiologic factors. The variation was measured by a series of rank and product-moment correlation coefficients in order to summarize the association between pairs of cancers in white males and in white females. The most notable findings were the high correlations between the incidence rates for the three gastrointestinal sites (stomach, colon, and rectum) and bladder cancer in both men and women and the high correlation between three female sexual sites (breast, corpus, and ovary). These two clusters are also correlated with one another. A number of other substantial correlations between pairs of cancers were observed and discussed. These associations suggest possible common etiologic agents, despite the fact that the individual secular trends for some of these cancers differ.
Thyroid hormone and lactation in the rat.

SummaryWe have investigated effects of l-thyroxine alone, and in combination with oxytocin and growth hormone (GH) upon lactation in the rat. Amount of milk obtained by a litter of 6 during 30 minutes nursing on day 14 postpartum, expressed as percent litter body weight, was used as the index of response.1. 3.0 μg/100 g/day l-thyroxine, a level equal to the highest daily thyroid secretion rate previously observed, injected daily from days 7–13, increased average milk yield 37%. That obtained with aid of oxytocin, to insure maximum milk removal, in rats injected for 7 days with l-thyroxine alone, or with 1 mg GH/day, was increased 63.2 and 73.7%, respectively. With addition of each hormone there resulted also a progressive reduction in variation among individual milk yields. It is suggested suboptimal thyroid hormone secretion may limit intensity of milk secretion in many lactating rats. 2. Increased milk secretion, obtained with l-thyroxine with or without GH was not reflected in significant increases in ...
Rebuilding Japantown: Japanese Americans in Transpacific San Francisco during the Cold War

This article follows the transpacific process of race-making and urban redevelopment in the Japanese Cultural and Trade Center in San Francisco. Japanese Americans carved out spaces for themselves in the Center’s development by mediating between city representatives and Japanese interests and culture. Their role built on their professional skills as well as contemporary racial thinking about Japanese Americans and U.S. expansionism in the Pacific. As the United States sought out connections with a nation understood as particularly alien, Japanese Americans rearticulated contemporary perceptions of their foreignness toward their inclusion. This story helps us better understand how Japanese Americans moved from “alien citizens” through World War II to “success stories” just decades later, as well as some of the connections of the postwar Pacific world.
Phase Transformations on Aging Cu-Al-Ni β Phase Alloys

The phase transformations occurring on quenching and subsequent aging of a Cu-Al-Ni β phase alloy have been studied using transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and optical microscopy. Quenching produces an ordered solid solution, β 1 , based on the DO 3 structure of Cu 3 A1. X-ray and electron diffraction show satellite diffraction peaks. On aging, these satellite peaks disappear and the parent phase undergoes a martensitic transformation. It is suggested that the parent phase undergoes a process of phase separation through the mechanism of spinodal decomposition before the martensitic transformation occurs. The martensitic transformation shows isothermal kinetics for which a transformation diagram is presented. Prolonged aging results in the formation of equilibrium phases.
A Remote Multi-Point Pressure Sensing System

This paper describes the development of a remote sensing and wireless data acquisition system. The system was developed as part of a research effort currently underway to instrument coastal homes in Florida to monitor roof wind pressures during hurricanes. However, the design of the wireless data acquisition is flexible enough to adapt to other multisensor, wind tunnel or field-testing applications. The paper describes the details of the design, theory of operation, and the results of field performance tests of the system. The new system offers the advantages of ease of installation, capability for more than 48 hours of continuous data acquisition from up to 60 sensors at variable sampling rate, and a relatively easy maintenance.
Determination Of Elastic Constants And Viscosity Of Amorphous Thin Films From Substrate Curvature

Substrate curvature measurements were used to monitor viscous flow in Pd79Si21 films at temperatures between 100 and 250°C. To determine the viscosity and the change in viscosity the elastic constants of the film were measured by depositing films on pre-bent substrates: E = 10 ± 1 1010 Pa and v = 0.43 ± 0.04 The activation enthalpy for η is 13 ± 1 kJ/mole.
Building occupant and asset localization and tracking using visible light communication

This research demonstrates how inexpensive commercial off-the-shelf lighting components and microcontrollers can be used to construct a solution for occupant and asset localization and tracking through visible light communication (VLC). Through the modulation of the emitted light from networked LED luminaires, the location of a receiver can be determined. This paper describes the implementation of the VLC enabled LED luminaires, in addition to the infrared synchronization protocol, which enabled inexpensive white LEDs to be time division multiplexed to avoid packet collisions. Luminaires use token message passing to regulate packet transmission. Physical construction of these luminaires is discussed in addition to the simulated performance of this system.