cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epidermal growth factor alters the bax:bcl-w ratio following massive small bowel resection.

Abstract Background. Following massive small bowel resection (SBR), the expression of bax and bcl-w is associated with increased enterocyte apoptosis. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been shown to enhance enterocyte proliferation and retard apoptosis in the adapting bowel. This study examined the effect of EGF on the expression of these bcl-2 family members during adaptation. Materials and methods. Mice (C57Bl/6; n = 38) underwent a 50% SBR or sham operation and then were randomized to receive twice-daily orogastric saline or EGF (50 μg/kg/day). After 3 days, the remnant ileum was removed, apoptotic index (No. apoptotic bodies/crypt) calculated, and expression of mRNA and protein for bax and bcl-w quantified. Results. EGF prevented the expected increase in the apoptotic index after SBR and altered the ratio of bax to bcl-w in favor of cell survival. Conclusion. Following massive small bowel resection, EGF retards rates of enterocyte apoptosis and modifies the expression of bcl-2 family members. By decreasing bax and increasing bcl-w expression, the balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic genes is shifted in favor of cell survival. Alteration of bcl-2 family member expression may be an important mechanism by which EGF reduces the increased enterocyte apoptosis that occurs after massive small bowel resection.
HNF-4α: from MODY to late-onset type 2 diabetes

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a rare subtype of type 2 diabetes that is characterized by autosomal-dominant inheritance and can be caused by mutations in hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF-4α). Odom and colleagues have combined chromatin immunoprecipitation with promoter microarrays to identify numerous promoters occupied by HNF-4α in the human liver and islet, suggesting a very broad role for HNF-4α in glucose homeostasis. This notion is supported by recent genetic studies linking HNF-4α to the much more common late-onset type 2 diabetes.
Chemical diffusion in hypostoichiometric Ni3Al from data on coarsening of Ni–Al solid solution precipitates

Abstract Data on chemical diffusion in γ′ (Ni 3 Al) containing on average 22.67 at.% Al were obtained from the analysis of the rate constants for coarsening of γ phase (Ni–Al solid solution) precipitates in a γ′ matrix. The data on coarsening were obtained over the temperature range 923–1073 K and values of the chemical diffusion coefficient were extracted from the rate constants using the thermodynamic model of Ikeda et al. [T. Ikeda, H. Numakura, M. Koiwa, Acta Mater. 46 (1998) 6605–6613] to obtain the curvature of the free-energy of mixing of Ni 3 Al, in conjunction with reliable estimates of the other necessary thermo-physical parameters. The data so obtained are in excellent agreement with data on chemical diffusion from more conventional high-temperature diffusion experiments conducted over the temperature range 1400–1600 K. The results indicate that the high-temperature data can be extrapolated to lower temperatures with great confidence.
Embedded Passive Technology Application: Design and Fabrication of an Automotive Engine Controller

This paper summarizes Delphi Electronics and Safety's activities of design, fabrication, and testing of an automotive engine controller, which was used to demonstrate the feasibility of embedded passives technology. 3M C-Plyreg capacitive and DuPont ceramic resistive materials were used to make embedded capacitors and resistors respectively. The substrate is a 3.25 times 2.75 inch, eight-layer organic laminate board with minimum of 3 mil line/spacing, flip chips, microvias, embedded resistors and capacitors. 205 of 217 resistors of the controller were embedded with a buried rate of 94%. The resistors were designed for laser trimming with every resistor trimmed to a tolerance of plusmn2%. 13 decoupling caps and 12 filter caps were embedded as well. The substrates were assembled and functionally tested. The completed engine controllers were successfully in a vehicle application at speeds over 100 kilometer/h. Design rules, fabrication processes, technology hurdles, and future considerations are also discussed
Optical design and specification of telecentric optical systems

The optical design of telecentric optical systems is not a well known or published area of the optical design field. This paper is intended as a partial remedy for these deficiencies. The property of telecentricity will be defined and the use of telecentric optical systems will be discussed. This paper will recommend a standard method of telecentric lens description, quantification, specification, and terminology. Telecentric optical design challenges, difficulties, and recommendations will be discussed. Finally, a complete telecentric optical system design specifications will be presented.
Spatial autocorrelation of topographic index in catchments

Summary Spatial autocorrelation represents the association of a spatial parameter around neighborhoods, and it usually distorts the statistics of the distribution of the parameter. Topographic spatial autocorrelation is rooted with the distribution of land surface elevation. Using Moran’s I statistics originating from geographic studies, this paper presents a method to quantify the spatial autocorrelation of topographic index (TI) in catchments, derived from digital elevation models (DEM). Positive autocorrelation (similarity or homogeneity) of TI is found over a wide range of spatial extents; it declines with the increasing of spatial extents but becomes relatively static beyond a threshold area of approximately 1 km2. The analysis of the effect of DEM grid size (resolution) on the spatial autocorrelation shows that the effect is characterized by a similar pattern and critical grid size for selected catchments with different terrains. Based on these analyses, further discussions address some issues in catchment hydrology, such as the appropriate DEM sizes for deriving TI and the causes for the empirical linear or log-linear relation between mean TI and DEM grid size.
Sliding Wear of Silicon Carbide—Titanium Boride Ceramic‐Matrix Composite

The tribological behavior of a SiC–TiB2 ceramic-matrix composite was evaluated using a pin-on-flat contact configuration in reciprocating sliding. A steady-state friction coefficient of about 0.55 and an average specific wear rate of about 2 × 10-6 mm3·N-1·m-1 were measured. The mechanisms of material removal involved failure of the particle–matrix interface, resulting in particle pullout and chipping of the matrix material. The generated wear debris was often recycled through the contact interface, resulting in the production of submicrometer fine particles that reattached to the surface and were later removed in flake form. Transitions were observed in the specific wear rate from higher to lower values as sliding progressed. These transitions were accompanied by transitions in the nominal contact pressure.
Exploring essentially three-turn courses of action: An institutional case study with implications for ordinary talk

This article describes an adjacency-pair organized course of action in the institutional context of customers calling an electronics repair facility to request the status of equipment they have pre...
Suicide-Focused Group Therapy for Veterans

The U.S. military and veteran populations are presently at increased risk for suicide when compared to demographically matched cohorts in the general population. Previous research suggests that the constructs of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness may contribute to the desire for death in these populations. Method: In this article we describe a post-hospitalization group therapy designed specifically for suicidal veterans that utilizes a collaborative approach to foster relationships and interpersonal contributions between group members and focuses on the specific factors underlying each individual's suicidal ideation. Results: Preliminary results from the existing post-hospitalization group therapy suggest that the intervention is acceptable to clients and providers and feasible to deliver in a real-world clinical setting. Conclusion: This clinical care-transition model provides a potentially cost-effective and meaningful suicide-specific intervention for the critical post-discharge risk ...
Uremic lung: new insights into a forgotten condition

The high mortality rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) despite advances in dialysis led to a renewed appreciation of the impact of AKI on distant organ dysfunction. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that AKI induces increased lung vascular permeability, soluble and cellular inflammation, and dysregulated salt and water channels. AKI also affects the brain, heart, liver, bone marrow, and gastrointestinal tract. Klein et al. now demonstrate that interleukin-6 is a direct mediator of AKI-induced lung changes.
Contingent Employment Relationships Between Tour Guides and Tour Operators in Ecuador: Human Resource Management Practices and Attitudinal Outcomes

This study examines a unique contingent employment relationship—that between tour guides and tour operators in Ecuador. Linkages among tour operators’ HR practices, interactions between operations managers and tour guides, and the tour guides’ attitudes toward both the tour operator and the ultimate tourist-client are investigated. Tour guides are found to exhibit dual commitments to both operators and tourist-clients. Affective commitment to the tour operators was found to partially mediate the relationship between organizational entry HR practices, compensation related HR practices, operations manager interactions, and tour guides’ commitment to the tourist-client, suggesting that tour guides’ perceptions about the tour operator may affect their ultimate customer service delivery. Satisfaction with tips was more directly related to commitment to the tourist-client, as was the interaction of pay administration satisfaction and tip satisfaction, supporting the notion that contingent pay beyond base pay provided by the tour operator and its delivery may impact tour guides’ motivation to provide quality service to the end client. Practical implications for the tour operators, and tourism ministries are offered.
Potential mechanism involved in removal of hydrophobic pesticides from vegetables by hydrostatic pressure

Abstract In our previous study, we found that the removal rate of hydrophobic pesticide on cherry tomatoes shows the maximum by hydrostatic pressure treatment (HPT) around 75 MPa. The objective of this study was to investigate the causes of reduction in the removal rate above 75 MPa HPT. Separating cuticle from flesh of the cherry tomatoes after HPT and examining the pesticide residues in each part the following was found: the detectable pesticide amount in the flesh part showed little change from the non-treated samples. Ethanol was applied as the surrounding solution during pressurization so as to prevent the reattachment of pesticide and decrease water solubility, and removal efficiency declined little. The effect of HPT on removal rate time indicated no significant difference at 0.1 MPa, the optimum level to be at 75 MPa for a comparatively short time, and at 400 MPa removal rate increased with time.
Negative ions from magnetically insulated diodes

1407_63In testing a gas puff cathode, it was found that a hydrocarbon gas, butane, gave better results than hydrogen or ammonia. Butane's long molecule may provide both a larger collision cross section and probably some ability to absorb excess collision energy in internal vibration. The butane puff diode gave much lower current density than a solid polyethylene cathode and the difference might be attributed to the lower density of the butane puff versus the solid cathode. The emittance of the puff diode was much better with an angular spread of only a few milliradians. A new generation of puff valves have been developed which have demonstrated opening speeds faster than the existing valve by about a factor of two. Use of the new valve will let one determine if gas density really helps and if it does, the design of the valves can be further refined for about another factor of three improvement. UV irradiation of solid polyethylene cathodes is studied. A titanium hydride active cathode remains an option if it proves to be the best performer. Magnetic insulation much stronger than the 8 kG used to date may be necessary to obtain the best results. As a first step a cathode is being developed with internal insulation coils and an internal capacitor bank requiring no outside connection during a shot. Magnetic field lines in such a diode always close back on the cathode providing minimum leakage for a given field strength. External coils can be added to enhance the insulation if needed. Such a design will be relatively self-contained and so could be installed on beam generators in the USSR.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Effects of Cooperative and Competitive Background Experiences of Students on the Play of a Simulation Game

AbstractSixty fifth and sixth grade subjects were randomly assigned to cooperative (Coop) or competitive (Comp) conditions and involved with identical inquiry-related social studies lessons and reward payoffs over a period of 18 days. Coop subjects worked together in randomly assigned groups of six, but Comp subjects worked individually. Afterwards, Coop groups and Comp groups (subjects randomly assigned) played the simulation game Seal Hunt undertdentical conditions, including options of "winning" in cooperative and/ or competitive fashion. Analysis of video tapes of game play revealed that even in the absence of a pre-structured cooperative or competitive environment, Coop subjects, more than Comp subjects, continued to manifest such cooperative behavior as instituting and implementing group strategies and rendering assistance to one another (p .05)
Platelet interaction with active and TLCK-inactivated α-thrombin

Abstract Interaction of α-thrombin with platelets causes a dose-dependent depolarization of the trans-membrane potential which can be measured by monitoring the fluorescence of a cyanine dye. Inactivation with tosyllysylchloromethylketone abolishes the ability of thrombin to either initiate platelet aggregation or to cause the change in potential observed with unmodified thrombin. Preincubation of washed platelets with inactivated thrombin lowers the subsequent membrane potential change in response to 0.005 to 0.05 U/ml of active thrombin. The extent of that competition is a function of quantities of modified and native thrombin used. The data presented here are fully compatible with the concept that two distinct thrombin binding modes, with different affinities, exist on the platelet surface.
The problem is education not ''special education''

In his article, Urban special education policy and the lived experience of stigma in a high school science classroom, Chris Hale persuasively argues that the Indi- viduals with Disabilities Education Act and subsequent special education policies have largely failed to serve special education students who are stigmatized by their deficit classification. Though classified students may be doubly stigmatized, research suggests that students of color who live in economically stressed communities are also subject to sys- temic educational policies that produce stigma; special education should be understood within the larger context of educational policy in the inner city. Though we cannot immediately dismantle the macro level structures that nurture stigma, I suggest pedagogies based on facilitating phenomenological awareness enacted through individual-collectively based methodologies to challenge the stigma that classified as well as non-classified stu- dents in the inner city often carry with them.
Reconstructed domains on a stepped W(100) surface

Abstract A model calculation is carried out for the scattering of low energy electron diffraction from reconstructed (√2 × √2)R45° domains on a stepped W(100) surface. The existence of monotonically increasing steps causes the integral order beams to split and the separation of the splitting oscillates with the incident electron energy. We show that due to the existence of an antiphase relationship among the randomly nucleated reconstructed domains, the half-order beams neither split nor oscillate with the incident electron energy. This nonsplitting of half order beams is in agreement with the observation by Debe and King (DK). We also show that the measured intensity profile of a half order beam is equal to the signal intensity profile from the individual finite size domains convoluted with the instrument response function. This gives a simple way to evaluate the reconstructed domain size quantitatively. From the angular distribution of the half-order beam intensity we deduce that the reconstructed domains are somewhat round in shape, instead of the “long strips” proposed by DK. Also, the long range inhibition (20 A) of the reconstruction near the step edge suggested by DK does not necessarily follow from our analysis. As a matter of fact, there is evidence showing that the inhibition (if it exists at all) can be short range in nature. Our suggestion is in agreement with the observation of the reconstructed W(100) surface by Melmed, Tung, Graham and Smith using FIM technique.
The effect of conspecifics on habitat selection in territorial species

Despite widespread interest in habitat selection, many of the assumptions about how territorial animals choose habitats have not been tested. This study of juvenile Anolis aeneus lizards focuses on the relationship between the number of previous settlers in a habitat and the subsequent behavior of new arrivals at that habitat. Clearings containing the types of microhabitat preferred by juveniles were established in the field, several juvenile residents were allowed to establish territories in enclosures in the center of each clearing, and then naturally occurring immigrants were allowed access to the empty microhabitat surrounding the enclosures. Arrival rates and the probability of settlement were monitored on a daily basis from the day the first juveniles arrived until several days after the last juvenile had settled (=saturation). In each of seven trials, arrival rates were comparable early and late in the settlement process, and were unrelated to the degree of habitat saturation. Arrival rates did vary on a temporal basis, probably as a result of environmental factors affecting egg laying and hatching schedules, and habitats with high arrival rates saturated more quickly than those with lower arrival rates. All of the individuals arriving at the clearings did not settle, but settlers and non-settlers did not differ with respect to competitive ability, as measured by body size. The probability of settlement increased as settlement proceeded in each of seven trials, up to the day of saturation. These results refute the commonly held assumptions that prospective territory owners avoid entering relatively full habitats, and that they prefer to settle in relatively unsaturated habitats. The discussion considers why assumptions about the behavioral processes of habitat selection are so widely accepted, given the dearth of empirical information on the subject.
A novel approach for automated music composition using memetic algorithms

Music has been an integral part of society for hundreds of years. Since the advent and rise of computers and computer technologies, musicians have utilized these advances in their craft, whether it is in electronic music or the notation of musical scores. The field of memetic computing is a new and developing one. A few researchers are using memetic algorithms to solve real world problems. This research offers a novel approach to produce quality musical compositions using a memetic algorithm. Unlike other computer music composition proposals in the literature, our proposal does not need any intervention from the user. Our preliminary results are very promising and conforms with MIDI protocol standards; the industry standard for electronic musical instruments.
Interactions in human casein systems: Self-association of nonphosphorylated human β-casein

Since caseins were originally defined as phosphoproteins, nonphosphorylated beta-casein, comprising nearly 5% of the total beta-casein in the isoelectric precipitate from human milk, appears to be unique. Despite the relatively small amount present, its properties suggest that it may play an important role in micelle formation and structure. It has a partial specific volume, v, of 0.749 +/- 0.008 and an absorbance, E1% 1 cm,280 nm of 6.2 +/- 0.2. Sedimentation and viscosity data yield a solvation of 3 g H2O/g protein and an axial ratio of about 5 for the monomer. This would be consistent with a prolate ellipsoid of 10 nm length and 2 nm width. Equilibrium in the system is attained quite slowly and the temperature-dependent polymerization was found to be reversible. With calcium, the solubility behavior reflects an increased hydrophobicity and lower electrostatic repulsion in the molecule. There is essentially no strong calcium binding to this protein but there is evidence which strongly suggests that calcium binds to nonphosphate groups at higher concentrations. Increasing the temperature from 4 to 37 degrees C causes an apparent conformational change and an increase in protein aggregation which is further increased by addition of NaCl at 37 degrees C until a limiting size is reached at about 0.1 M NaCl. This limiting size polymer contains about 75 monomers and is nearly spherical with a radius of about 12 nm and a solvation of 1.5 g H2O/g protein. Laser light scattering measurements on the solution in 0.25 M NaCl revealed a relatively homogeneous particle size with a corrected diffusion coefficient, D20,w, of 2.8 X 10(-7) cm2/s.
Mechanisms of fibronectin-mediated attachment of osteoblasts to substrates in vitro.

Summary Adhesive proteins of plasma and the extracellular matrix, such as fibronectin, adsorbed onto surfaces mediate cell/substrate adhesion. In a series of experiments, the roles of the type III connecting segment (IIICS) adhesion sites (specifically, CS1 and CS5 peptides) of fibronectin, heparan sulfate proteoglycan, endogenous proteins, and passive attachment in fibronectin-mediated osteoblast attachment were examined in vitro . The CS1 and CS5 peptides of the IIICS of fibronectin had no effect on osteoblast attachment. Blocking the heparin-binding domains of fibronectin inhibited osteoblast attachment by 40–45%, which is complementary to inhibition results previously obtained with the RGDS tetrapeptide. Endogenously synthesized and secreted proteins played a role in maintaining and repairing the osteoblast surface. Osteoblast attachment to fibronectin, but not to the nonadhesive protein albumin, occurred via active mechanisms in that the process was dependent on free sulfhydryl groups, divalent cations and temperature.
Sarcopenic indices in community-dwelling older adults.

Background Sarcopenic indices are used to estimate loss of skeletal lean mass and function, and to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in older adults. It is believed that older women and men with lower skeletal lean mass will be weaker and have more functional limitations.
Omnipedia: bridging the wikipedia language gap

We present Omnipedia, a system that allows Wikipedia readers to gain insight from up to 25 language editions of Wikipedia simultaneously. Omnipedia highlights the similarities and differences that exist among Wikipedia language editions, and makes salient information that is unique to each language as well as that which is shared more widely. We detail solutions to numerous front-end and algorithmic challenges inherent to providing users with a multilingual Wikipedia experience. These include visualizing content in a language-neutral way and aligning data in the face of diverse information organization strategies. We present a study of Omnipedia that characterizes how people interact with information using a multilingual lens. We found that users actively sought information exclusive to unfamiliar language editions and strategically compared how language editions defined concepts. Finally, we briefly discuss how Omnipedia generalizes to other domains facing language barriers.
IS MACROSOMIA ASSOCIATED WITH BEING OVERWEIGHT IN LATE ADOLESCENCE IN INFANTS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS? † 33

One of the goals of intensive management of diabetic mothers is to prevent adolescent obesity by reducing the incidence of macrosomia. The association of macrosomia (>90th percentile birth weight for gestational age) with being overweight (>90th percentile for body mass index) at age 17 years was examined in diabetic and nondiabetic mothers. Data on 10,891 infants born between November 1974 and February 1976 was made available from the computerized records of the Jerusalem Perinatal Study and matched to data at age 17 years obtained from the military draft medical examination records. Insulin-dependent diabetes was diagnosed in 87 mothers. Thirty-one (35.6%) of the infants of the diabetic mothers were macrosomic compared to 1012 (9.4%) of the siblings to non-diabetic mother (p 0.05). The rate of adolescent overweight in macrosomic vs nonmacrosomic subjects was 12.3% vs. 9.7% (p 0.05) for diabetic mothers. We conclude that the risk of adolescent overweight was significantly increased among macrosmic infants, although this trend did not reach statistical significance in the smaller group of infants born to diabetic mothers.
Silanization of plasma-grown silicon quantum dots for production of a tunable, stable, colloidal solution

Nanomaterials have the potential to revolutionize photovoltaics with the promise of new physics, novel architectures and low cost synthesis. Silicon quantum dots, relative to their II-VI counterparts, are understudied due to the difficulty of solution synthesis and chemical passivation. However, silicon is still an attractive solar cell material, providing an optimal band gap, low toxicity, and a very solid body of physical understanding of bulk silicon to draw from. We have synthesized silicon quantum dots with plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, and have developed a method for chemical passivation of these silicon quantum dots that can be used on particles created in a variety of ways. This versatile method utilizes oxidation via wet chemical etch and subsequent siloxane bond formation. The attachment of a silane to the SiOx shell leads to stability of the silicon core for over a month in air, and individual particles can be seen with TEM; thus a stable, colloidal suspension is formed. The future for this technique, including increasing quantum yield of the particles by changing the nature of the oxide, will be discussed.
Poster: Beating MKL and ScaLAPACK at Rectangular Matrix Multiplication Using the BFS/DFS Approach

We implement a Communication Avoiding Recursive Matrix Multiplication algorithm (CARMA) . First communication-optimal parallel algorithm for all dimensions of matrices . The shared-memory version of CARMA is only '-50 lines of code . Much simpler than 3D SUMMA [8], the rectangular version of 2.5D [9] . Fasterthan MKL and ScaLAPACK in practice: . Faster for skinny matrices in which k is the largest dimension: up to 7X speedup single-node, 141X speedup distributed o Faster for large square matrices: up to 1.2χ speedup single-node, 3X speedup distributed o Comparable performance for other matrix dimensions o Speedup is mainly due to reduced communication (see bar charts in Performance Results").
Fenestrated blood vessels in craniopharyngioma.

The fine structure of two cases of craniopharyngioma was studied. Special attention was paid to the vasculature. The most striking finding is the presence of numerous fenestrae in the vascular endothelium. These structures are not present either in most parts of the normal brain or in skin, the organ which craniopharyngiomas most closely resemble. The origin of the fenestrae was discussed.
Labour supply of informal caregivers

This paper contributes to the informal caregiving literature by investigating the relationship between caregiving and the caregiver's labour market decisions. Its main interest is in determining the factors that affect the caregiver's decisions to remain in the work force and the amount of time he/she chooses to work. A major finding is that non-wage income, wage rate, education, the make-up of the caregiving network, and a host of identifiable sociodemo-graphic factors influence the caregiver's labour market decisions. Another finding is that some of the sociodemographic factors, e.g., gender and living arrangements, affect the decision to work but not the number of hours of work, and vice versa. The paper concludes with a discussion of future studies and public policy implications.
Factors affecting the efficacy of a vinegar trap for Drosophila suzikii (Diptera; Drosophilidae)

Drosophila suzukii, Matsumura, is a relatively new pest in the United States attacking a variety of fruit crops. Studies were conducted to develop a standardized, economical trap for monitoring. Laboratory bioassays found that flies were attracted to dark colours ranging from red to black. Similarly, fly catches in 237-ml plastic ‘spice’ jars with ten 0.48-cm holes and baited with apple cider vinegar were significantly higher in jars with red or black than white caps. The use of an alternating set of three, horizontal red, black and red bands (‘Zorro’ trap) significantly increased fly catches compared with the use of all-red or all-black strips. This increase was associated with a significantly higher proportion of flies first landing on the side near the openings of the trap instead of on the cap with the ‘Zorro’ trap compared with the other traps. Laboratory data were used to develop a predictive model to define total fly capture as a function of trap colour/colour pattern, cumulative area of entry holes and the length of the trapping portion of the trap. Total fly catches by the ‘Zorro’ trap were compared with other red and clear plastic traps in five field trials conducted in several cultivated and uncultivated sites. Comparisons included a commercial red-capped 200-ml trap with two 0.63-cm holes, an all-red spice jar with ten 0.48-cm holes and clear and red 473-ml and clear 946-ml plastic cups with six or ten 0.48- or 0.63-cm holes. The model was successfully validated, suggesting that performance of cup traps can be predicted based on a few characteristics. The current ‘Zorro’ trap did not catch most of the flies among trap designs, but showed some advantages, including the durability and potential to recycle the plastic, small size, commercial availability and its greater selectivity for D. suzukii than the other traps tested.
Chondronectin interactions with proteoglycan

We have investigated whether proteoglycans are involved in the attachment of embryonic chick chondrocytes to type II collagen. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, when added exogenously, promotes the binding of chondronectin, the chondrocyte attachment factor, to type II collagen substrates and thereby stimulates chondrocyte adhesion. Blockage of endogenous proteoglycan synthesis with beta-xylosides prevents chondronectin-mediated chondrocyte attachment, confirming that proteoglycan is required. The intact proteoglycan must be present since chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans did not promote chondronectin-mediated cell attachment but, rather, inhibited it in a dose-dependent manner. This inhibition, however, could be overcome with excess exogenous proteoglycan. Consequently, chondronectin interacts with proteoglycan and then the complex interacts with the collagen substrate and with the cell surface to promote cell adhesion. Further evidence for a direct interaction of chondronectin with the glycosaminoglycan portion of the proteoglycan is the selective binding of chondronectin to dextran-Sepharose, dextran having been shown to inhibit attachment to an extent similar to that of chondroitin sulfate.
Can light-field photography ease focusing on the scalp and oral cavity?

Background Capturing a well-focused image using an autofocus camera can be difficult in oral cavity and on a hairy scalp. Light-field digital cameras capture data regarding the color, intensity, and direction of rays of light. Having information regarding direction of rays of light, computer software can be used to focus on different subjects in the field after the image data have been captured. Methods A light-field camera was used to capture the images of the scalp and oral cavity. The related computer software was used to focus on scalp or different parts of oral cavity. The final pictures were compared with pictures taken with conventional, compact, digital cameras. Results The camera worked well for oral cavity. It also captured the pictures of scalp easily; however, we had to repeat clicking between the hairs on different points to choose the scalp for focusing. A major drawback of the system was the resolution of the resulting pictures that was lower than conventional digital cameras. Conclusion Light-field digital cameras are fast and easy to use. They can capture more information on the full depth of field compared with conventional cameras. However, the resolution of the pictures is relatively low.
OPTIMAL METHODS FOR RE-ORDERING DATA MATRICES IN SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY APPLICATIONS

The analysis of large-scale data sets via clustering techniques is utilized in a number of applications. Many of the methods developed employ local search or heuristic strategies for identifying the "best" arrangement of features according to some metric. In this article, we present rigorous clustering methods based on the optimal re-ordering of data matrices. Distinct mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) models are utilized for the clustering of (a) dense data matrices, such as gene expression data, and (b) sparse data matrices, which are commonly encountered in the field of drug discovery. Both methods can be used in an iterative framework to bicluster data and assist in the synthesis of drug compounds, respectively. We demonstrate the capability of the proposed optimal re-ordering methods on several data sets from both systems biology and molecular discovery studies and compare our results to other clustering techniques when applicable.
High Cycle Thermal Fatigue Damage Prediction in Mixing Zones of Nuclear Power Plants: Engineering Issues Illustrated on the FATHER Case

Abstract Nuclear power plant piping may be submitted to High Cycle Thermal Fatigue phenomenon in mixing zones. French nuclear engineers have at their disposal a simplified approach for assessing the sensibility of the areas with regard to this kind of damage. The engineering tools are quite complex since they involve multi-disciplinary physic phenomena: thermal-hydraulics, mechanics and materials. The results are only qualitative and globally conservative, and this method is only used to identify and to classify the mixing zones which could present a risk. In this framework, this paper proposes to perform a more realistic application of this engineering method on the particular case of the FATHER experiment. The idea is to compare the numerical prediction results with the expertises performed on the FATHER mock-up. Some generic engineering issues raised by nuclear fatigue analyses are here illustrated by the sensitivity analyses which have been performed. The determination of the fatigue loading and the choice of the material criterion are particularly discussed since they are very significant parameters in the analysis.
Assessment of numerical simulation capabilities for medium-structure interaction systems under explosive loads

Abstract This study was aimed at assessing the capabilities to numerically simulate a dynamic medium-structure interaction system composed of geologic backfills, a shock insulation material, an explosive charge, and a partially-buried structure. Conventional high explosive charges were detonated at the same depth, but at various stand off distances from the structure. The finite element code DYNA3D was employed for estimating the relationships between the physical parameters of the problem and the behavior of the system. The results of the finite element analysis were then compared to test data gathered from field experiments and predictions from simpler computational methods.
Binding specificity of post-activated neocarzinostatin chromophore drug-bulged DNA complex studied using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) was employed to characterize the binding specificity of a bulged 22-mer DNA hairpin with a post-activated neocarzinostatin chromophore (NCS-Chrom) having two similar forms, where 2a has an H in a location for which 2b has it replaced by a CH 2 OH group. Specific binding of 2a to the bulged 22-mer DNA was observed whereas little binding was detected for 2a to non-bulged DNA 19-mer and 12-mer duplexes. The stoichiometry of the 22-mer DNA complex with 2a was determined to be predominantly 1 :1. Substitution of hydrogen in 2a for the hydroxymethylene group in 2b dramatically reduced the binding strength to the 22-mer DNA. Little complex formation was observed for 2b and 22-mer DNA based upon the ESI-MS data, consistent with earlier fluorescence studies. The results indicate that ESI-MS can be a sensitive technique for probing conformational specificity in studies of biomolecular binding.
Relationship Between Arterial Stiffness and Subclinical Aortic Atherosclerosis

Background— Noninvasive measures of arterial compliance may be useful for the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods and Results— Measures of calf and thigh arterial compliance (MaxV50) were recorded in 267 subjects who also underwent MRI of the distal aorta to quantify distal aorta atherosclerosis. The average of calf and thigh MaxV50 was strongly predictive of extent of aortic atherosclerosis and risk of being in the top quartile of aortic atherosclerosis after adjustment for the Framingham Coronary Risk Score (FCRS) or the combination of the FCRS and C-reactive protein (P<0.0001). The areas under the receiver operating curves predicting the top quartile of gender-specific aortic atherosclerosis were 0.57, 0.60, and 0.75 for models containing the FCRS, the FCRS and C-reactive protein, and the FCRS, C-reactive protein, and the average of calf and thigh MaxV50. Conclusions— Lower-extremity arterial compliance may identify subjects with extensive subclinical atherosclerosis. Further studies exam...
Conditional regression forests for human pose estimation

Random forests have been successfully applied to various high level computer vision tasks such as human pose estimation and object segmentation. These models are extremely efficient but work under the assumption that the output variables (such as body part locations or pixel labels) are independent. In this paper, we present a conditional regression forest model for human pose estimation that incorporates dependency relationships between output variables through a global latent variable while still maintaining a low computational cost. We show that the incorporation of a global latent variable encoding torso orientation, or human height, etc., can dramatically increase the accuracy of body joint location prediction. Our model also allows efficient and seamless incorporation of prior knowledge about the problem instance such as the height or orientation of the human subject which can be available from the problem context or via a temporal model. We show that our method significantly outperforms state-of-the-art methods for pose estimation from depth images. The conditional regression model proposed in the paper is general and can be applied to other problems where random forests are used.
Anti-SPARC Oligopeptide Inhibits Laser-Induced CNV in Mice

It is known that SPARC gates VEGF-A signal transduction towards KDR, the primary angiogenic VEGF receptor. We sought to determine whether inhibition of SPARC activity using anti-SPARC peptide could inhibit laser-induced CNV by promoting binding of VEGF-A to FLT-1. We created anti-SPARC L-peptide and retro-inverso anti-SPARC D-peptide. Anti-SPARC peptides or PBS were injected intravitreally one day before or after laser induction. Intravitreal injection of anti-SPARC L-peptide one day before laser induction promotes Flt-1 phosphorylation and inhibited laser-induced CNV and anti-SPARC D-peptide had no effect. Injection one day after laser injury did not affect size of laser-induced CNV. Inhibition of SPARC activity could be complementary to existing anti–CNV therapy.
Carcinoma Extent in Prostate Needle Biopsy Tissue in the Prediction of Whole Gland Tumor Volume in a Screening Population

Increasing prostate tumor volume has been shown to correlate with numerous adverse prognostic indicators for patients with prostate carcinoma. The ability to predict tumor volume from pretreatment parameters is potentially critical in the stratification of patients for different management strategies. We assessed the capacity of preoperative variables to predict tumor volume in 100 men diagnosed with prostate cancer in a prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening program. Preoperative information included total serum PSA concentration and needle biopsy tissue variables, including Gleason score, number of positive cores, linear extent of carcinoma in millimeters, greatest percentage of carcinoma (in a single core), total percentage of carcinoma (all cores), presence of perineural invasion, and percentage of high-grade carcinoma. The postoperative end point was total tumor volume in radical prostatectomy tissue, calculated by image analysis. We determined independently significant factors and generated a predictive model for whole gland tumor volume. Total tumor volume was related significantly in multivariate analysis to 3 preoperative variables: linear extent of carcinoma, exponential number of positive cores, and serum PSA. A predictive model generated based on these 3 variables accounted for only 65% of the natural deviance of the data owing to data-point scatter for individual patients, suggesting that additional variables are needed to more accurately predict tumor volume. Findings highlight the importance of reporting quantitative measures of tumor amount in prostate needle biopsy specimens; several measures of tumor extent (vs 1 measure) provide maximal information on prostate cancer size.
Surgeon Radiation Dose During Complex Endovascular Procedures

Background Surgeon radiation dose during complex fluoroscopically guided interventions (FGIs) has not been well studied. We sought to characterize radiation exposure to surgeons during FGIs based on procedure type, operator position, level of operator training, upper vs lower body exposure, and addition of protective shielding. Methods Optically stimulable, luminescent nanoDot (Landauer, Inc, Glenwood, Ill) detectors were used to measure radiation dose prospectively to surgeons during FGIs. The nanoDot dosimeters were placed outside the lead apron of the primary and assistant operators at the left upper chest and left lower pelvis positions. For each case, the procedure type, the reference air kerma, the kerma-area product, the relative position of the operator, the level of training of the fellow, and the presence or absence of external additional shielding devices were recorded. Three positions were assigned on the right-hand side of the patient in decreasing relative proximity to the flat panel detector (A, B, and C, respectively). Position A (main operator) was closest to the flat panel detector. Position D was on the left side of the patient at the brachial access site. The nanoDots were read using a microSTARii medical dosimetry system (Landauer, Inc) after every procedure. The nanoDot dosimetry system was calibrated for scattered radiation in an endovascular suite with a National Institute of Standards and Technology traceable solid-state radiation detector (Piranha T20; RTI Electronics, Fairfield, NJ). Comparative statistical analysis of nanoDot dose levels between categories was performed by analysis of variance with Tukey pairwise comparisons. Bonferroni correction was used for multiple comparisons. Results There were 415 nanoDot measurements with the following case distribution: 16 thoracic endovascular aortic repairs/endovascular aneurysm repairs, 18 fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repairs (FEVARs), 13 embolizations, 41 lower extremity interventions, 10 fistulograms, 13 visceral interventions, and 3 cerebrovascular procedures. The mean operator effective dose for FEVARs was higher than for other case types ( P P Conclusions Surgeon radiation dose during FGIs depends on case type, operator position, and table skirt use but not on the level of fellow training. On the basis of these data, the primary operator could perform approximately 12 FEVARs/wk and have an annual dose
Skills, knowledge, and training for the 21st century technical communicator

Recent advances in technology have had a resonant effect on supporting industries and disciplines. New fields and subject areas emerge where applications of technological breakthroughs outpace theoretical plausibilities. Product development timetables become reduced to absolute minimums; time-to-market schedules are likewise compressed in the hopes of gaining some competitive advantage. Does business drive technology or does technology drive business, or is it both? The technology trend for the future can be summed up in four words: universal, instantaneous information access. Advances in communications (wireless and electronic) and computer technology (microprocessors, microcontrollers, and memory chips) will be responsible for much of the progress made in peripheral fields. The demand for immediate, global access to information (with minimal manipulation) will create a need for individuals with the requisite skills to produce and disseminate that information into as many formats as possible. The paper addresses three principal areas: (1) The skills the technical communicator will need for the future beyond those currently in use today. (2) Emerging technologies and how they will effect what the technical communicator will do. (3) What the academic community can do to better prepare tomorrow's technical communicator.
Age-Related Increase in the Frequency of CD4+ T Cells That Produce Interferon-γ in Response to Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B during Childhood

Background The susceptibility of infants to infections is well defined clinically, and immunologic abnormalities have been described. Immune maturation is complex, however, and the interval during which changes occur during childhood has not been identified. Methods To assess age-related differences in the CD4(+) T cell responses, we evaluated the frequency of CD4(+) T cells that produced interferon (IFN) gamma in response to staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) stimulation in 382 healthy infants and children (2 months to 11 years of age) and 66 adults. Flow cytometry was used to assess SEB-induced CD69 and CD40 ligand (CD40-L) expression and IFN-gamma production by CD4(+) and CD45RO(+)CD4(+) T cells. Results CD69 and CD40-L expression by CD4(+) and CD45RO(+)CD4(+) T cells were similar to adult levels from infancy, but the frequency of activated T cells that produced IFN-gamma remained lower than adult responses until children were 10 years of age. Conclusions These observations indicate that the IFN-gamma response of CD4(+) T cells to SEB remains limited for a much longer interval than was reported elsewhere, extending to the second decade of life. Observed differences in CD45RO(+)CD4(+) T cell function indicate that CD4(+) T cells with the same phenotypes do not possess equivalent functional capabilities.