cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corneal endothelial repair. Regulation of prostaglandin E2 synthesis.

Purpose. The authors have investigated the hypothesis that prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) synthesis is regulated during corneal endothelial wound healing. Previous studies have shown that PGE 2 is an important mediator of endothelial mitosis, migration, and differentiation. Methods. Biosynthesis of PGE 2 was investigated in a wound closure model of the cultured rabbit corneal endothelium and in cultures treated with experimental agents. Prostaglandin E 2 synthesis was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pharmacologic experiments were designed to evaluate the contributions of protein kinases, phospholipase A 2 , and cyclooxygenase to endogenous PGE 2 synthesis. Results. Prostaglandin E 2 synthesis is increased markedly in response to injury and is proportional to the extent of wounding. Biosynthesis of PGE 2 returns to basal levels concurrently with recovery of the injury. Synthesis is dependent on the activities of protein kinase C (PKC), phospholipase A (PLA), and cyclooxygenase. Two forms of cyclooxygenase are present in corneal endothelial cells, and pharmacologic studies indicate that the activity of the COX 2 contributes to injury-dependent PGE 2 synthesis. Conclusions. Prostaglandin E 2 synthesis is increased in injured corneal endothelial cells. This synthesis is dependent on the coordinated regulation of PKC, PLA, and cyclooxygenase. Prostaglandin E 2 synthesis presents an attractive target for pharmacologic manipulation of endothelial recovery from injury.
Culturally Responsive Teaching in an Oglala Lakota Classroom

ABSTRACTIn response to the widening academic achievement gap between Native American students and other students in the United States, a culturally responsive approach was used in a Native American social studies class with positive results. Eighth-grade Oglala Lakota students in an American History classroom experienced a unit infused with lessons that highlighted Native American culture, history, and values. Students' knowledge, skills, and culture were used as frames of reference for the teacher, enabling students to personally engage with the content and making learning more meaningful. By incorporating culturally responsive teaching practices into the social studies curriculum, teachers not only give students the opportunity to come face to face with multiple perspectives but students are able to come face to face with their own ancestors, bringing history home, and bringing it to life.
An Investigation of Justice, Conflict, and Moderating Effects of Supplier Autonomy and Cultural Distance in Buyer–Supplier Relationships

In this paper, we examine the relationship between justice dimensions (procedural, distributive, and interactional justice) and conflict (task and relationship) in buyer–supplier relationships. We develop a nuanced understanding of how justice dimensions reduce task and relationship conflict in buyer–supplier relationships. In addition, we hypothesize that task conflict mediates the relationship between justice dimensions and relationship conflict. We also hypothesize that the effect of justice dimensions on conflict is contingent on the buyer–supplier cultural distance and the degree of autonomy provided to the supplier. Based on primary data on buyer–supplier relationships, our results show that procedural and interactional justice dimensions are more important than distributive fairness. Furthermore, managers can reduce the relationship conflict by mitigating task conflict, which has not been asserted in the buyer–supplier relationship literature. Our results suggest that supplier autonomy and cultural distance, as contextual variables, influence the relationship between interactional justice and conflict dimensions, but they do not influence the relationship between procedural or distributive justice and conflict dimensions. We discuss the relative importance and role of the three justice dimensions in mitigating relational conflicts in buyer–supplier relationships, and implications of our results to theory as well as practice.
Lumbar deformity spondylolisthesis (moderate-high grade) complication

Surgery for high-grade spondylolisthesis remains challenging and is associated with significant controversy and complications. The recognition of its effects on associated neural elements (in particular the exiting nerve roots) and spinopelvic balance is paramount in both surgical planning and avoidance of pitfalls. This chapter will highlight these considerations and provide technical guidance in both surgical planning and execution so that major complications can be avoided.
3D X-ray microtomography and mechanical characterization of corrosion-induced damage in 7075 aluminium (Al) alloys

Abstract We report on the 3D microstructure, composition and mechanical properties in the corroded region of Al (7075-T651) alloy corroded in 3.5 wt.% NaCl. Visualization and quantification of the microstructure was conducted using X-ray tomography with a focus on change in dimensions of pits with increasing corrosion. The variation of tensile strength with corrosion and its relationship with microstructure was also studied. Compositional analysis using EDS, coupled with nanoindentation, showed a partially corroded region adjacent to the corrosion product layer.
Cell wall-derived elicitors ― are they natural (endogenous) regulators?

Development of the idea that carbohydrates digested from cell walls could carry the information necessary to “activate” host defense responses to pathogens began in the 1970s. Early work (Ayers et al., 1976) demonstrated that a glucan derived from cell walls of the soybean pathogen Phytophthora megasperma f. sp. glycinea could elicit the synthesis of phytoalexins by soybean tissues. Subsequent studies have identified a heptasaccharide subfragment of the hyphal wall glucan, presumably generated by the action of soybean-produced glucan hydrolases, as the most active component (Sharp et al., 1984). Studies in recent years have identified similar responses in several cell culture and tissue systems. The production of phytoalexins and other presumed “defense” compounds in response to elicitors derived from host, as well as pathogen, cell walls has been described (Darvill and Albersheim, 1984; Lamb et al., 1986). Most recently these studies have utilized the techniques of molecular genetics to follow responses at the level of gene transcription (e.g., Bell et al., 1986). Genome activation with a lag time as short as 5 to 10 minutes has been shown (Lawton and Lamb, 1987). Questions about the means by which cells perceive the presence of elicitors (Schmidt and Ebel, 1987) and then mobilize their responses remain. However, it is clear that the biochemical confrontation at the infection site often includes many enzymes that can generate elicitor-active wall fragments.
Repellency of Rosemary Oil Against Myzus persicae in a Laboratory and in a Screenhouse

The repellencies of 13 labiate essential oils against Myzus persicae were investigated with a linear track olfactometer. Rosemary, thyme, peppermint, lavender, and spearmint oils repelled aphids at a dose of 10 μl. Rosemary and thyme oils repelled at a dose of 1 μl. The repellent actions of 13 components of rosemary oil were also evaluated. Among these components linalool, d,l-camphor, and α-terpineol had repellent action. The repellency of rosemary oil in a screenhouse was investigated. Aphids were released in a screenhouse and allowed to choose between tobacco plants in an area permeated with rosemary oil odor and plants in a control area. The number of aphids in the treatment area was about 70% of that in the control area. These results indicated that the landing of M. persicae on host plants was influenced by odors and that it may be possible to control aphids with repellents.
Useful Microsoft® Word Macros for Molecular Biologists and Protein Chemists

Biologists today make extensive use of word processing programs for the production of research reports, literature reviews and grant proposals. Frequently, such programs become the default platform...
174. Evaluation of sFlt-1/PlGF ratio for improving clinical management of pre-eclampsia: Experience in a tertiary hospital

Introduction Management of pregnant women with gestational hypertension (GH) varies according to the severity of the disease. An imbalance of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF), is involved in pre-eclampsia (PE) pathogenesis. An elevated ratio(>110) is highly predictive of PE, whereas the diagnosis of PE can be ruled out within one week for low ratio( Objective The main objective of this study was to assess whether the cutoff value in late pregnancy (>34 weeks) help to management the preeclampsia. Methods We performed an observational study to evaluate serum sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (Roche Diagnostics Cobas e411 system) for differential diagnosis and the severity of disease from 2018 February to April (three months). Thirty-seven women with singleton pregnancies diagnosis withsuspected preeclampsia were enrolled. Serum sFlt-1 and PlGF were measured when they admitted (>34 weeks). The sFlt-1, PlGF, and the maternal clinical data were obtained. Results Among the 37 patients included, 25 had a sFlt-1/PlGF ratio lower than 38; only one diagnosis with PE leading to a negative predictive value of 96%. Two patients diagnosed with clinical PE as the ratio higher than 110. For the rest 10 patients had a sFlt-1/PlGF ratio between 38 and 110, four of them diagnosis with clinical PE. There were five patients with thrombocytopenia, the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were all lower than 38 and rule out for HELLP. All patients were delivered without adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Discussion The serum sFlt-1/PlGF ratio showed highly value of differential diagnosis for ruling out PE. In our data, four of ten patients had a sFlt-1/PlGF ratio between 38 and 110 diagnosed with clinical PE, the cutoff value may be considering more clinical experience. Using these biomarkers in routine management of PE may improve clinical management of suspect patients. It need more clinical experience in future.
Population Structure of Pythium ultimum from Greenhouse Floral Crops in Michigan

Pythium ultimum causes seedling damping-off and root and crown rot in greenhouse ornamental plants. To understand the population dynamics and assess population structure of P. ultimum in Michigan f...
Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate for the reversal of factor Xa inhibitors for traumatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) for the reversal of factor Xa inhibitors in patients with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of patients taking factor Xa inhibitors with traumatic ICH between March 1, 2015 and August 31, 2017 at two trauma centers. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality in patients who received 4F-PCC (4F-PCC group) compared to those who did not (no reversal group). Secondary outcomes included functional recovery, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), and thromboembolic complications. Results There were 62 patients included in the study. Injury Severity Score (ISS) was significantly higher in the 4F-PCC group (17.6 vs. 12.1, p = 0.019). The 4F-PCC group had a significantly higher mortality (22.9% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.034) and longer ICU LOS (2.5 vs. 1.4 days, p = 0.0024). The no reversal group had a significantly higher incidence of ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) (0% vs. 14.8%, p = 0.019). After controlling for ISS, there was no significant difference in mortality (p = 0.20), ICU LOS (p = 0.64), or ischemic stroke/TIA (p = 0.94). There was no difference in hospital LOS, discharge disposition, final Activity Measure for Post Acute Care daily activity score, VTE, or MI. Conclusion Patients with a higher ISS received 4F-PCC preferentially, which led to an apparent mortality benefit the no reversal group. After adjusting for baseline differences between groups, there was no difference in mortality, functional recovery, hospital and ICU LOS, or thromboembolic complications.
Reproducibility of transition temperature and critical current density of thin films of YBa2Cu3O7 on (100) LaAlO3

Submicrometer epitaxial films of YBa2Cu3O7(YBCO) on (100) LaAlO3 were made by coevaporation and furnace annealing. Samples from more than a dozen runs are used in this study. The zero resistance transition temperature (Tc) is high (89 or 90 K) if the film composition is phase pure (Ba/Y=2, Cu/Y=3) or if it is enriched in Ba and Cu. For these compositions the critical current density (Jc) at 77 K has an average value of 2×105 A cm−2, with a tendency for decreasingJc with increasing film thickness (0.2 to 0.8μm). Variations inJc are not correlated with deviations from ideal stoichiometry. Steeper slopes of the resistance-temperature curves above 100 K and lower values of the room-temperature resistivity are associated with high values ofJc. If the film composition is enriched in Y relative to Ba and Cu,Tc decreases by several degrees.
Effect of Fe additions on the microstructure and properties of Nb-Mo-Ti alloys

Abstract Two Nb-Mo-Ti alloys were modified by additions of 2 at.% Fe. These small additions of Fe did not form secondary phases but noticeably increased the strength of the Nb-Mo-Ti alloys in the temperature range of 25 to 1200 °C due to solid solution strengthening effect. The oxidation resistance at 1200 °C in air was also improved considering both oxidation kinetics and the fraction of retained, un-oxidized metal alloy.
590 Qualitative evaluation of trauma delays in road traffic injury patients in Maringá, Brazil

Background Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are the 8th leading cause of death worldwide, with 90% occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Brazil, more than 43,800 people are killed by RTI annually. There is limited research evaluating RTI transport delays to trauma centres in LMICs. The objective of this study is to determine specific causes of prehospital transport delays in RTI patients to trauma centres in Maringa, Brazil. Methods We qualitatively evaluated the regional public prehospital system, Servicos de Atendimento Movel de Urgencia (SAMU), with a catchment area of 500,000 people, one Advanced and 4 Basic Life Support teams. We used a qualitative approach and interviewed providers. Inclusion criteria were: healthcare professionals working with SAMU or the regional trauma hospital Metropolitano for at least 6 months. Interviews focused on primary causes and measures to reduce delays in care of RTI patients. Results We interviewed 11 providers: 2 physicians and 2 nurses from Metropolitano and 7 SAMU employees (1 nurse, 3 physicians, 3 drivers). Primary causes of delays fell into the following categories: 1) lack of public education, 2) traffic, 3) insufficient personnel/ambulances, 4) bureaucracy, and 5) poor location of stations. Traffic was the most common response, with a total of 7 responses, including nearly all SAMU providers. Suggested measures to reduce delays were: 1) improving public education, 2) increasing personnel, 3) increasing ambulances, 4) proper extrication/need for rapid treatment, and 5) need for a centralised station to avoid traffic. The most common response was the need for public education, primarily teaching drivers about ambulance right-of-way. Conclusions Most providers, particularly SAMU providers, believe traffic is the primary cause of delay in presentation of RTI patients to a tertiary care centre. Rapid economic growth and increased road traffic are primary factors leading to the overall increased rates of RTIs in LMICs. The same traffic causing RTIs may also be a significant cause of delay in the treatment these patients. Offered solutions to reduce delays focused mostly on public education and the need for increased resources. A public education campaign for driver education in response to RTIs could be an initial step towards reducing delays in the care of RTI patients.
Superior Capsular Reconstruction Provides Sufficient Biomechanical Outcomes for Massive, Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: A Systematic Review

Purpose To critically review the literature reporting biomechanical outcomes of superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) for the treatment of massive and/or irreparable rotator cuff tears. Methods A systematic review was performed following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines using the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases in August 2020. Cadaveric studies were assessed for glenohumeral translation, subacromial contact pressure, and superior humeral translation comparing SCR with an intact cuff with reference to a torn control state. Results A total of 15 studies (142 shoulders) were included in our data analysis. SCR showed improvements in superior humeral translation, subacromial contact force, and glenohumeral contact force when biomechanically compared with the massive and/or irreparably torn rotator cuff. No statistically significant differences were found between SCR and the intact rotator cuff regarding superior humeral translation (standard mean difference [SMD], 2.09 mm vs 2.50 mm; P = .54) or subacromial contact force (SMD, 2.85 mPa vs 2.83 mPa; P = .99). Significant differences were observed between SCR and the intact cuff for glenohumeral contact force only, in favor of the intact cuff (SMD, 1.73 N vs 5.45 N; P = .03). Conclusions SCR may largely restore static restraints to superior humeral translation in irreparable rotator cuff tears, although active glenohumeral compression is diminished relative to the intact rotator cuff. Clinical Relevance Investigating the biomechanical outcomes of SCR will help surgeons better understand the effectiveness of this treatment option.
BRAF inhibitor-induced panniculitis in patients treated for stage IV metastatic melanoma: a case series

BRAF and MEK inhibitor combination therapy is the standard treatment for patients with BRAF V600E mutant metastatic melanoma. Neutrophilic panniculitis is a known rare complication of BRAF inhibitor therapy and can act as a potential mimic of melanoma metastases on 18F-FDG PET/CT. In this case series, we present three cases of BRAF inhibitor-induced panniculitis in patients being treated for BRAF-mutant metastatic melanoma and emphasize the use of ultrasound to differentiate between panniculitis lesions, which are typically ill-defined echogenic masses and subcutaneous soft tissue melanoma metastases, which present as hypoechoic vascular masses.
In Situ Microstructural Evolution in Fcc and Bcc Complex Concentrated Solid-Solution Alloys Under Heavy Ion Irradiation

This study characterizes the microstructural evolution of single-phase complex concentrated solid-solution alloy (CSA) compositions under heavy ion irradiation with the goal of evaluating mechanisms for CSA radiation tolerance in advanced fission systems. Three such alloys, Cr18Fe27Mn27Ni28, Cr15Fe35Mn15Ni35, and equimolar NbTaTiV, along with reference materials (pure Ni and E90 for the CrFeMnNi family and pure V for NbTaTiV) were irradiated at 50 K and 773 K with 1 MeV Kr++ ions to various levels of dpa using in-situ TEM. Cryogenic irradiation resulted in small defect clusters and faulted dislocation loops as large as 12 nm in FCC CSAs. With thermal diffusion suppressed at cryogenic temperatures, defect densities were lower in all CSAs than in their less compositionally complex reference materials indicating that point defect accumulation is reduced during the displacement cascade stage. High temperature irradiation of the two FCC CSA resulted in the formation of interstitial dislocation loops which by 2 dpa grew to an average size of 27 nm in Cr18Fe27Mn27Ni28 and 10 nm in Cr15Fe35Mn15Ni35. This difference in loop growth kinetics was attributed to the difference in Mn-content due to its effect on the nucleation rate by increasing vacancy mobility or reducing the stacking-fault energy.
Race, ethnicity, poverty and the social determinants of the coronavirus divide: U.S. county-level disparities and risk factors.

Communities with more Black or Hispanic residents have higher coronavirus rates than communities with more White residents, but relevant community characteristics are underexplored. The purpose of this study was to investigate poverty-, race- and ethnic-based disparities and associated economic, housing, transit, population health and health care characteristics. Six-month cumulative coronavirus incidence and mortality were examined using adjusted negative binomial models among all U.S. counties (n = 3142). County-level independent variables included percentages in poverty and within racial/ethnic groups (Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian), and rates of unemployment, lacking a high school diploma, housing cost burden, single parent households, limited English proficiency, diabetes, obesity, smoking, uninsured, preventable hospitalizations, primary care physicians, hospitals, ICU beds and households that were crowded, in multi-unit buildings or without a vehicle. Counties with higher percentages of Black (IRR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02–1.03) or Hispanic (IRR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.03) residents had more coronavirus cases. Counties with higher percentages of Black (IRR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.02–1.03) or Native American (IRR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.04) residents had more deaths. Higher rates of lacking a high school diploma was associated with higher counts of cases (IRR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.05) and deaths (IRR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07). Higher percentages of multi-unit households were associated with higher (IRR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.04) and unemployment with lower (IRR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94–0.98) incidence. Higher percentages of individuals with limited English proficiency (IRR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04–1.14) and households without a vehicle (IRR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07) were associated with more deaths. These results document differential pandemic impact in counties with more residents who are Black, Hispanic or Native American, highlighting the roles of residential racial segregation and other forms of discrimination. Factors including economic opportunities, occupational risk, public transit and housing conditions should be addressed in pandemic-related public health strategies to mitigate disparities across counties for the current pandemic and future population health events.
Continuous veno-venous haemofiltration following cardio-pulmonary bypass. Indications and outcome in 35 patients.

To study the impact of continuous veno-venous haemofiltration on survival in patients with acute renal failure (ARF) following cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery. A retrospective study of all patients requiring haemofiltration after CPB over a 2 year period. A 20 bedded, adult cardothoracic intensive care unit in a postgraduate teaching hospital. 35 patients (26 male, age range 24–74 years) required haemofiltration (2.7% of the total number of patients undergoing CPB). Cardiovascular failure post CPB was the commonest causes of ARF (n=16). Indications for haemofiltration were ureamia (21), oligo-anuria (11), volume overload (2) and hyperkalaemia (1). Mean time from CPB to the initiation of haemofiltration was 8 days (range 0–15 days). Mean urea was 30 mmol/l and creatinine 362 μmol/l immediately prior to treatment. Urea was well-controlled in all patients, although 2 needed haemodiafiltration. Twenty-six patients died during their admission to the ICU (74% mortality). A further 3 patients died during their hospital admission, following discharge from ICU. Outcome was particularly poor in patients with cardiovascular failure following CPB (16 cases, 0 survivors). Survivors tended to commence filtration earlier (mean of 4 vs 7 days for non-survivors) and required treatment for a mean period of 8 days (range 1–26 days). Survival was determined by the number of failed organ systems at the start of haemofiltration. Thus, 100% of patients with single system failure survived, compared to only 10% with 3 or more system failure. Despite the theoretical advantages of haemofiltration and the effective control of uraemia the mortality associated with ARF following CPB remains high and is probably determined by the number of failed organs systems.
Personal Competence Skills, Distress, and Well-Being as Determinants of Substance Use in a Predominantly Minority Urban Adolescent Sample

Several previous studies have investigated the relationship between psychological distress and substance use among youth. However, less research has investigated the potentially protective role of psychological well-being on adolescent substance use, and the extent to which personal competence skills may promote well-being. The present study examined personal competence skills, psychological distress and well-being, and adolescent substance use over a 3-year period in a predominantly minority sample of urban students (N = 1,184) attending 13 junior high schools in New York City. Structural equation modeling indicated that greater competence skills predicted less distress and greater well-being over time. Although psychological well-being was associated with less subsequent substance use, distress did not predict later substance use. Findings indicate that competence skills promote resilience against early stage substance use in part by enhancing psychological well-being, and suggest that school-based prevention programs should include competence enhancement components in order to promote resilience.
The α effect in chlorinated organometallic compounds

Abstract The 35 Cl NQR spectra of mercurial- and organic-substituted pentachlorocyclopentadienes are analyzed to give equations relating the frequencies of the allylic chlorines, Cl(5), and the two types of vinylic chlorine, Cl(1,4) and Cl(2,3), as functions of the Taft constant σ for R in C 5 Cl 5 R. Cl(5) in mercuri derivatives shows higher frequencies than Cl(5) in organic derivatives, but the magnitude of this frequency difference, a type of “α effect”, decreases with increasing σ. This is best explained, not by previously-proposed theories of the α effect, but by hyperconjugation of the HgC σ bond with diene π orbitals. The unusual NQR properties of trichloromethylmercurials, previously rationalized as due to an α effect, are shown to be better explained by intermolecular coordination of Cl to Hg.
Antimicrobial N-halamine Modified Polyethylene: Characterization, Biocidal Efficacy, Regeneration, and Stability

UNLABELLED Development of antimicrobial materials that regenerate antimicrobial activity represents a novel technology in preventing microbial cross-contamination. We report a method for the application of regenerably antimicrobial N-halamines onto the surface of polyethylene (PE) materials through layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of polyethyleneimine and poly(acrylic acid). A total of 5, 10, 15, and 20 bilayers were applied. Modified PE had from 49.3 to 293.5 nmol cm(-2) antimicrobial N-halamines from 5 to 20 bilayers after 10 min of chlorination. Each variant of N-halamine modified PE was able to reduce by >5 logarithmic cycles Listeria monocytogenes. The stability of N-halamine modified PE was characterized after extended exposure to chlorine, acidic solutions, and an alkaline cleaner. After an initial conditioning period, materials generated more than double the quantity of N-halamines present on as prepared materials, retaining regenerability for up to 100 chlorination cycles. After the equivalent of 300 washing cycles by buffers (pH values 3, 5, and 7) or a commercial alkaline detergent, there was no change in the number of antimicrobial N-halamines on the modified materials. These results indicate that the reported LbL deposition technique results in antimicrobial N-halamine materials capable of long-term reuse and exposure to harsh chemicals as expected in a food-processing environment. Such robust, regenerably antimicrobial materials could be an effective technology in the food industry to prevent cross-contamination of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. PRACTICAL APPLICATION The food contact surface of polyethylene was modified by layer-by-layer deposition of 2 polymers, resulting in a rechargeably antimicrobial surface. Repeated exposure to chlorine regenerated its antimicrobial activity, resulting in greater than 99.999% reduction in Listeria monocytogenes. Materials were stable against repeated washing and exposure to acidic environments. These food contact materials could support current cleaning and sanitization protocols in improving food safety in the processing environment.
Reconfigurable microfluidic device with integrated antibody arrays for capture, multiplexed stimulation, and cytokine profiling of human monocytes

Monocytes represent a class of immune cells that play a key role in the innate and adaptive immune response against infections. One mechanism employed by monocytes for sensing foreign antigens is via toll-like receptors (TLRs)—transmembrane proteins that distinguish classes of foreign pathogens, for example, bacteria (TLR4, 5, and 9) vs. fungi (TLR2) vs. viruses (TLR3, 7, and 8). Binding of antigens activates a signaling cascade through TLR receptors that culminate in secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Detection of these cytokines can provide valuable clinical data for drug developers and disease investigations, but this usually requires a large sample volume and can be technically inefficient with traditional techniques such as flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or luminex. This paper describes an approach whereby antibody arrays for capturing cells and secreted cytokines are encapsulated within a microfluidic device that can be reconfigured to operate in serial or parallel mode. In serial mode, the device represents one long channel that may be perfused with a small volume of minimally processed blood. Once monocytes are captured onto antibody spots imprinted into the floor of the device, the straight channel is reconfigured to form nine individually perfusable chambers. To prove this concept, the microfluidic platform was used to capture monocytes from minimally processed human blood in serial mode and then to stimulate monocytes with different TLR agonists in parallel mode. Three cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10, were detected using anti-cytokine antibody arrays integrated into each of the six chambers. We foresee further use of this device in applications such as pediatric immunology or drug/vaccine testing where it is important to balance small sample volume with the need for high information content.
High frequency broadband acoustic channel estimation error analysis for St. Margaret's Bay during the UNET06 demonstrations

A computationally efficient estimator of the channel response function was developed to characterize the underwater acoustic channels adversity to communications for St. Margaret's Bay during the UNET06 demonstrations. The DRDC multimode pipe projector (MMPP) that provided a 185 dB// 1nPa@1m source level at 44 kHz center frequency was allowed to drift approximately 2 meters from the bottom in 70m of the water from the NRL ACDS 8-element vertical array. The receiver array was placed approximately mid water column and doubly spread acoustic channel was estimated from the recorded data sets by an augmented Kalman recursion. The Kalman recursion with a point estimate of the acoustic response function was used to compute channel estimate and covariance function. Analysis of the channel response function and histogram which measures the adversity of response estimation uncertainty relative to ambient noise showed the probing interval of duration of 6.25 seconds at a range of 500m.
Chapter 38 Agglomeration economies and urban public infrastructure

Abstract This chapter reviews the theoretical and empirical literature on agglomeration economies and urban public infrastructure. Theory links the two concepts by positing that agglomeration economies exist when firms in an urban area share a public good as an input to production. One type of shareable input is the close proximity of businesses and labor, that generates positive externalities which in turn lower the production cost of one business as the output of other businesses increases. The externalities result from businesses sharing nonexcludable inputs, such as a common labor pool, technical expertise, general knowledge and personal contacts. Another perhaps more tangible type of shareable input is urban public infrastructure. Public capital stock, such as highways, water treatment facilities, and communication systems, directly affect the efficient operation of cities by facilitating business activities and improving worker productivity. The literature has devoted considerable attention to both topics, but not together. Studies of agglomeration economies in several countries find that manufacturing firms are more productive in large cities than in smaller ones. Studies of the effect of infrastructure on productivity show positive, but in some cases statistically insignificant, effects of public capital stock on productivity. Most of these studies are at the national and state levels. Only a handful of studies have focused on the metropolitan level, and even fewer have estimated agglomeration economies and infrastructure effects simultaneously. Results from studies that include both types of shared inputs suggest that both spatial proximity and physical infrastructure contribute positively to the productivity of firms in urban areas. More research is needed to explore the interrelationships between urban size and urban public infrastructure and to open the “black box” of agglomeration economies and estimate how the various other factors associated with urban size affect productivity.
Control of Coercivity in Exchange-Coupled Graded (001) $\hbox{FePt}:\hbox{SiO}_{2}$ Nanocomposite Films

We fabricated exchange-coupled composite films with perpendicular anisotropy using nanograms of L10 FePt as a magnetically hard base layer and FePt : SiO2 as a relatively soft phase. The degree of anisotropy and nanostructure in the soft layer was controlled by varying the deposition temperature. Growth of the low-anisotropy layer followed the particulate structure of the base layer at deposition temperatures of 390°C or greater. Perpendicular coercivities were strongly dependent on both the anisotropy and thickness of the softer layer.
Neonatal respiratory depression secondary to maternal analgesics, treated by exchange transfusion.

Drug induced respiratory depression is a constant threat to the neonate whose mother has been sedated during labor. It should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of an altered respiratory pattern in a newborn. When the depression is severe, and there is a strong suggestion that it is drug induced, an exchange transfusion should be considered in an attempt to remove the noxious agents.
Travel as a Teaching Approach for New Media Skills and Writing Courses

In today’s global community, local and overseas travels are essential to student learning. This paper posits that travel enhances students’ journalism experience and can be used to facilitate their education in new media and digital technology. Portable digital media technologies, which students are highly familiar with, create opportunities to teach them hands-on convergence and multimedia skills in travel-based journalism courses. The paper concludes with examples of how travel and new media technologies are combined to teach traditional news reporting, feature writing, travel writing, and other courses regardless of whether the program has an international or multimedia-convergence emphasis.
Photoacoustic and photothermal cytometry using photoswitchable proteins and nanoparticles with ultrasharp resonances

Photoswitchable fluorescent proteins (PSFPs) with controllable spectral shifts in emission in response to light have led to breakthroughs in cell biology. Conventional photoswitching, however, is not applicable to weakly fluorescent proteins. As an alternative, photothermal (PT) and photoacoustic (PA) spectroscopy have demonstrated a tremendous potential for studying absorbing nonfluorescent proteins and nanoparticles. However, little progress has been made in the development of switchable PT and PA probes with controllable spectral shifts in absorption. Here, we introduce the concept of photothermally switchable nanoparticles (PTSNs). To prove the concept, we demonstrated fast, reversible magnetic-PT switching of conventional and gold-coated magnetic nanoparticle clusters in cancer cells in vitro and PT switching of nonlinear ultrasharp plasmonic resonances in gold nanorods molecularly targeted to circulating cells in vivo. We showed that genetically encoded PSFPs with relatively slow switching can serve as triple-modal fluorescent, PT, and PA probes under static conditions, while PTSNs with ultrafast switching may provide higher PA sensitivity in the near-infrared window of tissue transparency under dynamic flow conditions. Application of nonlinear phenomena for super-resolution spectral PT and PA cytometry, microscopy, and spectral burning beyond the diffraction and spectral limits are also proposed.
RECOMBINANT INFLUENZA-A VIRUSES AS LIVE VACCINES FOR MAN: Report to the Medical Research Council's Committee on Influenza and other Respiratory Virus Vaccines

The infection of volunteers with five hybrid influenza-A viruses is described. Four of these were produced in Great Britain by recombining an Ao virus, non-infective for man, with a wild Hong Kong like strain. The fifth was the American recombinant, X-31, derived from similar parents and widely used in the manufacture of killed vaccines. All five viruses had the haemagglutinin and neuraminidase of A2/Hong Kong/68. Two of the viruses were not attenuated and induced symptoms of clinical influenza. The other three were appreciably attenuated and were infective and antigenic. It seems that recombination is a rapid and effective way of producing live vaccine viruses to specification. It is also the quickest known method of attenuation.
Ordered recruitment of histone acetyltransferases and the TRAP/Mediator complex to thyroid hormone-responsive promoters in vivo

Transcriptional coactivators implicated in gene activation by the thyroid hormone receptor (TR) include members of the p160/steroid receptor coactivator (SRC) family of proteins, p300, and the multisubunit TR-associated protein (TRAP)/Mediator complex. We investigated the temporal recruitment of these cofactors to mammalian thyroid hormone (T3)-responsive promoters in vivo. We show that upon T3 treatment, TR recruits all three types of coactivators to specific promoters in at least two sequential steps: p160/SRC proteins and p300 are recruited first and rapidly induce histone acetylation, followed by the recruitment of the TRAP/Mediator complex. Interestingly, inhibition of histone deacetylase activity with trichostatin A elicited a more rapid promoter recruitment of the TRAP/Mediator complex but not p160/SRC proteins. T3-dependent gene expression assays indicate that all three coactivators are targeted to a promoter before significant activation occurs. These findings thus suggest that histone acetylation may be a prerequisite for TRAP/Mediator recruitment and function at specific T3-responsive mammalian promoters.
Thyromimetic effects of 3,5-dimethyl,3'-isopropyl thyronine (DIMIT) and 3,5-diethyl,3'-isopropyl thyronine (DIET) in various tissues of the rat.

Abstract We have examined the effects of treatment of the rat with 3,5-dimethyl-3′-isopropyl thyronine (DIMIT) and 3,5-diethyl-3′-isopropyl thyronine (DIET) on serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentration, heart weight, hepatic outer ring (5′-) monodeiodination of T4 to T3, cardiac outer ring monodeiodination of 3′,5′-diiodothyronine (3′,5′-T2) to 3′-monoiodothyronine (3′-T1), and cerebral cortical monodeiodination of 3,5-T2 in the inner ring to 3-T1. Groups of four to seven rats were injected intraperitoneally either once a day or at eight-hour intervals for three days with saline or thyronines. Serum TSH was measured by radioimmunoassay. The various monodeiodinations were studied in homogenates of the tissues at optimal pH (7.35 for outer ring monodeiodinations and 8.0 for inner ring monodeiodination) and temperature (37 °C) in the presence of an excess of dithiothreitol. DIMIT was clearly active in all thyromimetic effects studied. It was about 10% as active as T4 in suppression of TSH. It stimulated hepatic monodeiodination of T4 to T3 in a similar manner to T4. DIMIT was also more comparable to T4 than to T3 in effect on heart weight and cardiac metabolism of 3′,5′-T2 to 3′-T1. It was highly active, apparently more so than either T4 or T3, in cerebral cortical stimulation of metabolism of 3,5-T2 to 3-T1. In distinction to DIMIT, DIET had very little thyromimetic activity. It did not significantly affect serum TSH, serum T4, or hepatic or cerebral cortical metabolism of iodothyronines in doses up to 50 μg (∼137 nmol)/100g/day; it did demonstrate, however, a significant although only a modest stimulatory effect on cardiac weight and metabolism of 3′,5′-T2. Conclusions: (1) DIMIT is clearly active whereas DIET is a very weak thyromimetic substance. (2) High activity of DIMIT in the cerebral cortex suggests that DIMIT may serve as an agent especially suited for directing thyroid hormone effects at the cerebral cortex.
CaT1 expression correlates with tumor grade in prostate cancer.

Ca(2+) signaling is important for growth and survival of prostatic carcinoma (PCa) cells. Here we report that the gene for CaT1, a channel protein highly selective for Ca(2+), is expressed at high levels in human PCa and in the LNCaP PCa cell line. CaT1 mRNA levels were elevated in PCa specimens in comparison to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) specimens and positively correlated with Gleason grade in a PCa series. CaT1 mRNA was suppressed by androgen and was induced by a specific androgen receptor antagonist in LNCaP cells, suggesting that the gene is negatively regulated by androgen. These findings are the first to implicate a Ca(2+) channel in PCa progression and suggest that CaT1 may be a novel target for therapy.
Oncogene and tumour suppressor: the two faces of SnoN.

SnoN was first identified based on its homology with the proto‐oncogene c‐Ski, and has since been implicated as a promoter of oncogenic transformation and cancer progression. Consistent with a role as proto‐oncogene, SnoN negatively regulates TGF‐β signalling, through its interactions with Smad complexes. Thus, SnoN inhibits the growth inhibitory effect of TGF‐β, which is considered as the basis for the tumour suppressor activity of TGF‐β signalling. In this issue of The EMBO Journal , Pan et al (2009) now demonstrate that SnoN also functions as a tumour suppressor, independently of its role in Smad signalling. The tumour suppressor role of SnoN results from its interaction with the promyelocytic leukaemia (PML) protein and the accumulation of SnoN in PML nuclear bodies, thus allowing SnoN to stabilize p53 and induce premature senescence.
Training technical leaders for war: The army program

In the accompanying two articles details of the recently formulated Army Specialized Training Program and the Navy College Training Program, which have as their object the education of officers, engineers, and other technical specialists for war service, are discussed by two of the leaders engaged actively in planning and setting up these programs. A joint statement of the Secretary of War and the Secretary of Navy announcing the inception of the training programs appeared in an earlier issue of Electrical Engineering.1
LAN-based measurement triggering using LXI instrumentation

The LAN Extensions for Instrumentation (LXI) standard introduces new concepts in signal triggering that have the potential to enable new measurement systems and simplify older ones. This paper presents an overview of the LXI triggering model. LXI triggering includes both hardware and LAN-based signals that can be used together to optimize a measurement application. Like VXI and MMS systems before it, LXI systems utilize a standard backplane; but unlike the older systems, LXI uses the ubiquitous Ethernet LAN standard. Triggers can be broadcast over the LAN to multiple devices simultaneously. In addition, the LXI standard includes an optional LXI trigger bus. From the API level, the triggering model for both LAN and the trigger bus are identical. This paper briefly compares the performance specs of LXI triggering with VXI (VME bus) and MMS (MSIB bus) systems. It explains the different types of triggering that can be obtained using the LAN and the LXI trigger bus. A brief description of the triggering API is given, along with a description of the LXI triggering system architecture. Since the characteristics of LAN triggers differ from traditional hardware triggers, tradeoffs between the two types of triggers are discussed
A survey of agricultural household models : recent findings and policy implications

Semicommercial farms that produce multiple crops make up a large part of the agricultural sector in developing economies. These farms or agricultural households combine two fundamental units of microeconomic analysis : the household and the firm. Traditional economic theory has dealt with these units seperately. But in developing economies in which peasant farms dominate, their interdependence is of crucial importance. Researchers have developed models of agricultural households that combine producer and consumer behavior in a theoretically consistent fashion. Recent empirical applications of these models have extended them and expanded the range of policy issues which can be investigated using this general framework. This article reports the results of empirical applications of this model in India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Taiwan, and Thailand. It provides a comparative analysis of the policy implications of the approach for such matters as the welfare of farm households, the size of marketed surplus, the demand for nonagricultural goods and services, and for hired labor, and the availability of budget revenues and foreign exchange.
Barioperovskite, BaTiO3, a new mineral from the Benitoite Mine, California

Barioperovskite, ideally BaTiO_3, is a new member of the perovskite group. It is found as micro- to nano-crystals in a host of amorphous material contained within hollow, tubular inclusions in benitoite from the Benitoite Mine, San Benito County, California, U.S.A. The mean chemical composition determined by electron-microprobe analysis is (wt%) BaO 65.46, TiO_2 34.57, SiO_2 0.89, sum 100.92. The empirical formula calculated on the basis of 3 O is Ba_(0.97)Ti_(0.98)Si_(0.03)O3. Barioperovskite is orthorhombic, Amm2; a = 3.9874 A, b = 5.6751 A, c = 5.6901 A, V = 128.76 A3, and Z = 2. The electron backscattered diffraction pattern is an excellent match to that of synthetic BaTiO_3 with the Amm2 structure. The strongest calculated X-ray powder diffraction lines from the synthetic BaTiO_3 data are [d in A, (I), hkl] 4.018 (18) (011), 2.845 (30) (002), 2.830 (100) (111), 2.316(20) (102), 2.312 (23) (120), 2.009 (28) (022), 1.640 (17) (113), 1.637 (19) (131), 1.633 (18) (202), and 1.415 (15) (222). The mineral is named after its composition, a Ba-dominant member of the perovskite group.
STARS: Early Popular Computers, 1950–1970 [Scanning Out Past]

Discusses the developments that led to the end of the century-long era of punch-card data processing and ushered in the era of stored program computing for the period 1950 through 1970.