cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cellular Pathology of Lysosomal Storage Disorders

Lysosomal storage disorders are rare, inborn errors of metabolism characterized by intralysosomal accumulation of unmetabolized compounds. The brain is commonly a central focus of the disease process and children and animals affected by these disorders often exhibit progressively severe neurological abnormalities. Although most storage diseases result from loss of activity of a single enzyme responsible for a single catabolic step in a single organelle, the lysosome, the overall features of the resulting disease belies this simple beginning. These are enormously complex disorders with metabolic and functional consequences that go far beyond the lysosome and impact both soma-dendritic and axonal domains of neurons in highly neuron type-specific ways. Cellular pathological changes include growth of ectopic dendrites and new synaptic connections and formation of enlargements in axons far distant from the lysosomal defect. Other storage diseases exhibit neuron death, also occurring in a cell-selective manner. The functional links between known molecular genetic and enzyme defects and changes in neuronal integrity remain largely unknown. Future studies on the biology of lysosomal storage diseases affecting the brain can be anticipated to provide insights not only into these pathogenic mechanisms, but also into the role of lysosomes and related organelles in normal neuron function.
Laser desorption/Fourier transform mass spectrometry of steroids.

Mass spectra of six representative underivatized steroids and three parent hydrocarbons were obtained using laser desorption/Fourier transform (LD/FT) mass spectrometry. The carbonyl steroids, with the exception of aldosterone, yielded abundant [M + H]+ ions. For cholesterol, a major fragment ion was that corresponding to dehydration. The hydrocarbons produced [M + H]+, M+ and [M − H]+ ions, in addition to expected alkyl cleavage ions including those resulting from methyl loss. The LD/FT mass spectra of all were qualitatively similar to electron ionization spectra, but showed somewhat less fragmentation.
Ends of the line: diversity among chronic pain centers.

Chronic pain may cause an endless search for care for its sufferers, while presenting a persistently intractable problem for physicians and disability administrators faced with an illness that defies both conventional medical thinking and established disability compensation mechanisms. In the past 15 years pain centers have mushroomed. Some pain specialists, who are typically based on these centers, have claimed to provide comprehensive treatment for chronic pain and definitive solutions to problems of disability policy. However, pain control is not yet a unified field. Approaches to treatment vary and the definitions of the objects of treatment, i.e. chronic pain syndromes, differ. This paper describes the lines of diversity which characterize this emerging field of health care through an explanatory, cross-sectional survey of 25 pain treatment facilities operating in a single urban community. Pain centers were found to vary with respect to the following dimensions: institutional affiliation, professional background of the staff, treatment modalities offered, populations served, patient selection criteria, types of pain condition treated, and diagnostic and etiologic frames of reference. Pain centers may present a diverse array of options in a pain sufferer's search for care. In addition, the reliance on pain specialists for a resolution of complex problems of disability policy may be premature.
A low cost point-of-care viscous sample preparation device for molecular diagnosis in the developing world; an example of microfluidic origami

The lab-on-a-chip concept has led to several point-of-care (POC) diagnostic microfluidic platforms. However, few of these can process raw samples for molecular diagnosis and fewer yet are suited for use in a resource-limited setting without permanent electrical infrastructure. We present here a very low cost paper microfluidic device for POC extraction of bacterial DNA from raw viscous samples—a challenge for conventional microfluidic platforms. This is an example of “microfluidic origami” in that the system is activated by folding; demonstrated here is room temperature cell lysis and DNA extraction from pig mucin (simulating sputum) spiked with E. coli without the use of external power. The microfluidic origami device features dry reagent storage and rehydration of the lysis buffer. We demonstrate DNA extraction from samples with a bacterial load as low as 33 CFU ml−1. Extraction times, starting from the raw sample, have been optimized to about 1.5 h without the use of external power, or to within 1 h using an oven or a heater block. The fabrication of this paper microfluidic device can be translated into high volume production in the developing world without the need for a semiconductor clean room or a microfabrication facility. The sample preparation can be performed with the addition of just the sample, water, ethanol and elute buffer to the device, thus reducing chemical hazards during transport and handling.
Characterization of human killer cell reactivity against porcine target cells: differential modulation by cytokines.

: The cytotoxic cell response to porcine cells by human lymphocytes, and the modulation of cytolytic cellular activity by human cytokines were investigated. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and purified lymphocyte subsets were co-cultured with fresh irradiated porcine stimulator cells and examined for the development of lytic activity and for their proliferative response. Porcine target cells included a new cell line, MS-PBMC-J2 (designated J2; SLA-DR+MHC class I+CD2+CD3–CD8+CD16+CD45+), aortic and microvascular endothelial cells. Initial results showed that natural killer (NK) cells were fivefold more efficient in killing porcine target cells compared with T cells. IL-12 augmented the killing of porcine target cells by human NK cells beyond that induced by stimulation with cells alone. In contrast, IL-2 and IL-15 often induced substantial human NK cell mediated killing of porcine target cells, including endothelial cells in the case of IL-2 where such targets were examined, even in the absence of stimulator cells. Finally, neither IL-18 nor IL-8 had any effect beyond background on NK cell mediated killing of porcine target cells. These findings show that cytokines that would be produced in a xenograft setting clearly modulate the ability of human cytolytic cells to kill porcine targets. In addition, fresh unstimulated human NK cells lysed J2 and porcine aortic endothelial cells, but not porcine microvascular endothelial cells, suggesting the possibility of rapid attack of xenografts by NK cells, and differential susceptibility of endothelial cells from different vascular structures to this attack.
Use of 75Se-selenite for the study of selenium metabolism in Astragalus

Abstract Selenium metabolism in Se-accumulating species of Astragalus and in related nonaccumulators was studied by supplying 75Se-labeled selenite directly to leaves and racemes excised from plants growing in their natural habitat. Analysis of the ethanol extracts by ion-exchange chromatography gave results comparable to earlier work with species of these plants grown from seed in the laboratory. Scans of the column effluents from accumulators showed radioactive peaks at the position of Se-methylselenocystein; for several of the species, peaks were noted at the position of selenocystathionine. Nonaccumulators showed either very little or no radioactivity associated with these compounds. Where nonradioactive selenocystathionine was present, its sulfur analog, cystathionine, could not be detected. Field use of 75Se-selenite offers a convenient biochemical method for a widespread metabolic and taxonomic survey of this large genus of plants.
Molecular signaling mechanisms of cell migration and invasion

The ability of immune cells to migrate and invade the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a central process involved in immunologic surveillance as well as inflammation. We have shown that interaction of cells with adhesive proteins or growth factors (chemokines) present in the ECM control cell migration/invasion through activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK1 and ERK2 and molecular coupling of the adapter proteins p130CAS and c-CrkII. During cell migration, ERK and CAS/Crk coupling operate as distinct signaling pathways that facilitate actin-myosin motor assembly and actin membrane ruffles, respectively. Furthermore, activation of these signaling pathways protects cells from apoptosis during invasion of the ECM, which is necessary as migratory cells colonize foreign sites in the body.
Numerical study of the feasibility of scanning hematoma and blood vessels in the human brain

We study theoretically the problem of sensitivity of frequency modulated reflectance to the inclusion of either a hematoma, modeled as a large slab, or a blood vessel, modeled as a straight tube, in semi-infinite human tissue systems. We use two different numerical techniques: (1) numerical integration of three-dimensional diffusion equation; and (2) Monte Carlo simulations with a biasing technique. We find that inclusion of a hematoma slab or a blood vessel cylinder gives rise to significant change in both the phase and modulation as compared to a homogeneous medium. The reflected signals from these two situations are also significantly different which may allow differentiation between the two objects. In the particular case of imbedded cylindrical blood vessel we find that up to a depth of z equals 25 mm it is possible to use the phase shift or modulation change of reflected photon flux at different locations on the sample surface to determine the direction, size, and depth of the embedded blood vessel, provided phase change sensitivity of 0.1 deg or modulation change sensitivity 0.01 are available.
EFFECT OF MEAL INGESTION ON ILEOCOLONIC AND COLONIC TRANSIT IN HEALTH AND IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Background Postprandial symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have been associated with increased bowel contractility.
Initiation of zebrafish haematopoiesis by the TATA-box-binding protein-related factor Trf3

It is shown for the first time that a vertebrate-specific member of the TATA-box-binding protein (TBP) family, called TRF3, controls haematopoiesis in zebrafish embryogenesis. TATA-box-binding protein (TBP)-related factor 3, TRF3 (also called TBP2), is a vertebrate-specific member of the TBP family that has a conserved carboxy-terminal region and DNA-binding domain virtually identical to that of TBP (ref. 1). TRF3 is highly expressed during embryonic development, and studies in zebrafish and Xenopus have shown that it is required for normal embryogenesis2,3. Here we show that zebrafish embryos depleted of Trf3 exhibit multiple developmental defects and, in particular, fail to undergo haematopoiesis. Expression profiling for Trf3-dependent genes identified mespa, which encodes a transcription factor whose murine orthologue is required for mesoderm specification4, and chromatin immunoprecipitation verified that Trf3 binds to the mespa promoter. Depletion of Mespa resulted in developmental and haematopoietic defects markedly similar to those induced by Trf3 depletion. Injection of mespa messenger RNA (mRNA) restored normal development to a Trf3-depleted embryo, indicating mespa is the single Trf3 target gene required for zebrafish embryogenesis. Zebrafish embryos depleted of Trf3 or Mespa also failed to express cdx4, a caudal-related gene required for haematopoiesis. Mespa binds to the cdx4 promoter, and epistasis analysis revealed an ordered trf3–mespa–cdx4 pathway. Thus, in zebrafish, commitment of mesoderm to the haematopoietic lineage occurs through a transcription factor pathway initiated by a TBP-related factor.
Can Postoperative Pulmonary Complications After Elective Cholecystectomy be Predicted

To determine predictors of postoperative morbidity in elective cholecystectomy patients, the authors examined prospectively the consequences of age, sex, active and past smoking, respiratory history, obesity, type of surgical incision, and preoperative pulmonary function, upon the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications and length of hospitalization. They identified 31 (14.8%) complications in 209 patients; 21 had atelectasis, 8 purulent bronchitis, and 2 pneumonia. These patients averaged 1.5 days longer in the hospital (p < 0.001 by analysis of variance) than control patients. Abnormal spirometry (MEFV) and the single-breath nitrogen test (SBN2) were significant predictors of postoperative pulmonary complications (p < 0.001 by discriminant analysis method). Active smoking and history of respiratory disease were associated with abnormal small airway function (p < 0.001 by chisquare test), but did not predict postoperative morbidity. By analysis of variance, only a reduction in preoperative FVC emerged as predictive of prolonged hospitalization (p < 0.001). These results were used to determine if the selection of patients by preoperative pulmonary function testing permits more cost-effective administration of respiratory therapy (RT) Services. Neither the MEFV nor SBN2 had sufficient specificity to enhance the cost effectiveness of postoperative RT.
Breakbot: a social motivator for the workplace

Workplace injuries commonly result from long periods of inactivity during computer use. Software exists to help remind people to take breaks but is often ineffective. On the basis of design research performed in an office environment, we propose an emotionally expressive companion robot to encourage employees to take breaks and socialize more regularly. Initial reactions to our design were positive, and encourage further investigation.
Bis(4-methyl-N-{(2Z,4E)-4-[(4-methyl-phen-yl)imino]-pent-2-en-2-yl}anilinido)zinc.

The title compound, [Zn(C19H21N2)2], appears to be the first example of a zinc complex supported by two β-diketiminate (nacnac) ligands. This complex crystallizes with a distorted tetra­hedrally coordinated ZnII atom that diposes the two nacnac ligands approximately orthogonally to one another [angle between the two N—Zn—N mean planes is 89.91 (10)°], with average Zn—N bond lengths of 1.992 (4) A.
Potentially large contributions to the muon anomalous magnetic moment from weak-isosinglet squarks in E6 superstring models.

We examine contributions to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon from weak-isosinglet squarks found in E/sub 6/ superstring models. We find that such contributions are up to 2 orders of magnitude larger than those previously calculated and correspondingly require smaller Yukawa couplings in order to maintain agreement with the measured muon anomalous magnetic moment.
Helicobacter pylori directs tolerogenic programming of dendritic cells.

Our laboratory has shown that Helicobacter pylori infection in mice triggers an increase in the number of subepithelial lamina propria CD11c+ dendritic cells with luminal projections. The physical characteristic of these cells is consistent with their ability to traverse epithelial tight junctions as reported by Maria Recigno (Recigno et al. Nature Immunology 2001; 2:361-7). Gastric CD103+ dendritic cells, which are known to induce mucosal regulatory T cells, were also increased in number, raising the question whether H. pylori infection induces a regulatory T cell-skewed response by way of a bacteria-dendritic cell interaction. In fact, bone marrow-derived dendritic cells underwent tolerogenic programming, skewing the balance between effector and regulatory T cell responses towards regulatory T cell differentiation in a transforming growth factor-β- and interleukin-10-dependent manner. Depletion of regulatory T cell numbers augmented H. pylori-specific effector helper T cell responses, which correlated w...
The Ames case: HOW could it happen?

(1995). The Ames case: HOW could it happen? International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence: Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 133-154.
TU‐B‐211A‐01: Treatment Planning of Complex Cases: Strategies and Tradeoffs

The rapid increase in the complexity of treatment planning is a reflection of recent advances in the clinical technology. These include the use of multi‐modality and 4D imaging for planning, advanced treatment delivery and imaging capabilities available now on many linear accelerators.Intensity modulated radiotherapy(IMRT), already the most common form of treatment at some institutions, is increasingly being combined with other complex treatment capabilities such as respiratory monitoring or control, in‐room 2D or 3D imaging, or intra‐fractional patient motion monitoring. Successful integration of any of these methods into the clinic relies on the increasing sophistication and ability of treatment planning staff to design and prepare not just the dose distribution but all data and images required for treatment. Although IMRT optimization and leaf sequencing algorithms are fairly mature, confidently identifying an “optimum” plan and appropriately evaluating the normal tissue and target trade‐offs can still be difficult and time consuming particularly for complex cases. Complex treatment procedures such as image‐guided treatment or respiratory monitoring can present a substantial challenge in terms of the effort required to manage, evaluate and appropriately use the many image sets acquired during planning and treatment. Dose escalation protocols and stereotactic body radiosurgery programs are being initiated at more institutions. Each of these demands a careful evaluation of initial and daily patient preparation and setup and a thorough understanding of the uncertainties associated with planning and treatment. This course will focus on strategies and techniques for coping with some of the more complex planning issues that arise in today's technology‐intensive department on all stages, from planning image acquisition to dose delivery. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the trade‐offs in IMRT planning and the role of target/normal tissue geometry and beam geometry in creating IMRT plans 2. Understand the increasing role of treatment planning staff in the analysis, use and preparation of images for planning and treatment 3. Identify sources of inter‐ and intra‐fractional uncertainty and their impact on dose escalation and stereotactic body radiosurgery programs
Nutritional correlates of bioelectrical impedance phase angle in colorectal cancer

Purpose Malnutrition is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality in advanced cancer. Accurate assessment of malnutrition is a challenge in these patients. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a safe, simple, noninvasive and objective technique that is increasingly being used to evaluate nutritional status and changes in body composition in cancer patients. BIA measures resistance and reactance to the flow of a constant alternating electric current through a living organism, which in turn is used to calculate phase angle, a measure of cellular health and integrity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between BIA-derived phase angle and commonly used indicators of nutritional status. Methods A case series of 81 histologically confirmed stage III–IV colorectal cancer patients treated at Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center between January 2000 and March 2003 were included in the study. The correlations between phase angle and serum albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, and subjective global assessment (SGA) were studied using Spearman's correlation coefficient, due to the nonnormal distributions of these variables. Results We found a modest positive correlation between phase angle and albumin (r = 0.29; P = 0.01); the higher the phase angle, the greater the albumin levels and better the nutritional status. As expected, we also found a modest negative correlation between phase angle and SGA score (r = −0.29; P = 0.01); the higher the phase angle, the lower the SGA scores, suggesting better nourishment. No statistically significant correlations were found between phase angle and prealbumin (r = 0.06; P = 0.61) and transferrin (r = 0.17; P = 0.15). Conclusion Our study demonstrates that BIA-derived phase angle may be a useful nutritional indicator in advanced colorectal cancer.
The association of SNCA with hazardous alcohol use is mediated by impulsivity.

Author(s): Guillot, Casey R; Pang, Raina D; Leventhal, Adam M; Liang, Tiebing; Berman, Mitchell E
Examining the Association Between Implementation and Outcomes: State-wide Scale-up of School-wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports

Although there is an established literature supporting the efficacy of a variety of prevention programs, there has been less empirical work on the translation of such research to everyday practice or when scaled-up state-wide. There is a considerable need for more research on factors that enhance implementation of programs and optimize outcomes, particularly in school settings. The current paper examines how the implementation fidelity of an increasingly popular and widely disseminated prevention model called, School-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SW-PBIS), relates to student outcomes within the context of a state-wide scale-up effort. Data come from a scale-up effort of SW-PBIS in Maryland; the sample included 421 elementary and middle schools trained in SW-PBIS. SW-PBIS fidelity, as measured by one of three fidelity measures, was found to be associated with higher math achievement, higher reading achievement, and lower truancy. School contextual factors were related to implementation levels and outcomes. Implications for scale-up efforts of behavioral and mental health interventions and measurement considerations are discussed.
Itinerant theory of localized magnetism

Abstract We show that the neutral-quasiparticle picture implicit in band theory accounts well for “localized” magnetic behavior in a variety of materials, e.g., Heusler alloys, gadolinium and the 3d monoxides, for which we present a quantitative theory of magnetic order, optical absorption, direct and inverse photoemission, tunneling and T (Neel).
Site-selective acute desensitization following local administration of opioid in the hippocampus

Abstract Electrophoretic administration of the μ selective opioid agonist [D-Ala2, NMe-Phe4, Gly-ol]-Enkephalin (DAMGO) in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus acutely produces a marked increase in the responsiveness of dentate granule cells to perforant path stimulation. This can be measured by an increase in the primary population spike (PS) amplitude and by disinhibition in the paired-pulse (PP) paradigm. Concomitantly, the spontaneous single unit activity of interneurons is usually inhibited. We have observed that after prolonged (usually 10–20 min) local (electrophoretic) administration of DAMGO, a second, late effect is noted, suggesting acute desensitization. There is a loss of the disinhibition seen in the PP paradigm while the primary PS shows only some increased variability in response to stimulation. Furthermore, in a time course parallel to the loss of disinhibition, single cell activity intially inhibited by DAMGO appears to lose its responsiveness. Pretreatment with κ or δ opioid agonists, or with GABA agonists and antagonists, does not affect the development of this desensitization suggesting selective involvement of the μ receptor. We further propose a regional specificity within the hippocampus since we are unable to detect evidence of desensitization to opioid in CA1 using the same techniques.
Effects of solids retention time on the performance of bioreactors bioaugmented with a 17β-estradiol-utilizing bacterium, Sphingomonas strain KC8.

Abstract This study investigated the performance of lab-scale sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) that were inoculated with nitrifying activated sludge and bioaugmented with a Sphingomonas strain KC8 (a 17β-estradiol-degrading bacterium). The bioaugmented SBRs were supplied with synthetic wastewater (average initial total organic carbon (TOC) = 175 mg L −1 and average initial ammonia–N = 25 mg L −1 ) and daily dose of 17β-estradiol (1 mg L −1 ) and operated under three solid retention times (SRTs) of 5, 10, and 20 d. After three times periods of the operating SRTs, the overall removal of TOC (>87%) and ammonia (>91%) was similar in all the SBRs. Higher 17β-estradiol removals (>99%) were observed for the SBRs. Neither estrogens nor estrogenic activity was detected in the treated water, except some samples from the SBR operating under 5 d of SRT. The ratios of known estrogen degraders ( Sphingomonas strain KC8 and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria) and amo A gene to the total bacterial population decreased as SRT increased, suggesting the presence of unknown estrogen-degraders in SBRs operating at SRT = 10 and 20 d. Real-time-terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis showed that the evenness of microbial community structures was not affected by the SRT; while, the diversity indices suggest that longer SRTs might lead to more diverse microbial community structure. Overall, the results suggested that bioaugmented bioreactors operating at long SRTs (10 and 20 d) were effective in removing 17β-estradiol to the non-estrogenic treatment endpoint.
European Contexts for English Republicanism

In the summer of 2011 an international conference was held at the University of Potsdam entitled ‘English Republican Ideas and Networks in C17th and C18th Europe’, in celebration of the 400th anniv...
Beneficial endocrine but adverse exocrine effects of sitagliptin in the human islet amyloid polypeptide transgenic rat model of type 2 diabetes: interactions with metformin.

OBJECTIVE We sought to establish the extent and mechanisms by which sitagliptin and metformin singly and in combination modify islet disease progression in human islet amyloid polypeptide transgenic (HIP) rats, a model for type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS HIP rats were treated with sitagliptin, metformin, sitagliptin plus metformin, or no drug as controls for 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, and β-cell mass, function, and turnover were measured in each group. RESULTS Sitagliptin plus metformin had synergistic effects to preserve β-cell mass in HIP rats. Metformin more than sitagliptin inhibited β-cell apoptosis. Metformin enhanced hepatic insulin sensitivity; sitagliptin enhanced extrahepatic insulin sensitivity with a synergistic effect in combination. β-Cell function was partially preserved by sitagliptin plus metformin. However, sitagliptin treatment was associated with increased pancreatic ductal turnover, ductal metaplasia, and, in one rat, pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS The combination of metformin and sitagliptin had synergistic actions to preserve β-cell mass and function and enhance insulin sensitivity in the HIP rat model of type 2 diabetes. However, adverse actions of sitagliptin treatment on exocrine pancreas raise concerns that require further evaluation.
Non-coding RNAs--novel targets in neurotoxicity

Over the past ten years non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal players in fundamental physiological and cellular processes and have been increasingly implicated in cancer, immune disorders, and cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and metabolic diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a class of ncRNA molecules that function as negative regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression. miRNAs are predicted to regulate 60% of all human protein-coding genes and as such, play key roles in cellular and developmental processes, human health, and disease. Relative to counterparts that lack bindings sites for miRNAs, genes encoding proteins that are post-transcriptionally regulated by miRNAs are twice as likely to be sensitive to environmental chemical exposure. Not surprisingly, miRNAs have been recognized as targets or effectors of nervous system, developmental, hepatic, and carcinogenic toxicants, and have been identified as putative regulators of phase I xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes. In this review, we give an overview of the types of ncRNAs and highlight their roles in neurodevelopment, neurological disease, activity-dependent signaling, and drug metabolism. We then delve into specific examples that illustrate their importance as mediators, effectors, or adaptive agents of neurotoxicants or neuroactive pharmaceutical compounds. Finally, we identify a number of outstanding questions regarding ncRNAs and neurotoxicity.
The role of staff turnover in the implementation of evidence-based practices in mental health care

Objectives: This study examined turnover rates of teams implementing psychosocial evidence-based practices in public-sector mental health settings. It also explored the relationship between turnover and implementation outcomes in an effort to understand whether practitioner perspectives on turnover are related to implementation outcomes. Methods: Team turnover was measured for 42 implementing teams participating in a national demonstration project examining implementation of five evidence-based practices between 2002 and 2005. Regression techniques were used to analyze the effects of team turnover on penetration and fidelity. Qualitative data collected throughout the project were blended with the quantitative data to examine the significance of team turnover to those attempting to implement the practices. Results: High team turnover was common (M±SD=81%±46%) and did not vary by practice. The 24-month turnover rate was inversely related to fidelity scores at 24 months (N=40, beta=–.005, p=.01). A negative trend was observed for penetration. Further analysis indicated that 71% of teams noted that turnover was a relevant factor in implementation. Conclusions: The behavioral health workforce remains in flux. High turnover most often had a negative impact on implementation, although some teams were able to use strategies to improve implementation through turnover. Implementation models must consider turbulent behavioral health workforce conditions. (Psychiatric Services 59:732–737, 2008)
Context-Dependent Activation or Inhibition of Wnt-β-Catenin Signaling by Kremen

Wnt-beta-catenin signaling controls critical events in metazoan development, and its dysregulation leads to cancers and developmental disorders. Binding of a Wnt ligand to its transmembrane co-receptors Frizzled (Fz) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein (LRP) 5 or LRP6 inhibits the degradation of the transcriptional coactivator beta-catenin, which translocates to the nucleus to regulate gene expression. The secreted protein Dickkopf1 (Dkk1) inhibits Wnt signaling by binding to LRP5 and LRP6 and blocking their interaction with Wnt and Fz. Kremen 1 and 2 (Krm1 and 2, collectively termed Krms) are single-pass transmembrane Dkk1 receptors that synergize with Dkk1 to inhibit Wnt signaling by promoting the endocytosis of LRP5 and LRP6. A study now suggests that Krms, in the absence of Dkk1, potentiate Wnt signaling by maintaining LRP5 and LRP6 at the plasma membrane. It is proposed that the absence or presence of Dkk1 determines whether Krms will activate or inhibit Wnt-beta-catenin signaling, respectively. Here, we speculate that the proposed context-dependent positive and negative roles for Krms could promote biphasic Wnt signaling in response to a shallow gradient of Dkk1, resulting in the generation of precise and robust borders between cells during development. Identification of a context-dependent role for Krms in Wnt-beta-catenin signaling offers insight into the mechanism of Wnt signaling and has important developmental implications.
Nutritional Counseling in Midwifery and Obstetric Practice

It is generally acknowledged that pregnant women require healthy diets. However, the cultural idea of "eating for two" and what constitutes an "appropriate" diet during pregnancy have been contested grounds of research as guidelines have changed over the decades. Using a grounded theory approach, we examine how research on pregnancy nutrition is incorporated into practice and translated to patients by obstetricians and 2 categories of midwives--certified nurse midwives (CNMs) and direct-entry midwives (DEMs). Five themes emerged from interviews: (1) food and exercise as "two sides of the same coin"; (2) "good food" and "food that harms" dichotomies; (3) nutrition as holistic prevention; (4) institutionalized barriers to nutritional counseling; and (5) food and the obesity epidemic. An exploration of the conceptual connections between these themes by provider type suggests mechanisms that we argue may be functioning to produce, reproduce, and perpetuate midwifery and medical models of care and associated provider-effects on nutrition-related complications.
Adenosine myocardial perfusion imaging in the noninvasive diagnosis and prognosis of coronary artery disease

Adenosine is a purine base compound which is of fundamental importance in many physiologic processes in the body, including vasodilation in most arterial vascular beds. Adenosine produces maximal or near-maximal coronary vasodilation by interacting with the adenosine A2 receptors in the cell wall, on a dose dependent fashion. The mechanism of thallium-201 myocardial perfusion defects induced by adenosine scintigraphy is a heterogeneity of myocardial blood flow due to a greater coronary flow increase in the normal arteries and a lesser increase in the stenotic arteries. The ultra-short half-life of adenosine (< 10 sec) necessitates continuous intravenous administration at a dose of 140 μg/kg/min for six min. The excellent safety record of this regimen has been demonstrated in several thousand patients in the United States. Side effects occur in most patients during adenosine infusion. Chest pain occurs often and in some cases may be due to a true coronary steal phenomenon. In the author's experience, first degree AV block occurs in approximately 10% and second or third degree AV block in approximately 4% of the patients, and are due to the negative dromotropic effect of adenosine on the AV node. On the positive side, these untoward effects are very short-lived and typically disappear within one or two minutes after discontinuing the adenosine infusion. No serious complications or fatalities have been observed to date with this test. The cumulative experience with adenosine thallium-201 scintigraphy indicates high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Recent data also suggest it may be an excellent technique to assess a patient's prognosis early after a myocardial infarction. Adenosine-induced coronary vasodilation, in combination with thallium-201 or the new technetium-99m perfusion agents, holds great promise in the assessment of patients with coronary artery disease. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Photochemical delivery of bleomycin in malignant glioma cells

Photochemical Delivery of Bleomycin in Malignant Glioma Cells by Joseph William Blickenstaff III Dr. Steen Madsen, Examination Committee Chair Professor of Health Physics University of Nevada, Las Vegas Despite continued efforts, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains an incurable form of primary brain cancer. Surgical resection followed by radiation treatment and chemotherapy have been the most effective modalities in prolonging median survival time to 14 months. This research aims to study the response of two different cell culture models to a novel drug delivery method termed photochemical internalization (PCI). PCI is a technique to improve the utilization of macromolecules (e.g. the chemotherapeutic drug bleomycin) in site-specific cancer therapy. This concept is based on the use of specially designed photosensitizers (e.g. aluminum phthalocyanine disulfonate; AlPcS2a) which preferentially localize in the membranes of endocytic vesicles. The utility of PCI for treating malignant gliomas was investigated in vitro using: (1) F98 rat glioma monolayer cells, and (2) biopsy-derived human glioma spheroids. For both in vitro systems, PCI was found to interact in a synergistic manner resulting in significant toxicity. For example, the combination of 1.5 J/cm photodynamic therapy (PDT) and 0.25 (xg/mL bleomycin resulted in approximately 25% survival in F98 rat glioma cells while only 35% of human glioma spheroids were observed to be growing iii two weeks post treatment. Overall, the degree of synergism was found to be less pronounced in the spheroid model. Collectively, the results show that AlPcS2a-mediated PCI can be used to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents such as bleomycin in malignant gliomas.
Effective thermal expansion behaviors of ultrathin low-dielectric polymer film for microelectronic applications

The thickness dependent effective thermal expansion properties for low-dielectric polycrystalline polymer film in the thickness range of 96 nm to 1154 nm are investigated. It is demonstrated that the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) are strongly thickness dependent. It is evident that the numerical range for the coefficients of thermal expansion is smaller for thinner samples and becomes increasingly larger for thicker samples with increasing temperature. The results show that the thickness-dependent CTEs depend on the film thickness as a result of the mobility at both film/surface and film/substrate, and a model for the film thickness-dependent CTE is also discussed. The thickness dependence of dCTE/dT is also investigated and is seen to be strongly thickness dependent for the ultrathin films. Ultrathin films have a very low dCTE/dT, which increases with thickness but eventually plateaus above a certain film thickness. The results are explained in terms of the confinement effect on a silicon substrate.
The Expanding Role for ITAM-Based Signaling Pathways in Immune Cells

The immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) is the primary signaling domain used by classical immunoreceptors, such as the antigen receptors on B and T lymphocytes and the Fc receptors (FcRs) on myeloid cells. The ITAM is contained in the intracellular region of subunits associated with these receptors, often in pairs, or is part of the cytoplasmic domain of the receptors themselves. Data from many investigators have demonstrated that ITAMs are both necessary and sufficient for initiation of signaling downstream of all immunoreceptors. More recent reports indicate that ITAM signaling is used by additional receptors beyond the classical immunoreceptors: Cell adhesion molecules (integrins and PSGL-1), chemokine receptors (CXCR4), plexins, and lectin receptors all mediate immune cell function through ITAM-like signaling pathways. This convergence of intracellular signaling pathways in leukocytes illuminates the importance of tyrosine-based activation motifs in the immune system and suggests that inhibitors of ITAM signaling may have broader effects than originally envisioned.
Excretion of Two Δ5-3β-OH, 16 α-hydroxysteroids by Normal Infants and Children

The quantities of two Δ5-3β OH,16α-hydroxysteroids,16-OH-pregnenolone (16-OH-PG) and 16-OH-dehydroepiandrosterone (16-OH-DHA) have been determined in 41 24-hr urine specimens from 35 infants and children. 16-OH-PG was present in all samples obtained during the first month of life and in no samples obtained after 6 months of age. 16-OH-DHA was present in 18 of 21 samples obtained in the first month and also was absent in samples obtained after 6 months of age. The excretion of these steroids in early infancy is considered to be consistent with the known enzymatic characteristics of the fetal and neonatal adrenal cortex: low activity of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and high activity of 6α-hydroxylation. The relative roles of the liver and of the fetal zone of the adrenal cortex in determining the decreasing excretion with increasing age are discussed.
Job Stress and Incivility: What Role Does Psychological Capital Play?

Uncivil behaviors are costly to organizations due to their resulting decrease in health, performance, and attendance among employees. The purpose of the present study is to examine whether job stress increases one’s tendency to display uncivil behaviors and whether psychological capital moderates this relationship. A total of 390 working adults completed a questionnaire assessing the level of stress at their current job, their level of psychological capital, and the extent to which they display uncivil behaviors at work. Results indicated that psychological capital buffers the effect of job stress on incivility.
Definition of power components in the presence of distorted waveforms using time domain technique

Conventional design of capacitors for power factor correction at any bus in a system is based on the fundamental component of reactive power. In case of nonsinusoidal situations the conventional method for designing these capacitors does not give the expected power factor at a certain bus due to harmonic distortion and resonance. The authors review the power components in the time domain. These components are active, reactive and residual power. The authors also show that designing capacitors for power factor correction should be based on an accurate method for calculating reactive power in the presence of harmonics and distortion. >
Use of the Jacobian to Verify Smooth Movement in Watt I and Stephenson I Six-Bar Linkages

In this paper we present an algorithm applicable to the Watt I and Stephenson I six-bar linkage designs which determines if a candidate linkage moves smoothly through a desired range of input angles. Intended for use with a synthesis routine our algorithm uses the Jacobian of the linkage to determine if a linkage moves smoothly by identifying the continuous existence of a desired branch of a single circuit for all input angles within a bounded range. With the constraint that the input angle must be contained within the four-bar loop, the determinant of the Jacobian is factored into components that represent the individual linkage loops. The algorithm starts with a linkage of a known configuration which reaches one of the desired task positions to establish the set of signs for these determinants and this set is tracked for consistency throughout the bounded range of input angles. Linkages with defects that exist in a narrow range of input angles are addressed by numerically identifying the input angles which correspond to the minimal value of the Jacobian determinants. We verify that at these input angles the linkage remains on the same branch of the same circuit. A Watt I and Stephenson I six-bar linkage that passes this test will move smoothly through the desired range of input angles. Examples using Mathematica demonstrate the application of the algorithm on both the Watt I and Stephenson I linkage types.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Gandhi Marg: the social construction and production of an ethnic economy in Chicago

In this paper, I critically examine the processes underlying the reconfiguration of urban space by players in an Asian Indian ethnic economy in the city of Chicago. I argue that Asian Indian immigrants have altered city space to fit their personal visions of a dynamic, successful ethnic commercial center that represents multiple possibilities simultaneously: a location for Indian place-making, the experience of community, and a site for political power.
Increased Mitochondrial Calcium Sensitivity and Abnormal Expression of Innate Immunity Genes Precede Dopaminergic Defects in Pink1-Deficient Mice

Background PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) is linked to recessive Parkinsonism (EOPD). Pink1 deletion results in impaired dopamine (DA) release and decreased mitochondrial respiration in the striatum of mice. To reveal additional mechanisms of Pink1-related dopaminergic dysfunction, we studied Ca2+ vulnerability of purified brain mitochondria, DA levels and metabolism and whether signaling pathways implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD) display altered activity in the nigrostriatal system of Pink1−/− mice. Methods and Findings Purified brain mitochondria of Pink1−/− mice showed impaired Ca2+ storage capacity, resulting in increased Ca2+ induced mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) that was rescued by cyclosporine A. A subpopulation of neurons in the substantia nigra of Pink1−/− mice accumulated phospho-c-Jun, showing that Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity is increased. Pink1−/− mice 6 months and older displayed reduced DA levels associated with increased DA turnover. Moreover, Pink1−/− mice had increased levels of IL-1β, IL-12 and IL-10 in the striatum after peripheral challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and Pink1−/− embryonic fibroblasts showed decreased basal and inflammatory cytokine-induced nuclear factor kappa-β (NF-κB) activity. Quantitative transcriptional profiling in the striatum revealed that Pink1−/− mice differentially express genes that (i) are upregulated in animals with experimentally induced dopaminergic lesions, (ii) regulate innate immune responses and/or apoptosis and (iii) promote axonal regeneration and sprouting. Conclusions Increased mitochondrial Ca2+ sensitivity and JNK activity are early defects in Pink1−/− mice that precede reduced DA levels and abnormal DA homeostasis and may contribute to neuronal dysfunction in familial PD. Differential gene expression in the nigrostriatal system of Pink1−/− mice supports early dopaminergic dysfunction and shows that Pink1 deletion causes aberrant expression of genes that regulate innate immune responses. While some differentially expressed genes may mitigate neurodegeneration, increased LPS-induced brain cytokine expression and impaired cytokine-induced NF-κB activation may predispose neurons of Pink1−/− mice to inflammation and injury-induced cell death.
Smart cameras as embedded systems

Recent technological advances are enabling a new generation of smart cameras that represent a quantum leap in sophistication. While today's digital cameras capture images, smart cameras capture high-level descriptions of the scene and analyze what they see. These devices could support a wide variety of applications including human and animal detection, surveillance, motion analysis, and facial identification. Video processing has an insatiable demand for real-time performance. Smart cameras leverage very large-scale integration to meet this need in a low-cost, low-power system with substantial memory. Moving well beyond pixel processing and compression, these VLSI systems run a wide range of algorithms to extract meaning from streaming video. Recently, Princeton University researchers developed a first-generation smart camera system that can detect people and analyze their movement in real time. Because they push the design space in so many dimensions, these smart cameras are a leading-edge application for embedded system research.
Human Alveolar Macrophage Function: Differences Between Smokers and Nonsmokers

Human alveolar macrophages and peripheral blood monocytes were obtained from smoking and nonsmoking normal volunteers. The macrophages and menecytes were incubated in vitro with bacterial lipopolysaccaride (LPS). The oxidative metabolic response of these cells was measured by superoxide anion production. Macrophages from smokers were suppressed In their superoxide anion response to LPS activation as compared to macrophages from nonsmokers. Monocytes from smokers and nonsmokers were not different. The cytotoxic properties of these macrophages and mono. cytes were assessed by an In vitro 3H-thymidlne release assay against various aliogeneic target cells. Macrophages and monocytes exposed to LPS were rendered tumoricidal. Macrophages from nonsmokers appeared to generate greater cytotoxic activity than macrophages from smokers. Macrophages from both smokers and nonsmokers were cytotoxic for three different tumorigenic cell lines but not for a nontumorigenic cell line. Monocytes from smokers and nonsmokers were not different in cytotoxic activity. We conclude that macrophages from both smokers and nonsmokers can be activated after exposure to LPS; however, macrophages from smokers may be slightly suppressed In their responses.