cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Open repair of intact thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

Objective Open surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) is uncommon. Mortality rates of 20% are reported in studies using national data and are 5% to 8% in single-institution studies. Clinical trials are currently evaluating branched and fenestrated endografts. The purpose of this study is to establish a benchmark for future comparisons with endovascular trials using open repair of TAAAs in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Methods We identified all patients undergoing open elective and emergency surgical repair of intact TAAAs in NSQIP (2005 to 2010) using Current Procedural Terminology (American Medical Association, Chicago, Ill) and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition codes. We analyzed demographics, comorbidities, 30-day mortality, postoperative complications, and length of stay. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of mortality. Results We identified 450 patients who underwent open surgical repair (418 elective, 32 emergent) of an intact TAAA. Mean age was 69.4 years, 60.7% were male, and 85.6% were white. Comorbidities included hypertension (87.1%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (27.3%), prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (16.7%), diabetes (11.6%), and peripheral vascular disease (9.6%). Thirty-day mortality was 10.0%. Pulmonary complications were the most common: failure to wean from ventilator (39.1%), pneumonia (23.1%), and reintubation (13.8%). Acute renal failure requiring dialysis occurred in 10.7% of patients. Multivariable analysis (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]) showed predictors of mortality were emergent repair (3.3 [1.03-10.83]; P = .04), age >70 years (3.5 [1.03-7.56], P = .001), preoperative dialysis (8.4 [1.90-37.29], P = .005), cardiac complication (2.9 [1.05-8.21], P = .04), and renal complications (8.4 [3.41-20.56], P Conclusions In this study of NSQIP hospitals, the first to analyze open surgical repair of TAAAs, the 30-day mortality rate of 10.0% is similar to single-institution reports. However, morbidity and mortality after open TAAA repair remain high, confirming the need for less invasive procedures.
A SU-8-Based Fully Integrated Biocompatible Inductively Powered Wireless Neurostimulator

A fully integrated minimally invasive compact polymer-based wireless neurostimulator was designed, fabricated, and characterized both in open air and in vivo. The neurostimulator (3.1 × 1.6 × 0.3 mm) consists of a planar spiral coil for wireless power supply through inductive coupling, two Schottky diodes for full-wave rectification, an application-specific integrated circuit neurostimulator circuit chip for stimulus spike signal generation, and two biphasic platinum-iridium (PtIr) stimulation electrodes. The device is fully integrated and completely embedded in biocompatible SU-8 packaging. For in vivo testing, the wireless neurostimulator was implanted subcutaneously in a rat hind limb. At the coupling power of 21 dBm (125 mW) at 394-MHz resonant frequency, stable and robust cortical responses during extended periods of wireless stimulation were recorded.
Heart Valve Development Endothelial Cell Signaling and Differentiation

During the past decade, single gene disruption in mice and large-scale mutagenesis screens in zebrafish have elucidated many fundamental genetic pathways that govern early heart patterning and differentiation. Specifically, a number of genes have been revealed serendipitously to play important and selective roles in cardiac valve development. These initially surprising results have now converged on a finite number of signaling pathways that regulate endothelial proliferation and differentiation in developing and postnatal heart valves. This review highlights the roles of the most well-established ligands and signaling pathways, including VEGF, NFATc1, Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, BMP/TGF-β, ErbB, and NF1/Ras. Based on the interactions among and relative timing of these pathways, a signaling network model for heart valve development is proposed.
Liquid Dairy Waste Transport and Land Application Cost Comparisons Considering Herd Size, Transport Distance, and Nitrogen versus Phosphorus Application Rates

This study provides cost comparisons for the transport and application of dairy waste slurries based on both phosphorus and nitrogen application rates. Estimated cost comparisons are made for several commonly used systems for dairy waste transport and application. Five dairy sizes ranging from 50 to 2,000 cows using 13 transport and application systems were evaluated. For each dairy size, the costs associated with the transport and application system combinations were determined for transport distances of 0.5, 1.5, and 4.5 miles for both nitrogen and phosphorus-based application rates. Total annual system cost, cost per acre, cost per cow, and manure value as fertilizer per acre based on nutrient requirements for a 20-ton per acre corn silage crop were calculated. Results indicate that depending on transport and application system choice, transport distance, and operation herd size, phosphorus-based applications caused cost increases of 5 to 60% over nitrogen-based application rates, an amount that could be significant to dairy producers.
Medication Use Among Children <12 Years of Age in the United States: Results From the Slone Survey

OBJECTIVES: Using data from the Slone Survey, we sought to define the prevalence of over-the-counter and prescription medication use among US children METHODS: The Slone Survey was a random-digit-dial telephone survey of medication use in the previous 7 days for a representative sample of the US population. Between February 1998 and April 2007, we enrolled 2857 children 0 to 11 years of age from the 48 contiguous US states. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 61%. Overall, 56% of children had used ≥1 medication product in the 7 days preceding the interview, with 15%, 7.1%, 3.1%, and 1.9% taking 2, 3, 4, and ≥5 medications, respectively, during that time period. Twenty percent of children took ≥1 prescription-only medications, but CONCLUSIONS: The majority of US children
Matching network design using non-Foster impedances

Non-Foster synthesis bypasses the gain-bandwidth limitations of conventional LC matching and achieves superior broadband performance by employing negative circuit elements, which are realized via n...
Transient changes in the synthesis of nitric oxide result in long-term as well as short-term changes in acetic acid-induced writhing in mice

Abstract A single injection of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) inhibitors prevents the development of persistent hyperalgesia induced by various manipulations, suggesting that NO precipitates long-term changes in nociception. We examined the possibility that inhibition of NOS may also be sufficient to produce long-term decreases in nociceptive assays, such as writhing, that are known to be sensitive to the short-term effects of NOS inhibitors. We characterized short- and long-term effects of NOS inhibitors, N ω -nitro- l -arginine ( l -NAME) or 7-nitro indazole (7-NI) injected intrathecally (i.t.) in mice on acetic acid-induced writhing. Doses of l -NAME that had no effect on hot plate or tail flick latencies inhibited writhing (0.01–30 nmol) as well as spinal nNOS activity (5 and 100 nmol) when injected i.t. 60–90 min before testing. Anti-nociception was not mimicked by d -NAME but was prevented by co-administration with the NO precursor, l -arginine. Injection i.t. of 7-NI (30 min), a selective inhibitor of neuronal NOS (nNOS), inhibited NOS activity in the spinal cord and produced anti-nociception, confirming that writhing is sensitive to inhibition of nNOS. Although the acute action of both NOS inhibitors dissipated completely by 3–6 h, a delayed and prolonged inhibition of writhing was again observed 24 h after l -NAME (5–100 nmol), a time when spinal NOS activity was no longer inhibited by l -NAME (5 and 100 nmol) or 7-NI (25 nmol). This novel effect appears to be initiated by the transient inhibition of nNOS as delayed anti-nociception was mimicked by 7-NI at doses (10–100 nmol) that no longer inhibited spinal nNOS (25 nmol) at 24 h. Co-administration with l -arginine prevented the delayed (24 h) anti-nociceptive effects of l -NAME (30 nmol). l -Arginine (30 and 100 nmol) was without effect on nociception when administered alone 60 min or 24 h prior to testing. Together these data indicate that brief changes in the activity of nNOS induce both long- as well as short-term changes in nociception.
Communication Research and the Attitude-Verbal Report-Overt Behavior Relationship: A Critique and Theoretic Reformulation.

Although communication theory provides a significant rationale for the relationship of messages to both attitudes and behaviors, relatively few researchers have examined systematically the effects of communication on attitude statements and related behaviors. Those studies which have assessed communication effects on both classes of behavior have yielded conflicting findings concerning verbal report-overt behavior correspondence, as well as the role of communication and mediating variables in underlying attitude-verbal report-overt act relationships. It is argued that inconclusive results have been the product of: (1) inadequate theoretical formulation of the relationship of attitudes to behaviors, and of communication to both attitudes and behaviors; (2) inadequate conceptual and operational definitions of these and other relevant variables; (3) inadequate control of factors influencing the relationships. Theoretical reformulations are suggested in each of these areas, hypotheses are offered concerning conditions for verbal report-overt behavior compliance correspondence, and a path analytic model is proposed for empirical test.
Fibrin concentration affects ACL fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis

Abstract Fibrin is a frequently used biomaterial in surgery and tissue engineering. While it has been shown that fibrin supports cellular proliferation and biosynthesis, there is a scarcity of studies focusing on the effects of fibrin concentration. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of fibrin concentrations around the physiological concentration of 3mg/ml on the behavior of ligament fibroblasts. Fibroblasts were obtained from the anterior cruciate ligaments of four pigs and seeded throughout fibrin gels of either 1, 3, or 6mg/ml fibrin. The gels were collected at 2, 6, and 10days for measurement of DNA and collagen content. We found that both DNA and collagen content increased significantly over time in gels made with all concentrations of fibrin. However, the increases were significantly lower in gels made with the higher concentrations of fibrin (3 and 6mg/ml). Microscopic assessment of FITC-labeled gels showed a decrease in pore size at high fibrin concentrations, which might be a reason for the observed effect on bioactivity. To enhance cell behavior and thus clinical results fibrin applications should build on physiologic or sub-physiologic concentrations, and those with higher concentrations, such as currently available sealants, should be used cautiously.
Content-Based Dynamic 3D Mosaics

We propose a content-based 3D mosaic (CB3M) representation for long video sequences of 3D and dynamic scenes captured by a camera on a mobile platform. After a set of parallel-perspective (pushbroom) mosaics with varying viewing directions is generated, a multi-view, segmentation-based stereo matching algorithm is applied to extract parametric representations of the color, structure and motion of the dynamic and/or 3D objects in urban scenes. We use the fact that all the static objects obey the epipolar geometry of pushbroom stereo, whereas an independent moving object either violates the epipolar geometry if the motion is not in the direction of sensor motion or exhibits unusual 3D structures. The CB3M is a highly compressed visual representation for a very long video sequence of a dynamic 3D scene. More importantly, the CB3M representation has object contents of both 3D and motion. Experimental results are given for the CB3M construction for both simulated and real video sequences.
Hydrolysis of Tifton 85 bermudagrass in a pressurized batch hot water reactor.

BACKGROUND: Ethanol production from grass is desirable due to the large amount of biomass it produces. However, a pretreatment is necessary before fermentation to increase ethanol yield. Tifton 85 bermudagrass was treated with a newly designed pressurized batch hot water reactor. Multiple temperatures, pressures, and reaction times were evaluated, and reducing sugars liberated during enzymatic hydrolysis were determined. RESULTS: Pressure had a negligible effect on digestibility of the grass, and a reaction temperature of 230 °C for 2 min was the most effective in releasing reducing sugars. Fermentations were conducted with untreated grass and with grass treated for 2 min at 200 °C or 230 °C to confirm that the increase in reducing sugar concentration resulted in an increased ethanol yield. Following hydrolysis with 2 filter paper units (FPU) of a mixed cellulase enzyme cocktail per gram dry weight of grass, fermentations were performed with engineered Escherichia coli strain LY01. Grass treated at 230 °C produced 14.7 g L−1 of ethanol, which was significantly higher than 200 °C treated grass (11.0 g L−1) and untreated grass (9.0 g L−1). Ferulic and para-coumaric acids were also released during the fermentations. CONCLUSION: Pressurized batch hot water reactor pretreatment is effective in increasing ethanol yield of grass in fermentations. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Thrombocytosis: a retrospective study of 165 dogs

Background Thrombocytosis has been associated with various conditions, including inflammation, neoplasia, iron deficiency, splenectomy, and drug administration. Objective The aim of this study was to characterize diseases and conditions associated with thrombocytosis in dogs. Methods In this retrospective study, dogs with thrombocytosis (platelet count > 600 × 10(3) /μL) and complete medical records during a 1-year period were included, and breed, sex, age, CBC results, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltransferase activities in some dogs, administration of glucocorticoids or vincristine, and primary diagnosis were evaluated. Results Thrombocytosis was found in 240 of 5342 dogs (4.6%), and 165 (3.1%) met inclusion criteria. Thrombocytosis was secondary in all dogs, and underlying diseases and conditions (n,%) were neoplasia (56, 33.9%), inflammation (55, 33.3%), miscellaneous disorders (26, 15.8%), neoplasia plus a second disease (13, 7.9%), endocrine diseases (8, 4.8%), and multiple diseases (7, 4.2%). In dogs with neoplasia, carcinomas (24) and round cell neoplasms (20), especially lymphoma and mast cell tumor, were the most frequent tumors. Inflammatory disorders consisted of immune-mediated disorders (11), neurologic diseases (8), infectious diseases (6), allergic disease (5), orthopedic diseases (4), gastrointestinal diseases (4), and miscellaneous conditions (17). Of the 165 dogs, 73 (44.2%) had received glucocorticoids (55) or vincristine (18) Marked (850-969 × 10(3) platelets/μL) or extreme ( ≥ 970 × 10(3) platelets/μL) thrombocytosis occurred in 24 (14.5%) dogs; 12 (50.0%) had neoplasia. Thromboembolism occurred in 13 (7.9%) dogs. Conclusions Thrombocytosis in dogs occurred most frequently secondary to neoplastic and inflammatory diseases and was commonly associated with glucocorticoid and vincristine administration. Thromboembolic complications occurred in a small number of patients. Marked or extreme thrombocytosis was more likely to occur with neoplasia than with other conditions.
Recovery as an Interactive Process: Explanation and Empowerment in 12-Step Programs

The increasing popularity of the recovery movement suggests that movement ideology is serving a function for many individuals. This article examines how the understandings available through popular recovery movement literature and programs are regarded as empowering by those engaged in what they define as a process of recovery. Through ethnographic investigation and interviews, the common communicative elements of the process are examined, and aspects of recovery that hover above popular notions are delineated. An example of this is the paradox of powerlessness on which many recovery programs are based. The understandings allow for a change in the communicative stance in the world of the recovering person, and provide a means for the reconstruction of both personal identity and personal history. Furthermore, it ties these processes of personal change to processes of social change.
Factors affecting the deposition of inhaled porous drug particles.

Recent findings indicate that the inhalation of large manufactured porous particles may be particularly effective for drug delivery. In this study, a mathematical model was employed to systematically investigate the effects of particle size, particle density, aerosol polydispersity, and patient ventilatory parameters on deposition patterns of inhaled drugs in healthy human lungs. Aerodynamically similar particles with densities of 0.1, 1.0, and 2.0 g/cm(3) were considered. Particle size distributions were defined with mass median aerodynamic diameters (MMADs) ranging from 1 to 3 microm and geometric standard deviations ranging from 1.5 to 2.5, representing particles in the respirable size range. Breathing rates of 30 and 60 L/min with tidal volumes of 500 to 3000 mL were assumed, simulating shallow to deep breaths from a dry powder inhaler. Particles with a high density and a small geometric diameter had slightly greater deposition fractions than particles that were aerodynamically similar, but had lower density and larger geometric size (typical of manufactured porous particles). This can be explained by the fact that particles with a small geometric diameter deposit primarily by diffusion, which is a function of geometric size but is independent of density. As MMAD increased, the effect of density on deposition was less pronounced because of the decreased efficiency of diffusion for large particles. These data suggest that polydisperse aerosols containing a significant proportion of submicron particles will deposit in the pulmonary airways with greater efficiency than aerodynamically similar aerosols comprised of geometrically larger porous particles.
Development of fine‐resolution analyses and expanded large‐scale forcing properties: 2. Scale awareness and application to single‐column model experiments

Fine-resolution three-dimensional fields have been produced using the Community Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) data assimilation system for the U.S. Department of Energy's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program (ARM) Southern Great Plains region. The GSI system is implemented in a multiscale data assimilation framework using the Weather Research and Forecasting model at a cloud-resolving resolution of 2 km. From the fine-resolution three-dimensional fields, large-scale forcing is derived explicitly at grid-scale resolution; a subgrid-scale dynamic component is derived separately, representing subgrid-scale horizontal dynamic processes. Analyses show that the subgrid-scale dynamic component is often a major component over the large-scale forcing for grid scales larger than 200 km. The single-column model (SCM) of the Community Atmospheric Model version 5 is used to examine the impact of the grid-scale and subgrid-scale dynamic components on simulated precipitation and cloud fields associated with a mesoscale convective system. It is found that grid-scale size impacts simulated precipitation, resulting in an overestimation for grid scales of about 200 km but an underestimation for smaller grids. The subgrid-scale dynamic component has an appreciable impact on the simulations, suggesting that grid-scale and subgrid-scale dynamic components should be considered in the interpretation of SCM simulations.
Lipase maturation factor 1 (Lmf1), a new gene in hypertriglyceridemia

‘Simply put, hypertriglyceridemia is caused by either increased rates of TG secretion by the liver or by decreased rates of TG removal from the circulation.’ An overabundance of plasma triglycerides (TGs; hypertriglyceridemia) is associated with the common diseases of diabetes, obesity and coronary artery disease, and if uncontrolled, can lead to pancreatitis and atherosclerosis [1,2]. Simply put, hypertriglyceridemia is caused by either increased rates of TG secretion by the liver or by decreased rates of TG removal from the circulation. While its root cause may be simple, the contributing genes and processes affecting rates of TG secretion and removal are not. They are multifaceted and complex, and while some have been studied for many years, a complete list of contributing factors is lacking. This is clear from studies that have failed to find mutations in the current set of candidate genes for diabetes-asso
UWB Radar Sensor Networks Detection of Targets in Foliage Using Short-Time Fourier Transform

In this paper, we study target detection in foliage environment. When radar echoes are in good quality, the detection of target can be achieved by applying short time Fourier transform (STFT) to the received UWB radar waveform. We compare our approach in case of no target as well as with target against the scheme in which 2-D image was created via adding voltages with the appropriate time offset. Results show that our approach can detect target more easily. When radar echoes are in poor condition and single radar is unable to carry out the detection, we employ both Radar Sensor Networks (RSN) and RAKE structure to combine the echoes from different radar members and finally detect the target.
A declarative formalization of knowledge translation

We describe an interllngua-based methodology for translating encoded knowledge and present a formalism for declaratively specifying vocabulary translations within a predicate logic interlingua. In this paper we (1) use the formalism to provide a semantics for translation, (2) show that the formalism enables translation to be done as deduction by a standard theorem prover, (3) describe a proof technique for determining whether a given set of rules for translating from one vocabulary to another is sufficient for performing that translation for any theory, and (4) describe techniques for precompiling translation rules that translate directly between two given vocabularies.
Dual Mode Sensing of Crack Growth in Steel Bridge Structures

Monitoring of fatigue cracking in steel bridge structures using a combined passive and active scheme has been approached by the authors. Passive acoustic emission (AE) monitoring is able to detect crack growth behavior by picking up the stress waves resulting from the breathing of cracks while active ultrasonic pulsing can quantitatively assess structural defect by sensing out an interrogating pulse and receiving the structural reflections. The dual-mode sensing functionality is pursued by using the R15I ultrasonic transducers.In the paper, we presented the subject dual-mode sensing on steel compact tension (CT) specimens in a laboratory setup. Passive AE sensing was performed during fatigue loading and showed its capability to detect crack growth and location. At selected intervals of loading cycles, the test was paused to allow for active sensing by pulsing the transducers in a round-robin pattern. Plate waves were excited, propagated and interacted within the structure. Several approaches were proposed to analyze the interrogation data and to correlate the data features with crack growth. Root means square deviation (RMSD) damage index (DI) was found as a good indicator for indicating the overall crack development. Short time Fourier transform (STFT) provided both time and frequency information at the same time. Moreover, wave velocity analysis showed interesting results when crack developed across the transmitter-receiver path.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Chameleons communicate with complex colour changes during contests: different body regions convey different information.

Many animals display static coloration (e.g. of feathers or fur) that can serve as a reliable sexual or social signal, but the communication function of rapidly changing colours (as in chameleons and cephalopods) is poorly understood. We used recently developed photographic and mathematical modelling tools to examine how rapid colour changes of veiled chameleons Chamaeleo calyptratus predict aggressive behaviour during male–male competitions. Males that achieved brighter stripe coloration were more likely to approach their opponent, and those that attained brighter head coloration were more likely to win fights; speed of head colour change was also an important predictor of contest outcome. This correlative study represents the first quantification of rapid colour change using organism-specific visual models and provides evidence that the rate of colour change, in addition to maximum display coloration, can be an important component of communication. Interestingly, the body and head locations of the relevant colour signals map onto the behavioural displays given during specific contest stages, with lateral displays from a distance followed by directed, head-on approaches prior to combat, suggesting that different colour change signals may evolve to communicate different information (motivation and fighting ability, respectively).
Reliability-based placement of phasor measurement units in power systems:

Phasor measurement units (PMUs) are key elements in wide area measurement system (WAMS)-based operations of power systems. Most existing algorithms consider the problem of optimal PMU placement, where the main objective is to ensure observability. In this paper, we consider a placement problem to ensure observability while achieving a desired level of reliability of observability. A placement model is developed considering the reliability of an individual PMU (p), to achieve a specified level of system-wide reliability (R). The problem is formulated as a two-stage optimization model. In the first stage, an integer linear programming (ILP) model is solved to obtain optimal placement solutions that satisfy the reliability and observability constraints. The second stage identifies the solution that maximizes system reliability. The model is solved for the IEEE 14, 30, 57, and 118 bus test systems, and a large-scale 2383 bus system. Assuming a PMU reliability of 0.9, the results show that, on average, placeme...
MR Imaging of Rotator Cuff Injury: What the Clinician Needs to Know

The rotator cuff muscles generate torque forces to move the humerus while acting in concord to produce balanced compressive forces to stabilize the glenohumeral joint. Thus, rotator cuff tears are often associated with loss of shoulder strength and stability, which are crucial for optimal shoulder function. The dimensions and extent of rotator cuff tears, the condition of the involved tendon, tear morphologic features, involvement of the subscapularis and infraspinatus tendons or of contiguous structures (eg, rotator interval, long head of the biceps brachii tendon, specific cuff tendons), and evidence of muscle atrophy may all have implications for rotator cuff treatment and prognosis. Magnetic resonance imaging can demonstrate the extent and configuration of rotator cuff abnormalities, suggest mechanical imbalance within the cuff, and document abnormalities of the cuff muscles and adjacent structures. A thorough understanding of the anatomy and function of the rotator cuff and of the consequences of rotator cuff disorders is essential for optimal treatment planning and prognostic accuracy. Identifying the disorder, understanding the potential clinical consequences, and reporting all relevant findings at rotator cuff imaging are also essential.
G protein β3 polymorphism and hemodynamic and body composition phenotypes in the HERITAGE Family Study

A C825T polymorphism of the G protein β3 (GNB3) gene has been reported to be associated with hypertension and obesity. We analyzed the associations between the GNB3 C825T polymorphism and hemodynam...
Understanding the Importance of "Symbolic Interaction Stigma": How Expectations About the Reactions of Others Adds to the Burden of Mental Illness Stigma

OBJECTIVE Important components of stigma include imagining what others might think of a stigmatized status, anticipating what might transpire in an interaction with others, and rehearsing what one might do if something untoward occurs. These imagined relations are here called symbolic interaction stigma and can have an impact even if the internalization of negative stereotypes fails to occur. Concepts and measures that capture symbolic interaction stigma are introduced, and a preliminary assessment of their impact is provided. METHOD Four self-report measures of symbolic interaction stigma (perceived devaluation discrimination, anticipation of rejection, stigma consciousness, and concern with staying in) were developed or adapted and administered to a sample of individuals who have experienced mental illness (N = 65). Regression analyses examined whether forms of symbolic interaction stigma were associated with withdrawal, self-esteem, and isolation from relatives independent of measures of internalization of stigma and rejection experiences. RESULTS As evidenced by scores on 4 distinct measures, symbolic interaction stigma was relatively common in the sample, somewhat more common than the internalization of stigma. In addition, measures of symbolic interaction stigma were significantly associated with withdrawal, self-esteem, and isolation from relatives even when a measure of the internalization of stigma was statistically controlled. CONCLUSION The study suggests the potential importance of considering symbolic interaction forms of stigma in understanding and addressing stigma and its consequences. Being aware of symbolic interaction stigma could be useful in enhancing rehabilitation goals if an approach to counteracting the negative effects of these aspects of stigma can be developed.
Abstract A110: Inhibition of MerTK in tumor infiltrating leukocytes decreases tumor growth in a mouse model of breast cancer

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and other myeloid-derived cells that infiltrate solid tumors function to support tumor growth, angiogenesis, proliferation and metastasis. Increased numbers of TAMs have also been associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. Previous studies have shown that targeting TAMs, either by depletion or re-programming, is an effective method for reducing solid tumor growth. The receptor tyrosine kinase, MerTK, is expressed on macrophages and is involved in suppressing proinflammatory cytokine production following efferocytosis. Using orthotopic and transgenic mouse models of breast cancer, we demonstrated that MerTK inhibition in the tumor microenvironment is sufficient to decrease primary tumor growth and metastasis and increase tumor-free survival. Lethally irradiated MMTV-PyVmT mice transplanted with MerTK -/- bone marrow had a 2-fold reduction in tumor mass and volume and altered IL-6 production by tumor infiltrating CD11b+ cells compared to wild-type bone marrow recipients. Compared to orthotopic tumor-bearing wild-type mice, orthotopic tumor-bearing MerTK -/- mice also had enhanced serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-12 and IL-6 as well as reduced expression of wound-healing and immunosuppressive cytokines, including IL-10. The tumor-infiltrating CD8+ lymphocyte population was also increased in tumor-bearing MerTK -/- mice and tumor growth could be restored by antibody-mediated CD8+ T cell depletion in this orthotopic PyVmT model. To futher investigate the potential for MerTK inhibition in the tumor microenvironment as a viable therapeutic strategy, the therapeutic efficacy of a novel MerTK-selective small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) was evaluated in an orthotopic MerTK-negative mammary gland tumor model. After 3 weeks of daily treatment, tumor growth was reduced two-fold in mice treated with the TKI compared to mice treated with vehicle. Taken together, these results indicate that MerTK inhibition in tumor-infiltrating leukocytes leads to increased acute inflammatory cytokine production and stimulates CD8+ lymphocyte-mediated immune responses, leading to reduced tumor burden. The data also implicate MerTK in the tumor microenvironment as a promising novel therapeutic target in solid tumors, such as breast cancer and support further development of translational agents targeting MerTK Citation Format: Kristen M. Jacobsen, Rebecca S. Cook, Deborah DeRyckere, Jamie Stanford, Debra M. Hunter, Xiaodong Wang, Stephen Frye, Douglas K. Graham, H. Shelton Earp. Inhibition of MerTK in tumor infiltrating leukocytes decreases tumor growth in a mouse model of breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Breast Cancer Research: Genetics, Biology, and Clinical Applications; Oct 3-6, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2013;11(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A110.
Ichneumon flies of the genus Metopius Panzer (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Metopiinae) of the Palaearctic fauna

A key to 56 species of the genus Metopius Panzer known in the Palaearctic fauna is given. All the specimens are deposited in the collections of the Zoological Institute (the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg), the Institute of Zoology (the Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences, Kiev), and the Zoological Museum of Lomonosov Moscow State University. In addition to the diagnoses, the localities of these species in the countries of the CIS and adjacent territories are recorded. One new replacement name is proposed for Metopius clementi Tolkanitz, nom. n. (pro M. laticinctus Clement, 1930, non M. laticinctus Cresson, 1879). One species name is placed in synonyms: Metopius croceicornis Thomson, 1887 = M. vespulator Aubert, 1979, syn. n.
Scaling of Island Size Distributions in the Growth of Ni on GaAs(110)

Island size distributions have been derived from scanning tunneling microscope (STM) images of Ni deposited on cleaved GaAs(110) at room temperature and above. For submonolayer coverages, this system forms 3-dimensional (3-D) reacted islands with the degree of reaction dependent upon the growth temperature. As has been found for other systems, the average island size (s αυ) increases with temperature. The high temperature data (∼ 150° C) shows two distinct island types, each with substantially different average size. The island size distributions have maxima at the smallest island sizes. For different coverages, plots of the area-normalized island size distributions versus the scaled variable s/s αυ show significant differences. However, above a cutoff value for s/s αυ the distributions can be renormalized to fall on a common curve. These characteristics and direct atomic-scale evidence are consistent with nucleation of islands via adatom-substrate exchange, but the temperature dependence of the total island density appears to be inconsistent with this being the only first-order rate process taking place.
Experimental Hypersensitivity to Undenatured H. Pertussis Protein.

SummaryA solution of undenatured H. pertussis protein was found to be oxytocic in the Dale bath in high dilution. The normal guinea pig uterus reacted with a histamine-like contraction to repeated additions of H. pertussis protein-1 part in 100,000.Active sensitization of the guinea pig uterus to undenatured H. pertussis protein was produced hy repeated intraperitoneal injections of Jiving Phase 1 H. pertussis. In one instance the classical Schultz-Dale reaction was obtained with 1 part of H. pertussis protein in 7,200,000. The uterine strips of 3 other animals prepared by injection of living H. pertussis contracted and were desensitized in dilution only slightly higher than oxytocic.Active sensitization of the guinea pig uterus was also produced in one instance by a single subcutaneous injection of undenatured H. pertussis protein. The strip contracted and was desensitized by 1 part of H. pertussis protein in 720,000. Passive sensitization with H. pertussis immune sera of high titer was unsuccessful.
Assessment of toxicity and biodistribution of recombinant AAV8 vector–mediated immunomodulatory gene therapy in mice with Pompe disease

A preclinical safety study was conducted to evaluate the short- and long-term toxicity of a recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV2/8) vector that has been developed as an immune-modulatory adjunctive therapy to recombinant human acid α-glucosidase (rhGAA, Myozyme) enzyme replacement treatment (ERT) for patients with Pompe disease (AAV2/8-LSPhGAApA). The AAV2/8-LSPhGAApA vector at 1.6 × 10 13 vector particles/kg, after intravenous injection, did not cause significant short- or long-term toxicity. Recruitment of CD4 + (but not CD8 + ) lymphocytes to the liver was elevated in the vector-dosed male animals at study day (SD) 15, and in group 8 animals at SD 113, in comparison to their respective control animals. Administration of the vector, either prior to or after the one ERT injection, uniformly prevented the hypersensitivity induced by subsequent ERT in males, but not always in female animals. The vector genome was sustained in all tissues through 16-week postdosing, except for in blood with a similar tissue tropism between males and females. Administration of the vector alone, or combined with the ERT, was effective in producing significantly increased GAA activity and consequently decreased glycogen accumulation in multiple tissues, and the urine biomarker, Glc4, was significantly reduced. The efficacy of the vector (or with ERT) was better in males than in females, as demonstrated both by the number of tissues showing significantly effective responses and the extent of response in a given tissue. Given the lack of toxicity for AAV2/8LSPhGAApA, further consideration of clinical translation is warranted in Pompe disease.
Archeology in the Three Gorges Area and the Study of Ba People's Culture

Archeological excavation in the Three Gorges area began at the beginning of the 20th century.Archeological achievements have increased since the founding of New China.Now it is known that the Three Gorges area as an independent distinctive archeological for at least 7,000 years and it has close connections with the Ba culture.The Three Gorges archeology will play an important role in the study of the Ba culture.
Successful treatment of refractory lupus nephritis by the sequential use of rituximab and belimumab.

Joint Bone Spine - In Press.Proof corrected by the author Available online since vendredi 27 mai 2016
“School within a school”: Examining implementation barriers in a Spanish/English transitional bilingual education program

ABSTRACTThis article explores the ways that general education and bilingual teachers make sense of a Spanish/English transitional bilingual program housed at one elementary school in a Midwestern school district. An in-depth examination of perceptions and attitudes unmasks key factors regarding the implementation and interpretation of bilingual programs and how these factors impact school climate and the overall functioning of the program. Primary themes indicated that the use of specific terms, such as “school within a school,” exacerbated the sense of division between the general education and bilingual programs, adding to the challenges of achieving opportunities for bringing students together across programs.
Altered endothelium-dependent responses in lambs with pulmonary hypertension and increased pulmonary blood flow.

To investigate early endothelial function associated with increased pulmonary blood flow, vascular shunts were placed between the ascending aorta and main pulmonary artery in 18 late-gestation fetal sheep. Four weeks after delivery, the lambs were instrumented to measure vascular pressures and blood flows, and blood was collected to measure plasma concentrations of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate [cGMP, the second messenger to nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasodilation] and L-arginine (the precursor for NO synthesis). The responses to the endothelium-dependent vasodilators acetylcholine (ACh, 1.0 microgram/kg) and ATP (0.1 mg.kg-1.min-1), the endothelium-independent vasodilators M & B-22948 (a cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 2.5 mg/kg) and inhaled NO (40 ppm), and N omega-nitro-L-arginine (an inhibitor of NO synthase, 5 mg/kg) were then compared with responses in 12 age-matched controls. Vasodilator responses in control lambs were determined during pulmonary hypertension induced by U-46619 (a thromboxane A2 mimic). Shunted lambs displayed a selective impairment of endothelium-dependent pulmonary vasodilation, an augmented pulmonary vasoconstricting response to NO synthase inhibition, increased plasma cGMP concentrations, and decreased L-arginine concentrations. Taken together, these data suggest that lambs with pulmonary hypertension and increased pulmonary blood flow have early aberrations in endothelial function, as manifested by increased basal NO activity, that cannot be further increased by agonist-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilators.
High frequency of acute promyelocytic leukemia among Latinos with acute myeloid leukemia [see comments]

A high frequency (24%) of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) was noted among acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) cases at the Los Angeles County-University of Southern California (LAC-USC) Medical Center, in comparison with the expected frequency of 5% to 15%. Because of the high proportion of Latinos in this center, we questioned if APL is more common in this ethnic group. The proportion of APL among the 80 AML patients of Latino origin was significantly higher (30; 37.5%) when compared with the 62 non-Latinos (4; 6.5%) (P = .00001). In an attempt to verify this finding on a larger group of patients, we analyzed 276 pathologically verified cases of AML in patients aged 30 to 69 years from the entire County of Los Angeles, registered on an ongoing population-based epidemiologic study of AML. APL was more frequent among the 47 Latinos (24.3%) than in the 229 non-Latinos (8.3%) (P = .0075). APL is seen in younger patients with AML, but Latino AML patients also had a higher frequency of APL after accounting for their younger age (age-adjusted odds ratio for APL among Latinos in LAC-USC Medical Center, 9.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.9, 30] P = .0002; among Latinos in the population-based study, 3.0 [95% CI 1.3 to 6.9] P = .01). The different ethnic distribution of AML was found to be due to a higher proportion of APL cases per se, and not to a lower proportion of any other French-American-British subtype (P = .0004). These results, from two different populations of AML patients, indicate that Latinos with AML have a higher likelihood of the APL subtype of disease, which may suggest a genetic predisposition to APL and/or exposure to distinct environmental factor(s).
The Effects of Trivalent Lanthanide Cationization on the Electron Transfer Dissociation of Acidic Fibrinopeptide B and its Analogs.

Electrospray ionization (ESI) on mixtures of acidic fibrinopeptide B and two peptide analogs with trivalent lanthanide salts generates [M + Met + H]4+, [M + Met]3+, and [M + Met –H]2+, where M = peptide and Met = metal (except radioactive promethium). These ions undergo extensive and highly efficient electron transfer dissociation (ETD) to form metallated and non-metallated c- and z-ions. All metal adducted product ions contain at least two acidic sites, which suggest attachment of the lanthanide cation at the side chains of one or more acidic residues. The three peptides undergo similar fragmentation. ETD on [M + Met + H]4+ leads to cleavage at every residue; the presence of both a metal ion and an extra proton is very effective in promoting sequence-informative fragmentation. Backbone dissociation of [M + Met]3+ is also extensive, although cleavage does not always occur between adjacent glutamic acid residues. For [M + Met – H ]2+, a more limited range of product ions form. All lanthanide metal peptide complexes display similar fragmentation except for europium (Eu). ETD on [M + Eu – H]2+ and [M + Eu]3+ yields a limited amount of peptide backbone cleavage; however, [M + Eu + H]4+ dissociates extensively with cleavage at every residue. With the exception of the results for Eu(III), metallated peptide ion formation by ESI, ETD fragmentation efficiencies, and product ion formation are unaffected by the identity of the lanthanide cation. Adduction with trivalent lanthanide metal ions is a promising tool for sequence analysis of acidic peptides by ETD.
Colonial Education in the Third Reich: The Witzenhausen Colonial School and the Rendsburg Colonial School for Women

In 1926, the Women's League of the German Colonial Society opened the Rendsburg Colonial School for Women to train young women to go abroad to the former German colonies. This school joined the Witzenhausen Colonial School (for men), founded in 1899, as institutions of colonial education in a Germany now without an overseas empire. After 1933, the schools entered a new phase of their histories. This article examines the Rendsburg and Witzenhausen Colonial Schools in tandem in order to explore the place of colonial education in the Third Reich. Through their curricula, the schools sought to negotiate the value of this education to the ideological and territorial goals of the Third Reich, a negotiation that was not always smooth, as demonstrated by debates about the political and pedagogical suitability of the directors of the schools. World War II heightened the gendered differences between the schools and led to different wartime experiences, in particular the Rendsburg school's participation in Germanization projects in eastern Europe. The trajectory of both schools in the Third Reich demonstrates that the cultural/national/racial importance of colonial work retained relevance and indeed obtained increased value in a Germany without overseas colonies.
Virtual temperature measurement for smart buildings via Bayesian model fusion

One important goal of creating smart buildings is to offer highly comfortable services to the occupants at low cost. Real-time temperature measurement and monitoring is a critical task to facilitate high-quality service with low energy consumption and, hence, cost. In this paper, we propose a novel framework to accurately measure in-building temperature by using a small number of sensors. The key idea is to combine the prior knowledge on temperature statistics with a few sensor measurements and then predict the spatial temperature distribution by maximum-a-posteriori estimation. Our experimental results demonstrate that the average estimation error is less than 0.3 degree with very few sensors.
The Gang by H. A. Block and A. Niederhoffer

(1959). The Gang by H. A. Block and A. Niederhoffer. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy: Vol. 9, No. 3, pp. 382-382.