cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of oral and intravenous pimonidazole in canine tumors using intravenous CCI-103F as a control hypoxia marker

Purpose: Pimonidazole HCl is widely used in immunohistochemical analyses of hypoxia in normal and malignant tissues. The present study investigates oral administration as a means of minimizing invasiveness. Methods and Materials: Twelve dogs with confirmed malignancy received 0.5 g/m{sup 2} of pimonidazole HCl: 6 by mouth and 6 by i.v. infusion. All dogs received i.v. CCI-103F as a control. Plasma levels of pimonidazole, pimonidazole N-oxide, and CCI-103F were measured. Tumor biopsies were formalin fixed, paraffin embedded, sectioned, immunostained, and analyzed for pimonidazole and CCI-103F binding. pH dependence for pimonidazole and CCI-103F binding was studied in vitro. Results: Pimonidazole and CCI-103F binding in carcinomas and sarcomas was strongly correlated for both oral and i.v. pimonidazole HCl (r {sup 2} = 0.97). On average, the extent of pimonidazole binding exceeded that for CCI-103F by a factor of approximately 1.2, with the factor ranging from 1.0 to 1.65. Binding of both markers was pH dependent, but pimonidazole binding was greater at all values of pH. Conclusions: Oral pimonidazole HCl is effective as a hypoxia marker in spontaneously arising canine tumors. Selective cellular uptake and concomitant higher levels of binding in regions of hypoxia at the high end of pH gradients might account formore » the greater extent of pimonidazole binding.« less
Cross-linked smectites: V. Synthesis and properties of hydroxy- silicoaluminum montmorillonites and fluorhectorites

Solutions containing hydroxy-SiA1 (HSA) oligocations were prepared by two procedures: (1) treatment of a mixture of orthosilicic acid and A1C13 with aqueous NaOH, followed by aging of the product; and (2) preliminary preparation and aging of hydroxy-Al~3 oligocations followed by reaction of the latter with orthosilicic acid. Ion exchange of Na,Ca-montmorillonite with HSA oligocations yielded pillared, crossqinked montmorillonites (designated as HSA-CLM) showing a maximum d(001) value of 19.5 ,~ for air-dried samples, and maximum surface areas of -500 m2/g after outgassing at 250~ -3 tort. Corresponding ion exchange of Li-fluorhectorite yielded HSA fluorhectorites (HSA-CLFH) showing a maximum d(001) value of 19.0/~ and a surface area of 355 mVg. Calculated structural formulae for the HSA-CLM and HSA-CLFH products, based on elemental analysis, showed a gradual increase in the Si/A1 ratio in the intercalated HSA oligocations with increasing Si/A1 ratio in the pillaring solution. Optimum d(001) values and surface areas of HSA-CLM and HSA-CLFH products were obtained using method 2 and applying a ratio of 1.6-2.5 mmole (Si)A1/g smectite. The thermal stabilities of HSA-CLM and HSA-CLFH products were determined by heat treatment between 250 ~ and 700~ and subsequent measurement of the d(001) values and surface areas. HSA-CLFH products showed the unusual behavior of increase of d(001) with increase in temperature from 400 ~ to 500~ and essential constancy of d(001) from 500 ~ to 600~ The HSA-CLM products showed a gradual decrease in surface area, whereas the HSA-CLFH products prepared with a Si/A1 ratio of 1.04-2.18 in the pillaring solution showed constant surface areas with increasing temperature from 250 ~ to 600~ HSA-CLM and HSA-CLFH show sharply higher acidities compared with those of reference A1-CLM and A1-CLFH samples obtained by pillaring with hydroxy-Al~3 oligocations. This increased acidity is probably due to the presence of acidic, surface silanol groups in the HSA oligocations.
Reducing fragmentation observed in the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric analysis of triacylglycerols in vegetable oils

Edible oils consist primarily of triacylglycerols (TAGs). Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectra of the oils are typically dominated by sodium adducts of these TAGs but also show prominent fragment ions (that do not contain sodium), which can interfere with analytical measurements of other components in oils. The fragments seemingly correspond to the loss of a fatty acid moiety from the sodiated TAGs as a sodium salt: RCOONa. However, a previous study suggested that the fragments actually arise from nearly complete fragmentation of unseen protonated TAGs. These authors suggested that the fragmentation occurs so rapidly and completely that protonated TAGs are not normally observed in the spectra of these oils. In this paper, we present evidence to support their theory and also demonstrate an approach to eliminate these interfering ions from the MALDI-TOF mass spectra via addition of a base to the matrix/sample mixture. The added base does not impede formation of the sodiated TAGs, but does significantly reduce the amount of fragments observed. We propose that this occurs by depleting the H+ ions from the matrix, thus preventing the formation of significant numbers of protonated TAGs in the first place. For measurements by MALDI-TOF, the relative abundances of the fragment ions are related to the strength of the base, and can be almost completely eliminated. However, in longer time-scale experiments such as in post-source decay and Fourier transform mass spectrometry, sodiated and non-sodiated diacylglycerol (DAG)-like fragments are present in spectra, regardless of whether or not a base is added to the sample.
Feminism asks the Who questions in HCI

In this brief personal essay, I describe some of the ways that feminism has influenced my life as a researcher and practitioner in HCI and CSCW - in the creation of work to be read by others, in the critical reading of works that were created by others, and in the planning and framing of practical work in enterprise workplaces. I discuss three variations of ''Who'' questions that feminism helps us to ask in HCI: The ''who'' of the identity of the user; the ''who'' of the identity of organizational actors; and the ''who'' of the practitioner or researcher.
A conserved anti-repressor controls horizontal gene transfer by proteolysis

The mobile genetic element ICEBs1 is an integrative and conjugative element (a conjugative transposon) found in the Bacillus subtilis chromosome. The SOS response and the RapI-PhrI sensory system activate ICEBs1 gene expression, excision and transfer by inactivating the ICEBs1 repressor protein ImmR. Although ImmR is similar to many characterized phage repressors, we found that, unlike these repressors, inactivation of ImmR requires an ICEBs1-encoded anti-repressor ImmA (YdcM). ImmA was needed for the degradation of ImmR in B. subtilis. Coexpression of ImmA and ImmR in Escherichia coli or co-incubation of purified ImmA and ImmR resulted in site-specific cleavage of ImmR. Homologues of immR and immA are found in many mobile genetic elements. We found that the ImmA homologue encoded by B. subtilis phage phi105 is required for inactivation of the phi105 repressor (an ImmR homologue). ImmA-dependent proteolysis of ImmR repressors may be a conserved mechanism for regulating horizontal gene transfer.
A Mathematical Model for the Initiation of Aluminum Etch Tunnels

A mathematical simulation is presented which predicts the spontaneous shape evolution of cubic etch pits on aluminum as they develop into etch tunnels during anodic etching in chloride solutions. The simulation is based on a model for oxide passivation, according to which the rate of oxide film coverage increases as the potential at the dissolving surface is made more negative than the critical repassivation potential, which depends on the local chloride ion concentration. Mass transport calculations are used to predict the electrolyte concentration and potential in the pit, which in turn determine the rate of oxide advance and hence the shape change of the pit. The model predicts the pit-tunnel transformation, as well as width expansion of tunnels near their mouths. The occurrence of these features is independent of the choice of the passivation rate constant, an adjustable parameter in the simulation. Tunnel width oscillations were found at relatively low values of the rate constant. In the model, the pit-tunnel transformation is produced by rapid pit sidewall passivation, which is due to the relatively slower increase of the pit electrolyte concentration relative to the ohmic drop, during the pit's initial growth. A fully quantitative comparison of the model and experiment is possible with independent experimental information on passivation kinetics.
First person account: how insight poetry helped me to overcome my illness.

Abstract The article that follows is part of the Schizophrenia Bulletin's ongoing First Person Account series. We hope that mental health professionals--the Bulletin's primary audience--will take this opportunity to learn about the issues and difficulties confronted by consumers of mental health care. In addition, we hope that these accounts will give patients and families a better sense of not being alone in confronting the problems that can be anticipated by persons with serious emotional difficulties. We welcome other contributions from patients, ex-patients, or family members. Our major editorial requirement is that such contributions be clearly written and organized, and that a novel or unique aspect of schizophrenia be described, with special emphasis on points that will be important for professionals. Clinicians who see articulate patients with experiences they believe should be shared might encourage these patients to submit their articles to Schizophrenia Bulletin, First Person Accounts, EEI Communications, 66 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314.--The Editors.
ProThera Biologics, Inc.: A Novel Immunomodulator and Biomarker for Life-Threatening Diseases

ProThera Biologics is a development stage bio-therapeutics company in East Providence, Rhode Island. The company was founded in 2002 to focus on the critical role and commercial potential of Inter-alpha Inhibitor Proteins (IAIP) for treating acute life-threatening inflammatory diseases. The discovery research originated in the basic research laboratories of the co-founders, Yow-Pin Lim, MD, PhD, and Douglas C. Hixson, PhD, at Rhode Island Hospital, a Lifespan partner. The company is backed by the Slater Technology Fund and has received research grants from the Rhode Island State Science and Technology Council (RI STAC) as well as continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with several Phase I and II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants over the past 10 years. ProThera has developed a novel process to purify Inter-alpha Inhibitor Proteins from source material, and has conducted groundbreaking research into the usage of IAIP to fight systemic inflammation.
Self-reported sleep quality and fatigue correlates with actigraphy in midlife women with fibromyalgia.

Background: Limited data are available on the relationship between self-reported sleep quality, fatigue, and behavioral sleep patterns in women with fibromyalgia (FM). Objectives: To compare self-reported sleep quality, fatigue, and behavioral sleep indicators obtained by actigraphy between women with FM and sedentary women without pain, and to examine relationships among these variables. Methods: Twenty-three women with FM (M = 47.3, ′ 6.7 years) and 22 control women (M = 43.5, ′ 8.2 years) wore an actigraph on the nondominant wrist for 3 consecutive days at home. Each day women reported bedtimes, rise times, and ratings of sleep quality and fatigue in a diary. Self-reported sleep quality, fatigue, and indicators of sleep quality obtained from actigraphy (e.g., total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep latency, wake after sleep onset, and fragmentation index) were averaged. The Mann Whitney U test was used to assess group differences. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to evaluate relationships between sleep quality and fatigue, and among sleep quality, fatigue, and actigraphy sleep indicators. Results: Women with FM reported poorer sleep quality and more fatigue compared to controls (both p <.001). Actigraphy sleep indicators were not different between groups. In women with FM but not in controls, self-reported sleep quality was directly related to actigraphy indicators of total sleep time (r =.635, p <.01) and inversely related to sleep fragmentation (r = -.46, p <.05), Fatigue in women with FM was directly related to actigraphy indicators of wake after sleep onset (r =.57, p <.01), and inversely related to sleep efficiency (r = -.545, p <.01). Discussion: Self-reported sleep quality and fatigue are associated with behavioral indicators of sleep quality at home in women with FM. Actigraphy is a useful objective measure of improved sleep outcomes in intervention studies.
2-D nano-scale finite element analysis of a polymer field

Abstract Two types of 2-D nano-scale finite elements, the chemical bond element and the Lennard–Jones element, are formulated based upon inter-atomic and inter-molecular force fields. A nano-scale finite element method is employed to simulate polymer field deformation. This numerical procedure includes three steps. First, a polymer field is created by an off-lattice random walk, followed by a force relaxation process. Then, a finite element mesh is generated for the polymer field. Chemical bonds are modeled by chemical bond elements. If the distance between two non-bonded atoms or monomers is shorter than the action range of the Lennard–Jones attraction (or repulsion), a Lennard–Jones element is inserted between them. Finally, external load and boundary conditions are applied and polymer chain deformation is simulated step by step. During polymer deformation, failed Lennard–Jones bond elements are removed and newly formed Lennard–Jones elements are inserted into the polymer field during each loading step. The process continues until failure occurs. Two examples are presented to demonstrate the process. Stress–strain curves of polymer fields under unidirectional tensile load are derived. Continuum mechanical properties, such as modulus and polymer strength, are determined based upon the stress strain curve. Further, throughout the deformation process one observes polymer chain migration, nano-scale void generation, void coalescence and crack development.
Fluorescent Analysis of Primary Aliphatic Amines by Reaction with 9-Isothiocyanatoacridine

Primary aliphatic amines are reacted with 9-isothiocyanatoacridine to yield the corresponding thiourea derivatives. These derivatives, after reaction in base, yield new compounds of intense fluorescence. Conditions have been developed so that it is possible to relate the fluorescence of the final reaction mixture to the concentration of original amine or amine salts without separation of products, even in the presence of excess fluorescent reagent. This method of analysis is successful at the microgram level and can be extended to the nanogram level by TLC separation and direct TLC fluorimetry of the reaction product.
Granularity Aware (m, k) Queue Management for Real-time Media Servers

Real-time media servers are becoming increasingly important as the Internet supports more and more multimedia applications. In order to meet these ever increasing demands, real-time media servers will be responsible for supporting a large number of clients with a wide range of QoS requirements. While techniques such as aggregation of state information for scalability have been proposed in the literature such as with Differentiated Services, the per-stream effects of such aggregation are poorly understood. In this paper, we explore the effects of aggregated state information and propose a granularity aware (m, k) queue management (GAQM) which improves control over the tradeoff between scalability/granularity and QoS performance. Specifically, we identify the necessity of balancing aggregation groups according to critical characteristics such as relative deadlines. We present detailed examples of GAQM and evaluate our work through simulation studies.
Why is marsh productivity so high? New insights from eddy covariance and biomass measurements in a Typha marsh

Researchers have a poor understanding of the mechanisms that allow freshwater marshes to achieve rates of net primary production (NPP) that are higher than those reported for most other types of ecosystems. We used an 8-year record of the gross primary production (GPP) and NPP at the San Joaquin Freshwater Marsh (SJFM) in Southern California to determine the relative importance of GPP and carbon use efficiency (CUE; the ratio of total NPP to GPP calculated as NPP GPP−1) in determining marsh NPP. GPP was calculated from continuous eddy covariance measurements and NPP was calculated from annual harvests. The NPP at the SJFM was typical of highly productive freshwater marshes, while the GPP was similar to that reported for other ecosystem types, including some with comparatively low NPPs. NPP was weakly related to GPP in the same year, and was better correlated with the GPP summed from late in the previous year's growing season to early in the current growing season. This lag was attributed to carbohydrate reserves, which supplement carbon for new leaf growth in the early growing season of the current year. The CUE at the SJFM for the 8-year period was 0.61 ± 0.05. This CUE is larger than that reported for tropical, temperate, and boreal ecosystems, and indicates that high marsh NPP is attributable to a high CUE and not a high GPP. This study underscores the importance of autotrophic respiration and carbon allocation in determining marsh NPP.
Linguistics and the law: how knowledge of, or ignorance of, elementary linguistics may affect the dispensing of justice

Ignorance of elementary linguistic concepts may have a bearing on justice. This thesis is drawn from the conviction appeal of a Haitian-born American sentenced to prison for 12 years for dealing cocaine. The verdict was based in part on a surreptitious recording of the drug deal. Although the drug dealer on the tape spoke a dialect of American Black English, and the defendant speaks English with a Creole accent, the State persuaded the jury that the Haitian disguised his voice by purposefully dropping his accent. His ability to perform this feat was attributed in testimony to the fact that he had been an interpreter for the United States Army in Haiti, and was therefore a linguist, and therefore understood ‘sound change’, and therefore could disguise his voice by dropping his foreign accent. This absurd chain of non sequiturs, and the resulting miscarriage of justice, is the result of linguistic naivety and would not have occurred if the court knew that an interpreter is not necessarily a linguist, and that sound change refers to the historical development of languages.
Controlling the Midfield: Treating Patients With Chronic Pain Using Alternative Payment Models

The entire American health care system is turning upside down, except for the parts that aren't--yet. For physiatrists who manage pain problems, the future is complex. The usual challenge of treating these devastating and costly problems that cannot be measured physiologically is compounded by the requirement to do so in a health care system that doesn't know what it wants to be yet. Payment, regulation, and the very structure of practice are changing at a pace that is halting and unpredictable. Nonetheless, knowledge about some structures is necessary, and some themes almost certainly emerge. I propose that the role of the pain physiatrist is best understood through a soccer analogy. Whereas the casual spectator of the past might note the goals scored by surgical colleagues and shots missed by primary care partners, sophisticated health care systems of the future will learn that the pain game is won by creating a strong physiatry midfield. Physiatrists can reach to the backfield to help primary care with tough cases, send accurate referrals to surgeons, and reorganize the team when chronic pain complicates the situation. Current and emerging payment structures include insurance from government, employers, or individuals. Although the rules may change, certain trends appear to occur: Individuals will be making more choices, deductibles will increase, narrow groups of practitioners will work together, pricing will become important, and the burden on primary care colleagues will increase. Implications of each of these trends on pain medicine and specific strategy examples are addressed. A general concept emerges that, although procedure- and activity-based practice is still important, pain physiatrists can best prepare for the future by leading programs that create value for their health care system.
Complexes in Local Ring Theory

In this article we shall discuss a certain homological tool, the Koszul complex, which relates two concepts important in local ring theory, namely depth and multiplicity.
Ultrasound-guided photoacoustic imaging-directed re-endothelialization of acellular vasculature leads to improved vascular performance

Abstract As increasing effort is dedicated to investigating the regenerative capacity of decellularized tissues, research has progressed to recellularizing these tissues prior to implantation. The delivery and support of cells seeded throughout acellular scaffolds are typically conducted through the vascular axis of the tissues. However, it is unclear how cell concentration and injection frequency can affect the distribution of cells throughout the scaffold. Furthermore, what effects re-endothelialization have on vascular patency and function are not well understood. We investigated the use of ultrasound-guided photoacoustic (US/PA) imaging as a technique to visualize the distribution of microvascular endothelial cells within an optimized acellular construct upon re-endothelialization and perfusion conditioning. We also evaluated the vascular performance of the re-endothelialized scaffold using quantitative vascular corrosion casting (qVCC) and whole-blood perfusion. We found US/PA imaging was an effective technique to visualize the distribution of cells. Cellular retention following perfusion conditioning was also detected with US/PA imaging. Finally, we demonstrated that a partial recovery of vascular performance is possible following re-endothelialization—confirmed by fewer extravasations in qVCC and improved blood clearance following whole-blood perfusion. Statement of Significance Re-endothelialization is a method that enables decellularized tissue to become useful as a tissue engineering construct by creating a nutrient delivery and waste removal system for the entire construct. Our approach utilizes a decellularization method that retains the basement ECM of a highly vascularized tissue upon which endothelial cells can be injected to form an endothelium. The US/PA method allows for rapid visualization of cells within a construct several cm thick. This approach can be experimentally used to observe changes in cellular distribution over large intervals of time, to help optimize cell seeding parameters, and to verify cell retention within re-endothelialized constructs. This approach has temporal and depth advantages compared to section reconstruction and imaged fluorophores respectively.
Abstract 4467: Targeting of chemokine receptor CXCR4 inhibits invasion and sensitizes melanoma cells to chemotherapeutic agents

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA Malignant melanoma is highly metastatic and resistant to conventional therapies. Although numerous clinical approaches for treating melanoma have been adopted, none led to a remarkable therapeutic effect. Recently new drugs have been developed for treatment of metastatic melanoma, and hold great promise; however complete effects are still distant dream because of resistance. We have learnt that the most aggressive melanomas are generally resistant to strategies which target one signaling pathway. Thus an agent targeting multiple signaling pathways would maximize therapeutic outcome. We have identified one such agent named as gambogic acid (GA) that is natural and derived from medicinal plant Garcinia hanburyi (also called mangosteen or kokum). Moreover this agent has a potential to target several pathways responsible for survival and chemoresistance of several cancers including melanoma. Stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α) and its receptor, CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), has been associated with inferior survival, poor prognosis, chemoresistance and metastasis of malignant melanoma. We, therefore, investigated whether GA could inhibit CXCR4 signaling and suppress invasion of malignant melanoma cells. Through docking studies we predicted that GA directly interacts with CXCR4. This xanthone down-regulates the expression of CXCR4 on melanoma cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Suppression of CXCR4 expression by GA correlated with both inhibition of SDF-1α-induced invasion of melanoma cells. GA also inhibited expression of MMP-9, VEGF, c-Myc and phosphorylation of Erk1/2 in melanoma cells. Importantly, GA markedly enhances the efficacy of PLX-4032 and dacarbazine against melanoma cells. Citation Format: Manoj K. Pandey, Deepkamal Karelia, Vijay P. Kale, Krishne Gowda, Arun K. Sharma, Rogerio I. Neves, Shantu G. Amin. Targeting of chemokine receptor CXCR4 inhibits invasion and sensitizes melanoma cells to chemotherapeutic agents. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4467. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4467
Effect of Delayed Cord Clamping Above Versus Below the Perineum on Neonatal Hematocrit: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in neonatal hematocrit at 24 hours of life in full-term newborns for which delayed cord clamping is performed above versus below the perineum. Materials and Methods: One hundred one patients with singleton pregnancies >37 weeks of gestation presenting for delivery were randomized to delayed cord clamping above or below the perineum. At 24 hours of life, neonatal hematocrit was determined, and the difference was compared using statistical analysis. Secondary outcomes measured were need for phototherapy, transfusion, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Results: Of 101 patients recruited for the study, 53 were randomized to the above group, and 48 were randomized to the below group. Twenty-seven patients in the above group and 26 patients in the below group completed the study. The above group had an average neonatal hematocrit of 52.7% (± 2.58%). The below group had an average neonatal hematocrit of 55.8% ...
More than just a fruit: Grapefruit-derived nanovectors deliver cancer drugs

Exosomes, cell-derived vesicles, have been shown to play key roles in many biological processes, including intercellular signaling, coagulation, and oncogenesis. Recently, there has been growing interest in exploring the use of exosomes as therapeutic delivery vehicles. Exosomes have been used to deliver small molecule therapeutics as well as targeted agents such as small interfering RNA. The advantages of exosomes as delivery vehicles include their native role in biological processes and their ability to deliver biologically derived agents such as nucleic acids and proteins. Some of the key challenges in translating exosomes for drug delivery include the scale of production and formulation of exosomes with desirable surface and trafficking properties. Wang et al. aimed to address these challenges by developing grapefruit-derived nanovectors (GNVs), exosome-like nanoparticles, as anticancer agents. The investigators previously reported that exosome-like nanoparticles can be generated from grapefruit plants in large quantities. In this study, they aimed to use the GNVs as drug delivery vehicles for the treatment of cancer. The investigators recognized that one key feature of tumors is inflammation and therefore hypothesized that GNVs with surfaces that resemble inflammatory cells can be trafficked preferentially to tumors. In this report, GNVs were coated with plasma membrane from activated leukocytes to create particles called IGNVs. The authors demonstrated that these IGNVs indeed home to sites of inflammation, and the homing effect is mediated by CXCR2 and LFA-1 cell-surface proteins. The investigators then loaded the IGNVs with doxorubicin and curcumin, two anticancer agents, and demonstrated that these drug-loaded IGNVs could delay tumor growth in mouse flank xenograft models of colon and breast cancer. This is innovative work, but clinical translation will be challenging. The proposed approach relies on coating the GNVs with plasma membrane from activated leukocytes, which will limit the scale of production. There is also the issue of immunogenicity if IGNVs are generated using leukocytes from sources other than the patient who will receive therapy. Future research on exosome-based drug delivery should focus on developing scalable methods to generate biocompatible exosomes. Q. Wang et al ., Grapefruit-derived nanovectors use an activated leukocyte trafficking pathway to deliver therapeutic agents to inflammatory tumor sites. Cancer Res . 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-14-3095 (2015).[[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2015/04/16/0008-5472.CAN-14-3095
Preliminary effects of bright light on sleep in women with breast cancer

9094 Background: Studies have shown that women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy report disturbed sleep. Studies have also suggested that these women have very little bright light exposure...
Roaming Under the Microscope: Trajectory Study of Formaldehyde Dissociation

The photodissociation of formaldehyde was studied using quasi-classical trajectories to investigate “roaming,” or events involving trajectories that proceed far from the minimum energy pathway. Statistical analysis of trajectories performed over a range of nine excitation energies from 34 500 to 41 010 cm–1 (including zero-point energy) provides characterization of the roaming phenomenon and insight into the mechanism. The trajectories are described as projections onto three coordinates: the distance from the CO center of mass to the furthest H atom and the azimuthal and polar coordinates of that H atom with respect to the CO axis. The trajectories are used to construct a “minimum energy” potential energy surface showing the potential for any binary combination of these three coordinates that is at a minimum energy with respect to values of the other coordinates encountered during the trajectories. We also construct flux diagrams for roaming, transition-state, and radical pathways, as well as “reaction co...
Computerized system for quantitative measurement of sensorimotor aspects of human performance

The purpose of this article is to describe an integrated system for measuring selected aspects of human sensorimotor performance. The system consists of a computerized test battery, a database, and multiple software packages to present results for different applications. The system includes measures classified into major functional categories including sensation, range of motion, isometric muscle strength, anthropometric features, speed, reactions, muscle tone, coordination, body stability, and manual dexterity. A microcomputer is used to coordinate basic measurements obtained from a series of short-duration tests. Raw data are recorded in physical units (eg, degrees, milliseconds). A database currently consisting of over 2,000 data records of normal sensorimotor performance has been collected, permitting immediate comparison of patient data to a group of age- and sex-matched norms. This system permits an objective, reliable, and standardized method for measuring selected aspects of sensorimotor performance essential for physical therapists to quantify individual patient performance, document disability, justify reimbursement, screen employees and athletes, and demonstrate efficacy of treatment.
Survivorship, breeding dispersal and mate fidelity in Eastern Kingbirds

I measured annual survivorship, breeding dispersal and mate/site fidelity in a color-banded population of Eastern Kingbirds (Tyrannus tyrannus) breeding in central New York from 1989 through 1994. I also sought to identify the factors that led to breeding dispersal and to test whether breeding philopatry was based on site or mate fidelity. Survivorship of males did not differ between the first (0.64) and all subsequent years of banding (0.73), and overall, males returned at a higher rate than females. Female survival in the first year following banding (0.68) exceeded that for all subsequent years (0.51). The difference between the sexes and between banding classes of females may be related to high costs of reproduction in older females. Breeding-site fidelity was very high (96% and 72.5% of males and females, respectively, reused former territories), but females dispersed significantly farther than males between breeding seasons. Site fidelity of males was not reduced significantly by poor nest success in the past year, and was independent of whether or not the female returned to breed. Females often dispersed between seasons after nest failures, but were even more likely to move if the male failed to return. Furthermore, 86.5% of pairs reunited when both partners were known to have returned from migration. Female philopatry thus seemed to be influenced heavily by mate fidelity. Females that renested with a former mate advanced their breeding date by about four days for every year of experience together, but they did not lay larger clutches or fledge more broods than females that nested with a new male. Reunited pairs thus made a rapid transition from migration to egg-laying.
Abstract 3131: Higher IGF-II expression in Vietnamese triple negative breast cancer tumors is dependent on Biallelic or Monoallelic IGF-II with ApaI SNP

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is more likely to be advanced, poorly differentiated, larger, and present in women of younger age and of lower socioeconomic status. Moreover, TNBC patients have worse outcomes when treated with currently available adjuvant chemotherapy. In the United States, African American (AA) women have a lower incidence of breast cancer compared with Caucasian women (CA), but higher overall mortality. Our lab have demonstrated that BC tumors from AA patients express significantly higher levels of IGF-II and show a higher activation of the IGF signaling pathways (Kalla et.al., 2010a, 2010b). IGF-II levels regulate survival proteins and activate the ER signaling pathway promoting an aggressive tumor development. Thus we designed a study to determine if IGF-II regulates the progression of TNBC tumors. TNBC incidence is increasing in younger Vietnamese women. Thus, we designed a study to analyze the IGF-II expression in paired normal-tumor BC tissues from Vietnamese TNBC patients. Furthermore, we decided to characterize the IGF-II genomic imprinting status, to correlate IGF-II levels with Monoallelic or Biallelic IGF-II gene expression. A total of 24 paired BC samples obtained from ILSbio were analyzed by Western Blot, RT-PCR and gDNA PCR with Apa I restriction digestion. Our results showed that the IGF-II genomic imprinting status in all 24 pairs was the same in normal and tumor tissues from the same patient. The levels of IGF-II correlated with the imprinting status, i.e., Biallelic (BA; n=14)≫, Monoallelic with SNP (MAS; n=5)>, and Monoallelic non-ApaI SNP (MA; n=5)>. Higher IGF-II levels were expressed in tumor as compared to normal tissue from the same patient. The free proIGF-II protein levels were 6.5-15.22 fold higher in biallelic tumor tissues as compared to the proIGF-II levels detected in monoallelic tumor samples. The IGF-II mRNA levels were 0.4-1 fold higher in biallelic tumor tissues as compared to the proIGF-II levels detected in monoallelic tumor samples. We also assessed growth factor receptors; Insulin receptor A (IRA), Insulin receptor B (IRB), Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), Estrogen receptor-1 (ESR1), Progesterone receptor (PGR) and Human epidermal growth factor receptor (ERBB2) status to determine if IGF-II monoallelic or biallelic dosage regulated the receptor levels. We conclude that biallelic IGF-II expression in TNBC tumors results in higher IGF-II mRNA and protein levels than in monoallelic samples. Furthermore, higher IGF-II resulted in increased expression and signaling activation of IRA, IRB, VEGFR, ESR1, PGR and ERBB2 growth factor receptors. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3131. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3131
Construction and Implementation of Public Health Information System in New Period

Public Health Information System is a significant part of National Public Health System.This paper discusses the integrative implementation of the computers,Network Engineering,the Applied Information System and the internet in extending the information construction in Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,summarizes the implementing experience of 3 years and then explores the ways for further promoting Public Health Information System.
Study on Evaluation of Ecological Environment Present Situation and Ecological Service Function of Nenjiang County Based on GIS

Combining with the natural environment characteristics of Nenjiang county,the present situation of the ecological environment in Nenjiang County was evaluated by using the GIS software.The ecosystem service function of Nenjiang County was evaluated combining with the research results of relevant evaluation methods.The ecosystem service function was divided into five grades according to its importance,and spatial position was also analyzed.
High performance as-grown and annealed high band gap tunnel junctions: Te behavior at the interface

The performance of n+-InGaP(Te)/p+-AlGaAs(C) high band gap tunnel junctions (TJ) is critical for achieving high efficiency in multijunction photovoltaics. Several limitations for as grown and annealed TJ can be attributed to the Te doping of InGaP and its behavior at the junction interface. Te atoms in InGaP tend to get attached at step edges, resulting in a Te memory effect. In this work, we use the peak tunneling current (Jpk) in this TJ as a diagnostic tool to study the behavior of the Te dopant at the TJ interface. Additionally, we used our understanding of Te behavior at the interface, guided by device modeling, to modify the Te source shut-off procedure and the growth rate. These modifications lead to a record performance for both the as-grown (2000 A/cm2) and annealed (1000 A/cm2) high band gap tunnel junction.
Evolving treatment of biliary strictures following liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND The optimal endoscopic treatment for anastomotic biliary strictures after deceased donor liver transplantation is undefined. Endoscopic therapy with conventional methods of biliary dilation and stent placement has been successful but often requires prolonged therapy. OBJECTIVE To determine the outcomes of an aggressive endoscopic approach that uses endoscopic dilation followed by maximal stent placement. SETTING Tertiary-care academic medical center. PATIENTS Of 176 patients who underwent deceased donor liver transplantation between June 1999 and July 2004, 25 were diagnosed with anastomotic biliary strictures. INTERVENTIONS Patients were treated endoscopically with a combined technique of balloon dilation and maximal stent placement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Treatment outcomes, including bileduct patency, a need for surgical intervention, morbidity, and mortality, were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS Endoscopic dilation followed by maximal stent placement was performed until resolution of strictures in 22 or 25 patients (88% immediate success on intent-to-treat analysis). Persistent resolution of strictures was achieved in 18 of these 22 patients. Re-treatment was successful in 2 of 4 patients with recurrent strictures. Overall, 20 or 22 patients who completed endoscopic therapy (91%) avoided surgical intervention. Medical duration of endoscopic treatment was 4.6 months. Patients with early onset strictures required a significantly shorter duration of endoscopic therapy (3 vs 9 months; P < .01). Multiple stent placement was not technically difficult, and no major complications were encountered. CONCLUSIONS Aggressive endoscopic therapy with combined biliary dilation and maximal stent placement allows resolution of anastomotic biliary strictures after deceased donor liver transplantation in a relatively short period, with sustained success and minimal complications.
Expected Sonographic Appearance of the Spleen in Children and Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease: An Update

Objectives : To update the imaging literature regarding spleen appearances in young patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Methods We conducted a retrospective study and included 112 patients age 0 to 21 years with SCD who had at least 1 abdominal sonogram at our institution between 1999 and 2011. Radiologic findings were compared between risk groups by χ2 analysis. Findings were correlated with other imaging modalities when available. Results In our cohort, 35.7% of patients had autosplenectomy, and 8.0% had undergone surgical splenectomy. Only 5.0% of individuals age 0 to 5 years had autosplenectomy. In those who had not undergone surgical splenectomy or autosplenectomy, 76.2% had echogenic spleens, heterogeneous-appearing spleens, or both, and patients with the homozygous sickle cell anemia (HbSS) genotype were more likely to have an abnormal spleen echo texture. Patients treated with transfusions had echogenic spleens and had a higher frequency of splenic regeneration nodules. Most patients (80%) with splenomegaly did not require surgical splenectomy after 5.7 years of follow-up. Conclusions Twenty years ago, children with HbSS SCD were expected to have autosplenectomy by age 5 years. There have been changes in the radiologic appearance of the spleen in patients with SDC, likely due to improved supportive care and the use of acute and chronic transfusion therapy. We found that autosplenectomy is rare by age 5 years, and during childhood and adolescence, the spleen typically appears echogenic, heterogeneous, or both, depending on disease severity.
1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition with Diazo Groups: Noncovalent Interactions Overwhelm Strain.

Like azides, diazoacetamides undergo 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions with oxanorbornadienes (OND) in a reaction that is accelerated by the relief of strain in the transition state. The cycloaddition of a diazoacetamide with unstrained ethyl 4,4,4-trifluoro-2-butynoate is, however, 35-fold faster than with the analogous OND because of favorable interactions with the fluoro groups. Its rate constant (k = 0.53 M–1 s–1 in methanol) is comparable to those of strain-promoted azide–cyclooctyne cycloadditions.
Current management of aneurysmal bone cysts

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are benign bone lesions arising predominantly in the pediatric population that can cause local pain, swelling, and pathologic fracture. Primary lesions, which constitute roughly two thirds of all ABCs, are thought to be neoplastic in nature, with one third of ABCs arising secondary to other tumors. Diagnosis is made with various imaging modalities, which exhibit characteristic features such as "fluid-fluid levels," although biopsy is critical, as telangiectatic osteosarcoma cannot be excluded based on imaging alone. Currently, the standard of care and most widely employed treatment is intralesional curettage. However, tumor recurrence with curettage alone is common and has driven some to propose a multitude of adjuvants with varying efficacy and risk profiles. Historically, therapies such as en bloc resection or radiation therapy were utilized as an alternative to decrease the recurrence rate, but these therapies imposed high morbidity. As a result, modern techniques now seek to simultaneously reduce morbidity and recurrence, the pursuit of which has produced preliminary study into minimally invasive percutaneous treatments and medical management.
Generation of High Resolution Medical Images Using Super Resolution via Sparse Representation

Generation of high resolution (HR) of images is very important in image processing and computer vision applications such as: CT scan-chest, MRI, X-rays and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). In medical imaging field images are very frequently using for analyzing different type of disease symptoms. HR medical images are required for proper diagnosing but due to the hardware limitation it is very difficult. In this paper we propose a HR image generation technique based on image statistic research for single low resolution (LR) input image-using joint dictionary learning. The view of LR image is like down sampled version of HR image and its patches are considered to have a sparse representation with respect to an over complete dictionary. Sparse representation can be recovered under mild condition with compressed sensing perspective. This study explores the use of super resolution (SR), due to learning there is no need to aligned subpixels of different LR images. For validity of our research, we use this technique on OCT and Lungs images and train three dictionaries (i) using OCT images (ii) using Lungs images and (iii) using multiple different natural (MDN)-HR images. Images are produced with using MDN-HR and for both medical images and also used OCT images dictionary for OCT images and lungs images dictionary for lungs images. We compare our result with previous SR proposed technique-from all aspects dictionary learning approach have superiority. Proposed dictionary learning based technique produced enhanced and upsampled image.
Improving admission medication reconciliation with pharmacists or pharmacy technicians in the emergency department: a randomised controlled trial

Background Admission medication history (AMH) errors frequently cause medication order errors and patient harm. Objective To quantify AMH error reduction achieved when pharmacy staff obtain AMHs before admission medication orders (AMO) are placed. Methods This was a three-arm randomised controlled trial of 306 inpatients. In one intervention arm, pharmacists, and in the second intervention arm, pharmacy technicians, obtained initial AMHs prior to admission. They obtained and reconciled medication information from multiple sources. All arms, including the control arm, received usual AMH care, which included variation in several common processes. The primary outcome was severity-weighted mean AMH error score. To detect AMH errors, all patients received reference standard AMHs, which were compared with intervention and control group AMHs. AMH errors and resultant AMO errors were independently identified and rated by ≥2 investigators as significant, serious or life threatening. Each error was assigned 1, 4 or 9 points, respectively, to calculate severity-weighted AMH and AMO error scores for each patient. Results Patient characteristics were similar across arms (mean±SD age 72±16 years, number of medications 15±7). Analysis was limited to 278 patients (91%) with reference standard AMHs. Mean±SD AMH errors per patient in the usual care, pharmacist and technician arms were 8.0±5.6, 1.4±1.9 and 1.5±2.1, respectively (p Conclusions Pharmacists and technicians reduced AMH errors and resultant AMO errors by over 80%. Future research should examine other sites and patient-centred outcomes. Trial registration number NCT02026453.