cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dual-mode photoacoustic microscopy of carbon nanotube incorporated scaffolds in blood and biological tissues

Three-dimensional scaffolds provide physical support and an adjustable microenvironment to facilitate vascularization of ischemic tissues; however, in vivo imaging of scaffold functioning is still challenging. Micro-CT, the current frequentlyused imaging modality for scaffold characterization, provides poor contrast for wet scaffold, which limits its in vivo applications. In this paper, dual modes of photoacoustic microscopy (PAM), using acoustic resolution PAM (AR-PAM) and optical resolution PAM (OR-PAM), were employed for imaging scaffolds in blood as well as in chicken breast tissues. By choosing different wavelengths, 570 nm and 638 nm, we spectroscopically differentiated the photoacoustic signals generated from blood and from carbon nanotube incorporated scaffolds. The ex vivo experiments demonstrated a lateral resolution of 45 μm and a maximum penetration of ~2 mm for AR-PAM, and a lateral resolution of 3 μm and a maximum penetration of ~660 μm for OR-PAM. OR-PAM further quantified the average pore size of scaffolds to be 100-200 μm in diameter. Our results suggest that PAM is a promising tool for in vivo monitoring of scaffold-induced angiogenesis as well as the degradability of scaffolds themselves.
Quantitative micro-determination of lipid carbon in microorganisms

Abstract A method is described for the quantitative determination of the carbon content of lipids extracted from microorganisms. The procedure depends upon conventional solvent extraction of the lipids followed by combustion of all lipid carbon to CO 2 . The CO 2 is then measured by infrared gas analysis. The technique is extremely reliable and applicable for samples containing between 10–300 μg carbon. Results comparing the lipid content of various algae determined by this combustion technique show good agreement with the lipid content as determined by conventional gravimetric methods.
Frequency and type of reactions to antituberculosis drugs: Observations in routine treatment

Abstract Setting: United Kingdom, 1978–1992. Objective: To assess the incidence and type of reactions to antituberculosis drugs in an unselected series of patients. Design: All patients treated for tuberculosis had details of drug treatment, durations and side-effects requiring alteration of treatment available. The data was compiled retrospectively for 1978–1980 patients and prospectively thereafter. Analysis of drug reactions was by drug, total months drug use, by age, sex and ethnic group, and reaction type. Results: Of 1317 patients 67 (5.1%) had 70 reactions to antituberculosis drugs requiring modification of treatment. The frequency of drug reactions increased from 2.3% at age 0–19 to 4.6% at age 20–39, 7.1% for age 40–59 and to 8.4% for those aged 60 and over. Females had significantly higher reactions rates than males. White patients had higher reaction rates than Pakistani and Indian patients, mainly due to the average age being greater. Conclusion: The drug reaction rate of 5.1% in this largely prospective study is lower than that reported in other unselected series in the UK and other countries.
Double resonance in heteronuclear two-dimensional spectroscopy

Selective proton decoupling was used to remove one of the homonuclear splittings in heteronuclear 2-dimensional NMR. The addnl. effort required to adjust the decoupler frequency to one of the proton shifts is easily offset by the increased simplicity of the spectra. In the expt., continuous weak irradn. is applied at the chem. shift of one of the distant protons which is not directly coupled to the P nuclei. The carrier frequency of both proton pulses and selective irradn. is chosen to be one and the same. [on SciFinder (R)]
I Want to Be Ready: Improvised Dance as a Practice of Freedom

I Want to Be Ready: Improvised Dance as a Practice of Freedom by Danielle Goldman Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2010, 186 pp, ISBN 9780472050840 (paperback) Tavia Nyong'o New York Univer...
Plant damage from and defenses against ‘cryptic’ herbivory: A guild perspective

Abstract Despite considerable interest in the factors affecting trophic cascades in terrestrial systems, there has been relatively little attention paid to the importance of the herbivore-plant link in explaining why some systems “cascade” (have strong top-down effects on plant survival and population growth) and others “trickle” (have top-down effects on plant damage, but little effect on plant fitness). This is despite the fact that herbivore guild identity has long been recognized as a major force affecting herbivore-plant interactions. We address the potential importance of herbivore guild identity in determining the strength of tritrophic interactions by reviewing literature concerning plant damage from and induced defenses against two “cryptic” herbivore guilds, predispersal seed predators and root/stem borers. Although both guilds are capable of strongly affecting plant fitness, the impact of root/stem borers on plants in natural systems seems far greater than that of predispersal seed predators. T...
Immunoglobulin Dynamics, Conformational Fluctuations, and Nonlinear Elasticity and Their Effects on Stability

The relationships between protein dynamics, function, and stability are incompletely understood. Two external perturbations (temperature and pH) were used to modulate the flexibility and stability of an IgG1kappa monoclonal antibody (mAb) in an attempt to better understand the possible correlations between flexibility and stability. Ultrasonic velocimetry, densitometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and pressure perturbation calorimetry (PPC) were used to experimentally determine the adiabatic and isothermal compressibility, expansibility, fractional volumes of unfolding, and various nonlinear thermoacoustical parameters as a function of pH and temperature. By combining these results, state parameter fluctuations were calculated from fundamental statistical mechanical relationships. The most dynamic and rigid mAb ensemble is measured at pH 4 and 6, respectively, based on state parameter fluctuations and compressibility. The effect of pH appears to couple mAb dynamics to solvent fluctuations, which control its dynamics and stability. A nonlinear response to mechanical perturbation, comparable to that seen with many polymers, is observed for this monoclonal antibody at pH 4-8. This behavior is characterized as strongly anisotropic and anharmonic, especially at pH 4. The midpoint of thermal unfolding as measured by DSC does not necessarily correlate with flexibility.
The effects of cofiring natural gas and coal on sulfur retention in ash

Abstract Under certain conditions, cofiring natural gas with coal has been shown to reduce SOx emissions beyond the reduction expected from simple replacement of sulfur-bearing coal. This enhanced reduction of sulfur emissions, known as sulfur leveraging, is believed to result from increased sulfur capture in coal ash. In this research, experiments with three coals, using size ranges from 90 to 106 μm and 125 to 150 μm, and furnace temperatures of 1300 and 1550 K, demonstrate the extent of sulfur leveraging through increased sulfur retention in ash when cofiring coal and natural gas. Leveraging is shown to be affected by residence time (through particle size) and furnace temperature, while original sulfur form (pyritic or organic) and coal sorbent capacity are shown to have little effect. Results from sorbent activation studies, SEM images, and N2 adsorption measurement of total surface area indicate that the effects of a natural gas flame on ash sorbent reactivity and ash surface area are minimal. Results also indicate that the primary mechanism for sulfur leveraging is the gas phase conversion of SO2 to more reactive SO3, as caused by the natural gas flame. Results from numerical modeling of the furnace environment, particle combustion, and the evolution of sulfur to SO3 support the experimental findings.
Learning imaginary rotation

Imaginary rotation of patterns of five filled cells in a 3 x 3 grid was investigated. Accuracy was found to drop off markedly with degree of rotation, but it improved with practice. Symmetry of pattern was a significant variable. Transfer of training to different patterns was substantial, and it was concluded that subjects were learning to rotate, as distinct from memorizing patterns. Imagining was discussed as a skill.
Endolymphatic hydrops and Ménière's disease: a lesion meta-analysis.

Objective:To determine whether the distribution of membrane lesions associated with Meniere's disease is random, as might be expected from a pervasive process such as hydrops, or orderly, as might be expected if membrane resistance is graded.Method:A meta-analysis of temporal bone reports on 184 specimens demonstrating endolymphatic hydrops was undertaken to determine membrane lesion evolution and distribution.Results:Lesion distribution was found to be orderly and cochleocentric. No random scattershot lesions were reported in any study. Disease always started in the cochlear apex, even in non-symptomatic cases, and then involved the saccule, utricle, ampullae and canal system in that precise sequence as the disease progressed.Conclusion:The orderly lesion progression in the otopathology associated with Meniere's disease suggests that the hydropic process has a graded non-random effect on the labyrinth. These findings suggest a pathological staging system that may be useful in temporal bone evaluation.
Modified control grid interpolation for the volumetric reconstruction of fluid flows

Complex applications in fluid dynamics research often require more highly resolved velocity data than direct measurements or simulations provide. The advent of stereo PIV and PCMR techniques has advanced the state-of-the-art in flow velocity measurement, but 3D spatial resolution remains limited. Here a new technique is proposed for velocity data interpolation to address this problem. The new method performs with higher quality than competing solutions from the literature in terms of accurately interpolating velocities, maintaining fluid structure and domain boundaries, and preserving coherent structures.
Galactose biosensors using composite polymers to prevent interferences

Abstract A biosensor using a composite polymer to prevent interferences was used in a flow injection analysis system for the detection of galactose in human plasma. The biosensor consisted of galactose oxidase immobilized on a platinized carbon electrode that had been modified with a composite polymer. The composite polymer showed improved selectivity to hydrogen peroxide compared with either of its individual polymeric components, Nafion and a copolymer of diaminobenzene and resorcinol. The composite polymer minimized the effect of possible interference from urate, ascorbate, and acetaminophen. This analytical system has a minimum detection limit of 50 μM, linearity to 6 mM, a storage stability of greater than 30 days, and a high sample throughput (approx. 120 samples/h).
Energetics for bonding and detachment steps in etching of Si by Cl

Abstract Simulation calculations were carried out to investigate the energetics of adsorption and desorption processes taking place during etching of the Si(100) surface by Cl atoms. Clean and fully chlorinated surfaces with step edges were taken into consideration. Attachment energies of Cl atoms at step edge sites and subsequent detachment (etching) energies of SiClx species were calculated. Configurational characteristics of Cl bonded regions were also investigated. Results provide a systematic description of Cl adsorption and etching processes.
Gastrointestinal Tract as a Major Site of CD4+ T Cell Depletion and Viral Replication in SIV Infection

Human and simian immunodeficiency virus (HIV and SIV) replicate optimally in activated memory CD4(+) T cells, a cell type that is abundant in the intestine. SIV infection of rhesus monkeys resulted in profound and selective depletion of CD4+ T cells in the intestine within days of infection, before any such changes in peripheral lymphoid tissues. The loss of CD4+ T cells in the intestine occurred coincident with productive infection of large numbers of mononuclear cells at this site. The intestine appears to be a major target for SIV replication and the major site of CD4+ T cell loss in early SIV infection.
Risk of bias of randomized controlled trials published in orthopaedic journals

The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of methodology in orthopaedics-related randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from January 2006 to December 2010 in the top orthopaedic journals based on impact scores from the Thompson ISI citation reports (2010). Journals included American Journal of Sports Medicine; Journal of Orthopaedic Research; Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, American; Spine Journal; and Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. Each RCT was assessed on ten criteria (randomization method, allocation sequence concealment, participant blinding, outcome assessor blinding, outcome measurement, interventionist training, withdrawals, intent to treat analyses, clustering, and baseline characteristics) as having empirical evidence for biasing treatment effect estimates when not performed properly. A total of 232 RCTs met our inclusion criteria. The proportion of RCTs in published journals fell from 6% in 2006 to 4% in 2010. Forty-nine percent of the criteria were fulfilled across these journals, with 42% of the criteria not being amendable to assessment due to inadequate reporting. The results of our regression revealed that a more recent publication year was significantly associated with more fulfilled criteria (β = 0.171; CI = −0.00 to 0.342; p = 0.051). In summary, very few studies met all ten criteria. Thus, many of these studies likely have biased estimates of treatment effects. In addition, these journals had poor reporting of important methodological aspects.
Building an online conference with open-source components

This paper covers a recent experience at Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU) of building an online conference with open-source web components. With the Georgia State Archives (Archives), SPSU co-sponsored a project funded by the National Historical Publication and Records Commission (NHPRC). The project investigated privacy and access issues in Georgia's electronic government. SPSU's main role was to provide the information technology (IT) for the sponsored project's computer-based conference and workshop. Utilizing open-source IT resources, we built a web site to support an online computer conference in response to business needs articulated by the Archives. The web site met the initial business needs and provided content and value throughout its life cycle. As business owner the Archives were satisfied with the open source components' capability to meet needs. As developers we were satisfied with the technical capability of the open source components to provide web services to meet needs. For special-project web sites we therefore can recommend that IT developers consider utilizing open source components.
America's Quest for the Ideal Self: Dissent and Fulfillment in the 60s and 70s

Unlike many other writers, who portray the 1960s as a time of hope, vitality, and activism and the 1970s as a period of deadening self-absorption, Peter Clecak instead offers a more optimistic reappraisal of America's recent past. Pointing out the remarkable unities between these two decades, Clecak forcefully argues that the American experience of both the 60s and 70s can best be seen as a many-sided quest for personal fulfillment-for salvation and social justice.
The effect of relative economic performance on the outcome of gubernational elections

This study finds that one of the most important determinants of election outcomes in gubernatorial elections is the voter's familiarity with the candidates. When an incumbent governor seeks re-election, his party's share of the vote increases by about 7.3 percentage points, ceteris paribus. Likewise, when a former candidate represents the opposition party, the incumbent party's share of the vote decreases by about three percentage points, ceteris paribus. The electoral history of the state also has a significant effect on the share of the vote received by the incumbent party.
Abstract 4000: Trastuzumab targeting of HER2 upregulates miRNA-194 and downregulates profilin 2 and DNMT3A in HER2 positive breast cancer

Trastuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the extracellular domain of oncoprotein HER2, is widely used in standard therapy for women with HER2-positive breast cancer. Although the effects of trastuzumab on cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis have been intensively investigated, the effect of trastuzumab on microRNA (miRNA) is unknown. Since miRNA provides a novel layer of gene regulation and may play role in trastuzumab action, we have consequently performed miRNA microarray profiling before and after trastuzumab treatment in both SKBr3 and BT474 breast cancer cells that overexpress HER2. Trastuzumab significantly decreased five human miRNAs and increased three others in SKBr3 cells, whereas in BT474 cells it significantly decreased two miRNAs and increased ten. The only miRNA that shared the same change in both cell lines was miRNA-194 (miR194), which was upregulated following trastuzumab treatment. Upregulation of miR194 by trastuzumab was further validated in vitro and in vivo by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (QRT-PCR) or Northern blotting. miR194 expression in 92 cases of breast cancer and 21 normal breast tissues (all were FFPE samples) was examined by QRT-PCR. miR194 levels were significantly higher in breast cancer samples versus normal tissues (p=0.0003), in estrogen-positive breast cancer samples (p=0.002), and in HER2-negative breast cancer samples (p=0.032). Importantly, expression of precursor miR194 specifically downregulated the protein levels of DNA methytransferase DNMT3A and actin cytoskeleton organizer profilin 2. miR-194 specifically inhibited the luciferase activity of wild type DNMT3A 3’-UTR construct, but not that of mutant vector, indicating that DNMT3A is a direct downstream target of miR-194. Both trastuzumab treatment and overexpression of miR-194 inhibited cell motility of breast cancer cells, which may result from the inhibition of DNMT3A and profilin 2. In summary, trastuzumab treatment upregulates miR194 expression and may exert its therapeutic effects through downregulation of miR194-downstream targets DNMT3A and profilin 2 in HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4000. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4000
Synthesis of 1,3,5,7-tetraazacyclooctane derivatives

Tetraazaadamantane was converted under mild conditions into 1,3,5,7-tetraazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane derivatives. The latter were transformed selectively into 1,3,5,7-tetraazacyclooctane derivatives avoiding the formation of 1,3,5-triazacyclohexane compounds.
Environmental and target influences on microwave radiometers for landmine detection

A simple layered medium model for microwave thermal emission from a buried object shows that multiple frequency emission measurements can potentially provide an effective means for target detection. Object detection is obtained form a search for oscillatory features in multiple frequency brightness temperatures, which occur due to interference effects between the surface and buried object interfaces. Previous studies have considered simple homogeneous temperature and water content models of the soil medium, and show that oscillatory features versus frequency are not obtained in the absence of a target even with medium temperature or soil moisture variations. However, the more realistic case of non-constant temperature and water content versus depth was not considered in previous studies; these effects can potentially modify interference phenomena. In addition, subsurface objects have typically been modeled as layers whose horizontal dimensions are infinite; models including the effects of finite targets size are thus of interest.
Estimates of species- and ecosystem-level respiration of woody stems along an elevational gradient in the Luquillo Mountains, Puerto Rico

Abstract We measured CO 2 efflux from stems of seven subtropical tree species situated along an elevational gradient in the Luquillo Mountains, Puerto Rico and scaled these measurements up to the landscape level based on modeled and empirical relations. The most important determinants of ecosystem stem respiration were species composition and stem temperature. At a species scale, measured CO 2 efflux per unit bole surface area at a given temperature was highest in the early successional species Cecropia schreberiana and lowest in species that inhabit high elevations such as Micropholis garciniifolia and Tabebuia rigida . Carbon dioxide efflux rates followed a diel pattern that lagged approximately 6 h behind changes in sapwood temperatures. At an ecosystem scale, our simulation model indicates a decreasing trend of stem respiration rates with increasing elevation due to shifts in species composition, lower temperatures and reductions in branch surface area. The highest estimated stem respiration rates were present in the lowland tabonuco forest type and the lowest rates were present in the elfin forest type (mean 7.4 and 2.1 Mg C ha −1 yr −1 , respectively). There was slight temperature-induced seasonal variation in simulated stem respiration rates at low elevations, with a maximum difference of 19% between the months of February and July. Our results coincide well with those of Odum and Jordan [Odum, H.T., Jordan, C.F., 1970. Metabolism and evapotranspiration of the lower forest in a giant plastic cylinder. In: Odum, H.T., Pigeon, R.F. (Eds.), A Tropical Rain Forest: A Study of Irradiation and Ecology at El Verde, Puerto Rico. U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Oak Ridge, TN, pp. I165–I189] for the tabonuco forest type and extend their work by presenting estimates and spatial patterns of woody tissue respiration for the entire mountain rather than for a single forested plot.
Gerbil runway performance under hunger motivation

Three experiments report the effects of food deprivation and drive shifts upon acquisition and extinction of gerbil runway performance.
Carbon nanotubes by CVD and applications

Carbon nanotube (CNT) exhibits extraordinary mechanical and unique electronic properties and offers significant potential for structural, sensor, and nanoelectronics applications. An overview of CNT, growth methods, properties and applications is provided. Single-wall, and multi-wall CNTs have been grown by chemical vapor deposition. Catalyst development and optimization has been accomplished using combinatorial optimization methods. CNT has also been grown from the tips of silicon cantilevers for use in atomic force microscopy.
Rectal mucosectomy: A definitive approach to extensive hemangiomas of the rectum

Major rectal bleeding may occur in children and adults who have extensive hemangiomatous involvement of the pelvis and rectosigmoid colon, as in the Kleppel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS). Conventional surgical techniques such as bowel resection and colostomy have often been associated with large blood loss and/or incontinence. We have used a new approach to this problem utilizing rectal mucosectomy to eliminate the bleeding rectal mucosa and to preserve anal function. Four patients born with KTS eventually developed major rectal bleeding and were successfully corrected by this surgical approach. Two were females and two males. Ages ranged from 4 to 25 years at the time of surgery. The patients developed rectal bleeding leading to chronic anemia during the first decade of life. Rectal bleeding gradually increased requiring multiple transfusions (2 to 20 units) prior to surgery. Patient 1 underwent resection of the rectosigmoid colon, with rectal mucosectomy and endorectal coloanal anastomosis. The Nd:YAG laser was used on 3 occasions on the distal remaining rectal mucosa. Patients 2, 3, and 4 underwent sigmoid resection, transanal rectal mucosectomy, and a coloanal anastomosis, with minor YAG laser therapy in one patient. Blood loss during surgery was minimal. Follow-up ranged from 1.5 to 4 years. All have excellent sphincter control with no incontinence. No strictures or sepsis occurred following surgery. Rectal bleeding was eliminated in all 4 patients. This sphincter-saving approach should be considered in patients with extensive hemangiomas of the rectosigmoid colon because of its remarkable effectiveness and safety.
Role of bandtail states in laser cooling of semiconductors

A rigorous theory of phonon-assisted transitions near the direct band gap of semiconductors is developed and applied to the case of laser refrigeration. The theory shows that phonon-assisted absorption can be adequately described as state filling and that it is this state filling that limits the efficiency of laser cooling.
Molecular Modeling for Screening Environmental Chemicals for Estrogenicity: Use of the Toxicant-Target Approach

There is a paucity of relevant experimental information available for the evaluation of the potential health and environmental effects of many man made chemicals. Knowledge of the potential pathways for activity provides a rational basis for the extrapolations inherent in the preliminary evaluation of risk and the establishment of priorities for obtaining missing data for environmental chemicals. The differential step in many mechanisms of toxicity may be generalized as the interaction between a small molecule (a potential toxicant) and one or more macromolecular targets. An approach based on computation of the interaction between a potential molecular toxicant and a library of macromolecular targets of toxicity has been proposed for preliminary chemical screening. In the current study, the interaction between a series of environmentally relevant chemicals and models of the rat estrogen receptors (ER) was computed and the results compared to an experimental data set of their relative binding affinities. T...
Assessing ocean buoy shortwave observations using clear‐sky model calculations

[1] Comparison of ocean buoy observations and model calculations of incoming clear-sky surface shortwave radiation is performed in order to assess the buoys' general reliability under operating conditions. The buoy data employed for this study come from several experimental and operational deployments conducted by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL). WHOI deployments include the Frontal Air-Sea Interaction Experiment, Marine Light Mixed Layer Experiment, Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Response, Subduction Experiment, Arabian Sea Experiment, Pan-American Climate Study, and Biowatt. PMEL deployments include the Tropical Atmosphere Ocean moored buoy array in the tropical Pacific Ocean. These moorings and their associated shortwave measurements represent the vast majority of open-ocean in situ shortwave observations available to date. Two separate schemes were used to filter the cloudy samples from the buoy shortwave time series, one based on satellite values of cloudiness and a second scheme based on the buoy observations themselves and on a number of additional constraints. The clear-sky model calculations of surface shortwave were computed using the single-column radiation code from the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Climate Model, version 3. The primary uncertainty associated with the model calculations is the specification of the aerosol amount. In general, there was a fairly high level of agreement between the buoy and modeled values of clear-sky surface shortwave. However, there were a few buoys that exhibited significant model-data discrepancies (e.g., model-data biases exceeding 10%, or ∼40 W m−2). The possible reasons for these discrepancies were investigated. In some cases, unaccounted for aerosol variability in the model was found to be the most probable cause, indicating that observations were likely to be reliable. In other cases, the discrepancies appeared to result from sensor tilt associated with wind, currents, or deployment/mounting problems and/or were possibly due to aerosol buildup on the sensor.
CRYSTAL STRUCTURES OF THE OXIDIZED AND REDUCED FORMS OF UDP-GALACTOSE 4-EPIMERASE ISOLATED FROM ESCHERICHIA COLI

UDP-galactose 4-epimerase catalyzes the conversion of UDP-galactose to UDP-glucose through a mechanism involving the transient reduction of NAD+. Here we describe the X-ray structures for epimerase complexed with NADH/UDP and NAD+/UDP, refined to 1.8 and 2.0 A, respectively. The α-carbon positions for the two forms of the enzyme are superimposed with a root-mean-square deviation of 0.36 A. Overall, the models for the reduced and oxidized proteins are very similar except for the positions of several side chains including Phe 178 and Phe 218. The most striking difference between the oxidized and reduced enzymes is the conformation of the nicotinamide ring of the dinucleotide. In the reduced protein, the nicotinamide ring adopts the anti conformation while in the oxidized enzyme the syn conformation is observed. There are also significant structural differences in UDP binding between the oxidized and reduced forms of the protein which most likely explain the observation that uridine nucleotides bind more tig...
In vivo inhibition of angiogenesis by interleukin‐13 gene therapy in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis

Objective Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is a pleiotropic cytokine that can affect vessel formation, an important component of the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue pannus. The purpose of this study was to use a gene therapy approach to investigate the role of IL-13 in angiogenesis in vivo, using a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model of RA. Methods Ankle joints of female rats were injected preventatively with an adenovirus vector containing human IL-13 (AxCAIL-13), a control vector with no insert (AxCANI), or phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Joints were harvested at the peak of arthritis, and histologic and biochemical features were evaluated. Results AxCAIL-13–treated joint homogenates had lower hemoglobin levels, suggesting reduced joint vascularity, and both endothelial cell migration and tube formation were significantly inhibited (P < 0.05). Similarly, AxCAIL-13 inhibited capillary sprouting in the rat aortic ring assay and vessel growth in the Matrigel plug in vivo assay. IL-13 gene delivery resulted in up-regulation and association of phosphorylated ERK-1/2 and protein kinase Cα/βII, suggesting a novel pathway in IL-13–mediated angiostasis. The angiostatic effect of AxCAIL-13 was associated with down-regulation of proangiogenic cytokines (IL-18, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant 1/CXCL1, lipopolysaccharide-induced CXC chemokine/CXCL5) and up-regulation of the angiogenesis inhibitor endostatin. The expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, which participate in angiogenesis, was impaired in response to IL-13 as compared with AxCANI and PBS treatment. Conclusion Our findings support a role for IL-13 as an in vivo antiangiogenic factor and provide a rationale for its use in RA to control pathologic neovascularization.
Laparoscopic colorectal resection for cancer: effects of conversion on long-term oncologic outcomes.

The effects of conversion to open surgery during laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer on long-term oncologic outcomes still are unclear. All 450 laparoscopic colorectal resections for cancer performed at a single center between 1994 and 2008 and included in a prospectively maintained database were considered. Patients who required conversion to open surgery (CONV) were matched 1:2 with laparoscopically completed cases (LAP) and 1:5 with open surgery cases (OPEN) for age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, year of surgery, tumor location, and tumor stage. Fisher’s exact, chi-square, and Wilcoxon tests were used as appropriate. Kaplan–Meier curves were compared to analyze survival. In this study, 31 CONV cases were independently compared with 62 LAP and 155 OPEN cases. Compared with the LAP and OPEN patients, the CONV patients were characterized by a numerically higher rate of preoperative comorbidity (61.3% vs LAP, 51.6; P = 0.4 and OPEN, 48.4%; P = 0.2), male gender (77.4% vs LAP, 59.7%; P = 0.09 and OPEN, 58.1%; P = 0.05), and a significantly higher mean body mass index (29.6 vs LAP, 26.8; P = 0.012 and OPEN, 28.8; P = 0.3). The pathologic tumor stage, location, and chemotherapy and radiotherapy rates were comparable among the groups. After a median follow-up period of 4.1, 4.2, and 4.6 years, the 5-year disease-free survival rate was significantly lower for the CONV patients (40.2%) than for the LAP (70.7%, P = 0.01) or the OPEN (63.3%, P = 0.04) patients. However, the 5-year cancer-specific survival rates were similar among the CONV (94.4%), LAP (86.1%, P = 0.36), and OPEN (84.9%, P = 0.14) patients. Conversion to open surgery does not affect oncologic outcomes, although CONV patients have increased comorbidity rates affecting long-term mortality.
Role of the photo-Fenton reaction in the production of hydroxyl radicals and photobleaching of colored dissolved organic matter in a coastal river of the southeastern United States

Photochemical reactions involving colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in natural waters are important determinants of nutrient cycling, trace gas production and control of light penetration into the water column. In this study the role of the hydroxyl radical (•OH) in CDOM photodegradation was explored as well as the contribution of photo-Fenton chemistry to •OH formation. Photochemically produced •OH was observed under aerobic and dioxygen-depleted conditions in highly colored, acidic natural water samples obtained from a freshwater reach of the Satilla River, a river in the southeastern United States. Net aerobic •OH formation along with the production of hydrogen peroxide and Fe(II) provided evidence of photo-Fenton produced •OH. A reduction in •OH production in the presence of iron chelators further suggests the importance of iron and the photo-Fenton reaction in this water. Apparent quantum yield values for the photochemical production of •OH were determined from 300–320 nm. In addition, the relationship between •OH photoproduction and effects of irradiation on the optical properties of CDOM was examined. Changes in the light absorption and fluorescence properties of water samples from the Satilla River and other natural waters were compared to •OH production rates. The ability of constituents of Satilla River water, principally the dissolved organic matter, to scavenge •OH was also considered. Results indicate that the photo-Fenton reaction accounts for more than 70% of total photochemical •OH production in Satilla River water. Given the significant levels of •OH produced in this water, it is possible that •OH influences CDOM photobleaching.
Estimating pressure induced changes in vegetable tissue using in situ electrical conductivity measurement and instrumental analysis

Abstract Pressure-induced textural changes in selected vegetables (carrot, potato, and red radish) were investigated using in situ electrical conductivity measurement. Electrical conductivity of the vegetables was recorded in situ up to 10 min under elevated pressures (200, 400, 600 MPa at 25 °C) using a custom-fabricated experimental setup. The tissue disintegration index ( Z ) was determined for raw, processed and freeze–thawed samples. The hardness and stiffness of the samples were evaluated using the instrumental texture analyzer. This information was related to the crunchiness index ( CI ). Pressure treatment increased electrical conductivity values of all the samples as a function of pressure and holding time. Beyond a certain threshold of pressure holding time, the electrical conductivity did not change further. In situ electrical conductivity measurement is a useful tool to document the extent of textural changes during high pressure processing.
Radiation Retinopathy as an Experimental Model for Ischemic Proliferative Retinopathy and Rubeosis Iridis

We produced radiation retinopathy in capuchin monkeys and studied them with fluorescein angiography and light and electron microscopy. The animals were followed up from ten days to 3 1/2 years after radiation in order to determine whether this could provide an experimental model for other chronic ischemic-proliferative retinopathies, such as diabetes. The first change detected after radiation was the focal loss of capillary endothelial cells and pericytes. As the areas of acellular capillaries became confluent, cotton-wool spots became visible ophthalmoscopically. These increased in number and then faded away, leaving large areas of retinal capillary perfusion. Histologic studies showed occlusion first of the deeper, smaller retinal vessels and then gradually of the larger vessels. Intraretinal neovascularization as well as apparent recanalization then developed, but no new vessels extended through the internal limiting lamina into the vitreous. Rubeosis iridis with neovascular glaucoma developed 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years postirradiation, and vitreous aspirate demonstrated a high level of angiogenic factor.
Studies on the chick glycogen body: effects of hormones and normal glycogen turnover.

Abstract The administration to chicks of hormones which decidedly affected blood glucose, liver glycogen, and muscle glycogen was shown to have no effect, except in two cases, upon the glycogen content of the glycogen body. Corticosterone in one experiment and epinephrine in one experiment out of five increased glycogen-body glycogen. The hormones used included regular insulin, glucagon-free insulin, glucagon, epinephrine, cortisone, hydrocortisone, corticosterone, and mammalian growth hormone. Chicks fasting for as long as 5 days after hatching failed to show significant changes in glycogen-body glycogen concentration. Glycogen body weight and total glycogen increased gradually with age during an 11-week period. Glycogen concentration reached a peak (32%) at 3 weeks, gradually declined to the hatching level (25%) at about one month, then continued to fall and reached 21% by the eleventh week. Week-old chicks were killed 3, 8, 18, or 48 hours after injection with 50 μc of glucose C 14 , and the level of isotope in the glucogen-body glycogen was determined. The glycogen was digested with β-amylase to separately determine the activities of the peripheral tiers (maltose) and inner core (limit dextrin) of the glycogen. The specific activity of glycogen-body glycogen as per cent of the injected specific activity was insignificant at 3 hours and 0.015%, 0.040% and 0.016% at 8, 18, and 48 hours respectively, indicating an incorporation and release of the glucose C 14 during the 48 hour period. The replacement of glucosyl units was greater in the maltose fraction of the glycogen than in the limit dextrin. These changes are interpreted as an indication that although the glycogen concentration remained constant, glycogenesis and glycogenolysis occurred.
Optimizing System-on-Film (SOF) Design Using Finite Element Analysis

System-On-Film (SOF) module is a complex integration of a fine pitch high density die and surface mounted discrete devices on a polyimide (PI) film laminate. The die is connected to the film using a thermo-compression flip-chip bonding (TCB) process which is capable of providing a very high density interconnect at less than 50um pitch. Several design and bonding parameters have to be controlled in order to achieve a reliable bond between the Au bumps on the die and the Sn plated Cu traces on the PI film. In the current work, the TCB process is studied using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to optimize the design parameters and assure proper process margins. The resultant forces acting on the bump-to-trace interfaces are quantified across the different potential geometrical combinations. Baseline simulations showed higher stresses on specific bump locations and stress gradients acting on the bumps along the different sides of the die. These observations were correlated to both the failures and near failures on the actual test vehicles. Further simulations were then utilized to optimize and navigate design tradeoffs at both the die and flexible substrate design levels for a more robust design solution. Construction analysis performed on parts built using optimized design parameters showed significant improvements and correlated well with the simulation results.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Hexrotor UAV platform enabling dextrous interaction with structures-flight test

In this paper, we present the development of Dexterous Hexrotor, a hexrotor UAV platform with canted thrusters, enabling dexterous interaction with structures. Aerial mobile manipulation is an emerging niche in the field of mobile manipulation. Although there has been a fair amount of study of free-flying satellites with graspers and yielded impressive results, it is hampered a lack of appropriate testbeds for aerial mobile manipulation. Typical helicopters or quadrotors cannot instantaneously resist or apply an arbitrary force in the plane perpendicular to the rotor axis. They lack of force closure (a term from the dexterous manipulation community), which makes them inadequate for complex mobile manipulation tasks. The Collaborative Mechatronics Lab is addressing this instrumentation gap with the development of Dexterous Hexrotor to eventually host a low-cost, lightweight Stewart-Gough platform that can be combined as a macro/micro mobile manipulation system. Based on the concept of force closure, the new type of 6 DoFs hexrotor UAV provides the unique capability of being able to resist any applied wrench, or generalized force-torque. In this paper, we describe how Dexterous Hexrotor provides this important capability. We also describe the flight test which Dexterous Hexrotor is exhibiting holonomic behavior.
Centrosome control of the cell cycle

Early observations of centrosomes, made a century ago, revealed a tiny dark structure surrounded by a radial array of cytoplasmic fibers. We now know that the fibers are microtubules and that the dark organelles are centrosomes that mediate functions far beyond the more conventional role of microtubule organization. More recent evidence demonstrates that the centrosome serves as a scaffold for anchoring an extensive number of regulatory proteins. Among these are cell-cycle regulators whose association with the centrosome is an essential step in cell-cycle control. Such studies show that the centrosome is required for several cell-cycle transitions, including G 1 to S-phase, G 2 to mitosis and metaphase to anaphase. In this review (which is part of the Chromosome Segregation and Aneuploidy series), we discuss recent data that provide the most direct links between centrosomes and cell-cycle progression.
Altered Expression of PIWI RNA in the Rat Brain After Transient Focal Ischemia

Background and Purpose—The PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) is the most predominant RNA species in eukaryotes. The piRNA are a class of noncoding RNAs that bind and degrade the RNA formed by the transposons to control the transposon-induced gene mutations. The role of piRNA after focal ischemia is not yet evaluated. Methods—We profiled 39 727 piRNAs in the cerebral cortex of adult rats subjected to transient focal ischemia using microarrays. The RT targets of stroke-responsive piRNAs were identified with bioinformatics. To understand how piRNAs are controlled, we analyzed the transcription factor binding sites in the putative promoters of 10 representative stroke-responsive piRNAs. Results—In the ipsilateral cortex of ischemic rats, 105 piRNAs showed altered expression (54 up- and 51 downregulated; >2.5-fold) compared with shams. Twenty-five of those showed a >5-fold change. A bioinformatics search showed that the transposon targets of the highly stroke-responsive piRNAs are distributed among the 20 autosomal...
Characterization of a Novel Plasmid-Mediated Cephalosporinase (CMY-9) and Its Genetic Environment in an Escherichia coli Clinical Isolate

An Escherichia coli strain, HKYM68, which showed resistance to broad-spectrum cephalosporins was isolated from a sputum specimen in Japan. The high-level resistance of the strain to ceftazidime, cefpirome, and moxalactam was carried by a self-transferable plasmid. The β-lactamase gene responsible for the resistance was cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence of this gene product, CMY-9, had a single amino acid substitution (E85D), the residue reported to be part of the recognition site for the R1 side chain of β-lactams, compared with the amino acid sequence of CMY-8 and also had 78% identity with the amino acid sequence of CepH, a chromosomal cephalosporinase of Aeromonas hydrophila. A sul1-type class 1 integron containing an aacA1-orfG gene cassette was identified upstream of blaCMY-9 and ended with a truncated 3′ conserved segment. The following 2.1 kb was almost identical to the common region of integrons In6 and In7 and the integron of pSAL-1, except that orf513 encoding a putative transposase was identified instead of orf341 due to addition of a single nucleotide. blaCMY-9 was closely located downstream of the end of the common region. These observations are indicative of the exogenous derivation of blaCMY-9 from some environmental microorganisms such as aeromonads.
Prolonged minor allograft survival in intravenously primed mice. Effect of recipient's age and of prior immunity to minor H antigens on the priming cells.

The effect of a pretransplant i.v. infusion of donor-strain spleen cells into recipient mice that were already immune to minor H antigens on the infused cells was studied. The central finding is that a preexisting state of immunity against target minor H antigens on a skin graft is sufficient to overcome the survival-prolonging effect of a pretransplant i.v. infusion of donor-strain spleen cells. Moreover, immunity directed against an irrelevant antigen on the infused cells, rather than against a target antigen on the indicator skin graft, is sufficient to cause the beneficial effect of the infusion to be greatly reduced. A further significant finding is that the ability of a pretransplant infusion of donor-strain spleen cells to prolong the survival of a minor allograft of skin declines as the recipient matures from a 6-9-week-old juvenile to a 12-16-week-old adult.
The effects of Tai Chi exercise on cognitive function in older adults: A meta-analysis

Abstract Background Cognitive impairment is prevalent among older adults and results in degraded quality of life for older adults. As the population ages, this may cause a huge burden to society. Research has demonstrated that physical exercise is beneficial to cognitive function. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to critically assess the effect of Tai Chi exercise on global cognitive, executive, and memory functions in older adults. Methods After a thorough electronic search and selection, eight studies were included in this meta-analysis with two cross-sectional and six intervention studies. Nine variables included in this meta-analysis were: mini mental status examination (MMSE), Alzheimer's disease assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog), trailmaking test part A (TMA), trailmaking test part B (TMB), digit span test forward (DSF), digit span test backward (DSB), visual span test backward (VSB), verbal fluency test (VFT), and word delay recall test (WDR). The effect sizes and forest plots of these nine variables were generated. Results Four (MMSE, DSB, VSB, and VFT) out of nine variables were significantly improved after Tai Chi exercise with the effect sizes ranged from 0.20 to 0.46 (small to medium). MMSE represented global cognitive function, and DSB, VSB, and VFT represented memory function. Conclusion Tai Chi as a mind-body exercise has the positive effects on global cognitive and memory functions, and more consistent positive effects were found on memory function, especially verbal working memory.