cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brain activation during semantic processing in autism spectrum disorders via functional magnetic resonance imaging

Language and communication deficits are core features of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), even in high-functioning adults with ASD. This study investigated brain activation patterns using functional magnetic resonance imaging in right-handed adult males with ASD and a control group, matched on age, handedness, and verbal IQ. Semantic processing in the controls produced robust activation in Broca's area (left inferior frontal gyrus) and in superior medial frontal gyrus and right cerebellum. The ASD group had substantially reduced Broca's activation, but increased left temporal (Wernicke's) activation. Furthermore, the ASD group showed diminished activation differences between concrete and abstract words, consistent with behavioral studies. The current study suggests Broca's area is a region of abnormal neurodevelopment in ASD, which may be linked with semantic and related language deficits frequently observed in ASD.
The rate of grain release by pore‐ice sublimation in cold‐aeolian environments

Pore-ice sublimation is a prerequisite for aeolian activity in cold environments where surface sediments hold significant amounts of frozen water. Few quantitative studies have defined the rate of grain release from cemented surfaces by pore-ice sublimation. In 1996-1997, controlled field experiments at Presqu'ile Beach, Ontario, were implemented to measure sediment release from frozen surfaces. The release rates were compared to the local wind regime, ambient temperature and humidity. In additional field experiments, the effect of sediment water content on grain release by sublimation was examined. From the experimental results, an equation which predicts grain release based on local wind speed, ground temperature, humidity, and surface water content is proposed. Predicted release rates show reasonable agreement with natural deflation measured on the beach at Presqu'ile Provincial Park.
Effect of block copolymer on the electric field induced morphology of polymer blends

The effect of added diblock copolymer on the morphologies of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/polystyrene (PS) blends cast from cyclohexanone in an electric field is studied. It is shown that elongated PEO phases can form in this system at low applied fields with added diblock copolymer and it is suggested that these are stabilized as a result of a lowering of the interfacial tension between PEO and PS.
Cuffing techniques in microarterial surgery

Four-stitch microarterial anastomoses reinforced with cuffs of artery, vein, or polyglycolic acid tubing were compared to standard eight-stitch repairs in the femoral arteries of 40 immature rats.The cuffing technique reduced the average repair time by 50% without compromising short- or long-term patency.Restricted vessel growth or anastomotic stenosis did not result from the presence of any of the cuffing materials.Polyglycolic acid tubing performed as well as autogenous cutTs.The cuffing technique helps minimize trauma to the vessel waIl by reducing the number of sutures, and its application could significantly decrease the duration of ischemia in multiple digit replantations.
Preferential loss and gain of introns in 3′ portions of genes suggests a reverse-transcription mechanism of intron insertion

Abstract In an attempt to gain insight into the dynamics of intron evolution in eukaryotic protein-coding genes, the distributions of old introns, that are conserved between distant phylogenetic lineages, and new, lineage-specific introns along the gene length, were examined. A significant excess of old introns in 5′-regions of genes was detected. New introns, when analyzed in bulk, showed a nearly flat distribution from the 5′- to the 3′-end. However, analysis of new intron distributions in individual genomes revealed notable lineage-specific features. While in intron-poor genomes, particularly yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe (Sp), the 5′-portions of genes contain a significantly greater number of new introns than the 3′-portions, the intron-rich genomes of humans and Arabidopsis show the opposite trend. These observations seem to be compatible with the view that introns are both lost and inserted in 3′-terminal portions of genes more often than in 5′-portions. Overrepresentation of 3′-terminal sequences among cDNAs that mediate intron loss appears to be the most likely explanation for the apparent preferential loss of introns in the distal parts of genes. Preferential insertion of introns in the 3′-portions suggests that introns might be inserted via a reverse-transcription-mediated pathway similar to that implicated in intron loss. This mechanism could involve duplication of a portion of the coding region during reverse transcription followed by homologous recombination and subsequent rapid sequence divergence in the copy that becomes a new intron.
Spatial conflict and conflict resolution, a classroom simulation

Abstract The role of space in conflict resolution, often overlooked, is explored in a classroom. The object of the simulation game is to select a site for a noxious facility in an hypothetical community. The site options create the kinds of interaction created in the real world, where the goals of some individuals conflict with those of the greater community. The game highlights the group behaviour, political tensions and inequities in mobility and access commonly observed in conflicts.
Androgen receptor immunoreactivity in intact and castrate guinea pig using antipeptide antibodies.

Abstract We developed and used antibodies to an androgen receptor (AR)-specific synthetic peptide (amino acids 201–222 of the human androgen receptor) to localize AR in the brain and peripheral tissues of intact and castrate adult male guinea pigs. Immunoreactivity was localized to the nucleus of epithelial and stromal cells in the prostate of intact animals. Immunostaining was abolished in the prostate 4 days following castration. Androgen receptor immunoreactivity was found in brain nuclei known to be involved in reproductive and other androgen-dependent behaviors, including the preoptic area, medial basal hypothalamus, and anterior pituitary gland. Castration had no effect on the distribution or intensity of AR immunostaining in the brain. These data indicate a differential regulation of AR in the brain compared to peripheral tissues.
Gene therapy-mediated expression by tumor cells of the angiogenesis inhibitor flk-1 results in inhibition of neuroblastoma growth in vivo☆☆☆

Abstract Background/Purpose: Preventing tumors from forming new blood vessels appears to be an effective new anticancer approach. Antiangiogenic therapy usually is cytostatic, however, and, therefore, long-term angiogenesis inhibition is likely to be required. The objective of this study was to determine if sustained gene therapy-mediated expression of these agents from tumor cells could restrict tumor growth in vivo. Methods: Two replication-defective retroviral vectors were made, one encoding both the soluble, truncated vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF-R2), flk-1, together with green fluorescent protein (GFP), and the other encoding GFP alone. These vectors were then used to transduce murine neuroblastoma cells (NXS2). Stable, high expression of the flk-1 transgene was confirmed in the former population of cells by Western analysis. Flk-1 protein was isolated from cell culture supernatants and tested in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and migration assays to confirm that functional protein was being made. Finally, in vivo activity was assessed by injecting 10 6 tumor cells subcutaneously into SCID mice and monitoring subsequent tumor growth. Results: Purified flk-1 (0.1 μmol/L) was able to inhibit basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) stimulated HUVEC proliferation by 44% and VEGF-stimulated migration by 30%. In vitro growth rates for the transduced cell lines were similar to the unmodified cell line. In vivo, however, after 23 days, tumors from flk-1 expressing neuroblastoma cells were less than 33% the average volume of tumors from cells expressing only the GFP transgene (mean volume, 1.9 cm 3 v 5.8 cm 3 , P Conclusions: Engineered expression of flk-1, a competitive inhibitor of VEGF, by tumor cells results in the production of an inhibitor of endothelial cell proliferation and migration that greatly restricts the growth of the tumor cells in vivo. Gene therapy-mediated delivery of angiogenesis inhibitors may provide an alternative approach to treating refractory tumors such as neuroblastoma. J Pediatr Surg 36:30-36. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Ligand Activation of the Aromatic Hydrocarbon Receptor Transcription Factor Drives Bax-Dependent Apoptosis in Developing Fetal Ovarian Germ Cells

We recently reported that a targeted disruption of the gene encoding the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in mice reduces fetal oocyte apoptosis, leading to a 2-fold increase in the number of primordial follicles endowed at birth. Although the identity of the natural ligand(s) for the AHR remains to be unequivocally established, these findings indicate that the level of AHR function is an important physiological determinant of how many oocytes will succumb to apoptosis during development of the fetal ovaries. Furthermore, the AHR is a well established receptor for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of ubiquitous environmental chemicals known to cause the death of female germ cells in fetal life. Given the possibility that the AHR serves as a key mediator of fetal oocyte death under both physiological and pathological situations, this study was conducted to more fully examine the impact of PAH-AHR interaction on fetal ovarian germ cells. In addition, experiments were designed to begin identification of the mechanism(s) by which ligand activation of the AHR induces prenatal oocyte depletion after transplacental exposure of fetuses to PAHs in vivo. Embryonic d 13.5 murine fetal ovaries cultured in the presence of PAHs exhibited a high level of germ cell loss via apoptosis that was prevented by the selective AHR antagonist, -napthoflavone (ANF). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed an accumulation of Bax protein in germ cells of fetal ovaries exposed to PAHs before the onset of apoptosis, whereas cotreatment with ANF inhibited the induction of Bax expression. The functional importance of increased Bax expression to the cytotoxic response was confirmed by findings that fetal ovarian germ cell loss caused by in utero exposure of wild-type female fetuses to PAHs was not observed in Bax-deficient female fetuses exposed in parallel. We conclude that a central role exists for the AHR in transducing the actions of PAHs in fetal ovarian germ cells, and that the proapoptotic Bcl-2 family member, Bax, is a required mediator of PAH-induced oocyte loss in female fetuses exposed to PAHs in utero. (Endocrinology 143: 615– 620, 2002)
Development of a Design-Based Learning Curriculum through Design-Based Research for a Technology-Enabled Science Classroom.

This exploratory study provides a deeper look into the aspects of students’ experience from design-based learning (DBL) activities for fifth grade students. Using design-based research (DBR), this study was conducted on a series of science learning activities leveraging mobile phones with relevant applications and sensors. We observed 3 different DBL workshops to understand potential learning effects and develop a curriculum to be reiterated as part of the DBR. The students who participated in this study were (1) provided with resources for their own experiment design, (2) encouraged to engage in problem solving by collective reasoning and solution designs, and (3) scaffolded in documenting, evaluating, and reporting scientific phenomena embedded in a thematic integrative education setting. This exploratory research model may be appropriate in addressing the issues of making science learning more approachable, interesting, enjoyable, and contextual while determining the efficacy of the pedagogy, resources, and conditions needed for the continuous curriculum enhancement process. Key findings suggest that emergence, evolution, and permeation could be promoted in the DBL environment as a pedagogical perspective.
Comparative efficacy of topical tetraVisc versus lidocaine gel in cataract surgery.

Background To compare the clinical efficacy of lidocaine 2% with tetracaine 0.5% for cataract surgery.
Population densities of clover rhizobia in Texas pastures and response to liming

Clovers are widely used forage legumes on acidic soils in Texas and need inoculation with appropriate rhizobia when first introduced. Acidic soils are not conducive to survival of clover rhizobia. A survey of pastures was undertaken to determine the number of rhizobia present. The effect of liming acidic soils on the survival of clover rhizobia was also evaluated in the laboratory. The number of clover rhizobia was more than 100 cells g-1 soil in 70% of the pastures surveyed but populations within pastures varied by more than two orders of magnitude. The number of years of clover production beyond 1 year did not affect the rhizobial population density. The soil pH of twelve samples was below 5.0 and six samples had populations of rhizobial lower than 100 g-1 soil. Eleven out of sixteen samples from fields that had grown clover and had pH values above 6.0 had populations exceeding 1000 g-1 soil and only three samples had populations lower than 100 g-1 soil. Incubating indigenous or inoculated rhizobia in well-mixed soils having pH values of 5.1 or below resulted in populations declining to below 10 g-1 soil in 6 weeks. Mixing of soils with pH values of up to 5.4 induced reduction of rhizobial numbers, possibly by destroying microsites. Liming of soils to increase pH values above 5.5 improved survival of native or inoculated rhizobia in most cases.
Maintenance of noradrenergic sympathetic innervation in the involuted thymus of the aged Fischer 344 rat

Sympathetic postganglionic noradrenergic (NA) fibers innervate both primary and secondary lymphoid organs in the rat. In secondary lymphoid organs such as the spleen and lymph nodes, this innervation diminishes with age. This study was undertaken to determine whether a similar decline in NA innervation occurs in the thymus. Thymuses from Fischer 344 (F344) rats were examined at 3, 8, 12, 17, 21, and 27 months of age with fluorescence histochemistry for catecholamines, and with high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (LCEC) for quantitation of monoamines. In adult animals of all age groups, the compartmentation of NA innervation was maintained; NA fibers entered the thymus with the vasculature and arborized in the cortex, particularly in the subcapsular region and around the vasculature at the corticomedullary junction. NA nerve fibers were sparse in the thymuses from 3-month-old rats and increased in density at 8 and 12 months of age. The density of NA nerve fibers in the thymuses from 17, 21, and 27 months of age increased further, in parallel with thymic involution. Quantitation of monoamines revealed stable thymic norepinephrine (NE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) content from 8 to 27 months of age. The lower levels of NE detected at 3 months of age may reflect a slow maturation and reorganization of this fiber system as a developmental phenomenon. Measurement of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenyleneglycol (MHPG), a major metabolite of NE, showed a more than twofold rise from 3 to 12 months of age, and remained high through 27 months of age. The resultant MHPG/NE ratios, as an index of NE availability for interaction with target cells, showed a decline from 3 months of age through 17-21 months of age, followed by a marked rise at 27 months of age. These findings suggest that the thymus is able to maintain NA innervation in the face of involution, and that these fibers provide a NA-enriched microenvironment for interaction with adrenergic receptors on thymocytes.
The substrates for lateral hypothalamic and medial pre-frontal cortex self-stimulation have different refractory periods and show poor spatial summation

Refractory periods of the substrates for lateral hypothalamic (LH) and medial pre-frontal cortex (MPFC) self-stimulation were behaviorally estimated. The beginning of recovery from refractoriness was estimated as the time at which recovery was 20% complete. In all 7 rats, this estimate differed substantially across sites, averaging 0.66 msec and 1.59 msec for the LH and MPFC substrates, respectively. The recovery of excitability approached asymptote later in the MPFC substrate (3.5 msec) than in the LH substrate (1.5 msec). These findings are consistent with the view that different fibers subserve the reinforcing consequences of LH and MPFC stimulation. This notion is strengthened by the observation that the rewarding effects of stimulation summated poorly when stimulating pulses were concurrently delivered to these two sites.
Developmental Regulation of Angiotensin Type 1 and 2 Receptor Gene Expression and Heart Growth

Abstract Little is known regarding the developmental regulation of the cardiac angiotensin type 1 (AT 1 ) and type 2 (AT 2 ) receptor genes or their role in normal cardiac growth. Regulation of AT 1 and AT 2 receptor genes were examined using total and poly A+RNA isolated from whole Sprague–Dawley rat hearts. AT 1 mRNA levels were 3.5-fold higher in the 19-day-old fetal heart compared to the 90-day-old adult as detected with 2 or 5 μ g of poly A+RNA. AT 2 mRNA was only detectable with 20 μ g of poly A+RNA. AT 2 mRNA levels were highest in the 19-day-old fetal heart with no detectable message in the 90-day-old adult heart. Qualitative PCR for AT 2 mRNA also could not detect AT 2 mRNA in the adult heart. Treatment with the AT 1 receptor antagonist losartan for 3 weeks in the 21-day-old rat or for 4 days in the 38-day-old rat resulted in a significant decrease in heart/body weight in both groups and body weight in the 3-week treatment group. AT 2 blockade for 4 days with PD123319 or β -receptor blockade with propranolol for 3 weeks did not alter heart/body weights. Losartan treatment also resulted in a three-fold increase in cardiac AT 1 mRNA levels in both the 4-day and 3-week treatment groups compared to controls. We conclude that Ang II, acting primarily, if not exclusively via the AT 1 receptor plays a significant role in the regulation of normal cardiac growth in the young rat.
Calibration technique for high-resolution laser pointing determination system

Summary form only given. The Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) is a next generation space lidar whose design combines a 10-cm precision surface measurement with a dual wavelength cloud and aerosol lidar for long-term continuous use in orbit. The primary mission for GLAS is to measure the seasonal changes in the heights of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. Since the accuracy of 10 cm in range measurements needs to be achieved even over surfaces with /spl sim/3 deg slope, the pointing angle of the ranging laser has to be known to within /spl sim/7.3 urad. For this purpose GLAS uses a stellar reference system (SRS) to measure the pointing angle of each laser shot relative to inertial space. To achieve this accuracy, the SRS itself needs to be calibrated and tested with an instrument capable of considerably better accuracy and stability. To meet these requirements the following technique has been developed. A Newtonian telescope with a point source in its focal plane is used as a source of collimated light (i.e. artificial star generator). It has FOV of /spl plusmn/0.5/spl deg/ and uses three corrective lenses to: (a) achieve diffraction-limited performance across entire FOV; (b) reduce distortions to <0.01% across entire FOV; (c) make the telescope telecentric; (d) minimize sensitivity to lateral misalignment. In the focal plane of the star generator there is an array of pinholes. The array, when used with the corrected star generator telescope, serves as an absolute angle reference. The star generator is calibrated using interferometric techniques, which allows for absolute angle determination. It is then used to calibrate the reference measurement telescope used for independent monitoring of the SRS measurements.
Synthetic world order

by E. Castronova, Chicago, IL, The University of Chicago Press, 2005, 344 pp., US$18 (paperback), ISBN 0‐22‐609626‐2 As the lines disappear, we move toward a state in which there is really no barri...
Sensor and channel selection for cooperative sensing in multichannel cognitive radio systems

This paper investigates the issue of how to balance the tradeoff between sensing performance and sensing costs/rewards for cooperative sensing in a multichannel cognitive radio system. Two cases of practical interest are studied. In the first case, the number of available sensors is assumed to be sufficient for detecting available frequency channels. For this case, we study the problem of selecting appropriate sensors to minimize the cost of detecting all the available channels subject to sensing performance constraints. The problem can be solved by using a branch-and-bound algorithm. In the second case, the number of available sensors is assumed to be insufficient for detecting all the available channels. For this case, we study the problem of selecting appropriate channels to maximize the sensing rewards subject to sensing performance constraints. Since the computational complexity of solving this problem optimally is fairly high, we propose a greedy algorithm as a low complexity solution to the problem. We further validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm via Monte-Carlo simulations.
Human vascular smooth muscle cells express an estrogen receptor isoform

In women, estrogen (E2) exerts a clinically relevant anti-atherogenic effect. The atheroprotective effects of E2 are mediated both by E2-induced changes in systemic factors and by direct effects of E2 on the blood vessel wall. In studies to characterize E2 signaling pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), we recently demonstrated that human VSMC express a functional estrogen receptor [1]. In the present study, we applied a reverse transcription/PCR-based strategy to identify isoforms of the E2 receptor in human VSMC. We now report that in addition to the classical E2 receptor, human VSMC derived from both mammary artery and saphenous vein express an estrogen receptor isoform containing an in-frame deletion of Exon 4 (ERΔ4). RNase protection assays confirm the presence of ERΔ4 message in VSMC and demonstrate it is nearly as abundant as the classical E2 receptor. Transient transfection experiments in VSMC and HeLa cells demonstrate that, in contrast to the classical 67 kDa nuclear-localized E2 receptor, ERΔ4: (a) is a 55 kDa protein that is widely distributed throughout the cell; (b) does not transactivate an E2 response element-driven reporter plasmid in response to E2; and (c) does not modulate transactivation of the ERE-reporter by the classical (wild type) estrogen receptor. Thus, human VSMC express an E2 receptor isoform that does not appear to alter gene transcription. The presence of a novel isoform of the E2 receptor may have important implications for studies of E2-mediated signaling in VSMC.
Crucial spin tests of quantum-chromodynamic approaches to large-transverse-momentum processes

The polarization of the large-${p}_{T}$ reaction $p+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\pi}+X$ is shown to vanish if the perturbative quantum-chromodynamical approach is used. The status of two-spin correlation studies of large-${p}_{T}$ inclusive production processes is clarified, the usefulness of spin correlations of the reaction $p+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}+X$ in revealing the nature of constituent scattering is discussed, whereas the reaction $p+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\pi}+X$ is less useful for this purpose.
Polymer effects on the photochemistry of triarylsulfonium salts

Triarylsulfonium salts are used for both curing and microelectronic imaging of polymer films. The major products from the photodecomposition of sulfonium salts are a Broensted acid along with a mixture of diarylsulfides. The amount of acid which is produced on irradiation of polymer films containing triarylsulfonium salts is dependent on the structures of both the polymer and sulfonium salt. The results from both electron beam and ultraviolet experiments suggest that polarity effects are very important factors in determining how much acid is produced. The effect of sulfonium salt loading percentage was also studied. Thermal analysis of polymer films has shown greater plasticization effects for sulfonium salts in polar polymer films indicating that the interaction between sulfonium salts and polymers is better for polar polymers. ESR experiments have determined the nature of the radicals which are produced following irradiation and these results suggest a mechanistic understanding of the polymer structural effects. In the case of acid-sensitive polymers, it has been possible to determine the extent of acid-catalyzed chemistry which, in turn, provides a means of estimating the acid diffusion range in this polymer film.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Grain Boundary Modification During Neutron Irradiation at Intermediate Temperatures

Grain boundary compositions and near-boundary microstructures have been measured in complex Fe-Cr-Ni alloys after neutron irradiation at intermediate temperatures where nanometer-scale damage promotes structural integrity problems in nuclear reactor systems. Radiation-induced segregation (RIS) and dislocation loop microstructures have been determined as a function of irradiation dose up to 13 dpa and at temperatures near 280°C. The most significant effect on RIS was the grain boundary structure (low-energy special boundaries versus high-energy random boundaries) and composition (enrichment of Cr and Mo) before irradiation. Grain boundary character distribution did not change with irradiation and only high-energy boundaries exhibited significant radiation-induced changes. The initial grain boundary composition in mill-annealed stainless steels was difficult to remove during subsequent irradiation and retarded the development of Cr- and Mo-depleted regions.
Assessment of PTSD symptoms in a community exposed to serial murder

This study examined the presence of PTSD symptoms across time in a community exposed to serial murder. One hundred eighty four subjects (48% response rate) responded to the initial survey while 64 and 30 subjects, respectively, participated in the 9- and 18-month follow-up studies. Results indicated widespread endorsement of PTSD symptoms following the murders. The most severe reactions were found among residents demographically similar to the victims. PTSD symptoms, while not transient, appeared to decrease over time with few subjects still reporting symptoms at 18 months. These data suggest that violent acts such as serial murder can have far reaching psychological consequences for the community and result in vicarious victimization.
Integrated silicon optical receiver with avalanche photodiode

An optical receiver consisting of an avalanche photodiode integrated with a transimpedance amplifier is reported. The optical receiver was fabricated on a 2 /spl mu/m thick SOI substrate in a 130 nm unmodified CMOS process flow. The unity gain external quantum efficiency of the photodetectors was /spl sim/10% at 850 nm. Optimum sensitivity was achieved for an avalanche gain M=8. This gain accounted for 5 dB improvement in receiver sensitivity at 2 Gbit/s. Operation at 8 Gbit/s was achieved only when the photodetector was biased in the avalanche gain regime.
OSCAR: a framework for structuring mediated communication by speech acts

The work presented addresses the problem of the structuration of textual communication through chats or forums as a means to: (1) support students involved in collective activities and (2) support the tutor in his perception of these activities. OSCAR is a framework based on the speech-acts theory. It allows defining theories composed of a set of speech-acts and precedence relations between these speech-acts and to perform synchronous and asynchronous discussions structured by these theories. OSCAR can be used both as an operational tool within a distance learning platform and as a research tool as it proposes means to study a posteriori the discussions (e.g., analysis of the different student's attitudes in the discussion).
Minimal access surgery for repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: is it advantageous?--An open review.

Introduction Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a congenital life-threatening condition requiring surgical repair in theneonatal period. Minimal access surgery (MAS) is gaining ground on the classical open approach by laparotomy or thoracotomy as it minimizes damage to the abdominalor thoracic wall. Usingan openreview of theliterature, weaimed to determine whether MASissafeandeffectiveintreatingCDH.Furthermore,weprovideselectioncriteriafor theoptimal surgical approach, laid down in a decision algorithm. Methods An online search of MEDLINE was performed (May 2012), followed by a citations search. All study types except case reports describing open and/or MAS repair of Bochdalek CDH were eligible. Primary outcome data, for example, surgical complications and mortality, were recorded, as well as secondary outcome measures, for example, operative time, duration of postoperative ventilation, tolerance of enteral nutrition, and total length of stay (LOS) in hospital. Analysis was performed in accordance with the standards of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Results We identified15 relevant studies, 5of them describing MASonlyand 10comparing MAS to open repair of CDH. Numbers of included patients and selection criteria for MAS varied widely. Most studies have methodologicallimitations, such as the use of retrospective data or historical control groups. ECMO treatment and patch use were more frequent in the open repair group (both p < 0.0001). Recurrence risk seemed to be increased in the MAS group. The need for conversion in MAS series ranged widely, from 3.4 to 75.0%. The risk of general surgical complications did not vary between groups. Mortality seemed to be less in the MAS group. Operative time seemed to be longer in the MAS group. Duration of postoperative ventilation and total LOS appeared to be reduced in this group and patients returned quicker to enteral nutrition. Conclusions We demonstrate that MAS for diaphragmatic hernia appears to be safe in terms of complications and mortality. Besides, it is associated with faster postoperative recovery. Growing experience with this technique is expected to lower the recurrence risk andtoshortentheoperativetime.These findingsshouldbeinterpretedcautiouslybecauseof methodological limitations of the studies included. Selection criteria used in various studies
O 2 − -mediated impairment of coronary arterial relaxation is prevented by overnight treatment with 1 nM β-estradiol

We tested the hypothesis that the ability of coronary arteries to withstand functional damage from superoxide (O 2 − ) is altered by exposure of the arteries to a physiological concentration of β-e...
Towards more robust methods of alien gene detection

Because the properties of horizontally-transferred genes will reflect the mutational proclivities of their donor genomes, they often show atypical compositional properties relative to native genes. Parametric methods use these discrepancies to identify bacterial genes recently acquired by horizontal transfer. However, compositional patterns of native genes vary stochastically, leaving no clear boundary between typical and atypical genes. As a result, while strongly atypical genes are readily identified as alien, genes of ambiguous character are poorly classified when a single threshold separates typical and atypical genes. This limitation affects all parametric methods that examine genes independently, and escaping it requires the use of additional genomic information. We propose that the performance of all parametric methods can be improved by using a multiple-threshold approach. First, strongly atypical alien genes and strongly typical native genes would be identified using conservative thresholds. Genes with ambiguous compositional features would then be classified by examining gene context, including the class (native or alien) of flanking genes. By including additional genomic information in a multiple-threshold framework, we observed a remarkable improvement in the performance of several popular, but algorithmically distinct, methods for alien gene detection.
Innexin and pannexin channels and their signaling

Innexins are bifunctional membrane proteins in invertebrates, forming gap junctions as well as non-junctional membrane channels (innexons). Their vertebrate analogues, the pannexins, have not only lost the ability to form gap junctions but are also prevented from it by glycosylation. Pannexins appear to form only non-junctional membrane channels (pannexons). The membrane channels formed by pannexins and innexins are similar in their biophysical and pharmacological properties. Innexons and pannexons are permeable to ATP, are present in glial cells, and are involved in activation of microglia by calcium waves in glia. Directional movement and accumulation of microglia following nerve injury, which has been studied in the leech which has unusually large glial cells, involves at least 3 signals: ATP is the “go” signal, NO is the “where” signal and arachidonic acid is a “stop” signal.
Feasibility and profitability of a radiology department providing trauma US as part of a trauma alert team.

Abstract Rationale and Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and profitability of a radiology department providing a six-point trauma ultrasound (US) examination for abdominal or pelvic free fluid as part of a trauma alert team. Materials and Methods The study included 191 trauma alerts, which generated 156 US examinations. A radiologist and a departmental technologist carried beepers and responded to level I and II traumas. A departmental secretary or technologist recorded when the responding technologist exited and re-entered the department and if US was performed. If performed, the US examination evaluated the four abdominal and pelvic quadrants and the suprapubic and subxiphoid regions. For 64 patients, the responding technologist recorded the times of the trauma alert, emergency room arrival, US start and finish, and return to the radiology department. Results Median response, wait, scan duration, and return times were 2, 8, 5, and 7 minutes, respectively. Median costs for the technician, physician, archiving, transcription, and equipment were $8.17, $30.85, $0.97, $4.80, and $41.22, respectively. Reimbursement per examination averaged $110.60. Sensitivity analyses that varied the time spent (median vs mean), US non-use rate (10%–18%), and years of depreciation (5–7 years) yielded net results ranging from a $36.60 profit to a $6.12 loss per examination. Conclusion A radiology department can profitably respond to trauma alerts and provide a six-point trauma US examination for free fluid.
High-Frequency Ventilation in Newborn Infants

In the past mechanical ventilation always mimicked the tidal volumes and ventilatory frequencies of normal breathing. Recently, there has been great interest in techniques that use rapid rates (60 to 3,000 per minute) and tidal volumes approximating dead space. These techniques are known collectively as high-frequency ventilation, although they differ in circuit design, use, potential complications, and mechanism of gas transport. High-frequency ventilation can be divided into four categories: (1) high-frequency positive pressure ventilation, (2) high-frequency jet ventilation, (3) high-frequency oscillatory ventilation and high-frequency flow interruption, and (4) high-frequency chest wall oscillation. In this review we discuss the similarities and differences of these high-frequency techniques, their clinical applications, and some physiological mechanisms involved in gas transport.
NF-κB in breast cancer cells promotes osteolytic bone metastasis by inducing osteoclastogenesis via GM-CSF

Advanced breast cancers frequently metastasize to bone, resulting in osteolytic lesions, yet the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we report that nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) plays a crucial role in the osteolytic bone metastasis of breast cancer by stimulating osteoclastogenesis. Using an in vivo bone metastasis model, we found that constitutive NF-kappaB activity in breast cancer cells is crucial for the bone resorption characteristic of osteolytic bone metastasis. We identified the gene encoding granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as a key target of NF-kappaB and found that it mediates osteolytic bone metastasis of breast cancer by stimulating osteoclast development. Moreover, we observed that the expression of GM-CSF correlated with NF-kappaB activation in bone-metastatic tumor tissues from individuals with breast cancer. These results uncover a new and specific role of NF-kappaB in osteolytic bone metastasis through GM-CSF induction, suggesting that NF-kappaB is a potential target for the treatment of breast cancer and the prevention of skeletal metastasis.
Have things changed now?: an empirical study of bug characteristics in modern open source software

Software errors are a major cause for system failures. To effectively design tools and support for detecting and recovering from software failures requires a deep understanding of bug characteristics. Recently, software and its development process have significantly changed in many ways, including more help from bug detection tools, shift towards multi-threading architecture, the open-source development paradigm and increasing concerns about security and user-friendly interface. Therefore, results from previous studies may not be applicable to present software. Furthermore, many new aspects such as security, concurrency and open-source-related characteristics have not well studied. Additionally, previous studies were based on a small number of bugs, which may lead to non-representative results.To investigate the impacts of the new factors on software errors, we analyze bug characteristics by first sampling hundreds of real world bugs in two large, representative open-source projects. To validate the representativeness of our results, we use natural language text classification techniques and automatically analyze around 29, 000 bugs from the Bugzilla databases of the software.Our study has discovered several new interesting characteristics: (1) memory-related bugs have decreased because quite a few effective detection tools became available recently; (2) surprisingly, some simple memory-related bugs such as NULL pointer dereferences that should have been detected by existing tools in development are still a major component, which indicates that the tools have not been used with their full capacity; (3) semantic bugs are the dominant root causes, as they are application specific and difficult to fix, which suggests that more efforts should be put into detecting and fixing them; (4) security bugs are increasing, and the majority of them cause severe impacts.
Optimal load distribution for asynchronously scheduled homogeneous multiprocessor and distributed systems

The problem of distributing m interacting tasks over N identical processors for minimizing job completion time is examined. The processors are independently and asynchronously scheduled with distinct execution initiation times corresponding to their earliest instant of availability. The criteria specify, for any given values of load and system parameters, the subset of processors that should be assigned to execute the given job and the number of tasks allocated to each processor. Unlike previously published criteria, which assume synchronously scheduled processors, the present results show that minimizing job completion time does not always require engaging all available processors in job execution and that the optimal load allocation is generally an uneven distribution of modules over engaged processors. >
Immunoresponsiveness in Chickens: Association of Antibody Production and the B System of the Major Histocompatibility Complex

Lines of White Leghorn chickens were selected for high or low antibody response to sheep erythrocytes for five generations. The base population from which the experiment started was composed of individuals all of which were heterozygous at the MHC haplotypes B13 and B21. Body weights, egg production traits, and genotypes at the B system were monitored for all individuals in each generation. By Generations 4 and 5 there was separation of the two replicate lines selected for high titer from the two replicate lines selected for low titer. Over the course of the experiment, higher antibody titers and lower BW were associated with B21 and lower antibody titers and higher BW were associated with B13, although these relationships did not occur in every instance. Conclusions were that the B system was associated with antibody response, but that the chickens did not depend entirely upon that association for protection against foreign proteins. Also, the importance of having replicate lines in a selection experiment was shown.
Fuzzy set quantification of roughness in a rough relational database model

This paper provides the theoretical background and important definitions for rough sets. It defines fuzzy rough sets and provides some basic properties of union and intersection of fuzzy rough sets. It then informally presents the basic properties of the rough relational database model. Because the fuzzy rough relational database (FRRD) is an extension of the basic rough relational database model, only a short, informal description of the basic model is provided. The FRRD model is described providing necessary definitions and discussion of operators. Advantages of the enhanced model are discussed. >
A SIMPLE, NONENZYMATIC METHOD FOR DESIALYLATING POLYSIALYLATED GANGLIO-N-TETRAOSE SERIES GANGLIOSIDES TO PRODUCE GM1

Dowex-50W-H+ was used to catalyze the highly selective desialylation of polysialylated ganglio-N-tetraose series gangliosides to yield primarily GM1. High performance thin-layer chromatographic analysis of recovered lipid indicated that 60-70% of the recovered ganglioside was GM1. Identification of the major product as GM1 was confirmed by proton NMR spectra and lack of sialic acid release by Vibrio cholerae sialidase.
IS9-2TRENDS IN TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IN BREAST CANCER

Abstract The objective of my talk is to dissect innovative areas of the potential target areas that are innovative in translational therapeutic research for metastatic breast cancer. Three areas require immediate attention: First, identifying the biomarkers that will predict response and prevent patients from receiving unnecessary treatment. Second, overcoming treatment resistance. Third, using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as a target or dynamic biomarkers. I will talk about our efforts at MD Anderson Cancer Center to address these three areas.
Differential development of umbilical and systemic arteries. I. ANG II receptor subtype expression

In fetal sheep umbilical responses to angiotensin II (ANG II) exceed those by systemic vasculature. Two ANG II receptors (AT) exist, AT1 and AT2, but only AT1 mediates vasoconstriction in adult tis...
Gypsum Foundation Problems in the Black Hills Area, South Dakota

Since the disastrous flood in 1972, the development of residential and commercial areas in Rapid City has expanded from the flood plain of Rapid Creek onto higher ground in what is known as the “Red Valley.” This area is underlain by the Triassic Spearfish Formation, a red silty shale that contains gypsum. Gypsum generally occurs as thin (~1 cm) stringers, but beds up to 5 m thick are common. In some places gypsum crops out as small buttes; in other places, sinkholes and caves occur in the gypsum. There is no special regulation of construction for areas and most contractors simply view the white, chunky rock as an annoyance due to the difficulty of excavation of roads, utility lines, or house foundations. This paper includes examples of gypsum subsidence problems in the Black Hills area, with emphasis on foundation problems in the Rapid City area. Instances of subsidence in gypsiferous areas are beginning to occur in the Red Valley with increasing frequency. Typically, sinkholes open up suddenly, with driveways or front yards collapsing. Usually the owner simply fills in the hole with truckloads of soil or gravel as quickly as possible so as little notice is taken as possible. Less dramatic is the gradual differential settlement of houses. Cracked walls, doors that don9t close, fissures in lawns, and mysterious “springs” are typical distress features. The worst problems seem to be related to houses built on fill that contains gypsum. Water ingress allows for solution of gypsum and piping, leading to settlement and foundation cracking. Typically, distressed houses have roof drains that discharge rainwater within 1 m of the cracked foundation. The problem is particularly acute in ravines which were filled in and now collect rainwater or street runoff. Because water ingress is critical to settlement problems, a mitigating feature is to route urban runoff away from areas near house foundations. A dramatic gypsum failure occurred near Spearfish, South Dakota, where a new sewage lagoon failed. Raw sewage piped through gypsum tunnels, bursting forth onto nearby ranch land. The site was eventually abandoned. Several years later, a sewage lagoon and artificial wetlands were proposed at a site with similar geologic conditions. That project was tabled after controversy, although the municipality pursued development of revised plans, which also were placed on hold.
Observation on Curative Effect of Female Genital Bedsonia Trachomatis Infection Treated with Cyclic Ester and Lomefloxacin

Objective To investigate the effect of cyclic ester of erythromycin treatment for female genital chlamydia trachomatis infection.Methods Cyclic ester erythromycin group,oral erythromycin cyclic ester 500 mg,bid,10 days of treatment;lomefloxacin group,oral lomefloxacin 200 mg,bid,10 days of treatment;combined with gonococcal infection,Rocephin 1.0 g intramuscular injection,qd,5 days of treatment.Results Cyclic ester of erythromycin was 81.5% efficient,lomefloxacin group was 58.3% efficient,the statistical difference was significant(P0.05).Conclusion Cyclic ester of erythromycin was significantly better than lomefloxacin,can be the first choice of female genital tract Chlamydia trachomatis infection.
Investigation and analysis of descriptions of Chinese Patent Medicines for child

Objective:To investigate the problems existing in descriptions of Chinese patent medicines mainly for child use in order to help manufactories perfect their descriptions and the relevant authorities improve their drug supervision and administration.Methods:The contents of 15 items required for oral Chinese patent medicines in the description were statistically analyzed one by one according to "Stipulations (provisional) for administration of drug packing,label and description".Results:In the 93 descriptions of oral Chinese patent medicines,there were serious vacancies in the items of pharmacological action,usage and dosage for children,adverse reactions,contraindications and points for attention.Conclusions:It was found in the investigation that there were problems of incompleteness of items and unclear directions for use and dosage for children in the descriptions of Chinese patent medicines,which need improving.
Corticosteroid injections for trigger finger.

Based on limited evidence, corticosteroid injection combined with lidocaine (Xylocaine) was more effective than lidocaine alone for the treatment of trigger finger in adults. Compared with those who received lidocaine alone, 38 percent more of the patients who received corticosteroid injection with lidocaine showed complete resolution of symptoms, or sufficient improvement to discontinue treatment, within four weeks (number needed to treat = 3).