cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An approach to study molecular mechanisms involved in cytokine-induced anorexia

Abstract Cytokines are released during pathophysiological processes. Cytokines (e.g., interleukin-1β or IL-1β) induce neurological manifestations including anorexia. Here, we show an integrative approach to investigate the cellular and molecular basis of cytokine-induced anorexia. In this approach: (1) the chronic intracerebroventricular (icv) microinfusion (via osmotic minipumps) of cytokines, at doses that will yield estimated pathophysiological concentrations reported in the cerebrospinal fluid, is used. (2) General and computerized behavioral monitoring characterizes the microstructure of behavioral modifications induced by a cytokine, and the time course for cytokine action. (3) Brain regions and subregions (nuclei/areas) from animals exhibiting significant anorexia in response to cytokine(s) are dissected, and RNA and protein are isolated. (4) The profile of cytokine subsystems (ligands, receptors, endogenous inhibitors; for example, IL-1α and β, IL-1 receptor types I and II, and IL-1 receptor antagonist) is characterized in the same brain samples with polymerase chain reaction, sensitive RNase protection assays and immunoblots. (5) The relationship between changes in cytokine subsystems at the molecular level and cytokine-induced anorexia within an animal is determined, and the general profile is analyzed with statistical methods. This approach is also pertinent to study neurotransmitter and neuropeptide profiles, and cytokine-cytokine, cytokine-neuropeptide and cytokine-neurotransmitter interactions in vivo. The results show that this integrative and novel strategy can be used to study the molecular basis of anorexia and other neurological manifestations (e.g., fever, sleep changes) induced by cytokines.
Language development as related to stage 6 object permanence development

A longitudinal study of three children examined the relation between object permanence and language development. Unlike other studies, an independent measure of object permanence development was provided. While there was not a one-to-one correspondence between object permanence and language, there were relations at certain points in development. There was a rough relationship between the onset of stage 6 of object permanence and the onset of single-word utterances. Total vocabulary showed a large increase around the time of entrance into the preoperational period of object permanence development. At the same time, the semantic categories Nonexistence and Recurrence appeared. No differences were found in the use of function forms and substantive forms before object permanence development.
Border traps: issues for MOS radiation response and long-term reliability

Abstract We have performed an extensive study of the effects of border traps (near-interfacial oxide traps that can communicate with the underlying Si over a wide range of time scales) on the response of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices to ionizing radiation. Estimates of border-trap densities for several types of MOS devices are obtained by capacitance-voltage (CV) hysteresis, 1 f noise, and combined CV/thermally-stimulated-current methods. A new “dual-transistor border-trap” (DTBT) technique is described in detail which combines conventional threshold-voltage and 1-MHz charge-pumping measurements on n- and p- channel MOS transistors to estimate radiation-induced oxide-, interface-, and border-trap charge densities. Estimates of border-trap charge densities obtained via the DTBT technique agree well with trap densities inferred from other techniques. In some devices, border-trap charge densities (which can be greater than 1012 cm−2 following ionizing radiation exposure) can approach or exceed interface-trap charge densities, emphasizing the need to distinguish border-trap effects from interface-trap effects in models of MOS radiation response and long-term reliability. This appears to be especially critical for MOS devices with ultrathin (less than ∼6 nm) oxides, in which border traps and interface traps likely will be the dominant defect types. Effects of border traps on MOS scattering rates, cryogenic applications, and long-term reliability assessment are also discussed.
Fire Ant Attacks on Residents in Health Care Facilities: A Report of Two Cases

Imported fire ants now infest more than 310 million acres in the United States and Puerto Rico. With the two cases reported here, the total number of reported indoor fire ant attacks on humans sinc...
Demonstration of hydroxyl radical and its role in hydrogen peroxide-induced myocardial injury: hydroxyl radical dependent and independent mechanisms.

We investigated the mechanism of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) action on myocardial injury in relation to hydroxyl radical (.OH) formation. Isolated rat hearts were perfused with a concentration of H2O2 (300 microM) known to produce cardiac injury. Perfusion of H2O2 for 15 min caused severe myocardial dysfunction, morphological damage, ATP depletion, and lipid peroxidation. Hydrogen peroxide concentration in the coronary effluent was reduced approximately 40% reflecting a myocardial H2O2 consumption of 12.7 +/- 0.9 mumol/15 min/g wet tissue (n = 12). One of the .OH-generated derivatives, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,3-DHBA), formed from reaction with salicylic acid, was detected in the coronary effluent by high-performance liquid chromatography at 23.16 +/- 4.05 nmol/15 min/g wet tissue. Catalase (200 U/ml, n = 6) added to the perfusate attenuated all parameters of myocardial injury by eliminating H2O2 from the perfusate, and thus .OH was not detected in the effluent. Deferoxamine (5 mM, n = 7) added to the perfusate reduced morphological damage and lipid peroxidation, but not dysfunction or ATP depletion. Deferoxamine significantly reduced .OH production; 2,3-DHBA was 5.22 +/- 3.56 nmol/15 min/g wet tissue. The present study provides evidence that .OH is produced in the H2O2-perfused heart. The adverse H2O2-mediated myocardial outcomes documented in this study appear to arise from both .OH-dependent and .OH-independent mechanisms.
Uncertainty in Distribution PLC Attenuation Models

Certain topological and temporal parameter uncertainties exert a decisive influence on the results generated by distribution PLC (Power Line Carrier) attenuation models. This paper identifies the sources of uncertainty, demonstrates their impacts with a parametric study and traces their more important design implications.
A “placement of death” approach for studies of treatment effects on ICU length of stay:

Length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a common outcome measure in randomized trials of ICU interventions. Because many patients die in the ICU, it is difficult to disentangle treatment effects on length of stay from effects on mortality; conventional analyses depend on assumptions that are often unstated and hard to interpret or check. We adapt a proposal from Rosenbaum that addresses concerns about selection bias and makes its assumptions explicit. A composite outcome is constructed that equals ICU length of stay if the patient was discharged alive and indicates death otherwise. Given any preference ordering that compares death with possible lengths of stay, we can estimate the intervention's effects on the composite outcome distribution. Sensitivity analyses can show results for different preference orderings. We discuss methods for constructing approximate confidence intervals for treatment effects on quantiles of the outcome distribution or on proportions of patients with outcomes preferable to various cutoffs. Strengths and weaknesses of possible primary significance tests (including the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney rank sum test and a heteroskedasticity-robust variant due to Brunner and Munzel) are reviewed. An illustrative example reanalyzes a randomized trial of an ICU staffing intervention.
A shock tube research facility for high-resolution measurements of compressible turbulence

Abstract A new shock tube facility with a 30.5 cm (1 ft) inside diameter is currently in operation that allows for high-spatial-resolution measurements of compressible turbulence. Small scales of turbulence behave very differently from large scales when they interact with shock or expansion waves. Highly resolved measurements can provide new information on the interaction at small scales. Another notable characteristic of the present facility is the ability to control the flow velocity behind the reflected shock through the porosity of the reflecting wall. Tests showed good flow quality with sufficiently long observation times. Measurements of piecewise average skin friction over short segments of the tube indicated strong viscous effects very close to the diaphragm where the shock is developing. The skin friction and the shock propagation speed virtually remained constant inside the working section of the shock tube in all investigated flow cases, even in low Mach number cases where viscous effects are stronger. The experimental results are compared with numerical simulations, including the effects of the reflecting porous wall and viscous effects.
Review symposium on Russell T. McCutcheon's manufacturing religion: The discourse on Sui Generis religion and the politics of Nostalgia

(2000). Review symposium on Russell T. McCutcheon's manufacturing religion: The discourse on Sui Generis religion and the politics of Nostalgia. Culture and Religion: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 95-97.
Intergradation among Latin American maize based on an analysis of chromosome knob frequencies.

Published information on chromosome knobs found at 21 knob-forming positions and on abnormal 10 and B chromosomes in maize, Zea mays L., was used to place maize populations within a multidimensional space based on frequencies. From this space, similarities among populations were determined using a measure of gentic diversity based on a modified Cartesian distance. Populations were portrayed in 2 (or 3) dimensions based on these distances. The objective was to investigate patterns of “migration” that had occurred among indigenous populations of maize from Latin America. Widely dispersed collections classified as Tuxpeno had similar knob constitutions. Collections from Guatemala reflected continuous migration among adjacent areas with increased isolation (or association of knob types) with increased altitude of collection. Maize from southeastern Guatemala and their southeastern neighbours were similar. The high elevation collections from Guatemala and Mexico were surprisingly similar. The data reflected three distinct phenomena: long-term intergradation of maize germplasm among adjacent areas (as would result from pollen drift between closely cultivated areas or from seed exchange among neighbors), major, relatively recent shifts in gene flow (as had occurred with Tuxpeno's widespread distribution in Mexico), and precolonial dispersions (as between maize populations from the high elevations in Guatemala and Mexico).
Neolemnane and eremophilane sesquiterpenoids from the pacific soft coral lemnalia africana

Abstract Two new sesquiterpenoids of the unprecedented neoiemnane ring system, and one eremophflane-derived sesquiterpene diol have been isolated from the pacific soft-coral Lemnalia africana. The structure of the novel neolemnane compounds, 4 and 5, were confirmed by X-ray crystallography, and the diol, 6, has been described based upon spectral analysis and chemical modification.
The Emergence and Stabilization of Stratification in Simple and Complex Social Systems

Work on the emergence and stabilization of stratification in small groups is reviewed. The work on emergence points to three basic conditions underlying the development of stratification in small groups and raises the question as to what mechanism substitutes for some of these conditions in larger systems. Several theories are shown to offer possible solutions. The work on stabilization raises questions as to the nature of the social-psychological processes involved. The relevance of various reinforcement and cognitive consistency theories is considered. Finally, a number of theories concerning the ways stability may be achieved in small groups and larger systems are considered.
Conservation of a stress response: human heat shock transcription factors functionally substitute for yeast HSF

Heat shock factors (HSF) are important eukaryotic stress responsive transcription factors which are highly structurally conserved from yeast to mammals. HSFs bind as homotrimers to conserved promoter DNA recognition sites called HSEs. The baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae possesses a single essential HSF gene, while distinct HSF isoforms have been identified in humans. To ascertain the degree of functional similarity between the yeast and human HSF proteins, human HSF1 and HSF2 were expressed in yeast cells lacking the endogenous HSF gene. We demonstrate that human HSF2, but not HSF1, homotrimerizes and functionally complements the viability defect associated with a deletion of the yeast HSF gene. However, derivatives of hHSF1 that give rise to a trimerized protein, through disruption of a carboxyl- or aminoterminal coiled-coil domain thought to engage in intramolecular interactions that maintain the protein in a monomeric state, functionally substitute for yeast HSF. Surprisingly, hHSF2 expressed in yeast activates target gene transcription in response to thermal stress. Moreover, hHSF1 and hHSF2 exhibit selectivity for transcriptional activation of two distinct yeast heat shock responsive genes, which correlate with previously established mammalian HSF DNA binding preferences in vitro. These results provide new insight into the function of human HSF isoforms, and demonstrate the remarkable functional conservation between yeast and human HSFs, critical transcription factors required for responses to physiological, pharmacological and environmental stresses.
Achieving Joint Diversity in Decode-and-Forward MIMO Relay Networks with Zero-Forcing Equalizers

Wireless MIMO relay networks have received significant interests in recent years. However, most MIMO relay techniques require high complexity equalizers and error free forwarding at the relay to collect diversity. In this paper, we propose high-rate and low-complexity decode-and-forward (DF) MIMO relay designs that achieve cooperative diversity, receive diversity or joint diversity. We introduce a power-scaling strategy for MIMO relays to enable cooperative diversity. Zero-forcing equalizers are employed at both relay and destination to maintain low-complexity. We also develop a channel-controlled ARQ scheme to collect receive diversity. Through mathematical analysis, we prove the diversity order achieved by each proposed design and numerical simulations confirm the theoretical claims.
WE‐C‐116‐12: Camer‐Rao Lower Bound Analysis of 1H Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging for Breast with Singular Value Decomposition, LCModel and QUEST

Purpose: LCModel and QUEST supply error estimate capability, however no standard basis available for unknown lipids mixture in breast. Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) with Linear Combination method was developed to implement desired CRLB function. The purpose of this study is to evaluate SVD, QUEST and LCModel quantification for breast MRSI with Camer‐Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) analysis. Methods: Spectrum for 6 metabolite were simulated with Vespa (STEAM SVS, 3.0T, TE=42ms, TM=10ms), mixture spectrum was simulate with known ratio. jMRUI 4.0 (QUEST function) and LCModel 6.3 was used in the study, metabolite basis was generated from individually simulated data. In‐house SVD was developed with Matlab 7.6 to combine Hankel SVD and Linear Combination method. The estimated FID signals are constructed from the quantification parameters, residue error spectrum was calculated by FFT of the difference of original FID and estimated FID. In order to study the CRLB, known simulated spectrum without noise was analyzed with SVD, QUEST and LCModel. Then introduce random noise, quantification residue was analyzed, and estimated parameters with CRLB were compared with results without noise. Sample patient breast MRSI data was collected with Siemens TrioTim (PRESS CSI, 3.0T, TE=80ms). Results: For simulated data, both Quest and LCModel can reliably quantify with SNR of 5 and signal as low as 17% of maximum; while SVD method can quantify with SNR of 10.Representative breast MRSI data were analyzed, LCModel residue error is 13.3% of original maximum and Cho CRLB is 56%; while SVD can achieve 3.7% and 3.6% respectively. Conclusions: For all methods, CRLB estimations increase with decrease the SNR. SVD is sensitive to noise, since it has no prior knowledge to reduce noise, if noise is larger than signal, fake peak can be introduced; while LCModel and QUEST can not quantify breast data well with limited simulated lipid basis.
The effect of sentinel node tumor burden on non-sentinel node status and recurrence rates in breast cancer.

Background Routine axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) after selective sentinel lymphadenectomy (SSL) in the treatment of breast cancer remains controversial. We sought to determine the need for routine ALND by exploring the relationship between sentinel lymph node (SLN) and non-SLN (NSLN) status. We also report our experience with disease relapse in the era of SSL and attempt to correlate this with SLN tumor burden.
Microbial magnesium transport: unusual transporters searching for identity

Mg2+ is unique among biological cations because of its charge density and solution chemistry. This is abundantly reflected in its transport systems, studied primarily in Salmonella typhimurium. The constitutively expressed CorA transport system is the primary Mg2+ influx pathway for the Bacteria and the Archaea. Its structure of a large N-terminal soluble periplasmic domain with three transmembrane segments at the C-terminus is unique among membrane carriers, and its protein sequence bears no resemblance to other known proteins. The MgtE transport system can also mediate Mg2+ uptake, but whether this is its primary function is not known. MgtE also lacks homology to other known proteins. In contrast, the MgtA and MgtB Mg2+ transport systems of enteric bacteria are P-type ATPases by sequence homology, mediating Mg2+ influx with, rather than against, the Mg2+ electrochemical gradient. They are closely related to mammalian Ca2+-ATPases. Expression of MgtA and MgtB is under the control of the PhoPQ two-component regulatory system, important in bacterial virulence. In S. typhimurium, MgtB is encoded by a two-gene operon mgtCB; the function of the MgtC protein is unknown, and it lacks close homologues. The ligand for the PhoQ membrane sensor kinase is Mg2+ and, at decreased extracellular Mg2+ concentrations, transcription of mgtA and mgtCB are enormously induced. All three genes are also induced upon S. typhimurium invasion of epithelial or macrophage cells. Mutation of these genes has no effect on invasion efficiency, but an insertion in mgtC renders S. typhimurium essentially avirulent in the mouse. The physiological roles of the known Mg2+ transport systems are not yet completely defined. Nonetheless, the singular sequence and apparent structure of the CorA and MgtE transport proteins, the complex regulation of MgtA, MgtB and MgtC and their involvement in pathogenesis suggests that further study will be rewarding.
IMAGING CHILDREN WITH ACUTE RIGHT LOWER QUADRANT PAIN

Acute right lower quadrant pain is a common complaint in the pediatric age group. It is associated with a large number of surgical and nonsurgical conditions. Approximately one half of all children who present with acute right lower quadrant pain will have a final diagnosis of abdominal pain of unknown origin. 35 , 37 The most frequent surgical diagnosis in children presenting with acute right lower quadrant pain is acute appendicitis. 18 Appendicitis also is the most common condition requiring emergency abdominal surgery in children. 18 Thus, it is typically the primary condition to be ruled out in children presenting with acute right lower quadrant pain. In this article the imaging evaluation of children with acute right lower quadrant pain is discussed. This includes the rationale for imaging, technique for optimal imaging assessment, and findings at imaging evaluation. The assessment of acute appendicitis is the major focus. The role of imaging in the evaluation of other medical and surgical conditions resulting in acute right lower quadrant pain, however, also is presented.
Making Connections: The Linkage Between Research and Practice - Evidence for Improving the Quality of Pediatric Nursing

University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Nursing, Birmingham, ALGENERATING AND DISCOVERING new knowledgeis critical for the development of evidence to improvepediatric nursing practice. The power of research is that itprovides the evidence to develop best practices to enhancepediatric nursing care (Christian, 2010). Indeed, theselessons from research are translated and applied to pediatricnursing practice to improve the health of children and theirfamilies (Christian, 2012a,b). To that end, the purpose ofclinical nursing research is to generate nursing knowledgeto provide evidence to guide nursing practice (Polit B Hockenberry & Wilson, 2011). Thus, it isessential that pediatric nurses recognize that best practicesare grounded in research and then translated into pediatricnursing practice (Christian, 2012a). Identifying this linkagebetween research and clinical practice is integral forimproving pediatric nursing practice, as well as the qualityof care for children and their families.In this issue of the Journal of Pediatric Nursing, ninearticles use a variety of research methods to generateevidence for improving pediatric nursing practice, whileenhancing the quality of lives of children and their families:• A review of the available literature on physicalactivity to prevent obesity in preschoolers (2 to5 years) yielded 14 studies that met the inclusioncriteria and revealed a lack of research specific topreschoolers, as well as discrepancies regarding thedefinition and the appropriate amount of physicalactivity, and the sedentary nature of preschooler'sactivities (Hodges, Smith,Tidwell, & Berry, 2013).Differences between parentperceptions of their preschoolchild's actual physical activi-ty, childcare settings provid-inglessthanadequateamountof time for physical activity,as well as the safety concernsin relation to physical activityin the neighborhood environ-ment were noted.• The effectiveness of an ado-lescent health promotion andprevention educational pro-gramfocusedonexercise,nutrition, body image, self-esteem, and smokingamong sixth-grade boys and girls (N=58) wasexplored with a one-group, pre- and post-test designpilot study at a private middle school (Dowdy et al.,2013). Knowledge and beliefs about exercise, nutri-tion, and self-esteem improved significantly after theprogram, but were not sustained at 1-month follow-up; whereas, changes in exercise and nutritionbehaviors were not significant at post-test, butsignificantly improved at 1-month follow-up.• The mediating role of parental acceptance-rejectionin the relationship between Korean Americanparental depressive symptoms (N=99 families) andtheir children's (5 to 10 years) mental health wasexplored using a cross-sectional design study (Kim,2013). For mothers (n=95) and fathers (n=91), the
Simultaneous placement of 2 glaucoma drainage devices for uncontrolled glaucoma

Abstract Objective To report baseline characteristics and surgical outcomes of placement of simultaneous glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs) in eyes with considerably elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) despite maximal medical therapy. Design Retrospective case series. Participants Twelve eyes of 12 patients underwent simultaneous placement of a Baerveldt 350 GDD and an Ahmed S3 GDD in the same eye. Methods The medical records were reviewed of consecutive patients who underwent simultaneous placement of a Baerveldt 350 GDD and an Ahmed S3 GDD in the same eye at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center from 2006 to 2009. Baseline characteristics, preoperative and postoperative IOP, number of glaucoma medications, visual acuity, and complications were recorded. Results Mean follow-up time was 28.6 ± 22.8 months. The mean baseline cup/disc ratio was recorded at 0.94 ± 0.07 horizontally and 0.92 ± 0.09 vertically. The mean baseline IOP of 38.8 ± 6.2 mm Hg was significantly reduced at all time points postoperatively, and the mean IOP at last follow-up was 15.1 ± 4.9 mm Hg ( p ≤ 0.0001). Mean number of glaucoma medications was significantly lower at last follow-up than preoperatively (1.4 ± 1.3 vs 3.2 ± 0.8; p = 0.001). There was no difference in mean logMAR visual acuity from before surgery to last follow-up (1.14 vs 1.12; p = 0.933). Conclusions Simultaneous placement of 2 GDDs effectively reduces IOP in the immediate postoperative period and long-term, and may be useful in glaucomatous eyes with advanced disease and considerably elevated preoperative IOP.
Three-dimensional high-frequency distribution networks. I. Optimization of CPW discontinuities

This paper describes a systematic study of coplanar waveguide discontinuities that are requisite components of high-frequency distribution networks. The specific geometries addressed are air bridges, right-angle bends, tee junctions, and Wilkinson dividers. Relative to typical monolithic-microwave integrated-circuit designs, the components studied herein are electrically large in order to minimize signal attenuation. The large size leads to pronounced parasitic effects, and the emphasis of this study was to optimize the electrical performance using simple compensation techniques. The optimization methods are developed using full-wave simulation and equivalent-circuit modeling, and are verified experimentally up to 60 GHz. Part II of this paper describes the implementation and packaging of the components to realize a three-dimensional W-band distribution network.
Effects of early hippocampal lesions on trace, delay, and long-delay eyeblink conditioning in developing rats.

The effects of bilateral hippocampal aspiration lesions on later acquisition of eyeblink conditioning were examined in developing Long-Evans rat pups. Lesions on postnatal day (PND) 10 were followed by evaluation of trace eyeblink conditioning (Experiment 1) and delay eyeblink conditioning (Experiment 2) on PND 25. Pairings of a tone conditioned stimulus (CS) and periocular shock unconditioned stimulus (US, 100 ms) were presented in one of three conditioning paradigms: trace (380 ms CS, 500 ms trace interval, 880 ms interstimulus interval [ISI]), standard delay (380 ms CS, 280 ms ISI), or long delay (980 ms CS, 880 ms ISI). The results of two experiments indicated that hippocampal lesions impaired trace eyeblink conditioning more than either type of delay conditioning. In light of our previous work on the ontogeny of trace, delay, and long-delay eyeblink conditioning (Ivkovich, Paczkowski, & Stanton, 2000) showing that trace and long-delay eyeblink conditioning had similar ontogenetic profiles, the current data suggest that during ontogeny hippocampal maturation may be more important for the short-term memory component than for the long-ISI component of trace eyeblink conditioning. The late development of conditioning over long ISIs may depend on a separate process such as protracted development of cerebellar cortex.
Studying the Spatial Distribution of Physiological Effects on BOLD Signals Using Ultrafast fMRI.

The blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) signal in fMRI reflects both neuronal activations and global physiological fluctuations. These physiological fluctuations can be attributed to physiological low frequency oscillations (pLFOs), respiration, and cardiac pulsation. With typical TR values, i.e. 2s or longer, the high frequency physiological signals (i.e., from respiration and cardiac pulsation) are aliased into the low frequency band, making it hard to study the individual effect of these physiological processes on BOLD. Recently developed multiband EPI sequences which offer full brain coverage with extremely short TR values (400ms or less) allow these physiological signals to be spectrally separated. In this study, we applied multiband resting state scans on 9 healthy participants with TR=0.4s. The spatial distribution of each physiological process on BOLD fMRI was explored using their spectral features and independent component analysis (ICA). We found that the spatial distributions of different physiological processes are distinct. First, cardiac pulsation affects mostly the base of the brain, where high density of arteries exists. Second, respiration affects prefrontal and occipital areas, suggesting the motion associated with breathing might contribute to the noise. Finally, and most importantly, we found that the effects of pLFOs dominated many prominent ICA components, which suggests that, contrary to the popular belief that aliased cardiac and respiration signals are the main physiological noise source in BOLD fMRI, pLFOs may be the most influential physiological signals. Understanding and measuring these pLFOs are important for denoising and accurately modeling BOLD signals.
Musculoskeletal effects of obesity

Purpose of reviewThe problem of obesity has become a global concern, with increased prevalence reported in the literature. Numerous comorbid conditions are known to be associated with obesity; its relationship with the development and function of the musculoskeletal system in the growing child is po
"What Is Our Story?" Philip Morris's Changing Corporate Narrative.

We sought to learn how employees reacted to changes in the corporate narrative of Philip Morris Companies (PMC) in the late 1990s and early 2000s.We analyzed archival internal tobacco industry documents about PMC's creation of a new corporate story.In response to litigation and public opprobrium, PMC replaced its market success-oriented corporate narrative with a new one centered on responsibility. Although management sought to downplay inconsistencies between the old and new narratives, some employees reportedly had difficulty reconciling them, concerned that the responsibility focus might affect company profitability. However, others embraced the new narrative, suggesting radical ideas to prevent youth smoking. These ideas were not adopted.PMC's new narrative was unconvincing to many of its employees, who perceived it either as a threat to the company's continued profits or as incongruous with what they had previously been told. As it had done with the public, PMC misled its employees in explaining a narrative repositioning that would help the company continue business as usual. Moving toward a tobacco endgame will require ongoing discursive and symbolic efforts to disrupt this narrative.
Distinct expression of CXCL8 and its receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 and their association with vessel density and aggressiveness in malignant melanoma.

We examined the expression of CXCL8 (interleukin8), its receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2, and vessel density in human melanoma by immunohistochemical analysis of tumors from different Clark levels, depths, and thicknesses. Expression of CXCL8 and CXCR2 was lower in Clark level I and II specimens than in level III through V specimens and metastases. CXCR1 expression was observed ubiquitously in the majority of human melanoma tumor specimens irrespective of disease state, with the highest intensity in Clark level III specimens. We observed a significant difference in CXCL8 and CXCR2 expression between thin (≤0.75 mm) and thick (>0.75 mm) melanomas and between thin and metastatic lesions. Positive correlations were observed between Clark level and CXCL8 or CXCR2 and between thickness and CXCR2 expression. We found no correlation between vessel density and Clark level or thickness. Our data suggest that expression of CXCL8 and CXCR2 contributes to aggressive growth and metastasis in human malignant melanoma. Consistent with the transition from radial to vertical growth phase melanoma, expression of CXCL8 and its receptor, CXCR2, may be key in the switch to an aggressive, more metastatic phenotype.
Assessing Technical Communication within Engineering Contexts Tutorial

A major challenge in engineering education is to prepare professionals for communicating well in writing and speaking, using appropriate technologies, within professional contexts. Communication in the global engineering world includes collaboration on cross-functional teams, virtual-project team management, and writing for multiple, complex audiences. This tutorial discusses how one small engineering school has integrated technical communication teaching and assessment throughout the curriculum with demonstrated success. The integrated curriculum, formative and summative assessments, and real-world contexts offer one model to address growing communication challenges.
The influence of organ acceptance criteria on long-term graft survival: outcomes of a kidney transplant program

Abstract Background In an effort to improve our transplant program’s dead-donor kidney acceptance criteria, we compared 2 different consecutive time periods in our transplant program. Period I, in which the program used more-restrictive criteria in accepting dead-donor kidneys for our patients, and period II, when the program used less-restrictive criteria for the dead-donor kidneys that were accepted. The less-restrictive criteria resulted in an increase in the number of renal transplants performed. Methods A retrospective database analysis was performed of all organ-donor offers to a single kidney transplant program from July 1, 2004, to September 30, 2006 (period I = July 1, 2004, through July 10, 2005, and period II = July 11, 2005 through September 30, 2006). Kidney acceptance rates were compared between 2 consecutive time periods during which the program used different organ acceptance criteria. Data analysis included a comparison of donor characteristics, reason for organ refusal, creatinine clearance, and graft survival. Graft survival was obtained for both kidneys associated with each offer, even if 1 or both of the organs were transplanted at a different center. Results Donor age and kidney quality were the most common reasons for refusal during both transplant periods. The organ acceptance rate improved markedly during period II. There was a marked increase in the number of kidney transplants performed during a 12-month period when comparing the 2 periods: 16 transplants during period I versus 46 transplants during period II. Graft survival was not significantly different between the 2 periods. Calculated creatinine clearance, which we used as a marker of organ quality, was statistically lower during period II. Conclusions Increased acceptance rate was not associated with statistically significant decreased graft survival. Although an increase in delayed graft function was associated with broader acceptance criteria, this factor did not affect overall graft survival. By increasing our kidney acceptance rate, we were able to successfully transplant more patients.
The inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor modulates the expression of Salmonella typhimurium effector proteins

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)is a host inflammatory factor. Bacteria increase TNF-α expression in a variety of human diseases including infectious diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and cancer. It is unknown, however, how TNF-α directly modulates bacterial protein expression during intestinal infection and chronic inflammation. In the current study, we hypothesize that Salmonella typhimurium senses TNF-α and show that TNF-α treatment modulates Salmonella virulent proteins (called effectors), thus changing the host-bacterial interaction in intestinal epithelial cells. We investigated the expression of 23 Salmonella effectors after TNF-α exposure. We found that TNF-α treatment led to differential effector expression: effector SipA was increased by TNF-α treatment, whereas the expression levels of other effectors, including gogB and spvB, decreased in the presence of TNF-α. We verified the protein expression of Salmonella effectors AvrA and SipA by Western blots. Furthermore, we used intestinal epithelial cells as our experimental model to explore the response of human intestinal cells to TNF-α pretreated Salmonella. More bacterial invasion was found in host cells colonized with Salmonella strains pretreated with TNF-α compared to Salmonella without TNF-α treatment. TNF-α pretreated Salmonella induced higher proinflammatory JNK signalling responses compared to the Salmonella strains without TNF-α exposure. Exposure to TNF-α made Salmonella to induce more inflammatory cytokine IL-8 in intestinal epithelial cells. JNK inhibitor treatment was able to suppress the effects of TNF-pretreated-Salmonella in enhancing expressions of phosphorylated-JNK and c-jun and secretion of IL-8. Overall, our study provides new insights into Salmonella-host interactions in intestinal inflammation.
Mechanical and energetic consequences of rolling foot shape in human walking

During human walking, the center of pressure under the foot progresses forward smoothly during each step, creating a wheel-like motion between the leg and the ground. This rolling motion might appear to aid walking economy, but the mechanisms that may lead to such a benefit are unclear, as the leg is not literally a wheel. We propose that there is indeed a benefit, but less from rolling than from smoother transitions between pendulum-like stance legs. The velocity of the body center of mass (COM) must be redirected in that transition, and a longer foot reduces the work required for the redirection. Here we develop a dynamic walking model that predicts different effects from altering foot length as opposed to foot radius, and test it by attaching rigid, arc-like foot bottoms to humans walking with fixed ankles. The model suggests that smooth rolling is relatively insensitive to arc radius, whereas work for the step-to-step transition decreases approximately quadratically with foot length. We measured the separate effects of arc-foot length and radius on COM velocity fluctuations, work performed by the legs and metabolic cost. Experimental data (N=8) show that foot length indeed has much greater effect on both the mechanical work of the step-to-step transition (23% variation, P=0.04) and the overall energetic cost of walking (6%, P=0.03) than foot radius (no significant effect, P>0.05). We found the minimum metabolic energy cost for an arc foot length of approximately 29% of leg length, roughly comparable to human foot length. Our results suggest that the foot's apparently wheel-like action derives less benefit from rolling per se than from reduced work to redirect the body COM.
SILCA: SPICE-accurate iterative linear-centric analysis for efficient time-domain Simulation of VLSI circuits with strong parasitic couplings

A new circuit analysis method, named SPICE-accurate iterative linear-centric analysis (SILCA), is proposed for the efficient and accurate time-domain simulation of deep submicron very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits with strong parasitic couplings. SILCA consists of two key linear-centric techniques applied to time-domain nonlinear circuit simulation. For numerical integration, explicit-formula substitution and iterative-formula transformation are presented to convert implicit variable time-step integration to fixed leading coefficient (FLC) variable time-step integration. This paper characterizes both convergence and stability properties of the resulting FLC integration formulae. For nonlinear iteration, a successive variable chord (SVC) method is used as an alternative to the Newton-Raphson method. Further, the low-rank update technique is implemented for fast LU factorization. With these techniques, the number and cost of required LU factorizations are reduced dramatically. Experimental results on nonlinear circuits coupled with substrate and power/ground networks have demonstrated that SILCA achieves more than an order of magnitude speedup over SPICE3 in terms of both the cost of LU factorization and the overall CPU time. SILCA is suitable for efficient SPICE-like time-domain simulation of parasitic-coupled VLSI circuits, where the number of linear parasitic elements dominates the number of nonlinear devices
A Software Tool for Designing Fixed-Point Implementations of Computational Data Paths

This research aims to investigate the feasibility of creating a fixed-point implementation of a computation based on static analysis techniques. An underlying theory for fixed-point computations has been developed, and a software tool written to implement much of that theory. This paper presents a brief overview of the theory, which is based on determining the semantics of the individual bits of each fixed-point value in the computation. Following the theoretical overview, some details of the software tool are provided, emphasizing both the controls available to an algorithm implementor to guide the creation of the fixed-point implementation of the computation and the heuristic choices which are embedded in the tool’s operation. The software tool provides several options for what output is generated, these options are described briefly. Finally,wediscussthequalityoffixed-pointimplementationsourtoolgeneratesforseveral interesting computations and describe the challenge of statically estimating truncation error. We provide a quantitative comparison between the software tool’s estimates of truncation error and actual truncation error observed.
Combined Liver-Kidney Transplantation Complicated by Intraoperative Discovery of a Bronchobiliary Fistula

Herein, we report the case of an intraoperative diagnosis of bronchobiliary fistula during combined liver-kidney transplantation because of polycystic disease. The diagnosis necessitated changes in surgical and anesthesiologic management and in the overall medical decision-making process. Emergent isolation of the affected lung was instituted to mitigate a large air leak and ensure adequate respiratory exchange, and to enable surgical repair. The kidney transplantation procedure was delayed for a few hours, enabling hemodynamic and respiratory stabilization in the intensive care unit before conditions were deemed adequate to proceed. The posttransplantation course was complicated but eventually successful, and the patient recovered both liver and kidney function. At a later evaluation, we realized that diagnosis of bronchobiliary fistula could have been made preoperatively had the chest radiograph been interpreted correctly and had the clinicians involved had a higher degree of suspicion for this complication of polycystic liver disease.
A comparative high frequency EPR study of monomeric and dimeric Mn 4 single-molecule magnets

Abstract We compare high frequency single crystal electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) data for monomeric and dimeric Mn 4 complexes where, in the case of the latter, intra-dimer exchange interactions are known to significantly alter the low temperature quantum behavior. The monomeric system exhibits typical single-molecule S =9/2 EPR spectra; analysis of these data have enabled us to characterize the effective spin Hamiltonian parameters for this material. In the dimeric system, the ground state transition shows a splitting over a narrow range of fields and frequencies. The transfer of spectral weight between these split peaks is consistent with the exchange bias picture which has been developed to explain the absence of a zero-field tunneling resonance in low temperature hysteresis experiments. Indeed, these measurements provide the first independent confirmation for this exchange bias model. The absence of a significant intensity in excited state EPR transitions for the dimer contrasts the results for the monomer. This likely suggests important differences concerning the coherence of excited states of the dimer versus the monomer. No clear indications for intermolecular exchange interactions were observed in the EPR for the monomer.
Algorithm for Severe Hallux Valgus Associated With Metatarsus Adductus

Background:Radiographic angles, such as the intermetatarsal angle, hallux valgus angle, and distal metatarsal articular angle, are commonly used to help guide operative planning for soft tissue and osseous treatment options for hallux valgus. Hallux valgus treatment in the setting of associated metatarsus adductus is less common and not well described. The presence of metatarsus adductus reduces the gap between the first and second metatarsals. Consequently, it complicates the measurement of the first-second intermetatarsal angle and can limit the area available for transposition of the first metatarsal head. A compensatory pronation is also created, which must be compensated for. We present 4 cases of patients that had hallux valgus with severe metatarsus adductus treated operatively, as well as a treatment algorithm.Methods:For concomitant correction of both the metatarsus adductus and the hallux valgus, a thorough surgical treatment algorithm was implemented to address the hallux, lesser toe deformitie...
Internet Appendix to: Short-Term Trading and Stock Return Anomalies

This paper examines how the extent of short-term trading relates to the efficiency of stock prices. We employ a new duration measure based on quarterly institutional investors’ portfolio holdings, next to existing proxies such as trading volume, the percentage of transient institutions, and fund turnover. Momentum returns and subsequent returns reversal are generally much stronger for stocks held primarily by short-term investors, especially if these investors recently had superior recent performance which could make them overconfident. Our results point towards the behavioral theory in Daniel, Hirshleifer and Subrahmanyam (1998) and seem inconsistent with short-term institutions improving efficiency.The paper "Short-Term Trading and Stock Return Anomalies: Momentum, Reversal, and Share Issuance" to which these Appendices apply is available at the following URL: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1571191.
A protein constructed de novo enables cell growth by altering gene regulation

Recent advances in protein design rely on rational and computational approaches to create novel sequences that fold and function. In contrast, natural systems selected functional proteins without any design a priori. In an attempt to mimic nature, we used large libraries of novel sequences and selected for functional proteins that rescue Escherichia coli cells in which a conditionally essential gene has been deleted. In this way, the de novo protein SynSerB3 was selected as a rescuer of cells in which serB, which encodes phosphoserine phosphatase, an enzyme essential for serine biosynthesis, was deleted. However, SynSerB3 does not rescue the deleted activity by catalyzing hydrolysis of phosphoserine. Instead, SynSerB3 up-regulates hisB, a gene encoding histidinol phosphate phosphatase. This endogenous E. coli phosphatase has promiscuous activity that, when overexpressed, compensates for the deletion of phosphoserine phosphatase. Thus, the de novo protein SynSerB3 rescues the deletion of serB by altering the natural regulation of the His operon.
Practical approaches to office-based physical activity promotion for children and adolescents.

Child and adolescent obesity is increasing at a rapid pace. A significant contributing factor relates to the overall decline in physical activity for both children and adults. It will take efforts by many to reverse this trend. Primary care and sports medicine providers are poised optimally to couns
Regional Convergence in Low-Wage Work and Earnings, 1970–2000

Southern and non-Southern labor markets entered the period of economic restructuring from different starting points. Industrial and occupational differences across regions were eroded by the growth of the service industry in all regions, the decline in personal services within the South, and the decline of unions and manufacturing jobs outside of the South. This analysis underscores that indicators of precarity such as unionization and part-time jobs are really at the core of understanding regional low-wage earnings convergence. Furthermore, the authors find that an interaction between the regional structure of occupational opportunities and the racial and gender makeup of workers in jobs, particularly black women, plays an important role in producing the sharp low-wage earnings growth observed in the South in the 1970s and 1980s.