cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Occupational Disease in Laiwu City during 2004—2008

[Objective]To understand the features and laws of occupational disease in Laiwu City in recent years, and provide evidence for developing occupational disease control measures.[Methods]Certificates diagnosis of occupational diseases and hospital medical records of workers who had no certificates diagnosis but were collectively diagnosed occupational diseases by qualified doctors from 2004—2008 were collected and analyzed statistically.[Results]Of all reported cases from 2004-2008, occupational disease induced by physical factor induced occupational disease (Noise deafness) , occupational poisoning and pneumoconiosis accounted for 61.42%, 21.54%, 13.15% respectively. Cases distributed in 27 industries, with mine production (61.5%) and metallurgical industry (17.4%) holding the first 2 positions; the proportion of workers and peasants was 71.6%, 25.3% respectively;the ratio of male to female was 12.4:1; 63.5% were people under 50.[Conclusion] In recent years, the number of new reported cases has been increasing, the major occupational diseases were physical factor induced occupational disease (Noise deafness) and occupational poisoning with increasing trend, the incidence of pneumoconiosis is stable; the cases cover all areas and distribute in many industries, the tendency is more younger patients and more shorter exposure; the above features have become the focus of occupational disease control in Laiwu City.
Challenge of AIDS

Ethical challenges posed by acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are described. A small minority of health-care workers are refusing to treat persons with AIDS because they fear exposure, and some hospitals known to care for AIDS patients are being avoided as sites for training in the health professions. Some patients also are avoiding institutions that care for AIDS patients. The United States Department of Labor and Department of Health and Human Services have issued safety guidelines for health-care workers; the guidelines are intended to protect workers and to convince them not to shun AIDS patients. Given the high cost of care for AIDS patients, the question of whether the nation can pay for the best possible care for every patient must be dealt with. Also, the right of an individual to confidentiality must be balanced against risk to the community. To deal compassionately and justly with AIDS, courageous leadership and serious discussion of ethical issues are needed.
Tumor Volume Versus Percentage of Specimen Involved by Tumor Correlated with Progression in Stage a Prostatic Cancer

Previous studies from this institution have shown that in untreated stage A prostate cancer when 5 per cent of the specimen or less was involved by tumor (stage A1) only 2 per cent of the patients had progression at 4 years. Of the specimens with greater than 5 per cent cancer (stage A2) 33 per cent had progression at 4 years. More recently, we have shown that 16 per cent of the men with stage A1 disease who remained at risk for 8 years or longer after diagnosis had progression of disease despite a small percentage of the specimen involved by tumor. To address whether the actual volume of tumor resected may be a better predictor of progression than the percentage of the specimen involved by tumor the data from these studies were re-evaluated. We demonstrated that at 4 and 8 years of followup the percentage of the specimen and resected tumor volume were strongly associated with tumor progression, with the percentage of the specimen showing a stronger association especially at 4 years. Our study reaffirms the use of the percentage of resected tissue involved by tumor as a means to distinguish between stages A1 and A2 prostate cancer. Although at 8 years the distinction between stages A1 and A2 disease is blurred, this staging classification still is useful to identify those tumors with a relatively indolent course and a minimal short-term risk of progression from those that are more aggressive.
Obesity-Associated Gut Microbiota: Characterization and Dietary Modulation

Obesity is one of the most pressing public health issues in the world today due to the high personal and economic burden of associated chronic metabolic diseases. Aside from diet, a new environmental factor that has emerged as a potentially significant player in the complex etiology of obesity is an individual’s gut microbiota. Differences in gut microbiota composition have been reported among obese and lean individuals at various taxonomic levels from phylum to species. While there is a reasonable consensus on the key mechanisms via which gut microbiota may mediate obesity, the identities of the bacteria that constitute an “obese microbiota” have not yet been unequivocally established. This review summarizes and discusses the current state of knowledge with respect to the characterization of the obesity-related microbiota, its impact on the host and investigation of its potential as a therapeutic target through modulation by probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics.
Susceptibility to Childhood Pneumonia: A Genome-Wide Analysis.

Previous studies have indicated that in adult smokers, a history of childhood pneumonia is associated with reduced lung function and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There have been few previous investigations using genome-wide association studies to investigate genetic predisposition to pneumonia. This study aims to identify the genetic variants associated with the development of pneumonia during childhood and over the course of the lifetime. Study subjects included current and former smokers with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease participating in the COPDGene Study. Pneumonia was defined by subject self-report, with childhood pneumonia categorized as having the first episode at <16 years. Genome-wide association studies for childhood pneumonia (843 cases, 9,091 control subjects) and lifetime pneumonia (3,766 cases, 5,659 control subjects) were performed separately in non-Hispanic whites and African Americans. Non-Hispanic white and African American populations were combined in the ...
Changing Polygenic Penetrance on Phenotypes in the 20(th) Century Among Adults in the US Population.

This study evaluates changes in genetic penetrance—defined as the association between an additive polygenic score and its associated phenotype—across birth cohorts. Situating our analysis within recent historical trends in the U.S., we show that, while height and BMI show increasing genotypic penetrance over the course of 20th Century, education and heart disease show declining genotypic effects. Meanwhile, we find genotypic penetrance to be historically stable with respect to depression. Our findings help inform our understanding of how the genetic and environmental landscape of American society has changed over the past century, and have implications for research which models gene-environment (GxE) interactions, as well as polygenic score calculations in consortia studies that include multiple birth cohorts.
Effect of a novel CDX2 splice variant on tumorigenicity in gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma xenografts.

e14619 Background: Patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) that undergo aggressive neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy followed by an extensive oncologic resection have a 25-50% risk of developing locoregional recurrences and/or distant metastases. There is an unmet need for biomarkers that predict tumor behavior following neoadjuvant therapy that can be used to direct future therapy. CDX2, an intestine-specific transcription factor that regulates proliferation and differentiation, is ectopically expressed by epithelial cells lining the GEJ during intestinal metasplasia and retained by adenocarcinomas. To date, CDX2 has not been shown to contribute to the tumorigenic potential of GEJ adenocarciomas limiting its use as a predictive or prognostic marker. Methods: CDX2 mRNA from GEJ tissues were sequenced. Wild type and splice variant transcripts and proteins were analyzed by Western blot, RT-PCR, luciferase assays, and fluorescent IHC. In vitro and in vivo prolife...
A philosopher's guide to the foundations of quantum field theory

A major obstacle facing interpreters of quantum field theory (QFT) is a proliferation of different theoretical frameworks. This article surveys three of the main available options—Lagrangian, Wightman, and algebraic QFT—and examines how they are related. Although each framework emphasizes different aspects of QFT, leading to distinct strengths and weaknesses, there is less tension between them than commonly assumed. Given the limitations of our current knowledge and the need for creative new ideas, I urge philosophers to explore puzzles, tools, and techniques from all three approaches.
Variants of (v, k, λ )-Designs

Summary The present paper surveys the recent literature on new types of combinatorial designs that are closely related to the classical (v, k,λ)-designs.
The Ron receptor tyrosine kinase regulates inflammatory response in an experimental model of multiple sclerosis

In the experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) murine model of multiple sclerosis (MS), both central nervous system (CNS)-resident macrophages (microglia) and infiltrating monocyte-derived macrophages contribute to disease progression. The Ron receptor tyrosine kinase is expressed on tissue resident macrophages including microglia and is involved in regulating inflammatory responses. An in vivo deletion of Ron (Ron KO) promotes inflammatory macrophage activation (M1) and limits a reparative macrophage phenotype (M2). Herein we investigated whether Ron expression plays a critical role in regulating disease progression in EAE. Ron KO mice exhibit delayed onset of EAE (day 14) compared to Wild-Type (WT) (day 10), however Ron KO mice exhibit greater peak severity at onset. Ron KO mice display T-cell mediated peripheral inflammation, as demonstrated by the significant increase in the secretion of interferon gamma (IFNγ) but not IL-17 and IL-10. At day 14, cultured lymph node cells from Ron KO mice exhibit increased expression of M1-macrophage mediated biomarkers iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, IL12B, IL1β and TNF-α. A likely cause of this increased inflammatory response can in part be attributed to a T-cell mediated increase in IFNγ. Furthermore, CNS tissues from Ron KO mice at day 14 have increased gene expression of hallmark inflammatory biomarkers iNOS, IL12B and COX-2. The results indicate an interplay between the innate and adaptive immune system in fostering an M1-macrophage mediated inflammatory state, as the underlying factor for the observed increase in disease severity in Ron KO mice. Maintenance of Ron expressing macrophages could then be a potential therapeutic approach to treating MS symptoms.
Novel pharmacotherapy for the treatment of hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by resistant gram-negative bacteria.

Introduction Hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (HABP/VABP) are among the most prevalent infections in hospitalized patients, particularly those in the intensive care unit. Importantly, the frequency of multidrug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative (GN) bacteria as the bacteriologic cause of HABP/VABP is increasing. These include MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). Few antibiotics are currently available when such MDR Gram-negatives are encountered and older agents such as polymyxin B, colistin (polymyxin E), and tigecycline have typically performed poorly in HABP/VABP. Areas covered In this review, the authors summarize novel antibiotics which have reached phase 3 clinical trials including patients with HABP/VABP. For each agent, the spectrum of activity, pertinent pharmacological characteristics, clinical trial data, and potential utility in the treatment of MDR-GN HABP/VABP is discussed. Expert opinion Novel antibiotics currently available, and those soon to be, will expand opportunities to treat HABP/VABP caused by MDR-GN organisms and minimize the use of more toxic, less effective drugs. However, with sparse clinical data available, defining the appropriate role for each of the new agents is challenging. In order to maximize the utility of these antibiotics, combination therapy and the role of therapeutic drug monitoring should be investigated.
Single perineal incision placement of artificial urinary sphincter with cadaveric correlation of sub-dartos pump placement

Purpose We present a novel AUS implantation technique using a single perineal incision for single device placement or in combination with an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). Urinary and sexual dysfunction following the management of prostate cancer has a significant impact on the quality of life of our patients. While there are marginal changes in the prosthetic devices, we strive to reduce post-operative morbidity while maximizing efficacy. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 6 patients who underwent single perineal incision placement of a virgin AUS in 2014, 3 with simultaneous IPP placement. In all cases, the pressure regulating balloons (PRB) were placed in a high sub-muscular ectopic position and the pumps were placed into a sub-dartos pouch through the perineal incision, which was also validated using a cadaveric model. Results The mean patient age was 61 (SD, 7.5 years) with mean body mass index of 31 (SD, 5.9). The average pre-operative pad usage was 7.7 (SD 1.63) pads per day. The mean follow-up was 13.9 months (SD 9.45). Four out of the six patients reported utilizing ≤1 pad daily at follow-up. The one patient who was not initially dry required downsizing of his cuff to 3.5cm; the remaining patient was lost to follow-up. There were no identifiable perioperative or post-operative complications. Conclusions We present our initial report of using a single perineal incision for AUS implantation with a validated sub-dartos pump location, which is safe and effective for implantation of an AUS as a single or double implantation in well-selected patients.
Rare Causes of Abdominal Pain

Children will suffer from classical surgical pathology such as uro-sepsis (Chap 6.5), uro-calculi, and intestinal volvulus. Additionally, girls will suffer from pelvic inflammatory disease, torted ovaries, mittleschmerz, etc.
Diabetic Considerations in Aortoiliac Disease

Aortoiliac atherosclerotic disease has a unique disease process, presentation, progress, and treatment and should be viewed as a distinct entity from the infrainguinal and infrapopliteal atherosclerosis. At a cursory look, diabetes appears to mainly affect the tibial vessels. Although not as well described, diabetes has a large impact on the proximal vessels at multiple levels. This chapter reviews the pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of aortoiliac disease as it pertains to the diabetic population.
Ethical Considerations of Tissue Engineering on Society

Publisher Summary The ultimate objective of tissue engineering is to create tissue constructs that can be used to restore, repair, or replace damaged tissues. Ideally, using a small biopsy sample from the patient and by applying ex vivo tissue engineering techniques, a tissue construct could be produced to serve as an implantable autograft. If tissue engineers want to reach this goal, present research must continue. It is likely that the public focus and debate will wax and wane as new discoveries occur. However, the significant ethical, legal, and social issues of using tissues in research and as implants will remain. Therefore, it is important for each individual actively involved in tissue engineering to develop a set of ethical standards based upon ethical principles. No amount of regulation will prevent the progression of science or technology. The human mind is a creative vessel that continually invents ways of improving the life it sees around it. As with any scientific or engineering venture, the development of tissue-engineered products is a natural instinct.
Intrinsic Signal Imaging of Somatosensory Function in Nonhuman Primates

Optical imaging studies of somatosensory cortex (SI) in primates has led to re-evaluation of our understanding of cortical functional organization. This chapter describes findings showing that somatosensory topography, long a foundation of cortical function, may not be as precise in the awake monkey, suggesting a re-evaluation of the relationship between topographic representation and sensory precision. Optical maps of the tactile funneling illusion, which demonstrate a map of how tactile stimuli are perceived rather than a map of skin topography, call for a re-evaluation of topographic representation in SI as a body map. With respect to representation of sensory submodalities, optical images of vibrotactile pressure, flutter, and vibration domains reveal striking similarities and differences between modality maps in visual and somatosensory cortices.
The Technological World-View and the Responsible Use of Computers in the Classroom:

In this paper it is argued that technology does not merely represent a set of devices that teachers may choose to use, but more importantly advances a world-view that shapes social existence. The i...
Transforming Synthetic Biology with Cell-Free Systems

Cell-free synthetic biology offers an unprecedented level of control and freedom of design for understanding, harnessing, and expanding the capabilities of natural biological systems. Inspired by advances in synthetic biology projects in vivo, recent years have witnessed the emergence of cell-free systems not only as a testing ground for our ability to engineer and analyze biology, but also as technologies capable of efficient and scalable synthesis of complex biological products. Dominant efforts in the field include: programmable nucleic acid circuits; nanomachines; cell-free protein synthesis; cell-free metabolic engineering; and minimal cells. The goals are understanding why nature’s designs work the way they do, accelerating design–build–test loops for engineering biology, and conducting biochemical transformations for the rapid and efficient synthesis of a wide variety of complex products.
Comparison of enhanced laparoscopic imaging techniques in endometriosis surgery: a diagnostic accuracy study

For surgical endometriosis, treatment key is to properly identify the peritoneal lesions. The aim of this clinical study was to investigate if advanced imaging improves the detection rate by comparing narrow-band imaging (NBI), near-infrared imaging with indocyanine green (NIR-ICG), or three-dimensional white-light imaging (3D), to conventional two-dimensional white-light imaging (2D) for the detection of peritoneal endometriotic lesions. This study was a prospective, single-center, randomized within-subject, clinical trial. The trial was conducted at Amsterdam UMC—Location VUmc, a tertiary referral hospital for endometriosis. 20 patients with ASRM stage III–IV endometriosis, scheduled for elective laparoscopic treatment of their endometriosis, were included. During laparoscopy, the pelvic region was systematically inspected with conventional 2D white-light imaging followed by inspection with NBI, NIR-ICG, and 3D imaging in a randomized order. Suspected endometriotic lesions and control biopsies of presumably healthy peritoneum were taken for histological examination. The pathologist was blinded for the method of laparoscopic detection. Sensitivity and specificity rates of the enhanced imaging techniques were analyzed. McNemar’s test was used to compare sensitivity to 2D white-light imaging and Method of Tango to assess non-inferiority of specificity. In total, 180 biopsies were taken (117 biopsies from lesions suspected for endometriosis; 63 control biopsies). 3D showed a significantly improved sensitivity rate (83.5% vs. 75.8%, p = 0.016) and a non-inferior specificity rate (82.4% vs. 84.7%, p = 0.009) when compared to 2D white-light imaging. The single use of NBI or NIR-ICG showed no improvement in the detection of endometriosis. Combining the results of 3D and NBI resulted in a sensitivity rate of 91.2% (p < 0.001). Enhanced laparoscopic imaging with 3D white light, combined with NBI, improves the detection rate of peritoneal endometriosis when compared to conventional 2D white-light imaging. The use of these imaging techniques enables a more complete laparoscopic resection of endometriosis.
Paying it forward: The influence of other customer service recovery on future co-creation

Abstract Although the presence of other customers is an indispensable part of the service consumption experience, there is little work that investigates the role of other customers in the service recovery process and how this affects multiple actors in the service ecosystem. To address these gaps, this research uses a mixed-methods approach. Study 1 qualitatively content analyzes other customers’ participation in the recovery process. Study 2 tests support receiver’s perception and Study 3 examines the support giver’s perception using two 3 (other customer support: emotional, information, no support) × 2 (employee extra role behavior: in-role, extra role) between-subjects experimental designs. The research extends upon the customer interaction and service failure and recovery literature through qualitative and quantitative analysis of how other customers can support the service recovery process and act as a new type of recovery actor, which affects the service recovery evaluation, citizenship behavior, and behavioral intentions toward the firm.
E-089 Early transcriptional regulation of tenascin-c attenuates post-stroke brain damage

Background Stroke induced alterations in the Extracellular matrix play a vital role in mediating acute pathogenesis as well as in post-stroke recovery. Tenascin-C (TNC), an adhesion-modulating extracellular matrix glycoprotein, its upregulation in adults is linked to vascular diseases. Recently, an elevated blood level of TNC in large artery atherosclerotic stroke patients and its association with post-stroke inflammation is reported. Based on the literature and our recent research investigation, we hypothesize that specific suppression of TNC immediately after ischemic stroke by using a non-viral shRNA attenuated the post-stroke acute brain damage. Methods In order to attain our objectives, we utilized young adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Selected animal groups were subjected to two-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by three-day reperfusion with or without TNC-shRNA treatment immediately after reperfusion. We performed various techniques including TTC, Realtime-PCR, and immunoblot and immunofluorescence analysis in order to investigate the effect of our treatments and the molecular mechanisms. Results Our results clearly demonstrated that TNC is persistently upregulated after ischemic stroke. Specific regulation of TNC immediately after ischemia inhibited the TNC levels and significantly reduced the extent of brain damage. TNC inhibition after stroke modulated the expression of excitatory amino acid transporters and tight junction proteins. Further, Early inhibition of TNC after stroke regulated the expression of key inflammatory mediators such as Toll-Like Receptor-4 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Matrix metalloproteinase-9. Conclusions Based on our results we conclude that TNC mediated several acute ischemic stroke pathogenic mechanisms. Transcriptional inactivation of TNC regulated the post-stroke alterations in excitatory amino acid transporters, tight junction proteins, and inflammatory mediators and thus attenuated the post-stroke brain damage. Disclosures K. Johnson: None. B. Chelluboina: None.
High-valent osmium iminoxolene complexes

2-(Arylamino)-4,6-di-tert-butylphenols containing 4-substituted phenyl groups (RapH2) react with oxobis(ethylene glycolato)osmium(vi) in acetone to give square pyramidal bis(amidophenoxide)oxoosmium(vi) complexes. A mono-amidophenoxide complex is observed as an intermediate in these reactions. Reactions in dichloromethane yield the diolate (Hap)2Os(OCH2CH2O). Both the glycolate and oxo complex are converted to the corresponding cis-dichloride complex on treatment with chlorotrimethylsilane. The novel bis(aminophenol) ligand EganH4, containing an ethylene glycol dianthranilate bridge, forms the chelated bis(amidophenoxide) complex (Egan)OsO, where the two nitrogen atoms of the tetradentate ligand bind in the trans positions of the square pyramid. Structural and spectroscopic features of the complexes are described well by an osmium(vi)-amidophenoxide formulation, with the amount of π donation from ligand to metal increasing markedly as the co-ligands change from oxo to diolate to dichloride. In the oxo-bis(amidophenoxides), the symmetry of the ligand π orbitals results in only one effective π donor interaction, splitting the energy of the two osmium-oxo π* orbitals and rendering the osmium-oxo bonding appreciably anisotropic.
Stem Cell Therapy for Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a chronic disease with significant morbidity to many patients. Regenerative medicine, cell therapies in particular, has the potential to repair broken physiologic processes and restore health. Vascular regeneration of small vessels is particularly well suited to cellular therapies. This is important because the standard treatment of lymphedema has been frustrated by limited symptom relief, leading many patients to be managed but not cured. Recently, specific molecular mediators have been identified that can be targeted pharmacologically, and it is now known that lymphedema can be reversed, even in the setting of long-standing and/or severe disease. Cell therapies hold promise therapeutically because they can correct deranged pathways in a multi-modal fashion, and this may provide sustained (and possibly complete) regeneration through the recruitment of native reparative cells. This chapter outlines the current symptom-management strategies, the contemporary role of operative therapies in this patient population, and then summarizes existing regenerative medicine approaches being developed to treat lymphedema.
Kinetics of propane cracking and position-specific isotope fractionation: Insights into the origins of natural gases

Abstract Position-specific isotope analysis (PSIA) of propane can provide novel and valuable information to constrain the origin and history of natural gases. We conducted a systematic experimental study to determine the kinetics of propane pyrolysis, including bulk and position-specific carbon and hydrogen isotope fractionation of propane at 415 – 465 °C. As the dominant gaseous products, the yields of CH4 and C2H6 increased with increasing C3H8 consumption. A significant amount of aromatic residues (C/H: ∼1) was generated, which was comparable to the yields of CH4 and C2H6. Position-specific δ13C values of propane increased by up to 8.3 and 8.8‰ at the center and terminal positions respectively, while δ2Hcenter and δ2Hterminal increased by 110 and 131‰. An activation energy (Ea) of 69.9 (±29.1) kcal/mol and frequency factor (A) of 3.1 × 1015 (±7.9 × 108) s−1 were obtained based on a first-order reaction model. Using the average kinetic parameters from this study and previous studies on wet-gas cracking, propane cracking starts above 215 (±10.5) oC at a geological heating rate of 5 °C/m.y., corresponding to Easy Ro of 2.31%. An Arrhenius plot of kinetic isotope fractionation indicates both central C and H of propane show larger isotope fractionations compared with those at the terminal position in natural reservoirs. Position-specific (PS) isotopic fractionation factors (k*/k) at 215 °C were estimated as 0.983 and 0.987 for δ13Ccenter and δ13Cterminal, and 0.815 and 0.838 for δ2Hcenter and δ2Hterminal, respectively. PS isotopic compositions of natural propane in the ΔCc-t - ΔHc-t diagram may serve as a diagnostic indicator for the origins (kerogen vs. oil) and degradation (thermal cracking vs. biodegradation) of natural gases in sedimentary basins.
Characterization of microscopic deformation of materials using deep learning algorithms

Abstract Microstructure-informed design approach is set to revolutionize the design of metals and alloy components for aerospace applications. In this approach, a designer utilizes the influence of individual microstructural features on microscopic deformation to yield desirable macroscopic properties. Therefore, the development of advanced experimental capabilities that enable detailed characterization of microscopic deformation of material test specimens is critical to realize this paradigm shift in practice. However, extracting the complex characteristics of microscopic deformation hidden in raw image data is quite challenging. In this article, we propose an automated data extraction and analysis method based on instance segmentation and tracking of microstructural features using deep learning (DL) and image processing algorithms. The method consists of a trained mask Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (mask R-CNN) DL model combined with a regional instance segmentation approach for the instance segmentation of features, an intersection over union based multi-object tracking method to track segmented instances as they deform, and kinematics models to extract the material characteristics from the geometrical data of the deforming instances. The method is then validated by characterizing the microscopic deformation of an additively manufactured 316L stainless steel coupon specimen under quasi-static tensile loading. Our study presents a general framework for advancing deep learning algorithms to solve complex problems in the field of experimental mechanics.
Cytokine Regulation of Immune Tolerance to Tumors

Publisher Summary Tumors arise from normal self tissues, thus the default pathway to the tumor-associated antigens is tolerance—that prevents the induction of destructive cellular immune responses. The barriers that prevent antitumor immune responses are related to those that inhibit autoimmune diseases, which include mechanisms of immune suppression or immune deviation under steady state and during the wound healing. Cytokines are important regulators of immune tolerance to tumors. TGF-β is the most potent and pleiotropic regulatory cytokine. Under steady state conditions, TGF-β inhibits destructive cellular immune responses directed at self antigens by inhibiting the activation and differentiation of Th1, CTL, and NK cells, and by maintaining the peripheral Tregs. This is a crucial pathway for maintaining the tumor tolerance. Under the condition of wound healing, TGF-β may ensure immune suppression while promoting the normal healing process. This process may have a critical role in inhibiting the antitumor immune responses, as the inflammation associated with tumor invasion resembles that of wound healing.
Design of Heusler Precipitation Strengthened NiTi- and PdTi-Base SMAs for Cyclic Performance

For a wide range of actuation applications, the performance of NiTi-based shape memory alloys is limited by cyclic instability associated with accommodation slip. For medical applications, low-Ni compositions are also desirable. Increasing yield strength via precipitation of a coherent nanoscale Ni2TiAl-type Heusler phase from a supersaturated B2 matrix is an effective approach for eliminating slip in order to improve the stability of the functional response and increase the structural fatigue life. Quaternary additions that partition into the L21 Heusler phase, such as Zr or Pd, are favorable for reducing interphase misfit and maintaining coherency during aging. Phase relations and precipitation kinetics in quaternary Ni(TiZrAl), low-Ni (PdNi)(TiAl), and Ni-free (PdFe)(TiAl) systems are summarized from TEM and atom probe tomography data in the literature. Strengthening behavior during isothermal aging is compared in the NiTiZrAl and PdNiTiAl systems, and recent work characterizing a high-strength, low-Ni “Hybrid” (PdNi)(TiZrAl) alloy is presented. A systems design approach is taken in which an optimal microstructure for peak strengthening is identified while other property objectives such as transformation temperature, misfit, radiopacity, and biocompatibility are satisfied.
Reduced complexity covariance matrix estimate for subspace-based array processing

In subspace based DOA algorithms estimating the signal or noise subspace accurately, is imperative as it is the foundation for which all such algorithms are built upon. Estimating the subspaces is achieved from decomposing a data matrix or the spatial covariance matrix each incurring a computational burden. We propose to reduce the computational complexity of estimating the noise subspace by using a computationally efficient covariance matrix estimate, whose multiplications are independent of data size. We investigate the effects of the non-linearity on the noise subspaces and to the DOA estimation using the MUSIC algorithm.
Innovative Methods in the Science of Parent-Child Relations.

The study of parent-child relations is an active area of inquiry given that it plays a role in both child and adult (parent) development and has implications for the broader family system and society as a whole (Bornstein, 2005; Collins, Maccoby, Steinberg, Hetherington & Bornstein, 2000). Research on parent-child relations has important implications that range from basic (e.g., effects on child development) to applied (e.g., optimal techniques in family intervention). Yet the benefits of this research are constrained by the quality of employed methods and the conclusions that can or cannot be drawn as a result. Some methodological constraints have plagued this field from the outset, while others have emerged more recently, stemming from the difficulty inherent in developing methods that capture the complexity of contemporary conceptualizations of parenting and parent-child relations. As argued by Bornstein (2005; pp. 311-312), ‘the family generally, and parenting specifically, are today in a greater state of flux, question, and re-definition than perhaps ever before.’ Accordingly, it has become increasingly important to develop, refine, and apply methods that effectively capture the complexity of parenting and parent-child relations.
Advertising and market structure

Manufacturers take many actions designed to enhance the demand for their products. They generally deal with product design and packaging, price structures at wholesale and retail levels, training and deployment of sales personnel, and the economic and contractual dimensions of the distribution channels they employ. They may also engage in media advertising. Retailers generally engage in most of these same activities. Consumer purchase decisions are affected by many external stimuli. Consumers may take into account their own experience, the experiences of friends and relatives, conversations with sales people and other experts, data on relevant prices, and information about product attributes, obtained from a variety of public sources. Purchase decisions may also be affected by media advertising.2
Antenatal nicotine induces heightened oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction in rat offspring.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Antenatal nicotine exposure causes aberrant vascular reactivity and increased blood pressure in adult male rat offspring in a sex-dependent manner. The present study tested the hypothesis that maternal nicotine administration increases the production of reactive oxygen species resulting in the vascular hypertensive reactivity in male offspring. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Nicotine was administered to pregnant rats via subcutaneous osmotic minipumps throughout the gestation. The vascular oxidative damage and dysfunction were determined in 5-month-old male offspring. Contraction studies were performed on isolated aortas and their expression of NADPH oxidase (Nox2)/gp91 and nox4 determined by Western blot analysis. In addition, oxidative damage in the vessel wall was determined by measuring malondialdehyde concentrations, vascular superoxide production and SOD activity. KEY RESULTS Antenatal nicotine significantly increased angiotensin II-induced arterial contractions in the offspring. The exaggerated vascular contractions were inhibited by both apocynin (a Nox inhibitor) and tempol (a SOD mimetic) in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, ACh-induced relaxations were impaired in aortas isolated from the nicotine-treated offspring, which were restored by both apocynin and tempol in a concentration-dependent manner. The nicotine treatment significantly decreased the superoxide dismutase activity and increased malondialdehyde, superoxide and nitrotyrosine protein levels in the vascular wall. Consistently, antenatal nicotine exposure significantly enhanced the protein expression of NADPH oxidase Nox2/gp91, but not Nox4 in the aorta. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The present findings suggest that antenatal nicotine exposure results in the programming of heightened oxidative stress and vascular hypertensive reactivity via a Nox2-dependent mechanism, leading to an increased risk of hypertension in adult offspring. LINKED ARTICLE This article is commented on by Lim and Sobey, pp. 1397–1399 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01488.x
Metabolism of naturally occurring propenylbenzene derivatives : I. Chromatographic separation of ninhydrin-positive materials of rat urine

Abstract Following oral or intraperitoneal administration of myristicin, safrole, isosafrole, asarone ( trans ) or β-asarone ( cis ) to male rats, basic ninhydrin-positive substances were exreted in the urine. These materials were separated and partially characterized by thin-layer chromatography. The same animals when given a control dosage of safflower oil did not exrete these ninhdrin-positive materials. There is an apparent requirement of a side chain double bond for the production of these products, with greater enhancement by the trans isomer than the cis . It is suggested that these urinary ninhydrin-positive materials are probably substituted phenylisopropylamines or amphetamines.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s Effect on Emergency Medicine: A Synthesis of the Data

This review synthesizes the existing literature to provide evidence-based predictions for the future of emergency care in the United States as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, with a focus on emergency department (ED) visit volume, acuity, and reimbursement. Patient behavior will likely be quite different for patients gaining Medicaid than for those gaining private insurance through the Marketplaces. Despite the threat of the individual mandate, not all uninsured patients will enroll, and those who choose to enroll will likely be a different population from those who remain uninsured. New Medicaid enrollees will be a sicker population and will likely increase their number of ED visits substantially. Their acuity will be higher at first but will then revert to the traditionally high number of low-acuity visits made by Medicaid patients. Most patients enrolling through the Marketplace are choosing high-deductible health plans, and they will initially avoid the ED because of high out-of-pocket costs but may present later and sicker after self-rationing their care. Most patients gaining health coverage through the Affordable Care Act will be shifting from uninsured to either Medicaid or private insurance, both of which reimburse more than self-pay, so ED collections should increase. Because of the differences between Medicaid and Marketplace plans, there will be a difference in ED volume, acuity, and financial outcomes, depending on states' current demographics, whether states expand Medicaid, and how aggressively states advertise new options for coverage in Medicaid or state health insurance Marketplaces.
RESEARCH NOTE: Language with attitude: American slang and Chinese lǐyǔ1

The Mandarin registers known as lǐyǔ (俚语) have commonly been translated as ‘slang,’ though traditionally lǐyǔ has differed from slang in English by virtue of its strong link to regionalism. A newly emergent version of lǐyǔ that is prominent among young Chinese is marked not by regionalism but by its Internet-enabled global purview. This youth-culture lǐyǔ, like the student slang described by Eble (1996), functions as a device to promote group solidarity while also serving as an identity marker for China's millennial generation. Lǐyǔ, like the numerous versions of slang described in English, Portuguese and other languages, is marked by ebullient or non-deferential affect, an attribute that helps explains the close association between slang and swearwords. Slang and lǐyǔ lexemes, in light of the affect they entail, are the pragmatic opposites of honorifics – terms which index deference within formal, hierarchical structures.
Architecture and algorithms for scalable mobile QoS

Supporting Quality of Service (QoS) is an important objective for future mobile systems, and requires resource reservation and admission control to achieve. In this paper, we introduce an admission control scheme termed Virtual Bottleneck Cell, an approach designed to scale to many users and handoffs, while simultaneously controlling "hot spots". The key technique is to hierarchically control an aggregated virtual system, ensuring QoS objectives are satisfied in the underlying system without per-user resource management such as advanced reservations of bandwidth in a user's predicted future locations. We develop a simple analytical model to study the system and illustrate several key components of the approach, such as balancing the conflicting design objectives of high utilization, scalability, and ensured QoS. We formulate the problem of clustering cells into virtual system as an optimization problem and propose a heuristic adaptive clustering algorithm as a practical solution. Finally, we evaluate the scheme by developing a simple analytical model, devising an optimal off-line algorithm, and performing simulations of a two-dimensional network.
Children in Car Crashes: Analysis of Data for Injury and Use of Restraints

Objective. To determine the effect of car restraints on motor vehicle injury rates for children aged 0 to 14 years. Methods. A probability sample of all police-reported car crashes in the United States in 1990 and 1991 was analyzed for injury rates of passengers aged less than 15 years in relation to restraint usage, age, and seating position. Results. Optimal restraint usage (defined as car seats for children 0 to 4 years old and lap shoulder belts for children 5 to 14 years old) was 40%. The use of the car seat was 76% for infants (0 to 12 months old) and 41% for toddlers (1 to 4 year olds). The non use of a restraint was highest for 10 to 14 year olds (43%). The rate of involvement in car crashes for all children was 21.4 (per 1000/yr). The highest rate was the 14 year olds with 29.6 followed by 2 year olds with 26.5. Injury rates were 4.76 (per 1000/yr) for all children. The lowest rate was 2.91 for infants but increased to 4.78 for 3 year olds. The single strongest risk factor for injury was the non use of a restraint. (Adjusted odds ratio 2.7; 95% CI 2.4 to 3.0.) The risk factor for injury for the front seat was 1.5 (95% CI 1.4 to 1.7). Use of the car seat reduced injuries by 60% for 0 to 4 year olds, whereas the lap shoulder harness was only 38% effective for 5 to 14 year olds (P ≤ .001) Injury rates of unrestrained 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 year olds were similar. Conclusions. Greater involvement in car crashes and less use of car restraints explains the 64% higher rate of injury for 3 year olds than for infants. It is time to target the toddlers. Restraints designed for adults are not as effective for the school age child as car seats are for the preschool child. A better restraint for the school age child should be designed and evaluated. Meanwhile, increased usage of current restraints must be encouraged, as they substantially reduce injuries.
The Invention of Works Councils in Hungary

Works councils were introduced in Hungary in 1992, partly on the model of the German industrial relations system. The objective was to resolve a crisis of industrial relations in the transition to a market economy: the fragmentation of trade unions, the vacuum of institutionalization, and the representation gap for non-union workers. Drawing on case study research, this article evaluates the experience to date and concludes that the `artificial' imposition of an unfamiliar structure of employee representation has been only partly successful, though arguably contributing to the consolidation of industrial relations in a multi-union environment.
Replacement of the macronuclear ribosomal RNA genes of a mutant Tetrahymena using electroporation.

Abstract The macronucleus of the ciliate Tetrahymena contains approx. 104 ribosomal RNA gene molecules (rDNA) in the form of linear, autonomously replicating palindromes. Previous studies have shown that macronuclear rDNA molecules derived from wild-type (wt) inbred strain C3 out-replicate those derived from wt inbred strain B, in macronuclei initially heterozygous for both, leading to the complete loss of the B rDNA. However, rmm-1, a cis-acting laboratory-induced mutation obtained previously by mutagenesis of inbred strain C3, causes the mutant rmm-1 rDNA to be completely out-replicated by B rDNA. These findings suggest the following hierarchy of replication potential: wt C3 > wt B > C3-rmm-1. We used electroporation to test whether cells containing only rmm-1 macronuclear rDNA are favorable recipients for transformation with either wt B or C3 donor rDNA molecules. The donor rDNA molecules carried the selectable marker Pmr (paromomycin resistance) located in the coding region of the 17S rRNA. Transformants were obtained, at a frequency > 1 in 105, by electroporation under a wide range of electrical discharge parameters. The fraction of cells surviving electroporation varied between 2 and > 95% in successful experiments. Replacement (‘transplacement’) of the recipient rDNA was observed, consistent with the prediction that B and C3 rDNA should out-replicate rmm-l rDNA. These findings are also consistent with the previous conclusion that the differential replication determinants reside in the 5'-nontranscribed spacer of the rDNA.
Systemic Colonization of the Educational Lifeworld: An example in literacy education

AbstractThis article examines the impact of the reading assessment, DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills), on literacy education through the Habermasian lens. It argues that DIBELS, along with other systemic forces, has surged beyond its domain as a mere assessment and colonized the lifeworld of literacy education by distorting the meaning of the teaching and learning of literacy.This article calls for a critical reflection on the systemized practices in literacy education and for a return to a lifeworld where literacy is considered more than a testable skill.
On the existence of a periodic model for a class of stochastic processes

The existence of a periodic solution to a class of nonlinear Riccati equations is considered. A set of conditions to be satisfied by the coefficients of the Riccati equation and proper initial condition leads to the periodic solution. This class of equations appears in the solution to the factorization problem; i.e., determination of a linear system which transforms white noise into a possibly nonstationary random process with a specified covariance function.