cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vivo assessment of bone healing following Piezotome® ultrasonic instrumentation.

Purpose This pilot study evaluated the molecular, histologic, and radiographic healing of bone to instrumentation with piezoelectric or high speed rotary (R) devices over a 3-week healing period. Material and Methods Fourteen Sprague-Dawley rats (Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., Wilmington, MA, USA) underwent bilateral tibial osteotomies prepared in a randomized split-leg design using Piezotome® (P1) (Satelec Acteon, Merignac, France), Piezotome 2® (P2) (Satelec Acteon), High-speed R instrumentation, or sham surgery (S). At 1 week, an osteogenesis array was used to evaluate differences in gene expression while quantitative analysis assessed percentage bone fill (PBF) and bone mineral density (BMD) in the defect, peripheral, and distant regions at 3 weeks. Qualitative histologic evaluation of healing osteotomies was also performed at 3 weeks. Results At 1 week, expression of 11 and 18 genes involved in bone healing was significantly (p < .05) lower following P1 and P2 instrumentation, respectively, relative to S whereas 16 and 4 genes were lower relative to R. No differences in PBF or BMD were detected between groups within the osteotomy defect. However, significant differences in PBF (p = .020) and BMD (p = .008) were noted along the peripheral region between P2 and R groups, being R the group with the lowest values. Histologically, smooth osteotomy margins were present following instrumentation using P1 or P2 relative to R. Conclusions Piezoelectric instrumentation favors preservation of bone adjacent to osteotomies while variations in gene expression suggest differences in healing rates due to surgical modality. Bone instrumented by piezoelectric surgery appears less detrimental to bone healing than high-speed R device.
Impact of experimental genital mycoplasmosis on pregnancy outcome in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Abstract Specific-pathogen-free (SPF) female Sprague-Dawley rats were infected by intravaginal inoculation with 3 x 10(7) CFU of Mycoplasma pulmonis X1048 in 0.1 ml of Frey's broth or with an equal volume of sterile Frey's broth. A minimum of 10 days postinfection, rats were bred to noninfected males. Rats were necropsied at days 11, 14, and 18 of gestation and within 24 h of parturition. Throughout pregnancy, at least 50% of rats remained infected in the lower genital tract. At parturition, the major site of colonization was the respiratory tract (P = 0.02). M. pulmonis was not isolated from any site of any control rat. Pregnancy outcome was adversely affected by infection with M. pulmonis. Infected rats had significantly smaller litter sizes at day 18 of gestation (P < or = 0.01) and at term (P < or = 0.004). No statistically significant differences among the gestational stages in infected rats were noted for litter size. Total litter weight is a reflection of individual pup weight and of the number of pups born. Therefore, it was obvious that infected rats would have a significantly lower (P < or = 0.008) total litter weight than noninfected controls. However, when individual pup weights were considered, infected pups (n = 49) also had significantly lower (P < or = 0.0001) birth weights than did noninfected controls (n = 68). The incidence of an adverse pregnancy outcome at term (stillbirths, macerated fetuses, or resorptions) was higher (P < or = 0.01) in infected rats than in noninfected control rats. No stillborn pups or macerated fetuses were observed in any control term rats (n = 5). All control rats had live-born pups. Three infected rats had no live-born offspring. Resorptions were more common in infected rats than in control rats (P < or = 0.01). The mean number of resorptions per rat was greater in rats which went to term than in rats necropsied during gestation, indicating that the severity of disease was progressive. The rat is frequently the laboratory animal of choice for a wide variety of reproductive studies, and the experimental parameters that are most often measured (litter size, pup weight, and neonatal survival) were all adversely affected by genital mycoplasmosis. Genital mycoplasmosis is important as an animal model for the interaction of infectious agents and the host during pregnancy as well as in its own right as a confounding variable affecting research projects which use the rat as a model to study reproductive function and physiology.
The Impact of Hate Violence on Victims: Emotional and Behavioral Responses to Attacks

Criminal acts stemming from prejudice based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity--frequently referred to as "hate violence"--have increased during recent years. This study explored the nature of hate attacks and victims' responses to them. The sample consisted of 59 victims and included black, white, and Southeast Asian people. Data were obtained through focus group meetings, individual interviews, and questionnaires. More than half of the victims reported experiencing a series of attacks rather than a single attack. Anger, fear, and sadness were the emotional responses most frequently reported by victims. About one-third of the victims reported behavioral responses such as moving from the neighborhood or purchasing a gun. The responses of hate violence victims were similar to those of victims of other types of personal crime. Implications for social work intervention are discussed.
Young measure solutions for a nonlinear parabolic equation of forward-backward type

The scope is to study the nonlinear parabolic evolution of forward-backward type \[u_t = \nabla \cdot q(\nabla u)\quad {\text{on }}Q_\infty \equiv \Omega \times \mathbb{R}^ + \] with initial data $u_0 $ given in $H_0^1 (\Omega )$, where $\Omega \subset \mathbb{R}^N $ is open, bounded, and $q \in C(\mathbb{R}^N ;\mathbb{R}^N )$, an analogue to heat flux, satisfies $q = \nabla \phi $ with $\phi \in C^1 (\mathbb{R}^N )$ of suitable growth. When $\phi $ is not convex classical solutions do not exist in general; the problem admits Young measure solutions. By that is meant a function u in a suitable Sobolev space and a gradient-generated family of probability measures $\nu = (\nu _{x,t} )_{(x,t) \in Q_\infty } $ related by $\nabla u = \langle {\nu ,id} \rangle $ almost everywhere (a.e.) (the identity integrated against $\nu $) and such that the equation can be interpreted distributionally in $H^{ - 1} :\int_0^{ + \infty } {\int_\Omega {\langle {\nu ,q} \rangle } } \cdot \nabla \zeta + u_t \zeta dxdt$ for all $\...
The Epidemiology of Research on “Anomalous Water”

The epidemiological idea-dissemination model is applied to bibliographic data on anomalous water (or “polywater”) research. This data encompasses a definite and closed time period. Results indicate the need for a more refined epidemic model.
Enhanced efficiency of echovirus 6 by a transferable factor in cultured human cells.

SummaryA transferable enhancer has been demonstrated in cultured human cells which increases the efficiency of infection of the m+ mutant of echo virus 6 in monkey cells. Enhancer was present in a variety of human cells but not in cells of other species. In general, presence of enhancer coincided with the greater susceptibility of human cells for m+ infection. Enhancer in AV3 cells was detected in viable and dead cells, cellular debris and subcellular fractions. Most of the enhancer activity sedimented with the micro-somal fraction. Enhancer was thermolabile and destroyed by phenol, proteolytic enzymes, acid and alkali. Debris (AVd) obtained by homogenization of AV3 cells enhanced the m+ titer (pfu and TCD50) in monkey cells by 5- to 100-fold. Plaques appeared 2 days earlier in the presence of AVd. There was a linear relationship between enhancer activity and concentration of cells (104.5 to 106.5 cells/ml) used for preparation of AVd. Prior in vitro contact of virus and AVd was not required for enhanceme...
Probing the Folding Intermediate of Bacillus subtilis RNase P Protein by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Protein folding intermediates are often imperative for overall folding processes and consequent biological functions. However, the low population and transient nature of the intermediate states often hinder their biochemical and biophysical characterization. Previous studies have demonstrated that Bacillus subtilis ribonuclease P protein (P protein) is conformationally heterogeneous and folds with multiphasic kinetics, indicating the presence of an equilibrium and kinetic intermediate in its folding mechanism. In this study, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to study the ensemble corresponding to this intermediate (I). The results indicate that the N-terminal and C-terminal helical regions are mostly unfolded in I. 1H−15N heteronuclear single-quantum coherence NMR spectra collected as a function of pH suggest that the protonation of His 22 may play a major role in the energetics of the equilibria among the unfolded, intermediate, and folded state ensembles of P protein. NMR paramagnetic relaxation enhancement experiments were also used to locate the small anion binding sites in both the intermediate and folded ensembles. The results for the folded protein are consistent with the previously modeled binding regions. These structural insights suggest a possible role for I in the RNase P holoenzyme assembly process.
Age dependence of skewness of magnetic anomalies above seafloor formed at the Pacific‐Kula Spreading Center

The skewness of magnetic anomalies corresponding to chrons 25 to 32r (56-72 Ma) was investigated on 22 North Pacific profiles recording Pacific-Kula spreading. From 172 estimates of skewness we find that it varies with age, with irregular scatter superimposed on a steady increase with age of 1.20±0.27°/m.y. Skewness differs significantly between anomalies differing in age by as little as a million years. An analysis of the errors in the skewness estimates indicates significant errors that are systematic for an anomaly of a given age, but varying irregularly with age. The significant increase with age of phase shift may reflect an increase with age of anomalous skewness, or the northward motion of the Pacific plate, or both. If it is due entirely to Pacific plate motion, and an age-independent value of anomalous skewness of 14° found in prior studies is assumed, the rate of northward motion is 0.70±0.26°/m.y., four times faster than estimated from seamount paleomagnetic poles and paleolatitudes determined from sediment cores.
LYSYL OXIDASE-MEDIATED CROSSLINKING IN GRANULATION TISSUE COLLAGEN IN TWO MODELS OF HYPERGLYCEMIA

Enzymatically mediated crosslinks and nonenzymatic glycation were quantified in granulation tissue collagen in two models of hyperglycemia, diabetes and galactosemia, that have opposite effects on collagen solubility. The effects of castration, which alters collagen solubility, was also investigated. Collagen from both diabetic and galactosemic rats had significantly increased levels of dihydroxylysinonorleucine (DHLNL), a difunctional reducible crosslink. Galactosemic rats had significantly decreased levels of hydroxypyridinium, a trifunctional product of DHLNL and hydroxylysine, relative to control values, while diabetic rats had normal levels. Values for all other detectable crosslinks in collagen from hyperglycemic rats were indistinguishable from control values. Nonenzymatic glycation was increased in both groups of hyperglycemic rats. In diabetic rats, but not in galactosemic rats, nonenzymatic glycation was strongly correlated with DHLNL content. Castration had no effect on crosslink content of collagen from diabetic or galactosemic rats. This study demonstrates that (1) collagen crosslinking is abnormal in granulation tissue collagen in both experimental diabetes and galactosemia, (2) these changes are similar to those observed in skin collagen from insulin-dependent diabetic subjects and (3) the crosslinking abnormalities are not correlated with alterations in collagen solubility. We conclude that hyperglycemia-associated increases in immature crosslinks cannot account for altered collagen solubility, although impaired maturation of such crosslinks may be partially responsible for the lathyrogenic effect of galactosemia.
Tin(IV) Chloride-Chiral Pyrogallol Derivatives as New Lewis Acid-Assisted Chiral Brønsted Acids for Enantioselective Polyene Cyclization

New Lewis acid-assisted Bronsted acids (LBAs), tin(IV) chloride-2,6-dialkoxyphenols, serve as artificial cyclases for biomimetic polyene cyclization. For example, the enantioselective cyclization of 4-(homogeranyl)toluene using tin(IV) chloride-2,6-di[(1‘R,2‘R)-trans-2‘-(3‘ ‘,5‘ ‘-xylyl)cyclohexanoxy]phenol gave a trans-fused tricyclic compound with 85% ee.
Pathways of glucose catabolism in Caldariomyces fumago (Ill.).

Abstract Caldariomyces fumago is unusual in that it utilizes parts of a number of pathways in glucose catabolism to pyruvate. The initial oxidation of glucose is through the “notatin” type of oxidation to 2-ketogluconate. This then probably proceeds to 6-phosphogluconate via the adaptive enzymes 2-ketogluconic kinase and 2-keto-6-phosphogluconic-reductase. The 6-phosphogluconate proceeds to form pyruvate via the rest of the Entner-Doudoroff pathway, hexose monophosphate pathway and Embden-Meyerhof pathway. The terminal oxidation of pyruvate occurs by the usual tricarboxylic cycle. Thus, Caldariomyces fumago does not possess all the enzymes of any of the three normal pathways of glucose catabolism, the Entner-Dourdoroff pathway, hexose monophosphate pathway or Embden-Meyerhof pathway, but utilizes part of the enzyme systems in the complete utilization of glucose.
Optimization of catalytic activity distributions in series and parallel reaction schemes

Optimal activity distributions within nonisothermal porous hetergeneous catalysts for series and parallel reaction networks are determined employing a numerical search procedure based on orthogonal collocation techniques. At high values of the Thiele modulus, a shell profile is found to be optimal at moderate heat of reaction parameters. In certain cases a pendulum effect, in which activity shifts from shell to core and back to shell profiles, is observed with increasing value of the heat of reaction parameters.
Molecular species-sensitive optical coherence tomography using coherent anti-stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy

We present our progress in developing a novel technique and instrument that images specific molecular species in biological tissues using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Standard OCT instruments measure only the scattering from structural features, such as refractive index changes. We utilize Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) Spectroscopy, a nonlinear optics technique that can selectively stimulate molecular groups, to gather compositional information from the sample. Being a coherent process, our instrument will produce interference between the nonlinear anti-Stokes signal produced in the sample and a reference molecular sample to both exclude background and nonresonant signals and range features in the tissue. Because of this, we will also gain the benefits of sensitivity that interferometry can provide. By utilizing the tunability of an optical parametric oscillator, we can address a range of molecular resonances from 1500 cm-1 to 3500 cm-1. This frequency range offers the possibility of measuring the distributions and densities of proteins, lipids, and nuclear material that we believe will be useful for determining the early presence of epithelial carcinomas. We demonstrate the principle of this imaging method by producing interference between two separately produced CARS signals from the same probe and Stokes beams.
A Recurring Theorem on Determinants

(1949). A Recurring Theorem on Determinants. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 56, No. 10P1, pp. 672-676.
Alternative farnesoid structures induce different conformational outcomes upon the Drosophila ortholog of the retinoid X receptor, ultraspiracle.

Abstract In view of recent studies that the ligand-binding pocket of the Drosophila melanogaster nuclear hormone receptor, ultraspiracle (dUSP), is a necessary component of dUSP-dependent transcriptional activation by methyl epoxyfarnesoate, we have assessed qualitative differences in the effect of farnesoid and dodecanoid compounds on receptor conformation and transcriptional activation. Farnesoids possessing terminal alcohol, aldehyde, acid, ester and/or epoxide moieties induced different changes in the local environment of the ligand-binding pocket, as monitored by the change each induced in the fluorescence of the two tryptophan residues existing in dUSP (that are situated 10 residues apart on the α -helix 5 that forms one lining of ligand-binding pocket). Similarly, each compound differed in the extent that it promoted an increase in anisotropy (dimerization state) of the receptor. Dodecanoid derivatives were much weaker in causing such effects. Methyl expoxyfarnesoate (insect juvenile hormone III) exhibited the greatest biological activity to increase transcription of a DR12JHECore reporter construct in transfected Sf9 cells, even though it did not exert the most suppression of USP fluorescence nor exert the greatest increase in USP anisotropy. In a comparison of farnesoid derivatives possessing the three side branches either as all methyl groups (JH III), or one of the side branches as ethyl (JH II), or two of the side branches as ethyl (JH I), the JH III and JH I were more similar to each other in the fluorescence suppression and in vivo morphogenetic activity than either was to JH II, evidencing that dUSP does not sense JH II as a structural ‘intermediate’ between JH III and JH I. Ligand-binding domains of vertebrate retinoid X receptors respond to agonists by repositioning α -helix 12 to the edge of a hydrophobic groove, and there with the groove jointly forms a coactivator binding surface. When α -helix 12 in dUSP was mutated to place two signaling tryptophan residues its C-terminus, fluorescence signaling indicated that upon dUSP binding of methyl epoxyfarnesoate, the α -helix 12 was repositioned differently than what occurred upon binding of non-JH farnesoids. These leads on alternative ligand-induced conformations that dUSP can adopt provide a foundation for commercial development of synthetic molecules that induce specific dUSP conformations, and for identification of in vivo conditions under which endogenous molecules may exert these conformational outcomes to this receptor.
Analysis of p16 and p21(Cip1) expression in tumorigenic human bronchial epithelial cells induced by asbestos.

Although asbestos is carcinogenic to humans, the mechanism(s) by which it induces cancer is unknown. Using tumor cell lines generated previously by asbestos treatment of immortalized human bronchial epithelial (BEP2D) cells, we examined alterations in p16 and p21Cip1 genes together with their protein levels. Results were compared with untreated BEP2D cells, normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE), as well as non-tumorigenic fusion cell lines generated by fusing tumor cells with BEP2D cells. No deletion in the p16 gene was found in any of the tumor cell lines examined. Although p16 protein was expressed at a similar level in tumor and BEP2D cells, there was a fourfold decrease in its expression among NHBE cells. In contrast, both the protein and mRNA expression levels of p21Cip1 were decreased by about threefold in tumor cell lines when compared with either BEP2D or NHBE cells, which had a similar expression level. Expression of p21Cip1 mRNA was restored to the control level in all the fusion cell lines examined. The results suggested that down regulation of p21Cip1 expression is linked to the tumorigenic conversion of BEP2D cells by asbestos.
Apparently the first closed-form solution of vibrating inhomogeneous beam with a tip mass

Whereas there are numerous papers on the free vibrations of beams of uniform or non-uniform cross-section carrying concentrated masses, the problem does not lend itself to the closed-form solution. Here such a solution is reported, apparently for the first time. The solution originally derived for the inhomogeneous beam without a concentrated mass is generalized to include a tip mass. The semi-inverse method is utilized, to achieve this goal.
Single-cell proteomic analysis of S. cerevisiae reveals the architecture of biological noise

A major goal of biology is to provide a quantitative description of cellular behaviour. This task, however, has been hampered by the difficulty in measuring protein abundances and their variation. Here we present a strategy that pairs high-throughput flow cytometry and a library of GFP-tagged yeast strains to monitor rapidly and precisely protein levels at single-cell resolution. Bulk protein abundance measurements of >2,500 proteins in rich and minimal media provide a detailed view of the cellular response to these conditions, and capture many changes not observed by DNA microarray analyses. Our single-cell data argue that noise in protein expression is dominated by the stochastic production/destruction of messenger RNAs. Beyond this global trend, there are dramatic protein-specific differences in noise that are strongly correlated with a protein's mode of transcription and its function. For example, proteins that respond to environmental changes are noisy whereas those involved in protein synthesis are quiet. Thus, these studies reveal a remarkable structure to biological noise and suggest that protein noise levels have been selected to reflect the costs and potential benefits of this variation.
Mutations in the herpes simplex virus major DNA-binding protein gene leading to altered sensitivity to DNA polymerase inhibitors

Five herpes simplex virus mutants containing temperature-sensitive mutations in the gene for the major DNA-binding protein were assayed for their sensitivities to the DNA polymerase inhibitors aphidicolin and phosphonoacetic acid (PAA). Four of the mutants (tsA1, tsA15, tsA24, and tsA42) exhibited altered sensitivity to one or both of the inhibitors relative to the wild-type parent. In tsA1, a mutation or mutations conferring aphidicolin and PAA hypersensitivity were mapped by corescue with the temperature-sensitivity marker of tsAl to a region of the DNA-binding protein locus, between map coordinates 0.385 and 0.398. The mutation conferring PAA hypersensitivity in tsA24 similarly corescued with the tsA24 temperature-sensitivity marker, mapping to the DNA-binding protein locus between coordinates 0.398 and 0.413. Thus, mutations outside the DNA polymerase locus and within the DNA-binding protein locus can confer altered sensitivity to certain DNA polymerase inhibitors. Assays of the aphidicolin and PAA sensitivities of ts+ recombinants derived by marker rescue of the DNA-binding protein mutants revealed the presence of additional mutations, separable from the is mutations, in each of three mutants examined. One such mutation, which contributed to the aphidicolin-hypersensitivity phenotype of tsA1, mapped between coordinates 0.422 and 0.448, and resides, most probably, within the DNA polymerase locus. These additional mutations possibly confer compensating modifications to the DNA polymerase such that functional interaction with altered DNA-binding protein is restored. These findings provide strong evidence that the major DNA-binding protein and the DNA polymerase of herpes simplex virus interact in infected cells.
The Vlasov-Maxwell-Boltzmann system near Maxwellians

Perhaps the most fundamental model for dynamics of dilute charged particles is described by the Vlasov-Maxwell-Boltzmann system, in which particles interact with themselves through collisions and with their self-consistent electromagnetic field. Despite its importance, no global in time solutions, weak or strong, have been constructed so far. It is shown in this article that any initially smooth, periodic small perturbation of a given global Maxwellian, which preserves the same mass, total momentum and reduced total energy (22), leads to a unique global in time classical solution for such a master system. The construction is based on a recent nonlinear energy method with a new a priori estimate for the dissipation: the linear collision operator L, not its time integration, is positive definite for any solution f(t,x,v) with small amplitude to the Vlasov-Maxwell-Boltzmann system (8) and (12). As a by-product, such an estimate also yields an exponential decay for the simpler Vlasov-Poisson-Boltzmann system (24).
Marital Name Changing: Delving Deeper into Women's Reasons

Using a mixed method approach, this study examines women’s reasons for the traditional practice of marital name changing. We utilize data collected via a questionnaire administered to first-year college students at a southeastern US public university and data gathered from in-depth interviews with recent college graduates. The quantitative results show that the reasons given for marital name changing are closely tied to social norms. The results from the qualitative analyses reveal more specifically how social norms direct the practice of marital name changing. Together the findings show that women’s perceptions of their family’s expectations are a key reason motivating them to practice marital name changing. However, in both samples, respondents express mixed and sometimes inconsistent reasons regarding marital name changing. Respondents emphasize the importance of adhering to the tradition while also reporting that they did not consider marital name changing as an important issue. These findings indicate the multifaceted quality of the issue. Together, the results illustrate how social norms shape people’s personal decision about marital name changing while also showing how the decision made by people shapes society.
The Earth as a Seismic Absorption Band

Attenuation of seismic waves indicates that the earth is not perfectly elastic. Dispersion accompanying absorption gives frequency-dependent "elastic" moduli, a fact that must be taken into account when inverting seismic data. Normal mode data are reinverted after correcting for absorption. The correction removes the discrepancy between body wave and free oscillation interpretations of earth structure.
The emergence of business information resources and services on the Internet and its impact on business librarianship

The emergence of business information resources and services on the Internet is discussed and its impact on business librarianship. Important resources in various business areas are identified, such as economics, finance, marketing, international business, and real estate. It is argued that business information on the Internet has become a very important part of business information services and that it poses great challenges to business librarianship. Subject knowledge in business has become increasingly crucial for business librarians to effectively identify, evaluate, select, and organise business information on the Internet. Without subject knowledge, or with a lack of subject knowledge in business, business librarians will not be able to maintain the quality of business information services. The article further argues that, given the fact that a large percentage of business librarians in the USA do not have formal training in business, it is time for library and information science schools and libraries to address this issue by setting high standards for recruiting instructors in business information and by setting high standards for employing business librarians.
Structural Influences on Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Women's Health Care

This paper summarizes recent research about several structural influences on racial and ethnic disparities in women's health care. While disparities in women's health care access and quality emanate from a number of sources, this paper focuses on the intersection between race/ethnicity and several structural factors (access to insurance coverage, discrimination, neighborhood characteristics, and social isolation). We identify gaps in the literature and suggest directions for future research. Particularly needed are gender studies of the impact of race/ethnicity that transcend the black–white dichotomy, that attend to location, that examine variation in social networks, and that clarify the impact of discrimination on women's health care.
Diffusion Monte Carlo approaches for investigating the structure and vibrational spectra of fluxional systems

Recent advances in diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) are reviewed within the context of the vibrational motions of systems that undergo large amplitude motions. Specifically, the authors describe the DMC approach for obtaining the ground state wave function and zero-point energy (ZPE) of the system of interest, as well as extensions to the method for evaluating probability amplitudes, rotational constants, vibrationally excited states and methods for obtaining vibrational spectra. The discussion is framed in terms of the properties of several systems of current experimental and theoretical interest, specifically complexes of neon atoms with OH or SH, , , and . The results of the DMC simulations provide the information necessary to characterize the extent of delocalization of the probability amplitudes, even in the ground vibrational states. Methods for evaluating expectation values and vibrationally excited states are explored, and, when possible, the results are compared with those from other approaches. Final...
Abstract 4232: Tumor-associated macrophages are responsible for EGF-R triggered upregulation of the Sox-2 signaling pathway in CSCs, which enhance tumorigenicity and tumor metastasis

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis has gained significant recognition as the descriptor of tumorigenesis. The Sox-2 signaling pathway has an important role in the maintenance of CSCs. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an ambiguous role in this process. Here, we demonstrate that the expression of Sox-2 was up-regulated in CSC of 4T07 breast cancer cells, effects induced and enhanced by co-culture of tumor cells with TAMs. In fact, after co-culture, 4T07 tumor cells develop an increased number of CSCs with up-regulated expression of stem cell specific markers (Scal-1 and ABCG2), as well as partner genes of Sox-2, i. e. Oct-4 and Nanog. Down regulation of Sox-2 effectively blocks the ability of TAMs to maintain the phenotype of CSC among 4T07 cancer cells, and enhances tumor development and its pulmonary metastasis in a syngeneic Balb/c mouse model. Most importantly, in a mechanism study, we found that the Sox-2 up-regulation was induced by EGF-R activation in CSC that was triggered by EGF, Macrophage Conditioned Medium (MCM) or by co-culture with TAMs. These effects can all be blocked by inhibitors of EGF-R. Our results suggest that TAMs in the tumor microenvironment(TME) provide a niche which is critical in the development and maintenance of CSCs in breast carcinoma. This critical effect of TAMs on CSC development was achieved by up-regulation of the Sox-2 signaling pathway in CSC. This, in turn, was induced by marked activation of EGF-R achieved through interactions between CSCs and TAMs. In summary, over expression of Sox-2 in CSC of 4T07 breast cancer cells was enhanced by activation of EGF-R, which was induced by TAMs in TME. This series of events is responsible for maintaining the phenotype of CSCs which enhances tumor development and pulmonary metastasis in vivo. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4232.
P2-028: Rate of whole brain volume decline in a cohort of cognitively normal participants with family history of Alzheimer's disease: A longitudinal study

ments were obtained. An ANCOVA was performed for each of the NP tests and SNI variables, using group membership as fixed factors, and age, sex and years of education as covariates. Only variables with a significant group effect in the ANCOVA (13 NP tests and 33 SNI variables) were used. A canonical correlation analysis was then performed between those NP and SNI variables. Results: We found that the first five of the canonical-variate-pairs (CVP) were statistically significant. The contribution of each of the NP and SNI variables to the canonical correlation depended on the canonical-dimension of each CVP, as follows. The first CVP related to language and attention with bilateral involvement of SNI; the second CVP had a stronger relation to language with elements of memory and attention, and involved mostly left hemispheric SNI; the third CVP related to more global deficits and bilateral SNI contribution; the fourth CVP related mostly to memory with bilateral SNI involvement; finally, the fifth CVP related mostly to attention with left hemispheric SNI involvement. Conclusions: These results reveal how information in the SNI relates to specific aspects of cognitive deficit.
Bedside formulas for K.t/V. A kinder, gentler approach to urea kinetic modeling.

Based on an empiric analysis of urea kinetic modeling equations, three formulas were derived for use at the bedside: (F1) Ob.t = 14.W.(K.t/V); (F2) target R = e-K.t/V + 0.03 + UF/W; (F3) K.t/V = -In (R - 0.03 - UF/W); where Qb = blood flow (ml/min); t = session length (h); R = post/pre BUN; UF = ultrafiltrate volume (L/session); and W = postdialysis weight (kg). When a particular K.t/V is desired, F1 is used to estimate Qb for a given W and t. Qb, t, and/or dialyzer type are then adjusted until R = target R calculated by F2 (based on target K.t/V, UF, and W). F3 estimates delivered K.t/V from R, UF, and W. These formulas were validated against 336 conventional 3-point modeling sessions in 256 patients. The multiplier "14" in F1 actually averaged 12.5 +/- 2.8, the large standard deviation suggesting that use of F1 would often result in K.t/V values substantially above or below the target K.t/V. The main causes of error were unusual V/W or K/Qb. On the other hand, F2 and F3 were highly accurate: target R estimated by F2 predicted actual R (at a given K.t/V, UF, and W) very well (% error = 0.65 +/- 2.3); K.t/V estimated by F3 predicted actual K.t/V (% error = 0.74 +/- 2.7). The results suggest that attainment of a target R (F2) will ensure that the target K.t/V is being delivered; F3 is useful to estimate K.t/V.F1 is an initial estimate only of the dialysis Rx; it must be followed by adjustment of t, Qb, or dialyzer until target R (from F2) is attained.
The Rockefeller foundation, the China foundation, and the development of modern science in China

Two powerful foundations, with interlocking directorates, were the most important media for transmitting American science to China and for making its development possible: In the 1920s and 1930s, the Rockefeller Foundation's China Medical Board and the China Foundation for the Promotion of Education and Culture recognized that transmission and development required much more than the transplantation of whole scientific institutions. This essay shows that, in their most mature form, the foundations' strategies were informed by a rational and coherent set of policies. Their premise was that the practice and development of advanced scientific medicine and bio-medical or natural scientific research all require an infrastructure of education, communication, physical plant, and equipment. This infrastructure did not exist before the foundations began to foster it in China. In this essay the foundations' China policies are outlined and detailed examples are given to show they built the science infrastructure amidst debate over the appropriateness of the dominant 'Johns Hopkins' institutional model and the norm of 'pure science'. In China, the 'Hopkins' model for medical training and practice featured a combination of clinical practice with sophisticated scientific laboratory research. This model and the 'pure science' norm were seriously challenged by the political and economic exigencies of the 1930s.
Vein diameter is the major predictor of fistula maturation

Objectives Preoperative duplex ultrasound mapping of veins and arteries has been widely advocated to maximize the creation of native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for hemodialysis access, but reliable diameter criteria have not been established. We sought to determine patient and anatomic variables predictive of fistula maturation in patients receiving their initial permanent hemodialysis access. Methods All patients undergoing dialysis access creation from January 2003 to June 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. We analyzed fistula type and functional maturation rates (Society for Vascular Surgery [SVS] reporting standards) based on patient characteristics and findings on physical examination, preoperative vein mapping studies, or venography. Maturation and patency rates were determined by Kaplan Meier analysis. The following factors were analyzed: age, race, gender, body-mass index (BMI), fistula site, preoperative duplex vein diameter, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, HTN, prior central catheter placement, HIV, and history of IV drug abuse. Results From January 2003 to June 2007, 298 vascular access procedures were performed. One hundred ninety-five (65%) were initial hemodialysis access procedures, among which a native AVF was created in 185 (95%); 158 patients with posterior radiocephalic AVF (PRCAVF, n=24), wrist radiocephalic AVF (WRCAVF, n=72), or brachiocephalic AVF (BCAVF, n=62) had adequate follow-up and were included in the analysis. PRCAVF, WRCAVF, and BCAVF had 54%, 66%, and 81% maturation rates, respectively. Both the type of fistula type ( P = .032) and vein size ( P = .002) significantly affected maturation by univariate analysis. In contrast, by multivariate logistic regression analysis, vein diameter was the sole independent predictor of fistula functional maturation ( P = .002). Conclusion In this series of 158 patients undergoing initial hemodialysis access creation, native AVF creation was performed in 95%. In contrast to previous reports, age, gender, diabetes, and BMI had no significant effect on functional maturation. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, vein diameter was the sole independent predictor of functional fistula maturation.
The effect of the degree of ownership control on firm diversification, market value, and merger activity

Abstract This paper provides additional evidence that manager-controlled firms do not pursue the same objectives as owner-controlled firms. Using recent data of the Fortune 500, it is shown that 1) manager-controlled companies have a significantly greater tendency to engage in conglomerate mergers than do firms with strong owner control; 2) the income streams of manager-controlled firms are more diversified than those of companies with strong owner control; 3) individual owners tend to monitor their managers closely even if their ownership interest is relatively small, while financial institutions that are owners do not monitor closely unless their interest is large; and 4) the value-to-sales ratio is lower for manager-controlled companies than for owner-controlled ones.
Synchronous detection method for obtaining directional gradients of images.

We propose an optical-scanning-based imaging system, useful for directly acquiring the directional gradient and/or the Laplacian of an image. Such operations are crucial in edge detection, edge enhancement, and feature extraction. Digital edge-detection techniques tend to be computationally intensive as well as noise sensitive, as these derivative-based operators essentially constitute high-pass filters. Since we employ synchronous temporal detection to detect gradients in a direct fashion, noise suppression is greatly enhanced. Proof-of-principle results demonstrate the feasibility of our technique.
Strong, low-density nanocomposites by chemical vapor deposition and polymerization of cyanoacrylates on aminated silica aerogels.

Strong polymer−silica aerogel composites were prepared by chemical vapor deposition of cyanoacrylate monomers onto amine-modified aerogels. Amine-modified silica aerogels were prepared by copolymerizing small amounts of (aminopropyl)triethoxysilane with tetraethoxysilane. After silation of the aminated gels with hexamethyldisilazane, they were dried as aerogels using supercritical carbon dioxide processing. The resulting aerogels had only the amine groups as initiators for the cyanoacrylate polymerizations, resulting in cyanoacrylate macromolecules that were higher in molecular weight than those observed with unmodified silica and that were covalently attached to the silica surface. Starting with aminated silica aerogels that were 0.075 g/cm3 density, composite aerogels were made with densities up to 0.220 g/cm3 and up to 31 times stronger (flexural strength) than the precursor aerogel and about 2.3 times stronger than an unmodified silica aerogel of the same density.
At the deep end

The systemic integration of organic molecules as functional building blocks with graphene-circuitry is central for the advancement of graphene-based molecular electronic devices. Applications based on this combination span a broad spectrum from high-speed switches, memory logic to chemical sensing. To realize these predictions requires an in-depth understanding from a fundamental and technological perspective of molecular design and
A furoxan-amodiaquine hybrid as a potential therapeutic for three parasitic diseases().

Parasitic diseases continue to have a devastating impact on human populations worldwide. Lack of effective treatments, the high cost of existing ones, and frequent emergence of resistance to these agents provide a strong argument for the development of novel therapies. Here we report the results of a hybrid approach designed to obtain a dual acting molecule that would demonstrate activity against a variety of parasitic targets. The antimalarial drug amodiaquine has been covalently joined with a nitric oxide-releasing furoxan to achieve multiple mechanisms of action. Using in vitro and ex vivo assays, the hybrid molecule shows activity against three parasites – Plasmodium falciparum, Schistosoma mansoni, and Ancylostoma ceylanicum.
Information security models and metrics

Security assessment is largely ad hoc today due to its inherent complexity. The existing methods are typically experimental in nature highly dependent of the assessor's experience, and the security metrics are usually qualitative. We propose to address the dual problems of experimental analysis and qualitative metrics by developing two complementary approaches for security assessment: (1) analytical modeling, and (2) metrics-based assessment. To avoid experimental evaluation, we put forward a formal model that permits the accurate and scientific analysis of different security attributes and security flaws. To avoid qualitative metrics leading to ambiguous conclusions, we put forward a collection of mathematical formulas based on which quantitative metrics can be derived. The vulnerability analysis model responses to the need for a theoretical foundation for modeling information security, and security metrics are the cornerstone of risk analysis and security management. In addition to the security analysis approach, we discuss security testing methods as well. A Relative Complete Coverage (RCC) principle is proposed along with an example of applying the RCC principle. The innovative ideas proposed in this paper include a hierarchical multi-level modeling approach to modeling vulnerability using model composition and refinement techniques, a data-centric, quantitative metrics mechanism, and multidimensional assessment capturing both process and product elements in a formalized framework.
Hydrogen-mediated creation and annihilation of strain in amorphous silicon.

The influence of an increasing hydrogen concentration on the properties of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) was investigated. An increase of the Si-H bond concentration by as much as 3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{21}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$ changes neither the defect density, the weak-bond density, nor the metastability. These results suggest that hydrogen is accommodated in pairs pinning the hydrogen chemical potential, which is indicative of a negative correlation energy. Data on annealing of a-Si:H at high temperatures show that the exponential band tails do not broaden as a function of the temperature. These experiments suggest that the random-network strain energy in device-quality a-Si:H is in metastable equilibrium. Based on our experimental results, we propose that internal strain propagates within the network and can be generated or reduced by annealing and/or the incorporation of hydrogen. According to maximum entropy the slope of the exponential band tails represents the average strain energy per lattice bond.
The Effects of Graphic Feedback, Goal Setting, and Manager Praise on Customer Service Behaviors

Abstract The current study used a multiple baseline design to investigate the effects of graphic feedback, goal setting, and manager praise on customer service behaviors in a large retail setting. Direct observation of customer greeting, eye contact, and smiling was used to collect data. After baseline data were collected feedback graphs were posted twice each week in the employee break room. A second intervention phase included goal setting and manager praise. Goals were developed based on employees' prior performance and were posted on the graphs. Managers then delivered immediate, verbal praise to employees. Graphic feedback produced slight increases in the customer interaction variables in the front of stores 1 and 2. Another small increase in performance was seen in the back of store 1 and the front and back of store 2 with the implementation of the interventions.
Programmed atrial stimulation via the esophagus for management of supraventricular arrhythmias in infants and children

Abstract This report describes the use of programmed atrial stimulation via the esophagus to predict the clinical efficacy of various management strategies for supraventricular arrhythmias in infants and children. A total of 203 transesophageal electrophysiologic studies were performed in 132 patients. Therapies evaluated included medications from each antiarrhythmic class, the Valsalva maneuver, follow-up of radiofrequency ablation, and no therapy. The transesophageal technique appeared to be adequate for inducing tachycardia, yielding a low false-negative rate. Overall, the predictive value of a negative study was high (89%), and increased to 96% when stimulation was performed in the presence of isoproterenol. However, the positive predictive value was significantly lower both with (72%, p
Prolonged duration of apnoea due to succinylcholine

Case histories of three patients have been given m an effort to show that a low serum cholmesterase is by no means an invariable finding where prolonged recovery to succinylchohne occurs.
Mats of Beggiatoa bacteria reveal that organic pollution from lumber mills inhibits growth of Zostera marina

The objectives of this study were to determine the distribution and abundance of Zostera marina (eelgrass) in relation to the distribution of the mat forming bacteria Beggiatoa spp., and the levels of sulfide and organic material (wood waste) in the sediment. Underwater videography and intertidal surveys were used to map the distribution and abundance of Z. marina beds and Beggiatoa in the nearshore area of Commencement Bay, WA (USA), a location that has a long history of sawmill activity. Zostera marina occurred from the intertidal to −6 m mean lower low water (MLLW) on sandy substrates in areas with low levels of sulfide ( 200 μm) occurred where there were significant amounts of organic material in the sediments, which was found to be wood waste that had been discarded from sawmills. Zostera marina was absent from the intertidal and occurred at lower densities in areas with high sulfide levels. In contrast, mats of Beggiatoa were only found in areas where the sulfide levels were >1000 μm and there were significant deposits of wood. Thus, the negative correlation between the distribution and abundance of Z. marina and Beggiatoa suggests that the presence of Beggiatoa mats could be used as a biological indicator of inhibiting levels of hydrogen sulfide in the marine environment.