cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Electrospun Fiber Scaffolds in Stem Cell Therapy for Skin Tissue Regeneration

Stem cell therapy has emerged as one of the topics in tissue engineering where undifferentiated and multipotent cells are strategically placed/ injected in tissue structure for cell regeneration. Over the years, stem cells have shown promising results in skin repairs for non-healing and/or chronic wounds. The addition of the stem cells around the wound site promotes signaling pathways for growth factors that regulate tissue reconstruction. However, injecting stem cells around the wound site has its drawbacks, including cell death due to lack of microenvironment cues. This particular issue is resolved when biomaterial scaffolds are involved in the cultivation and mechanical support of the stem cells. In this review, we describe the current models of stem cell therapy by injections and those that are done through cell cultures using electrospun fiber scaffolds. Electrospun fibers are considered as an ideal candidate for cell cultures due to their surface properties. Through the control of fiber morphology and fiber structure, cells are able to proliferate and differentiate into keratinocytes for skin tissue regeneration. Furthermore, we provide another perspective of using electrospun fibers and stem cells in a layer-by-layer structure for skin substitutes (dressing). Finally, electrospun fibers have the potential to incorporate bioactive agents to achieve controlled release properties, which is beneficial to the survival of the delivered stem cells or the recruitment of the cells. Overall, our work illustrates that electrospun fibers are ideal for stem cell cultures while serving as cell carriers for wound dressing materials
Effect of dietary energy source and level on serum growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1, growth and body composition in beef heifers.

Effects of fiber vs starch energy supplements on endogenous growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and animal performance from weaning to breeding age were evaluated in 18, 9-mo-old beef heifers. Heifers had ad libitum access to wheat silage plus an average daily supplement intake of 1) 4.08 kg corn-soybean meal (SBM) (high energy-starch, HS), 2) 4.54 kg soyhulls (SH)-SBM (high energy-fiber, HF) or 3) 1.36 kg SH-SBM (low energy-fiber, LE). Serum samples were collected via jugular puncture every 10 d and were analyzed for IGF-1 by RIA. On d 45 and d 176, four heifers per treatment were fasted 18 h and serial blood samples collected via jugular cannulas every 15 min for 6.5 h. Arginine (.5 g/kg BW) was administered intravenously (ARG) to induce release of GH, and four additional samples of blood were collected. Samples were analyzed by RIA for GH. Mean fasted GH (6.4 +/- .4, 8.3 +/- .4 and 13.8 +/- .4 ng/ml for HS, HF and LE, respectively) varied with energy source and level (P less than .01). Mean GH following ARG was higher (P less than .01) in heifers receiving LE (46.2 +/- 4.7) than in those receiving HS and HF (23.5 +/- 4.4 and 24.1 +/- 4.6 ng/ml). Basal GH concentration and peak amplitude were higher (P less than .05) in LE than in HS and HF treatments. Diet did not influence number or frequency of GH peaks.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Making the microbiome personal.

Ami Bhatt is a physician-scientist and assistant professor of medicine and genetics at Stanford University. Her research deploys next-generation sequencing to explore host–microbiome interactions, including those in cancer.
SAT-118 Gastric Sleeve for Adjunctive Management of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Case Report

Introduction: The prevalence of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) has increased 2.5-fold over the last 20 years in the United States (1). NASH is currently the second most common etiology for liver transplant listings, and in women is the leading cause (2). Life-style changes to include weight loss, diet and exercise remain the core interventions to help prevent progression of NASH. Sleeve gastrectomy, an alternative to gastric bypass, results in significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related co-morbidities such as glucose metabolism and metabolic syndrome. We present a patient who had a sleeve gastrectomy as adjunctive treatment for NASH. Case Description: A 59 year old female presented to the Gastroenterology clinic for evaluation of NASH and abnormal liver enzymes. She had elevated liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase 173 IU/L, aspartate aminotransferase 63 IU/L, alanine aminotransferase 86 IU/L, with a normal bilirubin 0.3 mg/dL. Fasting labs were notable for a glucose of 130 mmol/L, insulin level of 72 mIU/L, and calculated Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) of 23.1. Other labs for viral, inherited and acquired etiologies for abnormal liver studies were benign. The patient subsequently had a sleeve gastrectomy and lost 60 lbs over 4 months. Her transaminases normalized and insulin dropped to 13 mIU/L with a calculated HOMA-IR of 3.1 Final/Working Diagnosis: NASH related dysmetabolic syndrome. Management/Outcome/Follow-up: The patient will continue dietary changes and exercise to emphasize a healthy lifestyle. Her gastric sleeve will help with long-term weight loss management which is key to controlling insulin resistance and prevention of further liver damage.
Chitosan for gene, DNA vaccines, and drug delivery

Abstract Cationic polymers such as chitosan have been shown to be potential vectors for gene and drug delivery. Chitosan is a natural polymer obtained by alkaline deacetylation of chitin. Chitosan and its derivatives have been extensively explored in several biomedical applications due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, low immunogenicity, transcellular transport ability, favorable physicochemical properties, and ease of chemical modifications. Chitosan backbone contains many reactive primary amine groups in its repetitive units, which are accountable for certain properties including transfection, permeation enhancement, mucoadhesion, chemical modifications, and the formation of a variety of favorable derivatives, making it an attractive tool for gene, DNA vaccines and drug delivery. Chitosan can form complexes with negatively charged DNA and proteins through ionic interactions, condensing DNA into small particles (nanoparticles), protecting it from DNase degradation, and enhancing protein stability. Moreover, modifications in the chitosan chain using hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties improve its solubility, enhance the transfection efficiency, and increase ability to release DNA after endosomal escape. The coupling of target-specific ligands to chitosan can improve receptor specific targeting of delivery systems which results in an increase its efficacy. Therefore chitosan nanocomplexes are versatile systems that can be explored for gene, DNA vaccines and drug delivery.
2645. Clinical Outcomes of Oseltamivir vs. Baloxavir in Patients Hospitalized with Influenza A

Background Baloxavir marboxil is a new antiviral agent for the treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in patients > 12 years of age who have been symptomatic for no more than 48 hours. However, clinical trials to date have excluded patients hospitalized with influenza infection.
Changes in Psychological Inflexibility as a Potential Mediator of Longitudinal Links Between College Students’ Sleep Problems and Depressive Symptoms

Abstract Background Sleep problems and depressive symptoms, including suicidal ideation, are strongly associated among undergraduate students. Although upwards of 60% of college students report sleep problems, the mechanisms through which sleep might be linked with students' depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation in particular, would benefit from further clarification. Drawing upon a contextual behavioral science perspective, the current study sought to examine how changes in psychological flexibility/inflexibility might act as potential mediators between changes in college students’ sleep quality and depressive symptoms, including suicidal ideation. Methods The longitudinal (baseline and 2-month follow-up) online sample of 385 undergraduates (M = 20.0, SD = 1.6) was collected through a multi-site study during the Spring semester of 2019. Results Analyses using the PROCESS macro to examine potential mediation mechanisms suggested that residual increases in sleep disturbance (assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) were associated with residual increases in global psychological inflexibility (assessed with the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory), which, in turn, were associated with residual increases in both depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation (assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9) over the two months of the study. Subsequent analyses (i.e., secondary models) examining specific dimensions of inflexibility as possible mechanisms of change in depressive symptoms suggested that residual change in self-as-content, fusion, lack of contact with values, and inaction each helped to explain the links between changes in sleep disturbance and depressive symptoms. In contrast, only changes in fusion helped to explain the association between changes in sleep disturbance and suicidal ideation. Conclusions Undergraduates' sleep disturbance was a significant predictor of their depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation via changes in their levels of psychological inflexibility. In addition to addressing students' sleep problems directly, it appears to be advantageous to decrease students’ levels of psychological inflexibility to attenuate the potential association between mental health problems and sleep disturbances typically experienced during college.
“Dude, that Sucks”: Examining Scrum’s Influence on Empathy in Student Teams

The role of empathy in student team collaborations in technical and professional communication has been understudied. In this mixed methods study, we assess how Scrum affects both student perceptio...
Magnetic solder to reduce porosity of solder joints formed in microgravity

Abstract Solder joints formed in microgravity are inferior to joints formed in Earth gravity. They are mechanically weaker and less electrically conductive due to voids forming in the joints when soldering in microgravity. Surface tension and lack of gravitational buoyancy combine to prevent flux and water vapors from escaping the molten solder in absence of gravity, resulting in more porous solder joints. Additionally, corrosive flux vapor products remain trapped in the voids causing further deterioration. Parabolic aircraft flight microgravity soldering data are presented, to compare the joint porosities of conventional nonmagnetic solders and new magnetic solders, to determine if the magnetic solder, when soldered in the presence of a magnetic field, would reduce porosity of solder joints formed in microgravity. Soldering irons were used to hand-solder resistor leads into PC board though-holes, for nonmagnetic and magnetic solders. Addition of 4 wt% and 6 wt% of iron microparticles to the solder pastes resulted in 24% and 28% reductions in the solder joint average cross-sectional porosity, respectively, relative to average nonmagnetic solder joint porosity. Joint porosity distributions were log-normal, so the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test for statistical significance was used to show these porosity reductions are statistically significant at α = 0.05. A fully-developed wire magnetic solder could enable in-space repair of electronics at the component level, giving space mission planners additional flexibility to eliminate some or all spare board-level electronics, and plan instead to perform electronics repairs at the component level. This could then reduce or eliminate required mass of these spare electronics boards.
Constructing Hurricane Florence’s Flooding: Comparing Local and National News

This study examines local and national news coverage of hurricane-related flooding, including storm surge and coastal flooding during the weather event and subsequent inland flooding. Understanding...
Bayesian modeling of skewed X inactivation in genetically diverse mice identifies a novel Xce allele associated with copy number changes.

Female mammals are functional mosaics of their parental X-linked gene expression due to X chromosome inactivation (XCI). This process inactivates one copy of the X chromosome in each cell during embryogenesis and that state is maintained clonally through mitosis. In mice, the choice of which parental X chromosome remains active is determined by the X chromosome controlling element (Xce), which has been mapped to a 176-kb candidate interval. A series of functional Xce alleles has been characterized or inferred for classical inbred strains based on biased, or skewed, inactivation of the parental X chromosomes in crosses between strains. To further explore the function structure basis and location of the Xce, we measured allele-specific expression of X-linked genes in a large population of F1 females generated from Collaborative Cross (CC) strains. Using published sequence data and applying a Bayesian "Polya urn" model of XCI skew, we report two major findings. First, inter-individual variability in XCI suggests mouse epiblasts contain on average 20-30 cells contributing to brain. Second, CC founder strain NOD/ShiLtJ has a novel and unique functional allele, Xceg, that is the weakest in the Xce allelic series. Despite phylogenetic analysis confirming that NOD/ShiLtJ carries a haplotype almost identical to the well-characterized C57BL/6J (Xceb), we observed unexpected patterns of XCI skewing in females carrying the NOD/ShiLtJ haplotype within the Xce. Copy number variation is common at the Xce locus and we conclude that the observed allelic series is a product of independent and recurring duplications shared between weak Xce alleles.
Transcriptomic analysis of loss of Gli1 in neural stem cells responding to demyelination in the mouse brain

In the adult mammalian brain, Gli1 expressing neural stem cells reside in the subventricular zone and their progeny are recruited to sites of demyelination in the white matter where they regenerate oligodendrocytes, the myelin forming cells. Remarkably, genetic loss or pharmacologic inhibition of Gli1 enhances the efficacy of remyelination by these neural stem cells. To understand the molecular mechanisms involved, we performed a transcriptomic analysis of this Gli1-pool of neural stem cells. We compared murine NSCs with either intact or deficient Gli1 expression from adult mice on a control diet or on a cuprizone diet to induce widespread demyelination. These data will be a valuable resource for identifying therapeutic targets for enhancing remyelination in demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Impact of One-Way Streets and Contraflow on Low-Stress Bicycle Network Connectivity:

One-way restrictions on local streets, which tend to have low traffic stress, can create a significant barrier to low-stress cycling. Contraflow, a treatment that undoes one-way restrictions on bik...
The invention of public space: designing for inclusion in Lindsay's New York: by Mariana Mogilevich, Minneapolis, University of Minnesota Press, 2020, 317 pp., US$30 (paperback)

In her book The Invention of Public Space Mariana Mogilevich discusses the limitations of designing for public space without paying attention to the context and the different cultures of the people...
NASA and the Semantic Web

We provide an overview of several ongoing NASA endeavors based on concepts, systems, and technology from the Semantic Web arena. Indeed NASA has been one of the early adopters of Semantic Web Technology and we describe ongoing and completed R&D efforts for several applications ranging from collaborative systems to airspace information management to enterprise search to scientific information gathering and discovery systems at NASA.
The Real Number System (Part II) from Grade 6 to Grade 8 and Algebra 1

In this chapter you will deal with content-practice, teaching, and learning issues relevant to the Number System (NS) domain of the CCSSM from Grade 6 to Grade 8 and Algebra 1. In particular, this chapter will help you establish connections between whole numbers and fractions in the earlier grades and integers, rational numbers, and irrational numbers in the middle grades.
“Hollowing-out” of U.S. multinationals and their global competitiveness: An intrafirm perspective

Abstract This article examines a widely debated issue: the “hollowing-out” of U.S. multinationals. Using path analysis applied to the benchmark survey of U.S. direct investment abroad for 1977 and 1982, the study shows that the “hollowness” of U.S. multinationals is indicative of their global competitiveness, although causal relationships are not obvious. “Hollowing-out” may be an offshoot of the deindustrialization of the U.S. economy; it may alternatively signify “reindustrialization” of U.S. firms on a global basis.
Identification of two molecular defects in a child with leukocyte adherence deficiency.

Children with leukocyte adherence deficiency (LAD), or leukocyte cell adhesion molecule deficiency, experience recurrent, life-threatening bacterial infections related to severe deficiency in surface expression of the leukocyte integrin molecules. The leukocyte integrins consist of a common CD18 (beta) subunit and individual, noncovalently associated alpha subunits designated CD11a, CD11b, and CD11c. Defects in the CD18 subunit prevent surface expression of the CD11/CD18 complexes in children with this disease. We investigated the molecular basis of the disease in a child with the severe deficiency form of LAD and identified two molecular defects in the CD18 subunit. The first defect is a single-base pair C—-T transposition resulting in an amino acid substitution of a leucine for a proline at amino acid 178. This amino acid substitution is located in a region that is highly conserved among the integrin beta subunits and where two previous defects have been located in LAD. The second mutation involves a deletion of 220 base pairs in the cDNA coding for a portion of the extracellular domain and results in a frameshift into a premature stop codon. The deleted region corresponds to a single exon in the CD18 gene. Identification of these two molecular defects in a single child with this disease indicates the compound heterozygous nature of the disorder in this child and identifies regions of the CD18 subunit that may be important for CD11/CD18 heterodimer formation and surface expression.
Mirage Models Confront the LHC: III. Deflected Mirage Mediation

We complete the study of a class of string-motivated effective supergravity theories in which modulus-induced soft supersymmetry breaking is sufficiently suppressed in the observable sector so as to be competitive with anomaly-mediated supersymmetry breaking. Here we consider deflected ``mirage mediation'' (DMM), where contributions from gauge mediation are added to those arising from gravity mediation and anomaly mediation. We update previous work that surveyed the rich parameter space of such theories, in light of data from the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and recent dark matter detection experiments. Constraints arising from LHC superpartner searches at $\sqrt{s}=8\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{TeV}$ are considered, and discovery prospects at $\sqrt{s}=14\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{TeV}$ are evaluated. We find that deflected mirage mediation generally allows for $SU(3)$-charged superpartners of significantly lower mass (given current knowledge of the Higgs mass and neutralino relic density) than was found for the ``pure'' mirage mediation models of Kachru et al. [Phys. Rev. D 68, 046005 (2003)]. Consequently, discovery prospects are enhanced for many combinations of matter multiplet modular weights. We examine the experimental challenges that will arise due to the prospect of highly compressed spectra in DMM, and the correlation between accessibility at the LHC and discovery prospects at large-scale liquid xenon dark matter detectors.
Parasites and complement.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the complement system, including the two main pathways to activation, the membrane attack sequence, and the control mechanisms, which operate under normal homeostatic conditions. It also discusses the effects that various parasites have had on various complement proteins. Parasitology has moved from investigations in which some antiparasitic activity in animal sera was observed to be heat labile to a quantitation of selected complement components in an array of parasitic diseases and finally to an initiation of work on the molecular basis of parasite interactions with complement proteins. A vast majority of parasites have evolved very potent mechanisms for forestalling the detrimental effects of the complement pathway, and these mechanisms need to be detected, investigated, and used for controling infections. The chapter also discusses the interactions between the mammalian complement system and their parasites.
Case Studies of High-Ability Students with Learning Disabilities Who Have Achieved:

We used qualitative methods to study 12 young people with learning disabilities who were successful at the college level. The participants reported negative school experiences, verified by their parents and school records, such as social problems, difficulty with teachers, and frustration with certain academic areas. The interaction of their high abilities and their learning disabilities produced a number of negative consequences since their talents were not usually addressed by the school system they attended. However, despite these experiences, participants were able to integrate specific personal traits and special compensation strategies and environmental modifications to succeed in a challenging university setting.
Staff Development in Libraries: Why It Frequently Doesn't Take

Les programmes de formation continue sur les competences techniques ou les nouvelles technologies sont satisfaisants. En revanche, les programmes de gestion, de developpement des qualites de commandement ou de changement d'attitude le sont beaucoup moins, a cause du manque d'auto-evaluation, de travail en equipe, d'acquisition de la culture d'entreprise et d'application des theories de l'apprentissage
Robotic revisional bariatric surgery: single-surgeon case series.

Background Bariatric surgery is the only effective treatment for the long-term maintenance of significant weight loss. Minimally invasive revisional procedures are on the rise. Data is lacking in terms of safety, feasibility and outcomes with robotic revisional procedures. Methods Robotic revisional bariatric procedures (RRBPs) of gastric band to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, revision of gastro–jejunal anastomosis and stricturoplasty performed during 2009–2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Results RRBPs were performed on 14 patients with mean age, pre-operative body mass index (BMI) and weight of 45.2 ± 11.4 years, 40.1 ± 8.7 kg/m2 and 109.4 ± 26 kg, respectively. The mean operative time, estimated blood loss and length of hospital stay were 220.6 ± 64.3) min, 31 ± 22.7 ml and 3.3 ± 1.5 days, respectively. There were no conversions, blood transfusions, gastrointestinal leaks, intraoperative complications or mortalities. Conclusion RRBP can be performed safely without increased morbidity and with the added benefit of a minimally invasive approach. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reunifying Families Affected by Maternal Substance Abuse: Consumer and Service Provider Perspectives on the Obstacles and the Need for Change

ABSTRACT This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study which examined the views of chemically dependent mothers, child welfare service providers and substance abuse service providers regarding the obstacles to family reunification and recommendations for change. Implications for practice, policy and research are discussed, with special reference to the mandates of the Adoption and Safe Families Act.
Growth morphologies of modern marine stromatolites: A case study from Highborne Cay, Bahamas

Abstract Stromatolites are a uniquely coupled geo-biosphere system, which potentially records important paleoenvironmental and biological information. Characterizing and distinguishing between the biological and physical factors that control stromatolite morphogenesis, therefore, has important implications for the understanding of modern stromatolites and the interpretation of ancient systems. This paper documents the occurrence and distribution of stromatolites with distinct growth morphologies in the Highborne Cay reef system and other locations in Exuma Cays, Bahamas, and explores the relative contributions of physical and biological environmental factors controlling stromatolite shape. Our observations suggest that macro-scale growth morphologies of Exuma stromatolites are primarily controlled by accommodation space, hydrodynamics, and sedimentation patterns. The latter are critical for the stromatolite ecosystem in that the suspended sediment provides grains for trapping and binding and thus stromatolite accretion. Furthermore, sediment burial removes macroalgae, allowing the prokaryotic community to dominate. Changes in sedimentation patterns and frequency allow for the colonization of stromatolites by macroalgae and boring macrofauna, which, in time, destroy and degrade the stromatolite structure.
BACTERIOSTATIC EFFECT OF HUMAN SERA ON GROUP A STREPTOCOCCI : III. INTERFERENCE WITH BACTERIOSTATIC ACTIVITY BY BLOCKAGE OF THE LEUKOCYTES

1. Type-specific M extracts and group-specific C carbohydrate of group A streptococci inhibited bacteriostasis of these microorganisms in the presence of normal whole blood and of sera from patients convalescent from streptococcal infections. The inhibition was not specific with respect to streptococcal types and depended merely on the formation of precipitates in the system. The extracts had no antagonistic action in themselves. 2. Preformed precipitates derived from the interaction of an antigen and its homologous antibody or from finely divided coagulated particles of human plasma or ascitic fluid also interfered with the bacteriostasis. The supernatant fluid in which one of these precipitates was formed did not inhibit bacteriostatic activity; therefore, it seems that other possible products of the antigen-antibody reaction were not inhibitory. The relative size of the precipitate particles was a conditioning factor since small particles of one precipitate inhibited bacteriostasis, but large ones of the same precipitate failed to do so. 3. Stained films of blood cells treated with antigen-antibody mixtures which formed a precipitate revealed large cytoplasmic vacuoles containing precipitates in the polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes; such engorged cells subsequently failed to phagocytize streptococci in homologous serum. Blood cells treated in the same manner, except that the antigen-antibody mixtures formed no precipitate, contained no vacuoles, and these cells were able to phagocytize the streptococci. 4. Leukocytes studied in the living state in the presence of colored precipitate and streptococci sensitized by convalescent human serum showed unselective phagocytosis of both precipitate and bacteria. The capacity of these leukocytes to ingest material however was limited. 5. As a result of non-selective saturation of their phagocytic capacity in the bacteriostatic systems containing both streptococci and precipitate, the limited number of leukocytes phagocytized only a fraction of the streptococci; consequently the remainder were able to multiply.
The role of dendritic diameters in maximizing the effectiveness of synaptic inputs.

The role of dendritic diameters in maximizing the effectiveness of synaptic inputs was examined in a cell represented as a single cylinder and in a cortical pyramidal cell using mathematical models and computer simulations. For current input into one end of a cylinder of fixed physical length, the maximum potential at the other end of the cylinder was obtained when the cylinder diameter was chosen so that the electronic length, L, of the cylinder was 2.98. For a steady-state or transient synaptic conductance change into the end of a cylinder, the maximum potential at the other end occurred for a value of L less than 2.98; how much less depended on the magnitude of the conductance change. In the model of the reconstructed cortical pyramidal cell, synaptic inputs at proximal, mid-dendritic, and distal locations were most effective for different, particular sets of dendritic diameters. For each synaptic input, there is a set (probably non-unique) of dendritic diameters which maximizes the effectiveness of that input. Paradoxically, a synaptic input at a given physical distance from the soma may produce a larger change in soma potential when it is at a longer electrotonic distance from the soma than at a shorter one. The dendritic diameters determine which inputs are operating at maximal effectiveness. Changes in Rm or Ri or changes in synaptic conductance magnitude or time course may shift the loci of inputs operating at maximal effectiveness. This would change the weighting of synaptic inputs and possibly affect the neuronal function.
Numerical Analysis of the Flow Field Within Lip Seals Containing Microundulations

The flow field within the lubricating film of a rotating shaft lip seal containing microundulations is analyzed numerically. The results demonstrate that the action of the microundulations can prevent leavage through the seal. The effects on leakage rate of shaft speed, undulation amplitude and wavelength, shear deformation of the undulations, flattening of the undulations, and axial lip profile are presented
The effects of laser irradiation on InGaAs/GaAs multiple quantum wells grown by metalorganic molecular beam epitaxy

We studied the effects of Ar ion laser irradiation during the growth of InGaAs/ GaAs multiple quantum wells (MQW) structures by metalorganic molecular beam epitaxy. Structural and optical properties were characterized by Nomarski microscopy, Dektak stylus profiler, and low-temperature photoluminescence (PL) measurements. For MQW structures grown at a relatively low substrate temperature (500°C), the laser irradiation influences greatly the growth process of the In^Ga^^As well and results in a large blue shift of about 2000A in the PL peak. Such a large blue shift suggests that laser modification during growth could have some novel applications in optoelectronics. On the other hand, the laser irradiation has relatively small effects on samples grown at a higher substrate temperature (550°C).
Structure and behavior of the meiospore of Coelomomyces dodgei during encystment on the copepod host, Acanthocyclops vernalis.

Abstract The ultrastructure and behavior of the meiospore of Coelomomyces dodgei (Chytridiomycetes; Blastocladiales) was studied with emphasis on interactions with its copepod host, Acanthocyclops vernalis , and differences between the structure of the motile and encysted stages. The meiospore is uniflagellate, and has an ultrastructure typical of a blastocladian planont, including a conical nucleus, anterior cap of ribosomes, side body complex, and numerous vesicles in the peripheral cytoplasm. Staining motile and encysted meiospores with silver methenamine revealed that the peripheral cytoplasmic vesicles contained polysaccharides used to form the cyst wall. In studies of meiospore behavior, the meiospore appeared to swim about randomly with a tendency to move along surfaces toward a light source or the air/medium interface. However, when coming within range (
The Twirler mouse, a model for the study of cleft lip and palate

Abstract Twirler ( Tw ) is a semidominant mutation in the mouse affecting the embryonic development of the midfacial region. Most heterozygous Tw mice, +/−, become obese at adulthood with a concomitant decrease in fertility. Homozygous mice have clefts of the midfacial region and a disrupted nasal cavity. Midfacial clefts included clefts of the palate combined with either unilateral or bilateral clefts of the lip. The clefts of the lip were either complete or incomplete. The palatal shelves in Tw / Tw were very much reduced. Apart from these defects, homozygous Tw looked normal, and were born alive, although they reportedly die within 24 h after birth. It is proposed that the Twirler model can be used to improve understanding of the genetic mechanisms involved in the normal development of the midfacial region.
Impact of RING and BRCT Domain Mutations on BRCA1 Protein Stability, Localization and Recruitment to DNA Damage

Abstract Mutations within the tumor suppressor BRCA1 cause the majority of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. The BRCA1 protein is an important regulator of DNA double-strand break repair, and BRCA1-deficient cells are highly sensitive to ionizing radiation. Furthermore, BRCA1 function may contribute to enforcement of the G2 cell cycle checkpoint. E3-ubiquitin ligase activity is the only known enzymatic activity of BRCA1, which is mediated by the N-terminal RING finger domain. The C-terminal BRCT repeat domain, which mediates protein-protein interactions, is the only other identified structural domain. By investigating cancer-linked mutations within each domain, we demonstrate that truncation of the BRCT domain greatly impairs the stability and nuclear localization of BRCA1 protein. A missense mutation within the RING domain does not affect these biochemical properties. However, both mutant forms of BRCA1 fail to colocalize in nuclear foci with the known BRCA1-interacting proteins BARD1 and BACH1, whi...
A general flamelet transformation useful for distinguishing between premixed and non-premixed modes of combustion

The flame index was originally proposed by Yamashita et al. as a method of locally distinguishing between premixed and non-premixed combustion. Although this index has been applied both passively in the analysis of direct numerical simulation data, and actively using single step combustion models, certain limitations restrict its use in more detailed combustion models. In this work a general flamelet transformation that holds in the limits of both premixed and non-premixed combustion is developed. This transformation makes use of two statistically independent variables: a mixture fraction and a reaction progress parameter. The transformation is used to produce a model for distinguishing between premixed and non-premixed combustion regimes. The new model locally examines the term budget of the general flamelet transformation. The magnitudes of each of the terms in the budget are calculated and compared to the chemical source term. Determining whether a flame burns in a premixed or a non-premixed regime then amounts to determining which sets of these terms most significantly contribute to balancing the source term. The model is tested in a numerical simulation of a laminar triple flame, and is compared to a recent manifestation of the flame index approach. Additionally, the model is applied in a presumed probability density function (PDF) large eddy simulation (LES) of a lean premixed swirl burner. The model is used to locally select whether tabulated premixed or tabulated non-premixed chemistry should be referenced in the LES. Results from the LES are compared to experiments.
Intrapleural thrombolysis for the management of undrained traumatic hemothorax: a prospective observational study.

Background: Tube thoracostomy is usually sufficient treatment for traumatic hemothorax. Occasionally, significant residual collections remain undrained. Open thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) have been used to manage undrained traumatic hemothoraces (UTHs). Both techniques are invasive and harbor risks. More recently, intrapleural administration of thrombolytic agents (streptokinase and urokinase) has been reported as an effective nonoperative treatment of residual collections caused by a variety of diseases. The role of intrapleural thrombolysis (IT) for the treatment of an UTH is inadequately explored. Methods: Patients with an UTH, defined as more than 300 mL of intrathoracic blood estimated by computed tomographic scan on the third day after chest tube insertion, were followed prospectively for 16 months. IT was instituted according to a standardized protocol using streptokinase or urokinase. IT effectiveness, defined by the incidence of successful resolution of the UTH, and IT safety, defined by the incidence of uncomplicated therapy, was calculated. Results: Of 203 patients with a traumatic hemothorax, managed by tube thoracostomy, 25 (12.3%) developed an UTH. Successful resolution of the UTH was achieved in 23 (92%) patients within 3.4 ± 1.4 days. No bleeding or other significant complications related to IT were recorded. Conclusions: IT should be the initial treatment of choice for the management of an UTH.
Minimal path broadcast networks

Broadcasting is the communication process whereby a message that is initially known by one site becomes known to all sites of a network. Messages are transmitted by calls from senders to sets of receivers. In path broadcasting, a site can call nonneighboring sites over paths in the network. A call occupies all sites and edges on the path followed by the call; thus, any calls made concurrently must be vertex-disjoint. We discuss the design of sparse networks that allow path broadcasting to be completed in minimum time under three different path broadcast models. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Subdivisional involvement of nigrostriatal loop in idiopathic parkinson's disease and striatonigral degeneration

A topographical immunocytochemical analysis was performed on the substantia nigra from patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and striatonigral degeneration. Antibodies to tyrosine hydroxylase, a marker for nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, and to calcineurin, a marker for striatonigral projection fibers, were used in this study. There was a marked depletion of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of parkinsonian patients compared with control subjects, the reduction being greater in the lateral portion than in the medial portion (p less than 0.001). Calcineurin immunoreactivity was densely distributed throughout the substantia nigra of patients with Parkinson's disease and control subjects. The numbers of dopaminergic neurons and of calcineurin-immunoreactive fibers were markedly reduced in the lateral portion of the substantia nigra in all patients with striatonigral degeneration. Our results suggest that many symptoms of these two diseases may be due to disruption of the functions of the putamen and the lateral portion of the substantia nigra, which have dense reciprocal connections as part of the dopamine-related nigrostriatal loop.
Innate and adaptive immune responses in a social conflict paradigm.

Abstract Social conflict stress was examined for its effects on in vitro and in vivo immunity in mice. Adaptive immunity, as measured by the generation of primary IgM antibody responses to the T-dependent antigen keyhole limpet hemocyanin, was suppressed following chronic (>1 day), but not acute ( DBA 2J mice averaged a 269% increase in phagocytosis as compared to a 412% increase in C57BL 6J . This differential effect of stress on immune responsiveness indicates that alterations in innate immunity in addition to adaptive immunity should also be considered when evaluating neuroendocrine and immune interactions in response to stress.
Personal turning points on the road from laboratory experimentalist to mixed methodologist

This is a very personal, inside the ‘head and sometimes the heart’, narrative of my passage from laboratory experimentalist to mixed methodologist. With a mixed methods approach, various quantitative and qualitative methods are integrated into a programme of research to meet the demands of the research issue at any given time. The account is personal because of the urging of younger colleagues to share and ‘humanise’ the research process. Ideally, this effort will stimulate others to discuss their own scientific journeys. From the collective, we will better understand the constants and idiosyncrasies of the research process, and not just the published outcomes. The manuscript ends with a suggested direction for future research in our field.
Low risk of symptomatic venous thromboembolic events during growth factor administration for PBSC mobilization

The use of erythropoietic agents has been associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs), especially in patients with underlying malignancies. However, it is not known whether there is an increased risk of VTE associated with granulocyte growth factors. We reviewed 621 patients undergoing PBSC mobilization using granulocyte growth factors, alone or in combination with CY. Patients with a diagnosis of AL amyloidosis (AL: 114; 18%), multiple myeloma (MM: 278; 44%) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL: 20; 3%) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL: 209; 33%) were included. Symptomatic VTE occurred in six (0.97%) patients: two AL, two MM and two NHL. Of the six patients, two had pulmonary embolism, one developed deep vein thrombosis and three developed symptomatic catheter related thrombosis. Two patients with AL had heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. We found a low incidence of VTE among patients undergoing PBSC mobilization.
Sentinel Node Biopsy Alone for Node-Positive Breast Cancer: 12-Year Experience at a Single Institution

Background Complete node dissection for a tumor-positive sentinel node (SN) is becoming more controversial. We report our institution's 12-year experience with sentinel node biopsy (SNB) alone for a tumor-positive SN. Study Design This was a retrospective review from 1998 to 2009. Of 3,806 patients who underwent SNB, 2,139 underwent SNB alone, of which 1,997 were tumor-negative and 123 were tumor-positive. SNs were staged node-positive (N1mic or N1) according to American Joint Committee on Cancer criteria. Results One hundred and twenty-three node-positive patients underwent SNB alone with no completion axillary dissection for invasive breast cancer. Mean age was 57 years (range 32 to 92 years) and stage distribution was as follows: stage IIA: 76 (62%) patients; stage IIB: 40 (33%) patients; and stage III: 4 patients (3%). Mean size of the tumors was 1.9 cm (range 0.1 to 9 cm). Eighty-nine (72%) underwent lumpectomy and 34 (28%) underwent mastectomy. Ninety-three percent of patients underwent some form of adjuvant therapy. Forty-two patients (34%) did not undergo radiation and there were no axillary recurrences in this group. At median follow-up of 95 months, there has been 1 axillary recurrence (0.8%) and 13 deaths, 4 of which were attributed to metastatic breast cancer and the rest to non–breast-related causes. Conclusions Axillary recurrence is rare after SN biopsy alone. This might be related to favorable tumor and patient characteristics and frequent use of adjuvant therapy.
Architecture overview and data summary of a 5.4 km free-space laser communication experiment

MIT Lincoln Laboratory designed and built two free-space laser communications terminals, and successfully demonstrated error-free communication between two ground sites separated by 5.4 km in September, 2008. The primary goal of this work was to emulate a low elevation angle air-to-ground link capable of supporting standard OTU1 (2.667 Gb/s) data formatting with standard client interfaces. Mitigation of turbulence-induced scintillation effects was accomplished through the use of multiple small-aperture receivers and novel encoding and interleaver hardware. Data from both the field and laboratory experiments were used to assess link performance as a function of system parameters such as transmitted power, degree of spatial diversity, and interleaver span, with and without forward error correction. This work was sponsored by the Department of Defense, RRCO DDR&E, under Air Force Contract FA8721-05-C-0002. Opinions, interpretations, conclusions and recommendations are those of the authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the United States Government.
Effects of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), PGE2, 8-Epi-PGE1, 8-Epi-PGF2α, Trichosanthin and Pregnancy Specific Protein B (PSPB) on Secretion of Prostaglandin (PG) E (PGE) or F2α (PGF2α) In Vitro by Corpora Lutea (CL) From Nonpregnant and Pregnant Cows

Both Day 14 corpora lutea (CL) of the estrous cycle and Day 200 CL of pregnancy secrete detectable prostaglandin E (PGE) and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) in vitro. Corpora lutea from Day 200 pregnant cows secrete more PGE and PGF alpha in vitro than Day 14 CL of the estrous cycle when incubated in control medium without treatments (p or = 0.05), while the PGE:PGF2 alpha ratio secreted by 200 day CL of pregnancy in the absence of treatments at 4 h was 0.8 and at 8 h decreased (p < or = 0.05) to 0.4. The PGE:PGF2 alpha ratio at 8 h by 200 day CL of pregnancy was lower (p < or = 0.05) than in the Day 14 CL of the estrous cycle at 4 or 8 h. Secretion of PGE or PGF2 alpha was affected by luteinizing hormone, PGE2, 8-Epi-PGE1, 8-Epi-PGE2, trichosanthin, and pregnancy specific protein B (PSPB) and was time and dose dependent (p < or = 0.05). In summary, the altered ratio of PGE:PGF2 alpha may explain the decreased secretion of progesterone at 8 h by Day 200 CL of pregnancy reported previously from the same samples. In addition, caution should be exercised in interpretation of progesterone secretion data with bovine CL studies in vitro. Also, PSPB may play an indirect role through PGE to regulate bovine luteal secretion of progesterone.
Simultaneous approximations of multivariate functions and their derivatives by neural networks with one hidden layer

Abstract Let σ be a non-polynomial activation function of a neural network that has nth order continuous derivatives on R. The objective of this paper is to show that for any compact set K of Rs, s ≥ 1, and any multivariate function f defined on an open set containing K, a neural network with one hidden layer can be so constructed that f and all its existing continuous kth order partial derivatives, for k = (k1, …, ks) ϵ Z+s satisfying ∑i = 1ski ≤ n, can be simultaneously and uniformly approximated on K by the network.
Isolated spread of hepatic metastatic disease to a mediastinal lymph node : report of a case and review of pertinent anatomy and literature

The lymphatic system is an important route of spread of hepatic metastatic disease to extrahepatic sites. Although portal and celiac nodes are commonly evaluated both pre- and intraoperatively in patients considered for resection, cephalad sites of drainage of the liver represent a more occult pitfall. We report a case of colon cancer metastatic to the right lobe with an isolated extrahepatic deposit in a mediastinal lymph node. This preoperative diagnosis was confirmed at a subsequent operation, leading to a change in treatment plan. We believe that such occurrences may be unrecognized rather than rare. Careful evaluation of the mediastinum prior to proceeding with hepatic resection may improve patient selection, and hence the outcome, of this procedure.