cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cyclen-based phenylboronate ligands and their Eu3+ complexes for sensing glucose by MRI.

Novel cyclen-based phenylboronate ligands and their corresponding Eu3+ complexes have been examined as glucose sensors using chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MR imaging for detection. Two isomeric bis-phenylboronate complexes, Eu(4) and Eu(10), and a mono-phenylboronate complex, Eu(12), had been prepared and characterized by UV and circular dichroism spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and CEST imaging. Both the free ligands and their Eu3+ complexes bind to simple sugars, but their selectivity and binding affinities vary with sugar structure. Interestingly, the free ligands, 4 and 10, are selective for fructose over glucose, but this selectivity order switches in the respective Eu3+ complexes. Of the complexes examined, Eu(4) shows the highest selectivity and binding affinity for glucose (2275 ± 266 M-1 at pH 10.2 and 339 ± 29 M-1 at pH 7). Glucose acts as a “capping” moiety in the Eu(4)·glucose binary complex and modulates water exchange between a single Eu3+-bound water molecule and bulk water,...
Proprioceptive cues modulate further processing of spatially congruent auditory information. A high-density EEG study

Multisensory integration and interaction occur when bimodal stimuli are presented as either spatially congruent or incongruent, but temporally coincident. We investigated whether proprioceptive cues interact with auditory attention to one of two sound sources in free-field. The participant's task was to attend to either the left or right speaker and to respond to occasional increased-bandwidth targets via a footswitch. We recorded high-density EEG in three experimental conditions: the participants either held the speakers in their hands (Hold), reached out close to them (Reach), or had their hands in their lap (Lap). In the last two conditions, the auditory event-related potentials (ERPs) revealed a prominent negativity around 200 ms post-stimulus (N2 wave) over fronto-central areas, which is a reliable index of further processing of spatial stimulus features in free-field. The N2 wave was markedly attenuated in the 'Hold' condition, which suggests that proprioceptive cues apparently solidify spatial information computed by the auditory system, in so doing alleviating the need for further processing of spatial coordinates solely based on auditory information.
Osseous cyst-like lesions of the lateral intertubercular groove of the proximal humerus: A report of 5 cases

Summary This report documents the case presentation, evaluation, treatment and outcome of 5 horses with an osseous cystlike lesion (OCLL) of the intertubercular groove of the proximal aspect of the humerus. In 3 of the 5 cases, delayed phase gamma scintigraphic findings demonstrated increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in the region of the intermediate tubercle of the proximal humerus of the affected limb, demonstrating increased bone remodelling in this region. In 4 of the 5 horses, an OCLL was identified in the intermediate tubercle of the proximal humerus, and in one horse the OCLL was identified in the greater tubercle. Medial-lateral and craniomedial-caudolateral oblique radiographic views were helpful to see the lesions in all cases. Ultrasonography confirmed the location of the subchondral and fibrocartilage defect associated with the OCLL and confirmed communication of the cyst with the lateral intertubercular groove of the humerus in 3 of the 5 cases. Ultrasonography also confirmed a variable degree of bicipital tendonitis in 3 of the horses. OCLL of the lateral intertubercular groove of the proximal humerus should be considered in the evaluation of any mature horse with lameness isolated to the bicipital bursa. Development of these OCLL may be a result of trauma or altered limb biomechanics as a result of shoulder osteoarthritis or concurrent chronic lameness, which leads to disruption or thinning of the fibrocartilage, remodelling of the subchondral bone and subsequent cyst development.
The moderating effect of self-concept valence on the relationship between self-focused attention and mood: An experience sampling study

Abstract This study examined the moderating role of self-esteem and neuroticism on the relationship between self-focused attention and mood using experience sampling methodology. 107 undergraduate participants were paged seven times each day over the course of a week and completed a set of measures that included items assessing current mood, focus of attention, and self-evaluative thoughts during these times. A significant within-person relationship was found between focus of attention and mood such that self-focus samplings were associated with a shift toward negative mood compared with samplings involving non-self-focus. As hypothesized, those with higher self-esteem and lower neuroticism showed less of a shift toward negative mood during self-focused attention relative to those with lower self-esteem and higher neuroticism. Moreover, the valence of self-evaluative thoughts during states of self-focused attention was shown to mediate the impact of these personality traits on mood.
Voice recognition: an examination of an evolving technology and its use in organizations

Abstract This paper investigates the current status of voice-recognition systems technology. Technological applications in business are reviewed, with focus upon existing benefits, future potential and current limitations. A comparison of existing products is included.
Interferometric measurements of linewidths and spin doubling in the N 2 + first negative band system in free-jet expansions

The lower rotational R and P branch lines of the N2+ first negative band, 0–0 vibrational transition, have been studied interferometrically. Spectral source temperatures less than 20 °K were obtained using a free-jet expansion. The first negative system was produced with a beam of 30 keV electrons and the spin doubling and spectral line shape of a given rotational line was observed with a Fabry–Perot interferometer. It was found that the values of the spin-doubling constants, as determined independently from R and P branch measurements, were not consistent, i.e., different values were obtained from the R and P branch data. This implies that the interpretation of the doublet splittings as spin doubling is incomplete. Furthermore, it was found that the measured linewidths indicated temperatures of about 70 °K greater than the actual gas temperature. These discrepancies are attributed to hyperfine structure.
Ring-Closing Metathesis Approach toward Phosphonosugars

(2002). Ring-Closing Metathesis Approach toward Phosphonosugars. Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Silicon and the Related Elements: Vol. 177, No. 8-9, pp. 1967-1968.
The Use of Telepractice Technology To Provide Speech and Language Services to Persons Aging With Communication Disorders

Telepractice, providing speech and language services at a distance from clients, is becoming another tool clinicians can use to provide services. Relieving the burden of travel may help those aging...
Radiotherapy for Malignant Tumors of the Skull Base

Malignant tumors of the skull base are a fascinating group of tumors arising via disparate causes leading often to similar presentations. This article explores radiotherapy techniques applied to this group of malignancies, with a focus on providing general overview and guiding readers to primary sources to achieve greater depth. The outcomes and effects of radiation, therapeutic radiation modalities and delivery system are discussed. Equipped with these basic principles, practitioners will have general guidance for rational treatment modality selection for patients with skull base tumors.
Spin-aligned momentum distributions of transition-metal ferromagnets studied with circularly polarized synchrotron radiation.

The momentum distributions of the unpaired spin electrons in Fe, Co, and Ni have been measured using circularly polarized x rays produced from an x-ray phase plate developed at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source. Estimates of the negative polarization of the $s\ensuremath{-}p$ components of the conduction electrons have been made. The spin-dependent transition-metal momentum profiles are compared to theoretical calculations. Preliminary results from gadolinium are also presented.
Surveying local planning directors ' actions for climate change

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how well local planners have recognized the issues surrounding climate change, the analysis that jurisdictions have conducted on climate change, and policies that have been implemented to address climate change. Design/methodology/approach – This study conducted a mail questionnaire survey for 214 counties ' planning directors in the USA and received 53 effective responses. This survey examined how well local planning directors have been prepared for climate change, including awareness, analysis scope, and implementation strategy. Findings – The descriptive results indicate that the directors who responded to this survey had a relatively high (79.87 percent) level of awareness for climate change; but they had limited (34.94 percent) analysis scopes to assess the sources, impacts, and risk of climate change in their jurisdictions. These directors had partially but not fully (51.51 percent) developed local land use planning implementation strategies to mitig...
Hands-on teaching of embedded systems design using FPGA-Based tPad development kit

Modern embedded systems design relies on heavy use of Intellectual Property (IP) and involves both hardware and software design. Moreover, three is an increasing unitization of a diverse set of I/O ports in embedded systems including video, audio, Ethernet, etc. In order to reflect these trends in education in a hands-on manner, a platform is needed that allows fast integration of hardware and software, rapid prototyping capability, and rich IP library covering processor cores, I/O interface standards, arithmetic and signal processing functions, etc. The t-pad development kit, by Terasic, which is based on the DE2-115 development board, designed around the Altera's Cyclone IV FPGA, provides a suitable platform for hands-on education of modern embedded systems design. We have developed a series of example-driven hands-on tutorials to guide students to a comprehensive embedded system design flow in a bottom-up fashion. These tutorials were developed and verified by summer interns from Canada College who spent Summer 2011 at San Francisco State University. The tutorials are currently being used in an embedded systems design course at SFSU. A course project realizing a complex embedded system in teams of no more than four students is an integral part of this course. The results show that using this platform not only generates excitement and motivation in students, but also enhances their learning and teaches them skills of modern embedded systems design.
Protein-protein interactions: A PUMA mechanism unfolds

PUMA is a BCL-2 family protein that transmits stress signals to promote apoptosis. Upon DNA damage, a unique binding determinant within PUMA triggers partial unfolding of BCL-XL, resulting in the release of sequestered p53 and commitment to p53-dependent cell death.
Flexible Algebras of Degree Two

All known examples of simple flexible power-associative algebras of degree two are either commutative or noncommutative Jordan. In this paper we construct an algebra which is partially stable but not commutative and not a noncommutative Jordan algebra. We then investigate the multiplicative structure of those algebras which are partially stable over an algebraically closed field of characteristic p A 2, 3, 5. The results obtained are then used to develop conditions under which such algebras must be commutative.
Acceptance of invitations for p53 and BRCA1 predisposition testing: Factors influencing potential utilization of cancer genetic testing

Data on uptake of two cancer predisposition testing programs is presented as the basis for discussion of factors contributing to the acceptance and refusal of genetic testing. Eighty percent (n = 29) of the 36 members of 2 BRCA1 families invited for BRCA1 predisposition testing and counseling accepted, while only 39% (n = 22) of the 57 Li-Fraumeni syndrome family members invited for p53 predisposition testing and counseling enrolled and 14% (n = 8) postponed enrollment. Factors that may influence utilization of cancer genetic testing programs include programmatic demands, nature and immediacy of cancer risk, demographic factors, perceived lethality of the cancers involved, clarity of surveillance recommendations and perceived efficacy of screening, ego-strength, and family experience with cancer. Further research is needed to determine the relative weight of these factors and to define how acceptors and decliners of genetic cancer predisposition testing differ. One implication of the hypothesis that individuals seeking testing are psychologically different than those who decline is that more severe psychiatric sequelae of testing might be expected if individuals are tested who have not themselves freely chosen testing. Such subjects might in the future include children whose parents decide about testing or adults tested as a prerequisite to being employed or insured. Further research on decliners and continued psychological evaluation of the impact of cancer predisposition testing is recommended.
An adaptively weighted Galerkin finite element method for boundary value problems

We introduce an adaptively weighted Galerkin approach for elliptic problems where diffusion is dominated by strong convection or reaction terms. In such problems, standard Galerkin approximations can have unacceptable oscillatory behavior near boundaries unless the computational mesh is sufficiently fine. Here we show how adaptively weighting the equations within the variational problem can increase accuracy and stability of solutions on under-resolved meshes. Rather than relying on specialized finite elements or meshes, the idea here sets a flexible and robust framework where the metric of the variational formulation is adapted by an approximate solution. We give a general overview of the formulation and an algorithmic structure for choosing weight functions. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the method.
Assessment of esophageal emptying post-pneumatic dilation: use of the timed barium esophagram.

Assessment of esophageal emptying post-pneumatic dilation: use of the timed barium esophagram
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 induces expression of the Wnt signaling co-regulator LRP5 via regulatory elements located significantly downstream of the gene's transcriptional start site.

Canonical Wnt signaling is essential for bone formation. Activation involves binding of secreted members of the Wnt family of proteins with a membrane receptor Frizzled on osteoblasts, an interaction that is facilitated by LRP5/LRP6 co-receptors. LRP5 is known to play a particularly important role in bone formation such that the loss of this protein results in a reduction in osteoblast number, a delay in mineralization and a reduction in peak BMD. During the course of a VDR ChIP-chip analysis we found that 1,25(OH)2D3 could induce binding of the VDR to sites within the Lrp5 gene locus. Importantly, this interaction between 1,25(OH)2D3-activated VDR and the Lrp5 gene led to both a modification in chromatin structure within the Lrp5 locus and the induction of LRP5 mRNA transcripts in vivo as well as in vitro. One site within Lrp5 was discovered to confer 1,25(OH)2D3 response to a heterologous promoter in osteoblastic cells, permitting both the identification and characterization of the component VDRE. While the regulatory region in Lrp5 was highly conserved in the human genome, the VDRE was not. Our studies show that 1,25(OH)2D3 can enhance the expression of a critical component of the Wnt signaling pathway which is known to impact osteogenesis.
Transformative Mediation at the United States Postal Service

This article reviews the results of a 12-year longitudinal research program on transformative mediation of employment discrimination complaints at the United States Postal Service. The research employed mixed methods, including quantitative and qualitative survey methods, interviews, and archival data. This article focuses on how that research examined facilitative and transformative mediation styles. The research illustrates that organizational context can shape the effects of a mediator’s style. It also indicates that the transformative style – by emphasizing the goals of disputant empowerment as well as recognition and by preventing mediator evaluation – may heighten disputants’ perceptions of interpersonal justice (i.e. between the disputants) and reduce the perceptions of structural bias.
Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a Unique Type of Human Papillomavirus from an Immune Deficient Patient

Several papillomas from a single patient who exhibited an unusual immune deficiency syndrome were analyzed for the presence of specific human papillomavirus (HPV) types. Preliminary analysis indicated that the HPV DNA species present in each of these tissues was quite unlike any of the previously characterized HPV types. In order to more rigorously analyze the HPV from this patient we have isolated the HPV DNA by molecularly cloning it into a bacteriophage lambda vector and have constructed a detailed restriction endonuclease map. Comparative hybridization studies using SI nuclease analyses showed 6% or less nucleotide sequence homology of this viral DNA with HPV types 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or an HPV-11, molecularly cloned in this laboratory. Moreover, Southern blot analyses under stringent hybridization conditions revealed little, if any, hybridization to HPV types 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, HPV-EV isolated from a patient with epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV), or 2 previously described HPVs (HPV-P and HPV-PW) related to HPV-3. There was, however, a very weak sequence homology detected with HPV-6 and an extremely weak homology to HPV-3. No filter hybridization was observed with the recently characterized HPVs 9 or -12 to -24. These data accumulatively indicate that the HPV species from this immunosuppressed patient represents a new, hitherto unidentified HPV type.
Operating room sound level hazards for patients and physicians

Hypothesis:Exposure to certain new surgical instruments and operating room devices during procedures could cause hearing damage to patients and personnel.Background:Surgical instruments and related equipment generate significant sound levels during routine usage. Both patients and physicians are exp
Liquid curtains—II. Gas absorption

Abstract The absorption of mass by a liquid curtain is determined both analytical and numerically as a function of the Froude and Peclet numbers, pressure difference, convergence parameter, initial thickness-to-radius ratio and nozzle exit angle. Two analytical methods have been used. The first one considers the finite thickness of the liquid curtain, whereas the second method calculates the mass absorption rate by assuming that the curtain is a semi-infinite medium. The mass absorption rate was also determined numerically by accounting for the velocity distribution across the liquid curtain. The results of the two analytical methods agree very well with the numerical results for high Peclet numbers; however, the predictions of the semi-infinite medium approximation are inaccurate at low Peclet numbers and for positive nozzle exit angles. It is shown that the mass absorption rates are mainly a function of the liquid curtain convergence length and thickness, and increase as the Froude number, convergence parameter and nozzle exit angle are increased, but decrease as the pressure coefficient, initial thickness-to-radius ratio and Peclet number are decreased.
A Threat in the Computer: The Race Implicit Association Test as a Stereotype Threat Experience

Three experiments test whether the threat of appearing racist leads White participants to perform worse on the race Implicit Association Test (IAT) and whether self-affirmation can protect from this threat. Experiments 1 and 2 suggest that White participants show a stereotype threat effect when completing the race IAT, leading to stronger pro-White scores when the test is believed to be diagnostic of racism. This effect increases for domain-identified (highly motivated to control prejudice) participants (Experiment 2). In Experiment 3, self-affirmation inoculates participants against stereotype threat while taking the race IAT. These findings have methodological implications for use of the race IAT and theoretical implications concerning the malleability of automatic prejudice and the potential interpersonal effects of the fear of appearing racist.
The X3 Flare of 2002 July 15

An X3-class flare occurred on 2002 July 15 with white-light emission and a complex filament eruption. Observations were made in the optical continuum, Hα, UV continuum, microwave, and soft X-rays, as well as with high-cadence longitudinal magnetograms. Within the preflare phase, intense heating is observed accompanying upward motion of the filament. At the onset of the impulsive phase, filament Doppler acceleration is increased from -1.5 to -7.0 km s-2. Flare impulsive emission is double-peaked, possibly corresponding to two magnetic reconnection events: the first occurs above the active region in the corona, while the second takes place in a thin current sheet underneath the eruptive filament. It is probable that a twisted helical flux rope, seen in C IV TRACE images, is formed during the second reconnection. The energy released by the white-light flare is ~1033 ergs and dominates the flare emission spectra. Within the flare impulsive phase, the emission profiles show both abrupt and gradual components in white light, UV, and Hα. These variations are independently reflected in the transverse motions of flare kernels: the abrupt emission phase corresponds to a rapid kernel motion, while the gradual phase corresponds to a more modest kernel motion.
Synthesis, dynamic light scattering, and luminescence properties of copolymers containing iridium(III) bisterpyridine in the side chain

Supramolecular block-random copolymers containing [Ir(terpy)2]3+ in the side chain were synthesized via postfunctionalization of a P(S-b-ACterpy) block copolymer. Absorbance and emission spectra compared to a model compound show that the polymer backbone has a minor effect on the polymer absorbance but produces a larger shift for the phosphorescence signals to higher wavelength. Dynamic light scattering of the metal complex containing copolymer studied in various solvents showed monomodal aggregation with decreasing aggregate size as the solvent dielectric constant increased. The copolymer precursor P(S-b-ACterpy) shows multimodal aggregation in different solvents with the major population consisting of single chains. This difference in behavior between the two polymers is attributed to the electrolytic nature of the complex and the amphiphilicity induced by the charged metal complex. Supramolecular copolymers like these will continue to have interesting self-organizational properties and may find applications in multicomponent systems for photoinduced charge separation processes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1109–1121, 2007
Clinical Outcomes of Aging in Place

Background: Programs such as Medicaid Home and Community-based Services (HCBS) have provided an alternative to institutionalization through community-based, long-term care services; however, there are limited studies on the clinical outcomes of participants in these programs as compared to nursing home (NH) residents. Objective: To compare clinical outcomes of individuals in a community-based, long-term care program to individuals of similar case mix in institutional-based, long-term care. Methods: A program called Aging in Place (AIP) was developed by the Sinclair School of Nursing in cooperation with the state of Missouri's HCBS program. The AIP intervention consisted of nurse coordination of the HCBS program and Medicare home health services. A total of 78 AIP participants were matched with 78 NH residents on admission period, activities of daily living (ADLs), cognitive status, and age. The Minimum Data Set (MDS) was collected on the AIP group at admission and every 6 months over a 30-month period. Cognition was measured by the MDS Cognitive Performance Scale (CPS), ADLs by the sum of 5 MDS ADL items, depression by the MDS-Depression Rating Scale, and incontinence by rating on 2 MDS items related to urinary continence. The Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel method was used to test the association between the AIP intervention and clinical outcomes. Results: The AIP group clinical outcomes were better at a statistically significant level (less than .05) for the following outcomes: (a) cognition at 6, 12, and 18 months (p = .00); (b) depression at 6 and 12 months (p = .00); (c) ADL at 6 (p = .02), 12 (p = .04), and 24 (p = .00) months: and (d) incontinence at 24 (p = .02) months. In all 4 outcome measures, the AIP group stabilized or improved outcome scores whereas the NH group's outcome scores deteriorated. Discussion: Study results suggest that community-based care with nurse coordination enhances clinical outcomes of long-term care participants.
French abortion opinion and the possibility of framing effects.

Many people think that most of their fellow citizens hold either a particularly liberal or a particularly conservative position on the acceptability of abortion. There is now plenty of evidence tha...
Minimizing Fusion Frame Potential

Fusion frames are an emerging topic of frame theory, with applications to encoding and distributed sensing. However, little is known about the existence of tight fusion frames. In traditional frame theory, one method for showing that unit norm tight frames exist is to characterize them as the minimizers of an energy functional, known as the frame potential. We generalize the frame potential to the fusion frame setting. In particular, we introduce the fusion frame potential, and show how its minimization is equivalent to the minimization of the traditional frame potential over a particular domain. We then study this minimization problem in detail. Specifically, we show that if the desired number of fusion frame subspaces is large, and if the desired dimension of these subspaces is small compared to the dimension of the underlying space, then a tight fusion frame of those dimensions will necessarily exist, being a minimizer of the fusion frame potential.
Control of tics by maternal reinforcement

Abstract The multiple tics of a teenage male patient appeared to be maintained by his mother's response to them. Therapy directed at removing the mother's attention led to the tics being successfully eliminated in the course of about 3 months. In two further months they had to some extent returned, in association with renewed attention to them by the mother.
A comparison of postoperative complications in open versus robotic cystectomy.

Abstract Background Robotic cystectomy is an emerging alternative for treatment of invasive bladder cancer (BCa). However, reduction in postoperative morbidity relative to the open approach has not been demonstrated. Objective To compare complication rates in patients undergoing robotic versus open radical cystectomy (RC). Design, setting, and participants A prospective cohort study of 187 consecutive patients undergoing RC at our institution—104 open RC, 83 robotic RC. Intervention Open or robotic RC with urinary diversion. Measurements Demographic, perioperative, and complication data were recorded prospectively. Thirty-day and 90-d complication rates were assessed using the modified Clavien complication scale. Data were evaluated using χ 2 and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results and limitations At 30 d, the open group demonstrated a higher overall complication rate (59% vs 41%; p =0.04) as well as more major complications (30% vs 10%; p =0.007). At 90 d, the overall complication rate was greater in the open group, but this was not statistically significant (62% vs 48%; p =0.07). However, there was a significantly higher major complication rate in the open cohort (31% vs 17%; p =0.03). When subjected to logistic regression analysis, robotic cystectomy was an independent predictor of fewer overall and major complications at 30 and 90 d. High American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (3–4) and longer surgical time were independent predictors of major complications. Though this is one of the largest published RC series, the sample size is relatively small. Moreover, despite the two patient cohorts being similarly matched, the study was not performed in a randomized fashion. Conclusions Patients undergoing robotic cystectomy experienced fewer postoperative complications than those undergoing open cystectomy. Robotic cystectomy is an independent predictor of fewer overall and major complications. Until long-term oncologic results are available, robotic cystectomy should still be considered investigational.
Rule of Thirds Detection from Photograph

The rule of thirds is one of the most important composition rules used by photographers to create high-quality photos. The rule of thirds states that placing important objects along the imagery thirds lines or around their intersections often produces highly aesthetic photos. In this paper, we present a method to automatically determine whether a photo respects the rule of thirds. Detecting the rule of thirds from a photo requires semantic content understanding to locate important objects, which is beyond the state of the art. This paper makes use of the recent saliency and generic objectness analysis as an alternative and accordingly designs a range of features. Our experiment with a variety of saliency and generic objectness methods shows that an encouraging performance can be achieved in detecting the rule of thirds from photos.
Cobalt cluster-containing carbonyl ylides for catalytic, three-component assembly of oxygen heterocycles.

A dicobalt hexacarbonyl (Co2(CO)6) cluster is essential for the unusually broad dipolarophile scope and for the sense and degree of diastereoselection in a catalytic, three-component synthesis of tetrahydrofurans and dihydrofurans. Likely involving a new class of carbonyl ylide, these cycloadditions are stereospecific with respect to the dipolarophile and exhibit high diastereoselectivity and regioselectivity in most cases. Differentiation of all four positions of the tetrahydrofuran can thus be accomplished in a triply convergent manner.
All-trans Retinoic Acid Antagonizes the Action of Calciferol and Its Active Metabolite, 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol, in Rats

An antagonistic interaction between retinol and calciferol has been established. However, the mechanism by which this antagonism occurs is unclear. One possibility is that retinol affects the metabolism of calciferol. To investigate this hypothesis, retinol- and calciferol-depleted rats were given various amounts of ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol, 1alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D3], or 24,24-difluoro-1alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [24-F2-1,25(OH)2D3] in combination with various amounts of retinyl acetate or all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in a series of studies. Rats administered 1720 or 3440 microg retinyl acetate once every 3 d for 33 d in combination with 25.8 ng ergocalciferol or 25 ng cholecalciferol every 3 d had lower serum calcium and greater serum phosphorus concentrations than rats fed 0 or 11.4 mug retinyl acetate every 3 d. In addition, rats fed 400 microg ATRA/d in combination with 25.8 ng ergocalciferol every 3 d, 25 ng cholecalciferol every 3 d, 2-5 ng 1,25(OH)2D3/d, or 0.5-1 ng 24-F2-1,25(OH)2D3/d had significantly lower serum calcium and higher serum phosphorus concentrations than rats not given ATRA in the diet. Therefore, both retinyl acetate and ATRA are able to antagonize the action of ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol in vivo. Additionally, ATRA antagonizes the in vivo action of 1,25(OH)2D3 and an analog, 24-F2-1,25(OH)2D3, that cannot be 24-hydroxylated. Together, these results suggest that retinol does not antagonize the action of calciferol by altering the metabolism of calciferol or 1,25(OH)2D3, but does so by another mechanism.
Impact of placement of portable air cleaning devices in multizone residential environments

An advantage of portable air cleaners is that they can be positioned in different parts of a building and used where air cleaning is needed. This makes them a popular choice for use in residential buildings. In typical indoor particle modeling efforts, perfect air mixing and uniform contaminant concentration distribution are assumed. However, nonuniform spatial concentrations of particles are more reflective of most environments. Using experiments to validate computational fluid dynamic and particle tracking models and applying these models in numerical based parametric analysis, this paper analyzes the overall contaminant removal in a multi-room residential building. Simulations varied (1) particle size (0.74, 3.4 and 10 mm), (2) clean air delivery rate (CADR) of the air cleaner (50 m 3 /h and 500 m 3 /h), and (3) position of portable air cleaner in different rooms. The results show very large variation of the overall particle removal for different positions of portable cleaning device. In extreme cases, the effective positioning of cleaning device can result in a factor of 2.5 change in overall particle removal and, consequently, strongly affect occupant exposure to particles.
Wind observations pertaining to current disruption and ballooning instability during substorms

[1] The westward propagation of wave disturbances associated with current disruption is observed in the near-Earth plasma sheet by the Wind satellite. By analyzing the time delay between earthward and tailward flux enhancements of energetic ions, the propagation velocity is estimated to be several hundred kilometers per second. A large anisotropy between the duskward and dawnward fluxes of energetic ions is observed to persist until the local onset of a current disruption. This anisotropy is consistent with an earthward density gradient which is significantly reduced after the magnetic fluctuations that accompany the current disruption cease. The reduction process is impulsive and bursty, suggesting that the underlying dynamics is nonlinear. The westward propagation of the unstable wave disturbances, the radial density gradient and its subsequent reduction support the drift ballooning instability as a possible mechanism for triggering substorms.
Implementing the Use of Chemical-Free Products in a Perinatal Unit

ABSTRACT Objective To develop a process to identify, adopt, and increase individual awareness of the use of chemical-free products in perinatal hospital units and to develop leadership skills of the fellow/mentor pair through the Sigma Theta Tau International Maternal-Child Health Nurse Leadership Academy (STTI MCHNLA). Design Pretest/posttest quality improvement project. Setting Tertiary care 80-bed perinatal unit. Patients Mothers and newborns on perinatal unit. Interventions/Measurements The chemical hazard ratings of products currently in use and new products were examined and compared. Chemical-free products were selected and introduced to the hospital system, and education programs were provided for staff and patients. We implemented leadership tools taught at the STTI MCHNLA to facilitate project success. Pre- and postproject evaluations were used to determine interest in the use of chemical-free products and satisfaction with use of the new products. Cost savings were measured. Results Products currently in use contained potentially harmful chemicals. New, chemical-free products were identified and adopted into practice. Participants were interested in using chemical-free products. Once new products were available, 71% of participants were positive about using them. The fellow and mentor experienced valuable leadership growth throughout the project. Conclusions The change to chemical-free products has positioned the organization and partner hospitals as community leaders that set a health standard to reduce environmental exposure for patients, families, and staff. The fellow and mentor learned new skills to assist in practice changes in a large organization by using the tools shared in the STTI MCHNLA.
Tuba, a Cdc42 GEF, is required for polarized spindle orientation during epithelial cyst formation.

The Cdc42 guanosine triphosphatase is essential for cell polarization in several organisms and in vitro for the organization of polarized epithelial cysts. A long-standing question concerns the identity of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that controls this process. Using Madin–Darby canine kidney cells grown in Matrigel, we screened 70 GEFs by RNA interference. Of these, six positives were identified that caused a multilumen phenotype, including Tuba, a Cdc42-specific GEF localized below the apical cortex. Loss of Tuba abolishes Cdc42 enrichment at the apical cortex. Normal lumen formation is rescued by human Tuba or active Cdc42 but not by a GEF-negative Tuba mutant. Silencing Cdc42 causes a similar phenotype, including multilumen formation and reduced atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) activity. Lumen disorganization after depletion of Tuba or Cdc42 or inhibition of aPKC is caused by defective spindle orientation. Together, our findings implicate Tuba as a key activator of the Cdc42 GTPase during epithelial ductal morphogenesis, which in turn activates apical aPKC to ensure that spindles orient parallel to the lateral plane.
A New Method for Laparoscopic Access to the Space of Retzius During Retropubic Cystourethropexy

AbstractPurpose: We assessed the feasibility of a new technique for laparoscopic dissection of the space of Retzius.Materials and Methods: In 10 women 40 to 70 years old (median age 45) undergoing laparoscopic retropubic cystourethropexy for stress urinary incontinence hydrodissection was used to create a pneumo-subperitoneal space. A suction irrigator probe was inserted into a mid peritoneal incision created with a 5 mm. trocar above the symphysis pubis between the 2 umbilical ligaments. The subperitoneal space was developed and insufflated with carbon dioxide without incising the peritoneum.Results: All procedures were completed laparoscopically without intraoperative or postoperative complications. Operative time for cystourethropexy ranged from 30 to 70 minutes (median 40). Estimated blood loss ranged from less than 50 to 300 ml. (median 100). Patients were discharged from the hospital within 24 to 48 hours. All patients reported satisfactory relief of symptoms at 3 to 6 months of followup.Conclusions...
Proof of principle for crizotinib in anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive malignancies was achieved in ALK-positive nonclinical models.

Commentary on: [James G. Christensen, Helen Y. Zou, Maria E. Arango, Qiuhua Li, Joseph H. Lee, Scott R. McDonnell, Shinji Yamazaki, Gordon R. Alton, Barbara Mroczkowski, and Gerrit Los. Cytoreductive antitumor activity of PF-2341066, a novel inhibitor of anaplastic lymphoma kinase and c-Met, in
Restoration of Topoisomerase 2 Function by Complementation of Defective Monomers in Drosophila

Type II topoisomerases are essential ATP-dependent homodimeric enzymes required for transcription, replication, and chromosome segregation. These proteins alter DNA topology by generating transient enzyme-linked double-strand breaks for passage of one DNA strand through another. The central role of type II topoisomerases in DNA metabolism has made these enzymes targets for anticancer drugs. Here, we describe a genetic screen that generated novel alleles of Drosophila Topoisomerase 2 (Top2). Fifteen alleles were obtained, resulting from nonsense and missense mutations. Among these, 14 demonstrated recessive lethality, with one displaying temperature-sensitive lethality. Several newly generated missense alleles carry amino acid substitutions in conserved residues within the ATPase, Topoisomerase/Primase, and Winged helix domains, including four that encode proteins with alterations in residues associated with resistance to cancer chemotherapeutics. Animals lacking zygotic Top2 function can survive to pupation and display reduced cell division and altered polytene chromosome structure. Inter se crosses between six strains carrying Top2 missense alleles generated morphologically normal trans-heterozygous adults, which showed delayed development and were female sterile. Comple- mentation occurred between alleles encoding Top2 proteins with amino acid substitutions in the same functional domain and between alleles encoding proteins with substitutions in different functional domains. Two complementing alleles encode proteins with amino acid substitutions associated with drug resistance. These observations suggest that dimerization of mutant Top2 monomers can restore enzymatic function. Our studies establish the first series of Top2 alleles in a multicellular organism. Future analyses of these alleles will enhance our knowledge about the contributions made by type II topoisomerases to development.
In Vitro Validation of Finite-Element Model of AAA Hemodynamics Incorporating Realistic Outlet Boundary Conditions

The purpose of this study is to validate numerical simulations of flow and pressure in an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) using phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PCMRI) and an in vitro phantom under physiological flow and pressure conditions. We constructed a two-outlet physical flow phantom based on patient imaging data of an AAA and developed a physical Windkessel model to use as outlet boundary conditions. We then acquired PCMRI data in the phantom while it operated under conditions mimicking a resting and a light exercise physiological state. Next, we performed in silico numerical simulations and compared experimentally measured velocities, flows, and pressures in the in vitro phantom to those computed in the in silico simulations. There was a high degree of agreement in all of the pressure and flow waveform shapes and magnitudes between the experimental measurements and simulated results. The average pressures and flow split difference between experiment and simulation were all within 2%. Velocity patterns showed good agreement between experimental measurements and simulated results, especially in the case of whole-cycle averaged comparisons. We demonstrated methods to perform in vitro phantom experiments with physiological flows and pressures, showing good agreement between numerically simulated and experimentally measured velocity fields and pressure waveforms in a complex patient-specific AAA geometry.
Enhancement of Mucosal Immunization with Virus-Like Particles of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus

Cholera toxin (CT) is the most potent known mucosal adjuvant, but its toxicity precludes its use in humans. Here, in an attempt to develop safe and effective mucosal adjuvants, we compared immune responses to simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) virus-like particles (VLPs) after intranasal coimmunization with RANTES, CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN), or CT. Antibody analysis demonstrated that RANTES and CpG ODN had capacities for mucosal adjuvanticity, i.e., for enhancing serum and vaginal antibodies specific to SIV Env, similar to those for CT. RANTES and CpG ODN skewed serum antibodies predominantly to the immunoglobulin G2a isotype. Most importantly, RANTES and CpG ODN were more effective than CT in increasing neutralizing titers of both serum and vaginal antibodies. After intranasal coadministration with VLPs, RANTES or CpG ODN also induced increased levels of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)-producing lymphocyte and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activities in both spleen and lymph nodes but did not increase the levels of interleukin-4-producing lymphocytes. The results suggest that RANTES and CpG ODN enhance immune responses in a T-helper-cell-type-1 (Th1)-oriented manner and that they can be used as effective mucosal adjuvants for enhancing both humoral and cellular immune responses in the context of VLPs, which are particulate antigens.
A Pressure-Volume Analysis of Solanum melongena Leaves

A pressure-volume analysis of aubergine (Solatium melongena) leaves following water stress was undertaken to determine a possible role of changes in cellular water relations in influencing stomatal conductance responses to water stress. A comparison of two methods of rehydrating the leaves was also undertaken. It was shown that the rehydration of excised leaves did not reveal osmoregulation, whilst rehydration of intact plants did reveal osmoregulation following water stress. An increase in the bulk volumetric elastic modulus and the bound water fraction also occurred in response to water stress. These results are discussed in relation to pressure-volume technique and stomatal conductance responses to drought.
Promise and peril of e-cigarettes: can disruptive technology make cigarettes obsolete?

Despite extraordinary success, progress has stalled in reducing premature deaths from tobacco (primarily caused by cigarettes or other combusting tobacco products and not by nicotine per se). The dominance of cigarettes over the past 100 years (the cigarette century) threatens to persist for another century. Two philosophies have dominated tobacco control: abstinence and harm reduction. Abstinence implies avoiding all tobacco use behavior because there is no safe tobacco or nicotine level. If avoidance is not practical or realistic, harm reduction sets a goal that minimizes the harm caused by the behavior. Tension between reduction and abstinence advocates can be divisive. The rapid rise in the use and popularity of e-cigarettes has substantially increased this tension because of their potential for harm reduction. Although still variable in quality, appeal, and efficient nicotine delivery, e-cigarettes represent an evolving frontier, filled with promise and peril for tobacco control practitioners, policy makers, and regulators.
Local administration of mu or kappa opioid agonists attenuates capsaicin-induced thermal hyperalgesia via peripheral opioid receptors in rats.

Rationale: By acting on peripheral opioid re- ceptors, opioid agonists can attenuate nociceptive re- sponses induced by a variety of agents. Objectives: This study was conducted to characterize capsaicin-induced thermal hyperalgesia in rats and to evaluate the hypothe- sis that local administration of either mu or kappa opioid agonists (fentanyl and U50,488, respectively) can attenu- ate capsaicin-induced nociception. Methods: Capsaicin was administered s.c. in the tail of rats to evoke a noci- ceptive response, which was measured by the warm-wa- ter tail-withdrawal procedure. Either fentanyl or U50,488 was co-administered with capsaicin in the tail to evaluate local antinociceptive effects. In addition, the local antag- onism study was performed to confirm the site of action of both opioid agonists. Results: Capsaicin (0.3-10 µg) dose dependently produced thermal hyperalgesia mani- fested as reduced tail-withdrawal latencies in 45°C wa- ter. Co-administration of either fentanyl (0.32-3.2 µg) or U50,488 (10-100 µg) with capsaicin (3 µg) attenuated capsaicin-induced hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, this local antinociception was an- tagonized by small doses (10-100 µg) of an opioid an- tagonist, quadazocine, applied s.c. in the tail. However, the locally effective doses of quadazocine, when applied s.c. in the back (i.e., around the scapular region), did not antagonize either fentanyl or U50,488. Conclusions: In this experimental pain model, activation of peripheral mu or kappa opioid receptors can attenuate capsaicin-in- duced thermal hyperalgesia in rats. It supports the notion that peripheral antinociception can be achieved by local administration of analgesics into the injured tissue with- out producing central side effects.