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The orientation of ice crystals affects their microphysical behaviour, growth, and precipitation. Orientation also affects interaction with electromagnetic radiation, and through this it influences remote sensing signals, in situ observations, and optical effects. Fall behaviours of a variety of 3D-printed plate-like ice crystal analogues in a tank of water–glycerine mixture are observed with multi-view cameras and digitally reconstructed to simulate the falling of ice crystals in the atmosphere. Four main falling regimes were observed: stable, zigzag, transitional, and spiralling. Stable motion is characterised by no resolvable fluctuations in velocity or orientation, with the maximum dimension oriented horizontally. The zigzagging regime is characterised by a back-and-forth swing in a constant vertical plane, corresponding to a time series of inclination angle approximated by a rectified sine wave. In the spiralling regime, analogues consistently incline at an angle between 7 and 28°, depending on particle shape. Transitional behaviour exhibits motion in between spiral and zigzag, similar to that of a falling spherical pendulum. The inclination angles that unstable planar ice crystals make with the horizontal plane are found to have a non-zero mode. This observed behaviour does not fit the commonly used Gaussian model of inclination angle. The typical Reynolds number when oscillations start is strongly dependent on shape: solid hexagonal plates begin to oscillate at Re =237, whereas several dendritic shapes remain stable throughout all experiments, even at Re > 1000. These results should be considered within remote sensing applications wherein the orientation characteristics of ice crystals are used to retrieve their properties.

ExaFEL is an HPC-capable X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) data analysis software suite for both Serial Femtosecond Crystallography (SFX) and Single Particle Imaging (SPI) developed in collaboration with the Linac Coherent Lightsource (LCLS), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and Los Alamos National Laboratory. ExaFEL supports real-time data analysis via a cross-facility workflow spanning LCLS and HPC centers such as NERSC and OLCF. Our work therefore constitutes initial path-finding for the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Integrated Research Infrastructure (IRI) program. We present the ExaFEL team's 7 years of experience in developing real-time XFEL data analysis software for the DOE's exascale supercomputers. We present our experiences and lessons learned with the Perlmutter and Frontier supercomputers. Furthermore we outline essential data center services (and the implications for institutional policy) required for real-time data analysis. Finally we summarize our software and performance engineering approaches and our experiences with NERSC's Perlmutter and OLCF's Frontier systems. This work is intended to be a practical blueprint for similar efforts in integrating exascale compute resources into other cross-facility workflows.

AbstractAddressing feedback-associated stress as a barrier to learning is increasingly relevant to student success and well-being. Mindfulness practices support stress management for students during the academic feedback process. Even if students receive high-quality feedback, the receiving end of feedback can be stressful, perhaps raising feelings of anxiety, confusion, or inadequacy. Feedback literacy and mindfulness practices complement one another. Mindfulness can potentially support feedback literacy by focusing one’s attention on the tasks needed to address feedback, instead of being distracted by emotions triggered by feedback. This study, comprised of an online survey (n = 237) and focus groups (n = 6), assesses post-secondary students’ perceptions concerning feedback literacy, mindfulness, and stress, and their thoughts about digital mindfulness tools intended to support students experiencing feedback-associated stress. Recruitment of students was from courses in Health Sciences, Medical Sciences, Media Studies, and Law. The survey data demonstrate that students with greater mindfulness have significantly greater feedback literacy as well as lower stress. Focus group data shows that a broad range of affective and behavioral responses are shaped by students’ perceptions of their abilities, circumstances, and feedback itself. Although students expressed familiarity with mindfulness practices, few considered explicitly linking mindfulness to their feedback process. Nevertheless, students expressed interest regarding the development of digital mindfulness tools to alleviate feedback-associated stress and offered recommendations for implementation.

Abstract Background National guidelines for rational opioid prescribing for acute postoperative pain are needed to optimise postoperative pain control and function whilst minimising opioid-related harm. Objectives This overview of systematic reviews aims to summarise and critically assess the quality of systematic reviews related to the 20 recommendations from two previously published consensus guideline papers (ten relevant at patient and prescriber levels and ten at a system / Public Health level). It also aims to identify gaps in research that require further efforts to fill these in order to augment the evidence behind creating national guidelines for rational opioid prescribing for acute postoperative pain. Methods A systematic database search using PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane was conducted in November 2022. Furthermore, reference lists were reviewed. All identified systematic reviews were assessed for eligibility. Data from each study was extracted using a pre-standardised data extraction form. The methodological quality of the included reviews was assessed by two independent reviewers using the AMSTAR 2 checklist. Descriptive synthesis of the results was performed. Results A total of 12 papers were eligible for analysis. Only eight out of the total 20 prioritised recommendations had systematic reviews that provided evidence related to them. These systematic reviews were most commonly of critically low quality. Conclusion The consensus papers provide guidance and recommendations based on the consensus of expert opinion that is based on the best available evidence. However, there is a lack of evidence supporting many of these consensus statements. Efforts to further analyse interventions that aim to reduce the rates of opioid prescribing and their adverse effects should therefore continue.

Structured-grid adaptive mesh refinement (SAMR) is an approach to mesh generation that supports structured access to data and adaptive mesh refinement for discretized partial differential equations (PDEs). Solution algorithms often require that an inverse of an operator be applied, a system of algebraic equations must be solved, and this process is often the primary computational cost in an application. SAMR is well suited to geometric multigrid solvers, which can be effective, but often do not adapt well to complex geometry including material coefficients. Algebraic multigrid (AMG) is more robust in the face of complex geometry, in both boundary conditions and internal material interfaces. AMG requires a stored matrix linearization of the operator. We discuss an approach, and an implementation in the Chombo block-structured AMR framework, for constructing composite grid matrices from a SAMR hierarchy of grids for use in linear solvers in the PETSc numerical library. We consider a case study with the Chombo-based BISICLES ice sheet modeling application.

Structured-grid adaptive mesh refinement (SAMR) is an approach to mesh generation that supports structured access to data and adaptive mesh refinement for discretized partial differential equations (PDEs). Solution algorithms often require that an inverse of an operator be applied, a system of algebraic equations must be solved, and this process is often the primary computational cost in an application. SAMR is well suited to geometric multigrid solvers, which can be effective, but often do not adapt well to complex geometry including material coefficients. Algebraic multigrid (AMG) is more robust in the face of complex geometry, in both boundary conditions and internal material interfaces. AMG requires a stored matrix linearization of the operator. We discuss an approach, and an implementation in the Chombo block-structured AMR framework, for constructing composite grid matrices from a SAMR hierarchy of grids for use in linear solvers in the PETSc numerical library. We consider a case study with the Chombo-based BISICLES ice sheet modeling application.

Appropriately used, computational fluid dynamics models are powerful tools to design and optimize primary settling tanks (PSTs). This paper uses a Fluent-based 3D model to identify the possible causes for underperformance of the circular PSTs at the Cali waste-water treatment plant, Colombia, and to propose design modifications to improve performance. A new configuration for the center well (CW) is proposed and evaluated. The influence of a rotational sludge scraper and of continuous sludge removal were considered in the numerical simulation. The new configuration included the modification of the current CW diameter and the location of a second baffle with the CW. The results suggest that the installation of the second baffle allows a more uniform flow distribution within the PST and consequently, the hydrodynamic problems associated with short-circuiting of the influent to the bottom of the tank are reduced. The second baffle suppresses the downward current, effectively dissipates the kinetic energy in the influent and forces the particles to move toward the bottom of the PST. In addition, the second CW baffle allows the formation in the inlet zone of a consistently more concentrated sludge blanket layer and thicker sludge, reducing the risk of solids leaving in the effluent of the PST. HIGHLIGHTS Three-dimensional CFD model for the evaluation of a new configuration for a circular PST.; The model includes the simulation of the sludge scraper movement by means of a sliding mesh.; Optimization of circular PST performance.; New configuration of center well for circular PST.; Formation of a consistent more concentrated sludge blanket in circular PST.;

Adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) is a technique that has been featured only sporadically in atmospheric science literature. This paper aims to demonstrate the utility of AMR for simulating atmospheric flows. Several test cases are implemented in a 2D shallow-water model on the sphere using the Chombo-AMR dynamical core. This high-order finite-volume model implements adaptive refinement in both space and time on a cubed-sphere grid using a mapped-multiblock mesh technique. The tests consist of the passive advection of a tracer around moving vortices, a steady-state geostrophic flow, an unsteady solid-body rotation, a gravity wave impinging on a mountain, and the interaction of binary vortices. Both static and dynamic refinements are analyzed to determine the strengths and weaknesses of AMR in both complex flows with small-scale features and large-scale smooth flows. The different test cases required different AMR criteria, such as vorticity or height-gradient based thresholds, in order to achieve the best accuracy for cost. The simulations show that the model can accurately resolve key local features without requiring global high-resolution grids. The adaptive grids are able to track features of interest reliably without inducing noise or visible distortions at the coarse-fine interfaces. Furthermore, the AMR grids keep any degradations of the large-scale smooth flows to a minimum.

A fourth-order accurate finite-volume method is presented for solving time-dependent hyperbolic systems of conservation laws on mapped grids that are adaptively refined in space and time. Novel considerations for formulating the semi-discrete system of equations in computational space are combined with detailed mechanisms for accommodating the adapting grids. These considerations ensure that conservation is maintained and that the divergence of a constant vector field is always zero (freestream-preservation property). The solution in time is advanced with a fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. A series of tests verifies that the expected accuracy is achieved in smooth flows and the solution of a Mach reflection problem demonstrates the effectiveness of the algorithm in resolving strong discontinuities.

A fourth-order accurate finite-volume method is presented for solving time-dependent hyperbolic systems of conservation laws on mapped grids that are adaptively refined in space and time. Novel considerations for formulating the semi-discrete system of equations in computational space are combined with detailed mechanisms for accommodating the adapting grids. These considerations ensure that conservation is maintained and that the divergence of a constant vector field is always zero (freestream-preservation property). The solution in time is advanced with a fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. A series of tests verifies that the expected accuracy is achieved in smooth flows and the solution of a Mach reflection problem demonstrates the effectiveness of the algorithm in resolving strong discontinuities.

We present an approach to solving hyperbolic conservation laws by finite-volume methods on mapped multiblock grids, extending the approach of Colella, Dorr, Hittinger, and Martin (2011) [10] for grids with a single mapping. We consider mapped multiblock domains for mappings that are conforming at inter-block boundaries. By using a smooth continuation of the mapping into ghost cells surrounding a block, we reduce the inter-block communication problem to finding an accurate, robust interpolation into these ghost cells from neighboring blocks. We demonstrate fourth-order accuracy for the advection equation for multiblock coordinate systems in two and three dimensions.

We present a high-order finite-volume approach for solving the shallow-water equations on the sphere, using multiblock grids on the cubed sphere. This approach combines a Runge-Kutta time discretization with a fourth-order-accurate spatial discretization and includes adaptive mesh refinement and refinement in time. Results of tests show fourth-order convergence for the shallow-water equations as well as for advection in a highly deformational flow. Hierarchical adaptive mesh refinement allows solution error to be achieved that is comparable to that obtained with uniform resolution of the most refined level of the hierarchy but with many fewer operations.

The spur dikes are structures that usually used for flow diversion from erodible wall and they usually create a appropriate path for directing the flow, flood control, protection of external walls, and some other cases. Through modifying the hydraulic conditions and creation of smooth flow, spur dikes can decrease water erosion force and power of sediment transport. In this study, the channel and spur dike related to the Heltz Laboratory model have been simulated using Flow-3D numerical model. The RNG turbulence model has been applied for turbulence modeling. The turbulent flow field around inclined spur dike and the effect of such parameters as angle, hydraulic conditions and sedimentation pattern have been investigated. The results showed that increasing the angle of spur dike affects the length and width of sedimentation area. When angle of spur dike increases from 90 to 120 deg, the width and length of the sedimentation area will increase up to about 71 and 92 percent, respectively. Keywords: Inclined spur dike, Flow pattern, Sedimentation, Flow-3D

We present a fourth-order accurate finite-volume method for solving time-dependent hyperbolic systems of conservation laws on Cartesian grids with multiple levels of refinement. The underlying method is a generalization of that in [5] to nonlinear systems, and is based on using fourth-order accurate quadratures for computing fluxes on faces, combined with fourth-order accurate Runge?Kutta discretization in time. To interpolate boundary conditions at refinement boundaries, we interpolate in time in a manner consistent with the individual stages of the Runge-Kutta method, and interpolate in space by solving a least-squares problem over a neighborhood of each target cell for the coefficients of a cubic polynomial. The method also uses a variation on the extremum-preserving limiter in [8], as well as slope flattening and a fourth-order accurate artificial viscosity for strong shocks. We show that the resulting method is fourth-order accurate for smooth solutions, and is robust in the presence of complex combinations of shocks and smooth flows.

Previously published on the Featured Creatures website at http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/flies/ant_decapitating_phorids.htm

There is a scarcity of literature written about body mapping as a method to understanding mindfulness practice, and even fewer examples of how to undertake this type of research in a tangible way. In this article, we discuss how body mapping was used as part of a qualitative study investigating working mothers' mindful practices. We present a novel approach to integrating mindfulness-based techniques with SOLOMON's body mapping method. We illustrate our experiences by 1. sharing an overview of body mapping as a method, and 2. reviewing practical issues we encountered including: a) ethical issues, b) how to approach analysis, and c) body mapping within social research. Body mapping can be a fun and expressive experience for participants of social research. It can also be a confusing and overwhelming experience for researchers and participants new to the method. Through the article, we offer some insights and assurances about how to proceed with body mapping projects, including details such as how to generate questions for body mapping sessions, and a thorough consideration of steps to consider for analysis.

We present a second-order accurate algorithm for solving the free-space Poisson's equation on a locally-refined nested grid hierarchy in three dimensions. Our approach is based on linear superposition of local convolutions of localized charge distributions, with the nonlocal coupling represented on coarser grids. There presentation of the nonlocal coupling on the local solutions is based on Anderson's Method of Local Corrections and does not require iteration between different resolutions. A distributed-memory parallel implementation of this method is observed to have a computational cost per grid point less than three times that of a standard FFT-based method on a uniform grid of the same resolution, and scales well up to 1024 processors.

SciDAC has had a major impact on computational beam dynamics and the design of particle accelerators. Particle accelerators -- which account for half of the facilities in the DOE Office of Science Facilities for the Future of Science 20 Year Outlook -- are crucial for US scientific, industrial, and economic competitiveness. Thanks to SciDAC, accelerator design calculations that were once thought impossible are now carried routinely, and new challenging and important calculations are within reach. SciDAC accelerator modeling codes are being used to get the most science out of existing facilities, to produce optimal designs for future facilities, and to explore advanced accelerator concepts that may hold the key to qualitatively new ways of accelerating charged particle beams. In this poster we present highlights from the SciDAC Accelerator Science and Technology (AST) project Beam Dynamics focus area in regard to algorithm development, software development, and applications.

We present an algorithm for solving the heat equation on irregular time-dependent domains. It is based on the Cartesian grid embedded boundary algorithm of Johansen and Colella (J. Comput. Phys. 147(2):60--85) for discretizing Poisson's equation, combined with a second-order accurate discretization of the time derivative. This leads to a method that is second-order accurate in space and time. For the case where the boundary is moving, we convert the moving-boundary problem to a sequence of fixed-boundary problems, combined with an extrapolation procedure to initialize values that are uncovered as the boundary moves. We find that, in the moving boundary case, the use of Crank--Nicolson time discretization is unstable, requiring us to use the $L_0$-stable implicit Runge--Kutta method of Twizell, Gumel, and Arigu.

Catholic youth and young adult ministries have evolved vastly since they began in the 1930s. Throughout this ministry’s history, a story of change is told. This article will explore three questions. First, what does the history of this ministry tell us about the future? This will include an examination of the past twenty years of research and trends on youth and young adult ministry and the ministry leaders serving them. Second, what are the current realities informing our new directions? Third, what are the new directions being called for regarding the Catholic Church’s ministry to youth and young adults, and those that serve this ministry? Undoubtedly, Christus Vivit has shaped this conversation, and a large part of this direction includes a call for evangelization and accompaniment. Regardless, the key to moving in a new direction is understanding both the framework or characteristics for the pastoral ministry and the evolved role responsibilities of youth and young adult ministry leaders.

Introduction: Metaphors are commonly used linguistic devices that can encourage deep reflection and offer new insight. Metaphors have been used within the both the occupational therapy and mindfulness literature to describe complex phenomena. The aim of this phenomenological study was to identify, analyze, and interpret metaphors used by pediatric occupational therapists to describe mindfulness in their clinical practices with children and youth. Method: Eight North American Occupational Therapists participated in semi-structured interviews which were transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were read to identify idiographic or naturally occurring metaphors used by participants. Metaphors of mindfulness were also elicited from participants as an interview question. Findings: Three themes were identified within participants' idiographic metaphors of mindfulness: mindfulness as a tool, mindfulness as exploration, and mindfulness as a support. Two additional themes were identified within participants' idiographic metaphors of themselves as facilitators of mindfulness: therapist as a guide, and therapist as a gardener. Elicited metaphors generally aligned with the themes identified for idiographic metaphors while some offered additional unique insights. Conclusion: The findings open conversations about therapists' framing of the use of mindfulness within the context of pediatric occupational therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donald McCorquodale, Evan M Pucillo, Nicholas E Johnson Department of Neurology, Eccles Institute of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA Abstract: Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease is the most common inherited neuropathy and one of the most common inherited diseases in humans. The diagnosis of CMT is traditionally made by the neurologic specialist, yet the optimal management of CMT patients includes genetic counselors, physical and occupational therapists, physiatrists, orthotists, mental health providers, and community resources. Rapidly developing genetic discoveries and novel gene discovery techniques continue to add a growing number of genetic subtypes of CMT. The first large clinical natural history and therapeutic trials have added to our knowledge of each CMT subtype and revealed how CMT impacts patient quality of life. In this review, we discuss several important trends in CMT research factors that will require a collaborative multidisciplinary approach. These include the development of large multicenter patient registries, standardized clinical instruments to assess disease progression and disability, and increasing recognition and use of patient-reported outcome measures. These developments will continue to guide strategies in long-term multidisciplinary efforts to maintain quality of life and preserve functionality in CMT patients. Keywords: rehabilitation, genetic diagnosis, patient quality of life, inherited neuropathies, hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies, longitudinal care

Background Similar to natural rivers, manmade inlets connect inland runoff to the ocean. Port Everglades Inlet (PEI) is a busy cargo and cruise ship port in South Florida, which can act as a source of pollution to surrounding beaches and offshore coral reefs. Understanding the composition and fluctuations of bacterioplankton communities (“microbiomes”) in major port inlets is important due to potential impacts on surrounding environments. We hypothesize seasonal microbial fluctuations, which were profiled by high throughput 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and analysis. Methods & Results Surface water samples were collected every week for one year. A total of four samples per month, two from each sampling location, were used for statistical analysis creating a high sampling frequency and finer sampling scale than previous inlet microbiome studies. We observed significant differences in community alpha diversity between months and seasons. Analysis of composition of microbiomes (ANCOM) tests were run in QIIME 2 at genus level taxonomic classification to determine which genera were differentially abundant between seasons and months. Beta diversity results yielded significant differences in PEI community composition in regard to month, season, water temperature, and salinity. Analysis of potentially pathogenic genera showed presence of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. However, statistical analysis indicated that these organisms were not present in significantly high abundances throughout the year or between seasons. Discussion Significant differences in alpha diversity were observed when comparing microbial communities with respect to time. This observation stems from the high community evenness and low community richness in August. This indicates that only a few organisms dominated the community during this month. August had lower than average rainfall levels for a wet season, which may have contributed to less runoff, and fewer bacterial groups introduced into the port surface waters. Bacterioplankton beta diversity differed significantly by month, season, water temperature, and salinity. The 2013–2014 dry season (October–April), was warmer and wetter than historical averages. This may have driven significant differences in beta diversity. Increased nitrogen and phosphorous concentrations were observed in these dry season months, possibly creating favorable bacterial growth conditions. Potentially pathogenic genera were present in the PEI. However their relatively low, non-significant abundance levels highlight their relatively low risk for public health concerns. This study represents the first to sample a large port at this sampling scale and sequencing depth. These data can help establish the inlet microbial community baseline and supplement the vital monitoring of local marine and recreational environments, all the more poignant in context of local reef disease outbreaks and worldwide coral reef collapse in wake of a harsh 2014–16 El Niño event.

Sea-level rise, the increasing number and intensity of storms, oil and groundwater extraction, and coastal land subsidence are putting people and property at risk along Louisiana’s coast, with major implications for human safety and economic health of coastal areas. A major goal towards re-establishing a healthy and sustainable coastal ecosystem has been to rebuild Louisiana’s disappearing wetlands with fine grained sediments that are dredged or diverted from nearby rivers, channels and lakes to build land in open water areas. A thorough geo-hydrodynamic characterization of the deposited sediments is important in the correct design and a more realistic outcome assessment of the long-term performance measures for ongoing coastal restoration projects. This paper evaluates the effects of salinity and solid particle concentration on the re-suspension characteristics of fine-grained dredged sediments obtained from multiple geographic locations along the Gulf coast. The critical bed-shear-stress for erosion has been evaluated as a function of sedimentation time. The sediment hydrodynamic properties obtained from the laboratory testing were used in a numerical coastal sediment distribution model to aid in evaluating sediment diversions from the Mississippi River into Breton Sound and Barataria Bay.

Tom McCorquodale,1 Hooshang Lahooti,1 Bamini Gopinath,2 Jack R Wall11Department of Medicine, Nepean Clinical School, the University of Sydney, Penrith, NSW, Australia; 2Centre for Vision Research, the University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, AustraliaBackground: Ophthalmopathy is the most common extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves' disease. However, in approximately 5% of cases this autoimmune eye disorder occurs in the apparent absence of Graves' hyperthyroidism: the so-called euthyroid Graves' disease (EGD).Methods: Seven patients with EGD were followed for evidence of thyroid and orbital autoimmunity, for up to 10 years. Calsequestrin and collagen XIII antibodies were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and TSH-receptor (TSH-r) antibodies were measured as TSH-r-binding antibody (TRAb) and thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI). Eye signs were characterized and quantified as clinical activity score (CAS), NOSPECS classes, Nunery types 1 and 2, and margin-reflex distance (MRD).Results: Calsequestrin antibodies were detected on at least one occasion in three of the seven patients and collagen XIII antibodies were detected one or more times in five patients. In one patient with isolated congestive ophthalmopathy who was studied intensely, collagen XIII antibodies were initially positive and then became negative as the eye disease stabilized, while antibodies targeting calsequestrin were always negative. TRAb was not detected in any patient, but TSI was detected in three patients on one occasion each. Ultrasound abnormalities were found in four of the six patients for whom this was carried out, but there was no clear evidence for thyroiditis in any of these patients. For comparison, 13 patients were studied with typical Graves' ophthalmopathy. There were no significant differences compared to EGD in respect to the prevalence of positive calsequestrin or collagen XIII antibodies, but these patients included more smokers (eight out of 13 versus none out of seven).Conclusions: Earlier studies suggesting that patients with EGD eventually develop thyroid dysfunction have not been confirmed here, although follow-up continues, and the possibility that such patients have had thyroid autoimmunity in the past, or that they will develop it in the future cannot be excluded. Overall, it is likely that the ophthalmopathy associated with Graves' hyperthyroidism is the same disease as that observed in patients – such as those reported here – in whom thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoimmunity are not present during the period of follow-up. The role of autoimmunity against the TSH-r in euthyroid patients with ophthalmopathy has not been proven and the significance of the orbital antibodies is unclear.Keywords: ophthalmopathy, thyroid eye disease, collagen XIII, calsequestrin, euthyroid Graves' disease

Discusses what five teachers learned when they engaged in a literature discussion group to discuss children's books to develop themselves as writing teachers. Highlights the three layers of talk (emotional responses, exploring the meaning of the book, and exploring the writer's craft) and the role these play in the learning process. (SR)

Understanding the way in which the airway heals in response to injury is fundamental to dissecting the mechanisms underlying airway disease pathology. As only limited data is available in relation to the in vivo characterisation of the molecular features of repair in the airway we sought to characterise the dynamic changes in gene expression that are associated with the early response to physical injury in the airway wall.We profiled gene expression changes in the airway wall using a large animal model of physical injury comprising bronchial brush biopsy in anaesthetised sheep. The experimental design featured sequential studies in the same animals over the course of a week and yielded data relating to the response at 6 hours, and 1, 3 and 7 days after injury. Notable features of the transcriptional response included the early and sustained preponderance of down-regulated genes associated with angiogenesis and immune cell activation, selection and differentiation. Later features of the response included the up-regulation of cell cycle genes at d1 and d3, and the latter pronounced up-regulation of extracellular matrix-related genes at d3 and d7.It is possible to follow the airway wall response to physical injury in the same animal over the course of time. Transcriptional changes featured coordinate expression of functionally related genes in a reproducible manner both within and between animals. This characterisation will provide a foundation against which to assess the perturbations that accompany airway disease pathologies of comparative relevance.

Children are coming to classrooms across the United States with a need to develop their oral language. With the increased promotion of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, commercialized programs are being provided for teachers to use to build oral language in their students. The authors believe that schools and teachers can best enhance children's oral language and vocabulary development through the discriminating selection of great literature in the classroom. The authors present a tip for teachers, which is intended to show them how to build oral language and needed vocabulary when attempting to read and understand text through the use of literature, rather than with commercialized programs.

Age-related bone loss is associated with changes in bone cellularity with characteristically low levels of osteoblastogenesis. The mechanisms that explain these changes remain unclear. Although recent in vitro evidence has suggested a new role for proteins of the nuclear envelope in osteoblastogenesis, the role of these proteins in bone cells differentiation and bone metabolism in vivo remains unknown. In this study, we used the lamin A/C null (Lmna⁻/⁻) mice to identify the role of lamin A/C in bone turnover and bone structure in vivo. At three weeks of age, histological and micro computed tomography measurements of femurs in Lmna⁻/⁻ mice revealed a significant decrease in bone mass and microarchitecture in Lmna⁻/⁻ mice as compared with their wild type littermates. Furthermore, quantification of cell numbers after normalization with bone surface revealed a significant reduction in osteoblast and osteocyte numbers in Lmna⁻/⁻ mice compared with their WT littermates. In addition, Lmna⁻/⁻ mice have significantly lower osteoclast number, which show aberrant changes in their shape and size. Finally, mechanistic analysis demonstrated that absence of lamin A/C is associated with increase expression of MAN-1 a protein of the nuclear envelope closely regulated by lamin A/C, which also colocalizes with Runx2 thus affecting its capacity as osteogenic transcription factor. In summary, these data clearly indicate that the presence of lamin A/C is necessary for normal bone turnover in vivo and that absence of lamin A/C induces low bone turnover osteopenia resembling the cellular changes of age-related bone loss.