In anti-slide structures with continuous ladders (hereinafter referred to as ASCLs), horizontal and vertical reinforced concrete anti-slide members are connected head-to-tail in a ladder-like configuration, positioned along the sliding surfaces of slopes. The anti-slide members are interconnected and anchored from the sliding mass through the sliding zone into the underlying intact bedrock, so as to resist the landslide thrust and replace the weak materials within the sliding zone. By improving the load arrangement, the structural stress of the horizontal anti-slide members, and landslide thrust calculation of ASCLs, numerical extreme values of the axial force, shear force and bending moment were verified in a reasonable numerical range via the extreme values of the analytical and modified analytical results. The extreme value of the axial force of the modified analytical calculation result was between the analytical and numerical results. The maximum modified analytical calculation result of the shear force was between the analytical and numerical results, and the minimum modified analytical calculation result of the shear force was relatively close to the analytical and numerical results. The extreme modified analytical calculation result of the bending moment of the ASCLs was between the analytical and numerical results. The correctness of the numerical calculation results was well verified via the analytical and modified analytical results.

Under the collective weight of growing test volume, staffing constraints, and Medicare reimbursements cuts, an enhancement-based, alternative payment structure focused on rewarding the laboratory's care delivery efforts via benchmarking is appealing. However, achieving a value-based payment model requires the development of an inclusive laboratory care delivery model (LCDM) framework. Today, a holistic, practical LCDM framework for laboratory medicine does not exist. However, such creation is essential for establishing unifying tenants of practice for value-tracing by which standardized key performance and population health indicators can be derived. LAB-CARES is the first step in formulating an LCDM with the primary objective of defining and streamlining the processes and strategies necessary to deliver and articulate the value of diagnostic excellence across the healthcare system. The goal of LAB-CARES is to maximize efficiencies, enhance quality, disseminate clinical expertise, increase patient safety, and promote integrative practice. LAB-CARES is designed to improve an individual patient's quality of life (longitudinal laboratory results - beyond one test) and their surrounding communities (e.g., through surveillance and prevention - beyond one patient). Further professional conversation and efforts are paramount to integrate LAB-CARES as a formalized structure within the healthcare landscape.

Pregnancy associated breast cancers (PABCs) exhibit increased aggressiveness and overall poorer survival. During lactation, changes take place in the breast tissue microenvironment that lead to increased macrophage recruitment and alterations in adipose stromal cells (ASC-Ls). The interaction of these cells in PABCs could play a role in the increased aggressiveness of these cancers. We utilized an in vitro co-culture model to recreate the interactions of ASC-Ls and macrophages in vivo. We performed qRT-PCR to observe changes in gene expression and cytokine arrays to identify transcriptional changes that result in an altered microenvironment. Additionally, functional assays were performed to further elicit how these changes affect tumorigenesis. The co-culture of ASC-Ls and macrophages altered both mRNA expression and cytokine secretion in a tumor promoting manner. Tumorigenic cytokines, such as IL-6, CXCL1, CXCL5, and MMP-9 secretion levels, were enhanced in the co-culture. Additionally, conditioned media from the co-culture elevated the tumor cell proliferation and angiogenic potential of endothelial cells. These finds indicate that the changes seen in the microenvironment of PABC, specifically the secretion of cytokines, play a role in the increased tumorigenesis of PABCs by altering the microenvironment to become more favorable to tumor progression.

Megakaryocytes (MKs) are platelet progenitor stem cells found in the bone marrow. Platelets obtained from blood draws can be used for therapeutic applications, especially platelet transfusion. The needs for platelet transfusions for clinical situation is increasing, due in part to the growing number of patients undergoing chemotherapy. Platelets obtained from donors, however, have the disadvantages of a limited storage lifespan and the risk of donor-related infection. Extensive effort has therefore been directed at manufacturing platelets ex vivo. Here, we review ex vivo technologies for MK development, focusing on human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cell line (ASCL)-based strategies and their potential clinical application. Bone marrow and adipose tissues contain mesenchymal stem/stromal cells that have an ability to differentiate into MKs, which release platelets. Taking advantage of this mechanism, we developed a donor-independent system for manufacturing platelets for clinical application using ASCL established from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (ASCs). Culture of ASCs with endogenous thrombopoietin and its receptor c-MPL, and endogenous genes such as p45NF-E2 leads to MK differentiation and subsequent platelet production. ASCs compose heterogeneous cells, however, and are not suitable for clinical application. Thus, we established ASCLs, which expand into a more homogeneous population, and fulfill the criteria for mesenchymal stem cells set by the International Society for Cellular Therapy. Using our ASCL culture system with MK lineage induction medium without recombinant thrombopoietin led to peak production of platelets within 12 days, which may be sufficient for clinical application.

The chalcone synthase superfamily consists of type III polyketidesynthases (PKSs), enzymes responsible for producing plant secondary metabolites with various biological and pharmacological activities. Anther-specific chalcone synthase-like enzymes (ASCLs) represent an ancient group of type III PKSs involved in the biosynthesis of sporopollenin, the main component of the exine layer of moss spores and mature pollen grains of seed plants. In the latter, ASCL proteins are localized in the tapetal cells of the anther where they participate in sporopollenin biosynthesis and exine formation within the locule. It is thought that the enzymes responsible for sporopollenin biosynthesis are highly conserved, and thus far, each angiosperm species with a genome sequenced has possessed two ASCL genes, which in Arabidopsis thaliana are PKSA and PKSB. The Gerbera hybrida (gerbera) PKS protein family consists of three chalcone synthases (GCHS1, GCHS3 and GCHS4) and three 2-pyrone synthases (G2PS1, G2PS2 and G2PS3). In previous studies we have demonstrated the functions of chalcone synthases in flavonoid biosynthesis, and the involvement of 2-pyrone synthases in the biosynthesis of antimicrobial compounds found in gerbera. In this study we expanded the gerbera PKS-family by functionally characterizing two gerbera ASCL proteins. In vitro enzymatic studies using purified recombinant proteins showed that both GASCL1 and GASCL2 were able to use medium and long-chain acyl-CoA starters and perform two to three condensation reactions of malonyl-CoA to produce tri- and tetraketide 2-pyrones, usually referred to as alpha-pyrones in sporopollenin literature. Both GASCL1 and GASCL2 genes were expressed only in floral organs, with most expression observed in anthers. In the anthers, transcripts of both genes showed strict tapetum-specific localization.

A survey of members of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) in 2012 examined laboratory administrators' views on retention incentives and older Clinical Laboratory Professionals (CLP). Results indicated that retention strategies currently in place are not concordant with the ones CLP think are important. Further, with the exception of ergonomic equipment, administrators reported low feasibility for the workplace changes favored by practitioners. While all administrators attributed positive traits to older CLP, older administrators held more favorable views. Administrators perceived older CLP as productive, having a high level of technical skills and loyal. The combination of technical competence and work ethic make retention of older CLP attractive to laboratory administrators and advantageous for combatting workforce shortages. This study highlights the discordance between the retention incentives valued by CLP and those viewed as feasible by administrators. Findings should be used by administrators to refine incentive packages that better reflect the desires of CLP.

A survey of members of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) was taken in May, 2012 to study workplace incentives and personal factors that could encourage clinical laboratory professionals (CLP) to continue working past retirement eligibility. Benefits, compensation, and opportunity for part-time work were key retention incentives identified by CLP in all age and job function groups. Career stage was shown to play a significant role in how CLP rated the importance of several retirement incentives, suggesting that age differences exist in workplace factors and personal motivators for continuing to work. There are also differences among practitioners, administrators, and educators in how they view incentives for working past retirement eligibility. Results of the study may help laboratory administrators advocate for workplace changes important to retaining staff of varying age and job function.

A survey to assess the retirement plans of clinical laboratory professionals (CLP) and the factors that would influence those plans was distributed to members of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) in May, 2012. A majority of respondents (65%) between 50-62 years indicated that there was a greater than 50% chance they would be working after age 62. Only 15.8% of the respondents thought that there was a greater than 50% chance that they would be working full time after they retired from their current job. The retirement option selected most often by respondents was part time work. This was true for respondents in all age groups and job functions. The greatest personal influence on retirement plans was concern about health issues. The results indicate that, if employers can provide part time options, older workers may stay in the workforce as long as they are healthy.

Anther-specific chalcone synthase-like enzyme (ASCL), an ancient plant type III polyketide synthase, is involved in the biosynthesis of sporopollenin, the stable biopolymer found in the exine layer of the wall of a spore or pollen grain. The gene encoding polyketide synthase 1 from Hypericum perforatum (HpPKS1) was previously shown to be expressed mainly in young flower buds, but also in leaves and other tissues at lower levels. Angiosperm ASCLs, identified by sequence and phylogenetic analyses, are divided into two sister clades, the Ala-clade and the Val-clade, and HpPKS1 belongs to the Ala-clade. Recombinant HpPKS1 produced triketide and, to a lesser extent, tetraketide alkylpyrones from medium-chain (C6) to very long-chain (C24) fatty acyl-CoA substrates. Like other ASCLs, HpPKS1 also preferred hydroxyl fatty acyl-CoA esters over the analogous unsubstituted fatty acyl-CoA esters. To study the structural basis of the substrate preference, mutants of Ala200 and Ala215 at the putative active site and Arg202 and Asp211 at the modeled acyl-binding tunnel were constructed. The A200T/A215Q mutant accepted decanoyl-CoA, a poor substrate for the wild-type enzyme, possibly because of active site constriction by bulkier substitutions. The substrate preference of the A215V and A200T/A215Q mutants shifted toward nonhydroxylated, medium-chain to long-chain fatty acyl-CoA substrates. The R202L/D211V double mutant was selective for acyl-CoA with chain lengths of C16-C18, and showed a diminished preference for the hydroxylated acyl-CoA substrates. Transient upregulation by abscisic acid and downregulation by jasmonic acid and wounding suggested that HpPKS1, and possibly other Ala-clade ASCLs, may be involved in the biosynthesis of minor cell wall components in nonanther tissues.