cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coupled Macroscopic and Microscopic Scale Modeling of Fibrillar Tissues and Tissue Equivalents

Collagen mechanics are crucial to the function and dysfunction of many tissues, including blood vessels and articular cartilage, and bioartificial tissues. Previous attempts to develop computer simulations of collagenous tissue based on macroscopic property descriptions have often been limited in application by the simplicity of the model; simulations based on microscopic descriptions, in contrast, have numerical limitations imposed by the size of the mathematical problem. We present a method that combines the tractability of the macroscopic approach with the flexibility of the microstructural approach. The macroscopic domain is divided into finite elements (as in standard FEM). Each element contains a microscopic scale network. Instead of a stress constitutive equation; the macroscopic problem is distributed over the microscopic scale network and solved in each element to satisfy the weak formulation of Cauchy's stress continuity equation over the macroscopic domain. The combined method scales by order 1. 1 as the overall number of degrees of freedom is increased, allowing it to handle larger problems than a direct microstructural approach. Model predictions agree qualitatively with tensile tests on isotropic and aligned reconstituted type I collagen gels.
A Simplex Fitting Approach to Dimensionality Assessment of Binary Data Matrices

A Monte Carlo investigation of simplex fitting as a method of determining the dimensionality of binary data matrices was carried out. The simplex is an index of dimensionality having considerable appeal on a priori grounds. The study was carried out to explore the adequacy of simplex fitting for estimating dimensionality of binary item pools. To achieve this objective, an examination was made of the fit of correlation matrices with known factor structure to a correlation matrix representing a perfect simplex. Results indicated that the simplex fitting method is a viable approach to dimensionality assessment under certain situations. However, simplex fitting breaks down under extreme values of two important parameters. At less extreme levels of these parameters, the simplex fitting method is more effective than are the usual factor analytic dimensionality criteria. Results are discussed within the realm of considering the tenability of the goal of strict unidimensionality and the consequences of failure to...
Digital divide: Use of electronic personal health record by different population groups

Personal Health Record (PHR) has been increasingly recognized and actively promoted by the federal government, experts and industry as an important tool for improving healthcare in the U.S. However, the PHR use by patients and its utility have not been studied well. We have evaluated a web-based PHR in multiple locations covering diverse population groups. The study sites included a surgical specialty clinic, a medical specialty clinic, and a mental health clinic at the University of Washington, and a low-income elderly housing facility near Seattle in the state of Washington. The PHR use by the low-income elderly was limited due to poor technical skills and low physical/cognitive abilities. On the other hand, the younger and affluent populations used the web-based PHR much easily and efficiently compared to the older and low-income group. They regarded managing personal health information easy while the older group struggled. As more computer literate individuals age, the next-generation elderly are certain to be more technically skilled than the current generation. Although the reduced physical/cognitive abilities due to aging would still be a challenge, more elderly people will be able to not only use a PHR system but also use it to the full extent to get the maximum benefit.
Redefining “Critical” Bone Loss in Shoulder Instability: Functional Outcomes Worsen With “Subcritical” Bone Loss

Background:Glenoid bone loss is a common finding in association with anterior shoulder instability. This loss has been identified as a predictor of failure after operative stabilization procedures. Historically, 20% to 25% has been accepted as the “critical” cutoff where glenoid bone loss should be addressed in a primary procedure. Few data are available, however, on lesser, “subcritical” amounts of bone loss (below the 20%-25% range) on functional outcomes and failure rates after primary arthroscopic stabilization for shoulder instability.Purpose:To evaluate the effect of glenoid bone loss, especially in subcritical bone loss (below the 20%-25% range), on outcomes assessments and redislocation rates after an isolated arthroscopic Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Subjects were 72 consecutive anterior instability patients (73 shoulders) who underwent isolated anterior arthroscopic labral repair at a single military institution by 1 of ...
Multidose Streptozotocin Induction of Diabetes in BALB/cBy Mice Induces a T Cell Proliferation Defect in Thymocytes Which Is Reversible by Interleukin-4

Abstract Thymic T cell function in streptozotocin-treated (STZ) diabetic mice has been examined. STZ administration suppresses thymic T cell proliferation in response to mitogen stimulation in vitro. Secretion of IL-4 was dramatically reduced; however, secretion of IL-2 or IFN-γ was not significantly inhibited. RT-PCR analysis of thymocyte RNA revealed that levels of IL-4 mRNA were dramatically decreased in STZ-treated mice. Levels of mRNA encoding IFN-γ were similar, but the appearance was delayed in thymocytes derived from STZ-treated mice, implying differential regulation of IL-4 and IFN-γ. Defective thymocyte proliferation was partially restored by exposure to IL-2 in vitro; however, IL-4 completely reversed the STZ-induced defect. Administration in vivo of IL-4 before STZ treatment reversed the STZ-induced thymocyte proliferation defect and prevented both pancreatic islet destruction and hyperglycemia. Thymocyte cell surface differentiation markers were not appreciably different from control mice. Collectively these experiments suggest that STZ treatment of mice reduces expression of IL-4 which is associated with development of autoimmune diabetes.
Structural and Biochemical Studies of the RNA-Associated Sm Protein Superfamily

Sm proteins comprise a broad, evolutionarily conserved family that plays key roles in RNA processing, in organisms ranging from bacteria to human. Eukaryotic Sm proteins form snRNP cores and help organize the RNA splicing machinery, while bacterial Sm proteins (Hfq) interact with small noncoding RNAs to regulate quorum sensing and other sRNA-based pathways; the existence of Sm-like proteins in the Archaea suggests the importance of this ancient family in the early evolution of RNA processing. To decipher the intricate structure ↔ function ↔ evolution relationships in this family, we are pursuing three lines of work that encompass computational analysis and experimental discovery: (i) development of a quantitative ‘definition’ of the Sm fold, enabling structural analyses and comparison to other small nucleic acid-binding folds, as well as molecular dynamics simulations of Sm proteins; (ii) discovery and identification of small noncoding RNAs bound in vivo by Sm homologs from deep-branching phyla; (iii) crystallographic studies of archaeal Sm proteins and assemblies. Recent results from these directions will be presented.
Paradoxical GABA excitation of nigral dopaminergic cells: indirect mediation through reticulata inhibitory neurons

Biochemical and electrophysiological and electrophysiological studies suggest that GABA agonists increase the activity of dopaminergic neurons in the zona compacta (ZC) of the substantia nigra despite a known GABAergic input to ZC cells. Using single-unit recording techniques we have investigated this "paradoxical" effect. One population of neurons located in the zona reticulata (ZR) of the substantia nigra was found to be 20 times more sensitive to iontophoretically applied GABA than ZC neurons. GABA introduced by means of microiontophoresis into the ZR caused an increase in ZC cell activity while glutamic acid introduced in the same manner produced an inhibition of ZC cells. The latter effect was blocked by low doses of picrotoxin. Muscimol (i.v.) caused a decrease in ZR cell activity at the same dose that caused a parallel increase in ZC cell firing rate. These data suggest that ZC cells receive an inhibitory GABAergic input from ZR cells that are in turn inhibited by low doses of GABA agonists. Such an anatomical arrangement would account for the "paradoxical" excitatory effect of GABA agonists on ZC neuron activity.
The Atmospheric Imaging Radar: Simultaneous Volumetric Observations Using a Phased Array Weather Radar

AbstractMobile weather radars often utilize rapid-scan strategies when collecting observations of severe weather. Various techniques have been used to improve volume update times, including the use of agile and multibeam radars. Imaging radars, similar in some respects to phased arrays, steer the radar beam in software, thus requiring no physical motion. In contrast to phased arrays, imaging radars gather data for an entire volume simultaneously within the field of view (FOV) of the radar, which is defined by a broad transmit beam. As a result, imaging radars provide update rates significantly exceeding those of existing mobile radars, including phased arrays. The Advanced Radar Research Center (ARRC) at the University of Oklahoma (OU) is engaged in the design, construction, and testing of a mobile imaging weather radar system called the atmospheric imaging radar (AIR). Initial tests performed with the AIR demonstrate the benefits and versatility of utilizing beamforming techniques to achieve high spatial...
Cribriform adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

Figure 1. Modified Gleason grade diagram shows cribriform adenocarcinoma as high grade Gleason pattern 4. ADENOCARCINOMA of the prostate shows a number of different growth patterns that are of prognostic and therapeutic significance. These different patterns are categorized using the Gleason grading scheme, which has undergone modifications over the years. In 2005 a modification of the Gleason grading scheme was published based on an ISUP (International Society of Urological Pathology) meeting. One of the major changes was the movement of almost all cribriform adenocarcinomas from Gleason pattern 3 to high grade Gleason pattern 4. In a second modification all cribriform adenocarcinomas were considered Gleason pattern 4 (fig. 1). Classification of invasive cribriform adenocarcinoma as high grade Gleason pattern 4 is based on the finding that the cribriform pattern is independently associated with biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy, with metastasis after radical prostatectomy, and with metastasisfree and disease specific survival. Microscopically cribriform growth of adenocarcinoma of the prostate is characterized by a sievelike gland-in-gland appearance (fig. 2). It may be admixed with other patterns (Gleason grades) or may be found in pure form. The histomorphological differential diagnosis includes benign and neoplastic entities in the prostate. Benign cribriform structures in the prostate include cribriform normal central zone glands, cribriform (clear cell) hyperplasia and cribriform basal cell hyperplasia. Cribriform high grade PIN (prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia) is distinguished from invasive cribriform adenocarcinoma mainly by the presence of basal cells in PIN glands. Invasive cribriform adenocarcinoma should be separated from intraductal cribriform carcinoma. Finally, if invasive cribriform adenocarcinoma shows central comedonecrosis, the correct Gleason grade is 5 rather than 4. Diagnostic recognition of cribriform adenocarcinoma and its appropriate designation as high grade
Patch esophagoplasty using AlloDerm as a tissue scaffold

Abstract Background/Purpose: Anastomotic leak and stricture are common causes of morbidity after esophageal repair. The authors describe a technique of patch esophagoplasty using decellularized human skin. Methods: Twelve conditioned dogs underwent a cervical 2.0- × 1.0-cm esophagoplasty with AlloDerm. A gastrostomy tube was used for feedings until an esophagram was performed on the 10th to 14th postoperative day. Dogs were then given oral chow and followed up for leak and dysphagia. Animals were killed at 1-, 2-, and 3-month intervals and evaluated for stricture, diverticula formation, and patch histology. Results: All animals survived, and none had sepsis or dysphagia. All esophagrams were without evidence of leak or stricture. At death there were no strictures or diverticula. Histologic examination of 1-month specimens showed partial reepithelialization of the patch with neovascularization. Control staining of AlloDerm was strongly positive for elastin. This was decreased in the region of the patch at 1 month. Two-month specimens showed intact epithelium and an increase in the caliber of new blood vessels. Three-month specimens showed no significant variation from 2-month animals. Conclusion: Decellularized human skin (AlloDerm) provides a temporary collagen framework on which esophageal healing can occur and function can be maintained. J Pediatr Surg 36:266-268. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Identity and influence in social interaction

Researchers studying argumentation often make the simplifying assumption that rational persuasion can be studied independently from the processes through which social identities are established and maintained. However, developments in the study of message design, particularly the groundbreaking work of Brown and Levinson (1978, 1987) on politeness, suggests that in practice the multiple functions of messages are intertwined in message structure and effects. In contrast to the view that identity issues distort rational processes in communication, both the communication of identity and the use of identity-based appeals in social influence are best seen as prototypical examples of rationality in message design.
The effects of gallium nitrate on osteopenia induced by ovariectomy and a low-calcium diet in rats

Abstract The effects of gallium nitrate (GN) were evaluated on osteopenia induced by ovariectomy (OVX) and a low-calcium diet (LCD) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty-five rats (300–400 g) were randomized into four groups of 5–7 animals: (I) OVX LCD treated with GN for 22 weeks; (II) OVX LCD treated with GN for 10 weeks; (III) OVX LCD treated with saline; and (IV) sham-operated (SO), normal diet, treated with saline. GN-treated rats received a 30-mg/kg subcutaneous single dose of elemental gallium, followed by 10 mg/kg per week, whereas control animals received an equal volume of saline. All animals were euthanized at 22 weeks. Measurements of bone density and histomorphometry, performed on the proximal portion of the tibia, indicated significant bone loss in all OVX LCD animals. GN-treated rats in group I gained significantly less weight than those in the other groups, and their blood urea nitrogen increased, suggesting a nephrotoxic effect. After discontinuation of GN, rats in group II gained weight at the same rate as those which had received only saline. Bone formation rates in the GN-treated rats were double those of the saline-treated OVX animals and more than 10 times those of SO controls. Although the bone formation rate in GN-treated rats increased, GN had no effect in preventing the loss of bone surface, density and volume induced by OVX LCD. These findings suggest that although GN may enhance osteoblastic activity, this agent alone does not appear effective in the prevention of bone loss induced by OVX LCD.
Surface plasma actuators modeling for flow control

Abstract The surface plasma actuators over the entire speed region have been intensely investigated for flow control. Most of the fundamental phenomena have been firmly identified by experimental observations but ambiguities still remained. The direct computational simulation for multiple microdischarges is presently beyond our reach, thus the essential physics may be better understood on the framework of physics-based modeling. To achieve this objective, the drift-diffusion approximation is adopted as a transport property approximation to the nonequilibrium air plasma. The most challenging issue of electron impact ionization process at the low-temperature environment is addressed by the Townsend mechanism together with electron attachment, detachment, bulk, and ion–ion recombination. The effects and quantifications of Joule heating, periodic electrostatic force, as well as, the Lorentz acceleration for flow control are examined. The clarification to the hot spot of heat transfer in direct current discharge and the orientations of the periodic force associated with AC cycle of dielectric barrier discharge are also included.
Characterization of a Valine−Lysine Thiourea Cross-Link on Rat Globin Produced by Carbon Disulfide or N,N-Diethyldithiocarbamate in Vivo

Previous in vivo studies have supported protein cross-linking by CS2 as both a mechanism of neurotoxicity and a potential biomarker of effect through the detection of a structure responsible for CS2-mediated protein cross-linking, namely, lysine−lysine thiourea. In this study, the structure of a previously uncharacterized stable protein cross-link produced by CS2 in vivo involving lysine and the N-terminal valine of globin has been determined. Rats were exposed to 50, 500, and 800 ppm CS2 for 2, 4, 8, and 13 weeks by inhalation or to 3 mmol/kg N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate administered orally on alternating days for 8 and 16 weeks. Acid hydrolysis, using 6 N HCl, of globin from control and exposed rats caused cyclization of the valine−lysine thiourea cross-link in treated rats to isopropyl norleucyl thiohydantoin. The hydrolysate was separated by size-exclusion chromatography, and the fraction that coeluted with the synthetic deuterated isopropyl norleucyl thiohydantoin internal standard was derivatized with...
Equations describing molecular-motor-assisted transport in dendrites with a non-uniform cross-sectional area

The purpose of this paper is to develop new transport equations describing transport of intracellular organelles by a combined effect of diffusion and molecular-motor-driven transport in dendrites of neuron cells that have a non-uniform cross-sectional area which depends on the distance from the neuron soma. The obtained equations are solved numerically for two types of microtubule (MT) orientations that are experimentally found in dendrites. In one type of dendrites, which is found in cultured rat hippocampal neurons, MTs have a mixed polarity orientation while in the second type, which is found in Drosophila neurons, MTs have the minus-end-out polarity orientation. Simulations show important differences in organelle transport in these two types of dendrites. The conclusion is that the MT orientation has a profound effect on the total rate of organelle transfer toward the growth cone of a dendrite and consequently determines its growth potential and its growth rate.
Changes in reinforcement contingencies and the disruption of social exchange

Abstract Social exchange, reinforcement, and equity theories suggest that several forms of change in social reinforcement contingencies should disrupt social interaction. A laboratory experiment compared the disruptive effects of three forms of contingency change on social exchange in the dyad: (1) the addition of an individual contingency as an alternative reward source, (2) reduction in the magnitude of rewards from social exchange, and (3) a change from equitable to inequitable exchange. All three forms of change were more likely to induce deviation than a control condition of no change. Of the three forms of change, contingency addition produced the most sustained disruptions and reward reduction the shortest disruptions; inequity was intermediate. The same rank order, although nonsignificant, was observed for probability of initial deviation. Subjects' responses to postexperimental questionnaires suggest that reward reduction and inequity produced the kinds of emotional responses predicted by exchange and equity theories, but these reactions do not appear to mediate the effects on deviation.
Mechanical Properties of a Battery Separator under Compression and Tension

Knowledge of the compressive mechanical properties of battery separator membranes is important for understanding their long term performance in battery cells where they are placed under compression. This paper presents a straightforward procedure for measuring the compressive mechanical properties of battery separator membranes using a universal compression testing machine. The compressive mechanical properties of a microporous polypropylene separator are characterized over a range of strain rates and in different fluid environments. These measurements are then compared to measurements of the rate and fluid-dependent mechanical properties of the separator under tension. High strain rate dependence due to viscoelasticity is observed in both tension and compression. An additional rate dependence due to poroelastic effects is observed in compression at high strain rates. A reduction in mechanical properties is observed in DMC solvent environments for both tension and compression, but is found to be less pronounced in compression. The difference in mechanical properties between compression and tension highlight the anisotropic nature of battery separators and the importance of measuring compressive properties in addition to tensile properties. © The Author(s) 2014. Published by ECS. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (CC BY, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse of the work in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. [DOI: 10.1149/2.0191411jes] All rights reserved.
Mortality Trends for Non–ST‐segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) in the United States from 1988 to 2004

Background: Non–ST-segment myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is one of the major causes of hospital admissions. Mortality trend in patients with NSTEMI over the years has not been studied well. The goal of this study is to explore age-adjusted long-term mortality trends from NSTEMI in the United States using a very large database. Methods: We used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, a component of the Health Care Cost and Utilization (HCUP) project, for this study. International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes were used to identify NSTEMI cases in patients >40 years old. Age-adjusted mortality rates for NSTEMI cases were calculated by multiplying the age-specific mortality rates of NSTEMI by age-specific weights. Results: A total of 1,400,234 patients above the age of 40 years were identified. The mean age of this cohort was 77.1±10.7 years, with a total of 179,361 deaths being reported over this 16-year period. Among patients who died, 51.2% were men and 48.8% were women. The age-adjusted mortality from NSTEMI declined from 1988 (727 per 100,000) to 2004 (305 per 100,000) until the middle of the decade when mortality from NSTEMI started leveling off. Total mortality decreased from 29.6% in 1988 to 11.3% in 2004. Conclusions: Our analysis showed a significant reduction in the age-adjusted and total mortality for NSTEMI over the years studied. The cause of this trend is not known but most likely reflects advancement in the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
OTOLARYNGOLOGY IN THE INFORMATION AGE: Enabling Technologies for the Future of Surgery

Enabling technologies for the future, whether exemplified by endoscopic, minimally invasive, or microdexterity systems or surgical and nonsurgical image-guided procedures, continue with an evolution so rapid that before one change has been accepted and perfected, another even more dramatic change promises to replace it. These information-based surgical and procedural interventions are just now becoming accepted standards of surgical, radiologic, and medical practice, and yet the promise of more advanced technologies blurs even these new boundaries, constantly redefining the concept of "surgery." It is essential that otolaryngologists, as part of the broader spectrum of physicians, understand these changes and prepare to adapt and improve each and every one of their technical and cognitive skills.
Sensitivity of the five-choice serial reaction time task to the effects of various psychotropic drugs in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Background Attentional deficits accompany many psychiatric disorders, underscoring the need for rodent models of attention to screen novel therapeutic agents and characterize the biological basis of attention. The five-choice serial reaction time task (5CSRTT) is one such model. Here, we characterized the effects of four standard psychotropic agents on performance in the 5CSRTT. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained in the 5CSRTT (5-sec inter-trial interval and .5-sec stimulus duration) until they reliably performed at > 60% accuracy and N -methyl-D-aspartate antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801) (.008–.25 mg/kg), the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor desipramine (DMI) (.63–10 mg/kg), or the κ-receptor agonist U69,593 (.25–2.0 mg/kg) 30 min before testing. Results Methylphenidate (.5 mg/kg) increased accuracy. Dizocilpine impaired accuracy (.25 mg/kg), increased premature responses (.063–.25 mg/kg), and increased omissions (.25 mg/kg). Desipramine decreased premature responses (5.0 mg/kg) but increased omissions (10 mg/kg), correct response latencies (5.0–10.0 mg/kg), and reward latencies (5.0–10.0 mg/kg). The κ-opioid agonist U69,593 (1.0–2.0 mg/kg) increased omissions and correct response latencies. Conclusions In Sprague-Dawley rats, psychotropic drugs with distinct pharmacological profiles produced distinguishable effects in the 5CSRTT. The effects of these classes of drugs under our testing conditions are qualitatively similar to their effects in humans.
SKAIT: A parameterized key assignment scheme for confidential communication in resource constrained ad hoc wireless networks

Abstract Predistribution of cryptographic keys is a widely used approach for establishing secure communication between severely resource-constrained nodes with limited or no access to network infrastructure. Many existing key predistribution schemes make the implicit assumption that the contents of the communication messages need not be kept private from nodes other than the intended recipient. Messages in such schemes are not guaranteed to be confidential—they may be read by nodes within the network other than the intended recipient. In this paper, we propose SKAIT , a parameterized symmetric key predistribution scheme that guarantees a secure and confidential channel between every pair of nodes in a wireless network. Specifically, our scheme guarantees that the contents of messages exchanged between two nodes in the network cannot be read even by other nodes within the network. But, like many other key assignment schemes, our scheme is also vulnerable to collusion-based attacks in which several nodes can pool their keys together to eavesdrop on communications between other nodes. Parameterization enables control over the number of keys assigned to a node, and allows users to trade increased key space complexity for improved resistance against collusion-based attacks. We also present an extension to SKAIT , referred to as SKAIT-MI , that reduces the minimum number of keys that a node is required to store by replacing the single large key assignment instance with several smaller key assignment instances. We show via simulation that SKAIT and its extension SKAIT-MI provide significantly better resistance against collusion than other proposed schemes that support internal confidentiality—by as much as a factor of two—for a large range of key storage capacities. Finally, we describe an extension to our key assignment schemes to add support for node additions and revocations.
Effects of captopril on glucose transport activity in skeletal muscle of obese Zucker rats

This study tested whether the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor captopril can modify the glucose transport system in insulin-resistant skeletal muscle. Obese Zucker (fa/fa) rats (approximately 300 g)--a model of insulin resistance--were administered by gavage either a single dose (50 mg/kg body weight) or repeated doses (50 mg/kg/d for 14 consecutive days) of captopril. Corresponding groups of age-matched, vehicle-treated lean (Fa/-) littermates (approximately 170 g) were also studied. Glucose transport activity in the epitrochlearis muscle was assessed by in vitro 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake. The increase in 2-DG uptake due to insulin (2 mU/mL) in muscles from vehicle-treated obese rats was less than 50% (P < .05) of the increase observed in muscles from lean rats. Short-term captopril treatment improved insulin-stimulable 2-DG uptake in muscles from obese rats by 46% (P < .05), and this enhanced insulin action due to captopril was completely abolished by pretreatment with the bradykinin antagonist HOE 140 (100 micrograms/kg). Long-term treatment with captopril produced a 60% improvement in insulin-stimulated 2-DG uptake (P < .05). Contraction-stimulated 2-DG uptake was significantly impaired (-31%, P < .05) in the obese rat, but was not altered by long-term captopril treatment. These findings indicate that both short- and long-term treatments with captopril significantly improve insulin-stimulated glucose transport activity in skeletal muscle of the obese Zucker rat, and that this improvement involves bradykinin metabolism. These data therefore support the hypothesis that captopril-induced improvements in glucose disposal result in part from an enhancement of the skeletal muscle glucose transport system.
Measurement and Visualization of Mass Transport for the Flowing Atmospheric Pressure Afterglow (FAPA) Ambient Mass-Spectrometry Source

Ambient desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (ADI-MS) has developed into an important analytical field over the last 9 years. The ability to analyze samples under ambient conditions while retaining the sensitivity and specificity of mass spectrometry has led to numerous applications and a corresponding jump in the popularity of this field. Despite the great potential of ADI-MS, problems remain in the areas of ion identification and quantification. Difficulties with ion identification can be solved through modified instrumentation, including accurate-mass or MS/MS capabilities for analyte identification. More difficult problems include quantification because of the ambient nature of the sampling process. To characterize and improve sample volatilization, ionization, and introduction into the mass spectrometer interface, a method of visualizing mass transport into the mass spectrometer is needed. Schlieren imaging is a well-established technique that renders small changes in refractive index visible. Here, schlieren imaging was used to visualize helium flow from a plasma-based ADI-MS source into a mass spectrometer while ion signals were recorded. Optimal sample positions for melting-point capillary and transmission-mode (stainless steel mesh) introduction were found to be near (within 1 mm of) the mass spectrometer inlet. Additionally, the orientation of the sampled surface plays a significant role. More efficient mass transport resulted for analyte deposits directly facing the MS inlet. Different surfaces (glass slide and rough surface) were also examined; for both it was found that the optimal position is immediately beneath the MS inlet.
Subsenescent telomere lengths in fibroblasts immortalized by limiting amounts of telomerase.

Human fibroblasts expressing the catalytic component of human telomerase (hTERT) have been followed for 250–400 population doublings. As expected, telomerase activity declined in long term culture of stable transfectants. Surprisingly, however, clones with average telomere lengths several kilobases shorter than those of senescent parental cells continued to proliferate. Although the longest telomeres shortened, the size of the shortest telomeres was maintained. Cells with subsenescent telomere lengths proliferated for an additional 20 doublings after inhibiting telomerase activity with a dominant-negative hTERT mutant. These results indicate that, under conditions of limiting telomerase activity, cis-acting signals may recruit telomerase to act on the shortest telomeres, argue against the hypothesis that the mortality stage 1 mechanism of cellular senescence is regulated by telomere positional effects (in which subtelomeric loci silenced by long telomeres are expressed when telomeres become short), and suggest that catalytically active telomerase is not required to provide a protein-capping role at the end of very short telomeres.
A Translational View of the Molecular Pathogenesis of Lung Cancer

Abstract: Molecular genetic studies of lung cancer have revealed that clinically evident lung cancers have multiple genetic and epigenetic abnormalities, including DNA sequence alterations, copy number changes, and aberrant promoter hypermethylation. Together, these abnormalities result in the activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor-suppressor genes. In many cases these abnormalities can be found in premalignant lesions and in histologically normal lung bronchial epithelial cells. Findings suggest that lung cancer develops through a stepwise process from normal lung epithelial cells towards frank malignancy, which usually occurs as a result of cigarette smoking. Lung cancer has a high morbidity because it is difficult to detect early and is frequently resistant to available chemotherapy and radiotherapy. New, rationally designed early detection, chemoprevention, and therapeutic strategies based on the growing understanding of the molecular changes important to lung cancer are under investigation. For example, methylated tumor DNA sequences in sputum or blood are being investigated for early detection screening, and new treatments that specifically target molecules such as vascular endothelial growth factor and the epidermal growth factor receptor are becoming available. Meanwhile, global gene expression signatures from individual tumors are showing potential as prognostic and therapeutic indicators, such that molecular typing of individual tumors for therapy selection is not far away. Finally, the recent development of a model system of immortalized human bronchial epithelial cells, along with a paradigm shift in the conception of cancer stem cells, promises to improve the situation for patients with lung cancer. These advances highlight the translation of molecular discoveries on lung cancer pathogenesis from the laboratory to the clinic.
Anxiety and the Use of Alcohol‐Related Protective Behavioral Strategies

Protective behavioral strategies (PBS) are useful skills for reducing the negative consequences of alcohol. The moderating effects of anxiety on the relationship between 3 different types of PBS and negative consequences were examined among students accessing college counseling services. Results revealed a significant interaction between anxiety and strategies while drinking, suggesting that these simple strategies may be particularly beneficial among students who drink heavily and experience high levels of anxiety. Implications for counseling centers are discussed.
Floccular efferents in the rhesus macaque as revealed by autoradiography and horseradish peroxidase.

To fulfill its putative role in short- and long-term modification of the vestibulo-ocular reflex, the flocculus of the cerebellum must send efferents to brainstem nuclei involved in the control of eye movements. In order to reveal the sites of these interactions, we determined the projections of the flocculus by autoradiography and orthograde transport of horseradish peroxidase in five rhesus macaques. Anterogradely labeled axons collected at the base of the injected folia and coursed caudally and medially between the middle cerebellar peduncle and the flocculus. They swept medially over the caudal surface of the middle cerebellar peduncle, over the dorsal surface of the cochlear nuclei, and then caudally along the lateral surface of the inferior cerebellar peduncle to pass over its dorsal surface in the cerebellopontine angle and terminate exclusively in the ipsilateral vestibular nuclei. Three contingents of axons could be differentiated. The axons of one group flowed caudally and medially into the y-group, which clearly received the densest floccular projection. Other, notably thicker, axons of this group continued rostrally and medially to terminate chiefly in the large-cell core of the superior vestibular nucleus. A second large contingent of thin axons streamed caudal and ventral to the y-group to form a compact tract adjacent to the lateral angle of the fourth ventricle and dorsal to the medial vestibular nucleus. Fibers from this tract (the angular bundle of Lowy) supplied a sizable projection to the rostral part of the medial vestibular nucleus and modest projection to the ventrolateral vestibular nucleus. A final group of fibers extended caudally and medially from the y-group in a plexus ventral to the dentate and interposed nuclei to terminate in the basal interstitial nucleus of the cerebellum (Langer, '85), a broadly distributed cerebellar nucleus on the roof of the fourth ventricle. The flocculus can affect vestibulo-ocular behavior only through these efferents to the vestibular nuclei and the basal interstitial nucleus of the cerebellum.
Follicle Selection in Cattle: Follicle Deviation and Codominance Within Sequential Waves

Follicle deviation during bovine follicular waves is characterized by continued growth of a developing dominant follicle and reduction or cessation of growth of subordinate follicles. Characteristics of follicle deviation for waves with a single dominant follicle were compared between wave 1 (begins near ovulation; n = 15) and wave 2 (n = 15). Follicles were defined as F1 (largest), F2, and F3, according to maximum diameter. No mean differences were found between waves for follicle diameters at expected deviation (F1, > or =8.5 mm; Hour 0) or observed deviation or in the interval from follicle emergence at 4.0 mm to deviation. For both waves, circulating FSH continued to decrease (P 10 mm) were more common (P or=4 mm and a greater concentration (P < 0.04) of circulating estradiol at Hours -48 to -8 than were single dominant follicles (n = 15). A mean transient increase in FSH and LH occurred in the codominant group at Hour -24 and may have interfered with deviation of F2. In codominant waves, deviation of F3 occurred near Hour 0 (F1, approximately 8.5 mm). A second deviation involving F2 occurred in four of six waves a mean of 50 h after the F3 deviation and may have resulted from a greater suppression (P < 0.05) of FSH in the codominant group after Hour 0. In conclusion, follicle or hormone differences were similar for waves 1 and 2, indicating that the deviation mechanisms were the same for both waves. Waves that developed codominant follicles differed in hormone as well as follicle dynamics.
The role of geo-based technology in place experiences

Today, as various context-aware technologies have become increasingly ubiquitous, tourists have access to retrieve voluminous geographic information about tourism destinations. These technologies are suggested to aid tourists in gaining meaningful experiences with places. This study identifies how the use of geo-based technology plays a role in the acquisition of geographic knowledge and behavior. It is identified that the use of geo-based technology while traveling contributes to the different components that frame the structure of tourism experience. Further, this study also confirms that tourism experience can be seen as a part of the everyday experience as geographic behavior exhibited on a day-to-day basis is found to have an effect on tourism experience.
Reaction of an insect cell line to ecdysterone

Ecdysterone applied above the 0.1 μg/ml level to Grace's Antheraea eucalypti Scott [Austrocaligula eucalypti (Scott)] cell line increased cell volume, cell motion, the breakdown of thymidine, and the uptake and breakdown of uridine and decreased the rate of growth of the cell population and the uptake of thymidine. Time-lapse photomicrography, spectrophotometry, and liquid scintillation spectrometry techniques were used in these analyses.
Secular changes in the quality of published randomized clinical trials in rheumatology

Objective To assess the quality of published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in rheumatology and to determine whether there has been improvement in quality between 2 time periods, 1987–1988 and 1997–1998. Methods Using MEDLINE and a hand search of selected rheumatology journals, we identified RCTs of adult rheumatic diseases published in English in 1987–1988 or 1997–1998. We examined trial quality with an expanded version of the Jadad scale, which assesses the adequacy of reported random sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding, and analysis. All trials were read by 1 reviewer, with prior standardization using a random sample read by 2 reviewers. We also evaluated “high”- versus “low”-impact journals based on citation index. Results Two hundred forty RCTs (1987–1988 119 RCTs, 1997–1998 121 RCTs) were assessed. Results showed improvement in the quality of the trials, but the rates of reported random sequence generation, allocation concealment, power, and intent-to-treat analyses were persistently low. Low rates of reports of random sequence generation, allocation concealment, and intent-to-treat analyses were present even in the high-impact journals. Conclusion There has been improvement in the quality of reporting of RCTs in rheumatology between 1987–1988 and 1997–1998. However, methodologic problems such as lack of allocation concealment, inadequate random sequence generation, lack of reporting of power, and lack of intent-to-treat analyses remain common. Many of these problems are established sources of bias in RCTs and are easily rectifiable.
Structural study of Ac-Phe-[Orn-Pro-dCha-Trp-Arg], a potent C5a receptor antagonist, by NMR.

The cyclic hexapeptide Ac0-Phe1-[Orn2-Pro3-dCha4-Trp5-Arg6] (the square brackets denote cyclization) is a potent antagonist against C5a (the a-fragment of complement protein C5) binding to C5a receptor (C5aR) and an excellent candidate to become a therapeutic agent against diseases that involve unregulated activation of the complement system. We present the solution structure determination of this cyclic C5aR peptide antagonist (cC5aR-pa), using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data and restrained molecular dynamics-based simulated annealing in torsion angle space with NMR-derived distance and torsion angle restraints. The calculated NMR ensemble of structures demonstrates the presence of a predominant conformation of a distorted type II′ β-turn in the segment Pro3-dCha4-Trp5-Arg6. We critically examine the calculated structure with measured NMR parameters, such as nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) connectivity patterns and intensities characteristic of specific structures, 3J(HN-Hα) scalar coupling constants, temperature coefficients for NH groups, and differences between observed chemical shifts and their random coil values. The raw NMR data are consistent with the presence of the type II′ β-turn, but also indicate the presence of conformational inter-conversion. The calculated three-dimensional coordinates for cC5aR-pa will form the basis for further computational studies and for the development of pharmacophore models. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 90: 803–815, 2008. This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Neuropsychological symptoms of juvenile-onset batten disease: experiences from 2 studies.

Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (Batten disease) is a progressive and fatal autosomal-recessive inherited lysosomal storage disorder of childhood. Core symptoms include vision loss, seizures, and mental and motor decline. This article presents data from 2 studies of neuropsychological function in juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. In the first cross-sectional pilot study, 15 children with genetic or clinicopathologic confirmation of juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis completed a brief test of attention (mean age = 14.3 ± 2.9 years, range = 8.75-18.74 years; 7 males, 8 females). Average attention performances were significantly below age-expected normative data. A second longitudinal study was then initiated to study neuropsychological function in greater depth, including change in function over time. The authors have enrolled 18 children to date (mean age = 12.88 ± 3.59 years, range = 6.26-18.65; 11 males, 7 females). Of these, 5 children have completed a second (annual) re-evaluation. Results thus far indicate significant impairment in domains of auditory attention, memory, estimated verbal intellectual function, and verbal fluency. Neuropsychological impairment was significantly correlated with disease duration and with motor function as assessed by a disease-specific clinical neurologic rating scale. There was no significant difference between males and females in neuropsychological test performance. Neuropsychological function was worse among children with a positive seizure history. Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis–affected children exhibited significant and pervasive impairments on tests of auditory attention, verbal memory and repetition, verbal fluency, and an estimate of verbal intellectual ability. Preliminary follow-up data from an annual reassessment showed progressive declines in cognitive function, in particular on a task of working memory. Neuropsychological deficits are pervasive and progressive. Future research will focus on clarifying the relationship among disease duration, motor function, and neuropsychological performances, including the relative sensitivity of neuropsychological testing at different stages of motor impairment or disease duration.
The specific activity of retained and released norepinephrine in dog saphenous vein prelabeled with radiolabeled norepinephrine

Abstract The specific activities of released and retained norepinephrine (NE) in the isolated superfused dog saphenous vein preparation, prelabeled with [ 3 H]NE, have been determined. Norepinephrine was isolated from extracts of vein superfusate and its concentrations were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The specific activity of NE in superfusate collected under basal conditions was lower than that of NE in veins after electrical stimulation or in parallel unstimulated veins. However, NE released during electrical stimulation had a specific activity 1.5 to 3 times higher than the NE in the veins. Thus, NE taken up by neuronal uptake in the prelabeling procedure enters a pool from which is preferentially released by electric stimulation. In addition, NE is released from different compartments during basal conditions and during electric stimulation.