cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pregnenolone sulfate acts through a G-protein-coupled σ1-like receptor to enhance short term facilitation in adult hippocampal neurons

Abstract Neurosteroids have been linked to cognitive performance, and their levels are altered in neuropsychiatric diseases. These neuromodulators are produced in the brain where they have important effects on synaptic transmission at postsynaptic γ-amino-butyric acid receptors and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and at presynaptic sites. We previously found, in cultured neonatal hippocampal neurons, that the neurosteroid, pregnenolone sulfate, acts presynaptically through a σ1-like receptor to modulate basal glutamate release. The present study was designed to test whether pregnenolone sulfate acts through a similar presynaptic receptor in adult hippocampal neurons. The σ1-receptor agonist, 2-(4-morpholino)ethyl-1-phenylcyclohexane-1-carboxylate, enhanced paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) by a similar extent to that which we had previously reported for pregnenolone sulfate. The σ1-receptor antagonists, 1-(4-Iodophenyl)-3-(2-adamantyl)guanidine and 1[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-4-methylpiperazine, blocked the pregnenolone sulfate enhancement of PPF as did pretreatment of slices in pertussis toxin. We conclude that pregnenolone sulfate acts through a Gi/o-coupled σ1-like receptor to enhance short-term presynaptic facilitation onto adult hippocampal CA1 neurons.
A VLBA Search for a Stimulated Recombination Line from the Accretion Region in NGC 1275

The radio source 3C 84 in NGC 1275 has a two-sided structure on parsec scales. The northern feature, presumed to be associated with a jet moving away from Earth, shows strong evidence for free-free absorption. The ionized gas responsible for that absorption would be a source of detectable stimulated recombination line emission for a wide range of physical conditions. The VLBA has been used to search for the H65α hydrogen recombination line. The line is expected to be seen only against the northern feature, which contains a small fraction of the total radio flux density. This spatial discrimination significantly aids the search for a weak line. No line was seen, with upper limits of roughly 15% of the continuum over a velocity range of 1486 km s-1 with resolutions up to 6.6 km s-1. In the absence of a strong radiation field, this would imply that the free-free absorbing gas has a wide velocity width, is moving rapidly relative to the systemic velocity, or is concentrated in a thin high-density structure. All these possibilities are reasonably likely close to an active galactic nucleus (AGN). However, in the intense radiation environment of the AGN, even considering only the radiation we actually observe passing through the free-free absorbing gas, the nondetection is probably ensured by a combination of saturation and radiation damping.
Equatorially Trapped Waves of a Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere System

Abstract Equatorially trapped waves of a simplified coupled ocean-atmosphere system are described by applying the formalism for conventional equatorially trapped waves with the assumption that the zonal wind stress and sea surface temperature perturbations are proportional. In this system, inertial-gravity and Rossby-gravity waves are unaffected by coupling whereas Rossby and Kelvin waves are affected, and in the low-frequency limit, these Rossby and Kelvin waves transform to slow westward and eastward propagating wave modes, respectively. The primary modifications by air-sea coupling are a decrease in phase speed and an increase in meridional scale. The properties of these coupled waves are useful in discussing several features, observed and modeled, relative to the evolution of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation.
Homology maps of the Drosophila α-tubulin gene family: one of the four genes is different

Abstract We describe the intron-exon structure of and the homology among the four alpha-tubulin genes of Drosophila melanogaster. Three of the genes share a highly conserved 1.3 kb sequence which corresponds to most of the RNA complementary portion of the genes. The fourth gene is different. Its 5' half has weak homology and its 3' half has moderate homology to the other three genes. The homology maps were first determined by electron microscopy of heteroduplexes between pairs of genes. Higher resolution maps were then obtained by gel analysis of heteroduplexes that had been digested with S1 nuclease.
Sharp regulatory performance with blunt instruments

Abstract A regulatory environment is analyzed in which the regulator is uncertain about potential production costs and consumer preferences. A blunt instrument policy, consisting of either a price control or quantity restriction, is shown to perform well in maximizing expected surplus.
Imaging Gene Expression in Regional Brain Ischemia in Vivo with a Targeted [ 111 In]-Antisense Radiopharmaceutical

The gene encoding glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is downregulated 24 hr after reversible brain ischemia, such as with a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The in vivo imaging of decreased GFAP gene expression in cerebral ischemia was examined in the present studies using a targeted peptide nucleic acid (PNA), which was labeled with (111)In, and which hybridized to nucleotides 20-37 of the rat GFAP mRNA. The PNA was monobiotinylated, and was attached to a monoclonal antibody (MAb) to the transferrin receptor (TfR) via a biotin-streptavidin linkage. The TfR MAb enables trans-membrane transport of the PNA antisense radiopharmaceutical from blood to the cytosol of brain cells. The decreased GFAP gene expression at 24 hr after a 1-hr reversible MCAO was confirmed by immunocytochemistry. The [(111)In]-labeled PNA - MAb conjugate was administered intravenously to anesthetized rats at 24 hr after the 1-hr reversible MCAO, and the brain uptake of the targeted antisense imaging agent was decreased relative to brain regions outside of the infarct zone. These studies provide evidence that decreased expression of a target gene in brain can be imaged in vivo with a sequence-specific PNA, provided the antisense radiopharmaceutical is delivered across cell membranes with a receptor-specific targeting agent.
Selective functionalization of coal model compounds based on benzylic hydrogen pKa differences: alkylation

Abstract To identify potential reactive sites when coal is treated with various carbanions, the behaviour of coal model compounds towards proton abstraction by alkyllithiums and subsequent alkylation by methyl iodide has been investigated. The results indicate that a knowledge of relative acidities (pK a ) is useful for predicting CH group reactivity patterns in the model systems. Furthermore, it is found that multiple alkylation is only a minor process in those model compounds having multiple benzylic hydrogens. The reaction of coal under similar conditions is then considered within the context of these results.
Towards an Affordance-Based Theory of Collaborative Action CoAct

Collaborative Action provides a novel approach to modeling interaction among users and machines and IT-mediated collaboration among people to solve problems. CoAct extends the notions of affordance and moves away from idiosyncratic, subjective mental models of the world to the notion that actors with similar capacities to act can potentially discern similar action possibilities in the world. It changes the direction from discovery and alignment of internal representations to mutual attunement of collaborators to build sufficient capabilities, share informational structures, and calibrate selectivity to achieve shared affordances. CoAct has the potential to influence such diverse areas as usability engineering, information overload, and group decision making. CoAct can be used at multiple levels of granularity, from fine granularity of a single interaction to tracking intermediate progress and results of a set of interactions. Propositions based on CoAct are presented. An initial experiment provides some support for an affordance-based approach to information sharing/design.
Magnetothermal Properties of Heat Transport in Cobalt Chloride Thiourea

Thermal-conductivity measurements have been made on a single crystal of cobalt chloride thiourea, Co${\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}${[(\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{H}}_{2})\mathrm{C}\mathrm{S}]}_{4}$, in the temperature range 0.35-20 K and in applied magnetic fields of up to 20 kG. Below the N\'eel temperature of 0.92 K, an enhancement in conductivity for heat flowing in the [001] sublattice-magnetization direction is interpreted as due to the onset of spin-wave conductivity. Data taken for heat flowing in a normal [110] direction show no such enhancement. Relatively sharp changes in the conductivity as a function of temperature and magnetic field have been used to obtain information on the paramagnetic-antiferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic---spin-flop phase boundaries. Magneto-thermal-resistance resonances in the paramagnetic state have yielded information on the magnitude and anisotropy of the $g$ value for the unpaired electronic state of the cobalt ion.
Toward an Integrated Psycholinguistic, Neurolinguistic, Sensorimotor Framework for Speech Production.

There is no disagreement that an integrated model to understanding speech production is an important research goal. In order to achieve that goal, we have to re-examine our assumptions in light of data and theoretical constructs from other traditions. We also have to recognize that early stages of an integrated model will sacrifice some within-tradition explanatory power for broader, cross-discipline explanatory power.
The molecular structure of 1,2-diphenylethane as determined by gas-phase electron diffraction

Abstract The molecular structure of 1,2-diphenylethane has been studied in the vapor phase at 373 K. The molecules exist predominantly as the antiperiplanar [τCphC1C2Cph=165(9)°] form. The major geometrical parameters obtained from least-squares analysis are (rg and ∠α): r〈C–H〉av=1.085(7) A, r(C1–C2)=1.55(3) A, r(C1–Cph)=1.519(9) A, r〈C–C〉ph=1.401(2) A, ∠C1–C2–Cph=114.7(18)° and τCsp3Csp3CipsoCortho=67(6)°.
Viscosity measurements near a critical point using a novel torsion oscillator

A torsion-oscillator viscometer has been constructed for the measurement of the viscosity of fluids near both liquid-vapor and liquid-liquid critical points. This viscometer has a resolution of ±0.2% and operates at a low frequency (0.6 Hz) and a very low shear rate (0.05 Hz). Thus, it can be used closer to critical points than other viscometers before encountering the non-Newtonian phenomena associated with critical slowing down. This viscometer was used to study the viscosity anomaly near the consolute point of mixtures of methanol and cyclohexane along paths of constant pressure and paths of constant volume at temperatures spanning the range 10−5 < (T-Tc)/Tc<10−2. The data are consistent with a simple, power-law divergence of the viscosity with a multiplicative background characterized by an apparent exponent y≈0.041. Recent theoretical estimates for y are near 0.033. If the data are to be fit with the theoretical value of y, one must simultaneously restrict the range of the data and introduce additional unphysical parameters into the fitting function.
Early morbidity and mortality of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass in the elderly: a NSQIP analysis.

Abstract Background Even though the U.S. population is aging, outcomes of bariatric surgery in the elderly are not well defined. Current literature mostly evaluates the effects of gastric bypass (RYGB), with paucity of data on sleeve gastrectomy (SG). The objective of this study was to assess 30-day morbidity and mortality associated with laparoscopic SG in patients aged 65 years and over, in comparison to RYGB. Methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried for all patients aged 65 and over who underwent laparoscopic RYGB and SG between 2010 and 2011. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared. P value Results We identified 1005 patients. Mean body mass index was 44±7. SG was performed in 155 patients (15.4%). The American Society of Anesthesiology physical classification of 3 or 4 was similar between the 2 groups (82.6% versus 86.7%, P = .173). Diabetes was more frequent in the RYGB group (43.2% versus 55.6%, P = .004). 30-day mortality (0.6% versus 0.6%, OR 1.1, 95% CI .11–9.49), serious morbidity (5.2% versus 5.6%, OR .91, 95% CI .42–0.96), and overall morbidity (9% versus 9.1%, OR 1.0, 95% CI .55–1.81) were similar. Conclusion In elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery, SG is not associated with significantly different 30-day outcomes compared to RYGB. Both procedures are followed by acceptably low morbidity and mortality.
Increased Adiposity Enhances Intrafollicular Estradiol Levels in Normoandrogenic Ovulatory Women Receiving Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analog/Recombinant Human Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Therapy for in Vitro Fertilization

Context: Body mass index (BMI) reflects the amount of insulin in the human follicle and may enhance insulin action as a cogonadotropin. Objective: This study examined whether increased adiposity enhances intrafollicular steroidogenesis in normoandrogenic ovulatory women receiving GnRH analog/recombinant human FSH therapy for in vitro fertilization. Design, Setting, and Participants: Study participants were from an institutional practice and comprised 30 normoandrogenic ovulatory women who were lean (n = 17; BMI < 25 kg/m2) or overweight (n = 13; BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). Women received GnRH analog after basal serum hormone determinations and oral glucose tolerance testing, followed by recombinant human FSH therapy and human chorionic gonadotropin administration when two or more follicles 18 mm or larger in diameter were present. Intervention: Follicle fluid was aspirated at oocyte retrieval from the first follicle of each ovary. Main Outcome Measures: Follicle fluid was assayed for estradiol (E2), progesterone, 17...
A Model of the Joint Distribution of Banking and Exchange-Rate Crises

We develop a simple framework for studying the joint distribution of banking and currency crises triggered by real shocks. Our framework illustrates the fact that bank and currency collapses are related but they are not the same thing. Studying currency and bank collapses either in isolation or in perfect correlation with each other is inappropriate, producing biased estimates of the likelihood of crises.
A Gαs mutation (D229S) differentially effects gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor regulation by RGS10, RGS3 and RGS3T

Abstract Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) act as GTPase-activating proteins for Gαi and for Gαq/11. There is recent evidence for interaction of RGS proteins with Gαs, and substitution of Ser for Asp229 in RGS proteins enhances interactions with G proteins. Site-directed mutagenesis of Asp229 was used to assess the effect of this site on the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR)-Gαs mediated signaling in the absence or presence of over-expressed RGS3, RGS10 or a truncated form of RGS3 (RGS3T). We observed increased cAMP release with the mutant Gαs(D229S) compared to wt Gαs when GGH3 cells (GH3 cells stably expressing the GnRH receptor) were stimulated with a GnRH agonist. In the presence of RGS3, we did not observe any difference in cAMP release with wt Gαs or with Gαs(D229S) compared to control values; in the presence of RGS3T there was an increase of cAMP release with wt Gαs compared to the control but there was no difference between the Gαs(D229S) and the control values. When cells co-expressed wt Gαs and RGS10, there was a significant increase of cAMP release compared with cells co-expressing wt Gαs and Lac Z. Cells co-expressing Gαs(D229S) and RGS10 showed a significant increase of cAMP release compared to control cells. These results indicate differential regulation of the GnRHR-Gαs mediated signaling by a single mutation in Gαs in the presence of RGS10 and RGS3T, but not with RGS3. This is the first report of an effect of the Gαs(D229S) mutation on G protein-coupled receptor-mediated activation.
Efficient computation of optimal oligo–RNA binding

We present an algorithm that calculates the optimal binding conformation and free energy of two RNA molecules, one or both oligomeric. This algorithm has applications to modeling DNA microarrays, RNA splice-site recognitions and other antisense problems. Although other recent algorithms perform the same calculation in time proportional to the sum of the lengths cubed, O((N1 + N2)3), our oligomer binding algorithm, called bindigo, scales as the product of the sequence lengths, O(N1*N2). The algorithm performs well in practice with the aid of a heuristic for large asymmetric loops. To demonstrate its speed and utility, we use bindigo to investigate the binding proclivities of U1 snRNA to mRNA donor splice sites.
The human resource crisis in neuro-ophthalmology.

Abstract:Neuro-ophthalmology is facing a serious human resource issue. Few are entering the subspecialty, which is perceived as being poorly compensated compared with other subspecialties of ophthalmology. The low compensation comes from the fact that 1) non-procedural encounters remain undervalued,
New evidence on public sector wage differentials

This paper examines the nature of wage differentials for men and women in the public sector, using a sample selection approach. This includes the self-selection that occurs in the sectoral choice process as well as the selection that arises in context of the labour force participation decision of men and women. Using 1991 Current population Survey data, it is found that male workers in the public sector on an average earn higher wages than male private sector workers, whereas the wage premium earned by women is undermined by a slightly greater degree of discrimination in the public sector
Vitamin E supplementation and intense selection increase clonal life span in Paramecium tetraurelia

Vitamin E added to standard Cerophyl medium at 0.025 mg/ml significantly increased the mean clonal life span of 32 lines of Paramecium tetraurelia from 52.5 days and 187 fissions to 59.9 days and 209 fissions (p < .05) when compared to unsupplemented, paired controls. The age-specific death rates increased exponentially. Regression analyses found a significantly lower rate of increasing mortality for the supplemented lines compared to controls. Weekly fission rates of supplemented lines declined linearly; more slowly than controls, but not significantly so. A second experiment tested two higher levels of supplemented vitamin E (0.10 and 1.00 mg/ml). Sublines receiving 1.00 mg/ml of supplemental vitamin E had higher rates of mortality and lower fission rates initially, but the mortality rates increased and the fission rates decreased more slowly than in sublines receiving 0.10 mg/ml supplemental vitamin E, resulting in maximum clonal life spans of 141 days and 330 fissions (1.00 mg/ml sublines), compared to 74 days and 271 fissions (0.10 mg/ml sublines). Survivorship of the last individual cells (nondividing) of each clone followed an exponential decline, with a significant increase in mean survival time for supplemented compared to unsupplemented cells (p < .05).
Globalization, Governance, and the Future of Public Administration: Can We Make Sense Out of the Fog of Rhetoric Surrounding the Terminology?

Books reviewed in this article: Daniel Yergin and Joseph Stanislaw, The Commanding Heights: The Battle between Government and the Marketplace That Is Remaking the Modern World Joseph Stiglitz, Globalization and Its Discontents Miles Kahler and David Lake, eds., Governance in a Global Economy Joseph Nye, Jr. and John Donahue, eds., Governance in a Globalizing World
Effect of dimethylsulfoxide and butyrate on 5′-nucleotidase of human renal carcinoma cells

Abstract The effect of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and butyrate, agents which induce differentiation of certain cancer cells, on membrane associated 5′-nucleotidase (5′-NT) of 2 human renal carcinoma cell lines (Cur and Caki) was investigated. Under a variety of conditions of agent addition, 5′-NT specific activity increased in Cur and decreased in Caki cells. This opposite response pattern was observed for assays performed on lysates at pH 9.0 and 7.4 and assays with intact cell monolayers, even under conditions of identical cellular growth inhibition. It is concluded that the cell lines responded in a fundamentally different way to the chemical agents. An increase in 5′-NT has correlated with cell maturation for a number of processes. The DMSO induced increase in Cur 5′-NT was dependent on protein synthesis.
Oral glycopyrrolate as second-line treatment for primary pediatric hyperhidrosis.

Background Primary focal hyperhidrosis not uncommonly begins during the first two decades of life, and can have a profound effect on quality of life. Few treatment options have been studied in children. Objective We sought to evaluate the response to oral glycopyrrolate in pediatric patients. Methods Records of pediatric patients with hyperhidrosis seen at a pediatric hospital in a 10-year period were reviewed retrospectively and, if possible, parents and patients were also interviewed. The efficacy and adverse effects of oral glycopyrrolate were assessed. Results In all, 31 children took at least one dose of oral glycopyrrolate. All had daily hyperhidrosis that affected their quality of life and were resistant or intolerant of aluminum salts. The mean age of hyperhidrosis onset was 10.3 years, and mean age of initiation of glycopyrrolate was 14.8 years. At a mean dosage of 2 mg daily, 90% of patients experienced improvement, which was major in 71% of responders. Improvement occurred within hours of administration and disappeared within a day of discontinuation. Duration of treatment averaged 2.1 years (range to 10 years). Side effects were noted by 29% of children, most commonly dry mouth (26%) and eyes (10%), and were dose-related. One patient developed blurred vision, which resolved with dosing below 5 mg/d; one patient experienced palpitations and discontinued the medication. Limitations This was a retrospective analysis of a limited number of pediatric patients. Conclusion Oral glycopyrrolate is a cost-effective, painless second-line therapy for children and adolescents with primary focal hyperhidrosis that impacts their quality of life.
The trans-Golgi SNARE syntaxin 10 is required for optimal development of Chlamydia trachomatis

Chlamydia trachomatis, an obligate intracellular pathogen, grows inside of a vacuole, termed the inclusion. Within the inclusion, the organisms differentiate from the infectious elementary body (EB) into the reticulate body (RB). The RB communicates with the host cell through the inclusion membrane to obtain the nutrients necessary to divide, thus expanding the chlamydial population. At late time points within the developmental cycle, the RBs respond to unknown molecular signals to redifferentiate into infectious EBs to perpetuate the infection cycle. One strategy for Chlamydia to obtain necessary nutrients and metabolites from the host is to intercept host vesicular trafficking pathways. In this study we demonstrate that a trans-Golgi soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor attachment protein (SNARE), syntaxin 10, and/or syntaxin10-associated Golgi elements colocalize with the chlamydial inclusion. We hypothesized that Chlamydia utilizes the molecular machinery of syntaxin 10 at the inclusion membrane to intercept specific vesicular trafficking pathways in order to create and maintain an optimal intra-inclusion environment. To test this hypothesis, we used siRNA knockdown of syntaxin 10 to examine the impact of the loss of syntaxin 10 on chlamydial growth and development. Our results demonstrate that loss of syntaxin 10 leads to defects in normal chlamydial maturation including: variable inclusion size with fewer chlamydial organisms per inclusion, fewer infectious progeny, and delayed or halted RB-EB differentiation. These defects in chlamydial development correlate with an overabundance of NBD-lipid retained by inclusions cultured in syntaxin 10 knockdown cells. Overall, loss of syntaxin 10 at the inclusion membrane negatively affects Chlamydia. Understanding host machinery involved in maintaining an optimal inclusion environment to support chlamydial growth and development is critical towards understanding the molecular signals involved in successful progression through the chlamydial developmental cycle.
Seeing double: pseudocryptic diversity in the Doriopsilla albopunctata-Doriopsilla gemela species complex of the north-eastern Pacific

Molecular analyses of samples of Doriopsilla albopunctata and its ‘twin’ species Doriopsilla gemela collected from their entire geographic ranges in the north-eastern Pacific revealed an unexpected level of species diversity. Species delimitation analyses recovered five distinct species in the complex. When the specimens were re-examined morphologically in the light of the molecular results, some external and internal differences between them became evident; thus, these species are considered pseudocryptic. The ranges of the three species previously named D. albopunctata overlap partially or entirely, and this along with anecdotal evidence of prezygotic isolation suggests sympatric speciation may be at play. On the contrary, the ranges of the two species previously named D. gemela do not overlap and their developmental modes differ. A review of the literature was conducted to clarify the taxonomy of the species complex, and we concluded that two available names (D. fulva and D. gemela) can be confidently assigned to two of the species. The original description of D. albopunctata is ambiguous, but the common usage of the name is fixed herein with the designation of a neotype for the most common intertidal southern California species. Finally, two new names are introduced for the remaining two species.
Neurons of the basolateral amygdala: A Golgi study in the opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

The cytoarchitecture of the opossum basolateral amygdala was studied using Golgi techniques. The neuronal morphology was similar in all nuclei of the basolateral complex, an three distinct cell classes were recognized. Class I neurons, which vary in size in different nuclei, have spiny dendrites and long, projection axons. Axon hillocks and initial axonal segments often have spinous protrusions, while more distal portions of the axon give off several beaded collaterals that arborize primarily in the vicinity of the cell. Class II neurons are smaller, spine-sparse cells that are found in all nuclei of the basolateral amygdala but are greatly outnumbered by class I neurons. Axons branch and give off beaded collaterals which form a moderate to dense arborization within the dendritic field of the cell. Class II neurons exhibit considerable morphologic variability including one subtype that resembles the chandelier cell of the cerebral cortex. Varicosities (1.0 - 1.5 micrometers swellings) found along the axonal collaterals of these amygdaloid chandelier cells do not have a uniform distribution but tend to be aggregated. Segments of the collaterals displaying such clustered varicosities sometimes form nest-like entanglements. Clusters of varicosities have been observed forming multiple contacts with initial segments of class I axons. Class III neurons are neurogliaform cells which have many short, varicose dendritic branches that contact dendrites of class I neurons. Only the initial portions of their axons were impregnated. This study indicates that many of the cell types seen in the generalized, metatherian opossum are similar to those described in more specialized, placental mammals. This is the first description of amygdaloid chandelier cells and their contacts with the spiny initial segments of class I projection neurons.
Dual growth factor delivery and controlled scaffold degradation enhance in vivo bone formation by transplanted bone marrow stromal cells

Supraphysiological concentrations of exogenous growth factors are typically required to obtain bone regeneration, and it is unclear why lower levels are not effective. We hypothesized that delivery of bone progenitor cells along with appropriate combinations of growth factors and scaffold characteristics would allow physiological doses of proteins to be used for therapeutic bone regeneration. We tested this hypothesis by measuring bone formation by rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) transplanted ectopically in SCID mice using alginate hydrogels. The alginate was gamma-irradiated to vary the degradation rate and then covalently modified with RGD-containing peptides to control cell behavior. In the same delivery vehicle, we incorporated bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) and transforming growth factor-beta3 (TGF-beta3), either individually or in combination. Individual delivery of BMP2 or TGF-beta3 resulted in negligible bone tissue formation up to 22 weeks, regardless of the implant degradation rate. In contrast, when growth factors were delivered together from readily degradable hydrogels, there was significant bone formation by the transplanted BMSCs as early as 6 weeks after implantation. Furthermore, bone formation, which appeared to occur by endochondral ossification, was achieved with the dual growth factor condition at protein concentrations that were more than an order of magnitude less than those reported previously to be necessary for bone formation. These data demonstrate that appropriate combinations of soluble and biomaterial-mediated regulatory signals in cell-based tissue engineering systems can result in both more efficient and more effective tissue regeneration.
The Effect of Participating in Suicide Research: Does Participating in a Research Protocol on Suicide and Psychiatric Symptoms Increase Suicide Ideation and Attempts?

The effect of engaging in an intensive research protocol that inquired extensively about psychiatric and suicide symptoms and exposed participants to a number of images, including suicide-related content was explored. Individuals experiencing a major depressive episode were called at 1 and 3 months after the initial protocol. Participants were asked about changes in suicide ideation and the occurrence of self-harm or suicide attempts following participation. Participants reported experiencing reductions in suicide ideation at the first follow-up and no changes at the second follow-up. No participant reported having engaged in self-harm or having attempted suicide at either follow-up. Results suggest that basic science/nontreatment research can be conducted safely with suicidal participants and in a manner that does not increase suicide symptoms or suicide risk.
Diagnostic yield of quantitative endotracheal aspirates in patients with severe nursing home-acquired pneumonia

Introduction Diagnostic strategies based on tracheal aspirates in patients with severe nursing home-acquired pneumonia have not previously been evaluated. The objectives of the study were to investigate, in patients with severe nursing home-acquired pneumonia, the diagnostic value of quantitative endotracheal aspirate (QEA) cultures using increasing interpretative cutoff points, as compared with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and protected specimen brush (PSB) quantitative cultures.
Cemented versus cementless total hip arthroplasty: is a hybrid the most cost effective?

Evaluation of: Pennington M, Grieve R, Sekhon JS, Gregg P, Black N, van der Meulen JH. Cemented, cementless, and hybrid prostheses for total hip replacement: cost effectiveness analysis. BMJ 346, f1026 (2013). Total hip arthroplasty is an extremely successful operation by almost any measure. As the population in the developed world ages, it is also becoming a very popular operation, with nearly 500,000 replacements predicted in the USA by 2030. As more hip replacements need to be performed, the cost will become more of an issue. The debate between the effectiveness of implant types, cemented or cementless, has been ongoing for years. Although largely decided in the USA, in favor of cementless implants, the discussion in the UK continues. There are many studies arguing in favor of implants using cement and for those not using cement. Ultimately, the best implant is the one that is most comfortable in the hands of the surgeon implanting it. Financial factors must be considered, however, and the more informa...
The Diffusion of Innovations among the American States

We are now in the midst of a notable revival of interest in the politics of the American states. During the last decade many studies have been conducted of the social, political and economic determinants of state policy outcomes. Several of these writers have argued that the relative wealth of a state, its degree of industrialization, and other measures of social and economic development are more important in explaining its level of expenditures than such political factors as the form of legislative apportionment, the amount of party competition, or the degree of voter participation. It has been claimed that such factors as the level of personal income or the size of the urban population are responsible both for the degree of participation and party competition in a state, and the nature of the system's policy outputs. By making this argument these writers have called into question the concepts of representation and theories of party and group conflict which, in one form or another, are the foundations for much of American political science.There is a growing awareness, however, that levels of expenditure alone are not an adequate measure of public policy outcomes. Sharkansky has shown, for example, that levels of expenditure and levels of actual service are seldom correlated; presumably, some states are able to reach given service levels with much less expenditure than others. Besides establishing the appropriate level of expenditure for a program, policy makers must also decide about the program's relative scope, provisions for appeal from administrative orders, eligibility requirements, the composition of regulatory boards and commissions, and many other matters which have little to do with money.
Hormonal regulation of physiological cell turnover and apoptosis.

Physiological cell turnover plays an important role in maintaining normal tissue function and architecture. This is achieved by the dynamic balance of cellular regeneration and elimination, occurring periodically in tissues such as the uterus and mammary gland, or at constant rates in tissues such as the gastrointestinal tract and adipose tissue. Apoptosis has been identified as the prevalent mode of physiological cell loss in most tissues. Cell turnover is precisely regulated by the interplay of various endocrine and paracrine factors, which modulate tissue and cell-specific responses on proliferation and apoptosis, either directly, or by altering expression and function of key cell proliferative and/or death genes. Although recent studies have provided significant information on specific tissue systems, a clearly defined pathway that mediates cell turnover has not yet emerged for any tissue. Several similarities exist among the various tissues with regard to the intermediates that regulate tissue homeostasis, enabling a better understanding of the general mechanisms involved in the process. Here we review the mechanisms by which hormonal and cytokine factors mediate cell turnover in various tissues, emphasizing common themes and tissue-specific differences.
Expression of γ-Sarcoglycan in Smooth Muscle and Its Interaction with the Smooth Muscle Sarcoglycan-Sarcospan Complex

The sarcoglycan complex in striated muscle is a heterotetrameric unit integrally associated with sarcospan in the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex. The sarcoglycans, α, β, γ, and δ, are mutually dependent with regard to their localization at the sarcolemma, and mutations in any of the sarcoglycan genes lead to limb-girdle muscular dystrophies type 2C–2F. In smooth muscle β- and δ-sarcoglycans are associated with e-sarcoglycan, a glycoprotein homologous to α-sarcoglycan. Here, we demonstrate that γ-sarcoglycan is also a component of the sarcoglycan complex in the smooth muscle. First, we show the presence of γ-sarcoglycan in a number of smooth muscle-containing organs, and we verify the existence of identical transcripts in skeletal and smooth muscle. The specificity of the expression of γ-sarcoglycan in smooth muscle was confirmed by analysis of smooth muscle cells in culture. Next, we provide evidence for the association of γ-sarcoglycan with the sarcoglycan-sarcospan complex by biochemical analysis and comparison among animal models for muscular dystrophy. Moreover, we find disruption of the sarcoglycan complex in the vascular smooth muscle of a patient with γ-sarcoglycanopathy. Taken together, our results prove that the sarcoglycan complex in vascular and visceral smooth muscle consists of e-, β-, γ-, and δ-sarcoglycans and is associated with sarcospan.
One step construction of PCR mutagenized libraries for genetic analysis by recombination cloning

Recombination cloning encompasses a set of technologies that transfer gene sequences between vectors through site-specific recombination. Due in part to the instability of linear DNA in bacteria, both the initial capture and subsequent transfer of gene sequences is often performed using purified recombination enzymes. However, we find linear DNAs flanked by loxP sites recombine efficiently in bacteria expressing Cre recombinase and the lambda Gam protein, suggesting Cre/lox recombination of linear substrates can be performed in vivo. As one approach towards exploiting this capability, we describe a method for constructing large (>1 x 10(6) recombinants) libraries of gene mutations in a format compatible with recombination cloning. In this method, gene sequences are cloned into recombination entry plasmids and whole-plasmid PCR is used to produce mutagenized plasmid amplicons flanked by loxP. The PCR products are converted back into circular plasmids by transforming Cre/Gam-expressing bacteria, after which the mutant libraries are transferred to expression vectors and screened for phenotypes of interest. We further show that linear DNA fragments flanked by loxP repeats can be efficiently recombined into loxP-containing vectors through this same one-step transformation procedure. Thus, the approach reported here could be adapted as general cloning method.
Asthma outcomes are poor among older adults with low health literacy

AbstractObjective: To examine the association of health literacy (HL) with asthma outcomes among older asthmatics. Methods: The study included adults ages ≥60 with moderate to severe asthma in New York City and Chicago. We assessed asthma control with the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) and the percent predicted forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV1) by spirometry, hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits in the past 6 months, and quality of life. HL was assessed with the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA). Multivariate logistic regression models controlled for age, sex, race, income, general health and years with asthma. Results: Among 433 individuals, 36% had low HL, 55% were over age 65, 38% were Hispanic and 22% were black. Poor asthma control was reported by 40% and 32% had FEV1 <70% of predicted; 9% had a hospital stay, 23% had an ED and 38% had poor quality of life. In multivariable analysis, individuals with low HL were more likely to have FEV1 <70% predi...
Prevalence of Chronic Pain After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

Context The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 1.4 million US individuals sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) per year. Previous reports suggest an association between TBI and chronic pain syndromes (eg, headache) thought to be more common in patients with mild TBI and in those who have sustained brain injury from violent rather than unintentional trauma. Comorbid psychiatric disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may also mediate chronic pain symptoms. Objectives To determine the prevalence of chronic pain as an underdiagnosed consequence of TBI and to review the interaction between chronic pain and severity of TBI as well as the characteristics of pain after TBI among civilians and combatants. Evidence Acquisition The Ovid/MEDLINE database was searched for articles published between 1951 and February 2008 using any combination of the terms brain injury, pain, headache, blast injury, and combat (combat disorders, war, military medicine, wounds and injuries, military personnel, veterans). The PubMed and MD Consult databases were searched in a similar fashion. The Cochrane Collaboration, National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials Database, Meta-Register of Current Controlled Trials, and CRISP databases were searched using the keyword brain injury. All articles in peer-reviewed journals reporting original data on pain syndromes in adult patients with TBI with regard to pain prevalence, pain category, risk factors, pathogenesis, and clinical course were selected, and manual searches were performed of their reference lists. The data were pooled and prevalence rates calculated. Evidence Synthesis Twenty-three studies (15 cross-sectional, 5 prospective, and 3 retrospective) including 4206 patients were identified. Twelve studies assessed headache pain in 1670 patients. Of these, 966 complained of chronic headache, yielding a prevalence of 57.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 55.5%-60.2%). Among civilians, the prevalence of chronic pain was greater in patients with mild TBI (75.3% [95% CI, 72.7%-77.9%]) compared with moderate or severe TBI (32.1% [95% CI, 29.3%-34.9%]). Twenty studies including 3289 civilian patients with TBI yielded a chronic pain prevalence of 51.5% (95% CI, 49.8%-53.2%). Three studies assessed TBI among 917 veterans and yielded a pain prevalence of 43.1% (95% CI, 39.9%-46.3%). PTSD may mediate chronic pain, but brain injury appears to have an independent correlation with chronic pain. Conclusions Chronic pain is a common complication of TBI. It is independent of psychologic disorders such as PTSD and depression and is common even among patients with apparently minor injuries to the brain.
A Stratified Model of the Inertial Recirculation

Abstract An inertial gyre with characteristics very similar to the recirculation observed in eddy-resolving general circulation models is obtained with a simple, analytically tractable, two-layer model. The recirculating gyre is contained in a box of simple geometry, which isolates it from the sverdrup interior. The gyre is forced by prescribing anomalous values of potential vorticity northward in the subtropical gyre or can be though of as a rough parametrization of diabatic forcing. In both cases the forcing is confined to the water above the thermocline, which is represented by the upper layer and is transmitted to the abyssal ocean through interfacial friction. The condition for the abyssal water to be set in motion, is derived and for oceanic values the recirculation goes all the way to the bottom. When this occurs the center of the gyre is dominated by a barotropic flow, while the baroclinic flow is confined to the edges of the gyre. The width and strength of the gyre can be easily calculated in the...
Seasonal Variation and Ecological Effects of Camp Shelby Burrowing Crayfish (Fallicambarus Gordoni) Burrows

ABSTRACT Foam casts and burrow excavations were used to examine Fallicambarus gordoni burrow occupancy rates, seasonal variation in burrow morphology, correlation between crayfish abundance and burrow abundance and potential ecological effects of burrowing through soil disturbance and the creation of fossorial habitat. Burrow occupancy rates were high (75%) and consistent between active and inactive seasons, although several burrow metrics differed significantly between seasons. Crayfish abundance was strongly correlated with burrow abundance. Estimates of annual soil disturbance (82 metric tons/ha/y) and fossorial habitat created (29–49 km/ha) suggest F. gordoni serves important ecological functions within the greater habitat.
Giant scattering cones in obscured quasars

We analyze Hubble Space Telescope observations of scattering regions in 20 luminous obscured quasars at $0.24<z<0.65$ (11 new observations and 9 archival ones) observed at rest-frame $\sim 3000$\AA. We find spectacular $5-10$ kpc-scale scattering regions in almost all cases. The median scattering efficiency at this wavelength (the ratio of observed to estimated intrinsic flux) is 2.3\%, and 73\% of the observed flux at this wavelength is due to scattered light, which if unaccounted for may strongly bias estimates of quasar hosts' star formation rates. Modeling these regions as illuminated dusty cones, we estimate the radial density distributions of the interstellar medium as well as the geometric properties of circumnuclear quasar obscuration -- inclinations and covering factors. Small derived opening angles (median half-angle and standard deviation 27\dg$\pm$9\dg) are inconsistent with a 1:1 type 1 / type 2 ratio. We suggest that quasar obscuration is patchy and that the observer has a $\sim 40\%$ chance of seeing a type 1 source even through the obscuration. We estimate median density profile of the scattering medium to be $n_{\rm H}=0.04-0.5$ $(1{\rm kpc}/r)^2$ cm$^{-3}$, depending on the method. Quasars in our sample likely exhibit galaxy-wide winds, but if these consist of optically thick clouds then only a small fraction of the wind mass ($\la 10\%$) contributes to scattering.
Multimodal therapy for the treatment of fatigue in patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy and radiation.

TPS9650 Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most frequently reported symptom associated with cancer and its treatment. Unfortunately, there are limited treatment options to alleviate th...
Seizures in Adolescents

The management of a patient with seizures involves proper classification, etiologic evaluation, and administration of appropriate therapy. With proper evaluation and management, control of seizures can be expected in the majority of patients. The physician must realize that an epileptic adolescent has intrinsic anxieties and faces social, educational, and vocational restrictions. Failure to deal with these psychosocial problems may result in a greater handicap to the patient than the seizures themselves. Language: en
Three-Dimensional-Printing of Bio-Inspired Composites

Optimized for millions of years, natural materials often outperform synthetic materials due to their hierarchical structures and multifunctional abilities. They usually feature a complex architecture that consists of simple building blocks. Indeed, many natural materials such as bone, nacre, hair, and spider silk, have outstanding material properties, making them applicable to engineering applications that may require both mechanical resilience and environmental compatibility. However, such natural materials are very difficult to harvest in bulk, and may be toxic in the way they occur naturally, and therefore, it is critical to use alternative methods to fabricate materials that have material functions similar to material function as their natural counterparts for large-scale applications. Recent progress in additive manufacturing, especially the ability to print multiple materials at upper micrometer resolution, has given researchers an excellent instrument to design and reconstruct natural-inspired materials. The most advanced 3D-printer can now be used to manufacture samples to emulate their geometry and material composition with high fidelity. Its capabilities, in combination with computational modeling, have provided us even more opportunities for designing, optimizing, and testing the function of composite materials, in order to achieve composites of high mechanical resilience and reliability. In this review article, we focus on the advanced material properties of several multifunctional biological materials and discuss how the advanced 3D-printing techniques can be used to mimic their architectures and functions. Lastly, we discuss the limitations of 3D-printing, suggest possible future developments, and discuss applications using bio-inspired materials as a tool in bioengineering and other fields.